G.B. International ::- West Bengal
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West Bengal
West Bengal is a land of natural beauty, exquisite lyrical poetry and enthusiastic people. Situated in the east of India, West Bengal is stretches from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the South. This state shares international boundaries with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. Hence it is a strategically important place. The state is interlocked by the other states like Sikkim, Assam, Orissa and Bihar. Hooghly and its tributaries - Mayurakshi, Damodar, Kangsabati and the Rupnarayan, enrich the soils of Bengal. The northern districts of Bengal like Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Bihar (in the Himalayas ranges) are watered by the rivers Tista, Torsa, Jaldhaka and Ranjit. From the northern places (feet of Himalayas) to the tropical forests of Sunderbans, West Bengal is a land of incessant beauty.
West Bengal, like many other places in the world, is a place of contrasts- a curious blend of the old and the new, partly feudal, partly born out of growing urbanization, partly undefinable. Fish, crowds, politics, potholes, monuments, art and cinema, cricket and soccer- all are indispensable parts of Bengal. The state is, in its physical form, a complete representation of the Indian subcontinent. Darjeeling, its north end, touches the magnificent Himalayas and the Dooars in the foothills are rich in forest. The indomitable river Ganga flows across the State's rich alluvial plains to reach the Bay of Bengal in the south, through vast swamps known as Sunderbans. The districts in the west are semi-arid and sport loamy soil. Bengal does have a many splendoured countenance, but it is up to you to explore and discover it.
Excursions
KolkataKolkata (Calcutta), earlier called as Calcutta, used to be the political capital of India before independence. The city does not have a very old history, as what is Kolkata today, was just a collection of three small villages some 300 years ago. The city, now one of the top four metropolitans of India, was developed by the East India company following their policy of expansion. Kolkata has some of the finest buildings during the British rule in India. The city is famous for the Howrah bridge, the largest bridge in India, the first metro train in India, for being the hometown of Mother Teresa in India and the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore. Kolkata has a mystical medley of the traditions and modernity
Murshidabad
A city of Nawabs and there splendours, Murshidabad, is situated on the banks of the river Bhagirathi. The city is a witness to those events which have changed the course of Indian history. The city is close to Plassey, a historic battleground. Named after Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, the city is home to some of the best works which depicts the medieval period of Indian history. The British established a military barrack here in 1767. In 1857, Sepoy Mutiny had taken birth in these Barrack grounds. A memorial has also been erected on 15th August 1957 in the ground. The old houses of the British army, have now been converted into hospitals and govt. offices, courts. The Circuit House here was once used by Robert Clive and Warren Hastings. The city is also famous for its raw silk and silk products. Ivory products and handicrafts are also a good buy here.
Mirik
Small and unspoilt hill resort, Mirik, is a perfect place to leave all the heat and dust of the plains. An untouched beauty, Mirik enjoys the reputation of being the youngest hill-station of India. The place is situated around the Sumendu lake. The beauty of Kanchanjunga can be witnessed from the city. The peace and serenity offered by Mirik attracts tourists. The fabulous environment acts as magic on the senses of the tourists. Situated 5800 ft above sea level and scarcely populated, Mirik is free from pollution. The Sumendu lake is a major attraction. Watching the huge Kanchanjunga while boating is an indelible experience. Rameetay Dara and Deosi Dara are two hill-tops near the lake from where the view is terrific. Mirik is also famous for its Orange orchards, Apple orchards, Cardamom orchards and tea gardens. One can take tour of these plantations. The climate of Mirik is very pleasant throughout the year.
Darjeeling
The 'Dream-land of the East', Darjeeling gets its name from Dorje (Thunderbolt) and Ling (Place). One of the most popular hillstations of India, Darjeeling is strategically very important due to its proximity with Nepal and Bhutan borders. The hill station was popularised from the times of British rule. Every year at the start of summer, the Viceroys of India would move to Darjeeling. The British developed Darjeeling into a pleasant resort. The tea plantations started here in 1840s. Covering an area of 1,200 sq. miles and surrounded by the Himalayan peaks, its a fascinating place rich in natural beauty. Some of the most beautiful tea estates are here. The Kanchenjunga peak can be seen from the town. There are many Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. A trekkers paradise, The Gorkha hill council has provided ample trekking facilities for the adventure lovin tourists.
Kalimpong
Set in the foot-hills of the giant Himalayas, amidst lush green environment, Kalimpong offers amazing views of snow capped mountain peaks. Situated at an altitude of about 1250 metres and cradled between Durpin and Deolo Hill, Kalimpong has a moderate climate. Kalimpong means the fort of the King's minister. The name was established when this place was under control of Bhutan. In 1865, under the treaty of Sinchula, Kalimpong was handed to British. The Britishers developed this place as a centre for wool trade with Tibet. A healthy mix of Buddhism, along with Hinduism and Christianity can be seen here. Gumpas, Churches, temples, monks and missionaries coexist here peacefully. The markets here are full of Buddhist Thankas, hand beaten silver, Bhutanese weaves, Chinese lamps, Lepcha daggers, masks, local cheddar-type cheese and lollypops.
How to Reach
By AirThe state has an international airport in Kolkata, the state capital and another domestic airport at Bagdogra near Siliguri, in the northern Bengal. These two airports are served by nearly all public and private airlines and linked to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and so on. Most of the destinations in West Bengal are located at convenient distance from Kolkata and Bagdogra.
By Rail
The state has a very good rail network too. Two railway stations namely: Howrah and Sealdah near Kolkata and New Jalpaiguri, close to Siliguri, are key railway stations in the state. There are numerous other railheads that are served by important trains from all over the country and link major destinations within the state.
By Road
An extensive road network covers the entire state. A number of National Highways and State Highways crisscross the land. One can also approach the state from neighbouring states, name Bihar, Orissa and Jharkhand. Cross border road transportation is also operational with neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.