:: :: :: H O L I D A Y S U N L I M I T E D ::: E A S T I N D I A -- W E S T B E N G A L -- K O L K A T T A -- ::: :: :: :: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

The British capital of yester years, Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, still holds the old British monuments to their splendour. Sights of colonial architecture, cultural evenings and the soft running moods of the Hooghly River, Kolkata has something for everyone. The people, the place, the culture, all have made it a city of various colours and moods. A fine blend of the old and the new, it has the only underground railway of India, coexisting peacefully with hand pulled rickshaws and trams, as a means of transport. Standing tall to the legendary Howrah Bridge, it has the new Vidyasagar Setu. Moreover it is also the home to Rabindranath Tagore and Mother Teresa, cricket player Saurav Ganguly and Oscar award winning director Satyajit Ray.

Recently changed from Calcutta to Kolkata, its history is 300 years old. Job Charnock, merged the three islands Sutanati, Govindpuri and Kolikata to form the present-day Kolkata.. Kolkata's development took place, only after defeating Siraj-ud-daula in the Battle of Plassey in 1757, marking the beginning of British rule in India and the capital of British India. Later in 19th century, when Bengal became an important centre in the struggle for Indian independence, the British shifted their capital to Delhi, in 1922. Loss of political power, did not alter the economic control of Kolkata, and the city continued to prosper until after World War II. Later the Partition of Bengal into West Bengal and East Bengal (Once East Pakistan, now Bangladesh), saw a tremendous influx of refugees, as did again, during the Bangladesh war. Moreover, to escape floods, people from every part of Bengal would rush into Kolkata, seeking employment and money. This gave Kolkata, an uncontrolled population and an economy, cut in half. Yet the city remains to date one of the most progressive and economically advanced cities in India.

A city with strong cultural, literary and religious flavours, Kolkata is the cultural capital of India, whose icons are mishti doi, jhol, puja, theatre, Rabindra sangeet and Tollywood. A Bengali city, its influence of Bengali culture, is seen in every aspect. Seemingly blind to the dirt in the rest of the city, they guard the Metro (Only underground railway of India) with a ferocity, that is almost amusing. Despite the problems, Kolkata is a city of many colours, that has risen up and produced many writers, statesmen, sports personae and creative minds, in every possible field that the country can be proud of. Mother Teresa, Rabindranath Tagore, Saurav Ganguly, Satyajit Ray, Sharmila Tagore and Amartya Sen to name a few. Home of many of leaders of India, activities in the field of fine arts, music, dance, theatre and writing make the city a happening place.

Climate & Geographical Location -

Being near the coast, Calcutta is very humid, all through the year. The summers are very warm, with temperatures fluctuating between 38.1 deg C and 41.7 deg C. In winter, the temperatures range between 16 deg C and 29 deg C. the rainy season begins in the month of June and lasts upto October, bringing in moderately severe rains. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, sprawls right along the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, near the eastern coast of India, in the state of West Bengal.

Kolkata is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the Netaji Subhash International airport at Kolkata is well connected to metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and other cities of India. Kolkata has international flights to most eastern countries and is connected to the US via both Europe and the East. The domestic airport has excellent connections within the country. By rail, Kolkata has two major railway stations - Howrah and Sealdah. While Howrah handles most trains from the entire western, northern and southern parts of India; Sealdah handles those that takes one towards north to Darjeeling or the northeast region. By road, Kolkata is well connected by National Highways with Bihar, Orissa, Varanasi, Jharkhand, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Puri, Guwahati, Darjeeling, Siliguri and the Northeast of India.

: T O U R I S T P L A C E S :

Victoria Memorial -

A fine example of British architecture, the Victoria Memorial stands proud in the heart of the city. Built as a memorial for Queen Victoria, this milk white marble museum, recalls India's colonial past. There are organised light and sound shows, which are held every day of the week, at the Victoria Memorial, save Mondays, which is the only day the memorial is not open to visitors.

St. Pauls Cathedral -

It is one of the first important churches built in India. Just east of the Victoria Memorial, this imposing structure is marked by beautiful stained glass. The kind of calm one feels within this church is truly remarkable, and if you are the kind of person who likes to spend a quiet moment with yourself, in the midst of a busy day, this place is a must-visit for you.

