Travel Guide To Darjeeling, India

Spread in ribbons over a steep mountain ridge, surrounded by emerald-green tea plantations and towered over by majestic Khangchendzonga (8598m), Darjeeling is the definitive Indian hill station and is arguably West Bengal’s premier attraction. When you aren’t gazing open-mouthed at Khangchendzonga, you can explore colonial-era architecture, visit Buddhist monasteries, and spot snow leopards and red pandas at the nearby zoo. The adventurous can arrange a trek to Singalila Ridge or hire a mountain bike for a guided ride around the hilltops. Meanwhile the steep and winding bazaars below the town bustle with an array of Himalayan products and faces from across Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet. finally, when energies start to flag, a good, steaming Darjeeling brew is never far away.

Get in

By plane

The nearest airport is Bagdogra in Siliguri, 96 km from Darjeeling.

Air India (formerly Indian Airlines), India's largest airline, has flights from:

Delhi - IC 880 (Tu/Th/Sat) and IC 879 (Mon/Fri - via Guwahati)

Guwahati - IC 879 (Mon/Fri)

Kolkata - IC 721 (Tu/Th/Sat)

Jet Airways, a private airline, has flights from:

Delhi - 9W 601 (Mon/Wed/Fri - Via Guwahati) and 9W 602 (Tu/Th/Sat/Sun)

Guwahati 9W 601 (Mon/Wed/Fri)

Kolkata 9W 617 (Daily)

Spice Jet also operates flights from Kolkata & Delhi.

IndiGo also operates direct/indirect flights from Delhi and Guwahati.

All other cities major cities can be accessed by taking a flight to Delhi/Kolkata and connecting.

By taxi/shared jeep

Siliguri is the nearest town connected to the mainline rail network. Ample transport is available to Darjeeling from here. The most popular modes of transport are taxi (usually shared by three to four passengers), shared jeep (ten passengers) @ ₹150/ to ₹200/ depends on time.

Shared jeeps depart regularly, from several locations around town. They leave when full, and are a cheap, fast and reasonably comfortable way to get to Darjeeling.

If you have arrived by train at New Jalpaiguri, you can take a taxi or shared jeep to reach Darjeeling from the booking counter at the taxi stand in front of the railway station. There is also a prepaid taxi stand in front of the train station. Note that if you arrive too late for the jeep to make a return journey from Darjeeling, you may end up paying more, e.g. ₹200 per person. The prepaid counter will tell you that no jeeps are available, so you'll have to find one via a fixer or by negotiating directly with drivers.

Tourists often opt to buy an extra seat or two to have more space for the 3-hour journey up to Darjeeling! Luggage is carried for free on the roof. Jeeps may stop for a snack and toilet break on the way up (normally a few km short of Kurseong).

Reserve cars are available from Kings Travels,dial: 098304-28401/ 093319-39486 for tour purpose in Darjeeling.

Travel Guide To Sikkim, India

Sikkim was its own mountain kingdom till 1975 and still retains a very distinctive personality. The meditative, mural-filled traditional monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism coexist with Hindu shrines of the ever-growing Nepali community, both religions creating some astonishing latter-day mega-sculptures to adorn the skyline.

Hassle-free and warm-hearted, it's a state that's all too easy to fall in love with, explaining perhaps why permit regulations prevent foreigners staying too long or going too far. Clean, green and 'all organic' since 2016, Sikkim is mostly a maze of plunging, super-steep valleys thick with lush subtropical woodlands and rhododendron groves, rising in the north to the spectacular white-top peaks of the eastern Himalaya. When clouds clear, an ever-thrilling experience from many a ridgetop perch is spotting the world's third-highest mountain, Khangchendzonga (8598m), on the northwestern dawn horizon.

“Planning a trip to Sikkim? Thinking about best things to see and do during your trip to this little gem of North East India? Here is an extensive travel guide that tells you about Sikkim’s main tourist attractions, activities, food and shopping.”

