Junagadh

Junagadh is a historical town in the Indian state of Gujarat. The city lies at the foot of the Girnar hills at a distance of 376 km from Ahmedabad. The main attraction of the place is the Junagadh Fort which was originally built in 319 BC. The ancient Buddhist caves and the huge, fifteen feet cannon is really worth seeing. Another place of tourist interest is the Girnar Hill. One has to climb around 10,000 steps in order to reach the top of the hill. Various Jain temples are situated atop the hill. Damodar Kund, built in 500 AD, is a sacred bathing tank which lies a km away from the foot of the Girnar hill. Other attractions in Junagadh include Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, Science Museum, Willingdon Dam and Damodarji Temple.

Damodar Kund

How to Reach

The railway station at Junagadh is well connected to Ahmedabad which in turn enjoys excellent connectivity with the rest of the country. Buses are also available from Ahmedabad to reach Junagadh.

Where to Stay

Hotel Girnar
Tel: 9727723944

Bhalukpong

Bhalukpong is a small town located in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The town is 52 km from Tezpur and serves as an entry point to Arunachal Pradesh. Situated at an altitude of 7000 ft above sea level, Bhalukpong is blessed with scenic natural beauty. The prime attraction of Bhalukpung is the Tipi Orchidarium which hosts an amazing collection of 300 species of orchids. Kameng river flows by the side of the town. Opportunities for various adventure sports such as trekking, hitch hiking, angling and river rafting make the destination more popular among tourists. The banks of the picturesque Kameng river is a great picnic spot too. You may also visit the Sesa Orchidarium, 24 km from Tipi Orchidarium which hosts a mind blowing collection of around 80 species of orchids.

Bhalukpong

How to Reach

Guwahati is the nearest major railhead which is well connected to the rest of the country. Bhalukpong is 230 km from Guwahati. Cars and buses are available from Guwahati to reach Tezpur. Bhalukpong is located at a distance of 52 km from Tezpur.

Where to Stay

Arunachal Tourism Forest Guest House. Tel: (03782) 234424.

Lulung

Lulung is a beautiful tourist destination situated in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. The place is located on the outskirts of Simlipal National Park and is surrounded by dense forests of Sal, Mahua, Devdaru and other trees. Lulung is located on the bank of a tributary of River Palpala with perennial water flow. The lush green hill slopes, crystal clear river water and soothing peace and calmness make the place an ideal picnic spot. You can also take a stroll to the nearby Sitakund Waterfalls. The scenic beauty of the small waterfalls and a gorge filled with water is quite attractive for tourists.

Lulung

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Balasore which lies on the Howrah-Chennai main line. Baripada is easily accessible from Balasore by hired cars and buses. It takes about an hour and a half to reach Baripada from Balasore. Lulung is 38 km from Baripada.

Where to Stay

OTDC Aranya Nivas. Tariff - Rs. 850.

Samabeong

Samabeong is the latest addition to tea tourism destinations in Darjeeling district of West Bengal. The tea estate was established in the year 1882 with the British as its pioneers. After India's independence, the ownership pattern changed and the estate suffered a series of losses, mismanagement and instability and finally it was abandoned. In 1990, Samabeong Tea Estate was acquired by a new company which showed a ray of hope among the tea workers and their family. The Samabeong Tea Garden is situated at an altitude of 6500 ft with lush green tea plantations covering the gentle slopes of the area. The natural beauty of Samabeong is mesmerizing. Due to lack of publicity, the place is still unexplored and unspoiled. Various kinds of birds and butterflies are also seen at Samabeong.

How to Reach

The nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri which enjoys good connectivity with the rest of the country. Hired cars and shared jeeps are plying from Siliguri (close to New Jalpaiguri) to Lava. Samabeong is 8 km from Lava. Shared jeeps and cars are available from Lava to reach Samabeong.

Where to Stay

The Last Mile. Tariff - Rs. 3000-5400.

Pakke Tiger Reserve

Pakke Tiger Reserve is situated in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The forest lies at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and covers an area of 862 sq km. There are about 27 villages in and around the jungle which are inhabited by the tribal people. Around 60 species of mammals including tiger, elephant, clouded leopard, hog deer, wild dog, capped langur, sambar and Himalayan black bear are residents of the Pakke Tiger Reserve. The Pakke Tiger Reserve is also home to 296 species of birds. The forest is well known for the sightings of the Great Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill and Rufous-necked Hornbill. Other birds seen at Pakke include white-winged wood duck, yellow-vented warbler, barbet, fish eagle and black-tailed crake.

Pakke Tiger Reserve

How to Reach

The nearest major railway station is Guwahati which enjoys excellent rail connectivity with other parts of the country. Pakke Tiger Reserve is 230 km from Guwahati. Hired cars are available from Guwahati to reach Pakke Tiger Reserve.

Where to Stay

Forest Guest House. Contact: DFO, Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve, Seijosa, East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh. Tel: (03778) 200014.
Pakke Jungle Camp. Tariff - Rs. 3500 (for two persons including food and stay).