Easy Tourist Guide

Bhalki Machan may not be a name known to many people of West Bengal and India, but this upcoming off-beat weekend destination near Bardhaman in West Bengal is worth a visit. Not only for the people of Kolkata, Bhalki Machan is in fact a good picnic and as well as a weekend gateway option for the people of Durgapur, Asansol, Haldia as well. Nearness to Kolkata makes it easily accessible and provides an easy option of having a calm weekend amidst greenery and natural surroundings. The charm of enjoying village life and witnessing its simplicity from close quarter is an added gift for tourists visiting Bhalki Machan.

About Bhalki Machan

It is a fact, that Bhalki Machan lacks facilities to qualify as a dream weekend destination but the natural beauty of the place devoid of any artificial manifestation is bound to make every visitor spellbound. The place is also an ideal picnic spot as it can be reached within three hours from Kolkata, Durgapur, Asansol, Haldia and other important cities and towns of West Bengal. Initiatives taken by the local Panchayat to beautify the water body and the area surrounding the pond has further added to the beauty of the place. Boating facility has added further charm to the place. Boating leisurely in the waters with your family and loved ones is bound to be a memorable experience.

The ruins of a tower adjoining the water body, believed to be the favourite bear hunting place of the erstwhile Raja’s of Bardhaman still stand tall reminding of its royal connection. Away from the busy city life, Bhalki Machan, situated on the edge of a deciduous forest is indeed a perfect spot to laze for a day or two. A long leisurely walk through the Sal forest and breathing unpolluted fresh air is the best option of letting nature gets into your soul.
So don’t waste your time in thinking, pack up your luggage and make Bhalki Machan your next weekend destination.

How to reach Bhalki Machan?

By Air – Airport at Kolkata is the nearest airport of Bhalki Machan. From the airport hire a private vehicle to reach Bhalki Machan.

By Train – Though Mankar Railway Station is the nearest one but as all trains do not have a stoppage here, one may have to opt for Bardhaman Railway Station. If you are getting down at Mankar Station, hire a rickshaw to reach Bhalki Machan. But if you are left with no other option but to get down at Bardhaman, then either hire a private vehicle to reach Bhalki Machan or board a bus going to Mankar, from Bardhaman Station and get down at Mankar Railway Station. From there hire a rickshaw to reach Bhalki Machan.
By Road - If you are traveling by your own vehicle or a hired vehicle, take on National Highway 2 (NH 2) and proceed towards Durgapur, upto Galsi. On reaching Galsi turn right and the freshly tarred road leads to Mankar. On reaching Mankar, ask any local people to know the exact way to reach Bhalki Machan.

Staying options at Bhalki Machan

If you are on a picnic then the question of staying does not arise. But if you decide to have a weekend at Bhalki Machan, then you have two staying options.
The Bhalki Machan resort maintained by the Aushgram Panchayat is the first option. Adequate local Bengali cuisine delicacies are all set to mesmerize you. For booking contact at – 03452-212056.
The second option is the State Fisheries Development Corporation resort at Jamunadighi at a distance of about 3 Km from Bhalki Machan. For booking, contact at – 03452-45300/9474787643. The tourist complex is inside a fish seed farm run by the State Fisheries Department. Fresh catch of fish from the pond is all set to enchant your taste buds

Kalpa - quaint little hamlet town of Himachal is known for the view of snow-clad Kinner Kailash ranges, apple orchards and pleasant weather throughout the year. Though Kalpa is not as famous and popular as Shimla or Manali, but in recent years it has seen a steep rise in tourist influx. Kalpa is an ideal tourist destination if you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind in close proximity of nature and being surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Himalayan ranges. Absence of commercialization and urbanization has kept the natural beauty of Kalpa intact, making it all the more attractive.

Where is Kalpa?

The little known hill town of Kalpa is located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh in North India and is at a distance of about 265 Km from Shimla.

About Kalpa

Perched at an average altitude of about 10,900 ft above sea level, the small hill town of Kalpa is situated at the base of the imposing Kinner Kailash ranges. The view of the sacred Shivling peak, which rises to a height of 20,000 ft above sea level, is a major attraction of Kalpa. This towering peak rising above the cloud and kissing the heavens changes its color at different points in the day.

