Vol - 3 March TRAVEL EXPLORE Travel Magazine

TRAVEL EXPLORE

The Travel Explore is for people who love travel Welcome to Travel Explore. The new and exiting travel magazine. It is a new, fresh and affordable to looking travel. Travel Explore always inspire you to travelling. We hope you find Travel Explore magazine informative and enjoy reading it. Contents 6 Nubra Ecolodge ...... 6 Shojha ...... 9 Kalyan Forest Resort .... 12 Gir National Park ...... 19 Baishagu Festival ...... 21 Solo Trek on Eastern Coastline ...... 22 Mirik ...... 29 Jivitesh ...... 33

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ubra ecolodge is a family run ecotourism venture, located near NSumur sand dunes in the Nubra Valley. The landscape facing the confluence of Shyok and Nubra rivers is the natural habitat for seabuckthorn, wild flowers and desert wildlife. The 11 acre farm with our family home, has been planted with poplar, willow, apricot and apple trees, along with vegetable gardens. It commands a 360 degree view of the Karakoram mountains, the sand dunes and the nubra river.

The Shyok River meets the Nubra River to form a large valley that separates the Ladakh and Karakoram Ranges. This 10,000 ft (3048M) high altitude cold desert with rare precipitation and scant vegetation except along river beds and villages, which are irrigated and fertile, producing wheat, barley, peas, mustard and apples, walnuts, apricots and almond trees. The valley extends up to Turtuk to the north west and Siachen Glacier to the north east with the Sasser and Karakoram Pass connecting Nubra with Xinjiang, forming the old silk route.

Nubra Valley has sand dunes with bactrian camels and along with monasteries and a large Buddha statue with its green oasis villages, which are a major highlight of the tourism circuit of Ladakh. To the north east of this picturesque valley lies the Balti villages of Turtuk. Siachen glacier to the north-western region of this valley is bordered by Sasser and Karakoram passes, the latter formed an integral part of the ancient Silk route.

6 hey are a local Ladakhi family, who Thave worked on this arid landscape for years to make it a livable farm. In the summer they have a organic vegetable garden and a small green house for the winter. They also have a own wheat and barley fields grown nearby and a few cows and dzos - (a cross between a cow and a yak). Guests can enjoy freshly baked Khambir (local Ladakhi whole wheat bread or Sour Dough) and the fresh milk and vegetables from their garden. Home cooked local Ladakhi and Indian cuisine with a fixed menu will be served.

A large open deck facing the valley near the vegetable garden is used as a lounge or for dining in fair weather. Ideal location to go for long walks along the Sumur sand dunes and the nubra river. We recommend a minimum two days stay to enjoy the nubra experience.

Seven Cottages with decks and Four wooden Safari Tents with decks and en suite bathrooms all facing the snow capped mountains and nubra river valley. The Main house has Five GuestRooms with ensuite bathrooms on two floors. All the rooms can accommodate one extra bed. The meals are served in the traditional dining or on the open deck in good weather.

7 he cottages are located to get the best experience of Tthe nubra valley landscape, surrounded by a view of the snow capped himalayas, the sand dunes and the river flowing at a distance. The cottages have large windows with a ladhaki roof and a deck. The cottage room has a king sized bed or option to have twin beds and also can accommodate a extra bed on request at a cost.

The four glamping Safari Tents are located with the best views of the mountains and valley. The wooden cabins are on a raised platform with a large warm room and toilets and dress attached. They also have a large deck with a view. It has a king sized bed with option for twin beds and also can accommodate an extra bed on request at a cost.

