Around Gangtok, some tourist spot in Sikkim

Sikkim

Scenic Sikkim, the tiny mountainous state nestling in the heart of the eastern Himalayas is dominated by Kanchenjunga mountain and wedged between West Bengal, Nepal, China ( Tibet ) and Bhutan. It is an enchanting medley of lofty peaks, verdant valleys, serpentine streams, holy lakes, ancient monasteries and a rich variety of flora and fauna. This small but strategically important State measures about 1000 kms. from north to south and 60 kms. from east to west and is predominantly inhabited by the Lepchas, Bhutias and the Nepalese, who radiate a lot of charm, life and colour.

Gangtok

Gangtok, literally meaning a ‘High Hill’ is a charming hill resort perched on a ridge at a height of 5,400 ft. It affords magnificent views of the snow clad Kanchenjunga peak.  

AROUND GANGTOK

Rumtek Monastery ( 25 kms. ) 

The picturesque drive from Gangtok to the Rumtek Monastery is truly spell binding. Changing vistas of mountains unfold at every bend and there are delightful vignettes of the hamlets and fields of the people of rural Sikkim. The original monastery was built by one of the rulers of Sikkim. When His Holiness, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, left Tibet and took refuge in Sikkim, he built a new monastery. The Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, with a rich collection of rare plants and trees is located nearby.

Tsongo Lake (37 kms.)

The oval-shaped holy lake is noted for its mystical environs and the wild flowers. It is home to the Brahmini ducks and a stop over for many migratory birds.

Deer Park (6 kms.)

It is home to the Himalayan spotted and musk deer. Scenic views of the mountains and valleys can also be enjoyed from here.

Reaching there :
By Air :
The nearest airport is Bagdogra near Siliguri, which is at a distance of 124 km from Gangtok. India’s national carrier, Indian Airlines including almost all other domestic airlines such as Jet Airlines, Air Deccan run regular flights from the important cities of India such as Kolkata, Delhi etc. Bagdogra is also connected with Gangtok by daily helicopter service operated by Sikkim Tourism development Corporation and it will take only 20 minutes to reach Gangtok from Bagdogra. This helicopter service is subjected to the weather conditions.
By Train :
Gangtok does not have a train station. The two railway stations are New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri located in West Bengal nearest to Sikkim. NJP is 125 Kms and Siliguri is 114 Kms from Gangtok and is well connected to all the major cities. Ticket reservation facilities are available from Sikkim Nationalized Transport office in all working days.
By Bus :
Gangtok is connected to Siliguri by NH 31A. This city (Gangtok) is well connected to other cities in Sikkim and the neighboring states by bus services. Private tourist buses are available from Gangtok to Bagdogra (125 km) and to Siliguri (114 km).  From Siliguri in W.B., you can also hire taxies and jeeps to travel to Gangtok at reasonable rate.

Qutub Minar in Delhi

Qutub Minar : This most famous landmark of Delhi towering above the Lal Kot monuments, is one of the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO. It is 72.5 metres tall and tapers from a base diameter of 14.4 metres to a peak diameter of 2.4 metres. The five storeyed minar has three storeys built of red sandstone and two of marble and sandstone. Each storey is clearly distinguished from the outside because of its projecting balconies. Its foundation was laid by Qutbud-din Aibak (1193) and was completed by his son-in-law and successor Shamsuddin Iltumish. The Devanagari inscriptions on the minar mentions that the it was damaged in 1326 and repaired by Muhammad-bin Tughlak and in 1368, Firoz Shah replaced the upper storey and added two floors, making liberal use of marble stone. A unique 7 metre high Iron Pillar in courtyard of Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was perhaps a flagpole of a 4th – 5th century Vishnu temple. It has remained completely rust free for over 1500 years and is a tribute to ancient Indian metallurgy. Other attractions nearby are – the Tombs of the Sultans Iltumish (1235), Alauddin, Balban and of Adham Khan, son of the emperor Akbar’s wet nurse.