Much of the excitement of visiting Kalpa lies in the thrilling and adventurous journey to get there. The scenery changes dramatically from gorgeous valleys, green orchards and forests of cedar and pine, to the starkness of the rugged mountains rising dramatically from the river banks, high altitude deserts and stunning gorges.
Though there is a laid back beauty of this hill town, but the huge snow covered ranges all around give the feeling as how tiny we are in comparison to the vastness of nature. Time spend gazing at the Kinner Kailash range which remains snow covered almost throughout the year or taking a walk in the many trails going nowhere will make your stay at Kalpa a memorable one.

Sightseeing in and around Kalpa

Recong Peo – At a distance of about 13 Km from Kalpa lies this Himalayan town at an altitude of about 2670 m above sea level. It is the districts headquarter of Kinnaur district with a large Tibetan monastery. Tourists visiting Kalpa must visit this monastery not only to have a glimpse of the life of Buddhist monks but also to find out the rare fusion of Buddhist culture with Hinduism. Mighty and mesmerizing views of the snow-capped Kinnaur-Kailash ranges are added attraction of the place.

Kothi – Just 3 Km from Recong Peo is Kothi which is another major sightseeing attraction of Kalpa. A temple dedicated to the goddess Chanadika Devi with an unusual architectural style and finely executed sculpture is the prime attraction of the place. Set in the backdrop of mountains and deodar forest, the temple has an exquisite gold image of goddess Chanadika Devi is enshrined in the sanctum.
Natural Mummy – One must pay a visit to this naturally formed mummy of a Buddhist monk in sitting posture. The mummy is believed to be more than 500 years old.
Sangla Valley – To know about the picturesque Sangla valley hidden in the majestic Himalayas amidst apple and walnut orchards, one must log on to : http://easytouristguide.com/hills-mountains-snow/sangla-picturesque-valley-town-of-himachal.html

How to reach Kalpa?

Reaching Kalpa is a hard and strained journey. In the winter months one can not reach Kalpa as the place receive heavy snowfall and the roads virtually remain covered with snow.
By Air – Airport at Shimla at a distance of about 267 Km is the nearest airport of Kalpa. From the airport buses are available to reach Kalpa. One can also hire vehicles to reach Kalpa.
By Rail – Shimla Railway station is the nearest railway station at a distance of about 244 Km. Buses and hired vehicles are available in plenty from outside the railway station to reach Kalpa.
By Road – Kalpa lies on NH-22 which is also known as Hindustan –Tibet road. Both State transport and private buses are available to reach Kalpa from Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Chandigarh, Delhi and other nearby destinations.

Where to stay at Kalpa?

Almost all the hotels of kalpa remains closed from December to March due to heavy snowfall.
Hotel Golden Apple – With 10 spacious well furnished rooms with attached bath, it is one of the most prominent and premier hotels of Kalpa. The mountain ranges are viewable from all the rooms i.e. front or rear. This Himachal Pradesh Government approved hotel is known for its comfort, safety, cleanliness and palatable food. For booking contact at – 09433001192.
Hotel Kinner Kailash – It is one of the newly built hotels of Kalpa with all modern facilities. Stunning view of the snow covered mountain peaks, well furnished rooms and other modern amenities of comfort make this hotel as one of the best hotels of Kalpa. For booking contact at – 01786-226159.
Hotel Auctong – It is one of the budget hotels of Kalpa, with strategic location. For booking this hotel, contact at – 01786-226322, 09433993863.
Hotel Kailash View – True to its name, the hotel offers majestic view of Mount. Kailash. The rooms are well furnished and clean with all necessary amenities of comfort. For booking contact at : 01786-226066.
Hotel Rakpa Regency – It is another star category hotel of Kalpa with all the 24 rooms offering the very best of facilities. For booking this hotel, contact at – 01786-226158.
Hotel Kinner Villa – This hotel is one such hotels of Kalpa where you will find accommodations of both luxury and budget class. There are 22 rooms in this hotels and the amenities vary with rates. For booking, contact at – 01786-226006.
Apart from the above mentioned hotels, there are quite a few other hotels, which are good quality hotels in the mid-budget range. Some of them are :
1) Hotel Blue Lotus (Booking contact number – 01786-226001).
2) Hotel Chini Bungalow (Booking contact number – 01786-226385).
3) Hotel City Heart (Booking contact number – 01786-226082).
4) Hotel Shiwalik (Booking contact number – 01786-226158).