GEOLOGIST JAY

Best places to see in Kalingpong in one day

Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, Kalingpong is a hill station in the West bengal state of India. With the majestic Kanchenjunga in its backdrop Kalingpong is well know for it’s picturesque landscape, Buddhist monasteries, adventure sports, folk music, and colonial architectures.

As per the Lepchas, Kalingpong means “Ridge where we play”. Kalingpong is situated over the ridge that connect two hills – Deolo and Durpin.
Once a trade route between India and Tibet, Kalingpong is well connected to rest of the country. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri junction (NJP) and nearest airport is Bagdogra. Kalingpong is well connected by motorable roads with Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Gangtok.
The best time to visit Kalingpong is between December to March. These hills recieves enoromous precipitation during the Monsoon season so it’s better to avoid the rainy season.

My journey began at NJP station. From NJP station I reached NBSTC bus depo and board the 6:30 AM bus. If you like you can rent a car or take a shared cab. It will take 2 hours and 30 minutes approximately to reach Kalingping.

After reaching Kalingpong I rented a taxi from the near by taxi stand for sightseeing in 1100/ rupees. If you go in a group then this will not be very expensive for you as all of you will share the rent. If you want to check in into a hotel then there are several good hotels near the bus stand.

Places To See in Kalingpong –

Deolo Park –

Deolo Park is situated at the top of the Deolo hills. This hill offers beautiful panoramic view of the majestic Kanchenjunga, Kalingpong town, and surrounding villages. You can enjoy paragliding in Deolo hills. The Deolo tourist lodge is located in the Deolo hills.

Entry fee – Rupees 10/ per person.

Kalingpong Science Center –

1 Km away from Deolo hills, it is a science and technology center in Kalingpong. Spread across 7 Km Kalingpong Science City houses a science observatory, 3D movie hall, and various scientific objects.

Entry Fee – Rupees 20/ per person

Hanuman Temple –

Situated near Deolo hill, it is one of the popular pilgrimage center in Kalingpong. This temple has a 30 feet tall statue of Lord Hanuman. There is also a Durga temple near the entrance. This place offers beautiful view of the majestic Kanchenjunga, Lava, and Kaffer hills.

Lord Buddha Statue and Park –

Another famous spiritual site is the Lord Buddha Statue and park. The park has several species of plants, and lord Buddha sitting in lotus pose at the center.

Zong Dhok Palri Monastery –

Also known as Durpin Monastery, it is the biggest monastery in Kalingpong. Durpin monastery consecrates by his holiness Dalai Lama. This monastery has sculptured walls, pillars, and ancient paintings. Durpin monastery has important religious significance because of the sacred Kangyur kept inside the monastery which was carried by his holiness Dalai Lama during his exile. From here one can see the beautiful snowcapped peaks of Kanchenjunga and the wonderful Teesta river.

Natural Interpretation Centre / Forest Museum –

Located on Rinkin Pong road, it is a popular museum in Kalingpong. This museum is famous for its dioramas – a 3D miniature of the different ecological life residing in Kalingpong area.

Pine view Nursery –

Located on Atisha road, Pine View nursery is a popular Cactus nursery and must visit tourist destination in Kalingpong. It is a private property and houses 1500 species of Cactus collected from around the globe. It has the largest collection of Cactus in entire Asia. Pine View nursery remains close on Sundays. You can visit the wonderful nursery on weekdays between 9AM and 5 PM.

Entry Fee – Rupees 20/ Per Person.

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7 Tips To Be A Green Traveler

Remember Earth is our only home. And, protecting our home is our duty. While traveling we hardly think about how our actions will harm the planet and ecology. If you are concerned about climate and want to make your trips more climate friendly then here are 7 easy steps you can follow to be a Green Traveler.

1. Board a train –

Sometimes the only way to reach somewhere is by flight. But if you are traveling within your country then there maybe trains. Flights emit more Greenhouse gases than trains, and since trains carry huge number of passengers in comparison to flight so boarding a train will be more ecofriendly than getting in flight.

2. Say No To Plastic –

Plastic is the biggest threat to environmental pollution – I think you’ll agree with me on that. Try no to use plastic water bottles, straws, and polythene packets while on a trip.

3. Take a walk –

While exploring the city, try to take a walk or rent a bicycle. This will be more climate friendly approach than taking a Taxi ride.

4. Sustainable Lodging –

Where you stay during your trip also plays an important role in being a green traveler. There are certified ecoresorts eco-resorts, hotels and Eco- lodges which supports conservation of environment and sustainable tourism.