The Main house has a GuestRoom with ensuite bathroom on the ground floor and four GuestRooms on the first floor with a large terrace. The rooms have king sized beds or option for twin beds and also can accommodate one extra bed at a cost. With the other 8 common spaces in the house this is ideal for large groups also. Shojha, Himachal Pradesh

hojha is a small village sitting which are spread across the entire Squietly in the middle of range, along with the spectacular wilderness and panorama. Its views of the snow-capped peaks is untouched beauty might be just truly a magical splendour to be the thing that you need to relax and witnessed. unwind. Located amid the Banjar Valley, the village is dotted with Off the highway leading to Kullu in several temples made of wood. Himachal Pradesh, Shoja can be as quiet and picturesque as a writer or At a mere distance of 5 Kms from artist may wish for, or as adventure Jalori pass, Shojha has pleasant filled as any adrenalin overdosed weather throughout the year. With visitor may want it to be. A part of verdant deodar forest covering the the Great Himalayan National Park, area with snow peaked Himalayas it is just the setting to take walks in hovering on one side, this village is the woods and be very close to all packed with tourist attractions like the diversity nature has to offer. fort, lake and waterfall. Do visit this place for treasured memories. Shojha is a beautiful getaway for families and a romantic hideout for The village of Shoja is still hidden lovers. Anyone looking to get away in most parts, which makes it all the from the city life will enjoy their more interesting to discover. time here. Mountain slopes covered with verdure, conifers and deodars,

9 Places to Visit: Waterfall Point: A long silent walk through the nature with gurgling sound of water can do wonder to your senses. At a mere distance of 1 Km from Shojha, the waterfall point is a magical journey that spellbinding and beautiful.

A best place for your morning walk, you will find the water of the fall sweet and cold. Make sure you do not miss this place at any cost

Jalori Pass: Nestled in the peaks of northern Himalayas lies the Jalori mountain pass, located between the districts of Kullu and Shimla. Perhaps one would recognise it better as the snow-covered summit in the Bollywood film "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani", where actors Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone are s e e n t r e k k i n g t h r o u g h t h e mountainside. The pass opens in the second week of March and shuts down in December due to snowfall. Serolsar Lake: Serolsar Lake, another major attraction of the village is located about 5 km from Jalori Pass. The lake has clear water which remains so despite of several leaves falling in to it. The place is better known for its temple devoted to Goddess Budhi Nagin. It is believed that the Goddess has hundred sons and acts as a guardian of the place. The walk to the lake is equally enchanting from Jalori pass, with thick cover of oak trees. 10 Tirthan Valley It is a place that will quench your thirst for amazing wildlife and fishing. Trithan valley is famous for housing the Great Himalayan National Park, the best spot for angling; several steps have been taken to protect the belt from undesirable impacts. The place is quite famous among the tourists.

Raghupur Fort Raghupur Fort is a historic place which is believed to be built by Mandi rulers, to protect themselves from the invasion. Today, nothing much is left of it except the outer portion of the walls. However, what makes visiting this fort more fun is the way to reach it. A walk or rather a climb of 3 Kms from Jalori Pass, the path gets steeper during last kilometer. The way is covered with lush green oaks and rhododendrons with great Himalayas in backdrop. A small pond is present within the premises of the fort.

How to Reach: The closest airbase to Shoja is the Bhuntar Airport located in Kullu. The nearest railway station to Shoja is Shimla at a distance of nearly 60 km. Regular buses and taxis are available from the station to your destination.

1. image: Jalori Pass (Sources: Himachal Tourism) 2. Tirthan Valley 3. Raghupur (Sources: TripAdvisor) 4. Sirolskar Lake

11 KALYAN FOREST RESORT, Kalha

pect peace ,tranquility and nature along with a memorable experience xamong the hills. The log cabin here provides a spectacular view of and forest. With sumptuous meals cooked with organic ingredients, you could also take your pet along with you to this green getaway. Forest Holidays is the ideal setting for your family break. Whatever you want or need, from travel cots to cycle hire, from pre-booked activities to movies in your cabin. All you need to do is gather your family and enjoy your break in the forest.

About the Resort – Mr. Kalyan Ghosh was a nature lover. The resort is dedicated to the beloved Guardian. He supported to nature and loved peace and tranquility. Presently, his son Mr. Koushik Ghosh has been effectively fulfilling his dreams in extending the Resort. He believes in hosting the guests as a part of his family. Mr. Bidyut Dey is a perfect person out there to

explain all the hooks & nooks about the place. From hospitality to taking care of each small thing he will leave no stone unturned.

