Travel Blog

By-P.C.Ray

There are many ways to reach Sunderban. One way is from Sealdah by train via Canning which is called the Gateway to Sunderban., or from Chowringee, Kolkata by bus via Sonakhali to Basanti. From here either by bus or by boat one can go to the Tiger Reserve Forest and Pakhirwalla within one and half hours. The government Tourist Lodge is fully equipped to give comfort and joy of stay. Besides, there are private lodges and lodges maintained by the Municipalty. Far from the madding crowd, yet adorned with pomp and pleasure, the lodges invite the elite of the neighbouring places. Here the people come to shake off the drudging daily routine life, while others come to gain experience of the solitude. As the great litterateur of the English literature Francis Bacon said, “ Travel in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder a part of experience.” (Of Travel)

Sunderban is full of scattered islands, the only link being boat .In trugh, it is the land of the greenery. Here the men and women are simply dressed. Men are mostly found with stripped Lungis and women are simply covered with apron with open unruly hairs. Most of the people have no fixed earning, they live on chance. Area is sparsely populated, and by and large people live from hand to mouth. Women are seen here and there catching fishes pulling their saris up to the middle of their thigh. This is their daily routine. Though their daily life seems to be miserable and uncertain, yet it is pure and serene. Here there is no artificiality of the city-men and hence no tension or morbidity of outlook. The skin is black but smooth. The weather helps the inmates to keep themselves fair and lovely. The greeneries are covered by the bluish sky and all along one can hear the soft sweet music of the chirping birds of many colours, along with the blowing soft breezes. It seems the very existence is controlled by some unknown forces. I asked my friend Mr. B.N.Choudhury, “How do you feel?” His instant reply was, “Fantastic.” He further added, “This part of the country side is really eco-friendly. The people have self confidence. They know how to depend. That is why having nothing they have everything. They do not moan. They do not grumble. They are the real stoics. They do not suffer like affluent of the city-people.”In fact, acceptance of the stark reality is their virtue. Their firm conviction in their destiny keeps them hale and hearty. They know that life is uncertain; they have the zeal to accept the challenge of life and are ever ready to combat and face any encumbrances. Their innocent spirit is not polluted by he sophisticated education. Their teacher is the nature. It is the natures which give them the impetus to face life and its problems.

They live in close association with each other. Most of the people are of scheduled castes, their titles being, Mondal, Maity, Giri, jana, Sarkar etc.There are very few old men. So I concluded that the average life is less than the nation’s average. However, they welcome the travellers as tourism is a source of income in this part of the area. And the Govt. of West Bengal is trying to add colour to Sunderban for attracting the travelers. The clustered of islands have their own distinctive qualities. Some islands are not vitiated by the people. These islands are called Virgin Island. Who would not like to visit these islands in the otherwise most populated State of West Bengal.

The chief food is rice, dal, vegetable and of course fish.’ Where there is fish, there is water’; and Sundeban being murshy place is full of variey of fishes. Thee are about 120 species of fishes, like, pran, lobster, mobskipper, ban fish, pakhal fish, sankar fish, pacha fish, arfish etc. Forest area is about 4000 square kilometer and there are fifty verities of mammals. Among them are most attractive are Vora deer, boar, wild cats etc. It is said that there are not less than 315 species of birds like, White sea-eagles, King fisher, Raptors, Sand pipers, Storks, Saras, mayona etc. Reptiles are also of 50 varieties like snakes, crocodiles etc.

The chief attraction of the place is Watch Tower Complex in Sajnakhali from where one can see the peerless pure beauty and serenity of nature. And if you are lucky you can have a near view of the Royal Bengal Tiger on the lap of nature, the scene of which is unparalled in this earthly earth. You would be happy to know that the Govt. has declared 9360 square kilometer as Biosphere Reserve. National Tiger Reserve is now World Heritage Site as declared by the UNESCO. Now there are 271 tigers according to the census of 2002. The Mughal, East India Company and the British wanted to make this area agricultural instead of fisciculture . This attempt marred the virgin beauty of Sunderban to a great extent.

In conclusion I must mention that Sunderban, in spite of all its nobility and variety is not free from nature’s fury. Torrential rain, strong wind and typhoon do visit during the summer. So the best time to visit this place is after Diwali. Of course during monsoon Sajnakholi becomes the strong hold of the ornithologists and the birds of various species. , The vastness of the furious sea can be observed by the Motor boat which moves around the deep jungle of the Sunderban being escorted by the Tourist guides of the Govt. of West Bengal. The traveler can book three days journey with about Rs 3000, from Kolkata, West Bengal Board of Tourism.

In this dull and drab world you can have a scope to release the pangs of life by floating in the Bay of Bengal on the coast of Sunderban. Here is the nature’s bounty to make your mind spacious and broad enough to accommodate the seamy side of life. Let me end with a quotation, “What is this life if full of care, you have no time to stand and stare.”

