Sundarbans

This world heritage site the largest estuarine sanctuary in the world is the home of the Bengal tiger. It consists of 54 tiny islands. Innumerable waterways cover 2585 sq. km of this extensive mangrove swamp. West Bengal Tourism runs a launch service and organizes an overnight stay on the launch.
o Train to Canning, rivercraft to Sundarban Tiger Reserve.
o Bus from Esplanade to Basanti.
o Sonakhali, rivercraft to Sundarbans.

Siliguri

Siliguri is the fastest upcoming city and commercially the biggest city after Calcutta in West Bengal. Strategically, it is the gate way to tourist spots in Darjeeling, Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Shopping for ‘foreign’ goods at competitive prices is possible on HC Road and Sevoke Road.
o Air to Bagdogra
o Train to Jalpaiguri
o Bus toSiliguri

Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan – Rabindranath Tagore, the brilliant and prolific poet, founded a school here in 1901 which developed into the Vishwabharati University, a unique educational experience. The museum and the art gallery are
interesting. Amarkutir and Sriniketan have craft centres and students at the university have their studios in the complex and welcome visitors interested in their work
o Train to Bolpur Rickshaw to Shantiniketan (2 km)

Government College of Art and Crafts

Government College of Art & Crafts is An almamater of many artistes and sulptors of national and international fame.

(more…)

Mirik

Mirik is a ‘new’ hill station with the lake as its main attraction and a 3 km path around it. Tea estates, orange orchards and cardamom plantations surround the area.
o Bus from Siliguri/Darjeeling.

Bakkahali

Bakkhali in the 24 Parganas(S) district is 132 km from Calcutta on the east side of the Hooghly. It has a long sandy beach, an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of Calcutta.
o Bus from Esplanade and Gol Park
o Bus from Esplanade. Ferry across Hatania-Doania. Then bus to Bakkhali

Kolkata Race Course

The Race Course ground lies on the western side of the Victoria Memorial. It is regarded as one of the best race courses in India. It started off in 1819 organised by the Royal Turf Club. Apart from horse-races, this ground was also used for playing polo.
The horse-race starts in the month of July and continues till September. It starts again in November and concludes in March. The race is generally held on Saturdays. However, it is also held on important holidays and some special occasions.

(more…)