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Let Visit Kaluk to Gather a Kaleidoscope of Beautiful Memories

The best trips are done when they are unplanned and especially to the offbeat and lesser known destinations where you have no one to disturb you or you don’t have to face a crowd to witness any scenario.

Kaluk in West Sikkim is one such place. It is a small village located at an elevation of 5,300 ft at a distance of a mere 2 km from Rinchenpong. Whether you are a nature lover, or a honeymoon couple or a random traveler, Kaluk is going to make its name to your good books. Inhabited by a mix of Bhutias, Nepalis, and Marwaris, Kaluk is a tranquil settlement at the foothills of the Mount Kanchenjunga.

How to reach Kaluk:

Kaluk is situated at a distance of almost 125 km from NJP Railway Station and if you drive towards Kaluk it would take almost 4 hours and 30 minutes. Bagdogra is the nearest airport and the distance between Bagdogra Airport and Kaluk is almost 121 km. It takes a drive of almost 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach Kaluk from Bagdogra.

Best time to visit Kaluk:

Kaluk can be visited throughout the year as every season has its own charm in Kaluk. Still, October to March is considered to be the best time to visit Kaluk.

Where to stay in Kaluk:

Being among the best places to visit in Sikkim, Kaluk has some budget hotels and homestays. While the budget hotels offer world-class amenities at affordable rates, the homestays are popular for offering a home-like feeling to the guests.

Places of attractions in Kaluk:

Well, the jaw-dropping views of the snow-clad mountain peaks are definitely the top notch attraction in Kaluk. There are few other attractions in and around Kaluk-

1-Rinchenpong Monastery:

Situated at an elevation of 5,500 ft, Rinchenpong Monastery is a popular tourist’s attraction. It is an 18th-century monastery which was established in the year 1730 by the Ngadakpa Lama. This centuries-old serene monastery is popular for providing the breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga ranges on a clear day.

2-Gurung Monastery:

Gurung Monastery must not be missed during a trip to Kaluk. It is a beautiful sunlit Buddhist monastery which is considered to be among the most sacred places in West Sikkim. It is actually located at a hilltop point close to the main road. One can get captivating views of the snow-clad mountain peaks of the Southern Hills.

3-Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary:

While talking about beautiful places to visit around Kaluk, Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary should not be forgotten. It is situated almost 28 km from Kaluk and is one of the major sightseeing destinations of the state of Sikkim. It is accessible through three points Hilley, Dentam, and Soreng. Situated at an altitude of 10,000 ft, Varsey has a wide variety of biodiversity. Visit it during the months of April and May witnesses the abundance of the colorful rhododendron.

Popular FAQs:

Q. Is there internet connection available in Gangtok?

A. Yes, Gangtok now has superb 3G connectivity. All you have to do is just change your phone settings to run the internet.

Q. Is Sikkim safe for visiting?

A. Sikkim is one of the safest places to visit for both Indians and foreigners. The warm locals are always happy and hospitable to their tourist. They follow the “Atithi Devo Bhava” concept.

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Yumthang- A Big Shallow Mysterious valley in the Eastern Himalayas

“Green is the prime color of the world and that from which its loveliness arises”

Sikkim is a state of wonders which is there in the bucket list of every traveler who loves to visit hill stations. Being packed with numerous sightseeing locations, Sikkim is visited by lots of tourists throughout the year. It is the green state of India where organic farming is done keeping the heath of the citizens in mind. The government also took some steps to keep the state clean and tidy. Thus, with the combination of many reasons Sikkim has become of the most visited hill stations of India.

Yumthang Valley-the valley of flowers

Yumthang valley situated at the northern part of Sikkim is a nature sanctuary surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains. Located at an elevation of almost 11,693 ft, Yumthang is situated at a distance of 150 km from the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok. This picturesque valley is truly a wonder of natural beauty and is a home to a zillion flowers, rivers, and mountains.

How to reach:

https://goo.gl/maps/YvscKVuykXD2

NJP is the nearest railway station of Yumthang which is situated almost 215 km away and Bagdogra Airport is the closest airport which is located almost 219 km away. You can rent from both NJP and Bagdogra to reach Yumthang which takes almost 7 hours and 50 minutes. However, you can stop at Gangtok to take breakfast/lunch and again start your journey towards Yumthang. People also stay overnight in Gangtok before going towards Yumthang.