12 t Kalyan Forest Resort, the Agoal is to create authentic experiences in wonderful forests, to bring people, nature and local communities together. From enhancing the well-being of our guests and tourists, to educating our esteemed guests about nature, to nurturing and growing plateau with peace, tranquility and our team, the people at Kalyan nature. Named after the local Forest Resort are at the heart of landlord, Ajodhya Hills is a small our mission, because we know plateau surrounded by hills in that when people and nature Purulia. Ayodhya Hills, in the come together good things district of Purulia, , is a happen. Nature is central to our wonderful tourist destination business ethos, and we believe it is known for its natural beauty. Every our responsibility to look after year, hundreds of tourists visit the forests, provide favorable hills to see the scenic beauty of the conditions for wildlife to thrive and forests in and around the hills of enhance the environment around Ayodhya. The hills are covered by us. KALYAN FOREST RESORT dense forests with a variety of flora promises to and fauna. Dense forests are home to various species of wild animals. bring the forest to its guests on a

13 SIGHT SEEING -

Charida Village: – 200 years ago the king of established this village for idol making artists. After that they started making masks, which is a part of the chow dance. In this way, Charida became a world- renowned industrial village today. Arrangements for making masks in the homes of 70 families. Apart from dance, it is also highly valued in home decoration. Prices are also quite cheap. It is located just 3 km west of Baghmundi.

Bamni Falls: The main waterfall in the Ayodhya hills. About 15 minutes down the sloping path in the eclipse forest reveals its two levels. In a word, terribly beautiful. Full form in the rains. There is a watch tower. The forest environment and watershed are captivating. Located 7 km from KFR. A long time ago, a Brahmin wife went missing while fetching water. Bamni was named after her.

Marbel Lake: If the red hills and the rustic charm of Purulia have always attracted your adventurous soul, then give it a soothing break at the Marble Lake of Ayodhya. Primarily a tribal belt with thick forests of Sal trees that will take your breath away with their towering silhouettes, Ayodhya Hills is famous for its innumerable natural springs that primarily take a different look during the monsoon. Flushed with running streams and gushing in the rainwater, these streams at times look frightfully beautiful. If you have been to the hill top of Ayodhya to view the Bamni Falls, you just have to turn right and lo! Behold! The serene blue deep waters of Marble Lake unfolds before you.

Deulghata: Deulghat, a place near Boram in Arsha PS. It has the ruins of 15 temples near the Kansai River. The stucco decoration is the notable architecture made on the temple. The entrances of those temples are entangled with the branches of trees, casting an eerie. However these temples are the representations of the age, when they were built. The excellent skills are evident in the wreckage of the temples and idols reflect strong evidences of SEN & PAL empires. Moreover the temples adorned with the graceful carve, attracts visitors, and hence are important in the tourism of Purulia.

14 Dam: Baranti is located at 23.5811°N 86.8463°E. Baranti is a developing tourist center located in the lap of Gorongi Hill. This village is surrounded by the Panchkot Hill at one side and the Hill on the other, with a water reservoir under Ramchandrapur Medium Irrigation Project. This area is popular for hill and jungle trekking due to its natural environment. is only 12 km away, and just 21 km away from Baranti. Biharinath, the Araku Valley of Bengal is just 18 km from Baranti. Sunset is particularly special in Baranti. The lake keeps changing color from time to time. It’s a real treat for the eyes to sit and watch the various shades of yellow and red reflected on the water and quietly spreading out on to the paddy fields… The huge water body around the dam attracts a lot of migratory birds every winter.

Chandil Dam: Chandil Dam standing on the Subarnarekha River is one of the most visited places of Jharkhand. The museum located close to the Chandil dam has scripts written on rocks, which are 2000 years old. The multi-purpose Chandil dam was built across the meeting place of both the rivers. The dam is 220 meter in height and the height of its water level is 190 meter from different places tourists coming from different parts of the country enjoy boating and the natural environment in and around the dam. The River Swarnarekha flows through this region. The Karkori River originating from the Hundru falls mingles with the Swarnarekha River here at chandil.

