East Sikkim is a place of virgin beauty. Most of us are unaware of the rich flora and fauna and wildlife of this region. So there we were- a group of enthusiastic travel-men ready to trace the forgotten silk route of east Sikkim. Before the Chinese aggression, Jelep La used to be the main trade route between India and Tibet.

We took an evening train from Kolkata and landed up in New Jalpaiguri Station the next morning. It was a Friday- Good Friday to be more specific. We had already hired a van (courtesy- Sebastian Pradhan of Rishi Eco Tourism Resort) and in no time were on our way to Rishikhola. We reached there around 1 pm after witnessing a Good Friday mass in Pedang.

The resort was just beside the Rishi river and the facilities were basic and excellent. One can sit beside the river and enjoy the sound of silence. We took bath in the crystal clear water of the river. This is however not recommended during the monsoons- the current is quite strong and there are boulders in the river bed. If you find time, you can try your hand at angling; Sabestian is always ready to accompany you!

When did you last look up at the sky at night? Here we were star gazing beside the river in the evening. It was dark and the twinkling stars up above the world so high reminded us how tiny we are in this enormous universe. The dinner was simple and tasty home made food of chapattis, home grown cabbages and chicken curry. We were quick to pounce on this sumptuous meal and retired early to bed; exited about what was in store for us the next day.

The next morning we moved out from there and reached Zuluk (approx 9000 ft) by midday. This place is beautiful with mountain ranges on all sides. Zuluk provides home stay opportunities only, Sabestian helped us in getting the necessary arrangements done. We woke up at 3.30 am next morning, ready to see the sunrise and the first view of Kanchenjunga.

Our vehicle was running full steam on the zig zag road when we chanced upon a yak on the mountain sloe gazing itself to glory.

Finally we reached the viewing point and there it was- a majestic view of the mighty mountain as the sun painted the horizon with the choicest colours!

Then we look the van onthe route to Baba Mandir- built in memory of a brave soldier of the Indian army Harbhajan Singh.

It was snow all around us- and in the month of May! We were greeted by army men with a hot cup of tea (extremely essential, I must say). The road then took us to Kupup village and we saw the elephant lake on the way.

One is not allowed to go beyond this point. In fact, necessary permits are required to be obtained from the Military for visiting Jelep La- also carry your voter ID card.
Finally it was time to bid adieu to Jelep La and Kupup. That day only, we came down to New Jalpaiguri station after a short lunch halt in Rangpo- on the border of Sikkim and West Bengal.

Korak Basu is an MBA; works as a corporate PR, maintains a family but still has the nomad left in him. You can connect with him on Facebook and Orkut.

The State Wildlife advisory board had sent the proposal to the central Wildlife advisory board for promoting Jaldapara into a National Park which got the nod of the Union Forest and Environment Ministry Central Board.

Jaldapara received the “wildlife sanctuary” status in the British Era in 1941 when its area was 141 sq. km. Situated beside Hollong River, Jaldapara is now spread over in an area of 216.51 sq. km and with a Rhino population of more than 160.  Other important species includes Bisons, Deers, Leopards and numerous birds including the famous Great Hornbill.

The previous recommendation with the same plea was rejected on ground that there were too many forest villages in the buffer zone of the forest. Congratulations Jaldapara.

According the experts – There were 10 Bouddha Bihars in the country, out of which three happen to be in present day Bengal. This particular Bouddha Bihar at Mogolmari seems to have been built between the seventh and the tenth centuries – the late Gupta period.

WII senior scientist Y V Jhala said that “Such a cat has never been photo captured anywhere in the world.

A matchless combination of age – old culture and tradition is reflected in the beautiful handloom and handicraft products of the State which attract the visitors for its classic quality, exquisite colour, excellent design and craftsmanship. The entire State is pollution- free and eco – friendly atmosphere.

