- Home
- Alipur Duar Tourism & Travel Guide
Alipur Duar Tourism & Travel Guide
Trips and Itineraries for Alipur Duar
3 Days
SPONSORED
21.1k Views
A weekend in lesser known Drupka village - Lepchakha (Dooars)
(DooarsIt was raining when we got down from the train at Alipurduar Jn....
- Share
- Add Comment
View more
comments...
6.8k Views
Experience the beautiful WestBengal
Welcome to West Bengal… West Bengal, situated in eastern India....
- Share
- Add Comment
View more
comments...
7 Days
16.7k Views
Kolkata towards Calcutta
A trip around central Calcutta, where the traditional north and the modern south find a reunion will take around 5 days for exploring....
- Share
- Add Comment
View more
comments...
12 Days
53.9k Views
Live Free Ride Hard (LFRH) - North East India Trip
Our Route Darjeeling -> Sikkim - Gangtok -> Mangan -> Lachen -> Gurudongmar-> Lachen -> Lachung -> Yumthang -> Yumsodam -> Lachung-> Mangan -> Siliguri -> Guwahati -> Shillong -> Cherapunjee -> Guwahati -> Jalpeguri -> Bangalore....
- Share
- 5 Comments
View more
comments...
4 Days
1.0k Views
Pelling Trip
It is well connected to major cities like Chennai, New Delhi, Howrah, Alipur and Darjeeling through Guwahati Express, Ndls Bgp Express, Mas Njp Express and Dbrt Rajdhani....
- Share
- 1 Comments
View more
comments...
9.5k Views
North Bengal's Beauty of Cinchona Plantation - Rongo
Among the lesser known destinations concealed around the lusciousness of Duars, Cinchona Plantation is one such abode that embraces many beautiful destinations of North Bengal....
- Share
- 1 Comments
View more
comments...
Top Places To Visit in Alipur Duar 2 Spots
Hotels and Homestays in Alipur Duar 4 Hotels
Weekend Getaways from Alipur Duar
Darjeeling
158 Kms from Alipur Duar
Best time to visit - October- April
Often called as the "Queen of all Hill Stations", this is one of the most popular in the whole world. This place is wrapped by everything beautiful nature has blessed the Earth with. Darjeeling is located in the lap of the Mountain Kanchenjunga and crowned by the mighty Himalayas, there is tranquility everywhere you see. There is the bright red hue of blooming rhododendrons, the peaceful white of the magnolias and also the silvery white firs all spread over the hills and the stretches of hills covered with the emerald color tea bushes. If you are out during the early mornings, the clouds will cross across your face. This is a perfect place for a tourist, ornithologist, trekker, a photographer and children too. The famous toytrain of Darjeeling is now a Heritage of Bengal. The other nearby attractions are Mirik, Mall, Batasia Loop, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Dooars Valley. A trip to this beautiful place is sure to fetch you a lot of memories to be etched in your heart forever.Read More
How wrong can I be?! The climate at Tiger Hill – the famous spot to see the mighty mountain, put the one at Pelling to shame. The huge crowd gathered on the hill sadly started walking back with disappointment.Like at Sikkim here also the tour was arranged by the hotel people. The morning tour included two more spots also for which I didn’t bother to get up from the seat at all in that rainy climate.Another cab came around 9.30 AM for the next round of sightseeing called the 5 point tour. The climate was villain again at many spots.
And at that very moment we became sure , this trip will gonna be a great one.We spent the afternoon in Mall , had the dinner. Enjoyed the night view of the Queen of the Hill for a while and got to sleep.
We reached at Darjeeling at about 2:00 in the afternoon. Checked in the Hotel and after having our lunch we were completely in Lyadhkhor (= Bengali for being Lazy like nobody) mode. And we saw this -
We got ready by 4:30 in the morning , as we were scheduled to watch the Sunrise from the Tiger Hill. But the driver got very angry. As per him , 3:30 would be the best time to depart. And while our journey to we realized why. There were hundreds of vehicles were going from there to the same destination. The roads were filled up with cars. As we were already late, the only way to got there before sunrise was fastening our seat-belts and allow the driver to drive as fast as possible. That exactly what we did. That was heck of a driving. Never forget that. But despite of the furious drive, we actually thanked the driver when we reached at Tiger Hill 5:25 am.
"You need to come out from your comfort zone, for your career, for you traveling as well" It was a lazy morning , I got up really late. We were about to go for sightseeing at about 2:00. So, I was just enjoying the fresh morning. And then we got the news. Dipu's friend , who was told to book the returned ticket, failed to do so. There were no train for return. We were about to return on the next day. Nobody's data network was working except mine. It might not been happened if we planned it and executed it ourselves. Regarding train, there was no other option except returning in unreserved coach. But there is no point of thinking on the matters you don't have your hand. There's nothing we could do until next day. So , we moved out for sightseeing. The roads were full of cars. Most of them are narrower than the city's one way road. We forced to skip few places for traffic. We should have started in the morning. Some places we missed - Singallila National Forrest ( Famous for rear Red Panda), Tenzing Rock (offers rock climbling).What we enjoyed -
We have planned only half day for darjeeling but most of the points are to be visited early in the morning starting from sunrise at Tiger Hills, so we are hopeful that we will be able to do it.We are ready to travel while raindrops pouring down from sky. We are having only one rucksack with rain covers. Our raincoats are ready and we are planning to go slow on wet roads. Separate poly bags are packed for keeping wet clothes, wallets and mobiles. Shoes and tough to dry clothes are avoided. Gears are packed, tickets are booked and we are all set to have an adventurous, energetic and drizzling bike trip. See you on the other side of the journey. Bye Bye.