From Gangtok, Yumthang is 127 km away and it takes almost 5 hours to reach there by car.

Best time to visit:

Since Yumthang is surrounded by flowing rivers and mountains, it can be visited all over the year. Still, February to June is considered to be the best time to visit Yumthang as it is the time to witness the mesmerizing views of the snow-clad mountains and clear sky. The temperature too remains pleasant and it is also the time for the famous Losar Festival.

Major attractions in and around Yumthang:

1-Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary:

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is a remarkable place of attraction in Yumthang Valley. It has an area of almost 43 sq km and an elevation ranging from 3048 meters to 4575 meters. It is a nature park which has forty species of rhododendron species. Some rare species of birds are also found here and those are Hoary-throated Barwing, Wood Snipe etc.

2-Lachen-the perfect retreat to relax:

Lachen is one of the best tourist attractions in the state of Sikkim. The word Lachen stands for “big pass”. It is situated at a distance of almost 129 kilometers from the main town of Gangtok. It’s a stunning place to soak in the beauty of the natural phenomenon. Lachen is a scenic mountain village with magnificent surroundings and imposing snow-clad peaks.

3-Lachung-a picturesque mountain village:

Situated in the northeast part of Sikkim, Lachung is one of the most scenic villages in the whole state of Sikkim. Located at an altitude of 8,610 ft, it is embraced by snow-clad mountain peaks, apple orchards, eye-catching waterfalls and many more. The word Lachung stands for “Small Pass”. It is also used as the base for traveling towards Yumthang Valley.

4-Zero Point:

Zero Point which is also known as Yumesamdong is situated close to the Indo Chinese Border. Situated at an altitude of 15,300 ft, Zero Point is a must visit place in Sikkim. Travelers who have visited Yumesamdong have become spellbound witnessing the experience of being in one of the most glamorous places in the world.

Do not forget:

Yumthang is situated within the vicinity of the China border hence the whole area is under the control of the army and to travel there one must avail a permit which is available in Gangtok Tourism Office, Chungthang Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office or at District Administrative Center at Mangan. 

Also, do not forget to carry enough cash as there is no ATM available in Yumthang.

Popular FAQs:

Q. What are the hotels to stay in Yumthang?

A. There are few budget hotels in and around Yumthang- Yarlam Resort, Magellan's Apple Valley Inn, Jain Group Lachung Continental, and Delight Hotels Royal Lachung.

Q. Is it safe to visit Zero point for a person who has altitude sickness?

A. Yes, it’s absolutely safe. All you have to do is to carry some necessary medications and sturdy shoes.

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Tinchuley – A Peaceful Vacation At Darjeeling’s Hidden Retreat

Tinchuley is a quaint mountain village in the hills of Darjeeling which is situated at an elevation of 5,800 feet. This beautiful hamlet is a hidden gem of the Darjeeling region which was once a distant wilderness but now it has emerged as a famous eco-urban village.

This village is named as Tinchuley because of the three prominent hilltops surrounding the place which seems like an oven from a distance. The unexplored ambiance of Tinchuley has made it an offbeat destination of Darjeeling.

Best time to visit:

Due to its favorable weather conditions, Tinchuley can be visited throughout the year. However, the months of January and February are the coldest month which is not ideal to visit. 

Even though, if you want to catch the majestic view of the snow-covered Himalayan mountain range then you can visit during the month of mid-September to December. 

During these months the sky remains clear and you can clearly experience the beauty of the village.

How to reach:

By Air: The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport which is located 77 kilometers away. You can hire a car from the airport to reach Tinchuley.

By Road: Tinchuley is located 32 kilometers from Darjeeling and you can hire a car to travel by road from Siliguri by experiencing the beautiful views of the mountains. 

It is located at a distance of 71 kilometers from Siliguri and it takes approximately 2 hours 35 minutes.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station which is located at 73 kilometers away from Tinchuley. There are many cars or taxis available outside the station for Tinchuley.