GENERAL  INFORMATION

Area                                 : 10,491.69 sq .km.
Population                       :  31.91,186 (2001 census )
Location    -
North Latitude                : D22°65′ x 24°32′
East Longitude               : D90°09′ & 92°20′
Extreme Length              : 183.5 km.
Extreme Width               : 112.7 km
Altitude (Agartala)         : 12.80 mtr.
Climate                           : Climate in Tripura is always favourable for tourist.
Temperature                   : Summer –36.8°C (max), 21.4°C (min),
Winter – 27°C (max),  4°C (min)
Best Season                    : September to March.
Clothing                         :  Cotton in Summer.Woollen in Winter.
Entry Formalities           : Restricted Area Permit System has been lifted in 1995. No entry fee is required for visiting Tripura.

HOW TO REACH

Air              :  Agartala is connected with Kolkata , Guwahati and Agartala, from
Kolkata to Agartala daily.

Rail             :  The nearest rail head is Kumarghat, 140 km. away from Agartala.

By Road      :  Guwahati is at a distance of 600 km. from Agartala. It can be covered
by daily Bus services in 24 hrs.

Local Transport   :  Unmetered Taxis, Autorickshaws and City Bus services are
available from Agartala Airport.

WHAT TO SEE

UJJAYANTA PALACE

Ujjayanta Palace – This Royal House which stands in the Capital city Agartala covering one sq.km area was built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya in 1901. The Palace is  set with huge Mughal style Gardens, beautified by pools and gardens and tiled floors. Flood lighting and fountains have also added to its beauty.

Location    : Agartala.

TRIPURASUNDARI  TEMPLE

Tripura Sundari Temple – one of the 51 pithas of Hindu Pilgrims was built by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in 1501 A.D. It consist of a square type sanctum of the typical Bengali hut type. The Lake in front of the Temple added  to its beauty .

Location    : 55 Km. From Agartala.

BHUBANESWARI  TEMPLE

Bhubaneswari Temple -  It is situatrued on the bank of Gomati at Udaipur . This temple is immortalized in Tagore plays – namely ‘Rajashree’ & ‘ Visarjan’.

Location    : 55 km . from Agartala .

JAMPUI HILLS

Jampui  Hill  -  The permanent seat of eternal spring is situated at an altitude of 300 above sea level. Jampui is famous for its charming landscape and bracing climate. The excellent climamatic  condition, green forests, beautiful orange garden, view of rising and setting sun are wonderful sight for tourists.

Location   : 250 km. from Agartala.

UNAKOTI

Unakoti -  It is Shaiva Pilgrimage and dates back to the 7th – 9th  centuries if  not earlier. The rock carvings are not to be missed. Unakoti means ‘one less than a crore’. It is the largest Bas – relief sculpture in India.

Location        :  178 km.  from Agartala.

SEPAHIJALA

Sepahijala  covering an area of 18.53 sq.km. More than 150 species of Residential Birds, Migratory Birds, Orchids Garden, Boating Facilities, Wild life, Botanical Garden, Zoo, Elephant  joy- rides, Rubber and Coffee Plantation attracts the visitors.

Location              : 25 km. from Agartala

NEERMAHAL

Neermahal   -  This magnificient  Lake Palace is situated in the midst of Rudrasagar having an area of 5.3 sq. km. In winter, number  of Migratory Birds are found in the lake surrounding Neermahal. It is the only Lake Place in Eastern India.

Special Attraction  : Light & Sound  show in Bengali and English language.

Location              :   53 km .from Agartala.

PILAK

Pilak  -   Treasure House of Hindu & Buddhist Sculpture. It dates back to 8th & 9th centuries. Numerous stone & terracotta images including the images of Avolokiteshwar and Narasimha have been found.

Location                    : 100 km from Agartala.

KAMALASAGAR  TEMPLE

Kamalasagar  Kali Temple atop the hillock dates back to the  15th century.  It is a good picnic spot.

Location                 :   30 km from Agartala

DEVTAMURA

Fomous for its Panels of Rock carvings on the stiff mountain wall on the bank of Gomati. It dates back to 15th – 16th centuries.

Location                    :   75 km from Agartala

DUMBOOR LAKE

An water area of 41 sq.km. with an un–ending spell of luxurient green vegetation all around stands majestic for her exceedingly charming beauty and 48 Islands in the midst of the lake. Migratory birds, Water sports facilities are additional attractions.

