Bishnupur

Introduction and Histroy :Bishnupur is a historic town in the Bankura district of West Bengal. Bishnupur was ruled during the Gupta period by local Hindu kings who paid tribute to Samudra Gupta. Later Malla rulers of this place who were Vaishnavites built the famous terracotta temples during the 17th and 18th century. The exquisite terracotta architecture here is one of its kinds in India. The detailing in the multitude of temples found here is amazing. The most famous among them is the temple of Madanmohana Even today, this cultural town is immersed in churning out terracotta pottery, artifacts and even jewellery made in this very traditional material is famous. The potters here derive their inspiration from the glorius history and Hindu epics. Royal patronage also gave rise to Vishnupuri gharana (school) of Hindustani classical music and the Bishnupur School of painting.

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What To See :There are many temples that reflect the classic style of Bengali terracotta architecture.The oldest among them being the Rasmancha with unusually elongated pyramidal tower surrounded by hut-shaped turrets.The Pancharatna temple of Shyam Rai with its superior figurines and floral patterns that depicts Krishna Leelas is outstanding.Jorebangla Temple of Keshta Rai has unique styling.The most famous among these is the temple of Madanmohana built in AD 1694 that derives inspiration from the Ramayana and Mahabharatha epics. It is built in the eka ratna style, a square flat-roofed building with curved cornices, surmounted by a pinnacle. The intricate terracotta carvings are noteworthy and are highly appreciated. The tourist season is during August and December on the occasion of the Jhapan(snake)festival and Bishnupur Mela.

Accomodations :Accommodation is very cheap here, with multiple options. Decent accommodation costs about 200 rupees per day

Mode Of Transport :Located 200 Kilometers northwest of Howrah, Bishnupur can be reached both by train and bus. The place is only a 5-hour drive from Calcutta and regular buses, taxis, and trains are available.

Related links:
• Official website: http://bishnupur.nic.in/
• West Bengal state website: http://www.wb.nic.in

See also (Nearby places): Behulara, Dehar, Panchmura, Susunia Hills, Bankura, Jairambati and Kamarpukur, Jhilimili, Garh Madan and Mukutmonipur.

Puri

Introduction and history: Puri is one of oldest and important tourist destinations in Orissa, which is famous for the Lord Jagannath temple. Puri also hosts the site of the Govardhana matha, one of the four cardinal institutions established by Adi Shankaracharya. In 1903, Sri Yukteswar established an ashram in Puri. In summary it is an ancient city, having a lot of spiritual history.

What to see and when to go: The Temple of Lord Jagannath was built during the 12th century, by Chodaganga Deva sprawls for many kilometres around. It is the tallest temple (65 metres) in Orissa.In front of the main gate the monolithic pillar, called Aruna Stambha. The temple is mainly famous for its annual ‘Ratha Yatra’, when the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, are brought out of the temple, and placed in a chariot procession. There are also a number of holy tanks like Narendra, Markandeya, Sweta Ganga and Indradyumna. There are many Monasteries locally known as Mathas also of tourist interest. Puri beach is another major attraction. October to April is the best time to visit Puri.

Accommodation: Puri offers multiple accommodation facilities starting with luxurious resorts facing the beach. Budget accommodation is available starting as low as 350 rupees per day.

Mode of transport: Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport, which is 100 Kilometers away from Puri. It has a well connected railway station and national highway (NH-5) passing thro the place. For local travel taxis can be hired on demand.

Related links:
• Official information: http://puri.nic.in/
• Tourist information: http://www.orissatourism.gov.in

See also (nearby places): Konark, Chilika, Bhubaneswar and Gopalpur Beach are nearby tourist attractions.

Bhubaneswar

Introduction and history: Bhubaneswar city is the capital of Orissa state, which derives its name from Bhuban (Universe) and Swarg (God).The Eswar, which is the alternate name for Shiva is known as ‘Tribuhuvaneswara’ here which means ‘Lord of the Three Worlds’. Hundreds of temples surround the city, which once had more than 2000 temples. History traces back its origins back about one thousand years ago the Kalinga period, when it was knows as ‘Temple Town’ for its Orissan style architecture. Today the city is the state capital, which is primarily responsible for administration of the state. Added to that, it also makes an ideal tourist destination.

What to see and when to go: There are number of tourist attractions, mainly the temples. Starting with Lingaraj Temple, the list of other temples includes Markandeswar Temple, Mukteswar, Mohini Temple, Papanasini, Parsurameswar Temple, Rajarani Temple, Vaital Temple. The Khandagiri and Udaygiri caves, situated about 8 kilometres from the city, serves as the site of an ancient Jain monastery, dating back to second century. It has some of the caves have beautiful carvings, which is one of the masterpieces. October to March is the ideal time for travellers to visit Bhubaneswar.

Accommodation: There are numerous hotels available in the city, which can accommodate every type of visitor. The Orissa Tourism Development Corporation’s ‘Panthanivas’ is available for more budget accommodation. The price will range from 750 to 8000 rupees per day.

Mode of transport: Being the capital city, Bhubaneswar is well connected by air, rail and road to the rest of India. Local travel can be arranged by booking taxis.

Related links:
• Tourist information : http://www.orissatourism.gov.in
• City information: http://www.come2bhubaneswar.com/

See also (nearby places): Dhauli, Hirapur, Nandankanan and Atri are some of the nearby tourist attractions.

