Eastern India

KOLKATA - HOWRAH, WEST BENGAL

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is known for its vivacious lifestyle, rich culture, aristocratic thinking, grand festivities and exciting flavors. Located in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, it is the cradle of colonial history and modern expansion. Proudly referred as the London of India, this cultural capital of the country will never fail to impress you with its diversified charm and elegance. The exquisite beauty of the erstwhile Victoria Memorial, the lush green Maidan, the age-revered Medical College, the time-honoured Howrah Bridge, the grandeur of the Indian Museum, the freshness of Botanical Garden and the century-old buildings adjoining Shyam Bazaar, are some of the gems of this beautiful city. Besides the heritage monuments, Kolkata is also known for its street shopping spree. Considered as the heart of Kolkata, Esplanade along with its adjoining areas boasts its vibrant variety. The astonishing high-rises and the lavish malls are the posh additions to this city. Apart from its historic and architectural beauty, Kolkata has always been pioneering the literary, scholastic and artistic thoughts. It continues to spawn the ingenious generations of writers, poets, dancers, musicians, film-makers, painters, Nobel laureates and many more. Kolkata is famous for its flavourful extravaganza. The extraordinary variety of piquant traditional dishes and dessert delicacies like the syrupy Rosogolla will make you go gaga after them. If you plan to visit some of the urban metropolises of India, this city on River Hooghly can definitely acquire a position on the top of your sketched itinerary.

• Best Time to Visit:October to Febraury
• Key Attractions :St. Pauls Cathedral Church, Victoria Memorial Hall, Kalighat temple, Dakshineswar temple, Belur Math, The Anand Niketan Kirtishala Museum, The Indian Botanical Garden, Dalhousie Square, Jain Temple, Mother House, Eden Garden Stadium,
• Nearest Airport:Netaji Subhash Chandra International Airport
• Nearest Railway Station:Sealdah & Howrah Railway Station

DIGHA, WEST BENGAL

Digha is a town that has developed around a seaside resort in the East Midnapur district of West Bengal. If you ever plan a trip to the cities of Midnapur or Tamluk, don’t forget to add Digha to your itinerary too. In 1780, Warren Hastings had called Digha ‘the Brighton of the East’ for its similarity to the seaside resort in Sussex, England. At that time, it was locally known as Beerkul. Today, modern facilities like the Marine Aquarium and Research Centre have been established here. In addition to the old natural beach, an artificial beach has been developed, some 2 km away and which makes for an excellent trekking trail. This trek has been further beautified with plantations, and at nights, a majestic gate-like structure is illuminated, making the complete scenery look amazing. Further, there is a century old temple of Lord Shiva at Chandaneswar, near Orissa border, just 8km from Digha. It attracts five lakh pilgrims every year, especially during the March-April mela.

• Best Time to Visit:December to March
• Key Attractions :Marine Aquarium and Research Centre, old natural beach, an artificial beach & old temple of Lord Shiva at Chandaneswar.
• Nearest Airport:Netaji Subhash Chandra International Airport
• Nearest Railway Station:Digha Railway Station

SHANTINIKETAN, WEST BENGAL

Shantiniketan is a neighbourhood of Bolpur city in Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum district in West Bengal, India, approximately 152 km north of Kolkata . It was established by Maharshi Devendranath Tagore, and later expanded by his son Rabindranath Tagore whose vision became what is now a university town with the creation of Visva-Bharati.

• Best Time to Visit:October to March
• Key Attractions :Tagore’s Ashrama, Poush Mela, Rabindra Bhavan Museum, Chattimtala, Prayer hall – Upasna Ghar, Kala Bhavan, Deer Park, Kankalitala, China Bhavan, Sangeeta Bhavan, Nippon Bhavan.
• Nearest Airport:Netaji Subhash Chandra International Airport.
• Nearest Railway Station:Bolpur Santiniketan Railway Station

SUNDARBAN, WEST BENGAL

Awarded with the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sundarbans National Park is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in India. The Sundarban National Park is a National Park, Tiger Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve in West Bengal, India. It is part of the Sundarban on the Ganges Delta, and adjacent to the Sundarban Reserve Forest in Bangladesh. The popular Tiger Reserve is located on the river delta formed by Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna. A tour to Sundarbans is an experience of a lifetime.