Reaching there:
By Air :
From Qutub minar, nearest airports are Indra Gandhi International Airport and Palam Domestic Airport. Both these airports are situated in Delhi & well connected with regular flights from important cities of the country and the world as well. Frequent shuttles run between these airports.
By Train :
Delhi has three major railheads namely – Delhi, New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. These stations are served by many express and super fast trains from various parts of the country. You can easily reach to Qutub Minar from these railway stations by local transport.
By Bus :
Qutub Minar is quite easy as Qutub Minar is very well connected with the low floor DTC buses. Delhi Tourism offers Delhi Darshan Day tours and cover Qutub Minar.
Local Transport :
Buses, Taxis, Cars, Auto-rickshaws are available as local modes of transport, you can reach Qutab Minar by opting any mode.

Patiala: Moti Bagh Palace & Sheesh Mahal in Punjab

Patiala

It was founded in 1753, by Maharaja Ala Singh and named Patiala, literally the territory (pati) of Ala. In 1948, it became the capital of a new state, PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union), created by merging the princely states of East Punjab. The rulers of Patiala were great patrons of art and crafts, which made the city an important centre of Punjabi language and culture.
Moti Bagh Palace : The magnificent palace in Indo-Saracenic style was completed in early 20th century and is one of the largest residences in Asia. It is surrounded by beautiful terraced gardens and water channels. The main palace now houses the National Institute of Sports and Sports Museum.


Sheesh Mahal : The charming palace near a small lake was built during the reign of Maharaja Narinder Singh (1845-1862). Its interiors are beautifully embellished with pieces of glass and mirror (sheesh). An Art Gallery here displays antique paintings, bronzes, sculptures and portraits of the Maharajas of Patiala. World’s largest collection of medals, decoration and orders of various countries are exhibited here.

Reaching there:
By Air
The nearest airport is located in the city of Chandigarh. You can take a flight to the airport in Chandigarh and can take a taxi or bus from there to Patiala. There are many domestic flights to Chandigarh as this is an important airport, and the airport is well connected to all Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Patiala. There are regular trains from the cities of Mumbai, Chandigarh and Delhi and train fares will cost around Rs 450 to 550 (approx.). You can take air conditioned coaches or normal coaches, and tickets need to be booked well in advance.
By Road
Travelling to Patiala from local destinations through bus can be easy. Buses to Patiala will charge fares of around Rs 150 to 250 (approx.) within Punjab.

Golconda Fort (from Hyderabad 12 kms.) in Andhra Pradesh

The glorious remains of this once impregnable fort sprawl over a hill side about 1000 feet above the surrounding countryside. The forts name is derived from the Telugu word “Golla Konda” meaning “Shepherd’s Hill”. Originally, it was a mud fort built by the Kakatiya kings of Warangal in 1143. The Qutub Shah dynasty held it from 1518 to 1687 and the first three Qutub Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda over a span of 62 years. The prosperous city was famous for its diamonds and hand painted textiles. Attracted by the wealth and prosperity of Golconda, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb conquered Golconda after an eight month siege. The grandeur of this mammoth fort can be experienced from the top of the citadel. Within the fort are – an armoury, palaces, the store, courtyards, fountains, mosque, public and private meeting halls and temple. The fort is noted for its magnificent acoustics, the structural grandeur of its palaces, factories and ingenious water supply system. A sound and light show is held here in the evenings.

Reaching there:
By Air
The nearest airport from Golconda fort is Hyderabad International Airport (12 Kms.). It is well connected to many important cities abroad.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Secunderabad, one of the twin cities with Hyderabad, is a major station with the head quarters of Southern Railway.
By Road
Andhra Pradesh state owned buses connect Hyderabad city with all cities in the state and the neighboring states. Golconda fort is well connected with Hyderabad. Hyderabad is a hub of deluxe, super deluxe, A/C and Volvo tourist buses. Hyderabad is connected by these superb buses to many cities, including Bangalore, Chennai, Vishakapatnam and Vijayawada.

Somnath Temple in Gujarat

Somnath, the shrine eternal facing the blue expanse of Arabian Sea is said to be as old as creation. Like a phoenix, it has risen seven times from ashes and depicts a saga of devotion and heroism. The legendary temple is believed to have been built by the Moon God – ‘Soma’ and enshrines one of the 12 jyotirlingas. Somnath celebrates a large fair on the day of the full moon of Kartik Purnima in November/December. Maha Shivratri in the month of March is also a major festival here. The present temple structure was commissioned by Sardar Patel in 1950’s. One can visit the place round the year but the best season to visit is winters-from October to March.

