Discover the world's best tourist spots , Tourist Places,Tour Plan, Tourist Destination,Travel Plan,Tour Budget,Places to visit ,Travel Vlog,Travel Places, with our guide! From vibrant cities to serene retreats, find top landmarks and hidden gems for every traveler. Whether you seek adventure, culture, or relaxation, our curated list will inspire your next unforgettable journey. Explore and start planning your dream trip today!
Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station located in the Indian state of West Bengal. Here are some of the popular places to visit in Darjeeling:
Tiger Hill: This is a popular spot to watch the sunrise over the Himalayan range. The view of the Kanchenjunga peak from here is breathtaking.
Batasia Loop: It is a railway loop located on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The loop offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: This institute was established to train mountaineers and has a museum displaying equipment used by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary during their successful climb of Mount Everest.
Darjeeling Zoo: Also known as Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, it is home to rare Himalayan species like Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and Tibetan Wolf.
Ghum Monastery: This is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling and houses a 15-foot-high statue of Lord Buddha.
Happy Valley Tea Estate: It is one of the oldest tea estates in Darjeeling and offers a glimpse into the process of tea production.
Peace Pagoda: This is a Buddhist stupa located on the slopes of Jalapahar Hill. It offers a panoramic view of Darjeeling town and the surrounding mountains.
Mall Road: It is the main shopping area in Darjeeling, lined with shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and local food.
Rock Garden: This is a man-made waterfall located about 10 km from Darjeeling. The garden is designed with terraced steps, rock formations, and a variety of flowering plants.
Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda: Located in the town of Darjeeling, it is a beautiful temple that showcases traditional Japanese architecture. It is also home to a Peace Pagoda that offers a stunning view of the Himalayan range.
There is/are 1 direct bus(es) from Kolkata to Tarapith. This/These bus(es) is/are Sbstc-kolkata - Tarapith - Via - Suri - 12:00, etc. The minimum time taken by a bus from Kolkata is 6h 30m. The cheapest way to reach from Kolkata to Tarapith is bus to Tarapith and takes 6h 30m. The fastest way to reach from Kolkata to Tarapith is bus to Tarapith and takes 6h 30m. The recommended way to reach from Kolkata to Tarapith is bus to Tarapith and takes 6h 30m.
How to reach Tarapith by road
Tarapith is connected to the neighbouring cities by a well-laid network of roads. State and private buses connect Tarapith of other cities.
How to reach Tarapith by train
Rampur Hat railway station is the nearest to Tarapith. Located some 6 km away from the city, taxis are easily available from Rampur Hat to Tarapith at around INR 150. Rampur Hat is a local station and direct trains are only available from key metros, it is well connected to Howrah and Sealdah.
Local transport in Tarapith
Tarapith is a small city, tourists can walk around or take a cycle rickshaw
Tarapith is famous for the temple of Tara Ma and Sadhan Pith of Sadhak Bamakhyapa. Tarapith, a holy religious place, is situated in a village Tarapur under Rampurhat Police Station of Rampurhat Sub-Division in the district of Birbhum. It so called because the eyeball (Tara) of Sati fell here. Others say that Tarapith is not a pith but the place owes its sanctity to the fact that the Sage Basistha here worshipped the Goddess Sati in the form of Tara. The Goddess Tara is a form of Kali with two hands, garlanded with snakes and adorned in sacred threads. But the Temple is dedicated to the destructive aspect of Shiva, which takes the form of Kali. She requires sacrifice daily to satisfy her blood lust so every morning goats are sacrifices on the altar of the Temple.
The deity of Tara is enshrined inside the temple. It is a special temple for more reasons than one. The nearby cremation ground makes this a quite rare temple, especially considering its surroundings. The worship here includes blood offerings. The strong rituals, the hymns sung here also contribute to make this temple a very special one. The temple base is made up of red brick. There are two Tara images in the sanctum. The stone image of Tara is camouflaged by a metal image which the devotees see.
