Easy Tourist Guide

Bhalukpong is a relatively new tourist destination in Arunachal Pradesh and is ideal for hikers, rafters, anglers, wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurers. Rafting and angling on the banks of Kameng River makes Bhalukpong an ideal destination for adventure sports. It is one of those destinations of nort-east India which has something to offer for every tourists. Bhalukpong is one of those unexplored destination of north-east India which has the potential to become a popular tourist destination.

Where is Bhalukpong?

Bhalukpong is located in West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is close to Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border and is 60 km north of Tezpur.

About Bhalukpong

The tiny town of Bhalukpong situated on the bank of the river Jia Bhoroli, lies amongst the eastern Himalayan ranges and is known for its unique natural beauty. It has a number of picnic spots along the banks of the Kameng River. The place is encircled by mystic blue hills and evergreen forests. The sandy beaches of Jia Bhoroli River attract thousands of tourists to Bhalukpong, every year.

Fish angling and river rafting are the principal tourist activities in Bhalukpong. Jia Bhoroli is ideal for rafting. The fast current of this river adds a different excitement to rafting. It is always pleasant & thrilling to raft down the Jia Bhoroli river in a rubber dinghy amidst the verdant green and serene surroundings.
Adventure seekers can enjoy fishing and angling along different stretches of Kameng River. There is excellent scope of fishing mahsheer in the Jia Bhoroli River near Bhalukpong.
Bhalukpong is worth a visit at the time of the Nyethidow festival in March

In and Around Bhalukpong

The Orchid Research Center at Tipi, 3 km from Bhalukpong, is an interesting place to visit.

The best time to visit this center is between April and May, when one can see the exotic orchid
collection in full bloom. The Orchidariurm houses over 2600 cultivated orchids from 80 different species.
Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Bhalukpong and spreads across an area of 862 sq Km. Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary inhabits Bengal tiger and the great pied hornbill and some endangered birds such as white winged wood duck. Dark deep green forests and little rivulets dominate the sanctuary. Other animals found here are elephants, gaurs, sambhar, binturong, leopard, peacock pheasant and Kalij pheasant.

How to Reach Bhalukpong?

By Air - Nearest airport is at Tezpur. From here one can hire bus or car to reach Bhalukpong. Which is at a distance of 60 Km.
By Rail - Nearest railhead is at Rangapara which is on the Misamari-North Lakhimpur railway line. Arunachal Express runs through this station. From here one can hire bus or car to reach Bhalukpong at a distance of 60 Km.
By Road – Bus or car can be taken from Tezpur to reach Bhalukpong.

Where to Stay?

Inspection Bungalow (PWD) 03782-34424
Guest House(FCD) 03782-34424
Forest Guest House 03782-34478

Mongpong, situated on the bank of the mighty Teesta River is a delightful tourist destination presenting exquisite view of the vast Teesta basin and Mahananda Sanctuary. Tourists from around the world throng here almost throughout the year to witness the mightiness of the Teesta River as it liberates itself at Mongpong after remaining caged by steep rocks throughout its 200 odd Km journey from the snow-capped mountain of Sikkim.

Where is Mongpong?

A quarter hour drive from Siliguri on NH31 via Sevok will take you to Mongpong, which is the gateway of dooars.

About Mongpong

Mongpong provides a mesmerizing landscape of the Eastern Himalayas. On the lofty banks of Teesta under the floating clouds is the panoramic view of Mahananda wild life sanctuary. The sight of flickering ripples in the Teesta in a moonlit night will take one to the world of sublime dream.

Mongpong although is a very small place having few shops, huts and a forest check post, but is not short of natural beauty. The beautifully built forest rest house among the tall Sal forests overlooking the Teesta River is an ideal place for holidaying and relaxing amidst natural surroundings. The call of beetles and cricket on a pitch dark night glittered with numerous fireflies offers a real wild feeling.
The solitude of the place and vastness of the surroundings is certain to create the feeling of how tiny we are in comparison to the vast nature.