Shopping (if needed) must be done in the evening as everything shuts early night due to fog and low visibility.The best season to visit Darjeeling is from March to May or October to November. Monsoons offer wonderful experience but there are chances of landslides. Winters are chilly and it sometimes snows in Darjeeling.
How to reach Darjeeling?Unfortunately, there is no direct connectivity to Darjeeling. A general route is a flight or train from Kolkata to Jalpauguri (Siliguri). One can hire a cab from Jalpaiguri or take the toy train to Darjeeling.Places of Interest:
Located in the lesser Himalayas at an elevation of 6700 ft, lies a town famous for its tea across the globe - Darjeeling. But Darjeeling is not just tea. It is a traveler's paradise. It is located in West Bengal, India.Darjeeling lies in the shadow of the worlds third highest peak - the Kangchenjunga. The Himalayan railway here is also a UNESCO world heritage site.This place was known as the summer capital of India during the British rule. The history records date back to the early 19th century when the British established a sanatorium and a military depot in the region.
Motorcycling is special and more when you have a brotherhood to ride along and even more when the destination is itself a spectacular. I love to travel on motorcycle because it’s the best way to soak in the experience, and all of it. But what if your calling surpasses your proclivity to tour, what if you escape stretches beyond where the roads will take you well that is when you quell your urge to dominate and pick something built to work with the elements.Bhutan - A Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas eastern edge, is known for its religious communities, fortresses otherwise commonly known as dzongs and sensational scenes that range from subtropical fields to soak mountains and valleys. The country is filled with mountains, monasteries, a treasure house of buddhist art, is a kaleidoscope of fluttering prayer flags everywhere and anywhere you go, magic, and HAPPINESS.In the year’s post world war II, Gross Domestic product or GDP became the gold standard for gauging a nation's overall health and productivity. But while most countries focused on industrial output, a tiny Himalayan kingdom created its own method to measure its worth using Gross National Happiness or GNH.It is a country that maps its progress via GNH (Gross National Happiness) bridges the gateway to the Himalayan Rhapsody, is well fabled for some of the highest bends per kilometre world over and rightfully features as a top riding destination. Once can submerge themselves into the purring symphony of pure motorcycling along deep broad valleys, rice paddies, orchards, specks of tiny villages along the roadside, just for starters this ride catapult itself into yet another unforgettable experience.Bhutan's perception as an idyllic wonderland is owed in part of it location. The small mountainous country shares its borders with India, Tibet, and China. The unspoiled nature and peaceful citizenry is why Bhutan is often seen as "a magic time machine and has long history of not accepting outside influence to protect its identity. It was said after defeating Tibetan forces and feuding warlords in 16th century, Bhutan's 4th king unified the country and cultivated a unique culture to differentiate itself from warring powers.A distinct Bhutanese identity emerged which emphasised a communal relationship with nature a lifestyle centred around Buddhism. Bhutan avoided globalization and preserved its society in isolation for centuries. As the rest of the world modernized, Bhutan still has no currency, hospitals, telephones, or even proper roads. As per the reports it wasn't until late 60's when Bhutan opened its doors to the outside world and started to focus on development and Indians were first to offer their help.But instead of hurriedly adopting western reform, Bhutan's beloved fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck invited GNH to guide his country's progress. GNH measures spiritual growth instead of rising incomes, and relies on four key pillars: GOOD GOVERNANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CULTURE, and ENVIRONMENTAL CONVERVATION.Nevertheless, in the survey for Gross National Happiness survey, over 90% of Bhutanese still considered happy. Modernization hasn't shifted Bhutan's moral centre completely off balance, However, as democratic institutions are put in place, there could be more consequences if the talk of happiness persists over real progress.A special thanks to my FRIENDS Dr. Rutvik Vanamala, Abhishek Reddy, Karthigeyan Ram and Pradeep who made this dream ride come true. We are proud of ourselves and looking forward for the next adventure. Until next time ride safe and stay safe. 😊
Gangtok
142 Kms from Alipur Duar
Best time to visit - September to December
Gangtok is the capital city of the north Indian state of Sikkim. Built up as a Buddhist journey site in the 1840s, the city got to be capital of an autonomous government after extinction of British principle, however it joined India in 1975. Today, it remains a Tibetan Buddhist focus and a base for climbers sorting out licenses and transport for treks through Sikkim's Himalayan mountain ranges. Settled inside higher crests of the Himalaya and relishing a year-round gentle calm atmosphere, Gangtok is at the center point of Sikkim's tourism industry. The accommodation business is the biggest business in Gangtok as the city is the main base for Sikkim tourism. Summer and spring seasons are the most prominent visitor seasons. Large portions of Gangtok's occupants are utilized specifically and in a roundabout way in the tourism business, with numerous inhabitants owning and working in Hotels. Ecotourism has risen as an essential monetary action in Gangtok which incorporates trekking, mountaineering, stream rafting and other practices.