Tarapith Temple
(Nearest City & Station - Rampurhat) Ma Tara Temple is the main attraction of the temple town of Tarapith, which is located towards the town centre. Ma Tara Temple, in 1225, is a prominent tantric temple related to Shaktism sect of Hinduism. The main temple in the town is a small temple built of marble and terra cotta, it has a curved roof called the 'dochala'. All the giant doors falling in the way to the main shrine have carved and are made up of engraved metal with extremely intricate designs of various religious symbols carved on them.
Tarapith Maha Sasan
Tarapith Maha Sasan is an auspicious place, lies very near to the Tarapith Temple. It is pretty well known for the Tantric rituals performed here. Goddess (Goddess Tara) prevails here in the form of a twinkling of light, like a "Star" (meaning of Tara in Hindi, Sanskrit, Bengali and other languages), a fearsome Tantric aspect of Adhya-Shakti . Here the Third Eye of "Sati" had fallen and it is recognized as one of the 52 Peeths (where pieces of dead body of "Sati" had fallen) of "Sati", a place reflecting lots of supernatural and extraordinary powers. If we look back through the pages of history, we can find that Maharishi Vashistha (Guru of Ramachandra), performed rituals or rites over here in order to attain siddha ("perfection" in viewing the deity and obtain her blessing) from Goddess Tara and to get her blessing. In the later stage, the worship of Goddess Tara began with Tantric rituals following the order of Panchamakar Vidhi or Sadhana . Worshipping with five elements, namely, 1. Madya (Wine) 2. Goddessns (Meat) 3. Matsya (Fish) 4. Hasta Mudra (Parched Grain) 5. Maithuna (Sexual intercourse) is called a Panchamakar Sadhana. Worship of some Gods in Hinduism, basically those who have Taamsi or Tamo (destructive) qualities require this method of worship, to get rid of desire from within human beings. It is also said that it is pretty easy to attain accomplishment by worshiping here. Rituals of Tantrism practiced by famous 'Matri Sadhak' Shri Shri Bama Khepa aliasly renowned as Bam Dev.
Nalhateshwari Temple
(Nalhati & Nearest Tarapith, Nearest Station - Nalhati) The throat of Sati or "Nala" fell here as known by tradition. This is a beautiful place with fine vicinity and plateaus all around it where Maa Nalateswri resides and has resemblance with Kamakha and Kalighat pithas. The goddess of this place is known as Maa Nalateswri who is also praised as Maa or "Bhagobidhata-Nalateswri" or Devi Parvati or Kalika. According to the localities, in 252th Bengali year or "Bongapto", "Kamdev" (the Hindu god of love and desire) who had dreamt about its existence discovered the larynx of maa sati at this Nalahati forest.
Mallarpur Shiv temples
This temple is located about 10 kilometres from Tarapith and is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the Birbhum. There are around 21 temples and a tiny pond surrounding this temple which makes it aesthetically beautiful. This temple was built by the Malla rulers some 800 years ago. This temple is totally dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is said that in ancient times the temple was surrounded with dense forest. Especially during the festival of Shivratri, devotees of Lord Shiva visit this temple to seek holy blessings. A magnificent fair is also hosted in the adjoining Nimtala area on this day.
Mallarpur Shiv Temple
Mallarpur Shiv Temple is one of the oldest mandir in the Birbhum District. It is located in Mallarpur village 2 km away from Mallarpur Rail Station. In ancient times, the temple was surrounded with dense forest. Later on the temple was built in 1192 by devoted king Malla Raj. The main temple is surrounded with 21 temples and a holy pond situated in the eastern side of the temple. It is near about 10-12 km away from Tarapith.
Bamakhyapa Temple (Tarapith)
Sri Sri Bamdev Smriti, a pink colour temple dedicated to Saint Bamakhyapa. Often called as the mad saint, Bamakhyapa was a famous tantrik known for his divine craziness. There is a tomb and samadhi right outside of the temple where people offer prayers and offerings in the name of the saint.