Location                   :   120 km from Agartala.

Tourist Offices –

Tripura – Tourism Office, Swet Mahal, Place Compound, Agartala-799001

Phone –(0381) 222-5930/2223893/232-4688

Fax – (0381) 232-5823/232-4244

Website – www.tripuratourism.com

Email –info@ tripuratourism.com

Kolkata – Tourist Information Centre, Tripura Bhawan, 1 Pretoria Street,

Kolkata-700071, India. Phone- (033) 2282-5703, Fax- (033) 2282-6842.

New Delhi – Tripura Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, Kautilya Marg,New Delhi-110021.

Phone – (011) 2301-5157/2301-0968, Fax – (011) 2379-3287.

Guwahati –  Tripura Bhawan, Ajanta Path, Beltala, Survey stoppage, Guwahati,

Assam. Phone – (0361) 222-3034, Fax (0361) 262-0186.

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

                                                 Telephone No.                   Fax

Director, Tourism -                   232-4688                         91-0381/2325823/2324244

Tourist Information -                222-5930/3893

Rly. Booking Counter -            232-5533

G.B Hospital -                          235-5888

IGM Hospital -                         232-5605

Dharmanagar Rly Stn. -           (03822)222-332

Indian Airlines City Office-     232-5470

Airport Booking Counter -       234-2020

Airport Station Manager -        234-2226

Airport Tourism Information – 234-2393

Jeep & Taxi Association -        238-2419

City Cargo Office -                   232-5588

Bus Association -                      238-5066

Rabindra Bhawan -                   232-6240

Jagannath Bari Temple -           232-4497

State Bank of India
(foreign Exchange Counter)-    222-5436

Circuit House -          222-5541

Chief Conservator Of Forest  -    222-3779/5649/222-4656

Airport Authority -    234-2230

Airport Enquiry -      231-1276

What  To  See -

Vidisha : Vidisha or Besnagar as it is called in the Pali sculptures, once the prosperous capital of the western dominions of the Sungas, contains some remarkable antiquities that throw light on the considerable architectural development of the period .

Situated in the fork of the Betwa and Bes rivers, Vidisha, 10 km from Sanchi, occupies an important place amongst the ancient cities in India . In the 6th and 5th centuries BC, it rose to become an important trade centre and a bustling city under the Sungas, Nagas, Satvahanas and Guptas. The Emperor Ashoka was governor of Vidisha and it finds mention in Kalidasa’s immortal Meghdoot . Deserted after the 6th centuary AD it came into prominence again as Bhilsa during the medieval period ( 9th to 12th centuries AD.). It later passed on to the Malwa Sultans, the Mughals, and the Scindias.

The ruins of the Brahmanical shrine at Vidisha dedicated to Vishnu reveal that the foundation bricks were cemented together with lime mortar, the first known example of the use of cement in India. The ruins are what remains of possibly the oldest known Brahmanical stone structure, dated not later than 2 BC.

Vidisha museum has a superb collection of Besnagar’s earliest antiquities, dating from the Sunga period; 9th century sculptures, and terracotta objects, representing the art that flourished under Parmara patronage, are also well represented here. Highlights of the collection from Besnagar are the Surya and Chamundi figures, the Yakshi and the Ramagupta inscriptions.

The Lohangi Rock, Gumbaz-ka-Maqbara and Bijamandal Mosque, standing on the foundations of a temple, are also worth a visit.

Close to the ruins are the remains of votive pillars with palm leaf capitals; the only one that still stands is the Heliodorus Pillar, also known as Khambha Baba. A monolithic, free-standing column, the Pillar bears an inscription which states that it was a Garuda Pillar, raised in honour of Vasudeva by Heliodorus, a resident of Taxila, who had been sent to the court of Bhagabhadra as an envoy of the Indo-Bectrian monarch, Antialkidas. This inscription is a particularly valuable historical record, revealing both the relations that existed between the region and the Greek has become a follower of the Hindu god Vishnu. The inclusion of the name of Antialkidas dates the approximated erection of the pillar to 140 BC.

