Kolkata Zoological Gardens,West Bengal,India

Zoological Garden  in Kolkata is one of the prime tourist spots in the city. The Alipore Zoological Garden first opened its gate on 1st of May, 1876 and since then has remained an absolute favorite with the children. The zoo stands on a total area of 18.811 hectare and entails entrance gates, office buildings, store, animal houses, etc. The animal enclosure area takes up about 59,579 sqm while open land area is approximately 72,417 sqm. The open water body spreads over 27,216 sqm while the road and foot path take up 25,848 sqm. The public amenities take up 1858 sqm. And the Administration amenities take up 1196 sqm.

Location of Zoological Garden Kolkata

If we look at the history of the Kolkata Zoo Garden, we find that the plan for the establishment of the zoo initially got thwarted because of the lack of proper space. However, finally the land on each side of the Alipore Road leading from Zerrut Bridge to Belvedre, was selected. This is the location, where the Alipore Zoological Garden still stands, in its full glory.

Interesting facts

Every year around three million people visits the zoo.

Kolkata zoo enjoys a vast visitor of 20,000 during the summer and above 30,000 in winters, where the zoo becomes most crowded on 25th December and 1st January.

Zoo also has an aquarium across the main road beside Taj.

Zoo Lake is newly decorated now with new species of fishes attracting kingfishers and cranes.

More species of snakes is to be brought soon.

History of Zoological Garden Kolkata

The history of Alipore Zoo Garden dates back to as early as 1842 when the curator of Bengal Asiatic Society, Dr John McCleland came up with a plan for the establishment of the zoological garden in Calcutta. However, this did not materialize and was followed by the plan of Dr. Joseph Bart Fayrer (the president of Asiatic Society of Bengal) in 1867. This plan drew great public attention but failed due to lack of space. For the same reason the plan of Carl Louise Schwendler, the postmaster to the Govt. of India failed in 1873. At last, in 1875 the then Lt. Govt. of Bengal Sir Richard Temple took the initiative. The land on Alipore Road was chosen, approved and a managing committee of 5 members was set up. The first meeting of the management committee was held on 10th December, 1875 and after deciding the rate of the admission fees, the committee opened the gate for public on 1st May, 1876.

Animals at the Zoological Garden Kolkata

There are many animals, reptiles, primates and birds at the Zoological Garden Kolkata. However, the most popular ones are the Bengal Tiger, White Tiger, African Lion, Giraffe, Zebra, Galapagos Giant Tortoise, Pelican, Pheasant, etc.

How to reach there?

The zoo is well connected by bus with Howrah and Sealdah train stations.
Bus routes from Howrah: Sakherbazar & Thakurpukur mini bus
Bus routes from Sealdah: 235
Bus routes from Esplanade: 77a, SD9, SD9/1, Sakherbazar & Thakurpukur mini bus

 Kolkata zoo is famous for its huge animal resource and especially for the Aldabra Giant Tortoise Adwaita (donated by Lord Clive) which expired in 2006 at nearly 250 year age.

Darjeeling,West Bengal,India

 

In short, Darjeeling is one of the prettiest hill stations in India located in northern part of West Bengal. It's all about magnificent views of snowcapped Kanchenjunga, torrents flowing down the mountain slopes, lovely tea gardens, landscapes with firs, pines & ferns, and all that combined with friendly people and modern yet colonial charm.

Location of Darjeeling 

Darjeeling is part of the state of West Bengal in India and located at the northern part of the state. If you are looking for the coordinates (i.e. Latitude and Longitude) of Darjeeling, it is: 27°3'N 88°16'E. Geographically Darjeeling is bounded on its north by the state of Sikkim, on its east by Bhutan and on its west by Nepal. It's standing on a narrow ridge that juts out to the vast basin of the grand Himalayas. From a vantage point in Darjeeling, you get the best views of Himalayan snow peaks towards north and north east.

Area and Altitude of Darjeeling 

Darjeeling is actually a widespread district although the popular Darjeeling hill town is the nucleus of the place. While the hill town is quite small (about 4 square miles or 10.4 square kilometers), the district spans across some 1,215 square miles of area (i.e. about 3,149 square kilometers including Kalimpong). The district includes the town of Darjeeling, Kurseong subdivision, Mirik and the terai region (lower plains) among other areas. But commonly by 'Darjeeling', one means the Darjeeling hill town.