Lakshmi Temple
(Tarapith)
This temple of Goddess Lakshmi is said to have been built 500 years ago by a Hindu saint called Saint Kamdev Bramacharya. He built the idol of the Goddess himself with neem tree wood and Ganga soil. The temple is a very revered spot and is visited by many devotees. It is about 12 km from Tarapith.
Birchandrapur Temple
Birchandrapur Temple - Birchandrapur, 10 k.m. away from the Tarapith, is famous for the birth place of Nityananda Swami, co founder of Baisnav religion with Shri Chityanyadev. Birchandrapur, named after Birbhadra Goswami - the son of Nityananda, is a part of the village Ekachakra which according to mythology has been inhabited by the Pandavas. 'Akali mandir' is situated at Akalipur, near Bhadrapur, 25 k.m. from Rampurhat and famous for its unique hexagonal structure and had a history of more than 300 years (it is associated with Maharaja Nandakumar). According to the lore the ancestral house of Maharaja Nandakumar is still there at Akalipur. At present there is a Vaishnab religious center (ISCON TEMPLE) with some old temples in Birchandrapur.
Bakreswar Temple
Bakreswar is famous for its Bakreswar temple which is dedicated to Lord Bakranath (Shiva) and Goddess Kali. The temple is believed to be erected at the spot where the forehead and brows of Goddess Sati fell. The main temple of Bakreswar is surrounded by many small shrines which are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
How To Reach
By Air: The nearest airport Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose airport is at Kolkata. One can avail taxi or bus services from airport to reach Tarapith.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Rampurhat. Taxi services from railway station to Tatapith are available. Rampurhat is well linked with Howrah and Sealdah.
By Road: The state owned and private buses connect Tarapith with Esplanade / Dharamtala bus stand of Kolkata and with the neighboring cities of the state.
Namaste Jharna lies in the Bhedetar village of Dhankuta District. Namaste Jharna is approx 8 KM far from Bhedetar town. The waterfall is approx 80 meters high. People around the places and even from India come here to beat the heat in the summertime. Namaste Jharna is maintained and regulated very carefully. Large numbers of people visit this place with the near and the dear ones in the summertime.
To enter the Namaste Jharna, you need to take the permit to enter the premises of the Waterfall. You can park your vehicle nearby the road and need to walk approx 10 minutes to reach the waterfall. There is a number of restaurants on the way to the fall. The road to the Namaste Jharna is narrow which is maintained well by the cemented and iron railing for the safety of the visitor. There are also dustbins in short distance to make it neat and clean.
Once you reach Namaste Jharna, you will receive the positive vibes to recharge yourself from the workload make yourself fresh. Namaste Jharna is a renowned place in Eastern Nepal among travelers. This Hill waterfall point is also taken as a dating point by many youngsters.
Deep in the dense tropical forest of Meghalaya, and shrouded in cloud and rain for much of the year, are some astonishing man-made natural wonders. Known as living root bridges, inventive members of the Khasi tribe have trained them to grow from the roots of ancient rubber trees, native to the northeast region. The root bridges provide a stable alternative to wooden bridges, which decay and get destroyed during the lengthy monsoon seasons.
It takes around 15 years for a new root bridge to become strong enough to bear the weight of people crossing it. However, it will continue to grow and strengthen even more over time. Some of the bridges are believed to be hundreds of years old, although no one knows their exact age. Their tangled webs of roots are almost eerie in nature and wouldn't look out of place in a fantasy world.
Meghalaya's most famous root bridge, the "double-decker" root bridge, can be found in the vicinity of one of the wettest places on earth -- Cherrapunji (also known as Sohra). There are 11 functional root bridges in this area, situated about two and a half hours drive from Shillong.
