Rikisum

Rikisum is a newly discovered tourist place located 13 km from Lava. It is a picturesque hamlet offering some of the best and spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The nameless villages, lush green forests, foggy clouds and small wooden houses make Rikisum an ideal place to spend a lazy weekend. Apart from the pristine natural beauty of Rikisum the other attractions of the place include ruins of the ancient British bungalow, the Elaichi farms and the Ramitey View Point.

Rikisum

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. Trains are running from Kolkata and other cities of India to New Jalpaiguri. From there one can reach Kalimpong via Siliguri. Rikisum is 85 km from Kalimpong. Hired cars and buses are plying on this route.

Where to Stay

Rikisum Retreat. Tel: 9932775329. Tariff - Rs. 1800-2200.

Aritar

Aritar is a picturesque hamlet located in East Sikkim. Situated at an altitude of 4600 m, the prime attraction of this place is the Lampokhari or Aritar Lake. The lake is in a calm and serene environment surrounded by lush greenery and towering hills. One can also enjoy boating in the lake. A number of swans are seen in this lake which adds to its beauty. Every year a tourism festival is held here during the months of March-April. Another attraction of Aritar is the Mankhim Hilltop from where you can get a spectacular view of sunrise. Other attractions include the Dak Bungalow and Aritar Gumpha.

Aritar

How to Reach

The nearest railway station from Aritar is New Jalpaiguri. New Jalpaiguri has good connectivity with Kolkata and other parts of the country. Auto rickshaws are plying from New Jalpaiguri to Siliguri. Hired cars are available from there to reach Aritar directly. You can also reach Aritar by service jeeps via Rangpo and Renok.

Where to Stay

Hotel Aditya. Tel: 9932487358. Tariff : Rs. 700-3000.
Lampokhari Village Resort. Tel: 9933187911. Tariff - Rs. 1000-3000.
Dadul Guest House. Tel: 9933195461. Tariff - Rs. 1000-1800.

Sandakphu

Sandakphu is the highest place in West Bengal. It is also the entry point to Singalila National Park. The view of the majestic Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other snow capped peaks is mesmerizing. Singalila National Park is home to various species of birds and animals including Blood Pheasant, Red Panda and Himalayan Black Bear. Sandakfu is ideal for trekking. The trek starts from Manebhanjan. The way to Sandakphu from Manebhanjan via Chitrey, Meghma, Tonglu, Tumbling, Gairibus, Kalapokhri, Bikebhanjan is extremely beautiful. A number of trekker's huts and other accommodation options are available. The Singalila National Park becomes red in colour due to the blooming of Rhododendron flowers during the month of May. Those who are unable to trek can travel the distance by Land Rover car or horse.

View of Snow Capped Peaks from Sandakphu

How to Reach

Nearest railway station from Sandakphu is New Jalpaiguri. Siliguri is easily accessible from New Jalpaiguri by auto rickshaws. You can reach Ghum from Siliguri by car. From there hired cars are available to reach Manebhanjan. Trek to Sandakphu starts from Manebhanjan. Car charges from Manebhanjan to Sandakfu is around Rs. 4000/-.

Where to Stay

Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council's Trekker's Hut is there at Gairibus and Sandakphu. For booking contact: Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, Ground Floor, Embassy Building, Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata - 700071. Tel: (033) 22821715. Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 400, Dormitory Rs. 100-150 per bed.
Hotel Exotica. Tel: 9733044512. Tariff - Rs. 400-700

Lepchajagat

Lepchajagat is a peaceful hill hamlet situated in North of West Bengal. The prime attraction of Lepchajagat is the impressive natural beauty. Located in a completely calm and noiseless environment, the place is surrounded by pine and dhupi forests. The Southern part of Lepchajagat is occupied by tea garden, eastern part by Tiger Hill and North-Western side by Mt. Kanchenjunga. The light breeze and scenic beauty will refresh your minds and soul. View of sunrise from top of the WBFDC Bungalow is spectacular. You can also visit Jorpokhari from Lepchajagat. Jorpokhari is home to the endangered Himalayan Newt.

Lepchajagat

How to Reach

The nearest station from Lepchajagat is New Jalpaiguri which enjoys good rail connectivity with other parts of the country. Siliguri is located very close to New Jalpaiguri. You can reach Ghum from Siliguri by Darjeeling bound buses or shared jeeps. Cars are available from Ghum to get to Lepchajagat.

Where to Stay

WBFDC Forest Bungalow. Tariff - Double Bed Suite Rs. 1700-2200, Non AC Four Bed Family Room (Non Attach Bath) Rs. 1500. Tel: 9434176898.

Suryalanka Beach

Suryalanka is a new and virgin sea beach in Andhra Pradesh. The beach is serene and not much frequented by tourists. The place is good for spending two or three days in solitude. One can spend time watching the colourful fishing boats in the sea. Bathing in the sea at Suryalanka is an unique experience. The view of sunrise from Suryalanka Beach is spectacular. You can also visit another offbeat sea beach Vodarevu by car or auto rickshaw.

Suryalanka Beach

How to Reach

The nearest railway station from Suryalanka beach is Bapatla on the Vijaywada-Chennai main line. Suryalanka Beach is 10 km from Bapatla.

Where to Stay

APTDC Suryalanka Beach Resort. Tariff - AC Double Bed Rs. 2200. Tel: (08643) 224616.