Winter holidays always mean travelling. Some like the mountains, some love the sea, while others head out in search of birds. Not sure where to go this season? Here are three destinations close to Bengal - from hills to forests, the list has it all.
Raimatang
Spread along the banks of the Raimatang River close to the Bhutan border, this woodland sector is flanked by hills along with lush tea gardens. Earlier famous for its huge rhino population it, the numbers have declined due to hunting. Winter months are the perfect time for different bird species. You can also enjoy fishing, safaris, and short treks to places like Lepchakha and Chunabhati.
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How to reach:
The closest railway stations are Alipurduar Junction and New Jalpaiguri Junction. Raimatang is about 40 km from Alipurduar Junction, and about 155 km from NJP. The nearest airport is Bagdogra, at a distance of about 170 km. Cars are available from all these points.
Gajoldoba
Gajoldoba is situated only 10 km from Siliguri, beside Baikunthapur Forest. The beauty of this place is hard to explain unless you see it yourself. This is the first dam built on the Teesta River. Mahananda lies to the west, Teesta to the east, and the Terai forests rest at the foothills of the Himalayas to the south. According to local belief, Lord Krishna once took shelter here with his wife Rukmini. The region is a paradise for migratory birds. Some of the migratory birds found here include Little Grebe, Bar-headed Goose, Greylag Goose, Lesser Whistling Duck, Red Shelduck, Eurasian Wigeon, Great Cormorant, Indian Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Purple Heron, Northern Lapwing, and many more.
How to reach:
The nearest airport is Bagdogra, about 40 km away. NJP is approximately 28 km from Gajoldoba.
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Junput
Junput is about 40 km off Digha and around 145 km from Kolkata. After crossing Contai, you can find the aquaculture units of the state fisheries department. You can also see the processing of dry fish. Another attraction is the Bankiput beach nearby.
How to reach:
The nearest railway station is Digha. From Kolkata, the most convenient way to travel is by car. If you wish to avoid the crowds of Digha and spend a few quiet days by the sea, now is the time.