Attractions in Tinchuley:

Other than Tinchuley there are many other attractions in this small village stored for the tourists.

 Tinchuley View Point: This point offers a perfect place to view the shining rays of the sun and the excellent snow-capped peaks of the Mount Kanchenjunga and also a small part of the lesser Himalayas

·Gumbadar View Point: It is located at a walking distance from Tinchuley and this viewpoint offers a view of River Rangeet and also a part of Sikkim. Above the viewpoint, there is the Gumbadar rock and cave for climbers to practice.

Local sightseeing places in Tinchuley:

You do not have to step out of the village to spot for wonders as the village itself offers many local sightseeing places worthy of your visit:

#1-Tea Gardens:

The soil of Tinchuley is ideal for the cultivation of fine tea crops. However, there are six tea gardens in the village situated next to each other. A visit to any of these tea gardens will give a unique marvelous experience to get to see the origins of the early morning beverage. Among all the popular plantations Peshok Tea Garden and Rangli Rangliot Tea Garden are the most attractive.

#2-Orange Orchards:

The small village of Tinchuley is very famous for its cultivation of oranges and quite popular for its Mandarin oranges. With the arrays of gorgeous orange trees, these orchards can provide a sense of peace and tranquillity after a heavy trek in the forests. There is a factory which produces marmalade, orange juices, pickles which will let you complete your appetite with these products.

#3-Tinchuley Monastery:

This monastery is a veritable center of spirituality in this hamlet. The locals believe that a Lama meditated here for 17 years. Every morning, cymbals are rung in order to soothe the spirits of the ancestors. This monastery is quite a natural haven and talking to the monks and learning from them is an additional experience.

#4-Chotamangwa:

The village of Chotamangwa is now a popular destination after staying unexplored for years. This village is known for its friendly and hospitable locals and due to its huge horticultural practices; one can get to see a variety of beautiful flowers in this village.

Activities to do in Tinchuley:

There are not many activities to do in this small village of Tinchuley other than bird watching. It is a nice thing to do and the gardens are an ideal spot to view a large number of beautiful migratory birds.

Accommodations in Tinchuley:

The village has 17 families and they provide the tourists an opportunity to stay with them by experiencing a homely like feeling. There are many homestays for you to stay in Tinchuley which offers delicious home-made cuisines and reliable facilities.

•    Abhiraj Homestay

Address: Tinchuley, Peshok Rd, Peshok Tea Garden, West Bengal 734222

Contact: 097493 70965

•    Tinchuley Gurung’s Homestay

Address: Royak Forest Road, Tinchuley, West Bengal 734222

Contact: 0353 253 5896 ext. 2433683

•    Tinchuley Himalayan Homestay

Address: Reyok Khasmal, Darjeeling, 734222

Contact: 097332 66633

A laidback vacation amidst the hills

Tinchuley is the dream destination for some people who want to experience peace and serenity away from the crowded life of the city and looking for spirituality out from their travel. The gorgeous landscape and magnificent hilltops are an added attraction to this beauty. So, if you are seeking for something exactly like this then you must visit Tinchuley to make your journey worth it.

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A Complete Vacation Guide To The Capital City of Sikkim-Gangtok

Great things are done when travelers and mountains meet

Gangtok is the bustling capital city of the state of Sikkim and it plays a huge role in the financial development of the state through tourism. Throughout the year, thousands of people travel to Gangtok and witness the essence of beauty that it has to offer. Some even say that if Darjeeling is the “Queen of the hills”, Gangtok should be the “King”.

It is also the central commercial hub of Sikkim and whenever travelers travel to visit the upper altitudes of Sikkim, they prefer to visit or either stay in Gangtok. Apart from being packed with a lot of sightseeing destinations, Gangtok is also the place for getting a taste of the delicious finger-licking food of Sikkim.

How to reach Gangtok:

https://goo.gl/maps/v4DGcvmeaA12

NJP is the nearest railway station which is situated almost 120km away from NJP. You can avail car rental services there and travel towards Gangtok which takes around 4 hours and 10 minutes to reach by road.

Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport which is located at a distance of approximately 124 km and it takes around 4 hours and 20 minutes to reach.