Dalma Pahar: Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is located 10 km from the city of Jamshedpur in the Indian state of Jharkhand. It was inaugurated by Sanjay Gandhi in 1975. It is a notable wildlife sanctuary and contains a significant population of Indian Elephants. Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around the Dalma Hills. Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is a much larger area starting from Chandil to 40 km east. The sanctuary covers around 195 km. The wildlife sanctuary runs parallel to the NH-33 with hills as high as 915 ft. from sea level. Dalma Sanctuary is spread over 193 sq km of forests of East Singhbhum and Saraikela-kharsawan districts of the state of Jharkhand. Most part of Dalma forests shed leaves in the summer and attains its full bloom at the onset of monsoon. A female Indian Elephant at Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary

15 Summer Holidays: In the middle-year months, the weather is very comfortable with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months show the most precipitation with 9 to 16 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the second busiest tourism season in Purulia, Purulia in Summer (March – June) Summer sends the mercury soaring to a maximum 41°C in Purulia, especially in the afternoon. With a minimum of 23°C, the evenings and nights are quite pleasant and comfortable. The dry air ensures that you don’t feel too balmy as well. Visit the , Futiari Dam and Murguma Dam and take in the breathtaking views. Take along an umbrella and a bottle of water to stay hydrated, and make the best use of the great off-season prices in Purulia, as the famous sites are not that crowded too. This makes summer the best time for tourists on a budget to visit Purulia. You can go trekking in the Ayodhya hills and enjoy the picturesque views of the valley Summer also heralds harvest festivals and celebrations in the local villages to beat the heat. These celebrations serve as a distraction from the harsh life of the communities. Shiber Gajan is one such festival invoking the Hindu God Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Monsoon Holidays: The monsoon in Purulia lasts from July to September which drastically changes the climate. With temperatures dropping between 20°C and 30°C there is reasonably high precipitation, which may hamper your sightseeing plans. The air is humid and cold, and pleasant at nights. Ajodhya Hill and Joychandi Hill are a sight to behold in the monsoon, with the rains giving a new lease of life to the verdant vegetation of the Dolma Range. Experienced trekkers looking for a challenge are bound to enjoy the rewarding hike up Ajodhya Hill. The Manasa festival held in August invokes the traditional Snake Gods and sees stunning folk performances that go on well into the night. Chata Parab is a celebration held in September, which is marked by colourful folk performances that go on all night long. Bhadu, a fertility ritual is held in September too. 16 Winter Holidays February is the best time to visit Purulia concerning weather, as the temperatures range between 3°C and 20°C. The days are charming, pleasant and comfortably cool. The nights get nail-bitingly cold, so it is recommended to take wools and jackets to keep the cold at bay. This is the tourist season in Purulia. Make sure to book your stay in advance to avoid last minute hassles. Stroll through the villages of Bhawanipur, Cheliama and Deulghata as you explore Jain, Buddhist and Hindu relics. Discover the wonders of local culture as you explore Panchkot Palace and Kashipur Palace. Lounge by Saheb Bandh Lake and watch the birds fly by, drinking in the serene atmosphere. With October comes the famed Navaratri festival. Durga Puja is a special prayer offered to Goddess Durga, the fierce warrior deity. The original Bengali depictions of the goddesses are a treat to the eyes indeed.Watch the traditional Bhuang dance and prepare to be enthralled by the elegant spectacle on ritual. The Tushu festival is held in December and is truly a riot of colours. Poush Sankranti is a harvest festival held in January

Activities to do

NATURE WALK Our forest locations are situated in some of the most picturesque corners of the Ajodhya hills, perfect for walking and hiking holidays, our locations has something unique to offer. And, from gentle forest trails to challenging climbs with glorious views, there are walks and hikes to suit everyone.

EXPLORE ON TWO WHEELS If you are looking for a base for your cycling holiday, You can pre-book your cycle hire and we have put together a selection of cycle trails for each of our locations, which include short trails, ideal for families, long distance routes for experienced cyclists and technical challenges for off-road MTB enthusiasts

SKY WATCHING : The crystal clear might sky & darkness is ideal for sky watching at KFR. No light time for one hour would be arrange everyday for enjoy the beauty & feel the darkness. A expert can give you the basic concept about sky to star watching practically.