5. Switch the lights off –

Just because you’re staying in a hotel and you will not have to pay the electricity bill, do not keep the lights or TV on when you go out to explore the city. In most of the big cities electricity is produced through fossil fuel energy

6. Don’t litter

I noticed people throwing plastic bottles, used tickets, wrappers etc while visiting tourist spots. Just because it’s not your home you shouldn’t take it for granted and litter anywhere.

7. Support Local Economy –

While on a trip buy products from local store which are no so well known. In this way you’ll be supporting a local family and local economy.

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Chepest Darjeeling Tour – Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling In 2 Days

In the foot hills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is a town in West Bengal state of India. With the mighty Kanchenjunga at its backdrop, Darjeeling is famous for its distinctive black tea, the narrow – gauge Darjeeling- Himalayan train also known as “Toy Train”, and the picturesque landscapes.

We began our journey from Kolkata. From Kolkata we reached New Jalpaiguri Station ( NJP) – the nearest railway station to Darjeeling. You can also take a flight to reach the nearest airport at Bagdogra in Siliguri.

You can get a rented car from outside NJP station or take a shared cab to reach Darjeeling. It may cost 250-300 rupees per head. If you’re in a group of 8 or 10 people then it’s better to rent a car.

There are two ways to reach Darjeeling – one is via Hillcart road and another is via Mirik.

Mirik is also a tourist attraction. If you take this route then you can visit the Pashupati market which is in Nepal, another tourist attraction is Mirik lake or Sumendu lake.

In our case we planned our trip through travel agent so after reaching NJP station we found our driver was waiting outside the railway station. There are numerous hotels in Darjeeling so you don’t have to worry about getting a room ( I’ll write down the contact information of travel agent and hotel in which we stayed, at the bottom of this article)

It took five hours to reach Darjeeling via Mirik so after checking in we decided to rest in our hotel room on that day. At evening we went to Chowrasta – which is less than 1 km from the hotel we stayed in and enjoyed music while sipping hot coffee.

Places to visit

1. Tiger Hill / Sunrise Point –

Our day began at 4 AM. As our trip was already booked so our guide took us to Tiger Hill to see the morning Sun rising above the horizon and the mermerizing view when the first rays of Sun falls on the high praks of the mighty Kanchenjunga.

Ticket Price – Rupees 50/ per person.

2. Batasia Loop –

While returning from Tiger Hills, we visited Batasia Loop. It is situated on the Hillcart roads. It takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Batasia from Darjeeling town. Batasia loop is the best place to get a 360 view of the hill town, the snow covered peaks of Himalayas, and the majestic Kanchanjunga. There is nice sitting arrangement in the floweing garden around which the narrow-gauge Toy train tracks are laid. Batasia loop was constructed during the British era as engineering requirment for the Toy train to be able to handle steep gradient. You can sit the garden a see the Toy train making a complete loop while hooting its whistle along the way.At the center of Batasia loop is the war memorial. This was opened in 1995 to commemorate the soldiers of Darjeeling Hills who made supreme sacrifices while fighting for the country.

Ticket Price – Rupees 20/ per person.

3. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park – Bengal Natural History Museum –

Also known as Darjeeling zoo, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a splendid enclosure in Darjeeling housing a wide variety of animals like – Barking Deer, Red Panda, Asiatic Black Bear, Royal Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Sambar Deer, Blue and Yellow Macaw, Leopard Cat, Pheasant and many more.

If you like to know about the fauna of Darjeeling and that of Bengal then you must pay a visit to the Bengal Natural History Museum.

Ticket Price – Rupees 60/ per person.

4. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute –

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was built to commemorate the success of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay. It comprises of residential schools for mountaineering students. Swiss style houses for Sherpa trainers, and a well stocked museum.

You’ll see mountaineering artifacts including personal gears and clothing of Tenzing Norgay. The equipments – ice axes, gloves, jackets, caps etc used by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary during 1953 expedition are also displayed in the museum.

5. Darjeeling Ropeway / Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car –

The best way to experience the panoramic view that Darjeeling offers is by taking a ride on the passenger cable car. From the cable car you can look at the picturesque valley below – The lush green tea gardens, river, waterfalls, and the snow covered peaks of majestic Kanchenjunga.

Ticket Price – Rupees 200/ per person + parking charge (around 300 for each vehicle)

6. Tea Gardens –

Darjeeling tea is one of the best quality tea in the world. There are several tea gardens in Darjeeling. Walking through a tea garden on the hill slope and seeing the tea processing is a very special experience.

You can take photographs standing among the tea plants with the valley in your back drop.

7. Japanese Temple and Peace Pogoda –

If you want to spend some time in peace and tanquility you must visit this place. Having a gleaming white two – storey building the peace pogoda is constructed in 1972.

The Japanese temple is situated in the same promises. Peace pogoda showcases four gold polished statues of lord Buddha and eight sandstone carvings.

8. Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park –

Also known as Barbotey Rock Garden. It is located approximately 10 kms away from Darjeeling town. Ganga Maya is another park located further down. The entire garden has been constructed by cutting rocks around a waterfall at different levels and making terraced seating arrangement.

Ticket Price – Rupees 20/ per person.

9. Mahakal Temple and Observatory Hill –

Observatory hill is located at the Mall area and is encircled by Mall road at its bottom. Mahakal temple is situated at the top of the observatory hill. Older people may find it difficult to climb the steep hill.

There are three gold plated icons in Mahakal temple and is said to have selfmanifested. The three icons stand for Bramha, Vishnu, and Maheswar. There are other temples like Sai Baba temple, Ram Temple at the hill top.

Mahakal temple depicts a combination of Buddhist and Hindu faith.

10. Chowrasta –

Situated over a ridge, Chowrasta is a popular street at the heart of the city. A vibrant hang out spot for both locals and tourists. Sitting on a bench in Chowrasta and sipping hot coffee while enjoying scenic beauty and music is once in a life time experience.

If you want to book your trip through travel agency then I am giving the contact information of a travel agency. It’s not a paid promotion, but my experience with this agency was awesome. They have attractive and cheap tour package for Darjeeling. (Somewhere between Rupees 3300 to 3500/ per person)

River Mountain Tourism.

Hillcart Road, SJDA market Complex.

Stall No – 38. Silliguri,

West Bengal

Amarjeet Poddar – 99326 25754

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Top 5 Tourist Places In Haflong

Haflong in Assam is situated 310 km from Guwahati. Also known as “White ant hillock” it is situated at an altitude of 680 m above sea level. Famous for its beautiful hills, landscapes, valleys, and mountains Haflong is ideal for a peaceful holiday. It is popular among campers and nature enthusiasts.

Haflong Hill –

Renowned for its majestic view of the mountain ranges Haflong hill is a major tourist attraction in Dima Hasao, Assam. Haflong is well connected to Guwahati and Silchar via bus, taxi, and train. Haflong hill is a dream destination for camping and trekking.

Haflong Lake –

Located at the heart of the hill station Haflong lake is a popular tourist spot. Thousands of migratory birds fly to this lake in winter season. This lake offers variety of leisure activities like boating, water sports etc.

Circuit House View Point –

6 km from Haflong town, circuit house is located atop a hill which offers beautiful scenic view of the Dimasa hills and the old train route. One can visit the spot in evening for a majestic view of nature.

Jatinga –

Famous for its bird suicide incidents Jatinga is located 9 km south to the Haflong town. It has been observed that during the month August and November birds of varied species die out of mysterious reason. This occurs during the dark, foggy nights. Scientist deciphered these incidents when they understood that the birds got hit by bamboos as they got attracted to the light of the village.

Samparidisa Eco Village –

18 km from Jatinga Samparidisa is a plastic free village. The village is the perfect example of sustainable ecotourism. Samparidisa has been decleared as one of the Swachh (Clean) villages of Assam by the state government. Sampardisa houses a gorgeous string of there waterfalls. Bendao Baglai – one of the highest waterfalls in Assam is located 3 kms from this village.

In Dimasa language “Bendao” means two sisters and “Baglai” means to jump. As per local beliefs, two sisters took their own lives by jumping from one of these three waterfalls. It is believed that the waterfalls got the name from this incident.

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Top 10 tourist places in Mizoram

Surrounded by the Lushai hills, located in the North-Eastern part of India, Mizoram is one of the seven sisters state.

Host of several high peaks, beautiful valleys, and numerous rivers Mizoram is one of the best tourist destinations in North – East India.

Here are the 10 wonderful tourist places in Mizoram :-

Vantawng Falls –

137 km from the capital city of Aizawl, Vantawng fall is the highest and most spectacular water fall in the state. Named after Vantawnga, the Vantawng fall is located in the Vana river.

Dampa Tiger Reserve –

Spread across 500 sq km, Dampa Tiger Reserve is the largest wild life sanctuary of Mizoram. Animals like Swamp Deer, Leopard, Elephant, and Hoolock Gibbon roam in this wild life sanctuary.

It is the home of several species of Bird, low altitude Galliformes, and Chloropsis. Dampa tiger reserve, located in Mamit district in western Mizoram is 127 km from Aizawl by road.

Phawngpui Peak –

Also known as the Blue Mountain, the Phawngpui Peak is the highest peak in Mizoram, towering about 2,157 meters high near the Myanmar border overlooking the Chhimtuipui river.

Sangau village, which is about 229 km from Aizawl is the closest settlement to Phawngpui. It is surrounded by sheer precipices and cliffs, of which Thlazuang Kham is the most spectacular one.