In and around Mongpong

Mongpong is strategically located and serves as the gateway of Dooars. There are various scenic and picturesque spots in Dooars which are extremely popular among tourists. Some of them are Chalsa, Murti, Bindu, Jhalong, Gorumara, Chapramari, Madarihat, Holong and many more.
Tourists can also visit Kalimpong, Kurseong, Lava, loleygaon from here. All of these places are at a higher altitude than Mongpong and are popular tourist destinations.

How to reach Mongpong?

By Air - Bagdogra is the nearest airport at a distance of 40 Km.
By Rail – New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station at a distance of 35 Km.
By Road - All buses to the Dooars (Malbazar, Chalsa, Alipurduar) go via Mongpong. Better still is to hire a car from New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri or Bagdogra.

Where to stay at Mongpong?

West Bengal Forest Development Corporation run Wilderness Resort, is the most ideal place to stay at Mongpong. The cottage premise is embedded in the middle of plantation of sal and segun trees by the side of Teesta River.
For Booking Cottages of West Bengal Forest Development Corporation contact :-
West Bengal Forest Development Corporation
6-A Raja Subodh Mullick Square
Arya Mansion, 7th Floor
Kolkata–700013
Phone – 033-22370060/61

Traveling to the historical city of Orcha founded by the Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra Pratap is a real rewarding experience. The historical monument of the medieval city of Orcha is a unique travel destination where history is etched in stone. Over the years, Orcha has become one of the preferred destinations for tourists who want to experience the rich cultural heritage of India. Temples and palaces of this medieval city are true symbols of Indian artistry and architecture that are far ahead of its contemporary and are objects of awe for the rest of the world.

Where is Orcha?

Orcha is a town in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh state, India. Situated on the banks of River Betwa, Orcha lies in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh.

About Orcha

The medieval city of Orcha was once the capital of the Bundela rulers. The historical monuments still retain their pristine medieval charm, narrating stories of its glorious past, every bit of which is a cherishable experience to the tourists.
Orcha has a series of magnificent temples, dating back to the 17th century. They are still in use today and visited regularly by thousands of devotees.
Apart from the rich history, the place is also noted for its scenic beauty and the crystal clear waters of the river Betwa, which adds charm to the place. Moreover Bundela architecture, which is a curious synthesis of Rajput and Mughal styles, has its own significance and beauty.

In and Around Orcha

Orcha fort complex – The main tourist attraction of Orcha is the Orcha fort complex, located on an island on River Betwa, having a number of palaces within it. Orcha’s fort complex is approached by tourists through a multi-arched bridge, and houses three palaces set in an open quadrangle.

Jehangir Mahal - Situated within the fort complex is the exceedingly beautiful Jehangir Mahal which is the most visited monument in Orcha. The palace was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orcha. The main tourist attraction of the palace is the two statues of bowed elephants right at the entrance.

Raj Mahal palace - Situated to the right of the quadrangle within the fort complex, this palace was built by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo. The palace is noticeable for its plain exteriors and interiors depicting religious themes.

Rani Praveen Mahal Palace – This palace was built by King Indramani in the 17th century. It is said that he built it for his love Rai Parveen who was an exceptionally talented poetess and a musician. The palace is only two floor high and was built this way to match with the height of trees in the area. Visitors can get scintillating views of nearby gardens of Anand Mahal and the Octagonal flower garden.

Ram Raja Mandir - This palace-turned-temple is surely one of the most unusual in India and an important tourist attraction as it is the only temple in India where Ram is worshipped as a king.
Chaturbhuj temple – This temple is situated on a gigantic stone was the original destination of the idol of Lord Ram, but later, statue of Lord Vishnu was established. The temple houses a huge assembly hall for the devotees.