Get In

Entry to Sikkim is only through the state of West Bengal. Sikkim State buses regularly ply between Siliguri and Gangtok. Nearest railway station is at New Jalpaiguri in the state of West Bengal. From Delhi and Kolkata, trains can be booked upto New Jalpaiguri; from where, buses, jeeps and taxis can be hired till Gangtok. If you are planning a trip by plane, then the nearest airport is at Bagdogra from where you can take a taxi to Gangtok. Several flights from Delhi and Kolkata fly regularly to Bagdogra.

Gangtok

Also known as the ‘Land of Monasteries’, Gangtok is the beautiful capital of Sikkim. Mesmerizing views of the soaring peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga, fresh mountain air, picture postcard beauty and salubrious climate; makes it one of the best places to spend relaxing and peaceful vacations in the lap of Mother Nature. Here are some of the must-see tourist attractions in Gangtok.

• Nathu La- Located at a distance of around 55 km. from Gangtok and at an altitude of 14,500 ft. Nathu La is an important trade link between India and China. Spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Himalayas from Nathu La, lures thousands of tourists every year to this scenic place. Being an important military post of the Indian Army, special permissions need to be taken 24 hours in advance from the Army authorities in Gangtok. Also, the pass remains open only for few specific days of the week, that too only for Indian nationals. Make sure you study the weather forecast well before heading towards Nathu La as the roads to the pass are prone to landslides and avalanches. Also, the visit to Nathu La is not recommended for children and adults who are prone to asthma or other breathing problems.
• Tsomgo Lake- Enroute to Nathu La, you will come across the enchanting Tsomgo or Changu Lake. Crystal clear waters of the lake with stunning backdrop of the snowy summits of the Himalayan peaks, offer great panoramic vistas. The lake gets completely frozen in winters, giving it an additional touch of artistic splendour. One of the favourite stopovers for tourists heading to the Nathu La, Tsomgo Lake is an ideal place to indulge your taste buds in piping hot tea made of special Yak milk and butter, accompanied with Maggi or delicious momos. The trip to Tsomgo Lake is incomplete without taking a memorable Yak ride in its vicinity. An inner line permit needs to be obtained by all tourists from the Army authorities before visiting the lake.
• Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial – The memorial is located at a distance of around 18 km. from the Tsomgo Lake towards the Nathu La. Popularly known as the ‘Baba Mandir’, the memorial is dedicated to the brave Sepoy of Indian Army who lost his life around 30 years back in this region. It is believed that the soul of Baba Harbhajan Singh is still guarding the international boundary of India and China; he is believed to warn about dangers on the border through dreams of fellow army men. Even the soldiers on the other side of border share stories of a human figure patrolling the area during night. The memorial is visited by many locals, families of the Army men and tourists who come here to pay their hearty respect to baba.
• Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary and Water Falls – Located around the Tsomgo Lake area is another interesting tourist attraction, the ‘Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary’, which is one of the best high altitude scenic wildlife sanctuaries in India. Apart from being the home to some endemic species of Himalayan alpine flowers that include colourful primulas, magnolias, poppies and irises, the sanctuary is also famous for its Red Pandas and Snow Leopards. The breath-taking ‘Kyongnosla Waterfalls’ in the sanctuary, with the water gushing down from the height of 10, 400 ft., is also a sight to behold.
• Rumtek Monastery - Largest monastery in Sikkim, the ‘Rumtek Monastery’ is a must visit place during your holidays in Sikkim. Located at a distance of 23 km. from Gangtok and perched at a height of 5000 ft., the monastery is surrounded with lush green landscapes and small flowing streams. Built in a traditional Tibetan style of architecture and decorated with colourful murals, the monastery houses the Golden Stupa that contains relics and ashes of the sixteenth Karmapa. Tranquil settings of the monastery combined with sounds of enchantments of mantras by the monks, reverberates your souls with inner peace and solace during your visit to this divine place.
• Enchey Monastery – Another significant Buddhist Monastery and one of the most famous tourist attractions of Gangtok, the Enchey Monastery lies at a distance of just 3 km. from the main city centre. Sights of the spinning prayer wheels, vibrant prayer flags and echoing chants of the monks, all this combined with peaceful surroundings is sure to fill your heart with divinity and spirituality.
• Ganesh Tok – Located at a distance of 6 km. from Gangtok, Ganesh Tok is perched on a hill top and is home to a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Besides the temple, the place is also considered to be one of the finest points in Gangtok from where you can get best views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, other Eastern Himalayan peaks and the city of Gangtok.
• Hanuman Tok – This is the best point in Gangtok to get surreal vistas of the Himalayan peaks and can be reached through a steep ascent of 4 km. further up the Ganesh Tok. A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, maintained by the Indian Army is the major attraction of this place. You will be amazed to see the pujari of the temple dressed in the uniform of the Indian Army.
• Ban Jhakri Falls – Situated amidst a lush green valley at a distance of around 4 km. from Gangtok, the Ban Jhakri Falls are an enchanting scenic site visited by many tourists. Enclosed within a beautifully landscaped park based on the Shamnistic theme and dotted with sculptures depicting the Jhakri (local Sikkimese) culture, these falls provide a perfect ambience to have a fun-filled day with family.
• Gangtok Ropeway – The Gangtok Ropeway is another interesting tourist attraction in Gangtok. The cable ride starts from the Deorali Market and takes you to highest point of Gangtok, Tashiling. Providing you with the bird’s eye view of the Gangtok city and the surrounding Himalayan peaks, this ride is a must when you are in Sikkim.

