Saturday 24 May 2014

One of the most posh beaches in India, Digha awaits with a purposeful getaway itinerary for you. About 187 kms from the city of joy, Digha is connected by a number of means from Kolkata. This seas resort has a low gradient and a shallow sand beach with gentle waves extending upto 7 kms in length.
In 1923, an English tourist, John Smith was charmed by Digha's radiance and started living there. He brought the place into limelight via his writings. After independence, he convinced Bengal's chief minister to develop Digha as a beach resort.
The Digha Beach is popular for its views of the Bay of Bengal amidst the many casurina plantations along the seaside. The sea at Digha is mostly calm and shallow upto a mile off the beach, which makes its makes it safe for various marine activities like swimming, scuba diving, jet ski-ing and surfing.
The sea at Digha is serene and shallow for about a mile making it safe for swimming. The place is an absolute delight for seafood lovers; one has a variety of fresh water fishes like Ellis, Pomfret, peas and prawns to choose from.
The scenic beauty of the place is charming and enticing. The sunset  shining off the saline waters of the Bay of Bengal is something directly off an artist's frame.
Digha beach is situated in the Southern most coastline of the state of West Bengal in India. Though Digha beach is not so popular as compared to other beaches all over India, Digha is growing up as an important hotspot for tourists to spend their weekends at.
Digha is an ideal beach destination for a fun-filled holiday. The sun, sea and sand a potent combination at all times - is made all the more pleasant in Digha because it is neither too crowded nor too commercial a beach resort. Called the Brighton of the East by Warren Hastings.
Digha in West Bengal is a popular beach town. An ideal destination for a refreshing break from the city, it offers a complete holiday experience.
How to reach 
By Bus – Direct Kolkata to Digha buses are available and these are most popular as they are considered to be the most economical means of transport between Kolkata and Digha. So many government buses are providing services from Kolkata to Digha. Burdwan, Sahispur and Madhupur are the main bus stops in this route. To travel to Digha from Kolkata, it takes around 4 hours.
By Train – Kolkata to Digha trains are also available and the time take to cover the distance from Kolkata to Digha is approximately 3 hours. On most days, the Duronto Express leaves Howrah at 11:15 am and arrives at Digha in 2 hours and 30 minutes. These timings should be checked before you make travel plans in case they are changed for whatever reason.
By Cab – Kolkata to Digha by car is the fastest option to reach the destination. Kolkata to Digha distance of 190 km must be covered taking around 2 and a half hours.
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Digha- West Bengal – India

Friday 16 May 2014

Nestled in the north of West Bengal, India are the towns of Darjeeling  and New Jalpaiguri. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is also known as the Toy Train, runs between these two towns. Running on the narrow gauge, it was built between 1879 and 1881. The distance it travels is around 78 kilometers. The most interesting part is that it travels over the elevated terrain – from about 100 meters when it begins in New Jalpaiguri to 2,200 meters when it reaches Darjeeling.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, nicknamed the "Toy Train", is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge railway from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling in West Bengal, run by the Indian Railways.
The toy train ride in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) is like a sweet lullaby in the midst of a dreamland. Though much has been said about the present condition of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways and Darjeeling itself, a toy train ride through the misty tracks from Darjeeling to Kurseong will definitely rekindle the romanticism in a person.
The entire track has 13 stations in between with Ghum being the Highest one at 7404 ft. Ghum had once the honour of being the highest Railway station in the world. Though this distinction has long since gone, yet Ghum is the highest narrow gauge railway station.
The Darjeeling Himalayan railways are a living heritage. When built in 1881, the engineers of DHR had pushed technology to the limit of what conventional railways were capable of that time. The engineers used various techniques such as loops and reverses to move through the difficult domain through which the train would pass. The steam locomotives along with all others provide a shining living heritage.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railways provided an outstanding example of the influence of ingenious transportation on the socio economic development of the region.
 DHR was ground breaking and outstanding in this case. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was thus very aptly given the status of World Heritage Site by the UNESCO on 5th December 1999.
Remarkably it also served as model for similar developments in the world. The development of the railways in the 19th century at such difficult terrains had an overwhelming impact on the social and economic development in many parts of the world.
Not much has been changed in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways. The track has been extended to New Jalpaiguri from Siliguri. And now the trains are run mostly by diesel engines and not the erstwhile steam engines ,But steam engine runs on special occasions and from Darjeeling to Ghum via the Batasia Loop (called the Joy Ride).
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Darjeeling Himalayan Railway - West Bengal – India

