Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tiruchendur Temple
Tuticorin Port
Tuticorin Port |
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| On the eastern coast of India, the Tuticorin Port is a bustling area with numerous large ships and boats coming in all through the year. The strategic location of the port sheltered from thunderstorms and cyclones that are common during the monsoons. Most of the marine trades with Maldives, Sri Lanka and other coastal regions and countries are conducted through this port. |
The Basilica of a Lady of Snows
Panchalankurichi
Friday, December 30, 2011
Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary
Kattabomman Memorial Fort
Kalakadu Wildlife Sanctuary
Kalakadu Wildlife Sanctuary |
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| The sanctuary is bound to delight animal lovers and lovers of nature alike. Sprawling in an area of 223 sq km in Tirunelveli district, the sanctuary is a popular hunt for botanists and ornithologists as it is home to a great variety of flora and fauna. Tourists can expect of some great fun amidst the gallery of varied species of animals and dense forests. Animals seen here include, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque, langur, nilgiri tahr, sambar, sloth bear, gaur, elephant, tiger, flying squirrel, panther, wild dog, and pangolin. You can also indulge in trekking here with prior permission from the Forest Department. The sanctuary is also known for its extensive "Tiger reserve projects". The best time to visit this place is between the months of September and March. |
Ettaiyapuram Palace
Gomati Kund
The Queen of Dooras or Chalsa
The Gorumara National Park
The Gorumara National Park | |
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| The Gorumara National Park is a good sightseeing destination near Chalsa. Elephant and Jeep safaris are popular here. The Chapramari sanctuary close by is frequented by tourists. | |
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Thursday, December 29, 2011
Excursions in Chalsa
Excursions in Chalsa |
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| For short excursions from Chalsa, there are several places worth a visit. The famous Gorumara National Park is just 14 km from Chalsa. Samsing is 15 km and Lataguri is 20 km away from Chalsa. Siliguri and Jalpaiguri are beautiful places nearby that can be visited from Chalsa. The other places include Baikunthapur Forests, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Chilapata Forests, Dooars, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhu tea estate, Ivill tea garden and so on. |
Activities at Chalsa
Activities at Chalsa | |
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| The main activities in Chalsa include sightseeing, jungle safari, minor trekking and camping, angling, river picnic and so on. A drive through the national highway itself is a remarkable experience. | |
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Tiger Reserve
Tiger Reserve |
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| The Sunderbans Tiger Reserve is considered to be one of the top ten wildlife destinations in India. Literally meaning "beautiful jungle" in Bengali, the Sunderbans ecosystem is the world’s largest delta and mangrove swamp. The Tiger Reserve lies at the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna and spreads across 2,585 sq. km. It is the largest estuarine sanctuary in the world, and home to some of India’s most interesting wildlife. The littoral forests of the Sunderbans are one of the few ecological habitats in the world suitable for the Royal Bengal Tiger. The tidal forms and mangrove forests here provide ideal habitat for several species of aquatic and semi-aquatic animals that inhabit these forests. It is home to an enchanting variety of wildlife including the spotted deer, wild pigs, monkeys, herons, kingfishers, white-bellied eagles and about 270 Royal Bengal Tigers. The tigers at the Tiger Reserve are known to be mostly man-eaters. The uniqueness of the habitat and the lack of suitable prey seem to have contributed to this behavioral trait of Sunderbans tiger. The man-eating trait is considered to have been hereditarily acquired over a period of generations in the process of consumption of saline water. A posse of policemen accompanies all visitors who venture into these 'beautiful forests’. A visit to the Tiger Reserve is an exhilarating experience and if you are lucky, you might actually get to shoot one with your camera lens. |
Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary
Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary | |
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| The Sajnekhali Sanctuary is adjacent to the Sunderban Tiger Reserve and is considered a part of the Sunderbans ecosystem. It lies on the confluence of Matla and Gumdi rivers within the buffer zone and spreads across an area of 885 sq km. With a rich and varied avian population, the Sajnekhali Sanctuary provides a visual treat for your eyes. The most noteworthy among the feathered flock are spotted billed pelican, cotton teal, herring gull, Caspian tern, grey heron, large egret, night heron, open-billed stork, white ibis, common kingfisher, brahminy kite and paradise flycatcher. A rare winter migrant, the Asian dowitcher can also be found here. The trained eye will be able to spot several birds of prey like the osprey, Pallas’s fish eagle white-bellied sea eagle, grey-headed fishing eagle, peregrine falcon, Oriental hobby, northern eagle owl and brown fish owl. Photographers, keep your cameras handy to shoot the spectacular sight of colorful birds in flight. Several colorful species of Kingfisher, Plovers, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Sandpipers, Whimbrels, Lapwings and Curfews can be seen here. Apart from a heronry, you can also visit the Visitors' Centre where you can see a crocodile enclosure, a shark pond, a turtle hatchery and a Mangrove Interpretation Centre. | |
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Crocodile Sanctuary
Raichak Fort
Raichak Fort |
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| 15 km from the pretty tourist town of Diamond Harbor in Raichak is the Raichak Fort. Also called the Chingrikhali fort, it was built by the British in the 18th century, for guarding against pirates who infested the region. It was thus strategically positioned on the bend of the Mighty River Hooghly. The remains of the ancient fort have now been converted into the enchanting 5-star Radisson Fort Hotel and resort. The fort offers a spectacular view of the Hooghly River. |
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Diamond Harbour
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| If you are looking for an exciting, funfilled weekend, head for the spectacular weekend getaway of Diamond Harbor. Earlier known as Hajipur, the old British Port lies at the mouth of the river Hooghly and is a pleasant 48 km drive out of Kolkata. At this beautiful spot, the river Hooghly turns south towards the blue seas of the Bay of Bengal and the river gets deeper and wider, making it ideal for a port. The Port was once a bustling British Port and you will still see large ocean going vessels docked here. Apart from the natural beauty, there are several amusing diversions to keep you occupied here. One of the chief attractions is the cruises down the River Hooghly. You can book yourself on a river cruise and spend an entire day, just lounging around, doing nothing and soaking in the gentle breeze. An ancient Portuguese Fort called Chingrikhali fort, was said to have been a sanctuary for pirates, hiding from the watchful Portuguese. Today, the remains of the Fort have been beautifully incorporated into a resort, the Radisson Fort. You will also find an old lighthouse here, its very theme a source of great attraction for youngsters. The pilgrim centre of Sharisha Ramakrishna Mission Ashram that is located here is deeply revered by Kolkatans and attracts the devout and the curious. Take a tour of the neighboring township of Joynagar where you will find a small collection of manuscripts and stone images of Buddha, Mahavira and Lord Vishnu. Decent accomodation is available for tourists at a number of private hotels. Its proximity to Kolkata makes this tourist destination an ideal day out picnic spot for city dwellers. | |||
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