Easy Tourist Guide

Lava – the small hamlet town near Darjeeling is one of the new hill resorts of West Bengal which is fast developing into a perfect holiday destination. This charming hill resort with awesome scenic beauty is the ideal haven for people who are looking for relaxation, relaxation and relaxation – no hectic sightseeing, no action, no galore of activities, only a peaceful time in the midst of beautiful nature. Though Lava is often overlooked and overshadowed by its more popular neighbor, Darjeeling, but in recent years this almost virgin hill resort has attracted the imagination of every tourist. During winter months Lava receives snowfall and tourist flock in large number to witness this galore of nature.

Where is Lava?

The charming hill resort of Lava is situated at an average altitude of 2320 m above sea level in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal at a distance of about 100 Km from Siliguri.

About Lava

The serene and misty hamlet town of Lava with its magnificent scenic grandeur is fast developing into a popular holiday destination. Lava is famous for its proximity to the Neora Valley National Park and the magnificent view of the Jelep La and Rechi La passes.
Natural broad-leaved forest with tall green temple shaped trees having drooping branches is one of the salient features of the rich flora in and around Lava. Rare species of orchids blooming at the hillside and valley adds to the beauty of this charming hill resort. The idyllic verdant forests are an ideal spot for bird watching. Wild animals such as the Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, etc. are very commonly found here.
Lava is considered to be the perfect place for trekkers and campers. Adventure lovers can trek 12 kilometers to Jelep La and Rechi La Pass, situated at the junction of Sikkim, Bengal and Bhutan.

Sightseeing in and around Lava

Neora Valley National Park – This 88 Sq.Km national park established in 1986 is one of the richest biological zones in the entire Northeast and a major attraction for tourists visiting Lava. Much of the park is still inaccessible, making it an adventurous place for the nature lovers and trekkers who can take the challenge to explore the still-unknown terrain of the park. Virgin natural forests, dense bamboo groves, colourful canopy of Rhododendron, varieties of wild orchid, lush green valley, meandering rivers and streams with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop forms a picturesque landscape, which is very unique and hardly found anywhere else.
Though Neora Valley National Park is known to be the home of Red Panda, other important mammals like Indian Gaur, Himalayan Black Bear, Clouded Leopard Common Leopard, Lesser Cats, Himalayan Thar, Serrow, Gural, Deer, Tiger and Squirrels are worth mentioning. This National Park is also particularly known as bird watcher’s paradise for the large variety of different species of birds found here.
Jaributi, one of the most beautiful spots in Neora Valley, is an ideal place for viewing wildlife movements. The place has tremendous importance for medicinal plants that grow here in abundance.
Entry into the park is highly restricted and entry tickets are available from Range Offices at Lava and Samsing.

Lava Monastery – Monastery at Lava is also known as Kagyu Thekchen Ling Monastery and Ratnarishi Bihar Buddhist Gumpa. It is one of the prime sightseeing spot of Lava. Located on a hill, overlooking the snow-capped mountain range to the north, the Monastery is surrounded by dense forests and remains enveloped in mists for most of the year. This large and colourful monastery was established by Karma Lodro Chokyi Senge, the third Kongtrul Rimpoche.
Changey Fall – Another major sightseeing spot of Lava is this Changey fall. Journey to the fall via sharp meandering roads is a thrilling experience. The fall is situated amidst picturesque surrounding and provides a perfect backdrop for taking photograph making it all the more popular and favourite among tourists.

Lolegaon – Just 24 Km away from Lava and at an altitude of about 5600 ft above sea level lies Lolegaon, a quiet, cool and serene destination yet to be commercialized. Tour of Lava is incomplete without a trip to Lolegaon. The scenic wonder of Lolegaon is awesome. The fabulous Heritage Forest with a beautiful hanging bridge from the ground to the treetops is the prime attraction of Lolegaon.
Tourists also have the option of staying at Lolegaon as there are a number of good hotels and resorts available there.

How to reach Lolegaon?

By Air – Bagdogra airport at Siliguri is the nearest airport. It is about 110 Km from Lava.
By Rail – New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the nearest rail head of Lava at a distance of about 100 Km.
By Road – Lava is well connected from Siliguri and Jalpaiguri by both private and shared vehicles. One can reach Lava from Siliguri via Kalimpong (99 Km) or via Gorubathan (105 Km).

Where to stay at Lava?