Thursday 8 May 2014

Batasia means airy space. the As you stand on one side of the garden and see the toy train making a complete loop while hooting its whistle along the way and trying to negotiate the spiral track with a double loop, it's a fabulous experience. There are seating areas as well to enjoy the views. The entire area along with the gardens and an approach bridge that leads to the garden is about 50,000 square feet. It has been covered with grass and beautified with both seasonal and perennial flowers and shrubs. 
Batasia Loop was created by the British to counter such sharp descent. You won't even realize how the toy train actually descends by about 140ft as it completes the loop through a large circular area and on a gentle slope and then crosses its own track near the beginning of the loop through a tunnel below. It is considered as one of the greatest engineering feats.
The Batasia Loop is the last of the loops on this rail-route and is certainly the most beautiful as it's the highest of all loops on this track and offers great views of the Darjeeling Hills, Valley, City and the Kanchenjunga Mountain Range at a distance.
The weather at the Batasia Loop is wonderful as its chill and sunny and windy with sudden, occasional drizzles, which is a wonderful hilly experience that all Darjeeling tourists experience on their way up in the Toy Train.
This is definitely the best place to enjoy a 360 degree view of Darjeeling’s exquisite landscape including the hill town. One can also have a look at the snow covered peaks of the Eastern Himalayas combined with the majestic Kanchenjunga on one side. This together with beautiful garden with flowers around makes for an exquisite view for all.
Reach Batasia loop at nine in the morning and you'll see the most amazing spectacle ever - shopkeepers with their little makeshift stalls and curio-spreads on the railway lines wrap up their business with superb agility and speed as the Toy Train arrives to traverse this little loop.
This war memorial was constructed by the zilla sainik board, Darjeeling in memory of brave gorkha soldiers of Darjeeling hills who have laid down their lives for the country in all wars and operations since independence.
There is also an Eco Garden in Batasia. It provides a lot of information about organic farming and plantations in Darjeeling.
At the center of the Batasia Loop is the War Memorial . This was opened in 1995 to commemorate the Gorkha soldiers of the Darjeeling Hills who sacrificed their lives in various wars after India's independence.
On a clear day, the Batasia Loop renders clear views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
How to Reach 
Nearest Railway Station to Batasia Loop: Ghoom Railway Station (2 kms).
Nearest Bus stand & Jeep stand to reach Batasia loop: outside Ghoom Railway Station (2 kms).
Nearest Airport to get Batasia Loop: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri (80 kms).
Book your  Batasia Loop holidays with our affiliate partner Booking.com

Batasia Loop – Darjeeling - West Bengal – India

Tuesday 6 May 2014

Dandi Beach is a famous weekend get-away located near the city of Surat. Beach is known for the sea view and Mahatma Gandhi Freedom March Destination with monument and a park. 
It is more like a natural beach with soft sand. The weather stays partly cloudy in the morning. Two monuments of Mahatma Gandhiji are placed in Dandi Beach to express the importance of Dandi Beach in the history of India. One monument is like the India gate commemorating the success of Gandhi breaking the salt law. The next monument is the statue of Gandhi holding the saline mud. 
The scenic beauty combined with its rich history make it a favorite among all tourists visiting this place.
The ideal time to visit the Dandi Beach is between the months of November and March. 
How to Reach
By Air: Various domestic flights connecting metros and other major cities are operational from the Surat Airport.
By Road: Surat lies 234 km from Ahmedabad, 131km from Vadodara, and 297 km from Mumbai. Bus stations, both ST  and private, are on the eastern edge of the city.
By Rail: Train stations are also on the eastern edge of the city.