Read More
So after 4 hours of travel from New jalpaiguri (NJP) we reached Gangtok at around 6.30 or 7 pm . Before that we found a travel agency in NJP railway station from where we booked our stay of 5 nights and 6 days stay in Sikkim which includes free breakfast and lunch too.So the first day in Gangtok was scheduled for the local site seeing around Gangtok which includes really awesome places such asENCHEY MONASTERYHANUMAN TOKGANESH TOKRUMTEK MONASTERYHANDICRAFTSSo that day was really amazing but we were tired also at end of the day . One more thing is that after the local site seeing which will end at around 4 or 5pm you can explore MG MARG which is the heart of the Gangtok city.
Next morning we decided to go for rafting which is on the way to Bengal from Sikkim. In March, rapids aren't too harsh so the rafting wasn't too risky. You can get some good photos clicked and videos of your experience.On the way to Gangtok we visited Rumtek Monastery.
Travel from Gangtok to Lanchung which is 118k away and will take you 4 hrs 30 mins by road. Best to hail a cab or bus to Lanchung, enjoy the view of the majestic Teesta river that flows along the winding road. Lachung has a lot to offer in itself, so plan to leave early from Gangtok.
DAY- 4Exploring Gangtok ( East Sikkim)
After visiting Tourism office at Gangtok thought of what could be done on day 2. While reading the brochure I found there is a place for paragliding. Since the morning had cleared up and sun was back was hoping there would be no rain. From the taxi stand inquired how to go about with it. Taxi people are friendly in Sikkim. So booked the taxi for whole day and he would take me to must visit places in Gangtok.First we went to Ban Jhakri Falls. There is a theme park coming up soon.
3. Adventure Junkie- Experience for life time!Are you young and energetic looking for adrenaline rush. Sikkim offers you several adventure activities to test your limits and over come your fears. Recently during my visit I tried Paragliding and White River Rafting and was an experience for life time. Once you soar high up in the air you break free like a bird and forget all your sorrow. The adrenaline rush in the fierce chilling water of Teesta is refreshing which rejuvenates your mind body and soul. Apart from that Sikkim also offer other popular activities like Cycling, Mountain Biking, Trekking.
2. Monasteries- Into the land of Monks!Are you fascinated by Buddhist culture and Monasteries. Sikkim will fulfill all your wishes which you are mesmerized by those colorful ribbons and flags with OM MA NE PADME HUM mantras tied high up in the air. The believe attached with it that the more higher it is tied up in the mountains the more sooner the mantras will reach into the GOD's ear. The monks which you have always imagined to experienced it and those prayer bell which you have seen only virtually in movies. Here are the few clicks from my recent visit in Gangtok:
P.S. : However they will make you sign a document that you are responsible for any accident, its completely safe as you are accompanied by a certified and trained pilot.Happy Adventure!!! Happy Blogging!!! Happy Gangtok!!!
Our driver dropped us at this paragliding spot and found that they offer two types of Paragliding:Medium Fly- 5-10mins for Rs 2500/-High Fly- 20-30mins for Rs 5000/-One has to be physically fit and weight below or approx 90kg. Payment options are Cash, Debit Card and Credit Card. If you want to capture your moments they will charge Rs 500/- extra for video making. So make sure your phone memory has space to store the memory of your breathtaking flight. The whole process takes approx 2 to 3hour.Since this is my first paragliding, here I swiped my credit card and booked for the medium fly. After weighing your weight in the weighing machine, from office they will drive you to the nearest highest point through the villages which were serene and the cleanest village I experienced. The drive is for about an hour which was also an experience in itself with its mesmerizing views and adventurous roads.Once you reach the spot you will have to walk up a bit. The view from the top was awestruck. While your pilot is busy preparing the flight the other start giving you instructions of do and dont’s. And here you GO-RUN-FLY—-WoooohhoooooO!!!!Exactly that is how I screamed and my heart was beating faster than the normal and the feeling that you experience is for life time. The adrenaline rush, you forget all your sorrows in life for a few moment and feel free like a bird.The view during the fly, its picturesque backdrops, mystic mountains and the lush greenery paddy fields will leave you spellbound. One needs a brave heart to do this and soar high in the air. :)
If you are young and adventure junkie looking for life time experience then I would strongly recommend you for Paragliding in Gangtok Sikkim Northeast India.Recently this summer May 2017 I visited Gangtok Sikkim and I fell in love with the pleasant weather, welcoming locals and mesmerizing views. During my visit I tried paragliding for the first time.About Paragliding you need not have to visit any tour operator or book in advance. There is only one spot in Gangtok from where paragliding activity takes place i.e. SIKKIM PARAGLIDING ADVENTURE SPORTS – COOPERATIVE SOCIETY LIMITED. It is operated by the cooperative society of Gangtok. So book any cab they will drop you to spot.
Shillong
277 Kms from Alipur Duar
Best time to visit - January,February,March,April,May,June,August,September,October,November,December
Meghalaya’s capital, Shillong is quaint hill-station flanked by pine forests and a few hundred waterfalls scattered across the charming landscape. Also referred to as the Scotland of the East, Shillong is replete with remnants of its British legacy, that can be seen in its architecture and the cuisine found on most menus. The beautiful Umiam, is a manmade lake and locally known as Barapani, it’s one of Shillong’s most popular places to visit. The Wards Lake is another artificial creation and tourists flock to this destination mainly for the boat rides. The multitude of waterfalls crowding the city - Sweet, Bishop and Beadon, and Elephant falls play a significant role in Shillong’s tourism. The Don Bosco Centre of Indigenous Cultures, is a cultural repository for all the seven Northeastern states, boasting of everything from weapons to rare photographs. To witness a magnificent view of the entire city, the Shillong Peak at 1695 msl fanning out over the town is your best bet. While touring Shillong, don’t forget to incorporate the beautiful Golf Course, that is perched at an elevation of 5200ft.