• Best Time to Visit:October to April
• Key Attractions :Sundarban National Park, Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower, Sajnekhali Watch Tower, Netidhopani, Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary
• Nearest Airport:Netaji Subhash Chandra International Airport.
• Nearest Railway Station:Canning Railway Station

KONARK, ORISSA

Konark is a beautiful medium-sized town in the state of Odisha. The name ‘Konark’ originates from the Sanskrit words ‘Kona’, which means angle, and ‘Arka’, which translates to mean the sun. The town gets its name from the famous Konark Temple dedicated to the Sun God Surya. The Konark Sun Temple, which was constructed in the 13th century, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1984. The temple is by far the most popular tourist spot in Konark. Konark Beach is another favourite haunt for tourists with its turquoise water and golden sand. While the beach is ideal for long walks and sunbathing, the strong currents make swimming in the sea unsafe. The annual Magha Saptami Mela takes place at the Konark beach, where followers take a sacred bath before watching the sun rise. In December, the annual Konark Dance Festival draws many visitors leading to a rise in tourism in Konark.

• Best Time to Visit:September to March
• Key Attractions :Konark Temple & Konark Beach
• Nearest Airport:Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneshwar
• Nearest Railway Station:Bhubaneshwar Railway Station

BHUBANESHWAR, ORISSA

Bhubaneswar, fondly known as the ‘City of Temples', with its bucolic spirit and a beatific blend of diverse cultures, vast history, and impressive architecture along with some good, old sprinkling of sun and sand that bespeak why this destination is a favorite among wanderlusts around the world. Once rumored to have over a thousand temples, you will find the present ones adorning the city’s skyline with their temple spires touching the clouds while the saffron pennants at the pinnacle, flutter in the air. The architecturally elegant Lingaraj Temple, the wonderful Buddhist Peace Pagoda Dhaula Giri Hills, the ancient Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves are a few architectural masterpieces that take one back in time by a few thousand years. Linger around and feel the spiritual energy in these transcendent temples. Bhubaneswar is also an enthralling pit stop with its vibrant, cultural traditions. Numerous fairs and festivals are organized throughout the year, celebrating the culture of the land.

• Best Time to Visit:October to March
• Key Attractions :Elegant Lingaraj Temple, ancient Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves.
• Nearest Airport:BhubaneshwarAirport
• Nearest Railway Station:Bhubaneshwar Railway Station

GOPALPUR, ORISSA

Formerly a fishing village, Gopalpur is a popular tourist destination in the state of Odisha, and the perfect holiday destination for those looking to relax by the sea. Gopalpur-on-Sea, is one of the most famous beaches in the state, and an old world, antiquated charm, owing to its past. Those seeking a quiet holiday will not be disappointed by Gopalpur. The golden beach is quite empty compared to other famous beaches and offers a panoramic view of the coastline, the old jetty, and the Lighthouse. One of the main tourist attractions in Gopalpur are the water sports like wind surfing, scuba diving, rowing, water scooter and more! The less adventurous folks can take a walk by the cashew nut trees with the cool ocean breeze ruffling their hair, or watch the fishermen bring in their day's catch home.