The bridges have been documented as far back as 1844, in the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. However, it's the owner of the Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort (a retired Tamil banker who's married to a local Khasi woman) in Laitkynsew village who put them on the tourist map. He spent a lot of time exploring the surrounds and detailing interesting treks when setting up the resort. (The Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort is a delightful, homely place to spend time in nature and guides are provided for trekking. However, don't expect resort-style facilities).
The treks to the root bridges vary in duration and level of difficulty. The most well known ones, which are all near the Resort, are:
Ummunoi Root Bridge. Starting point: Laitkynsew village. Location: Ummunoi river near Siej village, Nongkroh, via Sohsarat village. Duration: Two kilometers one way. Three to four hours return. Descent: 1,400 feet. This 17 meter (54 foot) root bridge is one of the oldest known root bridges in the region, and is perhaps the most popular with tourists due to its combination of accessibility and impressiveness.
Umkar Root Bridge. Starting point and location: Siej village. Duration: Half a kilometer one way. 30 minutes return. The best option for those who are lacking in fitness or mobility, this root bridge was partly washed away by flash floods. The villagers in the process of regrowing it, which is interesting to see. There's a waterfall alongside the bridge during the monsoon season.
Ritymmen Root Bridge (can be visited on the way to the Double Decker root bridge). Starting point: Tyrna village. Location: Nongthymmai village. Duration: One and a half to two hours return. This 30 meter (100 foot) root bridge is the longest known living root bridge.
Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge. Starting point: Tyrna village. Location: Umshiang river at Nongriat village. Duration: Three kilometers one way. Four to five hours return. Descent: 2,400 feet. The "holy grail" of root bridges, the unique 20 meter (65 foot) double-decker root bridge requires determination to reach but it's worth it. Not everyone can go there though. It's imperative that physical condition be taken into account.
Mawsaw Root Bridge. If you're not too exhausted and have the time, continue to walk around 20-30 minutes past the Double Decker root bridge. The natural swimming pools near this root bridge are a highlight (they're unsafe during the monsoon season though).
Mawlynnong Living Root Bridge
An alternative to the root bridges around Cherrapunji, there's also a substantial root bridge near Mawlynnong village -- and it's readily accessible. Renowned for being declared the cleanest village in Asia by a travel magazine, scenic Mawlynnong also promotes itself as "God's Own Garden". The village is located near the Bangladesh border, around three hours from Shillong. To reach the root bridge, drive to Riwai village, a few kilometers before Mawlynnong. From there, it's approximately a 15 minute walk one way.
The legendary double-decker root bridge at Nongriat village near Cherrapunji, in northeast India's Meghalaya state, beckons outdoor enthusiasts with the opportunity to see a 150+ year old man-made natural wonder that's not only unique but astounding. While there are many single root bridges in the area, this is the only one that has two levels. Apparently, local Khasi tribe members grew the second level after an unprecedented wet monsoon season caused water to reach the first level. A third level is planned, but only to capitalize on the bridge's tourism potential.
The beauty and cleanliness of the village is also outstanding. It's obvious that the residents have high regard for the environment. While the root bridge is undoubtedly remarkable, its surroundings feel like a place where magic happens. There are waterfalls and natural swimming pools, clusters of huge brightly colored butterflies, mysterious sounds of the forest, and so much ancient wisdom.
Visiting the double-decker root bridge is not easy. The trek there is long and tiring. It's worth it though, for an out-of-this-world experience that's guaranteed to be a highlight of your travels.
How Fit Do You Have to Be?
Read any article about the double-decker root bridge and you'll most likely come across a warning about the arduous nature of the trek. But just how arduous? You might be concerned about whether you're capable of it and how difficult it will be. The reality is that you don't have to be super fit. However, if you have any joint or mobility issues, or are not in decent physical condition -- definitely don't do it (there are other easier options to see the living root bridges). The trek is very steep in parts, and will put a lot of strain on your knees and calf muscles.