Travel Delhi, Capital Of India

Introducing

Delhi is a city where time travel is feasible. Step aboard your time machine (the sleek and efficient metro) and you can go from Old Delhi, where labourers haul sacks of spices and jewellers weigh gold on dusty scales, to modern New Delhi, with its colonial-era parliament buildings and penchant for high tea. Then on to the future: Gurgaon, a satellite city of skyscraping offices and glitzy malls.

This pulsating metropolis has a bigger population than Australia, and is one of the world's most polluted cities. But woven into its rich fabric are moments of pure beauty: an elderly man threading temple marigolds; Sufi devotional songs; a boy flying a kite from a rooftop.

So don’t be put off. Delhi is a city that has been repeatedly ravaged and reborn, with vestiges of lost empires in almost every neighbourhood. There's so much to experience here, it's like a country in itself.

Visit Jaipur The Pink City, India

Jaipur the pink city Introduction

Enthralling, historical Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital, is the gateway to India’s most flamboyant state.

Jaipur is known as the Pink City and on arrival visitors will immediately understand the reasoning behind the name. Every building within the walled historic centre is painted a terracotta “pink” colour and there are few exceptions to this uniformly colour scheme. This colour is so significant to the heritage of the city that it is enforced under local law. Considering the woes and inadequate infrastructure of Jaipur it may appear baffling to visitors as to why there is such a coherent colour scheme running through the city. This guide will detail the history behind the pink of Jaipur.

The city’s colourful, chaotic streets ebb and flow with a heady brew of old and new. Careering buses dodge dawdling camels, leisurely cycle-rickshaws frustrate swarms of motorbikes, and everywhere buzzing autorickshaws watch for easy prey. In the midst of this mayhem, the splendours of Jaipur’s majestic past are islands of relative calm evoking a different pace and another world.

At the city’s heart, the City Palace continues to house the former royal family; the Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory, maintains a heavenly aspect; and the honeycomb Hawa Mahal gazes on the bazaar below. And just out of sight, in the arid hill country surrounding the city, is the fairy-tale grandeur of Amber Fort, Jaipur’s star attraction.

Visit Goa, India

Introducing Goa

Pint-sized Goa is more than beaches and trance parties. A kaleidoscopic blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, sweetened with sun, sea, sand, seafood and spirituality, there's nowhere in India quite like it.