• Best Time to Visit:October to March
• Key Attractions :Gopalpur-on-Sea, Wind surfing, scuba diving, rowing, water scooter, walk by Cashew Nut Trees.
• Nearest Airport:BhubaneshwarAirport
• Nearest Railway Station:Berhampur Railway Station

TAPTAPAN I- ROURKELA –CUTTACK - PURI, ORISSA

Situated in the Ganjam district of Odisha, Taptapani is one of the very few hot water sulphur springs in India. This sulphur hot water spring is known for its medicinal properties and curing of skin diseases. Taptapani in Odiya literally translates to hot water in English as 'Tapta' means hot and 'pani' water. Located around 256 km south of Bhubaneswar, the best way to reach Taptapani is via train to Berhampur and then availing taxis from the station. This place is surrounded by hills and forest, which can be a good place for trekking and explore wildlife. Taptapani also has many tribal villages around it with many tribes such as the Dingaria Kondh and the Mali. Rourkela, popularly called ‘Ispat Nagar’ or ‘The Steel City of Odisha’ is situated on the northern border of the state. It is home to one of the few large steel plants of SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited ) and is known as the Rourkela Steel Plant. The city also has one of the National Institute of Technology- NIT Rourkela. Known around the world for its delicate works of silver filigree, the city of Cuttack, in India, grew around the fort of Barabati. With a legacy that can be traced back over 1000 years, it is the business capital of the state of Odisha. The city comes alive with Bali Yatra, a trading festival. The festival is the best occasion to imbibe the spirit of Cuttack. On the map, Puri finds itself stamped in the state of Odisha in Eastern India and is fittingly called the ‘Temple Town’ due to its namesake, the Jagannath Temple, which is one of the foremost pilgrimage sites for Hindus, besides being known for having the largest kitchen in the world. Additionally, 24 festivals including 13 major ones are held every year in the temple premises. are one of the oldest monuments in India.

• Best Time to Visit:October to March
• Key Attractions :Hot Water Sulphur springs in Taptapani, Hanuman Vatika, Indira Gandhi Park, Nehru Traffic Park, Jubilee park, Mrig Vihar & the Green park in Rourkela, Maritime Museum, Mahanadi Barrage, Cuttack Chandi Temple and Dhabaleshwar Island in Cuttack, The ancient Jagannath Temple, Markandeswar Shiva Temple and the Konark Sun Temple ,The Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary, Sudarshan Crafts Museum houses, Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, Nalbana Bird Sanctuary or Nalbana Island in Puri
• Nearest Airport:BhubaneshwarAirport
• Nearest Railway Station:Vadodara Railway Station / Rourkela Railway Station / Cuttack Junction / Puri Terminus East Coast Railway

BODHGAYA, BIHAR

Bodhgaya is a serene township on the banks of the River Falgu in India and revered by Buddhists all across the world. It is the city where the founder of Buddhism, Gautama Buddha meditated, preached and attained enlightenment, under the famous Bodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi Temple which houses the Bodhi Tree draws hordes of visitors across the world. The place emanates an aura of enduring serenity, spiritual solitude, and supreme peace. Bodhgaya is one of the most important places in the world where devout Buddhists congregate and celebrate Buddha Purnima, in the glory of birth and enlightenment of Gautama Buddha. Another notable event is the Nyingma Monlam Chenmol festival, celebrated for world peace. The city is a sheer delight for history aficionados and those seeking spiritual enlightenment. The Thai Monastery, Indosan-Nippon Japanese Temple, Archaeological Museum, etc. are some of the other attractions of this quaint city which the travelers often rave about. The town is home to dozens of Buddhist monasteries. One unique fact is that you can even get an accommodation in those monasteries and have a chance to come close to the day to day lives of the Buddhist monks.

• Best Time to Visit:November to February
• Key Attractions :The Mahabodhi Temple, Nyingma Monlam Chenmol festival, Thai Monastery, Indosan-Nippon Japanese Temple, Archaeological Museum.
• Nearest Airport:Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport
• Nearest Railway Station:Gaya Junction