Tripura, the frontal small state situated in the North-Eats of India and flanked by Bangladesh from tree sides has natural beauty, fresh environment, vast forest cover and various flora and fauna etc. to attract the curious mind. The whole natural setting of the state is a grand satisfaction for the eyes. Those who love nature and its beauty will surely feel enchanted even after a glimpse at this picturesque state. Moreover, Tripura has a rich treasure of diverse culture, a multiethnic society and many historical monuments that are very striking to look at. The Department of Tourism has been earnest in promoting Tourism. Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism Department has been making excellence effort to uphold tourism in Tripura. .

Tripura has only one road link with Guwahati, the state capital of Assam. The 200 K.M. Assam- Agartala road (NH44) is the ‘life line of Tripura’. Its is connected by well networked of metallic roads which run from Agartala to Bilonia and Agartala and Udaipur. The Tripura Road and Transport Corporation ( T.R.T.C.) has been making excellence effort to serve the tourist coming from different parts of the globe very attentively. The Agartala – Guwahati buses are easily obtainable everyday from A.S.T.C. (Assam State transport Corporation) Bus Stand near Guwahati Railway station.

But a journey by bus, particularly in an under- developed province like Tripura is very troublesome. So here is some flavor of adventure in traveling by bus.

Agartala, the state capital has been linked with Kolkata and Domestic Air Ticket for Kolkata – Agartala are available in various categories. Efforts are being made to extend the railway network to link Agartala and Dharmanagar.

Some important palaces:-

Agartala (Capital City)

The magnificent Places are Ujjayanta Palace, State Museum, MBB College, Laxminarayan Temple, Jagannath Temple, Uma Maheswar Temple, Benuban Vihar, Rabindra Kanan, Portugese Church, Purbasha. Ujjayanta Palace has now become the Tripura Legislative Assembly.

Where to stay:- There are many private hotels as well as Government owned lodges.

Rajdhani Hotel.

Rajashri Yatri Niwas (49 Bedded run by Tripura Tourism)

Sepahijala ( 25 KM from Agartala)

It is a wild life sanctuary and zoo. A botanical garden is ready for booding, elephant riding, toy train and it’s a fabulous picnic spot.

Kamalasagar (30 KM from Agartala)

Kamalasundari Temple of Goddess Kali is here and it is just adjacent to Bangladesh border.

Neermahal (50 KM from Agartala)

It is a magnificent lake palace and most attractive thing of Maharaja in the midst of ‘Rudrasagar’.

Where to stay:- Sagar Mahal Tourist Lodge (44 Bedded), Sonamura

Udaipur (50 KM from Agartala )

The Tripurasundari or Tripuraswari Temple draws hundreds of pilgrims every year. The Bhubaneswari Temple is also a place of interest.

Where to stay:- Two lodges are run by Tripura Tourism

Matabari Pantha Niwas (6 Bedded, near the famous temple))

Gomti Yatri Niwas (24 Bedded)

Pilak ( 100 KM from Agartala )

Ther are object of archaeological interest in stone image, terracotta and stupa of Lord Buddha.

Where to stay:- Pilak Tourist Lodge

The splendid rock cut carvings and stone images at unakuti with their primitive beauty, water falls, and beautiful landscape.

Where to Stay:- The recently launched Unakoti Tourist Lodge (22 Bedded, 2 Suites, 6 A/C rooms) at Kailasahar, the District Headquarter is 30 minutes drive from the centre.

Jumpui Hills (225 KM from Agartala)

The seat of natural spring, excellent hill cum health resort, tracking facilities for adventure enthusiast, hill range with orange trees and it’s famous for its Orange ceremonial.

Tourist Information Centers have been working in different places of the country and conducting package tour round the year.

Where to Stay:- There is a well maintained tourist ( Eden Tourist Lodge, 20 Bedded) run by Tripura Tourism and situated on the hilltop out side the main market centre.

Some of the help centers where information regarding Tripura can be obtained are as follows:

Director ICA & T, Tel- 0381-2324688

E-mail: icat2k@dte.vsnl.net.in

Tripura Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, Kautilyamarg, New Delhi – 110011 Tel – 011-23010968

Tourist Information Center, Tripura Bhawan, 1 Pretoria Street Kolkata – 700071, Tel- 033-22823856, 033-22822801, 033-22826842, Tripura Bhawan, Beltala, Guwahati -781028, Tel- 0361-22620186, Tourist Information Center, Swet Mahal, Palalce compound Agartala Tel- 0381-225930

my destination is the university town of Jena in the German state of Thuringia. Navigating the huge airport at Frankfurt I reach the station to board an intercity express. The train ride of three hours takes me across the beautiful German countryside passing through cities like Erfurt (capital of Thuringia) and Eisenach. I get off at the small historic town of Weimar from where I board a regional express that will take me Jena. By the time I reach Jena, it is half past eight. Even in May it is pretty cold. A slight drizzle greets me when I get off at Jena west Station.

