Marine National Park

Marine National Park is located near Jamnagar in the Indian state of Gujarat. The park consists a total of 42 islands out of which only Narara island is connected with the mainland. The Marine National Park can be seen only during low tides. The park covers an area of 458 sq km hosting an awe inspiring range of sea animals and corals. A variety of sea animals like sea plover, starfish, sponge, sea cucumber, spider crab and puffer fish can be seen at Marine National Park. Corals and octopus are sometimes sighted in this park. Different species of birds are also seen here.

Marine National Park

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Jamnagar which is well connected with other parts of the country. Marine National Park is 60 km from Jamnagar.

Where to Stay

There are no options for accommodation at Marine National Park. It is best to stay at Jamnagar.
Hotel Rajmahal. Tariff - Rs. 700-1300. Tel: (0288) 2670786.
Hotel Aaram. Tariff - Rs. 1500-6000. Tel: (0288) 2551701.
RK Guest House. Tariff - Rs. 500-900. Tel: (0288) 2562209.

Murud Harnai Beach

Murud-Harnai is an offbeat sea beach located in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. The beach is dotted with palm and coconut trees. Apart from the beautiful and scenic sea beach, the ancient Durga Devi Temple is the main attraction of Murud Harnai. Suvarnadurg, a fort which was constructed by Shivaji is situated close to Murud-Harnai and is worth a visit. You can also take a boat ride to watch dolphins from Murud.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Khed. Khed is connected with Mumbai which in turn is well connected to other parts of the country. Murud-Harnai is 25 km from Khed.

Where to Stay

Palm Village Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1000-1800. Tel: (02358) 234644.
Lotus Resort. Tariff - Rs. 4000-6000. Tel: (02358) 234828.
Kamats Beach Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1200-2000. Tel: (02358) 234526.

Todey Tangta

Todey and Tangta are two small hill hamlets situated in North of West Bengal. The two villages are located close to the India-Bhutan Border. Both Todey and Tangta were famous for cardamom production. But recently, the yield has declined heavily due to a widespread fungal disease of the plants. There is a monastery at Todey. The beautiful Rachella Peak is situated close to Tangta and is worth a visit. One can reach Rachella after six to eight hours of climbing from Tangta.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri which enjoys excellent connectivity with other parts of the country. You can reach Bindu by hired car from New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri. Todey is easily accessible from Bindu. Tangta is a 3 hours trek from Todey village.

Where to Stay

Home stay accommodation options are available at Todey and Tangta.
At Bindu, you can stay at WBTDC Nature Resort. Tel: (03564) 255004. Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 1400.

Mandla

Mandla is a heritage town located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The town is situated in a loop of the River Narmada which surrounds it on three sides. There is a 705 m long bridge over the river from where tourists can get a view of the pilgrims bathing in the waters of Narmada river. The prime attraction of Mandla is the Mandla Fort which was constructed during the reign of the Gond dynasty. The fort which is located on the bank of Narmada River is now ruined due to lack of proper maintenance. Another attraction near Mandla is the palace at Ramnagar. The glass works of this palace is worth seeing. You can also visit Ranimata Forest, 7 km from Mandla.

How to Reach

The most convenient railway station near Mandla is Jabalpur. Jabalpur enjoys excellent connectivity with the rest of the country. Mandla is 90 km from Jabalpur.

Where to Stay

MPTDC Tourist Motel. Tariff - Rs. 890-1290. Tel: (07642) 260599.

Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary

Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the foothills of Maikal Hill in Chhattisgarh. The forest consists of Sal, Saja, Tinsa, Bamboo and other trees. There are tribal villages surrounding the forest. Spanning over an area of 553 sq km, the sanctuary is home to tigers, leopards, wild buffalo, bison, chital, barking deer etc. Numerous species of birds are also seen in this forest. Jungle safari is conducted in this sanctuary two times a day - once in the morning and once in the evening. Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary remains open from November to June.

Tigers at Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Bilaspur which is very well connected with the rest of the country. Cars are available from Bilaspur station to reach Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Where to Stay

There is a forest bungalow at Achanakmar. For booking contact: DFO, Bilaspur Division, Chhattisgarh.

Champawat

Champawat is a beautiful valley situated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is located at an altitude of 1615 m above sea level. The place was formerly the capital of the Chand dynasty rulers. There are a number of temples in and around Champawat but most of them are in bad condition due to lack of maintenance. The most notable attraction of Champawat is the Baneshwar Temple. The fort constructed by the Chand rulers is also worth seeing. Maneshwar Shiva Temple is 9 km from Champawat. A hot water spring is located beside the temple.

Champawat

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Kathgodam. Champawat is 174 km from Kathgodam. Hired cars are available from Kathgodam to reach Champawat.

Where to Stay

KMVN Tourist Resthouse. Tel: (05965) 230030. Tariff - Rs. 900.
Hotel Mount View. Tel: (05965) 230220. Tariff - Rs. 600-900.
Hotel Akashdeep. Tel: 9568510275. Tariff - Rs. 1000-1200.
Hotel Tewari. Tel: (05965) 230219. Tariff - Rs. 900-1100.