Reaching there:
By Air
The nearest airport from Somnath is Keshod 55 km away and linked to Mumbai. There are regular buses and taxis plying between Keshod and Somnath.
By Train
The nearest railhead is 6 km away at Veraval, which is connected by train to Ahmedabad and some other cities in Gujarat.
By Road
State transport corporation buses and private coaches run regular service to other cities in the region. Somnath is connected by a good road network to the other nearby places like Veraval 6 km, Mumbai 890 km, Ahmedabad 400 km, Bhavnagar 265 km, Junagarh 86 km, and Porbandar 121 km.

Surajkund in Haryana

Surajkund is located just 8 kms. from south Delhi on the Delhi-Agra National Highway and is also very well connected by road with Faridabad and Gurgaon. Today, it is synonymous with the world famous Surajkund Crafts Fair, held every year from Feb.1 to Feb15. Some of the finest handloom and handicraft traditions of India are on display here. Visitors can buy these products directly from the weavers or craftsperson, bypassing the middlemen and distributors. One can also view the craft and loom techniques in the demonstration sections. The fair is also an introduction to rural life in India. One can enjoy the various colorful cultural programmes as well as the authentic Indian cuisine at the mini Food Festival. Hermitage Huts, Rajhans and Sunbird are the three tourist resorts run by Haryana Tourism at Surajkund.

Reaching there:
By Road
Surajkund is 8 km from South Delhi. The approach road branches off from the Mehrauli-Tughlaqabad highway and goes past the Rifle Shooting Range. Alternatively, Surajkund and Badhkal can be approached from the Delhi-Agra highway, turning right before Faridabad.
By Air
Surajkund is 25 km from Palam Airport and 35 minute drive from the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
By Train
The nearest railway junction is Old Delhi railway station. Faridabad and Gurgaon are both connected to Delhi via railway lines. The car/cab/tourist coach is available from the railway station to Surajkund.

Chandannagar (at Hooghly) in West Bengal

Around Kolkata (39 kms from Kolkata)

Chandannagar (Chandernagore) : This former French colony on the banks of the river Hooghly is dotted with churches, convents and other relics of colonial past. A picturesque promenade beside the river hooghly is ideal for strolls; it is also called “Strand”. The city is also known for the Jagaddhatri Puja.

Jagaddhatri Puja: this is, the most important festival of Chandannagar, held in the month of November. Images of the four-armed Goddess are worshipped in houses and at Pandals erected specially for the Puja. After the four-day ceremony, these images are immersed in the river. Also lighting of this festival is very colorful & attractive. If you want to come in Chandannagar, this time of Jagaddhatri Puja i.e. Oct-Nov is the best season for coming.

Visiting places: Chandannagar Museum, Strand (alongside of the river), Sacred Heart Church, Library, Clock tower & Rabindra Vaban at strand, Jora Ghat (Twin quay/ bathing place), Nandadulal Temple, Temple of Maa Borai Chandi, Probartak Ashram, Bhasa Sahid Minar, Patal Bari (Underground home), KMDA & Chhuti park etc. Chandannagar is also called as “Jagaddhatri Nagar” for the famous festival of Jagaddhatri Puja. If you visit the West Bengal, you must visit this charming city for the one time and you will get plethora memorable experiences for lifetime.

Reaching there:
By Train
The city has a small railway station that is well connected to Howrah. Regular trains are available and this is a good option. Few express trains also halt at the station. Autos and taxis can be hired from the station to the city.
By Air
The nearest Airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport ( Dum Dum Airport). Distance of Airport to Chandannagar is about 40 kms. You can easily travel from airport to this city by taxi or Bus.
By Road
Chandannagar has good road connectivity and one can reach the place using buses or taxis. The city of Kolkata is situated at a distance of around 39 kilometers from the place.
By River
The city has a small quay (Rani Ghat) of ferry service which is well connected with Kolkata / Howrah by the river ‘Ganga’( Hooghly river). When you travel using the waterway for reaching Chandannagar, you can feel pleasant and see the scenic beauty alongside the ‘Ganga’ river which will be superb experience to you forever.