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Gir National Park

19 The park is a great destination for birders too, with more than 300 bird species, most of the residents. While the wildlife has been lucky, more than half the sanctuary’s human community of distinctively dressed maldhari (herders) have been resettled elsewhere, ostensibly because their cattle and buffalo were competing for food resources with the antelopes, deer, and gazelles, while also being preyed upon by the lions and leopards. About 1000 people still live in the park, however, and their livestock accounts for about a quarter of the lions’ diet. Twelve kilometers west of Sasan Gir village at Devalia, within the sanctuary precincts, is the Gir Interpretation Zone, better known as simply Devalia. The 4.12-sq-km fenced-off compound is home to a cross-section of Gir wildlife. Chances of seeing lions and leopards here are guaranteed, with 45-minute bus tours departing along the trails hourly. You may also see foxes, mongoose, and blackbuck – the latter being lion fodder.

How to get there: By Road Junagadh (60 km) and Veraval (45 km) has bus connectivity to national park.

By Train Junagadh (60 km) and Veraval (45 km) are the major rail heads from the national park.

By Air The closest airport to Gir National Park is Rajkot, nearly 170kms away.

Note: Safari trip is 100% online booking at https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in/ Access to the sanctuary is by safari permit only, bookable in advance online. https://girlion.gujarat.gov.in/GirJungleTrailBooking.aspx

20 Image Source: Gujrat Tourism Baishagu Festival

he most commonly found during the celebration. Ttribe in Assam is the Bodo Kachari tribe. A lot of fairs and During the festival the attractive festivals are celebrated by this dance of the Bodo community tribe in the state. One of the " B a g a r u m b a " d a n c e i s popular festivals celebrated by performed. The purpose of the them is the Baishagu Festival. dance is to appease the Bodo's supreme god Bathow or Bathou, This Baishagu festival is observed for whom the Sizu tree is a at the beginning of the first symbol. month of the Boro year, around mid-April. The Baishagu festival is closed with community prayers offered On the first day of the festival cow at the garja sali, a place of is prayed to. On the second day common worship, located Bathou or Lord Shiva is offered outside the village in the corner prayers to. He is offered with rice of a grazing field. beer and chicken. Traditional dance of the state is performed

Image Credit: Assam Tourism

21 S O L O T R E K O N E A S T E R N C O A S T L I N E (FROM CHANDIPUR, ODISSA TO DIGHA, WESTBENGAL)

22 he journey was a good one Chaudhury while having tea and Tenjoying every moment of my aloo pakoda. Then I took a casual solo adventure with a cool breezy walk in the streets of Chandipur , I ride on the highway chitchatting could see huge rush of tourists with the auto driver, Mahendra. roaming here and there in the Late evening at around 20:00 HR I curio shops bargaining more and reached Chandipur. My first buying less and in the tea stalls , preference of night stay was at many are flocking to the sea beach Chandipur Panthas Niwas and if to enjoy the scene of pre moon lit not then in some low budget night before the Purnima and the hotels, the accommodation status mighty Bay of Bengal and some are at Chandipur that day was returning back from the beach to completely full there was heavy their hotels. I could not spare much footfall of tourists as that weekend time out as my mission was a was extended with holidays of different one soon I returned back Doljatra followed by Holi. Finally I to hotel ordered for my dinner m a n a g e d t o g e t a s i n g l e (Roti, Dal and Egg Curry) . Dinner accommodation at Chandipur was served promptly within fifteen Hotel . As usual , the Manager of minutes. I had my dinner and then the hotel Mr. Chaudhury was very re arranged my ruck sack with much inquisitive about my future unwanted stuff in the bottom of venture and that too he was more the sack and important things in surprised hearing that it is a the top load. At around 12 am I complete Solo Expedition. As per called it a day. his knowledge Chandipur to Digha is a common route now a days as lots of Trekking Groups start there trek from Chandipur heads towards Digha throughout the year mainly in the month of November to February but to him, Me trekking all alone was a real unseen and unusual event . The rest of the evening I spent chatting with Mr.