Yankee Resorts – It is indeed the best resort of Lava set amidst the peace, tranquility and simplicity of this Himalayan hamlet town. Yankee Resort has rooms and separate stand-alone cottages as well. Comfortable rooms, room service, laundry services and in-house restaurant is the salient feature of this resort. For booking contact at – 03552-282345/234 or 9932869205, 9932561318.
Lava Tourist Centre – It is another major hotel of Lava providing reasonably good accommodation facility. To book this hotel contact at – 9830334967.
Hotel Paradise – Situated near the Lava Monastery, it is another well known and popular hotel of Lava. Well furnished rooms and good room service forms the backbone of this hotel. Booking contact number of this hotel is – 03552-282314.
Hotel Rock View – It is another major hotel of Lava particularly known for providing excellent view of the hills, valleys and forests around. For booking contact at – 03324851959.
Hotel Orchid – Orchid of various rare species is one of the major attractions of Lava and the hotel named Orchid is one of the popular hotels of this little hamlet town. For booking contact at – 03552-282213.
Sherpa Lodge (Booking contact number – 03552-282308), Hotel View Point (Booking contact number – 03324761959), Hotel Paljor (Booking contact number – 9836489939) and Greenwood (Booking contact number – 9830436274) are other well known hotels of Lava providing a reasonably good staying options.

Hazaribagh – city of thousand gardens is a popular tourist destination of the newly formed state of Jharkhand. Though one will not find thousand gardens here, but this popular health resort offers excellent scenic beauties all around. The Hazaribagh National Park is one of the major tourist attractions of Hazaribagh town. The place is largely visited by tourists who wish to restore their health and rejuvenate amidst picturesque surroundings. Pollution free environment, amass of greenery and excellent climate makes Hazaribagh an ideal health resort.

Where is Hazaribagh?

Hazaribagh is the district headquarter of the district of Hazaribagh in the newly formed state of Jharkhand. It is about 91 Km from the state capital of Ranchi.

About Hazaribagh

Situated on the national highway connecting Ranchi and Patna, Hazaribagh is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations of Jharkhand. Nestled on a low hilly terrain, at an average altitude of 600 m, the place is an ideal place to relax and spend time in the lap of nature. Steep hills, dense tropical forests, grassy meadows, Hazaribagh has all the ingredients for being an important tourist destination. This low hill resort is also an eco-tourism hot spot with abundance of varied flaura and fauna.

Sightseeing in and around Hazaribagh

Hazaribagh National Park – The national park at a distance of 17 Km from the town is the prime tourist attraction of Hazaribagh not only for normal tourists but also for wildlife enthusiasts and lovers of eco-tourism. Spreading over an area of 184 Sq.Km and lying at an altitude of 615 m above sea level, the park has an undulating terrain and steep hills. A 111Km long stretch of road in the sanctuary takes the tourists to the remotest corners of the park. The park has many watchtowers that act as perfect hideouts to see the wildlife in its natural surroundings. The park has abundant wild animals like the Cheetal, Nilgai, Kakar, Panther, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Tiger and Wild Boar. The population of the tigers is very less. The Cheetal, Kakar, Nilgai, Sambar and Wild Boar are the most easily spotted animals of the park. The park is surrounded by large habitation of tribal habitation.

Canary Hills – At a distance of about 5 Km from the Hazaribagh town lies Canary Hill which is extremely popular among tourists visiting Hazaribagh. The hill has a well maintained park and is studded with three small lakes. There is also an observation tower in the hill which offers panoramic view of the Hazaribagh town. The place is also an extremely popular picnic spot for offering a fun filled day out.
Hazaribagh Lake – The lake is another major attraction for tourists visiting Hazaribagh. The picturesque setting of the lake and facilities of water sports makes it extremely popular among tourists and locals as well.
Telaiya Dam – At a distance of about 52 Km from Hazaribagh town lies the Telaiya Dam. It is the first dam and hydro -electric power station constructed by Damodar Valley Corporation across Barakar River. This 1,200 ft. long and 99 ft. high dam situated in an ideal surrounding with a reservoir stretching 36 Sq Km is another popular destination which can be a dream day out from Hazaribagh.

Urwan Tourist Complex – At a distance of about 45 Km from the Hazaribagh town lies the Urwan Tourist Complex which is managed by Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation. The tourist complex very close to Telaiya Dam and is a preferred destination for tourists. The serene surrounding of the tourist complex accompanied by facilities for boating in the dam water and other water sports activities makes it extremely popular among tourists. One can also indulge in pure relaxation by the side of the dam water.

How to reach Hazaribagh?

By Air – Airport at Ranchi is the nearest airport of Hazaribagh at a distance of about 95 Km. Ranchi is well connected with with Calcutta, Patna, Lucknow and Delhi by regular flights of Indian Airlines.
By Rail – Koderma railway station at a distance of about 59 Km is the nearest railhead of Hazaribagh. One can also opt for Hazaribagh Road railway station at a distance of about 67 Km from Hazaribagh as it is on the Howrah-Delhi Grand Chord line.
By Road - Hazaribagh town is well connected by good conditioned road to Ranchi (91 Km), Dhanbad (128 Km), Gaya (130 Km), Patna (235 Km), Daltongunj (198 Km) and Kolkata (434 Km).

Where to stay at Hazaribagh?