Cultural Crockpot

Goa stands out in India for its Portuguese colonial architecture and heritage. The Portuguese arrived in Goa in 1510, lured by the exotic East and the promise of lucrative spice routes. Their indelible mark is still evident in the state’s baroque architecture, whitewashed churches, crumbling forts, colourful Catholic ceremonies, mournful fado music and the stunning cathedrals of Old Goa.

Spiritual Sanctuary

Want to top up your Zen as well as your tan? Welcome to winter in Goa where yoga is king and the crop of spiritual activities grows more bountiful each year: sunrise t’ai chi sessions, reiki healing courses, meditation, and just about every other form of spiritual exploration, are all practised freely. Many travellers come here for a serious yoga experience and you'll find everything from drop-in classes to teaching training courses and spiritual retreats.

Why I Love Goa

By Paul Harding, Writer

After travelling overland from Delhi through central India and Mumbai to Goa back in the 90s, the beaches, all-night parties and laid-back tropical vibe came as a blissful surprise. I've been back numerous times and while some things may have changed, the essence remains the same. I love hanging around by the beach, cruising through impossibly green countryside on two wheels, and the evening ritual of watching the sun melt into the Arabian Sea with a cold beer and a plate of spicy prawns. And I love the Goan people – hard-working, optimistic, quick with a smile and always happy to chat.

The Spice of Life

Food is enjoyed fully in Goa, as it is throughout India. The scents, spices and flavours of Goa’s cuisine will surprise and tantalise even seasoned travellers: whether it's a classic fish curry rice, a morning bhali-pau (bread roll dipped in curry), a piquant vindaloo, with its infusions of wine vinegar and garlic, or a spicy xacuti sauce, the Indo-Portuguese influence is a treat for the tastebuds. While you're here, visit a back-country spice farm to learn why the Portuguese were so excited about Goa.

Beach Bounty

Goa’s biggest draw is undoubtedly its virtually uninterrupted string of golden-sand beaches. This shimmering strand stretches along the Arabian Sea from the tip to the toe of the state, and each of the various beaches have developed their own personalities and reputations since the hippie days of the sixties. They cater to every tropical whim: choose from backpacker Arambol or bolder, brasher Baga; from the palm-fringed sands of Palolem to hippie market bliss at Anjuna or lovely, laid-back Mandrem; from expansive groomed sands in front of fancy five-star resorts or hidden crescent coves, where the only footprints will be the scuttling crabs' and your own

Tilicho Lake Trekking - The Highest Lake In The World

Trek To Tilicho Lake

Tilicho Lake Trekking collects the glacial melt of the entire northern slopes of Annapurna and Thorang Peak, which is claimed to be the highest lake in the world. In 2001, Hindu pilgrims from around the world flocked to the lake convinced it is a holy spot mentioned in the Ramayan - a holy book of the Hindus.

Tilicho Lake Trekking starts right from Besisahar as Annapurna Circuit Trekking, which goes along the Marshyangdi River, with great views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east. This magnificent Tilicho lake trekking leads you to the fine village inhabited by a wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups, offering spectacular and majestic views of the white Himalayas. We have customized this route, as it is basically, the same as Annapurna Circuit, from Manang instead of taking the valley north to Tanki Manang and Yak Kharka this route goes to the main valley to the west passes through the Khanshar Village (The Last Village of Nepal) and trek up to Tilicho lake, then we travel to Yak Kharka then up to pass of Thorung La at elevation of 5416 meters. From the Thorung - La pass, the treks lead down to Muktinath then to Jomsom from where thirty-five minutes scenic flights take you to the Pokhara.

Sauraha Chitwan Nepal Experience The Beauty

About Sauraha

Sauraha is a village in Chitwan District of Nepal situated close by the Rapti River and the Chitwan National Park. It is the eastern gateway to Chitwan National Park and jungle safaris for budget, mid-priced and 3-4 star tourists. Beginning literally as small and very quaint Tharu village of mud and daub huts and houses, with a half dozen mud and daub hotels, it has grown into a small quiet town full of western style hotels and resorts, restaurants, internet cafes, and gift shops.