23 ext morning I woke up at 04:30 am. It was still dark outside; only a pale Nlight of dawn could be seen. I freshened up and opened my pack of pre- packed breakfast forDay One of the trek. After taking some Sattu ghol and biscuits then finally checked out of the hotel at 6 am and started my journey toward the beach. Mr. Chaudhury accompanied me till the beach and with his good wishes I started marching towards my first destination Kasafal or Kosafuli. Initially I had to walk on the boulder road approximately one and a half kilometer then I came down on the sandy beach. The first light of the sun was mild and delicious with a hint of cool breeze. The sea had gone very far and hardly could be seen. I kept on walking and walking , sometimes stopping to sip water and take some snaps of the mighty wilderness of nature. I could see few fishermen getting ready for their days catch, some getting ready to go to market to sell their catches which they of last night. At times it was only I , Me and Myself on the lonely beach and on my right I could see the mighty Bay of Bengal with faint sound of the waves and on my left it was dense forest of casuarina , the feeling was simply desolating which I was enjoying to the fullest. 24 25 I became quite complacent very hungry so I had my lunch in a feeling that it will be a cake walk local hotel. KaluDa came back and but in actual I was merely wrong, called me I went inside the PWD it took me two and a half hour to Guest house , I was allotted a reach Dagara beach from Haskara room for one night single Khari the weather became so hot accommodation at RS.400/-. I and humid that I could barely had a shower in the room and move in every 100 steps I had to took a power nap. Then the stop and take rest and sip water at evening went to see the Dagara time I completely finished my beach there were lots of tourist water bottle and there was not an mostly coming from Digha by car single person around only the as a sight-seeing. Actually Dagara might Bay of Bengal on my right is not much popular among and the dense forest in my left I tourist so till date it can be called was really wishing for some water as a Virgin Beach but in near , I could see the light tower but future this place will become a could not understand how long it tourist hub like Digha.In the will take to reach there. Then I beach side I saw two tents took a decision of leaving the pitched I approached them and shore and entering the forest and saw these are a group of four continue my walk in the tree young boys whom I saw in Kasafal sheds. And this decision of mine last evening but could not finally helped me to reach my introduce myself. Today I got destination Dagara Beach at 2:30 chance to make friendship with HR. Today is Dol Jatra on the them we had tea together and beach there were few tourists chatted the entire evening and there were some tea stalls and together we planned for next shops I sat in a shop and ordered days trek to our final destination for a bottle of cold water with that Digha. We planned to start early I washed my face and head and a n d r e a c h t h e b a n k o f the rest I gulped at one go. I took Subarnarekha from there we some rest in the shop and called have to take ferry and reach to the up Kalu da caretaker of PWD other side of the river. Since it was Guest House Dagara. I was Holi the ferry service will be less carrying his number from . so we planned to take the first Kaluda said he is out for some service. According to Kalu Da it work will be back in an hours time was only 7 km walk from Dagara . In the mean time I was feeling to Subarnarekha Ghat.

26 Next day 09/03/2020 I was where I want to go I told him about awakened by Bapi Da at 06:00 HR my plan being kind he called a boat with a mug of milk tea, soon after man and asked him to take to the having the tea I completed my other side of the river the boat man morning routine and got ready for agreed to do so by charging me Rs my days trek. I took Sattu Ghol and 50/- . It sound and looked easy to biscuits for breakfast. Today I cross the river but when I actually started bit late at around 07:30 HR. boarded the boat I felt that the I bid good bye to Bapida and his boat was moving down stream family and started my trek. It was towards the sea as the water quite sunny and hot by that time. current was too much and I was My todays destination was Dagara becoming difficult for the boat man which according to Bapida will take to control the boat . But somehow around four to five hours to walk. he managed to take the boat on the No ache no pain in the body I other side . My walk starts again I started the days walk with full kept my pace high as I wanted to power . Though the weather was avoid the scorching sun in the hot and humid I kept moving along afternoon. But gradually my speed the shore in good speed in an hour became slow as I was getting and a half time I reached a exhausted due to heat and sweat. beautiful small river call Chaulti Then I took a decision of taking rest River by the local fishermen, the and having some snacks I stopped w i d t h o f t h e r i v e r w a s under the tree sat down and had approximately 30 meter and in the some biscuits and Chura Bhaja and middle it was chest deep since it also quenched my thirst. Then was high tide time the water was again I started my walk along the full so it could not be crossed shore looking back Chaulti River walking and at that time all m o u t h g i ve s a wo n d e r f u l fishermen had gone out for fishing picturesque view. At 12:00 HR I and the others are taking rest reached Haskara Khari since it was under the tree sheds. The only way low tide time there was less water to cross the river was by boat and few people were crossing the river which at present was not there so I on foot I took off my shoes and also unloaded off my rucksack and joined them they hold my hands sat under the tree waiting for the and made me cross the river I asked water to subside so that I can cross them how far is Dagara . They it on feet. A fisherman came up to showed me a tower in far distance me and asked for a match box to which was a light pole in Dagara light his Bidi then he asked me beach.