Weather in Darjeeling 

Weather comes with different faces in Darjeeling and each season has its unique charm. But one thing which the place offers consistently is respite from the heat and dust. Summer is pleasant with a chill in the sir, while winter is very cold but offers great visibility and monsoon comes with lots of rains, mist and fog.

 You can find about 4,000 different types of flowering plants in Darjeeling district including rhododendrons, orchids, magnolia etc, there are some 300 types of ferns including the rare fern trees.

Flowers and Plants in Darjeeling 

Spring is the time to see Darjeeling hills getting covered with colorful flowers like the rhododendrons, large varieties of orchids, magnolias and more. While there are thousands of different types of plants in Darjeeling district, the most predominant in the hilly areas are the pine trees (locally known as dhupi) and in the lower plains, the Sals.

About Darjeeling Tea 

It's an amazing story why the British had to look for an alternative place to grow quality tea and then chose Darjeeling as the place. Darjeeling tea has become a world famous industry by itself. Know about its story, what are the different types of tea cultivated in Darjeeling, how it's processed, the great tea estates and how can you tour them, best stores to buy Darjeeling tea and finally how to make a cup of such aromatic tea.

DHR Toy Train - History & Present State 

It's a saga that dates back to 1800s when the mountain railway in Darjeeling was conceived by the Royal engineers. They created what is recognized as engineering marvels in those days and introduced a narrow gauge railway (popularly known as the Toy Train) which provided an all important communication between the plains and Darjeeling hills. Know about the story of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, its route, the journey, how and when the 12 small mountain stations were opened along the route between NJP and Darjeeling, and lot more.

  

How to reach Darjeeling 

Many who come from outside West Bengal wonder if Darjeeling has an airport or a railway station by itself. While Darjeeling does have a small railway station for narrow gauge toy trains, those tiny mountain trains only operate between New Jalpaiguri (located at the plains) and Darjeeling town. Actually New Jalpaiguri (also known as NJP in short) is the nearest major railway junction. 

The nearest airport is at Bagdogra. So after you reach NJP or Bagdogra, there is still some 90kms uphill road distance to cover to reach Darjeeling. And it takes time to negotiate the steep hilly roads. From NJP or Bagdogra, it takes about 3 hours to reach Darjeeling town by car. Bus (from Siliguri) and shared taxis from NJP and Siliguri are also available. You can also take the toy train from NJP which moves at a snail's pace and takes about 7 hours.

Mumbai-Goa, Mandovi Express

A journey from the entertainment capital city of Mumbai to the city beaches and parties aka Goa. A fun-filled and exciting experience! But when it comes to a train journey between these two destinations, it really makes a journey for a lifetime!

Not just a usual train experience, this quintessential route offers the contrasting views of how we can overcome the busy schedules of life and enjoy serene moments in the lap of nature. Over the journey of 580km that takes around 12 hours, you will witness several rivers, scenic bridges, lush thickets, sleepy villages and lot more.

Jammu-Udhampur, Kashmir Railway

When talking about amazing and memorable train experiences, one simply can’t miss out the charm and beauty of Kashmir. The snow-capped locales, mountains and peaks, the magnificent and splendid views all around and the crispy strokes of pleasant breeze make this train journey a must for everyone!

Originating from the pictorial valleys of Jammu till Udhampur, this train route completes a track of around 53km through exhilarating terrains, some of the major earthquake zones and the gracious Shivalik Ranges. Along the way, it takes its passengers through more than 20 enthralling tunnels, around 158 bridges and in some places, it passes over the edges of the mountains and the picturesque valleys.

Chennai-Rameswaram, Sethu Express

Known to be one of the most beautiful and highest travelled routes in the country, the Chennai-Rameswaram train link is truly an awe-inspiring experience you can have in India. Rameswaram, which is considered as one of the most holy places in the country, is the main attraction of this alluring train route.