MUZAFFARPUR - PATNA, BIHAR

Located in the Tirhut region of Bihar, Muzaffarpur is famously referred to as ‘Litchi Kingdom’ as over 300,000 tonnes of litchis are produced annually here. The city is home to many temples, and tourists from all over the country visit here to pay homage. Be sure to sample some of the local delicacies such as Kadhi Bari, Ghugni, Pittha, Choora, Sattu, Litti and Dhuska, during your stay at Muzaffarpur. Patna, historically known as Pataliputra, is the capital city of the Indian state of Bihar. With almost two thousand six hundred years of history in its stride, Patna boasts many heritage and archaeological sites for enthusiast travelers to explore. The city has an affluent historical past and has witnessed rise and fall of many empires. Despite being considered a chaotic city, its past glory of learning and culture has always attracted travelers from all over the world. Great British writer and traveler, Peter Mundy, called Patna as 'the greatest mart of the eastern region.' The city is abode to some of the ancient folk music mainly performed by the Magahi folk singers. Many famous monuments dot the city landscape, with Mahavir Mandir being one of the major attractions of the city. Located on the bank of the river Ganges, travelers can explore the holy river on a river cruise, organized by the state tourism department. Bokaro is the fourth largest city in Jharkhand and is a major industrial centre, most famous for its steel plant. In fact it is often referred to as 'Bokaro Steel City' of India.

• Best Time to Visit:October to January/ February
• Key Attractions in Muzaffarpur:Baba Garibnath Temple, Chaturbhuj Sthan Temple, Shri Ram Temple, Kali Mata Temple, Simri Mai Temple and Ramna's Tripur Sundari Temple, Ram Chandra Shahi Museum etc.
• Key Attractions in Patna :Vaishali, Rajgir, Nalanda, Pawapuri, Lucky travelers get a chance to spot the Ganges dolphins, the National Aquatic Animal of India.ribnath Temple, Chaturbhuj Sthan Temple, Shri Ram Temple, Kali Mata Temple, Simri Mai Temple and Ramna's Tripur Sundari Temple, Ram Chandra Shahi MuseVaishali, Rajgir, Nalanda, Pawapuri, Lucky travelers get a chance to spot the Ganges dolphins, the National Aquatic Animal of India.
• Nearest Airport:Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport in Patna
• Nearest Railway Station:Muzaffarpur Railway Station / Patna Railway Station

JAMSHEDPUR – RANCHI – BOKARO, JHARKHAND

Jamshedpur, also known as the ‘Steel City,' is well-known for its industrial progress and for being one of the most well-maintained and planned cities of India. Its various industries have attracted people from various regions, making it a unique melting pot of religions and cultures. The city was founded by Jamshedji Tata, who established the country’s first steel plant here. True to the vision of its founder, the city developed to have wide roads, shady trees, planned areas and all the comforts of modern life. Today, the city has a growing tourist industry and has its fair share of tourist attractions. Hudco Lake offers a panoramic view of the hills and has an artificial waterfall. The city is a paradise for shopaholics. With its old-world charm, Ranchi mesmerizes you with its ancient, imposing temples like the Sun Temple, Pahari Mandir, Jagannathpur Temple besides others. The capital of the Indian state of Jharkhand, it has a decently sizeable tribal population with major parts covered by dense forest area. One of its nicknames is ‘Manchester of the East’ due to its natural mineral resources which count for nearly 18% of the national mineral production. Another of its sobriquets is ‘City of Waterfalls’, because of its numerous waterfalls.

• Best Time to Visit:September to March
• Key Attractions in Jamshedpur:Rivers’ Meet, Rankini Mandir, and Dalma Hills, Jubilee Park, Sir Dorabji Tata Park, and Tata Steel Zoological Park
• Key Attractions in Ranchi :Hundru Falls, Jonha Falls, Dassam Falls or Dassam Gagh, Hirni Falls, Rock Garden, aka Kanke Dam, Nakshatra Van or Lunar Mansion,,Jharkhand War Memorial.
• Key Attractions in Bokaro :Parasnath hillocks, Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park, Jagannath Temple, Kali Bari, Rajrappa, and Aaiyyapa Temples.
• Nearest Airport:Sonari Airport / Birsa Munda Airport / Bokaro Airport
• Nearest Railway Station:Tatanagar Railway Station / Ranchi Railway Station / Bokaro Railway Station

