13 kilometers from Mongpu and 28 kilometers from Siliguri tucked away in the Himalayas is the small and relatively less crowded hamlet of Kalijhora. The village is totally covered by the forests of shaal, arjun, segun, eucalyptus and derives its name from the water fall Kalijhora cascading down from a height of 550 meters. Kalijhora literally means black water and the color is definitely more blackish than the mighty Teesta flowing downstream. Mouni Pahar/hill surrounds this quaint little hamlet and Swetkhola and Kalikhola Rivers act as borders of this Kalijhora while the village itself is the border between Bengal and Sikkim. Continue reading
Category: Jungle Safari in West Bengal
Jungle Safari in West Bengal.
Tiffin Dara View Point is an altitude of around 2,360 meters
Tiffin Dara is a point from where the 360 degree view of Kanchenjungha can be seen without any interruption. Dara means point in the Lepcha language and Tiffin Dara is a point in the Eastern Himalayan range in North East India offering a breathtaking view of the world’s 3rd highest peak. 2 kilometers uphill from Rishyap, a small hamlet, Tiffin Dara can be reached by trekking on the mountainous trail. The best part of this trek is that it goes through the dense forest filled with birch, pine, fir trees and different varieties of orchids. Chirping birds and some mountainous dogs might accompany you through the journey. Continue reading
Jhandi Dara is famous for sunrise over the majestic Kanchenjunga
Jhandi Dara is famous because of the view it offers of the fantastic sunrise over the majestic Kanchenjunga. It is rapidly gaining importance as a weekend getaway for many. Not just due to the majestic view it offers but also because of the supremely beautiful greenery wrapping the entire region. The thick green forest comprises of Sal and Pine trees offering the most soothing scenery to the eyes. You might feel like the place is straight out of a painter’s canvas with its wide spread green forest against the white backdrop of the mighty Kanchenjunga. Easily accessible from Loleygaon, Jhandi Dara is also a bird watcher’s paradise. Continue reading
Neora Valley National Park
Established in 1986 Neora Valley National Park is located near Lava in Kalimpong subdivision of Darjeeling District. Covering an area of 89 square kilometers this park is of the richest biosphere reserve in India. Open from 8 am to 12 noon, 1pm – 4pm. It is closed on Thursdays. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations and is growing rapidly in importance due to the number of tourists and also due to the diverse flora and fauna of North Eastern Himalayas. Located at a distance of 32 kilometers from both Lava and Samsing which is the border area, Neora Valley National Park has been declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Entry fee to this awesome reserve is INR 20. Continue reading
Ponbu is situated on the trek route from Samthar village to Purbikhola
Ponbu is a small almost insignificant village of Eastern Himalayas. It is situated on the trek route from Samthar village to Purbikhola. Ponbu is part of adventure tourism on the eastern Himalayan range and is 8 kilometers from Samthar village. Located atop the ridge overlooking the vast Teesta River Valley and the surrounding plain lands of Terai, Ponbu is a refreshing break from the busy life in lower Kalimpong hills. You won’t be able to take your eyes off the view from Ponbu. There are numerous waterfalls cascading downstream to meet the Ponbu Khola which further flows into the mighty Teesta River. All these streams form isolated valleys which are all individual trekking spots. Continue reading
Biharinath Hill, Bankura
Biharinath Hill is a famous attraction in Bankura district of West Bengal. It is located in the northwestern side of the district and stands tall at a height of 448 meters being the highest in Bankura. It is a part of the Chotanagpur Plateau and was deemed to be the center of Jainism in ancient times. The area is known for its natural beauty and diversity. The lush green and dense forests are covered by blossoms of shimul, palash and kaash flowers spreading the beautiful fragrance to the surrounding. Biharinath Hill is flanked by River Damodar on one side and by Purulia district on the other. Continue reading
Sutan a tribal village, Bankura
Sutan is a tribal village (known for its weaving) situated approximately around 8 km from the Ranibandh- Jhilimili road, in a forest stretching across 6 kilometers. The small place is a visual wonder, covered by the dense vegetation of Sal, Mahua, Piyasal, Simul and Palaash, placed 32 kms from another nearby attraction, Mukutmanipur. Home to various tribal groups like Shantals, Bhumij and Mundaa, Sutan is a quiet village with small hills.
Do check out the Sutan Lake and enjoy a boating trip here. The steps to this lake descend directly from the bungalow. You can secure the expansive view of the moonlit forest from the tower, placed on the banks of the lake. The night scene as well as its ambience is accentuated by the continuous sounds of cricket and that of constant drumming and the distant fragrance of Mohua. The moonlit Sutan with its array of red Krishnachuri is plain “intoxicating”.
You can even get a rare glimpse of various animals like wild elephants, deer, cock as well as pigs. The wild elephants descend for the Dalma Pahar, attracted by the beauty of Sutan.
Where to Stay
The bungalow perched at the top of the hill does not have electricity.
For bookings, do go through the following address details:
DFO, Central Circle, Bankura.
Telephone: 03242 250307
At present there is police station in the bungalow.
Within 9 kilometers inside the forest there is Trekker’s hut as well.
You can also stay at Jhilmili:
Rimil Tourist Lodge
Shyama Bastralaya, P.O. – Jhilimili, District – Bankura.
Telephone: (0953243) 240217
Kolkata booking:
Holiday Managers
Telephone: (033) 22485829
How to reach
On your way from Jhargram to Kuilapaal or Bandowaan or Purulia via bus you can get down at Paradi Morh (69 kms) you can take a jeep and head for Jhilimili or Ranibandh. Sutan will just be on this way (14 kms).
Or else you can reach Bankura from Howrah via train. You can just take a bus from Bankura to Sutan Village.
Bankura Beliator
Beliator is the census town of Bankura, in West Bengal. It remains well-known for being the birthplace of Jamini Roy. Situated by the river Shali, this place has an average elevation of 259 feet or 79 metres.
For those visiting Beliatore, Channder Graam remains a must-visit as it’s the birthplace of Jamini Roy, the famous India painter awarded with Padma Bhushan in the year 1955. Jamini Roy was one of the most famous student of Abanindranath Tagore. The folk arts fair featuring several interesting and intriguing specimens of artistry is an infallible attraction as well. Even more appealing are the decorations of this place, set under clear blue skies. Continue reading
Duarsini
Duarsini in Purulia is located on the foothills of a nearby mound. River Satgurang flows right next to this ethnic tourist destination. In fact it is said that one can spend hours on the end sitting right next to the river bank. Its location near forests and hills makes it an ideal destination for people looking for a break from regular lives. In short it can be termed as a fantastic destination where one can spend a weekend. The forest is full of trees such as shal, shimul, piyal and palash. Continue reading