Architecturally, the Pillar, with its bell capital carrying a figured super-structure, resembles the Ashoka Pillar, but is much smaller is size with more slender  proportions. The lower portion of the shaft is octagonal, the upper, sixteen–sided, with a panel above of thirty – two facets. The carvings have Buddhist motifs such as a border with geese in pairs as well as Hellenic ones such as the honeysuckle and the bead- moulding .

UDAYGIRI  CAVES  :  13km from Sanchi and 4 km from Vidisha, are group of rock-cut cave sanctuaries, carved into a sandstone hill that stands, sentinel like on the horizon, An inscription in one of these states, that it was produced during the reign of Chandragupta II ( 382-402 AD), thus dating these cave to 4-5 AD. The cave possess all the distinctive features that gave Guptat its unique vitality, vigour and richness of expression, the beautifully moulded capitals, the treatment of  the intercolomination, the design of the entranceway and the system of continuing the architrave as  a string course round the structure.

They have been numbered probably according to the sequence in which they were excavated, beginning with Cave 1, which has a frontage adapted out of a natural ledge of rock, thus forming both the roof of the cella and its portico. The row of four pillars bear the ‘vase and  foliage’ pattern of which the eminent art historian, Percy Brown, so eloquently says, “ the Gupta capital typifies a renewal of faith, the water nourishing the plant trailing from its brim, an allegory which has produce the vase and flower motif, one of the most graceful forms in India architecture” Characterised by richly carved facades and doorways, the shrines are progressively more spacious and more ornate. Cave No 9 is remarkable for its large cella and massive, 8 feet high pillars, its long portico and pillared hall. Throughout, there is evidence that the master craftsmen of Besnagar practised their art with skill and artistry under the  Guptas, four centuries later. Cave No.5 is awe-inspring in the sheer magnificence  of the vision of its builders : here, a massive carving depicts Vishnu. In his Varaha ( Boar ) incarnation, holding the earth goddess Prithvi aloft upon one tusk. Yet another stupendous sculpture is of the reclining Vishnu . Taken as a whole, this stupendous group is a rich representation of the vitality and strength of Gupta art and architecture.

GYARASPUR :  41 km north-east of Sanchi, Gyaraspur was a place of considerable importance in the medieval period. Here, in the ruins called Athakhamble ( Eight pillars ) and Chaukhambe ( Four pillars ) are what remains of the columned halls of two temples belonging to the 9th and 10th centuries AD. The faceted shafts of Athakhambe with their extreme delicacy of carving testify to the high degree of craftsmanship during the period . Other monuments of note at Gyaraspur are of the early 10th century : Bajra Math and the Mala Devi Temple, the latter distinguished by its carved pillars with foliated motifs, representatives of the richest post-Gupta style.

UDAYPUR : 9 km from Bhopal via Vidisha and Ganj Basoda. The colossal Neelkantaheshwara temple here is an outstanding example of Parmara art and architecture of the 11th century AD. The crowning beauty of this temple lies in its  well proportioned and gracefully designed spire of shikhar, and delicately carved medallions adorning its sides. The fascinating spire is perhaps unrivalled in beauty in the whole array of Indian temples. Built of fine red sandstone and standing on a lofty platform, the temple consists of a garbha-griha (shrine room), a sabha mandap (hall) and three pravesha mandaps (entrance porches).

Bijamandal, Sahi Masjid and Mahal, Sher Khan-ki-Masjid and Pisnari-Ka-Mandir are some of the other monuments in Udaypur.

HOW  TO  REACH  :

By Air   : The nearest airport is at Bhopal ( 60 km ) from Vidisha.

By Rail  : Bhopal, on the Delhi-Chennai main line, is the nearest major railhead, but Sanchi, on the Jhansi-Itarsi section of the Central Railway, and Vidisha, 10 km from Sanchi are more convenient.

By  Road  :  Regular bus services connect Vidisha, Udaypur, Gyaraspur, Sanchi with Bhopal. Tongas and tempos for Udaygiri and Khamba Baba .