Read More
(Shillong-Scotland of the East):Neeraj was quick to respond and an arrangement for the bike to be picked up and repaired was made by him through the local Royal Enfield Service Centre. After handing over the bike, I left to explore Shillong. I was put up in a nice hotel in the main area of Shillong called Police Bazaar. I took a local cab, since my bike was getting ready for the road ahead. The day trip in Shillong consisted of certain places of importance. The first place I went to was the Shillong Peak also known as the Shillong Viewpoint. It is just a normal spot from where the entire capital city of Shillong is visible, In one glance. The peculiarity of this place is that it is located inside the Army Cantonment area, so there is thorough frisking of the travellers before entering. Also ensure that you have a photo identification proof ready for perusal. Next was the Elephant falls which is the shining star of Shillong. Divided into 3 separate areas of water flow, one has to descend a flight of around 50 steps for each area. It was just mesmerising. Some photographs and a steady climb up from the base area of the waterfall took me to the parking area. Then I set off to visit a lovely lake called the Ward's lake. This lake has it all. A big waterbody, clean grass all around, some beautiful flowers and above it all, a stunning silence. A silence in which you could hear yourself. Perks of travelling alone, ain't it? Moving on we halted at a zoo-park called the Lady Hydari park. Some unhappy Black Himalayan Bears and chirpy Geese was all that I could see. They were inside unclean enclosures. I hope that the entry fee that we pay, eventually is used for the actual development of these areas. The visit to the Cathedral Church followed. The silence and the serenity of the holy place was enough to freshen up and setup some really good vibes. It was now time to visit the Shillong Golf Links. This is a large area of lush green natural turf, where apparently golf is played on weekends by the locals. On seeing this place I was reminded of Khajjiar in Dalhousie and how Khajjiar is known as the Mini Switzerland of India. The Golf Course in Shillong was so much more clean than Khajjiar, which has now become a purely commercial place with lots of crap around. It clearly struck to me that Shillong is such an underrated hill station. It has a beautiful waterfall, a very calm lake, some lush green outfields, and a viewpoint just like any other hill station. Definitely Shillong doesn't receive the attention of a tourist like any other mainstream hill station in the north. I returned back to my room after having a light meal. Lots of good cafés around the Police Bazaar area, if you want to have an experience of the local culture. After walking down to another market area called the Barra Bazaar, I came back to my room and ensured that I get a good night's sleep before the drive next day to Mawlynnong-Asia's cleanest village.
Half confused and half worried, I am looking for a vehicle in the bustling streets of Bada Bazaar, an exit point in Shillong for Dawki, Cherrapunjee, etc. Dreaming about a vacation is super easy, but 'how to reach?', will exhaust your brain to the core - pan walas, shopkeepers, bus drivers, knocking doors and Google may have multi-directional opinion sometimes. This is enough to baffle and hence, delay the so-called planned trip.Call it lack of knowledge(read planning), but all those who want to travel will find a way(perhaps, discover a road not taken). After giving up on finding a direct public transport to Mawlynnong, I started reaching out to cab drivers. One would imagine that hilly areas would have big cars, but Shillong, in fact Meghalaya is a tiny cultural shock with the Maruti 800 prevailing as the main mode of transportation between cities – people overflowing through this miniature car of 90s. Having the basic knowledge of distance between places and what price cab drivers usually charge, did give me a platform(or basis) to bargain.
and here is my travel video
I kickstarted the next morning and we started our way through the beautiful roads of highway.. Stopped at a dhabba on the way, right before hitting the mountains which serves amazing bread omelette and some exotic fruits which they sell all over the way. The road trip from Guwahati to Shillong is blissful beyond words could explain. Stopped right after that at the umami lake .. It has this mesmerising view which one won't forget that easily ! Then we headed for the well known "Don Bosco museum" that showcases everything about northeast! Also it has a terrace that leads you and gives a view of The whole Shillong ! Evening was set aside for boat rides and some shopping at the police bazaar .. Bakeries here are real good!
Lucky us,it rained heavily in the night.So,we enjoyed the rainy weather,but also it didn't hamper our trip.So,in morning with fresh mind but tired legs,we set off for Shillong sight seeing.There are numerous waterfalls,each with its own unique beauty.Theres also a cave named Mawsmai Cave,where you can explore the cave system in its natural form.Its a unique experience as well if you can complete the whole cave system,but keep in mind,there are quite a bit narrow crevices & be ready to get wet below your knee in few areas.But,if you are adventurous,you must do it.Then there are Nohkalikai falls,with a wonderful scenic beauty as well as,a tragic history behind its name.
Guwahati- Shillong- Nongria Falls- Cherrapunji -Guwahati1) Guwahati-Gangtok-Tsomgo Lake- Baba mandir- NAthula pass- Gangtokor2) Guwahati-Gangtok-Lachung-Gurudongmar Lake- GangtokAs because we had time constraints and we planned to choose either of the options.We started from Guwahati at 9 am and planned to reached Shilong by 12 pm. However, once you enter those zones, time will cease to exist and your plans will go in dustbins. We took so many stops in between that we reached Shillong by 2:30.The way is absolutely breathtaking. Try having their local cuisines, chowmein (known as pan fried noodles in other parts of India) maggie, momos and lot more. Food in entire states of N.E is amazing.We reached police bazaar, Shillong at around 2:30. We bought raincoats for our journey and explored the tibetan market and tried the local golgappes or phuchkas.