Port Blair

Introduction and history: Port Blair is the classic, small but picturesque town which is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar islands off the east coast of India. It also serves as a major base for the Indian Navy. Owing to its silent beaches, crystal clear waters, exquisite coral life and virgin islands, it is often referred to as a Tropical Paradise that has recently received the appreciation of divers and nature-lovers alike. It is named after Lieutenant Archibald Blair of the East India Company. The imposing Cellular jail (nicknamed ‘Kala-pani’) is the sole reminder of the gloomy times when Port Blair served as a penal colony for the British during the Indian independence movement.

What to see and when to go: The Cellular jail, Samudrika Marine museum, Anthropological museum, The Zoo and forest and fishery museums all have something unique to offer. The best time to visit these tropical islands is between mid November and April.

Things to do: Water Sports complex is famous for snorkelling, boating, wind surfing and even water-skiing. Trekking the Mt. Harriet, pleasant beach walks by the Corbin’s cove, visits to the beautiful islands nearby. Cinque Island has some of the finest coral reefs. The Samudra, Port Blair Underwater and Andaman’s Adventure Sports provide experienced guides and dive equipment to go scuba diving–a journey that is sure to enthral any visitor.

Accommodation: Hotels accommodating all ranges are available. Rents can vary from as low as 100 rupees to as high and expensive as 5000 rupees per day. Middle range hotels charge around 700 rupees.

Mode of transport: Due to the hilly terrain, bicycling can be difficult. Bikes and motorcycles can be rented. Taxis are also available. For inter-island movement regular ferries and boats are the best choice. Port Blair can be reached by regular flights from Kolkata and Chennai.

Related links:
• Tourist information: http://www.andamanisland.com

See also (Nearby places): Neil Island, Long Island, Rangat, Cutbert Bay beach, Mayabunder, Diglipur and Little Andaman Island.

Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

Introduction and history: The Victoria Memorial Hall is a formidable building which was opened in 1921. This Hall is the largest storehouse in India for a visual tour of the history of Kolkata. It also has a major collection of paintings, sculptures and manuscripts from the British Period. It is also a museum where one can see the pictures and statues of great men who played a vital role in the history of India. It was an idea developed by Lord Curzon who opened this museum to make people proud of their past and to help them understand the culture of our great nation.

What to see and when to go: There are many sections in the Victoria Memorial Hall wherein almost a whole section is specially contributed to Queen Victoria. The library is one section that is highly recommended as here one can find a truly rare collection of books ranging from Shakespeare, to Rubaiyat’s Omar Khayyam. There is also a collection of arms and ammunition used in the British era, which are displayed in the museum. For display are also some historical relics that include the ink pot used by Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidya sagar, pistols used by Lord Warren Hastings in a duel etc.

Things to do: Apart from this memorial, Kolkata has many interesting places to see. Starting with Academy of Fine Arts it has a list of places like Nehru Children’s Museum, Belur Math, Birla Planetarium, Indian Museum, Marble Palace, Vidya sagar setu, Rabindra Sadan and Kalighat temple.

Accommodation: As a diversified and old city Kolkata offers accommodation facilities starting from 350 rupees per day.

Mode of transport: Kolkata is one of important airports in the eastern part of India, which is well connected. The Howrah railway station is the biggest one in India, which has train reaching all parts of the country. The local travel is mainly via well regulated taxi systems. Don’t miss out to travel in the metro rail, which is a cost-effective and easy way to go around the city.

Timings: Victoria Memorial Garden remains open all throughout the year (even on holidays) from 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM. But sale of entry tickets closes at 6:45 PM.

Related links:
• Official site: http://www.victoriamemorial-cal.org/
• City information: http://www.calcuttaweb.com/

Kaziranga National Park

Introduction and history: Nominated for the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, Kaziranga National park lies undisturbed by human presence in the state of Assam within the districts Golaghat and Nagaon. In 1904, Mary Victoria Leiter Curzon, the wife of the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, visited the area in vain to see a Rhinoceros. She persuaded her husband to take some urgent corrective measures to address this issue. The step was taken on 1st June 1905, which lead to the Reserve Forest creation with an area of 232 square kilometres. The area was expanded to 430 square kilometres by the order of central government in 1974.

What to see and when to go: For wildlife lovers Kaziranga offers a treat. It houses a wide range of wild animals, which include Rhinoceros, Elephant, Indian bison, Swamp deer, Samber, Hog deer, Sloth Bear, Tiger, Leopard, Leopard cat, Jungle cat, hog badger, Capped langur, Hoolock gibbon, Jackal, Goose, Hornbills, lbis, Cormorants, Egret, Heron Fishing Eagle etc. The best time to visit this park is from November to early-April.

Things to do: Experiencing wildlife and birding forms the major activity here. Besides, to have bird’s view you can go to observation towers at Sohola, Mihimukh, Kathpara, Foliamari, and Harmoti for wildlife viewing.

Accommodation: Private lodges and Forest departments’ bungalows are available at moderate to high costs, which provides the major mode of accommodation. It is strongly recommended to make advance bookings before planning a trip to Kaziranga.

Mode of transport: Kaziranga is 217 kilometres from Guwahati and 96 kilometres from Jorhat by road, which are the nearby airports. The nearest rail head is Farkating. Local travel is mainly in form of hired taxis. Inside the park authorized guides are available to take tourists via multiple modes: Elephants, Jeep and cars.

Related links:
• Official Website: www.kaziranganationalpark.com

See also (nearby places): Karbi Anglong, Baghori, Panbari Reserve Forest, Agaratoli, Agaratoli, Manas National Park, Shillong and Guwahati .

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