Tandrabung

Tandrabung is a small village situated at a distance of 22 km from Lava in West Bengal. The village is mostly inhabited by the Lepchas. The lush greenery, blue sky and colourful flowers make Tandrabung an ideal destination for nature lovers. Around 15 types of orchids are seen at Tandrabung. The best time for seeing orchids is from February to May. The main attraction of Tandrabung is the Lepchahut. Lepcha Museum is also worth a visit. Another important tourist spot of Tandrabung is the Dunga Falls which is 1 km from Lepchahut.

How to Reach

The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri which is well connected to various parts of the country. Cars are available from New Jalpaiguri to reach Kalimpong. Tandrabung is 27 km from Kalimpong.

Where to Stay

Lepcha Eco Hut. Tel: 9002108611. Tariff - Rs. 950. Food charges: Rs. 350 per head.

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is situated in the North East Indian state of Assam. Declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is located in the middle of the two rivers - Brahmaputra and Dhansari. The Kaziranga National Park spans over an area of 430 sq. km and is home to the famous One-horned Indian Rhinoceros. Apart from this, the park hosts 35 species of mammals, 491 species of birds and 27 reptile species. You can roam in the jungle either by car or elephant ride. The National Park remains open from November to April.

Indian Rhinoceros at the Kaziranga National Park

How to Reach

The nearest convenient railhead is Guwahati which enjoys excellent connectivity with the rest of the country. Kaziranga National Park is 217 km from Guwahati. Cars and buses are available from Guwahati to reach Kaziranga.

Where to Stay

Aranya Tourist Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 1500-3700. Tel: (03776) 262489.
Wild Grass Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 2500 (including meal). Tel: (03776) 262085.
Dhanshree Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1300-1900. Tel: (03776) 262501.

Jampui Hills

Jampui Hills is located in the North East Indian state of Tripura. It is situated at a distance of 250 km from Agartala. The place is well known for the production of high quality oranges. During October to December the orange trees are laden with fruits and the entire Jampui Hills look orange in colour. The highest peak of the Jampui Hills 'Betlingchhip' is around 3200 ft high. The view of sunrise and sunset from the hill is magnificent. The hill range has about 10 villages which are inhabited by the Lushai tribes. The excellent climate, lush greenery, charming landscapes and breathtaking views make Jampui Hills an attractive destination for the tourists.

Jampui Hills

How to Reach

The nearest airport is Agartala which is 250 km away. Direct bus services are available from Agartala to Jampui Hills.

Where to Stay

TTDC Eden Tourist Lodge. Tel: (03824) 238252.

Kuilapal

Kuilapal is an offbeat destination situated in Purulia district of West Bengal. Located at a distance of 18 km from Bundwan, the place is surrounded by forests of Sal, Teak and Mahua trees. There are a number of Santhal villages in and around Kuilapal. You can take a leisurely walk through the tribal villages in order to get a glimpse of their lifestyle.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Jhargram which is well connected to other parts of the country. Buses are plying from Jhargram to Kuilapal.

Where to Stay

WBFDC Forest Bungalow. Tel: (03252) 222604. Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 500.
For booking contact: DFO, Kangsabati Soil Conservation, Division-2, PO & District - Purulia.

Bunkulung

Bunkulung is a picturesque Himalayan village situated at a distance of 15 km from Mirik in West Bengal. Bunkulung is surrounded by majestic hills and cascading rivers. Nestled in the lap of nature, the village is mostly inhabited by the Limbus of Gorkha community. The lush green meadows, outstretching paddy fields, scores of ponds and mesmerizing greenery make the place immensely beautiful. The Balasun and Murmah Khola rivers flow by the side of this hamlet. There are 19 ponds of pisciculture project which add to the beauty of the location. The nearby tea gardens and factories are worth a visit. You may also visit the town of Mirik which hosts the famous Sumendu Lake. Adventure lovers can go for a short trek to the nearby villages.

Bunkulung

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri which enjoys excellent connectivity with the rest of the country. Siliguri is close to New Jalpaiguri. Bunkulung is 48 km from Siliguri. Hired cars are available from Siliguri to reach Bunkulung.

Where to Stay

Khim Khesang Homestay. Tariff - Rs. 300. Tel: 9932224074.

Amarkanan

Amarkanan is an offbeat jungle destination located in Bankura district of West Bengal. Situated at the foot of Koro Hill, this place is ideal for spending a day or two away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The main attraction of this place is the reserved forest. A river is flowing through this forest. Another attraction of Amarkanan is Sri Ram Krishna Seva Dal Ashram. You can also walk to the top of the hill. The scenery from the top is impressive. The Susunia Hill is also visible from here.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Durgapur which is well connected to other parts of the country. Amarkanan is 32 km from Durgapur. Buses are available from Durgapur to reach Amarkanan.

Where to Stay

You can stay at the Forest Bungalow. Tariff - Rs. 300. For booking contact Forest Department Office at Bankura.

Baijnath

Baijnath is a hill town located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. The town was once the capital of the Katyuri Kings who ruled the area from 7th-11th century AD. The main attraction of Baijnath is the famous Baijnath Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated at an elevation of 1234 m above sea level on the banks of the Gomti River. The river surrounds the temple complex on three sides. The beautiful view of the snow clad Himalayan peaks from the Baijnath Temple is another attraction.

Baijnath Temple

How to Reach

Baijnath is 19 km from Kausani. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam. Regular train services are available from other parts of the country to Kathgodam. Hired cars are plying from Kathgodam to Kausani. Buses and cars are available from Kausani to reach Baijnath.

Where to Stay

KMVN Tourist Resthouse. Tariff - 1050-2200. Tel: (05963) 250101.

Valley of Flowers National Park

The Valley of Flowers National Park is situated in the North Indian state of Uttarakhand, bordered by the neighboring countries of Tibet and Nepal. The park spreads across an area of 87.5 sq km and was declared as a national park in the year 1982. Ranging at an altitude of 3352 to 3658 meters above sea level, the Valley of Flowers National Park is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stunning landscapes and meadows covered with endemic alpine flora are the prime attractions of this national park. This high-altitude Himalayan valley hosts around 300 species of alpine flowers which appears as carpet against the snow capped mountainous background. Some rare and endangered animals including snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, red fox and musk deer are also residents of the Valley of Flowers National Park. The best time to visit the park is from July to September.

Valley of Flowers National Park

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, 276 km away. Hired cars are available from Rishikesh to reach Govind Ghat. Ghangaria is a 13 km trek from Govind Ghat. The Valley of Flowers National Park is another 3 km trek from the base camp at Ghangaria.

Where to Stay

The best place to stay is at Joshimath where there are a number of hotels and accommodation options.
GMVN Guest House. Tariff - Rs. 1300-2000. Tel: (01389) 222226.