Day 5We kept the last day to explore the main city Shillong. We visited Elephant Waterfalls, Shillong Peak and Local shopping markets. You can go for shopping at the local markets. You will find lot of handcraft items, stoles, woolens and what not.Elephant Waterfalls – It’s one of the prime attractions in Shillong and worth visiting as the falls can be viewed from three different steps. One has to climb down the steps amidst the greenery .This waterfall is pretty crowded as it’s located on the highway.Shillong View Point – It was a pleasant 20 minutes’ drive from the main city. You can hire local cabs and reach the destination in no time enjoying the lovely weather. At the entry you might have to wait till completion of the formalities by defense personnel as one has to pass the defense area. The view is definitely a treat to your eyes; you can see the whole city from the top. Do not miss having hot tea and Maggie there.Police Bazar - Certainly the place in town where everyone goes shopping and where you find everything. I especially loved the small roads going there with small markets along the streets. You can go for street shopping for funky clothes and shoes at a very reasonable price. Do not miss buying souvenirs.We had our last dinner at friend’s restaurant and enjoyed our walk to the hotel having ice-creams. With this we ended our trip with lot of unforgettable memories and a calmer self.
Meghalaya, the abode of clouds has lot to offer than just pine fresh mountains, beautiful waterfalls and rivers. We travelled to this city during the first week of September. We booked our morning flight from Delhi to Guwahati (Assam) and reached there around 1 PM. Our friend from Shillong had planned our itinerary for the next 5 days, which led us to the untrodden natural wonders.Day 1We landed Guwahati and traveled to Shillong which is 3 hours away. On our way, we visited Umiam Lake located in the hills. We reached there in the evening so the view was just amazing, we could see clouds all over, unending lake and lush green grass. The evening got more pleasing and alluring when it started drizzling and in bargain we felt calm and quiescent. You can go for a boat ride or try kayaking and water skiing, but make sure you try all these during day time. Next we headed to Shillong, we found little traffic on our way as it was raining throughout and there’s only one main road that connects to the whole city. We finally reached our hotel, we had ordered food from outside for dinner. We went out after dinner to explore the city and local markets. Don’t expect a shiny night because its more than that, it is peaceful beyond explanation.Day 2 and 3
This 53 km stretch caters a lot of things to offer the riders right from slight but soothing drizzles, to exquisite waterfalls and caves. This is one of the popular stretches as it is covered by natural and beautiful scenes throughout the road which is a treat for a bike rider.
Thimphu
111 Kms from Alipur Duar
Best time to visit - March,April,May,June,October,November,December
One would assume that Thimphu is still settling into its role as the capital of one of the happiest countries in the world, Bhutan. Simple at heart, grappling with growing commercialisation, Thimphu is bustling with energy and is the heart of the country.
Thimphu is a delight to explore if history interests you and also if you want a break from the quiet and serenity of Bhutan. Brimming with cafes, nightclubs and restaurants, the city welcomes people from all over the world with open arms. While here, do check out Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the National Folk Heritage Museum which offers a peek into the life of the Bhutanese people, especially the rural way of life.
There are tons of parks, gardens and galleries in and around Thimpu and you cover most of these in a single day depending on your interests. The exhibits here range from archaic to contemporary and are definitely worth taking a look at. Read More
Next day, hail a cab and travel to the capital town, Thimphu. Aim to keeping this cab to get around in Thimphu, as it be a more convenient and cheaper option since cab fares are high there. Moreover, the cab drivers in Bhutan are very gracious and will always indulge in a conversation about His Highness, Bhutan, and Buddhism. Thus, you'll be learning a lot while you're in transit. You can contact Mr. Mangal Singh at +975 17607472 to book for a trip.** (Read Part 2 for Thimphu, Punakha and Haa Valley)Cover Image Credits: http://www.mountainechoes.org/
Received passes on Day 3 .. hired a cab and reached Thimpu. Roads were smooth ..driver's paradise... Zero traffic .. Was fun.
Day 2: Phuntsholing -> ThimpuWe woke up early on Day 2 and met our guide Sangay who took us for our immigration process. We took around 3 hours at the Department of Immigration to get our permits and then after lunch we were off to Thimpu. There was initially some concern about the weather but the rain wasn't heavy enough to spoil our plans.
Next day morning, we geared up as soon as the 5AM alarm went off to capture the first light hitting Thimphu, Bhutan. A small hike to a nearby monastery with frozen dew all around the place was totally worth it. Sunlight falling on the mountain range behind the Thimphu city was quite a spectacular sight to watch.
Thimphu city is spread out along the side in a north-south heading on the west bank of the valley framed by the Raidāk River, which is known as the Wang Chuu or Thimphu Chuu in Bhutan. It is also the third highest capital in the world in altitude. The ancient capital city of Punakha was replaced by Thimphu when it was established as capital in 1955, and in 1961 Thimphu was declared as the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan by His Majesty the 3rd Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Day 4: The way towards Thimphu started. The first stop to visit was kharbandi gonpa ( the monastery built by Royal Grandmother , Ashi Phuntsho Choedron in 1967). The beautiful and magnificent himalayan ranges were seen to the road which took upto the hills. The Toorsa river had its silent flow irrespective of the aura around. The small town of Chimakothi has its own culture maintaining its individuality. Finally the day or to be more appropriate the year ended with a theme based party in Bhutan.