The Laxminarayan temple – This temple is a unique blend of temple and fort architecture. It was built in the year 1622 A.D. by Vir Singh Deo. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi. The frescoes within this temple depict social and secular themes. These frescoes have retained their vibrant colors, in spite of being hundreds of years old and fascinate every tourist visiting the temple.

Sunder Mahal palace – The palace almost in ruin today, is still a place of pilgrimage for Muslims. Dhurjban son of Jhujhar, embraced Islam when he wed a Muslim girl at Delhi. He spent the latter part of his life in prayer and meditation and came to be revered as a saint.

Phool Bagh is laid out as a formal garden, testifying to the refined aesthetic qualities of Bundelas. This garden has fountains, pavilions and ingenious water ventilation system.

The Shahid Smarak commemorating the martyrdom of Chandrashekhar Azad, the great freedom fighter, is an important place to visit.

How to Reach Orcha?

By Air – Nearest airports is Gwalior (125Km). Flights from Delhi and Bhopal are regular to Gwalior.
By Rail – Nearest rail station is at Jhansi (16 km), on the Mumbai – Delhi and Delhi – Madras main lines. All major mail and express trains stop at Jhansi.
By Road - Orcha lies on the Jhansi – Khajuraho road. Regular bus services connect Orcha with Jhansi. Orcha is also well connected with Delhi, Gwalior, Agra, Bhopal and Varanasi via regular bus services.

Where to Stay at Orcha?

The Orcha Resort (07680 – 252222 /23 /24)
Amar Mahal Hotel (07680-252102 / 252202)
Sheesh Mahal (07680-252624 / 252624)
Betwa Retreat (07680-252618 / 252618)
Bundelkhand Riverside Retreat (07680-252612 / 252612 / 252332)
Ganapati Guest House (07680-252765 / 252765)

Aritar or Arhitar is a relatively new and an off-beat tourist destination of east Sikkim which has not been exploited by the tourists yet. This new destination has the potential to be a great tourist destination in the future. Aritar offers the most spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range including Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Makalu, Mount Pandim, Mount Sinoulchu, etc. Initiative taken by the Sikkim Government is turning Aritar into a fast developing tourist hot spot. This new tourist destination of Sikkim has all the potential to become a tourist hot spot in coming days.

Where is Aritar?

Aritar is located in East Sikkim of India, under Rongli sub division. It is about 120 Km from Siliguri and 63 Km from Gangtok.

About Aritar

Situated at an altitude 4600 ft (1,400 m), Aritar is an ideal destination for tourists interested in spending a night or two in the cool ambience of nature by the side of a lake. Aritar offers the experience that is wholly Sikkimese amidst the unique blend of ethnic and modern comforts without letting the aura of nature abandon you. Aritar Lake also known as “Lam Pokhari” is the chief attraction for the tourist where, for the first time in Sikkim, the boating facilities have been introduced. Sikkim government and its tourist department are doing its bit to make it a tourist’s paradise. There are newly constructed viewpoints, cafeteria, lodges etc for the tourists. A night spent in an old British built Bungalow located half kilometer from the lake is an enthralling experience for the tourists.

Sightseeing in and around Aritar

Aritar Gumpa – It is a monastery of the Kagyuapa order, and is considered as one of the holiest and oldest in Sikkim. The tourist’s can relinquish the tranquil air and glimpse the splendor of monastic arts reflected in it’s traditional architecture, carved & painted murals and treasures of manuscripts and icons. Aritar Gumpa or Aritar monastery is one of the prime tourist attractions.

Dak Bungalow – It is popularly known as Ari-Bangla and is an old British bungalow built by Sir James Claude White (First political officer of Sikkim during British rule in India) in the year 1895. This has been converted as hotel and resort and staying here is an experience of a lifetime.
‘Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir – It is the most respected shrine with picturesque landscape, where thousands of devotees throng for the blessing and participate during the month of “SAWAN” to offer water and sip the sacred water from a sacred vessel. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva enjoys a unique beautiful location.
Mankhim Dara – Mangkhim, a temple of the Rai sect of Hindu origin is located at a height of 6500 ft at Maity Village (Kheselakha). Hattipailay is another virgin village where the visitors can see elephant foot prints on rocks.
Nirmal Dham – Situated about 5 Km from Rhenock Bazaar, it is the ashram of Nirmal Guruji, also known as Kopchey Baba, renowned for his miraculous healing power, which has attracted hundreds of visitors from all over India and neighboring countries as well.