MADHYA PRADESH STATE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LTD .

HEAD OFFICE – BHOPAL

Maketing Division – Paryatan Bhawan, Bhadbhada Road , Bhopal – 462003

Tel : 0755-2774340/42, 2778383 Fax : 0755-2779476, 2774289

E-mail : info@mptourism.com

MARKETING OFFICES

AHMEDABAD – 219  ‘ Supermall’ IInd Floor, Near Lal Bunglow, C.G Road, Ahmedabad – 380006, Tel : 079- 26462977, 32939000,Telefax : 079-26462978

E-mail : ahmedabad@mptourism.com

HYDERABAD – Counter No 6, 1st Floor, Balyogi Paryatak Bhawan, Opp. ITC Kakatiya Hotel, Begumpet Main Road, Hyderabad – 500016, Tel : 040 – 40034319, Telefax : 23407785, E-mail : hyderabad@mptourism.com

KOLKATA – “Chitrakoot”, Room No.7,  6th Floor, 230-A, AJC. Bose Road, Kolkata – 700020. Tel- 033-22833526,32979000  Telefax : 033-22875855 . E-mail – kolkata@mptourism.com

NEW DELHI – Room no.12, Hotel Janpath, Ground Floor, 82-84, Janpath, New Delhi -110001, Tel : 011-23366528, 32599000, E-mail : delhi@mptourism.com.

Covering a vast area of 2750 sq. km out of which 303 sq.km form the core area, this biosphere reserve is a sanctuary and one of the Tiger  Project and National parks of India. With wide range of rain falls and edaphic variations, ranging from dry deciduous to moist green  forests  it is suitable to  different species of flora and fauna.

About 1076 species of plants, 87 varieties of orchids, 42 species of mammals, 29 types of reptiles and 231 species of birds are the proud possession of this plateau.  Average mean elevation of Similipal is 900 metres. Tall and luxuriant Sal Trees in large numbers stand like sentries. The handsome peaks of Khairiburu (1178 meters), Meghasani   (1158 meters) and others welcome like smiling receptionists from the emerald heights. Sweet scented  Champak flowers freshen the air. The richly hued orchids on the green foliage are soothing  to the eyes. In the midst of the dense forests, the summer stands humbled and the sun gets lost.
Several rivers like Budhabalanga, Khairi, Salandi, Palpala, etc. originate from the hills and meander through the forest like veins and arteries in the body. Many of them have formed cascading rapids and foaming falls before leaving for the plains. The panoramic view of the waterfalls at Barehipani  (400 metres) and Joranda (150 metres) are  simply enchanting , Mahaseer, a typical variety of fish, is found in abundance in most of the rivers.

The silence of Similipal is occasionally broken by the chirping of the birds to an avian delight.

The dense forest and riverine system serve as an excellent home to some of the  most beautiful creatures of the World. To stay with them, even for a while, is a thrilling experience. Herds of elephants majestically walking across the roads and rivulets could be a regular sight. While you are moving on the hilly tracts, predators like Tiger and Leopards might be obliviously lulling under the shade with their own thoughts. If lucky, you could spot them there, or else see them around the saltlicks at places like Chahala. Forget the apprehensive fear and devour the sylvan beauty. The nature at Similipal is at its natural best.

The crocodile rearing centre at Ramtirtha  near Jashipur is an additional  attraction.

An epitome of fascinating beauties, Similipal beckons you for a sojourn of its mind boggling interiors. It  will fill your lungs with cool and clean air, your nose with fresh and free fragrance, your  eyes with soothing  sights, your ears with sonorous sounds and your heart with a hypnotic  throb. After a trip, your body is  sure to feel rejuvenated.

Similipal also provides succour to thousands of  tribal people  living  on the fringe. A glimpse of the tribal  culture will therefore be a bonus at no extra cost.

Entry Points, Permits and Timings

You can enter into Similipal through pithabata (22 km from Baripada) or through Jashipur (94 km from Baripada).

Entry permits can be obtained from the Range Officer, Pithabata  check  gate or the Assistant  Conservation of Forests at Jashipur  on payment of prescribed fees.

