Bishnupur - Bankura district, West Bengal

Bishnupur is a town in the Bankura District of West Bengal about 132 km from Kolkata. It is famous for its terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees. The town has a glorious past that is reflected in its rich architecture, music and handicrafts such as pottery and weaving. It prospered in the 17th and early 18th centuries.

Bishnupur (or Vishnupur) was the capital of the Mallabhum kingdom, once the most important Hindu dynasty in Bengal (founded in the 8th century CE and lasting until the early 19th century). Surrounded by old fortifications, the town has more than a dozen Terracotta temples. The 16th-century Jor Bangla and stepped Ras Mancha are excellent examples of brick temples of the Bengali style and are covered by ornate terracotta tiles that depict scenes from the Hindu epics.

The history of this place can be traced back to 694 AD, when King Raghunath I founded the Malla dynasty. However it was much later in 994 AD that the place was named Bishnupur. The name is derived from the name of the Hindu God ‘Vishnu'. The majority of the people belong to the ‘Vaishnava' sect.

Bishnupur can be reached both by train and by bus. It is only a 5-hour drive (about 150Km) from Kolkata and regular buses, taxis and trains from Howrah are available. Trains are available from Howrah and Santragachi. It takes around 4 hours' journey by train.

Sillery Gaon - a cool mountain village near Kalimpong,Kalimpong, West Bengal, India

Nestled amongst Himalayan hills, at an altitude of 6000 ft, Village Sillery is a cool mountain village in the middle of the pine forests of Damsang. The name represents a plant named so, that grows there abundant. It is only a 4 KM. trek from Pedong which is on the ancient Silk Route. The nearest halt is at Pedong that is a small hill town under Kalimpon, Pedong is situated at a distance of 21KM. east from Kalimpong. With a total population of around 20 houses mainly tribes,  instantly you fall in love with this place and its simple down to earth people.

The village is small but offers nature like anything. Wake up to the sounds of birds chirping and a Glorious Golden Sunrise. The view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga is simply  breathtaking from here and can be seen very close compared to any point in the region. As the locals say on a clear day leave aside Kanchendzonga, you can get a view of the Everest from this place. 15 Minutes from Sillery is Ramite Dara. The road is exorbitant that is the only word can be used that there is no language to describe the beauty and the silence. From Ramite Dara one can see the sunset and feel privileged to be one among the few to have seen the sunset from this place.

Lamahatta / Lama Hatta - A new destination: only 23 Km away from Darjeeling,Darjeeling, West Bengal, India

Surrounded by greenery and rivers amidst picturesque terraced farmland, a small mountain village near Darjeeling has now been developed by the West Bengal government to attract tourists. Lamahatta, at an altitude of about 1700 meter and only 23 km away from Darjeeling town, will be ready for tourists later in the month. Attractive also as a 'Honeymoon Point', with five cottages and 44-bed accommodation, Lamahatta was identified by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a recent visit, state's Tourism Minister Rachhpal Singh said.

The spot is being promoted as an attractive tourist destination as part of developing village eco-tourism at a non-forest Khasmahal area with active involvement of the local forest protection committee. This will help sustainable development of poor villagers without disturbing the ecology and biodiversity of the local environment, Singh said.

Inhabited by tribes like Tamangs, Sherpas, Yalmos, Bhutias and Dukpas, besides few Christians, this village is a conglomeration of rich and unique mountain culture with the main occupation of inhabitants being farming and cattle rearing. With moderately cool but pleasant climate, Lamahatta is well connected by Darjeeling-Kalimpong state highway.

As part of developing the Darjeeling-Lamahatta-Takdah circuit, six old rooms have been renovated at Takdah close to Lamahatta and the surroundings developed for this, the minister said. Developed at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore in eight months, Lamahatta with roadside garden and prayer flags presents a variety of season flowers and wild orchids to attract tourists on way to Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim, Singh said.

A watch tower and garden benches are major attraction of the village from where a magnificent view of Kanchenjunga, Sikkim Hills, flowing Teesta and Rangit rivers and also a bird's eye view of Darjeeling town can be enjoyed.

Inside the dense woodland, natural rock points have been conceptualised for those wanting to meditate amidst nature. Besides, a number of trekking routes have been identified in the area with the facilities of trained guides for trekking and local sightseeing, Singh said. An observatory has also been developed to view the entire Kanchanjunga range, while landscaping is already developed either side on the way to Lamahatta along with tourist facilities. A rainwater harvesting structure has also been developed, officials said. Local villagers were being trained for hospitality purpose, while the departments of tourism and forest would jointly maintain the entire facilities.