Mirik Hill Station - It Has Rejuvenating Effect

MIRIK

AT

DARJEELING

Mirik, the hill resort lies in the West Bengal state of India. It is situated fifty-two km away from Siliguri and 55 kms from the nearest Airfield of Bagdogra. It stands at an altitude of 1,768m in the Eastern Himalayas. Mirik is wrapped in the forested hills of the Himalayas. Mirik is surrounded by tea estates, orange orchards and cardamom plantations.

The natural beauty of this beautiful hill resort has a rejuvenating effect on the tired urban soul. All the wild flowers, enchanting lakes and flourishing forests of Cryptomaria Japanica trees make Mirik a paradise on earth, and the Kachunjanga as a backdrop adds immense beauty to the whole scenery.

The most prominent of tourist spots in Mirik is the Sumendu Lake. It is a man made lake enveloped in a forested ridge, and surrounding it is a flower garden and there is also a floating fountain in its center. Though not for swimming, Sumendu is considered ideal for boating and Fishing.

The temple of Singha Devi or the Devi Sthan is on the west bank of the river and you have to take the bridge over the lake to get there, not only is it frequented by the pious but also the nature lovers. Other temples dedicated to Hanuman, Shiva and Kali Mata can also be visited there. Bokar Gompa is another place of religious importance.

A holiday package usually also includes a tour to the Rameetay Dara, which is ideal for watching the spectacular sunset and the sunrise. Deosi Dara is yet another vantage point in Mirik. One can also take a tour to Rai Dhap, which has a small lake that is the source of potable water in Mirik and is also an ideal picnic spot.

The hill station of Mirik is also quite famous for its oranges, you can move through orange orchards either on foot or hired ponies. One can also take a tour to the cardamom and tea plantations, which add even more to the beauty of the hill resort. The tea plantations can also be visited and many conducted tours to the factories are organized from time to time.

A viewpoint from where one can get a sweeping view of the plains and the mountains. Sunrise and sunset seen from this point are memorble sights.

Sumendu Lake at Mirik is a man made lake which attracts tourists in Mirik. The Sumendu Lake is wrapped in forested ridge and a flower garden and has a floating fountain in its center. The Sumendu Lake is ideal for activities like boating and fishing.

There are eight tea gardens in Mirik area. Thurbo T.E., one of the best tea-estates, is only 2 kms from the lake. The factory may be visited with the permission.

 It is a era point in Mirik that must be visited to catch some vistas of the plains, hills and peaks in and around Mirik. 

By Air

The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, 55 km from Mirik. 

By Rail 

Nearest major stations are New Jalpaiguri .

By Road

Excellent road network links Mirik with places like Bagdogra, Siliguri, Darjeeling and Kurseong.

Dandeli - It Is One Of The Best Natural Habitats In The World

DANDELI

Dandeli is a picturesque town on the banks of the River Kali in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Dandeli is one of the top destinations of Karnataka Tourism. It is quite famous for its gorgeous natural backdrop, wildlife and adventure activities. 

Dandeli has a dense forest cover and is one of the best natural habitats in the world. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. The sanctuary is crisscrossed by River Kaneri and River Nagajhari, tributaries of River Kali. The sanctuary is the natural habitat for several wildlife species such as tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, gaur and languor.

Dandeli is one of the top white-water rafting destinations in India. Kayaking, canyoning, water rafting, overnight rafting or canoeing trips on the Kali River along with other adventure sports like cycling and mountain biking are some of the things one can indulge in here. Dandeli also offers crocodile spotting, nature walks, treks, boating, bird watching and angling trips.

Other popular attractions in Dandeli include the Ulavi Temple, Syntheri Rocks and Kavala Caves. Molangi, Syke's Point, Nagajhari Viewpoint and Supa Dam are other places of interest for travellers.

