Subhasis Banerjee

FATEHPUR SIKRI Founded by Emperor Akbar in the 16 th century, this was the first planned city of the Indo-Islamic architecture. It was abandoned only 14 years after its creation due to a severe shortage of water. Perched atop a rocky ridge, the city is built in red sandstone and planned on a definite mathematical grid, offering a spectacular blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural elements. Many historical monuments and buildings stand strewn throughout the city. Diwan-i-am is the place where the emperor arrived before the public to hear complains and dispensed justice while Diwani-i-khas served as the hall of private meetings of the emperor. At the southern end of the city, around a lovely pool called Anup Talao, Akbar’s private living quarter consisted of his library, his Daftarkhana or record office and his dream palace. Mariam’s Palace, the living quarter of his beautiful Goan wife, stands east of the emperor’s quarter and is another great architectural showpiece of the city. ...

SIROHI NATIONAL PARK On the Indo-Burmese border lies the 200 sq km of mixed deciduous forests of the Sirohi National Park. The Park is a bird watchers’ paradise with over 200 species of birds. Probably, this is the only Park in the world where almost all the varieties of Pheasants are found together. Wildlife of the Park includes Leopard, Wild Boar, Hog Deer and a large variety of Langoor. Accessibility : About a 100kms drive southeast from Imphal transports one to this Park. Accommodation : There is a Government Guest House in Moreh. One can also make a day trip to the Park from Imphal. Season : December to April. N.B.:- FOREIGNERS REQUIRE “RESTRICTED AREA PERMIT” FROM THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS, GOVT. OF INDIA, TO VISIT MANIPUR.

CHINNAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Unlike the other sanctuaries of Kerala, Chinnar gets only 48 days of rain every year due to its location in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats. Lying in the Idukki district, it is the only habitat of the highly endangered species - Giant Grizzled Squirrel. The sanctuary consists of dry deciduous forests and thorny scrubs along with wet grasslands. An extensive Sandalwood forest nearby is an added attraction along with the massive Thoovanam Falls on the Chinnar River . Strategically erected watchtowers inside the sanctuary facilitate excellent game viewing. Elephant, Bison, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Langur and Peacock are the main fauna of the Park. Accessibility : A 60kms drive from Munnar takes one to the sanctuary. Munnar is 128kms by road from Ernakulam, the nearest railway station and 150kms from the Kochi international airport. Accommodation : Standard and deluxe Hotels in Munnar afford accommodation. Season : November to June.

TABO Moving up from Sangla towards the Spiti Valley, a step closer to the Himalayas and the Indo-Tibetan border, there is a region where time stood still for centuries. The sudden and unexpected change of terrain here is sure to turn one speechless. Here, at an altitude 3000 metres commences an arid, cold and rocky desert where the only filament of intransience is the furry of turbulent rivers that stagger through the barren high-altitude mountainous desert. The Tabo Gumpha is ranked second in importance to the Buddhists, only to the Tholing Gumpha of Tibet. The monastery celebrated its millennium in 1996. A little distance away in the west, stands the Kee Gumpha, located atop a cliff. This is an absolute must see for all visitors to this region. Accessibility : 337kms north-east Shimla, this place is reached by road. Kaza in the Spiti Valley is only 50kms north-west. Accommodation : There is a Guest House of the Tabo Gumpha and a few basic Hotels. Season : March to Octob...

SOJA The svelte and sylvan hamlet of Soja near the breath-taking Jalori Pass (3223 metres) in the Kullu district was originally a hunting retreat of the erstwhile Kullu kings. Remaining in the isolated calmness of forested surroundings with the Blue Iris in full bloom during the summer months, this serene sojourn renders a heavenly ambience. Accessibility : 160kms from Shimla and 70kms from Kullu, this unspoilt destination is well approached by road from both the places. Accommodation : The erstwhile hunting Resort of the kullu kings have been transformed into a Tourist Lodge, which provides excellent accommodation. Season : October to June.

SANGLA VALLEY A mere 30kms from the Indo-Tibetan border, this virgin valley of nuts, peach, apple orchards and forests of Pine and Fir along the River Baspa was opened to the tourists only during the end of the last century. The sound of the gushing river, murmuring of the wind, noise of the falling leaves and aroma of the virgin woods create a kaleidoscope of serene beauty. Until today, this 42 sq km valley at an altitude of 2,680metres has remained unpolluted by the human civilization. Legend goes that the heroes of the Mahabharata hid here during their last year of exile. Bhoj Patra, a rare tree bark that is finer than the finest of papers, on which the ancient Hindu scriptures were written, is only found here. Sangla has an eternal heritage of polyandry and oracles, both, amid the Hindu and the Buddhist cult. The five-storied fort at Kamru, built by the king of Rampur, bears the traditional Tibetan architectural design. It is an example of abundant cultural impact of the neighbou...