According to the mythological legends, Lord Rama built a bridge in Rameswaram to cross the sea and rescue Sita. This train journey will surely make you feel the aura of the legends along with offering an overwhelming experience while crossing the sea over the narrow Pamban Bridge.

Siliguri- Newmal-Hasimara-Alipurduar, Dooars Voyage

For the nature lovers, the train route from Siliguri (West Bengal) to Alipurduar (West Bengal) in the Dooars Express is a journey filled with fun and wonder. Hidden away from most of the world, the Dooars Valley in West Bengal is embraced by the alluring charm of the gurgling Teesta and Sankosh rivers with the Eastern Himalayas serving as the backdrop!

The route, most of which is cosseted by dense and scenic patches of forests, is known for offering amazing views of wildlife and the great Himalayan Range as well. During the course of journey, it will take you through sanctuaries like Mahananda and Jaldapara, Buxa Tiger Reserve and also the lush Chapramani forests.

Kanyakumari – Trivandrum, Island Express

Though this route offers a short train route experiences; around 2 hours, it is known to be one of the most scenic and amazing train journeys in India. Originating between Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu) and Trivandrum (Kerala), it is a part of the entire journey, the Island Express completes daily from Bangalore to Kanyakumari (930km).

From God’s Own Country to the Land’s End, this journey is all about the pristine and enchanting beauty of nature. An amalgamation of the lush beauty, the dewy freshness of nature and the most rustic views of local life, it is a must to have experience in South India.

Udhagamandalam-Coonnor, Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Amazing railway track laid during the British era, the Udhagamandalam-Coonoor railway line in Tamil Nadu is one of the most celebrated tracks in India. Though it is a short trek of 26km, the experience it offers to the passengers can hardly be compared to any other track in the country.

Within this short distance, the track passes through more than 200 curves and around 16 tunnels. Running on the ‘ABT Rack and Pinion’ system, this serene and enchanting train route offers the most promising views of Ooty and its nearby attractions.

Guwahati-Lumding, Northeast Frontier Railway

Laid during the late 1900s, the Guwahati-Lumding railway track is often referred as one of the most enthralling tracks in India. Originating from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam, it is one of the proud tracks of Northeast Frontier Railways.

Sharing its history with the pre-independence era, the track was laid with the sole purpose of transporting the tea leaves from different parts of Assam. Though this adventurous journey can be completed with trains like Jan Shatabdi, Dibrugarh Express, Inter City Express and several others, the fun and excitement of the journey remains the same, and takes around 3 hours to complete. However, one can enjoy indian train journeys along with there family and friends.

Ratnagiri-Madgaon-Honnavar-Mangalore, Konkan Railway

If you want to enjoy the pristine and untouched beauty of the nature, you must take a ride on the Konkan Railway that runs through Ratnagiri-Madgaon-Honnavar-Mangalore. Running along the coastal regions of the mighty Arabian Sea and the gracious Sahyadri Hills, this 741km track passes through three different Indian states: Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka.

While most of the route is jotted with lush greeneries, enchanting views of waterfalls and exhilarating bridges, the single-line track is truly an engineering marvel and makes it for a must experience train journey in India.

Jalpaiguri-Darjeeling, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

This route is indeed one of the most popular tracks in the country. And in case, you feel you are not yet familiar with it, just recall popular Bollywood movies like ‘Aradhana’, ‘Parineeta’ or ‘Barfi’! Originating from Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, though this 78km track was laid during the British era, it still entices its lovers.

Running alongside the famous Hill Cart Road, a journey through this narrow gauge line is in fact the best way to witness, discover and enjoy the eternal beauty of Darjeeling. During the course, it takes its passengers through several loops; the Batasia Loop being the most prominent, local markets, waterfalls, lush mountains and enthralling zigzags.

Kalka-Shimla, Himalayan Queen

Kalka-Shimla, Himalayan Queen -

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   The Kalka-Shimla route on the Himalayan Queen is a must for people who seek thrill and excitement. Passing through 102 tunnels and over 82 bridges, this pictorial route also entices the nature lovers and the usual holidayers to Shimla.
   Completing a circuit of 96km, this rustic yet appealing railway track was founded in 1903 and holds all the charm to captivate its passengers! It has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.