KALIMPONG

THE TRANQUIL HILL STATION

The first thing that strikes the traveler visiting Kalimpong is its quiet atmosphere. The peaceful ambience that pervades is heightened by the presence of monasteries and churches across the town. Kalimpong is also known for its bustling bazaars and traditional handicrafts. It is famous for its orchids and nurseries. Kalimpong offers panoramic view of the great Himalayan ranges that lie beyond it.

LOCATION

Kalimpong is located in the northern part of the state of West Bengal, in the northeastern region of India. It is adjacent to the state of Sikkim and near the Teesta River. It is set amongst the foothills of the mighty Himalayas at an altitude of 1250 m above sea level. Kalimpong is 50 km from Darjeeling and 80 km from Gangtok. The weather in Kalimpong is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September.

VISITING TIME

The best time to visit Kalimpong is during summer.

THE PAST

The etymology of Kalimpong has several interpretations. According to one view, Kalimpong means a place where tribesmen gather and organize traditional tribal games. The second view suggests that the name has been derived from a place in Bhutan. A third interpretation is that Kalimpong is named after Kaulim, a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region.

Until the 18th century AD, Kalimpong was a part of the Kingdom of Sikkim and was ruled by Sikkimese rulers. It was then taken over by the Bhutanese. In the 19th century, the British took over Kalimpong and merged into the present Indian state of West Bengal.

TOURIST SPOTS
There are a number of places of tourist interest in Kalimpong. Kalimpong has three important gompas or monasteries: the Tharpa Choeling Gompa, the Tongsa Gompa and Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa. The Tharpa Choeling Gompa was established in 1922 and belongs to the Yellow Hat (Gelukpa) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. His Highness the Dalai Lama also belongs to this sect, which was founded in the 14th century in Tibet. The Tongsa Gompa is located near the Tharpa Choeling Gompa. It is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong and was founded in 1692. The present building is constructed over the ruins of the original monastery, which was raised by the Gurkhas, in the pre-British era. The Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa was built in the mid-1970s on Durpin Hill and is located 5 km south from the town center. It was consecrated by His Highness the Dalai Lama. This monastery is famous for its traditional Tibetan wall paintings.

Kalimpong is an important flower producing center and it produces 80% of the total gladioli produced in India. There are numerous nurseries in Kalimpong, which excel in production of orchids. Travelers can visit some important nurseries across the town and look at their collection of flowers, orchids and cacti.

Other places to visit in Kalimpong include the Sericulture Research Institute, Dr Graham’s Home and the adjoining chapel (located on the slopes of Deolo Hill), and the Nature Interpretation Center (located on Rinkingpong road).

SITES NEARBY

Teesta Bazaar, located 16 km from Kalimpong, is an important place for whitewater rafting. The rafting season is between mid-November to mid-February. The small village of Lava, located at 2,353 m above sea level and about 30 km east of Kalimpong, is an important place to visit. Kagyupa Gompa is located here.

The village of Kaffer, located at 1555 m above sea level, is beyond Lava and one can have magnificent view of the summit of Kanchenjunga from here. The Samco Ropeway across the Teesta River, on the main Siliguri-Gangtok road is an important attraction near Kalimpong. One has to take a bus for Siliguri from Kalimpong in order to visit this ropeway en route.

From Kalimpong it is possible to go to visit Phuntsholing across the Bhutanese border, without a visa.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Kalimpong hosts an annual flower festival in the month of October.

SHOPPING

Markets in Kalimpong, which are open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, are good places for the souvenir hunter. Kalimpong offers a wide range of traditional handicrafts to the traveler. Woodcarvings, embroidered items, copperware, scrolls, Tibetan jewelry and artifacts, bags and purses with tapestry work can be picked up from the shops and markets across the town.

HOW TO REACH

The nearest airport is at Bagdogra and the nearest railhead is at Siliguri. The main bus and jeep station is located on Ongden Road. There is jeep service between Kalimpong and Darjeeling (3 hours). However, bus service between these two towns is not so good. Buses and jeeps can be taken to go to Siliguri (3 hours). There are few buses to Gangtok and Bagdogra. From the Indian Airlines Office, located on the Main Road, travelers can book tickets for Indian Airlines flights scheduled from Bagdogra. Travelers can also book tickets for Royal Nepal Airlines flights scheduled from Bagdogra.