The Birla Planetarium, is one of the largest of its kind in India. It occupies a place in the centre of bustling Kolkata and its dome like structure can be seen from almost every part of the city. They have daily shows in English and Hindi.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple -

The goddess Kali, represents the destructive side of Shiva's consort and this can be witnessed every morning outside the Kalighat Temple, where there is a daily goat sacrifice. Be wary of temple priests, who latch onto you and demand donations. The Kali Temple was once neat and clean but over time it has become busy and commercial. Despite this, followers of the goddess, visit this temple in hordes. Calcutta takes its name from Kalighat, where this temple is located.

If you travel by rail, Howrah Bridge is the first Kolkata sight. It was constructed after 1943 and spans over 450 m. It is also known as the Rabindra Setu, and over 10,000 people and vehicles ply across it everyday, making it one of the busiest bridges in the world. Walking across it, is often the easiest bet, instead of waiting for the traffic to ease its way through the narrow bridgeIf you travel by rail, Howrah Bridge is the first Kolkata sight. It was constructed after 1943 and spans over 450 m. It is also known as the Rabindra Setu, and over 10,000 people and vehicles ply across it everyday, making it one of the busiest bridges in the world. Walking across it, is often the easiest bet, instead of waiting for the traffic to ease its way through the narrow bridge

Dalhousie Square, renamed Benoy-Badal-Dinesh Bagh, after the three martyrs of Bengal, is located in the heart of the city. Historical buildings like the Writers Building, Raj Bhavan, State Legislative Assembly, Kolkata High Court, St Johns Cathedral, GPO and Reserve Bank of India surround it on all sides.

Just 185 km away from Kolkata, Digha is one of the most popular seaside retreats of West Bengal, with a fabulous 7km beach on the East Coast. It is renowned for its flat hard golden sands and is surrounded by fishing hamlets. This tranquil little place was a hit with the British sahibs, who fondly referred to it, as Brighton of the East. There is very little to do here, except take long walks, loll on the beach and of course enjoy the fantastic seafood. But the serenity of the place will lure you to come back.

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary -

With an area of ,surrounded amidst idyllic location, is the Jaldapara Wild Life sanctuary, which houses Rhinos, Bisons, Barking deer and wild elephants. It is the wild animals, that roam around with perfect nonchalance, that attract people to Jaldapara. An early morning ride on elephants, deep into the wild life sanctuary is the main attraction of the place, as it goes deep into the sanctuary, crushing the long grass and crossing the big lakes. The sight of Rhinos, will bless the luckier tourist, which is a treat to watch. Riverine forests, shield rivers with transparent and crystal blue waters, making swimming and fishing a great attraction. Another major attraction is, that a person going to the Jaldapara can also visit Bhutan. The best season to enjoy Jaldapara, is from October to May.

To fix your culture fix, head out towards Shantiniketan, the venerable institution, founded by the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The Viswabharati University, 2 km from the nearest railway station Bolpur (a three-hour train ride from Kolkata), is known as a centre of international studies and culture. Uttarayan, a complex where Tagore lived, houses a museum and an art gallery. 3 km from Santiniketan lies Sriniketan, a centre for traditional handicrafts like batik, pottery, weaving, kantha emboidery and dokhra tribal handicrafts. Theres a lodge run by the Tourism Centre, as well as some good private hotels such as the Camellia, Chhuti and Marks Meadow

A river cruise to the Sunderbans, one of the largest mangrove forests in the world and home to the king of the jungle, the Royal Bengal Tiger, will rid you, of earthly troubles. The Tourism Centre operates two luxury steamers, and gives you a choice of two packages. You have a choice of accommodation, ranging from bedrolls and cubicles to cabins and coupe's. The West Bengal Tourism Department operates cheaper, but less comfortable , cruises as well.

Lying at an altitude of 1,730 m, Mirik is an attractive hill destination, with a charming lake, forests of Cryptomeria Japonica, orange orchards, tea gardens and cardamom plantations. The Sumendu Lake, with its 3.5 Km. of cobbled promenade, is a major attraction of Mirik and is situated at the bottom of the Mirik spur. There is also a floating fountain in the middle of the Lake and an 80 ft. long footbridge,connects the flower garden to the heavily forested ridge on the west. Walks around the lake or along the numerous walks in the heavily forested ridges, would make one's trip memorable.