 ANNAMALAI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 375 sq km of dense mixed deciduous forests of Teak and Rosewood in the southern fringes of the Darchini Hills constitutes the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for its population of Lion Tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Langur. Gaur, Hog Deer, Muntjack, Chital, Sambar, Mouse Deer, Elephant and Leopard constitutes rest of the wildlife population of the Park. The sanctuary also sustains a rich birdlife. The Srichalipallam River flows through the sanctuary. Accessibility : The Park is a 65kms drive from Coimbatore via Pollachi. Coimbatore is very well connected by air, rail and road. Accommodation : Forest Rest Houses and Log Huts are available inside the Park. Season : December to June.

 DIU This 39 sq km peninsula in the west of the Shayadri Range with meandering beaches and creeks on the Arabian Sea and extensive coconut stands is another laid-back seaside resort. The Portuguese settlers also colonized this place, leaving their mark in the form of their architecture and culture that is vividly portrayed by the St. Paul’s Church, St. Thomas Church , St. Francis Church and Presad-de-Diu Fort and the various annual festivals. The Chakratirtha Beach, the Nagoa Beach, Jalandhar Beach and the Amitpur Mandovi Beach are exciting attractions of the place. Accessibility : 165kms from Bhabnagar and 87kms from Somnath via Una, both in Gujrat, Diu is well connected by road. Diu also has an air connection from Mumbai. Accommodation : There are numerous budget and standard Hotels in Diu . Season : Throughout the year.

  DAMAN Colonized by the Portuguese seafarers in 1559 A.D., it became a part of the Indian Union only in the 20 th century. Daman is a laid-back seaside resort of stark natural beauty. Coming down in the west from the Shayadri Range, River Daman Ganga has divided the resort into Nani Daman or Little Daman in the north and Moti Daman or Big Daman in the south. The cultural influence of the old settlers is reflected in the architecture of the Old Cathedral Church and Nani Daman Fort. The Jampore Beach in Moti Daman and the Devaka Beach in Nani Daman are two main attractions of the place. Accessibility : On the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route, Vapi is the nearest railway station to Daman. If one wants to travel by road, Surat in Gujrat is 104kms north and Mumbai in Maharashtra is 193kms south via Vapi. Accommodation : There are a variety of Hotels in Daman ranging from budget to standard. Season : Throughout the year.

  BHANDARDHARA Nestling amidst the hills and lush green forests, Bhandardhara is a calm and sylvan holiday resort overlooking the splendid Arthur Lake, formed by the dammed waters of the Pravara River. The main places of interest around are Wilson Dam, Umbrella Falls , Randha Falls and Ratangarh Fort. The Wilson Dam was built in 1910 A.D. on the Pravara River and the restrained waters created the Arthur Lake. In the vicinity lies the Umbrella Falls and the Randha Falls . Overlooking Bhandardhara is Mount Kalsubai (1,646 meteres), the highest peak of the Sahyadri Range which is a trekkers’ delight. The Ratangarh Fort also lies in the vicinity. Accessibility : Igatpuri, on the central railway route of Mumbai, is the nearest railway station. Mumbai is 185kms south-west by road from here. Accommodation : There is a Tourist Lodge here. Season : Throughout the year.

  DUMPA TIGER RESERVE Sprawling over 300 sq km of dense semi-evergreen and a variety of Bamboo forests on the north-western portion of the stunningly beautiful Mizo Hills, Dumpa is a premier Tiger Reserve. The Dumpa and the Dhaleswari rivers flow through the Park. Along with the Tiger, other members of the cat family found in the Park are Leopard, Panther, Clouded Leopard, Leopard Cat and Fishing Cat. The rest of the fauna includes Elephant, Wild Boar, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer, Muntjac, Slow Loris, Common Langoor and Hoolok Gibbon. Accessibility : A 70kms drive from Aizwal, the capital of the state, transports one to the reserve. Aizwal is connected by road to Silchar, 180kms north in the neighbouring state of Assam , which is considered to be the gateway to Mizoram. Silchar is very well connected by air, rail and road. Accommodation : Forest Rest Houses are available inside the reserve. Season : October to April. N.B.:- FOREIGNERS REQUIRE “RESTRICTED AR...

  AULI Located in one of the most scenic locations of the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,045meters, Auli is an ideal ski resort with its slopes comparable to some of the best in the world. The perennially snow clad Nanda Devi Range graced by the peaks of Mukut, Mana, Trishul, Nilkantha, Dronagiri and Kamet, the Gorson Reserve Forests and the Nanda Devi National Park form the backdrop of this serenely beautiful and finest ski destination of the country. While winter offers skiing, sledging and other snow sports along the slopes, summer offers noticeable trails for trekkers and hikers. Accessibility : About 280kms by road from Haridwar in the north-east, one reaches Joshimath. From here, one can reach Auli by a 5kms ropeway. In the summer, one can also trek to Auli from Joshimath. Accommodation : There is a Tourist Complex and a luxury Resort here. Season : October to May.  