PORT BLAIR, ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLAND

Port Blair is the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, housing the only commercial airport here, it is well connected by both sea & air and is known as the gateway to the islands. It resembles the tale of any other city in India. Hotels, restaurants, resorts, and shops adorn its streets. Apart from that, it also has a lot of history associated with it, but not just any, it’s the history of our fight for freedom. Named Kaalapani it was largely used by the British for deporting political prisoners from India. And now it happens to be the most prominent tourist destination in the Islands, and the hub of all tourist activities happening around the Isles. Due to the number of visitors traveling via Port Blair, the island has the best choices in hotels and staycations offering rooms for every budget. Water Sports choices on the island are abundant and range from everything from Scuba Diving and Parasailing to simpler ones like Snorkeling and Jet Skis.

• Best Time to Visit:November to February
• Key Attractions :Cellular Jail, Sea Cart in Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Wandoor Beach, Chidiya Tapu & Scuba Dive in Mundapahar Beach, Mount Harriet, Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex, Anthropoligical Museum, Samudrika Marine Museum, Chatam Saw Mill, Fisheries Museum, Ross Island, North Bay Island, Jolly Buoy Island, Mangrove Boat Ride in Viper Island.
• Nearest Airport:Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
• Nearest Railway Station:Port Blair Port

HAVELOCK ISLAND, ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLAND

Situated 70 K.M from the capital Port Blair, the Havelock Island has been at the spotlight of the Andaman Tourism for more than a decade. The island boasts some of the most well defined spots of attraction with a perfect mixture of tropical jungle and white sand beaches. One of the most intriguing things about the Havelock Island is its lack of urban density. The island has a very low population density that makes sure you get as close to nature as possible without having to see yet another urban city, which you probably are taking a break from. Narrow roads surrounded by either dense tropical jungles with unique trees or long strips of fields covered with greenery of rice and paddies, combined with a sudden jump of clear open waters on the side of the road makes the Havelock Island, one of the best places to explore with a rental bike.

• Best Time to Visit:November to February
• Key Attractions :Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapachar Beach, Vijaynagar Beach.
• How to Reach:Government Ferry & Private Cruise / Speed Boats

NEIL ISLAND, ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLAND

Neil Island is best known for its unparalleled biodiversity and unexplored span of dense tropical forests and greenery complemented by white sand beaches and rich coral reefs. Currently known as the Shaheed Dweep, this is a small island that spans over an area of 13.7 Sq. KM. only, most of which is covered with forest. Due to the lack of vehicles, markets, fewer resorts, and less population, Neil Island is best suited for people who’d like to have a laid-back vacation in Andaman, far from the city noises and into the wonderful world of complete serenity. The roads are thin and long and connect the island's jetty to all major attractions. The trip to the destination is quite mesmerizing as the roads are surrounded by long banana plantations, paddy fields, and other agricultural greenery. Moreover, the island has non-existent internet connectivity and patchy cellular network which usually cuts off your outside communication and helps you detox yourself from the digital world and into the lap of nature, breathing fresh air.This makes it a completely different and soothing place to be when compared to other nearby islands like Havelock and Port Blair.

• Best Time to Visit:March to May & December to February.
• Key Attractions :Bharatpur Beach, Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur Beach, Sitapur Beach, Ramnagar Beach, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Jet Skiing, Glass Bottom Boat Ride etc.
• How to Reach:Government Ferry, Government Helicopter Service & Private Cruise & Ferry.

BARATANG ISLAND, ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLAND

Baratang is a small island located in between the South and Middle Andaman and is home to several natural wonders that are in more ways than one- fascinating. Mangrove creeks, beautiful beaches, limestone caves and mud volcanoes adore the landscape of the scenic islands.

• Best Time to Visit:March to May & December to February
• Key Attractions :Limestone Caves, Mud Volcano & Parrot Island.
• >How to Reach :Ferry