Jena lies on the bank of the river Saale, a tributary of the Elbe. The Kern Berger hills surrounded the town, adding to the beauty. Jena, originally founded by winegrowers, was first mentioned in the official records in 1236. Since the foundation of the university in 1558, the city has acquired European prominence. For a sort of period Jena was the capital of an independent dukedom Saxe-Jena. In 1992 it was annexed to Saxe-Eisenach and later to the Grand Duchy of Saxe- Weimar, to which it belonged until 1918. On 14 October 1806 Napoleon defeated the Prussian army in the Battle of Jena-Auerstedt. In 1945, towards the end of World War II, Jena was heavily bombed by the American and British allies and most of the medieval town center was destroyed.

Jena was home to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller and the optical engineer Carl Zeiss and for nearly 450 years Friedrich Schiller University has had a huge influence on the town’s success over the years, with great thinkers leaving their mark. This has made the town a unique melting-pot of tradition and modernity. These include the Botanical Gardens, founded second in Germany, museums such as the Romantiker Haus which deals with early Romanticism in Jena, the 1806 Museum in Cospeda on the twin battles of Jena and Auerstedt, the Optical Museum, the Schott Villa and the Ernst Haeckel House. Other notable sights are the Jena Philharmonic Orchestra, the second largest in Thuringia in the Volkshaus, the most important location in Jena for concert and conferences, Jena theatre and the world’s oldest Planetarium, Carl Zeiss Planetarium, now equipped with the latest technology. In Jena one can find the largest collection of eyeglasses in Europe as well as the famous Zeiss Microscope which was developed in the city and enjoy the excellent reputation throughout the world in the optical Museum. Other famous residents of Jena include Fichte, Friedrich Schelling, Karl Marx and Ernst Abbe. Apart from a shopping mall and a four-star Hotel today, the Ernst Abbe Square provides room for the university campus. Jen Tower the town’s landmark, which can be viewed from almost anywhere in Jena; it’s shaped like a cylindrical ocular and was built as a research building for the GDR. Until its extensive renovation, the tower was used by the Jena University. The lovely weather, initially cold but then getting warmer, the German summer, the warmth of the people, the beautifully maintained monuments, made my trip to Jena so memorable.

Author: Braganza Michael

Goa is a small state in the sub-continent of India. The capital of Goa is Panjim. Goa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India as well as abroad. This tiny state of India, Goa is basically known for its stunning beaches.

The gorgeous land of Goa creates a soothing ambience for the tourists. This well known land of sun, sand, surf and serenity, Goa attracts thousands of tourists from each corner of the world for Goa tours. But Goa is not only famous for its enticing palm fringed beaches but also for Goa Carnival – a non three days festival of fun & joy, spectacular places of tourist interest and many magnificent monuments, such as; forts & palaces, churches, temples etc.

During your Goa tour, you will be enchanted by its soothing ambience of Goa beaches. Warm, beautiful weather, chirpings of birds over your head, mind blowing murmurs of sea waves, all offer you a unparalleled charm and fascination. Goa offers you a wealth of recreation, entertainment, dinning and shopping opportunity.

If you are willing for beach tours of Goa and enjoying the eye-catching panorama of nature, no doubt, Goa offers you a perfect holiday destination with beautiful beaches, fun, enjoy, the charm of Goa carnivals and many picturesque locations. This tiny state of Goa provides over 50 miles of lovely beaches on the Arabian Sea. The beaches of Goa make it one of the prime attractions of India.

But Goa is not only famous for its exotic golden beaches but also for a popular wedding and honeymoon destination. In no where in the country you can find place like Goa which provide you a romantic honeymoon destination as well as a wedding destination. If you are willing for beaches wedding Goa beaches will be too much fascinating because it also provides you a honeymoon spot where you can enjoy with your consorts. Every year a large number of tourists come for beach tours of Goa. Also newly married couples come for Honeymoon tours to Goa and take pleasure with its romantic ambience.

During your honeymoon tours of Goa, you will observe that tall palm trees, beautiful beaches, sweet whispering of sea waves make Goa a romantic honeymoon spot in the country. You will also see many couples whispering sweet nothing on the beach of Goa. No doubt, Goa is an idyllic honeymoon destination in country. I am sure coming for Beach tours to Goa or honeymoon tours of Goa will never regret you.Are you planning for beach tours of Goa with your children or honeymoon tours of Goa with your consort? You are welcome the land of sun, sand, surf and serenity – Goa. Trust me; it will be the most pleasant experience of your life.

About Author

Michael Braganza is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. He has authored many books on tour guide for Rajasthan tour and Goa Tours. Now he is rendering his services to http://www.swagattours.com/Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com/author-braganza-michael-2100.html