Kolkata is one of the four metro cities in India . Before it was pronounced as " Calcutta " but with the change of technology and fashion the old name has also changed to "Kolkata". It is arguably the world's most controversial city. It is a city with a great deal of charm - a city of strange paradoxes and one that leaves an indelible impression on the visitor.
Howrah Bridge is another landmark that denotes the city of joy. This hanging bridge is an architectural marvel of the country. The second largest planetarium in Asia , the Birla Planetarium, is another site that attracts attention of all regardless of their age. The Botanical Garden with its 250-year-old banyan tree (Ficus bengalhensis) is another attraction of the city. The Dakshineshwar Temple is an important pilgrimage center that attracts a number of tourists as well as pilgrims from all over the country.
Darjeeling
Derjeeling is known by various names like "dream land of the east", "queen of the all hill stations". Darjeeling , located 7,000 feet above sea level. Darjeeling is famous for its flavored tea all over the world. The bru is often compared to champagne and the tea gardens that dot the slopes are witness to this mammoth industry. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a paradise for trekkers. Lofty mountains surround Darjeeling , a fascinating place rich in natural beauty. If weather is clear, the Kanchenjunga peak can be seen while down in the valley below flow the rivers swollen by rain water or melting snow
Siliguri
If anyone desires to visit the nice hill station of Darjeeling then Siliguri is the gateway for them. It is also the disembarkation point for the Kingdoms of Bhutan and Nepal . The twin cities of Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the transit point to Darjeeling , Sikkim and the North-Eastern States . Being the nodal point, this town has become very busy and crowded. Tourists come to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri mainly to change bus or catch trains. It is a famous trade point in Eastern region of our country. Most of the goods are available here with a cheaper rate.
New Jalpaiguri
New Jalpaiguri connects the plains of West Bengal at New Jalpaiguri with the popular hill station of Darjeeling (6812 ft), a distance of about 50 miles. On the way, it passes the most breath-taking scenery and climbs to a height of 7400 feet at Ghum (the highest station on Indian Railway & the 2nd highest station in the world), where on a clear day views of Mt. Kanchenchunga can be seen. |
