Step into the land of beautiful getaways and unforgettable memories. The land of charm, grandeur and greenery.

The Hill Resorts of India

The East Himalayas

Land of infinite charm with scenic views of Kanchenjunga, bewildering greenery, tea gardens, adventure spots, trekking and lots more. The East Himalayas consist of North-Western hilly tracts as well as forest areas of Dooars valley.

Diverse races comprising Nepalese, Sikkimese, lamas of Bhutanese and Tibetan origin, Bengalees, Toto tribes and many others inhabit the Himalayan areas.

Dooars Valley

Derived from the word ‘doors’, the Dooars forms a gateway to the hill stations of North Bengal and Bhutan. The valley stretches across a total span of 130 km by 40 km. The unending stretch of virgin forests is criss-crossed by the river Teesta and her innumerable tributaries. Beautiful motorable roads cut through deep forests teeming with wild life and Terai tea gardens.

The Dooars Valley is specially noted for its wild life sanctuaries, the most notable of which is Jaldapara, offering memorable elephant rides through rhino and tiger forests. Other sanctuaries include Buxa Tiger Project, Gorumara and Chapramari.

Mirik

Mirik is a nest in the hills is West Bengal’s one of the hill resort at an altitude of 1767 meters with its own special charms-49 km from Darjeeling and 52 km. from Siliguri. 1.25 km. long lake is fed by perennial streams. A floating fountain in the middle of the lake is a joy for ever and very often you may find the glory of Kanchenjungha reflected in the lake waters. A rich forest of thousands of Cryptomaria-Japanica trees clothe the slopes on the west. A 3.5 km zig-zag footwalk takes you along the lake – a sleek footbridge connects the garden on the east with the woods on the west. Alone or in company, you are sure to enjoy a boat-ride in the lake.

Kalimpong

A beautiful hill town in North Bengal which can be reached from either Siliguri or Darjeeling. Situated at an altitude of 1250 metres, it enjoys temperate climate throughout the year. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quiet and relaxed holiday, against the backdrop of the Kanchenjunga.

Kurseong

A quiet township between Siliguri and Darjeeling at an altitude of 1458m (4860 ft.), is noted for its secluded charm and Eagle’s Crag which offers a commanding view of the undulating plains below. The word Kurseong means – the place of White Orchid. Because of its lower elevation, Kurseong enjoys a milder and very healthy climate throughout the year. It is the peace, serenity and the healthy climate that attracted many a great person to this place. Some of the famous poems and songs of Guru Rabindranath Tagore were composed in Kurseong.

Darjeeling

Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. The flaming red rhododendrons, the sparkling white magnolias, the miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir - all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds Darjeeling as the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS.

Lava and Lolayagaon

Lava

32 km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 7200 ft. commands panoramic view of Jelep La and Rechi La passes. Short drives through dense forests from Kalimpong are tourist spots with unspoiled idyllic surroundings. Lava is the gateway to the Neora National Park.

Lolay Gaon / KAFER

56 km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 5500 ft. Panoramic view of Kanchenjunga can be obtained from this point. Fabulous view of Sunrise over Kanchenjunga can be seen from Jhandi Dara.

Beach Resorts of West Bengal

Frazerganj

The white sand beach, is entirely different from the other beaches. It is pristine pure and holds the charms of a beach unspoilt. It can be accessed from Kolkata, and is a three hours drive on very good roads. The destination is also all too famous for the migratory birds that can be sighted over there

Sagardwip

A lovely destination combining pilgrimage and fun, situated on an island in the Sunderban, holds the charms of a completely unspoilt beach on the estuary of the mighty Ganga. Sagardwip presents a quiet, silvery expanse of beach and the calm sea provides the perfect setting for a quiet weekend.

The lighthouse at Sagardwip provides a panoramic view of the surroundings.

Bakkhali

It is so near Kolkata and yet so very different from the bustling metropolis that is Kolkata. Bakkhali is only 132 km from Kolkata. At Bakkhali, the beach is long and sandy, the waves twinkling in the sunlight. Dense casuarina groves drape the beach. Red fiddler crabs march in line on the beach.

Digha

The Southern West Bengal is endowed with the most famous beach on the eastern coast of India – Digha. The beach town of Digha is famous all over for flat, hard beaches. The beauty of this place was discovered as early as the days of Warren Hastings. Digha was known as Beercool at that time. Digha beach is girdled with casuarina plantations along the coast. The sea is calm and shallow for about a mile from the beach making it quite safe for swimming.

Digha is easily accessible by road from Kolkata, Asansol, Bardhaman, Durgapur, Suri, Bankura and Jamshedpur and partly by rail (upto Kharagpur). The last part of the trip – between Kharagpur and Digha (123 km.) has to be done by bus and taxi. Frequent bus service, available from morning to evening. Digha is 187 km. by road from Kolkata.

Chandaneswar

An old Siva Temple, 8 km. from Digha. Also Lankeswari (14 km.) and Kapal Kundala Temple (45 km.) near Contai may be visited.

Shankarpur

Shankarpur, a virgin beach as yet, is a recent discovery. It is a twin beach of Digha, around 10 km. from it. It offers nearly all the pleasures of a private beach. This beach too is cupped with casuarina plantations. Shankarpur is only 14 km. east of Digha, along the Digha-Contai Road. It is also a regular fishing harbour. Shankarpur is now developed as a sea resort with hotels, tourist lodges and other facilities.

Junput

Junput is 40 km. from Digha by bus, with a change at Contai. The place offers beautiful sea-view and lines of casuarina trees. The beach is unspoilt. Brackish water fish cultivation and research are done here by the State Government Fisheries Department.