Hubli Airport is the nearest airport, which is about 66 km from Dandeli. The nearest railway station is Alnawar, which is 33 km from Dandeli. It has trains from Bangalore, Vasco Da Gama, Hubli, Delhi, Pune, Tirupati, Pondicherry, Hyderabad, Mysore, Mumbai, Mangalore and Tirunelveli. Dandeli is also well connected by bus with Bangalore, Hubli, Karwar, Davanagere and Udipi.

Dandeli has hotels for all budgets ranges from resorts, guest houses to lodges, camps and tents. Dandeli Jungle Inn, Kulgi Nature Camp, Pansoli Guest House, Hornbill River Resort, Vacation on White Water Resort, Old Magazine House, Bison Resort and Kali River Resort are the few accommodation options.

The best time to visit Dandeli is from October to March.

At a distance of 55 km from Dharwad, 73 km from Hubli, 89 km from Belgaum, 106 km from Karwar, 130 km from Panjim, 240 km from Shimoga and 462 km from Bangalore,

By Air

Nearest Airport: Hubli - Hubli Airport (66 Kms)

By Train

Nearest Train Station: Alnavar (33 Kms)

By Bus

Nearest Bus Station: Dandeli (0 Kms)

Shivanasamudra Waterfall - It Has Two Large Streams

SHIVANASAMUDRA WATERFALL

Shivanasamudra is a famous waterfall situated in Mandya District of Karnataka State. This is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore and also among popular one day trip from Bangalore. These waterfalls are also known as Siva Samudram, literally meaning Shiva's Sea. Shivanasamudra is a segmented waterfall with several parallel stream formed adjacent to each other.

Situated on River Kaveri, Shivanasamudra is among the popular Tourist places in Karnataka. The island of Shivanasamudra divides Kaveri River into two parts that form two waterfalls, one is Gaganachukki and the other is Bharachukki. Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls are collectively called as Shivanasamudra Falls though Gaganachukki is most commonly represented as Shivanasamudra Falls. This place offers breathtaking sight in the peak monsoons.

Gaganachukki includes a huge horsetail shaped waterfall dropping from a height of 90 m and two large parallel streams that cascade down through a rocky bed from a height of over 320 feet. The currents here are quite strong and the gorge is quite deep. So, swimming is not permitted here. Asia's first hydroelectric power station was set up in the downstream of the falls in the year 1905. The power generated here was initially used in Kolar Gold Fields. The power station is situated near a Dargah, from where you can have excellent views of the other side of Gaganachukki.

Bharachukki is situated at distance of approximately one km from the Gaganachukki (Dargah point). The cascading edge of Bharachukki is a little wider and more popular than that of Gaganachukki. Barachukki is a cascading fall with a height of 70 m forming several streams through the wide rocky formations establishing superb natural beauty. 

There are well laid plight of about 200 steps that lead down to the waterfall. The way down to the waterfall is relatively safe as it fenced with railings and there are benches to sit on and relax. An interesting way to watch the beauty of the waterfall is to take a coracle ride to the mouth of the magnificent waterfall. Barachukki also has a section of waterfall where the water flows less in volume and an ideal spot to play and enjoy a bath under the waterfall in this area. 

Though geographically both the falls are adjacent, the viewpoints of these falls are about 15 km away. The Gaganachukki waterfalls are best viewed from the Shivanasamudra watch tower. There is another approach to the Gaganachukki falls from the Dargah Hazrath Mardane Gaib which provides the best view of the right branch of the falls. Reaching the bottom of the waterfall from the watch tower side is not possible as the area is fenced and no one is allowed to go near the water. There are also warnings posted near the fence that caution visitors against crossing the barrier and proceeding to the water from that side of the falls.

July to January is the best time while August to October is the peak season.

At a distance of 130 km from Bangalore & 81 km from Mysore,

By Air

Nearest Airport: Bangalore - Bengaluru International Airport (175 Kms)

By Train

Nearest Train Station: Mysore Junction (81 Kms)

Bangalore City Railway Station (130 Kms)

By Bus

Nearest Bus Station: Sivanasamudra (0 Kms)