Welcome to your 'Best of Bhutan tour'! On arrival at the airport in Paro, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Thimpu, the modern capital city of Bhutan. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city. Overnight in Thimphu. (Meals on your own)
Today, after breakfast, proceed for a full day sightseeing of Thimphu visiting places like National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma Statue, Motithang Takin Preserve, National Library, Folk Heritage Museum and Tashichho Dzong. The large Tibetan-style National Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to honour the memory of the third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (the father of modern Bhutan). This whitewashed chorten, with its golden spires, features elaborate mandalas, statues and a shrine dedicated to the popular third king.
After breakfast, proceed to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Enroute visit Kharbandi Gompa -The Kharbandi Gompa monastery is located amongst garden of tropical plants and flowers. It was set up in 1967 by the Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron. Later, continue your drive to thimphu. Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. On arrival, check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Thimphu. (B)Request A Call Back
After breakfast, proceed on a city tour of Thimpu visiting places like The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, National Memorial Chorten and Buddha Dordenma Statue. The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory was established in 1990 to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho using traditional techniques that have been practiced for generations. The factory uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne and Dhekap in the manufacture of the paper.The large Tibetan-style National Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to honour the memory of the third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (the father of modern Bhutan). This whitewashed chorten, with its golden spires, features elaborate mandalas, statues and a shrine dedicated to the popular third king. The religious paintings and complex tantric statues inside the monument reflect both peaceful and wrathful aspects of Buddhist deities.Made of bronze and gilded in gold, the Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni statue, the largest Buddha statue in the world at a height of 169 feet. Sitting upon a large meditation hall, there are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, also cast in bronze and gilded, that have been placed within the main statue. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the local markets. Overnight in Thimphu (B)You can stay in-
Paro
101 Kms from Alipur Duar
Best time to visit - March,April,May
Bhutan has gradually become a popular tourist destination. And if you are visiting Bhutan, you can't possibly miss the lovely city of Paro. Considered to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan, it is definitely a must visit!
A perfect mix of culture, beauty, nature and history, Paro offers you an experience unlike another. Do visit the unofficial Taktsang Monastery or Tiger's Nest, which is a delight for trekkers and explorers! Located on a hill, the trek to this monastery is something you'll always remember. Do carry water, wear proper shoes before you start your trek lest the number of halts increases your trek time.
Another wonderful place to visit is the National Museum of Bhutan which is located in a former watch tower and hosts a collection of artefacts tracing the history of Bhutan. Among other places to visit, Rinpung Dzong and Drakhapo are definitely worth visiting. The Paro market is also a great place to explore and makes for a perfect location for an evening stroll. If you don't want to stay in the city, Paro is where you should head to. The lush valleys here are a delight to explore and the streams and meadows are nothing less than a postcard. Read More
The Itinerary
Day 4: On our way to Paro. 2nd important city and in fact only city with airport in Bhutan.. 1.5 hr ride from Thimpu .. 50 kms.Bhutan major attraction - Tiger nest.. Have always been enticed by its wallpaper like pics.. Time to turn imaginations into reality..Taktsang, or the Tiger's Nest Monastery, is one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. one of the most challenging monasteries to get to. Located at an elevation of over 10,000 feet, Taktsang is the birthplace of Bhutanese Buddhism.
After our short trip to Chele la pass, we found a decent hotel to stay in Paro market. The next morning, we had to get up early for our hike to Tiger's Nest. Since we were ten guys, the earliest we could manage was getting ready by 8 AM.
After breakfast, drive till the base of the world famous Taktsang Lhakhang. Taktsang Lhakhang or the Tiger's Nest is the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site and temple complex in Bhutan. Visible from afar, this stunning and highly revered monastery is perched on a high granite cliff at an altitude of 10,236 ft., overlooking the northern Paro valley. The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Overnight in Paro (B)You can stay at-
After breakfast, visit National Museum, Paro Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. The National Museum of Bhutan is housed inside the revamped Ta Dzong, which was formerly a watchtower. It showcases an intriguing collection that illustrates the rich and unique cultural heritage and tradition of Bhutan, including ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts.
After breakfast, drive to Paro. On arrival, check-in to your hotel in Paro. The rest of the day is at leisure. One can visit the local markets. Overnight in Paro (B)
This morning, drive to Paro, en route visit Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. Built in 1637-38, this massive architectural edifice is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. In addition to its structural beauty, it is renowned for containing the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan as well as a sacred relic known as the Ranjung Karsapani, a self-created image of Avalokiteswara. On arrival, checkin to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the local markets. Overnight in Paro. (B)
Welcome to your 'Bhutan - Himalayan Kingdom' tour! On arrival at the airport in Paro, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Thimpu, the modern capital City of Bhutan. On arrival, check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city. Overnight in Thimphu. Meals on your own. Enroute Thimpu - 65km, approx 1.5 hour drive.