CUISINE

The blending of different cultures has left a mark on the cuisine of Kalimpong. The influence of the Jesuits is evident from the local Kalimpong cheese and Kalimpong lollipops, which are a specialty of this town. Kalimpong is known for its Nepalese cuisine and Tibetan dishes. Gundruk, a popular Nepali dish, is very popular, so are the mouthwatering Tibetan momos and thoopa.

IMPHAL

Imphal, the tiny capital city of the northeastern state of Manipur, is an ideal destination off the beaten track. The landscape of green-blue hills, lush fields and low clouds is like an exquisite painting.

THE CITY

One of the few places in India where nothing seems to have changed is Imphal, a tiny valley tucked away in the northeastern state of Manipur. Relics of an old, historical palace, well-planned temples and ceremonial houses in their entire splendor amidst the tall pine and jackfruit trees, speak of Imphal’s ancient past.

At places, Imphal looks almost like a painting with clouds hanging low over long stretches of lush green fields and numerous small hills of the green-blue Koubrou and Namaijing ranges forming a garland around the valley. Adding a riot of color are hundreds of orchids.

The best way to visit the places in Imphal is to hire an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw on an hourly basis. It will take you to all the interesting sites and finally to the central market where you can spend as much time as you like.

Lying at the center of Manipur valley, Imphal is one of the most ancient towns in the Indian subcontinent and has much to offer to a discerning tourist.

PLACES TO VISIT

8 kilometers from Imphal, at the foot of the pine-covered hillocks, you will find a wealth of rare birds, animals and reptiles at the Manipur Zoological Gardens. In the zoo’s sylvan surroundings, you will even get a glimpse of one of the most rare species of deer in the world, the graceful brow-antlered thamin deer.

Then there is the Khonghampat Orchidarium that has more than a hundred rare varieties of orchids. The best time to visit the orchidarium is in the months of April and May when the orchids are in full bloom.

One of the main features of Imphal is the Khwairamband Bazaar. What makes this market different is that women run it. Split into two sections on either side of the road, it has tribal women clad in colorful, traditional attire, selling everything from hand-woven shawls, skirts, vessels, mugs and mats to fish, lotus, oranges and orange-flavored honey. And if you wander in the quaint by lanes around the market, you will get a glimpse of Manipur’s customs and traditions.

The core of Imphal’s traditions, however, lies in its various temples. The most important of these is the Shri Govindajee Temple, a historic center for Vaishnavites. A simple, twin-domed structure, it adjoins the magnificent palace of the former rulers of Manipur. Constructed in the early 18th century under the Rajarishi Bhagyachandra regime, the temple comes alive during festivals when thousands of people come to offer prayers. In fact the best time to visit it is during Holi, also known in Manipur as Dolijatra or Yaosong when boys and girls do the Thaba Changba folk dance, all night. In the center of the temple stands the presiding deity, Lord Vishnu flanked by the shrines of Balarama and Krishna on one side and Jagannatha on the other. The temple also has a paved court and a large raised congregation hall.

The Manipur State Museum is another place that is worth a visit. The museum has a rich collection of Manipuri costumes, war implements, historical documents and relics, and gives you a sample of the state’s complex history. Here, the visitors can also see sculptures of the local forest gods, and the motif of the Phakangba, the man who could turn himself into a dragon. Represented in his dragon form, Phakangba is considered as the ancestor of all Vaishnavites. All these things speak about the importance that the Manipuris attach to the organic relations of humanity with nature.

Right in the heart of the city is the tall Shahid Minar at the Bir Tirkendrajit Park that was built in memory of Manipur’s martyrs who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence.

From another era, there are the famous cemeteries of the British and the Indian armies that commemorate those who died in the Second World War. Well maintained by the Commonwealth Grave Commissions, it has stone markers and stone plaques, each of which has a record of the sacrifice made by the soldiers.

