Wednesday 4 January 2012

Places to visit in and around KOLKATA

Victorian structures like Victoria Memorial and Prinsep Ghat, historical landmarks like Shaheed Minar, Netaji Bhavan and Indian Museum,
Religious attractions like St. Paul's Cathedral,  Kalighat, Belur Math and Dakshineswar Kali Temple

In & Around Kolkata
Conducted on a daily basis, this tour includes major attractions like Eden Gardens, Calcutta High Court, Writers' Building, Belur Math, Rabindra Setu, Dakshinsehwar Kali Temple, Netaji Bhavan, Kolkata Panaroma (Town Hall), St. Paul's Cathedral and Victoria Memorial. The tour begins at the Tourism Office at 8:30 a.m. and ends by 5:30 p.m., the fee is INR 250. Please note that if the number of tourists is less than 15, the tour is canceled and the amount is refunded. For additional details contact West Bengal Tourism Office, 3/2 B.B.D.Bagh East, +91 33 4401 2659 or visit at http://www.westbengaltourism.gov.in. 

Walking Tours
Probably the only company that offers Walking Tours of Kolkata for tourists, Calcutta Walks takes you through the city literally on your feet. You will be taken back to the Victorian Era, when beautiful mansions and architectural wonders like Victoria Memorial and Prinsep Ghat were built. It also includes Kumortuli, Shobhabazar, New Market, Park Street establishments like Flurys, where the aristocrats dined. This tour is perfect for all those who do not like to be rushed and wish to capture the city at leisure. Check their website http://www.calcuttawalks.com or call +91 98 3018 4030 for booking and price details.

Offbeat Tours
This unique tour offers tourists an option to trace the graves of their ancestors. Many Europeans, when they first landed in Kolkata had to face the harsh living conditions like extreme heat and epidemics, which led to innumerable deaths. The city has many graveyards and burial grounds. Email the requisite details at explore@calcuttawalks.com and the rest will be taken care of by their expert
team.
Jetty Tours
You need not hire a guide or touring company to explore the mighty Hoogly river. The jetty services available at cheap prices are perfect if you want to enjoy beautiful views of the 'City of Joy'. Starting at 7 a.m., you can catch a glimpse of the beautiful bridges, Vidyasagar Setu and Vivekananda Setu on your way. Religious places like Kancher Mandir, Belur Math and Dakshineshwar Temple set against the back-drop of the river are worth a watch. Photographers are sure to rejoice at the vibrant colors and sights.

 Sunderbans National Park & Tiger Reserve
Sunderbans being an endangered freshwater swamp forest, has restricted entry due to conservation regulations. The highlight of the forest is the 'tiger reserve' but you need prior permission to visit it. Rather than getting hassled about obtaining requisite permits, it is advisable to join the WTDC's Sunderban tours. The luxury vessel M.V. Chitralekha, with a seating capacity of 44 berths, takes you through the amazing marshy lands and wildlife reserves. This tour of 1 night and 2 days includes Sajnekhali Abhayaranya, Sudhayakali and Netidopani Watch Towers. For further details, visit West Bengal Tourism Office, 3/2 B.B.D.Bagh East or call +91 33 4401 2659.
Links : http://forums.joeuser.com/135326
 http://mytravelthought.blogspot.com/2008/02/accomodation-for-touring-sunderbans.html

Shantiniketan Tours
The complete city tour of Kolkata takes about 4-5 days, so if you have more time in hand, you must visit Shantikentan. It is the place where the great poet Rabindranath Tagore penned poems and novels. Though you can visit Shantiniketan throughout the year; the festive season is the best time to be there. Avail of the WTDC 'Shantiniketan Tours' during the Poush Utsav, Gangasagar Mela, Kenduli Mela or Basanta Utsav. Be a part of this tour and you will experience Bengali culture and their inherent love for art and creativity.

North Bengal Package Tours
Join in the North Bengal Package Tours and explore the scenic and picturesque hill station Darjeeling and also enjoy the tea plantations at Siliguri. This tour has various options that include Darjeeling-Siliguri (7 Nights, 8 days), Darjeeling-Sikkim (9 Nights, 10 Days) and Green Doors that include Siliguri, Cooch Behar and other small towns (7 Nights, 8 Days). For more details, contact West Bengal Tourism Office, 3/2 B.B.D.Bagh East, +91 33 4401 2659 or login at http://www.westbengaltourism.gov.in.

River Cruises
The launches MV Sumangal, MV Sarbajaya and MV Chitralekha are available for private cruises, tours to Sunderbans and river cruises along the Hooghly River. You can also rent it for parties, corporate meetings and private outings. The rates for the packages vary as per the season. Check http://www.westbengaltourism.gov.in for in-depth information and regulations.
A point to be noted: Kolkata is not exactly meant for those who look forward to recreational or luxury travel. However, if you are interested in heritage and history, then this is the place for you!


 links: http://www.mandarmani.in/exm/WBTDC_Package_Tours/

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