After breakfast, drive till the base of the world famous Taktsang Lhakhang. Taktsang Lhakhang or the Tiger's Nest is the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site and temple complex in Bhutan. Visible from afar, this stunning and highly revered monastery is perched on a high granite cliff at an altitude of 10,236 ft., overlooking the northern Paro valley.On the way to town, visit Kyichu Lhakhang. The 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang (temple) is one of the oldest shrines in Bhutan. The temple complex is composed of two temples - the first was built to subdue a giant demoness and the second temple dedicated it to Guru Rinpoche. Overnight in Paro. (B)You can stay in-
After breakfast, drive to Paro, enroute visit Drukgyel Dzong and Paro Dzong. Drugyel Dzong is the best example of a fortified Dzong built in the 17th century to commemorate Bhutanese victory over the combined forces of Tibetan and Mongolian army, which attempted several invasions to the country. Though the fortress was destroyed by fire in 1951, the ruins remain an impressive and imposing sight, reflecting unique and intriguing design and construction techniques. On arrival, check in to your hotel in Paro. Overnight in Paro (B). Distance- 142km, approx 4 hours drive.
Cherrapunji
272 Kms from Alipur Duar
Best time to visit - January,February,March,April,May,October,November,December
More than the land of oranges as its original name Sohra connotes, this 'wettest place on the planet' is a land of waterfalls and rainfall. The Seven Sisters Falls and Nohkalikai Falls, Dain Thlen Falls and Nohsngithiang Falls remain the top most attractions for nature lovers.
Adventure seekers and outdoor activity enthusiasts should visit during winters from November to February, when they can go river canyoning, explore the natural limestone Mawsmai Cave, Krem Mawmluh Cave, which is the fourth longest cave in the Indian subcontinent, and delve into solitude and quiet at the Eco Park, which explored more, can lead you to yet another quiet isolated waterfall leading to a deep gorge.
Another star attraction of this East Khasi district, is the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, which can be reached after a steep but stunning trek through dense forests, also crossing bay leaf gardens and picturesque hamlets on the way. One can go atop an 80 feet observatory made of bamboo shoots, a daring but mesmerising climb immersed in the abundance of nature, from where the scenic plains of Bangladesh are clearly visible.
Cherrapunji is a land painted with mystical beauty and its stories of deep rooted culture and history remain within a traveller after interacting with locals throughout their journey before finally carrying back life long souvenirs from the vibrant Cherrapunji Indigenous Festival, which is an annual event. Read More
On the way there are many amazing views and waterfalls. All you have to do is enjoy the ride and do not get tempted for every scenic beauty on the way. We reached cherrapunji around 6 again. Damn, it was dark. As it was wet all around we wanted to take cheap room or camp this time within a compound. Luckily, we met a rider who offered us place with tent. We offered him some drinks in return ;) Now this is where we made nearly 4 very good friends.. sharing their life experiences driving Sumo around meghalaya. Its so good, how few drinks can get you such an amazing conversation with strangers. All you have to do is smile, and there are many stories waiting to be told.
After breakfast, set off for Cherrapunji, well known for receiving one of the highest rainfall in the world. Cherrapunjee is localy known as Sohra and is situated at a distance of 56 kms from Shillong. On the way is the Mawkdok Valley which is a very prominent sighseeing for tourists. Then on the way we visit the Nohsngithiang falls (Seven sisters falls) which is known to be the symbol of the Unity of the Seven States of North East India. After that we head for Thangkharang park, located just besides the Khoh Ramhah rock and offers a 180 degree view of the Bangladesh plains. Later than we visit the Mawsmai cave, a major crowd puller that leaves tourists spellbound. After trekking in the majestic cave we move for Eco Park, which hosts several hybrid and indigenous orchids. It also offers a breathtaking view of distant Sylhet Plains of neighbouring Banladesh.Attractions: Mawkdok Valley, Nohsngithiang (Seven sisters), Thangkharang, Mawsmai Cave, Eco Park.Part 4:
If you love the rain, this is the place. A place far from all the hustle of the city and close to the clouds. Carry an umbrella , the weather is unpredictable but you will definitely love this place. Best place for the nature lovers.Norkhalika falls , one of the best scenic beauty.Double Decker Living Root Bridge, a must visit for adventurers.
Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Single Decker Living Root Bridge, Nohsngithiang Falls, Mawsmai Cave
Tourism department conduct one day trip to Cherrapunji which includes waterfalls (Nohkalikai is more famous), a cave, Ramkrishna Mission school and a garden. The high attractions are the waterfalls (during some seasons these get dry, one can avoid then) and the cave. The cave is quite big with some small openings for one to pass through.
One should also visit double decker roots bridge for which transport would be through either local taxis or a reserved taxi. One has to walk up and down almost 3000 stairs to get to the place (almost 1.5-2hrs). I also liked spending a night in homestay nearby and visiting the bridge early in the morning again when there was no crowd and the environment was calm.
Nohkalikai Falls has a breath taking view making you realise that it's the simple things in life that matter. No technology can give the happiness that serenity of untouched nature can.
Day5:
According to the plan, all the passangers were supposed to congregate outside Tourism dev. corporation's office at 9 am, and so was everyone. Next moment a mini bus stood in front of us to take us to this would be memorable journey to the rainiest place on earth- Cherrapunji! As the bus started, a beautiful girl- Mary- in her early 20's introduced herself as our guide for the day! After a quick introduction of all the passangers with eachother, Mary started telling us about Meghalaya, Shillong, Khasis and their customs. With her beautiful smile, she made sure noone would get bored even for a fraction of second.
As we came out of Shilliong, the road started winding around the beautiful but shallow valleys of pine forests of the Khasi hills and then happened the best thing that could happen at that particular time....it started drizzling! Here i was experiencing rain in Cherrapunji! Wow!