Phushrey Lake – This is another lake and is located few kilometers uphill from Aritar in an isolated jungle. Tourists can trek to this lake enjoying the scenic trees on the way. The place offers sights of jungle orchids, view of splendid giant mountains and gives the feeling of being close to nature.
Ever Green Nursery & Ram Gauri Sangrhalaya - Located at Rhenock Bazaar, the nursery and museum is privately owned and has drift wood collections, botanical & other varieties of flowers.
Changey water fall - This is a fall, 50 m in height, near Lampokhari Lake which definitely is an add-on for the tourists.
Love Danra - Another view point at Aritar is a popular picnic spot.
Other attractions for the tourists are visiting and exploring the lifestyle of villagers and also visiting the Lingsay Monastery and Manghim. A short trek in and around Aritar is a thrilling experience for the tourists to cherish whole life.

How to reach Aritar?

By Air – Bagdogra is the nearest airport. From Bagdogra one can travel to Aritar by hiring vehicles of his or her choice in roughly 4-5 hours.
By Rail - New Jalpaiguri railway Station in West Bengal is the closest railhead from where Aritar can be reached by hiring vehicles of his or her choice in roughly 4-5 hours.
By Road – Aritar can be reached from Siliguri by various hired vehicle in roughly 5 hours. Tourists can also travel to Aritar from Gangtok by hiring vehicles in roughly 3 hours.

Where to stay at Aritar?

A few trekkers’ hut, few lodges and a private resort is available at Aritar.
The most recommended place to stay here is an old bungalow, built by Sir James Claude White, called Ari-Bangla.
Aritar Lake Resort (Booking contact number – 03592-253409 & 9932995706)
Contact Daduc Bhutia (Phone number- 03592-253025 & 99323-51351) for searching saying options in Aritar. Staying with local Sikimeese is an option, which provides rare experience of peeping into the life and culture of the people of Sikkim.

About Food

Relishing the local Sikkimese cuisine will definitely be something which the tourists would love. This new dishes will be a different experience for the tourists.

Karwar – the beach city sandwiched between the Arabian Sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other is an unexplored tourist destination. Once an important trade centre of the British, French, Portuguese and the Arabs, Karwar is developing into favorite destination of tourists. The charming town is complemented by glorious weather, an excellent beach and picturesque surroundings with hills and valleys of the Western Ghats.

Where is Karwar?

The port town of Karwar is the district head quarter of Uttara Kannada, in Karnataka, India. It is the north-west point in Karnataka, just couple of kilometers away from Goa.

About Karwar

Karwar is endowed with rare natural attributes including unspoilt beaches along the Arabian Sea, lush forests and the rugged hills of the Western Ghats to the east. The port town of Karwar situated on the banks of the mighty Kali River has all the makings of a perfect holiday with gentle waves, palm-laced beaches, silver sand, tranquil atmosphere and stretches of emerald foliage.
The captivating landscape of the entire region had once motivated the great Indian poet and Nobel Prize Winner, Rabindranath Tagore to write his first play and remembered Karwar by writing, -”The sea beach of Karwar is certainly a fit place in which to realise that beauty of nature is not a mirage of imagination, but reflects the joy of the infinite and thus draws us to lose ourselves into it.”

Sightseeing in and around Karwar

Rabindranath Tagore Beach – This is the most popular of all the beaches in Karwar which even acts as inspiration for the great poet Rabindra Nath Tagore. Golden sands of the beach are an ideal place to relax and spent time in solitude.