Hazaribagh being an important and popular tourist destination offers a number of good staying options, ranging from budget and cheap hotels to luxurious accommodation. Names of some of the good hotels are listed below along with their contact numbers.
Canary Hill Resort (Phone number – 06546-222339)
Hotel Upkaar (Phone number – 06546-262246)
Aranya Vihar (Phone number – 06546-224337)
Hotel Amrapali (Phone number – 06546-267891)
Hotel Prince (Phone number – 06546-222139)
Mayauri Regency (Phone number – 06546-227939)
Hotel Arya (Phone number – 06546-272322)
Hotel Skylok (Phone number – 06546-260991)
Hotel Upwan (Phone number – 06546-227255)
Al of the above hotels are mid range budget hotels offering standard accommodation at affordable prices.

Sepahijala, one of the most widely visited wildlife sanctuary of Tripura is of a very unique type. This hot spot of bio-diversity with abundant variety of flora, fauna, and birds attract tourists from around the world. The well maintained sanctuary having charming woodland, an artificial lake and natural botanical and zoological gardens is one of the most visited tourist spot of Tripura. In a country like India where there are a number of sanctuaries Sepahijala stands apart both because of its in-situ and ex-situ conservation of flora and fauna.

Where is Sepahijala?

Sepahijala sanctuary is in the West Tripura district of Tripura at a distance of 35 Km from the state capital Agartala.

About Sepahijala

Sepahijala wildlife sanctuary spreading over an area of 18.53sq Km came up officially in1972 with the setting up of one Deer Park so as to protect the land from encroachment. The sanctuary has a rich collection of wildlife particularly of birds and primates.
The picturesque landscape of the sanctuary with the undulated setting of deep green plants and the murmuring of transparent lake water in between and the rare species of wildlife has an enchanting appeal to the tourists.
The sanctuary has 456 plant species of monocotyledon and dicotyledonous along with abundant Rauwalfia serpentina and home to other endangered and endemic species.

There are 5 species of primates in this sanctuary. The crab eating Mongoose which was last sighted about 72 years ago in India has been discovered again in this sanctuary. The sanctuary has been designed as both a wildlife sanctuary and as an academic with research centre.
Presbytis, or spectacled langur, an endemic species is abundant here. Also different species of primates like Rhesus macaque, Pigtailed macaque, Capped langur, slow lories and a lot of many other wild animals are found here.
There are about 150 species of birds in this sanctuary. During winter lots of migratory birds visit the sanctuary. It is an absolute thrilling experience to watch them. Unique habitat of Sepahijala attracts lot of migratory birds including lesser whistling teal, white ibis, open billed stork and many others.

Sightseeing in and around Sepahijala

Sepahijala Zoological Park – It consists of five distinct sections : (i) Carnivores section (ii) Primate Section (iii) Ungulate section (iv) Reptile section (v) Aviary section. This zoological park now largely caters the need of ex-situ Conservation of wild animals. Animals have been kept both in open mooted enclosures and in conventional enclosures.
Botanical Garden – Various species of plants and trees, some of which are endangered are found here. Medicinal plants with more than seventy species are of prime attraction of this Garden.

Sepahijala Lake – Presence of quite a good number of lakes in the sanctuary ideally quenches thirst of wild animals. Amrit sagar lake and forest rest house (Abasarika) lake has boating facilities for the tourists. The lake is completely surrounded by natural forests and inhabits a variety of seasonal migratory and resident birds. The lakes thus provide a unique opportunity to have a close look at this avifauna from close quarters and study its behavior.
Toy Train – This is another major attraction for visitors in the sanctuary. 15 minutes ride on the toy train is worthwhile to have experience on passing through different type of habitat.
There are arrangements available for a joy ride on an elephant’s which will take you to the remote areas of the sanctuary offering an opportunity to come close to the inhabitants of the sanctuary.

How to reach Sepahijala?

By Air – Agartala is the nearest airport which is well connected by flights with Calcutta, Guwahati, and Delhi.
By Rail – The two nearest railway stations are Kumarghat (160 Km) and Dharama Nagar (200 Km). Both this stations are on the North-East Frontier Railway, and are connected with Lumding & Guwahati.
By Road – Good motorable roads connect Agartala with Silchar (288 Km), Guwahati (599 Km), Shillong (499 Km), Dharmanagar (200 Km).

Where to stay at Sepahijala?

In the midst of the sanctuary, a forest dak bungalow called Abasarika with 5 cottages offers accommodation for tourists. The solitude and the nearness to nature are by themselves a source of serene pleasure. Booking details can be availed at 0381-220773
Staying at Agartala is a good option as there are a number of good hotels and rest houses that are available here.
Hotel Welcome Palace at Agartala (Booking contact number – 0381-2384940/0219)
Hotel Radha International at Agartala (Booking contact number – 0381-2224530/2615)
Hotel Rajdhani at Agartala (Booking contact number – 0381-2223387/6312)
Hotel Amber at Agartala (Booking contact number – 0381-2223587)