Yet another special feature of Imphal is the Archery Stakes that are held everyday on various low-lying stretches of ground just below a stand of conifers. Evolved from an ancient tribal sport, it is still very popular in Manipur and one can see archers shooting as many as 500 arrows within a span of a few minutes.

For the history buffs, there is in the heart of the city the Old Palace with interesting ruins of an old fortress wall and a palace.

If you want to add a touch of glamour to your visit, plan a trip to the city during November when Imphal becomes the stage for a national festival of classical dance on the lines of the Khajuraho, Ellora and Badrinath festivals.If you are one of those who are always on the lookout for the quaint and the unusual, get off the beaten track and visit Imphal. You may feel that Imphal is too far away but this is not really true. It is far easier to reach than you may think. You can reach either through Kolkata or Guwahati by any fast train or fly down to either of these places and then to Imphal. The airfare in the northeastern sector is highly subsidized and is just a little more than the first-class railway fare. Alternatively, you may take a bus from Guwahati. The road journey, though a little tiring and time consuming, brings to you pristine scenes, limitless greens, virgin forests and crisp air. However, if you wish to travel by road, keep a passport-size photograph handy because you will required to get an Inner Line Permit-a mere formality-for traveling through Nagaland to reach Imphal.

SITES NEARBY

There are a number of places an hour or two away from Imphal, each more beautiful than the other. Moirang is just 45 km away and it is here that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose first hoisted the flag of the Indian National Army (INA) on Indian soil. There is an INA museum, which contains letters, photographs, badges of rank and other articles associated with this movement. There is also a statue of Netaji. The graceful Khamba-Thoibi dance originated here.

Keibul Lamjao National Park, at a distance of 53 km, is supposed to be the last natural habitat of the thamin deer.

Ukhrul (83 km) is the highest hill station of the state; Moreh (100 km) is close to the Burma border and is a commercial center. Tengnoupal is 69 km away and from here one can have a full view of the valley of Manipur.

GETTING THERE
Indian Airlines connects Imphal with Delhi via Guwahati on a daily basis. A daily Boeing Service also connects Imphal with Kolkata via Silchar. Vayudoot connects Imphal with Kolkata and Dimapur, thrice a week.

Dimapur, 215 km from Imphal, is the nearest railhead for the Manipur capital city.

Imphal is connected by road with Dimapur by National Highway 39 and Silchar by National Highway 53.

SHOPPING

Sales Emporium, Manipur Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd., and Eastern Handlooms and Handicrafts  in Paona Bazaar, offer a number of options to the tourist to buy Manipuri souvenirs from Imphal.

MISCELLANEOUS

Foreign tourists visiting Manipur require Restricted Area Permit issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.

Domestic tourists visiting Manipur by road via Dimapur, Kohima, require inner line permit issued by the sub-divisional officer (Civil), Government of Nagaland, Dimapur.

For further details, tourists may contact: Tourist Information Center, Directorate of Tourism, Government of India Tourist Office, Jail Road, Imphal 795001 .

Because Imphal is situated in the extreme east of the country, the sun rises and sets quite early. So, plan your excursions accordingly.

Maximum Temperature 32°C; Minimum Temperature 0°C

Woolen clothing is essential from November to February and cottons for the rest of the year.

Gulmarg

THE FLOWERY SLOPES

Gulmarg derives its root from “the meadow of flowers” and is indeed a picturesque location. Known for its unparalleled beauty, Gulmarg’s virgin forests are a welcoming sight to all tourists. The lush green slopes, their silence broken by the occasional tinkling of cowbells, have been the locale for several films. The rich verdure with the snow-capped tips provide an ideal ambience for the skiing and winter sports.

LOCATION

Located in the northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg is in the Baramulla district, 57 km southwest from the capital city of Srinagar. It is perched at an altitude of 2730 meters above sea level and is not very far from the Indo-Pakistan border. It has a gently sloping topography generally identified with European skiing of the 1940s and 1950s.

