Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary

Nameri National Park is located near the border of the Indian states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Situated on the banks of River Jiyabharali, the park covers an area of 200 sq km. The prime attraction of this national park is trekking through the forest. It is essential to have a guide with you while jungle trekking. Apart from wild animals, Nameri is also home to numerous species of birds. Animals usually sighted here includes deer and elephants. Tigers, leopards and bears are also seen in this national park.

Nameri National Park

How to Reach

The nearest railway station from Nameri is Guwahati. Buses and cars are plying from Guwahati to Tezpur. Hired cars are available from Tezpur to reach Nameri. Nearest airport from Nameri National Park is situated at Tezpur

Where to Stay

Nameri Eco Camp. Tel: 8420773373.
For more details contact Assam Tourism. Website: www.assamtourism.org

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is located in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. At a distance of 82 km from Chennai, Vedanthangal is one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in India. The sanctuary consists of a 60 hectare wide natural water body. Many local and migratory birds are seen at Vedanthangal during the winter months. A number of species of birds like Painted Stork, Open Billed Stork, Gray Pelican, Small Cormorant, Spot Billed Duck, Large and Little Egret, Pond Heron are seen here. The best time to visit Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is from October to February.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

How to Reach

The nearest railway station from Vedanthangal is Chengalpattu. This station lies on the Chennai Egmore-Villupuram branch line. Chengalpattu is 55 km from Chennai Egmore and Vedanthangal is 34 km from Chengalpattu. Chengalpattu is easily accessible by rail from various parts of the country.

Where to Stay

Vedanthangal Forest Resthouse. Tariff - Rs. 775.
For booking contact
Manager
Vedanthangal Forest Resthouse
Wildlife Warden
Forest Department, DMS Compound
Annasalai, Chennai - 600006
Tel: (044) 24321471.

Baranti

Baranti is a offbeat tribal village near Asansol in Purulia district of West Bengal. On one side of Baranti is Panchet Hill and on the other side is Biharinath Hill. Baranti river is flowing by the side of Muradi hill. A dam has been constructed on this river. The place is calm, serene and surrounded by forests of Sal, Piyal, Mahua and Teak trees. Every year, during winter, thousands of migratory birds visit the water reservoir created by the dam. Apart from wild rabbits and wild pigs, there are deers in Baranti hill. The view of sunset in the waters of the reservoir is amazing.

Baranti

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Muradi. Muradi is accessible from Adra and Asansol by train. Both the stations are well connected to Kolkata which in turn enjoys good connectivity with other parts of the country. Cars and rickshaws are available from Muradi station to Baranti.

Where to Stay

Baranti Wildlife and Nature Study Hut. Tel: 9830085483, 9330958926. Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 450.
Akashmoni Resort. Tel: 9831429956. Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 660-770.

Massanjore

Massanjore is beautiful tourist place situated close to Kolkata. The place is located in a peaceful and pollution free environment amid green hills and nature. The prime attraction of Massanjore is the Massanjore Dam built on River Mayurakshi. The dam was constructed in the year 1955 with assistance from the Government of Canada. This dam was constructed as a hydel power project with the motive to generate hydroelectric power. The view of the hills and surrounding forests along with the lake created by this dam is amazing. You can also take a leisurely walk to the nearby tribal village named Lampa. The village is well known for tribal handicrafts. Tilpara Barrage is another attraction near Massanjore.

Massanjore Dam

How to Reach

Siuri is the nearest railway station from Massanjore. Siuri enjoys good rail and road connectivity with Kolkata which in turn is well connected to other parts of the country. From Siuri, hired cars are available to reach Massanjore. You can also board Dumka bound buses from Siuri Bus Stand and disembark at Massanjore.