Jog Falls – This is one of the highest waterfalls of India and is situated 50 Km from Karwar. Gushing waters of river Sharavathi abruptly falls from a height of around 253 mt forming the picturesque Jog falls. The fall is extremely popular among tourists world over.
Dargah of Peer Shan Shamsuddin Kharobat – The famous Dargah of Peer Shan Shamsuddin Kharobat, a Baghdadi Saint is a place of tourist interest as well as for pilgrims.
Naganatha Temple – This temple is unique since an anthill is worshipped here and is extremely popular among tourists.
Kurmagad Island – This nearby island has an old fort and a Narasimha shrine, worth visiting. This island is a popular weekend destination to spend time in solitude.
The Sadashivgad Hill Fort – The hill with a Durga Temple, the unique octagonal church, the 300-year old Venkatrama Temple with ochre paintings is another prime tourist attraction.
Devbagh – This is the most appealing of the five islands along the Karwar beach and is situated 3 Km from Karwar.

Yana – A popular destination for rock climbing, Yana or Bhairavakshetra is an important pilgrim centre located in a beautiful valley, 60 km from Karwar.
Magod Falls – Situated at a distance of around 80 Km from Karwar is the spectacular Magod falls formed by the cascades of river Bedthi. Surrounding the picturesque falls are dense and serene jungles that enhance its beauty.

How to reach Karwar?

By Air – Nearest airports are Goa (100 Km), Mangalore (273 Km) and Belgaum (167 Km).
By Rail – Karwar is well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mangalore, Cochin and other important places through the Konkan Railway. The nearest railway station is Shirwad 6 Km from Karwar on the Konkan railway.
By Road - There are buses to Karwar from Bangalore (520 Km) and from Goa (100 Km). One can reach Karwar by bus from Mangalore (273 Km) and Belgaum (167 Km) too.

Where to stay at Karwar?

Hotel Anand (08382-226156)
Hotel Navratna (08382-226176)
Hotel Bhadra (08382-225212)
Hotel Krishna (08382-221613)

About Food

Karwar is famous for variety of spicy sea food and vegetarian meals garnished with coconut, rare to find elsewhere. Delicacies like Kurle Ambat, Bangada Fry, and Gujjo should be tasted.

Ravangla or Rabongla is a new off beat tourist destination in south Sikkim offering magical snow view, breathtaking landscape and tranquility. Situated on a ridge at an altitude of 7000 ft between the Mainam and Tendong hills, Ravangla is one amongst the few places that offers a composite view of the snow-covered mountains of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Sinoulchu and Mt. Kabru. This delightful hill resort has grown into a popular tourist destination in recent years. This hamlet town of Sikkim is a preferred destination for tourists who wishes to spend time in solitude avoiding the maddening tourist rush common in other hill town.

Where is Ravangla?

Ravangla is in the South Sikkim district of Sikkim in India. Situated in between Pemayangtse and Gangtok, Ravangla is 65 Km from Gangtok, 130 Km from Siliguri and 75 Km from Darjeeling.

About Ravangla

Ravangla, the semi-town in south Sikkim is surrounded by high-forested hills, undulating valleys and dotted with village huts. Ravangla is fast getting popular owing to its spectacular background and serenity.
With rich natural diversity, exotic flora and fauna of virgin forest, lofty snow peaked mountains, waterfalls, natural springs, picturesque tea gardens, quaint villages, ethnic culture, old monasteries and fresh atmosphere Ravangla has turned into a natural tourist resort of Sikkim. Apart from offering an undisturbed view of the snow ranges of Greater Himalayas, like, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Sinoulchu, Mt. Kabru and many others, Ravangla is also famous for being a great start-off point for various short trekking routes.