SITES TO VISIT

From Gulmarg, a pony track leads upwards to Khilanmarg, Kongdori and Seven Springs. It takes a couple of hours by pony, and slightly longer on foot. Khilanmarg offers an unparalleled view of the great Himalayan range. From here, across the Apharwat-the peak that looks up from this point-is Alpather Lake, a picturesque alpine lake that remains frozen until late June. It is located at a distance of about 13 km from Gulmarg. For horse riding freaks, Alpather Lake makes an exciting day's excursion, and one has to start early morning and return by late evening. Slightly lower than Gulmarg is the shrine of Baba Reshi (a Muslim mystic saint), which is visited by people of all faiths.

WHAT TO DO

With the first snowfall, the highlands are transformed into a glittering winter wonderland, the country's premier arena for action-packed skiing. Gulmarg has slopes varying between 8,700 and 10,500 feet with the highest ski runs in India. Meant only for beginners, Gulmarg ski lifts and chair lifts provide basic utilitarian facilities with a simple link-up. Those who enjoy the exhilaration of height will therefore have to make their own way up. However, what is of a particularly high quality is Gulmarg's ski-shop with professional equipment imported from Australia and France that are offered for hire. Facilities are also being provided for skiing at Pahalgam and work on an institute of mountaineering and winter sports is already underway.

Asia's only heli-skiing resort is at Gulmarg, The gentle slopes, having runs of up to 200 meters, are best for beginners while the steeper runs of 500 meters are meant for intermediate-level skiers, and other stretches of over 2,000 meters, precipitously steep, are for top-level skiers. A helicopter takes the tourists to the Apharwat peak from where one can choose one’s own descent route. As far as the statistics of Gulmarg go, it has a vertical drop of 1400 meters (4,592 feet) and a top elevation of 4,138 meters (13,576 feet). The Gondola Cable Car that allows a ski run of 2,213 meters provides the longest ski run in Gulmarg.

Gulmarg also has one of the world's highest green golf courses, as well as a clubhouse that is a historical building in its own right. For the amateur golfer, there are golf sets on hire, pros to instruct one in the game, and temporary memberships, including one-day memberships. For a fun-filled ride of a most unusual kind, Gulmarg's newly constructed gondola lift through pine-clad slopes is an experience of a lifetime.

HOW TO REACH

The nearest airport is in Srinagar. This airport is connected with major cities of the country. The nearest railhead is at Jammu. The journey from Srinagar to Gulmarg via National Highway 1 takes about 2 hours by bus and an even shorter time by chartered conveyance. The road is lined with poplar trees all through.

WHERE TO STAY

Gulmarg houses a number of hotels that offer good accommodation and meals. Hotels of international standards are also available. JKTDC (Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Development Corporation) has huts on the offer at Gulmarg and all these properties require advance booking from Srinagar when the season is on. Assistance for booking accommodation can be had from the booking manager at tourist reception center in Srinagar. The accommodation available there suits all budgets. One should not miss the opportunity of tasting the traditional Rogan Josh and other preparations in non-vegetarian and sweetmeats while visiting Gulmarg.

FACILITIES AVAILABLE

For an amateur, Gulmarg is the ultimate destination for skiing. While outfits like slacks and salwar kameez will suffice for skiing, other accessories like skis and sticks, snow boots, woolen socks, mufflers, windproof jackets, goggles, and caps are available on hire. Ski instructors are readily available to assist during skiing.

PRECAUTIONS

Although, Gulmarg is a perfect skier’s heaven, it has been torn apart by recent bouts of terrorism. While there have been many reports of foreign tourists being kidnapped, local tourists are also at the danger of the extremists. One is therefore advised to check out the law and order situation before making any plans for visiting the area.

Gangtok

SMALL & BEAUTIFUL

All good things in life come in small packets and Gangtok is a good illustration. Be it the rich flora, the beautiful people, or the serene Buddhist monasteries, this small town, occupies an important position in the itinerary of tourists in search of tranquility from the humdrum of modern life.

LOCATION

The eastern state of Sikkim lies couched between the borders of Nepal and Bhutan. Gangtok became the capital of the state in the 19th century and lies to the south of the district of East Sikkim. It is a hilly town and spreads down the western side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul River. The entire Kanchenjunga range can be viewed from the town and, in fact, it is worshipped as a local deity. It is at a distance of 721 km from Kolkata, 584 km from Patna, 140 km from Darjeeling and 589 km from Guwahati. The town experiences a lot of rainfall throughout the year and temperatures are mild.
 