Accommodation

You can stay at the Mayurakshi Bhavan run by the irrigation department. For booking contact:
Deputy Secretary,
Irrigation Department,
Water Resource Development Building,
Salt Lake City,
Kolkata - 700091
Tel: (033) 23212259/5206
Youth Hostel is also a good place to stay at Massanjore. For booking contact:
Yuva Kalyan Office,
32/1 BBD Bag (South),
Kolkata - 700001
Tel: (033) 22480626

Tumbani

Tumbani (also spelled as Tumboni) is a tribal village situated in the border area of Jharkhand and West Bengal. At Tumbani, one can experience nature at its best in a rural setting with Brahmani river flowing on one side. Tumbani is flanked by Kalipahar Forest on one side and Patalpahari village on the other. You can also visit Moluti from here, where the famous Bengali Saint Bamakhyapa had spent his childhood.

Tumbani

How to Reach

Rampurhat is the nearest railway station. It is well connected to Kolkata by train. Auto rickshaws and jeeps are available from Rampurhat to get to Tumbani.

Where to Stay

Forest Bunglow at Tumbani. Contact: DFO, Siuri, Birbhum

Madikeri

Madikeri is a new, virgin and unexplored hill station situated in the state of Karnataka. Nestled in the Western Ghats at a height of 1230 m, Madikeri is ideal for those seeking to spend their holiday in solitude. The lovely weather of the place all through the year makes it attractive to tourists. Kaveri River is visible from here. The attractions include Raja's Seat, Madikeri Fort, Elephant Camp and Omkareshwara Temple. Abbey waterfalls is 8 km from Madikeri. You can also visit Talakaveri, the source of the Kaveri River.

Abbey Falls

How to Reach

Mysore is the nearest railway station from Madikeri. Distance between Madikeri and Mysore is 120 km. Bengaluru (140 km from Mysore) hosts an international airport with good air connectivity to major cities of the country and international destinations.

Where to Stay

KSTDC Hotel Mayura Valley View. Tel: (08272) 228387. Tariff - Rs. 2000-2800.
Hotel Chitra. Tel: (08272) 225372. Tariff - Rs. 750-1000.
Hotel Kaveri. Tel: (08272) 225492. Tariff - Rs. 900-1400.

Sangfung

Sangfung Organic Farm (also spelled as Sanfung) is located at the edges of Neora Valley National Park. At Sangfung one can witness terrace farming at its best. The farm has organic cultivable land for vegetables like peas, cabbages, cauliflowers etc. The daily food requirements are met by the farm owned local chicken poultry, dairy farm and honey cultivation centre. Sangfung is ideal for those who want to spend their weekend away from the hustle and bustle of city life. A one hour downhill trek from Sangfung Organic Farm will take you to Sangfung Waterfalls. This falls is the main source of the waters of Reshi river. The range of snow capped peaks can be seen from here. You can also visit Kolakham and Changey Falls.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri which is well connected to different parts of the country. Cars are available from Jalpaiguri to reach Lava. Sangfung Organic Farm is 4 km from Lava. You can also reach Sangfung directly from New Jalpaiguri by car.

Accommodation

Sanfung Organic Farm Home Stay. Tel: 9836077202. Tariff - Rs. 800 per head including food and lodging. There a total of 6 guestrooms at this home stay.

Bhandardara

Bhandardara is an offbeat hill destination on the Western Ghat of India. Bhandardara is located in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra at a height of 750 metre from sea level. The main attraction of this hill station is the serenity, lush greenery and the unparalleled beauty of nature. During rains when the clouds descend from the sky, the sight is truly spectacular and mesmerizing. Mt. Kalsubai, the highest peak of Sahyadri range is visible from Bhandardara. Other attractions of Bhandardara include Wilson Dam built on Pravara River, Arthur Lake, Ratangarh Fort, Umbrella Falls etc.

Arthur Lake

How to Reach

The nearest rail station from Bhandardara is Igatpuri which lies on the Howrah-Mumbai Main Line. Bhandardara is 42 km from Igatpuri. One can also reach Bhandardara from Mumbai by car.

Where to Stay

MTDC Holiday Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1100-3700.