27 Next day 10/03/2020 my mobile this I took the help of the villagers alarm woke me up at 04:00 HR. I got and finally reached the bank of ready by 05:00HR but it was still Subarnarekha River. Few locals dark out side Kalu Da asked me to were sitting and waiting for the wait for the day light to come up Bhootbhooty ( motor driven large else the beach will not be safe to size boat). I enquired from them walk alone. In these type of journey regarding the service they said the local information matters very Majhi has gone to his house to have much so I took his word an waited breakfast , shall arrive in half an for an hour and started my final trek hour. So I had to wait in the along the beach at 06:00 HR. It was meantime those four boys had also dawn I was alone walking on the arrived at the Ghat. The Majhi shore the Sun was yet to pop up on arrived and at 10:00 HR the boat the eastern horizon. The mighty departed from the ghat with Bay of Bengal is calm an quiet , as it around twenty passengers and four was Purnima last night the waves bicycles. It took fourty five minutes lashed the beach I could see the to cross this river and reach the nest of Olive Reedley mascaraed by other side. Reaching the other side the waves last night. I was lonely we celebrated our success by beach and I was walking alone the ordering Puri, Sabzi and Jelebi in a four boys whom I met last evening road side shop in the meantime was coming behind me so I kept my another problem aroused , the sole pace slow enjoying the sun rise. I of my Quechua shoe came out and took some rest sitting on a broken there was no cobbler to repair alas I trawler on the beach experiencing had to take out my slipper from my the solitude of dawn; gradually the rucksack and start the final lap of Sun peeked on the eastern horizon the walk to Digha. We had to take bringing then message of a new the village path this time because day. I started my last lap of walk, I the sea beach was quite far from left the beach and entered a village. here . It was a motor able road with The life had just begun here , with small and big fish cultivation along people moving out for various side and also few shops were activities ladies sweeping the there. We walked for an hour came courtyards and nourishing the to the main highway and hired an cattle children running aimlessly auto to drop us at our final here and there elderly men sitting destination Digha. The journey in then tea shop and sipping the ends here. morning cup of tea in earthen pots the fishermen are moving to My Solo Trek Ends. market to sell their nights catch like

28 picturesque town in facilities in quaint shikaras and ADarjeeling district of West some stunning views of the Bengal, Mirik lies at an elevation of Kanchenjunga. 4,905 feet above sea level and gets its name from the Lepcha words If you go during the season when Mir-Yok which means ‘place burnt oranges bloom in the orchards, by fire’. Due to its cool climate, you’ll have the best experience of n a t u ra l b e a u t y a n d e a sy your life. Then there are the tea accessibility, Mirik is a popular gardens that produce tourist destination. tea especially Thurbo, Soureni, Gopaldhara, Singbulli, Okayti and Its best known landmark is Phuguri located in and around Sumendu lake that has a garden on Mirik. You must visit them on a trip one side and pine trees on the here; or else head to Tingling View other with a footbridge called Point, if you wish to look at the tea Indreni Pull (or Rainbow bridge) gardens from a height. connecting the two sides. A 3.5 km road runs around the lake and is popular among morning walkers. Sumendu lake also offers boating

29 Places To Visit In Mirik:

Sumendu Lake The most prominent place in Mirik, The Sumendu Lake is beautiful, calm and yet invigorating. The lake also has an 80 foot bridge running over it for people who don't wish to walk around it. Boating in the lake and a pony ride on the lakeside are exhilarating experiences. Also, the strategic advantage of the lake is that it is nearly walking distance to every place in the town.