SITES TO VISIT

One of the oft-visited sites of Gangtok is the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. It was built in 1958 and is a research center for Mahayana Buddhism and Tibetan culture. Besides being a museum of traditional and old artifacts, one can also buy Buddhist religious books and other objects of craft. Nearby is a gompa for young lamas. The Tsuk-La-Khang or Royal Chapel is the main place of worship and assembly for the Buddhists and is huge repertoire of religious relics. It is open during the Losar festival. Another important monastery is the Enchey Gompa and is worth a visit during the festival season of January to February.

Adjacent to the Namgyal Institute is the Orchid Sanctuary, which is the home of some 500 varieties of orchids. There is a larger orchid sanctuary called Orchidarium, off the main road to Rangpo. Near White Hall, there is a Flower Exhibition Center and seasonal flowers, bonsai and orchids are a delight to the eyes. One can visit the place from April to June and September to November.

NEIGHBORING SITES

Located at a distance of 24 km from Gangtok is Rumtek Gompa, which is a rich monastery and abode of the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a very famous site and devotees often flock to it throughout the year. Located at a distance of 35 km towards the northeast of Gangtok is the Tsongo or Changu Lake. Special permits are required to visit this picturesque locale.

FESTIVALS

Several festivals are celebrated in Gangtok and its adjoining areas.
•    The Buddhist festival of Bumchu is held in the Tashiding Gompa during January.
•    The festival of Chaam is held in Enchey Gompa during January-February and is marked by dancing.
•    Kagyat Dance is a mask dance held every month at Gangtok, Pemayangtse and Phodong.
•    Losar marks the Tibetan New Year and is celebrated during February-March at Pemayangtse and Rumtek.
•    Tse Chu is a Buddhist dance held in May at Rumtek.
•    Saga Dawa, held in Gangtok during May, and Drukpa Teshi, celebrated statewide during the month of July mark Buddha's first teaching.
•    Phang Lhabsol is a mask dance celebrated statewide during August.
•    Dasain, celebrated statewide during September-October, is marked by gift swapping and animal sacrifice.
 

THRILLING PASTIMES

Trekkers' huts along trek routes are at Pemayangtse, Khechopalri, Yuksam, Tsokha, Dzongri, Thangshing, Zemathang, Chaurigang, Tashiding, Varsey, Yangang, Rabongla, Sang and Sikip. One can also taste the thrill of such adventure sports like white-water rafting, hang gliding, yak safari, and mountain biking in and around Gangtok. The state tourism department can be contacted for more details.

WHERE TO GO SHOPPING

The town's liveliest markets are the New Market on MG Road, with workshops specializing in bronze and silver jewelry, and Lall Market, where dried fish, yak's cheese (churpi), and yeast for making the local beer (tomba) are available. At the huge complex run by the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, on the National Highway north of the center, visitors can watch rural Sikkimese making carpets, handloom fabrics, thangka paintings and wooden objects. Curio shops on MG Road and near the Tibet hotel on Paljor Stadium Road sell turquoise, coral jewelry and beads.

HOW TO REACH

The busiest route in and out of Sikkim is the road between Gangtok and Siliguri, also the nearest airport and railway station. Flights from Bagdogra can be booked at the Indian Airlines office on Tibet Road in Gangtok (Ph: 23099). Sikkim National Tourist Agency (Ph: 22016) has daily bus services to Siliguri (5 hours), Darjeeling (7 hours), Kalimpong (3 hours) and Bagdogra (4½ hours). Shared jeeps and taxis are a faster alternative to commute.

FOODING & ACCOMMODATION

One can savor all delicacies in Gangtok-from Tibetan to Chinese, Indian to Japanese. Continental dishes, banana pancakes, chicken-fried rice and the famous momos are the hot favorites. Rice is a staple, and dal is readily available. Gyakho is a traditional soup served on special occasions. Most restaurants serve alcohol. One can also look out for tomba, a traditional drink consisting largely of fermented millet, with a few grains of rice for flavor, served in a wooden or bamboo mug, and sipped through a bamboo straw.