Derived from the word doors, the Dooars, forms a gateway to the hill stations of North Bengal and Bhutan. The unending stretch of virgin forests in the valley, 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

One of the most magical lands on earth, Darjeeling is lavished with awe-inspiring wildlife and exquisite flora, with some of the rarest species of animals and birds and some 600 species of butterflies. Synonymous with tea, Darjeeling is a petite hill station in West Bengal. Cradled in the folds of the worlds loftiest mountains, Darjeeling is justly regarded as the "Queen of India's Hill-stations". Tranquil tea plantations, rolling hills against the Khangchendzonga, the Toy Train, elegant monasteries and charming hilltops, add to Darjeeling"s charm, making it a special destination in the east. While the Buddhist Monasteries and the Hindu temples are of architectural and cultural importance, the Himalayan physiography of lofty mountainous terrain and cascading rivers, offers adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering and river rafting.

The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok has very spectacular setting and offers excellent views of the entire Kanchenjunga range, from various points in its vicinity. This jewel- like mountain capital, lies wrapped in mists and clouds with an incredible variety of rhododendrons and rare orchids. A large number of mountains having high altitude stands here, with the high serrated, snow capped spurs and peaks of Kanchenjunga, from where a number of glaciers descend into the state of Sikkim.

Lying peacefully against the backdrop of the magnificent Khangchendzonga, Kalimpong is one of those rare hill stations, that are not overcrowded. Known for its cool weather throughout the year, it is a garden town with numerous shaded walks along forest roads. Famed for its Buddhist monasteries, Kalimpong is a heavenly place at bloom-time, when it emerges in a riot of colours, as entire hillsides get covered with exquisite orchids and other exotic flowers. The panoramic view of the Khangchendzonga range from here, is one of its significant highlights

A serene, small picture postcard pretty town, Kurseong (the home of the white Orchid), is on the way from Siliguri to Darjeeling and an important stop on the Toy Train route. A town of schools, providing excellent education to students from all over India, Kurseong is an ideal holiday spot, for long walk in the hills and tea gardens. Its milder, healthy climate all the year round and tranquil atmosphere, had once attracted many of the rich and the famous of Calcutta to have a summer residence, which included Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore, Sister Nivedita, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and writer Mark Twain.

The gateway to Eastern India, Siliguri was always a place one `passed through' on ones way to somewhere else. This `somewhere else` could have been Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik, Gangtok, Kalimpong, Assam and other northeastern states or the neighbouring countries of Bhutan and Nepal. Surrounded by the green hills of Darjeeling and Sikkim, Siliguri is a precious gift of mother nature, for tourists worldwide. With new areas being developed for tourism, around the Teesta Barrage, the Doors and other areas of North Bengal, Siliguri also merits a stay for the scenic attraction of its surrounding areas. A fast developing commercial township, it is renowned for its cane and jute works and also for its fast growing market of foreign goods, imported directly from Nepal.

Founded by Swami Vivekananda, the world famous yogi and disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, it is the Headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission and is 6.4 kms from Howrah Station, on the banks of the River Hooghly. This International tourist attraction, is located near Belur in Howrah district. It's sprawling prayer hall, with a statue of Ramakrishna is remarkable. It is connected by train and bus.

LAVA - Located 32 km away, at an altitude of 7,200 feet, Lava is the gateway to the Neora Valley National Park at a height of about 7755 feet. A scenic spot with a panoramic view of Rechi La and Jelep La passes, it is still virgin territory and very rich in bio.

LOYAL GAON - This is one of the finest viewpoints around Kalimpong. Situated 56 km from the town, it offers a breathtaking view of the Khanchanjunga, especially at sunrise.

PEDONG MONASTRY - 26 km from Kalimpong, Pedong is an old Buddhist monastery established in 1837.

SERICULTURE RESEARCH CENTRE INSTITUTE - The Sericulture Research Institute is dedicated to the breeding of silk worms and production of silk. Herbs and various plants are also available here.

TEESTA BAZAR - An interesting hamlet around Teesta Bridge on the way to Kalimpong, lies this small bazaar. While the climb to Kalimpong starts here, this place also has arrangements for white water rafting from Mid-November to Mid-February.

THARPA CHOELING MONASTRY - Situated on the way to the Grahams Home, it was founded in 1937. Uphill from town Centre, this monastery belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) Sect of Tibetan Buddhism to which The Dalai Lama also belongs to.

ZONG DOG PALRI FO - BRANG GOMPA - Located on the Durpin Dara Hill, it was sanctified by the Dalai Lama and built in the mid-1970s, Located at 5 km from the town Centre, this Gompa has beautiful wall paintings and a rare three-dimensional mandala.