Bokar Monastery Located at the highest point of Mirik, Bokar Monastery is a must visit if you want a full view of Mirik from an elevation. With the gilded statue of the Buddha at its heart, Bokar Monastery takes pride in being one of the most pretty Buddhist monasteries in . There are a few sunrise and sunset points close to the monastery, that too afford gorgeous panoramic views of the town of Mirik.

Tingling View Point If viewing Mirik from a tried and tested angle to admire Nature in general, this could be the place tourists might get extremely interested. This is best vantage point to get a complete view of the estate on the rolling hills.

30 Mirik Tea Gardens Mirik is full of valley covered in tea bushes. Almost throughout the year, you can see workers picking ripe leaves or watering the bushes. The most fascinating thing about them is that you can walk though the gardens, that is if you don't damage the bushes, with thee bushes growing on either side. Spending an hour or two here will make the rest of your day.

Pashupati Nagar A very interesting market, about 15 km away from Mirik is the Pashupati Nagar Market. The market is at the Indo Nepalese border and half of it lies in the neighboring country. The beautiful market has very strict restrictions due to the cross country trade but you can always buy cloth, perfumes, handicrafts an much more. When in the market, be very careful of the strict checks at the Indo Nepalese check posts.

Mirik Church A beautifully Church commemorating the antiquity of this religion is located in Mirik nearby Don Bosco School. Tourists as well as locals would not hesitate to commend it as one of the most marvelous place to think of God in whole .

Rameetay Dara It is also one of the viewpoints in Mirik from where people enjoy the sights of the place as encompassing whole.

Bunkulung A very elusive and unexplored place, Bunkulung is literally the agricultural hub of Mirik. The place cannot be accessed on foot. You will need to hire a cab, but a few minutes in the car and you will see yourself in the most authentic hillside village there is.

31 Simana Viewpoint Simana Viewpoint is famous for offering a splendid view of Maneybhanjan, Sandakphu trail and the lofty mountainous valley with the backdrop of Mount Kanchenjunga. The view point has become a pit stop while traveling to Darjeeling from Mirik or vice versa. From Simana for a long way towards Mirik, the road acts as the divider between India and Nepal. They are all mostly Nepalese. At Simana, you will find several small stalls - some selling tea, snacks, and chocolates. Best places to stay in Mirik Majority of the hotels are located in the Krishnanagar area of Mirik. The DGHC (Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council) operates a motel atop the hill near the helipad and a tourist lodge near the lake. The hotels here range from budget to mid- range but you should try the only Rangbhang homestay that is the first of its kind in Mirik.

Best places to eat in Mirik There are several restaurants around the town serving a variety of cuisines — from Bengali to south Indian. The lake itself has several stalls that serve fast food items.

How to Reach Mirik The best way of travelling to Mirik is by bus, which runs regularly from all the major towns in West Bengal. The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport and the nearest railway station is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. From both the places, taxis can be hired to reach Mirik.

32 Jivitesh YOUNGEST WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER IF INDIA jivitesh won international excellence award 2020

International Excellence Award 2020 in the field of bird, nature and wildlife photography for his outstanding accomplishments and individual excellence.

A student of 9th std of SLS DAV PUBLIC SCHOOL. started taking interest in photography when he was just 4 years. He used to go with his father in different forests and in birding places where he started taking interest in nature as well as in wildlife photography. By seeing his this interest, his father gifted him a camera at the age of 4 years.and since then he started taking photos of wild life, nature and birds. A SHY NATURE BOY WHO SPEAKS LESS BUT HE SPEAKS THROUGH HIS CAMERA.. and when he click pictures, those pictures speak. As of now he has taken photos of above 500-600 different species and clicked much more than 25000 photos covering different species of animals/birds. His w o r k i s p u b l i s h e d i n m a n y newspapers/magazines from time to time. 33