Dandi,Gujarat,India

Monday 5 May 2014

Suvali Beach is one of Surat's best urban beaches along the Arabian Sea. It is located near the village of Suvali in the Hazira suburb, about 25 kms from Surat city center. 
The beach is of great historic significance as it was considered to be the gateway for the East India Company in India. 
Suvali Beach, with its quiet ambience and black sands, has witnessed many events that has shaped our country's history. It had been an arena for the Battle of Swally between the British and Portuguese in 1612. It is also considered as the birthplace of modern Indian Navy. 
Suvali Beach is cleaner and less crowded than all of Surat's beaches. It has been hailed as one of India's cleanest beaches.
Visitors can spend their time walking along the rocky sands of Suvali Beach as it has a calming and mood changing effect. It is a perfect one-day-picnic spot for families and a must-visit place for people who seek solitude. 
How to Reach
By Air:  Various domestic flights connecting metros and other major cities are operational from the Surat Airport.
By Road: Surat lies 234 km from Ahmedabad, 131 km from Vadodara, and 297 km from Mumbai. Bus stations, both ST and private, are on the eastern edge of the city.
By Rail: Train stations are also on the eastern edge of the city.

Suvali,Gujarat,India

Sunday 4 May 2014

Located at an altitude of 11,941ft in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, Sandakphu is popularly known as a ‘Trekkers Wonderland’. Offering the best of the views of the Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu, it has got all the reasons to be known such! Showcasing a diverse range of flora and fauna, contrasting views of snow-clad peaks and evergreen forests, it is also the highest point of West Bengal. 
 This place is known as the best trek destination in Darjeeling Himalaya.
 Sandakfu offers awe-inspiring view of surrounding valleys and hills to its visitors
The grandeur of snow capped mountains, battalions of colorful wild flowers like primulas, rhododendron, magnolias, orchids and many other sub-alpine flowers, the melodic chirp of birds filling the air and the fresh green smell.soaking in all of this would definitely elate all your senses. Of course you will have to make an effort and trek uphill to experience this ‘top of the world’ feeling but we assure you it is definitely worth all the effort.
Sandakphu boasts of magnificent sights of Mt Kanchenjunga as well as Mt Everest.The place is also known its lovely sunrises and sunsets.
Sandakphu is the highest peak of the Singalila Ridge and the entire state of West Bengal; no doubt you shall witness the most visually stimulating view from here.
Sandakphu offers tourists an opportunity to relish the incredible beauty of Eastern Himalayas. The place receives snowfall in late December to early February. Covered under the blanket of white snow, Sandakphu surely looks mesmerizing.
In Sandakphu, the temperature varies between -20°C in winter and 15°C in summer. The best time to visit the place is between March and October, when weather is extremely pleasing.
How to Reach 
By Air :
 Two hours flight from New delhi. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate tri-weekley and daily flights to Bagdogra (siliguri) respectively.
By Train :
 A 24 hr. journey. The Prestigious Rajdhani Express beside other fast trains run on a regular basis to New Jalpaiguri , the nearest Railhead.
Bus services are available from Darjeeling, via Sukhiapokhri, to Maneybhanjan. The distance of 24.5 km. is covered in about an hour's time. From here, the 28-km. trek to Sandakphu takes 10 to 12 hours. Land Rovers are also available for a trip from Darjeeling to Sandakphu. But the five-hour ride on a rocky terrain is extremely uncomfortable, and hence the trekking route is the more favored one.
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Sandakphu- West Bengal – India

Friday 2 May 2014

Dumas Beach is an urban beach along the Arabian Sea located 21 kilometres South West of Surat City in Indian state of Gujarat. 
One of the most characteristic features of the Dumas beach is that the sand that you’ll find here is unlike most of the other beaches you’ll find in India.
Apart from the beach, places of interest at Dumas including the Dariya Ganesh Temple located adjacent to the main beach. Places around Dumas beach offer a myriad of tasty and inexpensive street food.
Dumas Beach provides a picturesque scenery and is a great place to hangout with family and friends. The atmosphere around the beach cool where people gather to enjoy amidst their busy lives.
September to February is best time to visit the Beach.
How to Reach
By Air: Various domestic flights connecting metros and other major cities are operational from the Surat Airport.
By RoadSurat lies 234 km from Ahmedabad, 131km from Vadodara, and 297 km from Mumbai. Bus stations, both ST and private, are on the eastern edge of the city.
By Rail: Train stations are also on the eastern edge of the city.

Dumas,Gujarat,India