Gangtok also offers a wide variety for accommodation. From budgetary accommodations to five-star hotels, one can get every sort of rooms. Low-season discounts are also common, but each hotel differs in their specifications. One must remember to enquire about hot-water provisions during winters.

INFORMATION

Trekking permits for West Sikkim (i.e., north of Yuksom) can be obtained from the tourist office building. One is allowed to visit Sikkim for a maximum of 15 days and obtain an extension of another fortnight only from the Home Office (Tashling Secretariat). Re-entry into the state is not permitted for three months even if one returns before the completion of the first fifteen days. Permits can be obtained from the Indian embassy or the Resident Commissioner's Office in Delhi (Ph 6115346), Kolkata (Ph 2499935), and Siliguri (Ph 432646) or any of the Foreigners' Regional Registration Offices. In order to visit the Tsongo Lake or North Sikkim, one has to be a part of a group of four.

Bhalukpong

BHALUKPONG: A SERENE DESTINATION
The tiny town of Bhalukpong is located amongst the eastern Himalayan ranges. It is famous for its natural beauty. It has a number of picnic spots along the banks of the Kameng River. Bhalukpong is a remote destination, and like few other Indian towns, it has escaped the virtual tourist invasion in recent times. It also attracts the adventure-seeker with its numerous trekking, hiking trails and fishing stretches on Kameng River.

LOCATION

Bhalukpong is located in the southwestern part of the state of Arunachal Pradesh, in the northeastern region of India. It is adjacent to the state of Assam. It is located near the Kameng River. It is 52 km from Tezpur. The weather in Bhalukpong is alpine and pleasant. Summers (April-June) are mild, while winters are cool (November-February). It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September.
THE PAST
The origin of Bhalukpong is lost in time. Local tribal rulers and rulers from Bhutan and Assam generally ruled this region from time to time. The Ahom rulers of Asom did not interfere with the local tribals, except for retaliatory raids into the tribal territory. The British had declared this area of Arunachal Pradesh as off-limits in 1873.

TOURIST SPOTS

The main places of interest in Bhalukpong are the picnic spots along the charming Kameng River and the nearby forests. Travelers can enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains surrounding Bhalukpong and its environs. There are a number of trekking and hiking trails in and around Bhalukpong. Adventure seekers can enjoy fishing and angling along different stretches of Kameng River. There is excellent scope of fishing mahsheer in the Jia Bhorali River near Bhalukpong.

SITES NEARBY

The Orchid Research Center at Tipi, 3 km from Bhalukpong, is an interesting place to visit. The best time to visit this center is between April and May, when one can see the exotic orchid collection in full bloom.

The small town of Bomdila is located north of Bhalukpong. Bomdila is known for its scenic environs and its Buddhist monasteries and apple orchards. It also attracts the adventure seeker with its numerous trekking trails.

The small town of Tawang is located beyond Bomdila amidst the eastern Himalayan ranges. It is famous for its 400-year-old monastery. This monastery is one of the biggest Buddhist monasteries to be found in India and is an important pilgrim center for the followers of Buddhism.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Bhalukpong is known for its annual festival of Nyethidow, which is celebrated in the month of March.

HOW TO REACH

Bhalukpong is located in a remote part of India amongst the Himalayan ranges. It does not have an airport or railway station of its own. It is connected by road with other towns in Arunachal Pradesh and Asom. Bhalukpong can be reached from the town of Tezpur by bus or in a shared jeep.

INFORMATION

Foreign travelers visiting the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh must obtain a Restricted Area Permit from the Foreigner's Regional Registration Offices in Delhi [Arunachal Bhavan, Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras) and Kolkata [Arunachal Bhavan, 4B Chowringhee Place, Kolkata] in order to visit Arunachal Pradesh. Permits are generally valid for 10 days. Permits can also be applied for at any overseas Indian consulates. These permits are checked at the airport and their photocopies have to be submitted in the local hotels while checking in for routine local police verification.