I don't consider myself to be fit. I'm slim but I exercise irregularly. The trek took me two hours each way. This was walking at a leisurely pace there and a steady pace on the way back. I spent a hour relaxing at the double-decker root bridge. So, all up, I completed the trek in five hours. My muscles hurt a lot for a few days afterwards.
About the Trek
The path to the double-decker root bridge is three kilometers (nearly two miles) long. It has approximately 3,500 stairs and descends 2,400 feet. Those are some daunting figures, but don't let it put you off!
There are three parts to the trek. The steepest and most challenging part is the first part, down the hill to Nongthymmai village (where the longest root bridge, Ritymmen, is located). It takes about 45 minutes, along a seemingly endless trail of steps that plunges deeper and deeper into the forest. It seems like paradise, with jack fruits and pineapples growing wildly amid the jungle of vegetation.
Nongthymmai is a surprisingly attractive village of bee keepers with neat cement paths, well-groomed flower gardens, and blue and white painted church. From there, it takes at least another hour to reach the double-decker root bridge.
The remaining two parts of the trek, which involve crossing narrow steel suspension bridges over raging rivers, are much flatter and less taxing. However, this, as well as the steep descent, may make the trek challenging for anyone who's afraid of heights or has vertigo.
Just as start doubting whether you'll ever get there, after tackling yet another ascending staircase you'll be greeted with a sign announcing Nongriat village. Drag yourself up the final set of stairs, look down, and there it will be like something from a fairytale-- the double-decker root bridge with it's gnarly thick roots covered in moss.
How to Get There
The trek to the double-decker root bridge starts at Tyrna village, around 30 minutes past Cherrapunji (and not far from the Cherrapunji Holiday Resort in Laitkynsew village). It can be comfortably done on a day trip from Shillong. From Shillong, it takes approximately two and a half hours to drive to Tyrna, and costs about 3,000 rupees return. A reliable taxi driver, who's based in Shillong and knows the area, is Mr Mumtiaz. Phone: 9206128935.
Cherrapunji Weather: When to Go
Cherrapunji is known as one of the the wettest places on earth. The rainy season starts in April and continues until October. Most of the rain is received during June and July. It rains intermittently during the rest of the monsoon months. Rainfall usually occurs during the morning. (When I did the trek in mid May, the morning was wet but the afternoon was sunny). You'll find a useful rainfall chart here.
In January (the dry winter season), the average maximum temperature is 16 degrees Celsius/60 degrees Fahrenheit. This drops to around 5 degrees Celsius/41 degrees Fahrenheit at night. In July (the wet monsoon summer season), the average temperature increases to a maximum of 22 degrees Celsius/72 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. At night, it drops to an average of 18 degrees Celsius/65 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to Wear
You may be tempted to wear a raincoat or other wet weather/winter clothing. However, it's actually preferable to wear as little as possible. Due to the strenuous nature of the trek, you'll get hot very quickly. Your clothes will become saturated with sweat and it's much more comfortable to let your skin breathe. In regards to footwear, choose comfortable shoes that have good grip. (Sandals are fine, particularly if they're proper walking sandals such as Birkenstocks, which is what I wore).
What to Take
If you're concerned about the rain, it's a good idea to bring an umbrella. Pack some food and water, as you'll only find a couple of shacks selling packaged drinking water and snacks along the way from Tyrna to Nongriat village. You'll be able to get basic Indian vegetarian meals at Nongriat. Wearing a cap and sunscreen is recommended if you have fair skin. Mosquitoes are present in the evening, so you might want to consider mosquito repellent as well. It's possible to go swimming in the natural pools at the double-decker bridge, so bring appropriate swimwear if you want to do this (it's really refreshing and change rooms are provided). Do be aware that everything you take adds to the weight though, and you'll really feel it when hiking back up the hill.
Staying There
There are a few guesthouses and homestays in Nongriat village that provide very basic accommodations. If you have the time and don't mind some discomfort (minimal facilities are provided), it's worth staying a night or two as the surrounding scenery is spectacular. You can trek to waterfalls, natural swimming pools, and other root bridges from the village. Again, pack as light as possible, as you'll struggle with carrying a heavy backpack.