Sightseeing in and around Ravangla

Ralong monastery – 13 Km from Ravangla are the twin monasteries at Ralong which follows the Kagyupa sect of Buddhism is one of the prime attractions of Ravangla. Legend has it that the 9th Karmapa, head of the Kagyupa sect, blessed the site of the monastery with grains of rice thrown from Tibet. ‘Pang Lhabsol’ the worship of Mt.
Kanchenjunga and ‘Kagyed’ Chaam (masked dance) is held in the monastery every year.

Rayong Sunrise View Point – Situated at a distance of 8 Km from Ravangla on the road to Damthang is the viewpoint that offers spectacular view of the sunrise. As the first few rays of sun lightens up the snowy peaks of Mt. Narsing, Jopuno, Kabru, Rathong and Pandim, the beauty and serenity of the place reaches its extreme.
Temi Tea Garden – Situated at a distance of only 16 Km from Ravangla, it is one of the most beautifully located tea garden of Sikkim. The journey through the winding road via Dentham is even more attractive.
Borong & Ralong Cha-chu – Cha-chu or hot Sulphur springs at Ralong & Borong are traditional winter spas where tourists spend a week or more soaking in these springs having great medicinal properties. An eco tourism resort at Borong is an added attraction.
Ralong Cha-chu can be reached after a 1 hr downhill walk to the Rangit valley from the Ralong monastery.
Borong Cha-chu is a 7 Km drive from Ralong and a further 45 minute downhill walk.
Both these hot springs are located along the banks of the Rangit River and can be ideally visited from December to February. For overnight stays temporary huts are available at nominal rates but all bedding and cooking utensils have to be carried along.

Samdruptse – 136ft. statue of Buddhist saint Guru Padmasamvava, located about 20 Km from Ravangla is a must visit sightseeing spot from Ravangla. The statue is located on the hill top, so it is visible from all the places of Namchi as well as from Tiger hill (Darjeeling) and from Kalimpong which is just on the opposite of this hill.
Kiriteswar Temple - Temple of Lord Siva at the base of Rangit River is 26 Km from Ravangla. This temple is accessible through a hanging bridge on Rangit River. This temple has Hindu mythological importance.
Tashiding Monastery – Located 39 km away from Ravangla, Tashiding literally means the ‘Central Elevated Glory’. Built in 1716 AD, it is one of the most sacred monasteries in Sikkim and hosts the annual ‘Bumchu’ festival, during which the barrel containing holy water is opened and the level of water foretells what the year lays ahead.
Mainam – A 12 Km trek from Ravangla through the Oak, Pine, Rhododendron, Magnolia and fir forests will take you to Mainam peak at 10,800 ft. Another 1.5 km uphill trek leads to Valedunga, a hilltop offering beautiful view to the surrounding mountains. The entire trek route passes through the Mainam Sanctuary which houses a rare collection of Himalayan species like the red panda, Himalayan black pheasant cat etc. The trek to Mainam Hill from Ravangla takes around 4 hrs.

How to reach Ravangla?

By Air – Bagdogra at a distance of about 142 Km is the nearest airport.
By Rail – New Jalpaiguri (NJP) at a distance of about 134 Km is the nearest railway station from where one can hire vehicle of his choice to reach Ravangla. Share Jeep or Sumo is also available.
By Road – Hired vehicles are the best option to reach Ravangla from Siliguri and Jalpaiguri. One can also reach Ravangla from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim or Darjeeling, the hill town of West Bengal.

Where to stay at Ravangla?

Being a fast developing tourist destination, quite a number of hotels and resorts have sprang up in recent years. In fact presently Ravangla has a number of good hotels and resorts. Some of the best staying options at Ravangla are :-
Narsing Village Resort (Booking contact number – 03595-260870)
Hotel 10zing (Booking contact number – 03595-260705)
Babumoshai Resort (Booking contact number – 9933020037, 9433841525)

About food

Though variety of foods, ranging from Chinese, Continental and Bengalee are available but one should not forget to try traditional Sikkimese dishes. One should also try out varieties of soups available here.