Day visitors can enter between 6 AM &12 Noon and visitors with reservation between 6AM & 2 PM.

Similipal  remains open from 1st November to 15th June only.

Approach

Road – Baripada, the district headquarters of Mayurbhanj, on  the junction of NH 5 and 6, is 270 km  from Bhubaneswar, 240 km from  Kolkata and  60 km from Balasore and 22 km from Pithabata, which is an entry point. The  other entry point   Jashipur  is 94 km from  Baripada  on N.H.6.  Both the places

are well connected by regular bus services. Taxis and Jeeps are available.

Rail – Nearest railhed is Balasore (60 km from Baripada), served by major  trains running  on the  South-Eastern sector.

Air -  Nearest airports are Bubaneswar (270 km) and Kolkata (240 km).

Accommodation      

Orissa Tourism Units

Aranyanivas at  Lulung (3 km from Pithabata) of the OTDC has 8 Double Rooms and 2 Dormitories (Total 40 beds)

Panthasala at Bangiriposi (35 km from Baripada on way to Jashipur) has 4 Double Rooms (8 beds).

Reservation : Tourist Office, Baripada,

Phone No.(06792) 52710.

Forest Bungaloes

The Forest Departmant also provide accommodation in their Forest Bungalows inside Similipal at Chahala, Nawana, Joranda, Barehipani, Gudgudia, Jenabil etc.

Reservation : Field Director, Similipal Tiger Reserve, Bhanjapur, Baripada. Ph.(06792) 52553, FAX-56705.

OR

Assistant Conservator of  Forests, Jashipur. Ph. 06797-2474.

(Not more than 60 days and not less than 30 days notice required.)

Private Hotels

Visitors can also stay at Bariapda or Jashipur in private hotels.

Excursion

Similipal in itself offers a complete package. But if you like, visit a few more places around Similipal.

Khiching (149 km from Baripada and 55 km from Jashipur) is famous for the shrine of Kachakeswari and Stone Crafts made of different colour stones. There is a Panthasala here.

Chandipur (60 km from Baripada and 16 km from Balasore) is a unique Beach Resort with a vanishing sea. The sea  water recedes to a distance of  about 5 km twice  a  day. It is a marvel of Nature, rarely found anywhere. There is a Panthanivas & Yatrinivas of OTDC. There are also private hotels.

Panchalingeswar (85 km from Baripada and 30 km from Balasore ) is a panoramic place  on the  lap  of  Nilagiri  Hills with a perennial  stream flowing over five Lingams. There is a Panthasala of Orissa  Tourism Department here.

Remuna (60 km from Baripada and 10 km from  Balasore ) is famous for the shrine of Khirachora Gopinath, visited by Sri Chaitanya.

Deokund (65 km from Baripada and 110 km from Balasore ) is an enchating place with a series of waterfalls  and a shakti shrine set against  the outer periphery of Similipal.

For INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE

:

Government of Orrisa Tourist Offices

Government of Orissa Tourist Office

Baghra Road, Baripada – 757001

Tel : (06792) 52710

Government of Orissa Tourist Office

New Bus Stand,Berhampur,760004

Tel: (0680) 250226

Tourist Counter, Railway Station,

Berhampur, 760004

Tel: (0680) 203870

New Delhi : Utkalika, B/4, Baba Khrak Singh Marg, Pin-110001, Tel. (011) 23364580

Kolkata : Utkal Bhawan, 55, Lenin Sarani, Pin-700013, Tel (033) 22493653

Bhubaneshwar : Jayadev Marg, Pin-751014, Tel (0674) 2431299

Konark : Yatri Nivas, Konark, Dist. Puri, Pin-752111, Tel. (06758) 236821

Balasore : Panthaniwas Bldg., Police Line, Balasore, Pin-756001 , Tel. (06782) 262048

Cuttack : Arunadaya Market Bldg., Link Road, Cuttack, Pin-753012 , Tel. (0671) 2312225

Chennai : 42/18, Mount Road, Gee Gee Complex (2nd Floor), Pin-600002,Telefax. (044) 8534090