The breezy 10 km long ridge is a beautiful garden of Orchids and Rhododendrons. Phawngpui has been declared a National park covering an area of about 50 sq km.

Castle of Beino –

A mesmerizing rock formation that resembles a castle, the craftmanship of nature. Castle of Beino is located in Siaha district of Mizoram, set in the pristine river of Koladyne. The locals believe it to be a cursed castle and has mystical folklores surrounding it.

Reiek –

Located at a distance of 29 kms away from Aizawl, Reiek Tlang (1465m height) is an excellent view point overlooking panoramic views of Aizwal.

Khuangchera Puk –

Located in Ailawng, near Reiek, about 30 km from Aizwal is Khuangchera cave, it is named after Pasaltha Khuangchera – the legendary Mizo warrior who lived in this place in the late 19th century. Khuangchera cave is the second longest cave in Mizoram, with a length of 162 meters.

Tropic of Cancer –

Not many people are aware that the Tropic of Cancer passes through Mizoram. Aizwal city is located North of the Tropic of Cancer.The Tropic of Cancer is located in the Lungsai hamlet, 39 km from Aizwal city in between Aizwal and Hmuifang.

Hmuifang –

50 km to the south of Aizwal, still covered with virgin forest, the height of Hmuifang mountain is 1619 meters. Hmuifang tourist resort is located at the scenic peak of the mountain.

Tamdil lake –

Literally “Lake of Mustard”, Tamdil is situated near Saitual village about 87 km from the capital city of Aizwal. Excellent destination for boating.

Falkawn Village –

Located at a distance of 18 km to the south of Aizwal, it is a small village depicting the lifestyle and culture of typical Mizo village. Tourist can avail taxi or rent a car from Aizwal and reach Falkawn village. Entry fees is Rupees 20/- for adults and Rupees 10/- for children.

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Chandubi Lake – Lake that appeared after an Earthquake

Assam – the land famous for it’s lush green tea gardens is one of the seven sister states located in the North – Eastern part of India. It is the home of the one – horned Rhino and is also famous for it’s scenic beauty.

Chandubi lake is one of the many tourist attractions in Assam. It is the only tectonic lake in the North – Eastern region.

What is a tectonic lake ??

Tectonic lakes form due to warping or subsidence or bending or fracture of the Earth crust. The Caspian Sea is one of the example of a tectonic lake.

Chandubi lake is a natural lake located in the Rabha Hasong autonomous council of Kamrup district, Assam. 64 kms from the famous North-Eastern city Guwahati, Chandubi lake is connected to Guwahati by National Highway 37. Surrounded by Assam and Meghalaya, this lake is located at the foothills of the Garo hills.

How did the lake form?

On 12th June, 1897, at 5:15 PM local time, the Assam earthquake occured. The estimated moment magnitude of that devastating earthquake was 8.0. Damage extended to Calcutta (Now Kolkata) where dozens of buildings were badly damaged. The earthquake occurred on the Oldham fault- a south dipping fault near the northern edge of the Shillong plateau. The earthquake raised part of the northern edge of the Shillong plateau by 10 meters. An entire forest went down giving rise to the Chandubi lake.

The chief feature of this lake is its natural lagoon, that has been formed in the lake. Another attraction is the Chandubi festival in the first week of January every year. In this festival the locals perform their traditional dance, stalls offers local traditional foods. It is one of the best picnic spots in Assam.

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Sacred Heart Church

Hey everyone, how are you doing ? Let me know in the comments.

So, yesterday I took my mother out for dinner, before going to any restaurant we visited a very holy and sacred place – The Sacred Heart Church.

Sacred Heart Church, Chandannagar, Hooghly

Located in Chandannagar – once a French colony on the western bank of the Hooghly river – distributary of the holy Ganges, the Sacred Heart Church is over 200 years old catholic church. The church is said to be designed by renowned French architect Jacques Duchatz.

The Church has been designed in French style. Actually the Church was started by the Augustinian monks way back in 1688 but only later it was dedicated to the Sacred Heart Of Jesus. In front of the church a statue of Sacred Heart welcomes you.

The two century old church has an exeptionally beautiful white exterior and equally impressive interior. You can take photos in the church premises but to take photographs of interior you’ll have to take special permission.

How to reach ??

You can board any of the Howrah – Bandel local trains at Howrah junction in Kolkata and get off at Chandannagar station. From there hire Auto Rickshaw or E-Rickshaw that will take you to the Sacred Heart Church and Chandannagar stand – a beautiful place to spend some leisure moments sitting on the bank of Hooghly river.

Durgachourone Roquitte pavilion, the iconic landmark of Chandannagar Strand. Built in 1841, modelled on the Arc De Triomphe in Paris

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