After about an hour's bus ride, we reached our first point which was the Duwansyngh Syiem point 15 kilometers before Cherrapunji which offers an amazing view of lush green hills of Cherrapunji.
As Cherrapunji started approaching near, the roads started occupying themselves with thick cover of fog and mist, something of this kind which i was seeing for the first time from so close! An experience that i will fail to put in words.
Another half an hour ride through hamlets of weirdly long names (sounding like random alphabets stacked together), many sacred Khasi monoliths and n number of churches, we finally reached Cherrapunji's Ramakrishna mission school.
One of its kind, the school is located in one of the most beautiful parts of this small town, with deep down valleys surrounding it on the rear side. School has a massive playground done with beautiful rose and orchid plantations overlooking the valley. A small museum is opened for visitors on its first floor showcasing the local culture. What one will surely spot while on a visit to this school are the local kids selling cinamom packets running behind the visitors. Even thou its a matter of choice, the cinamom tastes too bland for the spicy tongue of the mainland Indians hence certainly unsuitable!
Next point where our bus stopped were the extremely beautiful - Nohkalikai falls, named after a mother who commited suicide from the same place when she realised her step husband killed and cooked her baby for food after she consumed it without knowing about it.. These are the second highest waterfalls in India. Afternoon after 12 is the best time to view these waterfalls as 50 percent of the times, the whole area is covered in thick fog which makes the falls completely invisible to the naked eyes.
A few kilometers away was the Mot-trob. A huge huge really huge monolith rock considered sacred by the local Khasis. This incredible rock with its massive size is surely a natural wonder worth a visit. Just across the rock a few miles away, one can see a view of Bangladesh border demarcated naturally by many rivulets flowing in the area.
From mot-trob, the bus went to Cherrapunji's eco park. An artificial park developed overlooking valleys which is the starting point of many waterfalls including 'missing waterfalls' which runs under the park surface and jumps down into the deep valleys. Eco park which also has a small resort for overnight stays, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding pine and oak forests and thousands of small water streams and falls carving their way down hills till they meet river waters.
On the way to and fro seen are the Seven sisters watrefalls also called Nohsngithiang falls named after the seven northeastern states of India. Again you need to be really lucky to spot these seven falls clearly through Cherrapunji's thick clouds.
Next and the second last location was the Mawsmai limestone caves- one of the many found in this area. A walk..sometimes a crawl...even some creeping along the ups and downs and narrow mouths of the slippery limestone cave is nothing less than a mini adventure. At this point i was so glad i made it to Cherrapunji coz this place just in 3-4 hours gave me some of the most beautiful experiences and moments of this trip. Wondered what more this 'soon to end' trip had to offer me.
This afternoon halt at caves also had our lunch break included. With no proper Indian food available around (even if it was i doubt if i dared to eat shahi paneer made by a khasi lady pewwk) other than maggi, I decided to settle on some local khasi meal which included chicken curry with eggs, dal and lots and lots and more and even more of rice!! Pretty tasty i must say!
Our last destination today was the Thangkhrang park..the most beautiful in Cherrapunji. This park faces many of the important waterfalls in the area including the earlier spotted Nohkalikai falls. This extremely clean and out of the world park has a mini orchid nursery which grows Orchids to exhibit to the visitors. I was lucky enough to see a few of the species blooming in their pots.
Following this visit to Thangkhrang park, we were done with all the point in Cherrapunji hence started our journey back to Shillong.
After an hour or two, our bus dropped us at Police bazaar. It was just 5pm and pretty much sunny. After saying goodbye to everyone and Mary, I started walking towards the Ward's lake.
Adjacent to the lake on the other side is Shillong's almost abandoned Botanical park. Had a quick walk in the park with almost no one around eating the so very sweet pineapples of Shillong and headed towards the hotel thinking how this beautiful trip so quickly came to an end as i had my flight back to Mumbai lined up day after tomorrow's early morning.
One would even lose the count of the number of waterfalls here. Definitely, Cherrapunji, does not fail to remind you of the Niagara Falls, although faintly yet impressively.
About Alipur Duar
Alipurduar is a sub-divisional municipal town of Jalpaiguri district, and is located at the eastern end of the district. Situated on the east bank of Kaljani River on the foothills of the Himalayas, the town is a gateway to Bhutan and North Eastern states of India. This town located in the Dooars region is known for its forest, wildlife, timber and scenic beauty, since the colonial period.Read More
Alipur Duar
How To Reach Alipur Duar
Book Alipur Duar Tour Package
₹ 0
₹ 20000+
Alipurduar is a sub-divisional municipal town of Jalpaiguri district, and is located at the eastern end of the district. Situated on the east bank of Kaljani River on the foothills of the Himalayas, the town is a gateway to Bhutan and North Eastern states of India. This town located in the Dooars region is known for its forest, wildlife, timber and scenic beauty, since the colonial period.
n the night we reached Alipur duar. The place has many hotels to stay which are in range of 700-800 INR.
#Food at Alipur duar
Poori and sabji. Mishti dahi and Sondesh. The local shops had very tasty Mishti dahi and Sondesh.
#Stay
We stayed at Madham guest in Alipur duar.
Now we started for Guwahati and this was a plain NH road with nothing much to offer. On this route one of our bikes chain also got broken so it took longer for us to reach and late in the night we reached Guwahati. As we wanted to go to Shillong hence we didn’t want to go inside the Guwahati city and instead kept riding on the by pass to Shillong.