Other Things to Note
Entry and camera fees are payable at the double-decker root bridge. The cost is 10 rupees for adults, 5 rupees for children, and 20 rupees for a camera. The local Khasi people are very conscious of their environment and maintaining its cleanliness. Indian-style (squat) toilets are available at the double-decker bridge, and there's a fine of 500 rupees for anyone caught relieving themselves in the forest or throwing rubbish. Aim to be back at Tyrna by 5 p.m. at the latest, as it starts getting dark early there. It's not necessary to take a guide, although many people do, as the pathway is signposted.
Mayapur is situated in an area somewhere in the middle of the rivers Hoogly and Jalangi and is one of the main of the nine islands of the Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's dham Nabadwip. It is located 130 km from kolkata and well connected by roads and rail networks from there.
The holiest of all places in entire India, Mayapur Chandrodaya Temple of ISKCON is the major reason why devotees all over the world come to this sacred land. Inside you can see the magnificent deities of Pancatattva, Lord Nrisingha Dev, Srila Prabhupada and Radha-Madhav with the Gopis. This is a place flowing with devotion like no other place on earth.
The religious ambience and the serene natural beauty of the place will bring peace to your troubled mind. The basic calm aura of the place will fill you up with happiness. And in a such a place if you spend one or two days attending the temple aartis and taking a campus tour with ganga bath then you are just released of all your miseries.
How To Reach Mayapur
Train
From Howrah station
If you are catching a train at Howrah, a less-crowded train to catch is *Intercity express*, which leaves Howrah at about 3pm (the train does not operate on Sundays.) It reaches Nabadwip Dham by about 5:45pm.
There are trains leaving Howrah and which pass through *Nabadwip Dham*, practically every hour and a half, but they are sometimes quite crowded. It takes about 3 hours to reach Nabadwip Dham from Howrah.
Once you reach *Nabadwip Dham* station, you have to take a rikshaw to *Mayapur Ghat* and then get on a boat to cross over the Ganga to reach *Hular Ghat* at Mayapur. Take a rikshaw to come to ISKCON’s Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir.
From Sealdah station
Sealdah is a train station located within Kolkata. There are trains leaving Sealdah and which pass through Krishnanagar. Usually these trains are crowded. It takes about two hours to reach Krishnanagar from Sealdah.
From Krishnanagar, you can catch a rikshaw to go to the bus terminal (“bus stand”) and catch a bus to ISKCON Mayapur. Or, you can get into a three-wheeler to go to Mayapur Ghat in Swarup Ganj (where Bhaktivinoda Thakura used to live), get on a boat to cross over the Jalangi river to reach *Hular Ghat* at Mayapur. Then take a rikshaw to come to ISKCON Mayapur.
Taxi booking
Gauranga Travels is a ISKCON managed Travels services. For reliable, comfortable and safe journey, you can book the Car/Bus online by calling us at +91-3472-245728.
Bus
ISKCON Kolkata operates buses thrice a week, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The bus takes passengers from the Kolkata temple straight to Sri Mayapur.
ISKCON Kolkata also has a guest house facility. To book a room at the ISKCON Kolkata guest house call +91-3322-876075 or a seat in the bus call +91-33-32488041 or +91-33-64588777.
Or, you can catch a bus from Kolkata’s bus terminal at *Dharmatala* to Krishnanagar, and then from Krishnanagar, catch a bus to ISKCON Mayapur.
What is the best time to visit Mayapur?
As one of the holiest cities, Mayapur greets a large number of devotees all year round; however, the best time to visit Mayapur is in the winters from November to February when the temperature is pleasant. Another favourite time to visit Mayapur among tourists are the monsoons when the early showers rejuvenate the surroundings. Summer season should ideally be avoided since the temperature may rise to 30 degrees making sightseeing unbearable.
