Darjeeling: The emerald green tea plantations shine in Darjeeling, one of the oldest hill stations in India. The stunning view of the Kanchenjunga makes this hill station extra special. Spread out like a ribbon over steep mountains, this is a definitive place to relax, rewind and rush. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is present in Darjeeling with the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. The route to Senchal wildlife sanctuary is popular amongst mountain bikers who ditch the traffic to ride on a dedicated mountain bike trail. The route passes through pine forests, gentle gradients and Himalayan view points. Paragliding to the views of snow-capped mountains and green meadows is an experience too. Zorbing, kayaking and white water rafting in Teesta river are activities that will excite adventure seekers.The nearest airport is at Bagdogra and the railhead is New Jalpaiguri. Take the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or toy train which offers fantastic views. There are few buses to Darjeeling, but shared jeeps are common.
A little detour from the valley are the mysterious Borra caves. Inside the caves are million year old stalactite and stalagmite formations which enhance the mystic experience of walking in the caves.
It is a paradise for coffee lovers and trekkers. You can also enjoy a train ride here through the lush forests and wide green valleys of the Eastern ghats.
You can take a train from Visakhapatnam (which has an airport and railway station) to Araku. Driving up till Araku is also an option.
Singalila Ridge treks: This outstanding trekking route runs along the India-Nepal border and offers breath-taking views of the Himalayan chain extending to Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. What makes the views even more special are the sights of four of the world’s highest peaks - Everest, Khangchendzonga, Lhotse and Makalu. Clear skies usually greet trekkers on the route in October and November with warm days and chilly nights.
At the base of the ridge are quaint villages from where the path fenced with rhododendron and magnolia blooms. En route is Singalila National Park.
It is best to get the help of knowledgeable guides from Darjeeling for the treks. Some of the tracks are jeep-abled too. Trekkers can stay in tiny villages or government-run trekkers hut. Travellers can take a shared jeep from Darjeeling’s Motor Stand to Mane Bhanjang or Rimbik. From there, you can hire a porter or guide.
Sandakphu trek, a much revered one, starts from Singalila Ridge. This trek offers some of the best views of the eastern Himalayas and is away from the crowds. When you finally reach the destination, you will be stunned by the views of K2 and Everest. This is a fascinating trek, and should not be missed.
Kalimpong: In Kalimpong, sit on a ridge and overlook the gushing Teesta river. It is a typical picturesque hill town with narrow winding roads and the views that frame valleys and peaks. Blessed by the Khangchendzonga summit, Kalimpong is a laid back town with jaw-dropping views, bazaars, colonial-era architecture and monasteries. It houses several parks and picnic destinations.
One of them is Deolo hill from where the sight of the Khangchendzonga is simply incomparable. Another worth-a-visit place is the Zong Dhok Palri Phondang, located on top of Durpin hill.
The nearest airport to Kalimpong is Bagdogra and the nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri. Buses ply from here to Kalimpong town.
Jaldapara National Park: The national park is located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and on the banks of the Torsa river. It is home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, the largest population of rhinoceros outside of Assam. The best way to explore the park is through an elephant or jeep safari.
Tall elephant grass forms a blanket over the park with mist setting itself up in the form of dew. The glistening river casts the reflection of the sun rays and flows through the park, where leopards, barking deers, bison and other animals come for their daily dose of water.
The best time for wildlife spotting are the months of March and April. The nearest airport is Bagdogra. The nearest railhead is at Madarihat, but more trains cross Birpara and Hasimara, both 20 km away. The road to the park is easily motorable and accessible.
Gorumara National Park: This national park finds itself in the foothills of the Himalayas and in the Terai grassland spread. It is located close to Jaldapara National Park and is known for housing the one-horned rhinoceros too. Raidak and Murti river flow through the grasslands and savannah forests of this national park. It is also home to sloth bears, gaurs, leopards and birds such as hornbills and spangles drongos.
There a couple of watch towers which enable you to view distinct birds and get a different perspective of the national park
Book a jeep or elephant safari ride which takes you through the thick forests and misty environment in the backdrop of bird songs and green walls.
The nearest airport is Bagdogra. The nearest railhead is at Madarihat, but more trains cross Birpara and Hasimara, both 20 km away. The road to the park is easily motorable and provides a lovely view..
Kurseong: Adjacent to Darjeeling is Kurseong, a quiet little hill town which attracts a lesser crowd. One thing common though are the stunning views of gentle hills, valleys and snow-capped mountains. The town derives its name from khorsang, a small white orchid, prolific in this area. The town is made up of tea plantations, and a walk through them is as refreshing as a cup of tea.
A trek to Eagle’s Crag offers panoramic views of the plains and the town. Cross narrow and steep terrains with criss-crossing streams to bear fruits of your efforts. The view from the top of the town is magical. You will notice the Teesta river making its way through the town.
A walk to St. Mary’s Hill will transport you to a movie set in the colonial era. En route, you will pass through grottos and churches into a pine forest that leads all the way to a mountain ridge.
The nearest airport is Bagdogra. The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or the toy train also makes a stop here, but takes longer hours. Shared jeeps and taxis ply from Siliguri and make for a scenic drive.
Sunderbans: Stand on the banks of the river and gaze into the water merging with the horizon. Being in Sunderbans is an experience that all nature and adventure lovers crave for. The world’s largest mangrove system harbours the most diverse ecosystem in its marshes and jungles.
Papikondalu: To experience the power of Godavari, a day long boat cruise should do it. The boat passes through Polavaram dam and an interesting Shiva temple. Witnessing the land go by as you cruise through the still waters is an adventure in itself. The boat stops at Perantalapalli, where you can camp for the night.
The Sunderbans are home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, along with several other creatures like Gangetic dolphins, macaques and even sharks. Tigers lurk in the depths of the mangroves and go for a swim in the channels.
Cruising through the waterways and arched trees is a game of light and magic. If you wish to interact with the wildlife up close, then hire a houseboat and stay the night in the calm and mystical waters.
Some agencies also conduct a tour of the jungle, which includes bird watching, local music and walking trails. The accommodation is either in a cruise boat or in an eco village. For a more immersive experience, cycle to the local village, go crabbing with the locals and learn to cook local dishes.
Though winter is a pleasant time, visiting Sunderbans during warmer months is better for sighting tigers.
The fastest way to travel to Sunderbans is via Canning, which has the nearest railhead. The closest airport is in Kolkata, from where you can take a bus till Godkhali, or drive along SH3.
Unforgettable thrills:
- Mountain biking to Senchal wildlife sanctuary, Darjeeling
- Kayaking and white water rafting in Teesta river
- Trek to Singalila Ridge
- Trek to Singalila Ridge
- Hike up to Deolo Hill, Kalimpong
- Jeep safari at Jaldapara National Park
- Elephant safari at Gorumara National Park
- Trek to Eagle’s Crag, Kurseong
- Stay in a houseboat at Sunderbans