Jungle / wildlife safaris by foot, jeep and elephant. You are for sure to see the rhinoceros. Also many types of deer, monkeys, and Bengal tiger. Bird watching in and around the jungle. Especially Bish hajar Taal (20,000 lakes) wetlands area approximately 10 kilometers north west from Sauraha.

A quickly growing but still small village that caters to the needs of the visitors to Chitwan National Park, the best known safari park in Nepal. It is located 160 kms by road from Kathmandu, 155 kms by road from Pokhara and 160 kms by road from the Indian border at Sunauli. The Chitwan National Park (R500 entrance fee) is home to Bengal tigers, rhinoceroses, bears, leopards, crocodiles and monkeys amongst others, and hundreds of species of birds and butterflies. The village of Sauraha is separated from the national park by the Rapti River, which is safe to swim in. During the dry season one can wander the sand dunes of the shrunken river. It is possible to walk for miles along the mud roads west, north and east of the village to other, rural Tharu villages.

What to do: Watch the sun set over the National Park / Go for a ride on an elephant / Bird watch on the oddly-named 20,000 lake / Stay overnight in the jungle spotting wild animals from the lookout tower / Watch a Tharu cultural show/Hire a bike and wander about Tharu villages / Swim in the river and watch the elephants being bathed / Drink cool beers at one of the "beach" bars / Go for a jungle safari on foot, by elephant or by jeep / Go for a canoe trip on the river.

What you may not like: Mosquitoes at certain times of the year (nets are provided in hotels/lodges) / The overzealous hotel touts at the bus park (simply board any jeep that will take you the 3 kms to the village. If you stay in the hotel the jeep goes to the ride is free. If you don't like the look of the lodge, hand the driver R30 for the ride and choose another place).

How long: You might really like the laid back atmosphere and stay longer than you had originally planned. The small village has a few restaurants a la Pokhara and Thamel, but local-style eateries as well. There are no asphalt roads here, just dirt/mud tracks and hardly any traffic. Life is tranquil here. You will want to spend at least one day in the national park, and a couple more days to walk/bike around about. Give yourself at least a minimum of three days.

When to go: The dry season would be best (November-April) and March would be the ideal time. The daytime temperature is not too hot and the elephant grass in the national park has been cut, allowing for better animal spotting.

Where to stay: Twenty years ago when Sauraha was a one horse village, the only places to stay were the lodges inside the national park, and these are not exactly cheap accommodation.

Where to eat? Probably not in your lodge/hotel restaurant where the prices tend to be too high. Fairly basic meals can be had at the three beach bars.

When is the best time to visit Sauraha?

Spring February till end of April and fall Mid September till mid December.

Accommodation

The Chitwan National Park offers a wide variety of accommodation, not only in size, facilities and visual appearance, but also In price range. If you are looking for exclusive comfort with superior personalize service right in the heart of the park then visit Sauraha for a previews of private luxury and luxury and budget accommodation.

For anyone who visits Chitwan National Park, it sooner or later becomes an addiction. If you site back and think about it, sometime you wonder, why! Chitwan National Park has a long history behind it and also has the unique honor of being Nepal's first National Park. Established in 1973 to protect the wildlife of the low land Terai, this national park of 932sq.k.is unrivaled in the diversity of its life forms and a leader in advanced bio diversity conservation techniques and policies. Since then, there has been no looking back for Chitwan National Park-Nepal's first and richest national park.

As primary destination crowned as the World Heritage site in nature category. The Chitwan National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in the Asia. Truly the flagship of Nepal's national parks, Chitwan is the home to an impressive numbers of species. Mans interaction with the environment over many centuries-is very evident in the Chitwan National Park. This treasures represent the cultures, person and event that played a role in the making of the park and are conserved along with the parks nature assets. The most accessible amongst Nepal's national park, Chitwan is considered by many naturalist to be simply the best managed park in Asia.