  ALMORA Finding a mention even in the old scriptures of Hindu mythology, this quaint mountain resort at an altitude of 1,645meters in the Kumaon region is perched atop a saddle shaped ridge of the Kashyap Hill. It is the main cultural centre of Kumaon and offers striking views of sunrise on the Trishul peaks. Unlike most other hill stations of the country, Almora is not a British creation and its history dates back to 1560AD when the then ruler of Kumaon, Kalyan Chand, discovered this wooded hill station of Pine, Oak and Deodar. From the Bright End Corner, one can observe bewildering sunrises and sunsets on the Chowkhamba, Nandadevi, Nandakot, Panchali and Trishul peaks. Accessibility : Almora is 127kms north-east of Nainital and 93kms north of Kathgodam, the nearest railway station. It is well connected by roads. Kathgodam has very good railway connections. Accommodation : There are numerous standard Hotels in Almora. Season : October to May.  

  MUNNAR Set amidst the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations on the slopes of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1,524 metres, Munnar is a beautiful little hamlet with the backdrop of the imposing Annamuri and Devikulam peaks, flowing tea estates and fresh mountain air. The Chiappara and Valra waterfalls, the Mundapetty Dam and the confluence of the Kundla, Mundrapuza and Nalathanni rivers are only nearby. Munnar is also the gateway to the Chinnar, Eravikulam and Rajamalai wildlife sanctuaries, Thattekad bird sanctuary and Marayur sandalwood forests. Accessibility : Munnar is 128kms by road from Ernakulam, the nearest railway station and 150kms from Kochi international airport Accommodation : There are standard and deluxe Hotels of diverse ranges in Munnar. Season : Throughout the year.  

 TAWANG The land of the Monpa tribe and a major centre of Mahayana Buddhists, Tawang stands atop the spur of a hill at an altitude of 12,000 feet above the sea level, overlooking the wide Tawang Valley girdled by the East Himalayan Ranges. The road to this beautiful land passes through the picturesque Dirang Valley, the Paradise Lake and the second highest motorable pass in the world, Sela Pass, at 14,000 feet. Tawang is also one of the highest administrative headquarters in the world. The place encounters heavy snowfall throughout the winter with temperatures often dropping below the freezing point. The 400 year old Tawang Gumpha and the 350 year old Anne Gumpha dominates the valley. The 135sqm complex of the Tawang Gumpha, built in the 17 th century, hosts 65 residential buildings along with the main temple. The Anne Gumpha, however, is exclusively run by Buddhist nuns. It is worth spending a few days in Tawang, merely to enjoy its ethereal beauty apart from visiting the Buddh...

  BOMDILA The journey to this exotic hill station from Tejpur through the picturesque Bhalookpong Valley of Assam, the Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, the Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary and then scaling a height of 8,500feet through winding roads is an adventure in itself. This mystic land, where the clouds come down to play with its dwellers, offers a spectacular panorama of the snow-clad ranges of the Eastern Himalayas. The surrounding wooded slopes and the vast apple orchards enhance the breathtaking beauty of the place. Bomdila enjoys a strong influence of Tibetan culture and is strewn with Buddhist monasteries. The local handicraft product of brightly hued hand woven carpets is a bold souvenir of the place. India’s largest orchidorium with over 7,500 species of extremely rare orchids at Tipi and its smaller cousin, Sessa, with over 2,600 species in the vicinity, adds a rich flavour to Bomdila. Accessibility : Bomdila is approached by road from Tejpur in the neighbouring state ...

LAKSHADWEEP – A PARADISE ON EARTH   Off the west coast of India, there lies a cluster of 36 exquisite coral islands out of which only 10 are inhabited. The azure sky, shallow blue waters, spectacularly coloured underwater, silky white beaches with the backdrop of palm and coconut clusters – all make Lakshadweep a celestial destination. Marked by a total absence of winter and a prevailing tropical climate with emphatically beautiful sunrise and sunset, these islands flaunt a heavenly milieu on a moonlit night. Apart from its beauty, Lakshadweep offers tremendous opportunity for deep-sea fishing and underwater coral survey. The main islands are Kavaratti, Kadmat, Kaalapani, Minicoy, Bangaram, Agatti and Androt. The Kavaratti Island of only 3.5sq kms of area is the head quarter of the union territory. The Society for Promotion of Recreational Tourism and Sports (SPORTS) was created to conduct tourism operations in Lakshadweep and are successfully conducting tour packages from Koch...

THE SUBLIME POTENTIAL OF TOURISM IN INDIA The sublimely rich potential of tourism in India with an affluent diversity of choice of perspective is probably unparallel in the world. From pristine natural beauty to overwhelming historic heritage along with a rich biodiversity can spell magic for the country’s health and wealth if utilized mindfully and with ebullience. Not only that, the protean gastronomic delicacies of each individual region of this country is also unmatched on this planet. But sadly, this has remained apathetically untapped for decades. A little thought towards tapping this unexplored versatility of latent prospective can alone change the economic destiny of India eternally. Mindful development of precise infrastructure can deliver magical results in the fiscal health of the country and its people. A peek-a-boo into the secrets of such latent potential will reveal an immeasurable treasure-trove. Precisely we can divide these vast potential into three parts – Wild, Ex...