Best time to visit Gangtok:

Gangtok is situated at an altitude of almost 5,414 feet hence it witnesses a chilled and pleasant weather most of the times of the year. September to June is considered to be the best time to visit Gangtok as the weather remains pleasant for tourists to wander around the town and explore the sightseeing places.

Major places of sightseeing in Gangtok:

•    Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

•    Enchey Monastery

•    Hanuman Tok

•    Ganesh Tok

•    Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park

•    Banjhakri Falls & Energy Park

•    Rumtek Monastery

•    Flower Exhibition Centre

•    Do Drul Chorten

•    Titanic Park

•    Ranka Monastery

•    MG Marg

•   Tsomgo lake

•    Enchey Monastery

Nightlife in Gangtok:

Being the capital city and the central tourist spot, Gangtok has a vibrant nightlife. It must be mentioned here that during the night, the streets of Gangtok filled with varieties of colors look like that of Las Vegas or New York. Some popular places to enjoy the nightlife in Gangtok are:

1-Dj's Downtown Resto

Address- Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Near Mahatma Gandhi Statue., Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

2-After dark

Address- Paljor Stadium Rd, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

3-Arthur's Plur, Nam - Nang

Address- Kashi Raj Pradhan Rd at Vishal Gaon in Gangtok, Sikkim 737102

4-Roadways Karaoke N Bar

Address- Singtam - Chungthang Rd, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103

5-Lounge 31A

Address- Zero Point, NH31A, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

6-CKIM CAFÉ

Address- Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

We hope our Gangtok travel guide help you in exploring the best of Gangtok. Do visit the nightclubs for an excellent nightlife enjoyment and also try the food at the multi-cuisine restaurants. So, pack your bags and travel towards Gangtok to witness the beauty that it exhibits.

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Top 5 Places to Visit in Kolkata With Your Kid

Kolkata, one of the four metropolitan cities in India is also known as the “City of Joy”. It is the present capital of the West Bengal state and the former capital of India. 

The 2nd biggest city of India which witnesses daily festival of human existence; is considered to be the cultural and intellectual capital of Pre-independent India. The city is blessed with some dazzling sightseeing destinations which are ideal for visiting during a trip to Kolkata.

Along with that Kolkata is also famous for having some popular zones for kids. So give your kids a surprise by taking them to the below mentioned places of attractions which they as well as you yourself would never forget and would love to cherish in your memories forever.

1-Nicco Park:

Nicco Park is one of the biggest amusement parks in India. Established in the year 1991, it is widely known as the “Disneyland of Bengal”. “The Giant Cyclone” which is among the largest rides in Asia was added here in the year 2003. The “Eiffel Tower” in the park gives a panoramic view of the whole park. And with MIG-21 displayed in the park is likely to capture the imaginations of the kids.

Location: Jheel Meel, Sector IV, Salt Lake City, Kolkata, West Bengal 700106, India

Entry fees: INR 185 per person

INR 600 per person Water Park package

INR 555 per person Main Park package (Including Entry Fee)

INR 920 per person Composite package (Including Main Park, Water Park and Entry Fee)

Time to visit: All days of the week from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm

 2- Birla Planetarium:

Birla Planetarium is the world’s largest Planetarium in Asia and is the second largest in the world. It is a single storey circular structure which looks like Sanchi Stupa. This planetarium was inaugurated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1963. The place is a must visit place if you are a science buff. The kids will be mesmerized with the images of celestial bodies while trying to figure out about the universe.

Location: 96 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071, Cathedral Rd, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071

Entry fees: INR 40 per person

Time to visit: 12:00 pm to 6:30 pm

3- Alipore Zoo:

This is the oldest zoo in India and was opened in 1876. It is a huge tourist attraction and is world famous for having a giant tortoise that was over 250 years old. It also houses some of the most attractive fauna like Bengal Tiger, African Lion, etc, along with many species of birds. It is an ideal picnic spot for family and a natural wonderland for kids.

Location: 2 No, Alipore Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027, India

Entry fees: INR 10 per person Aquarium (Adult/Children)

INR 30 per person (Adult/Children)

INR 250 per person Still/Video photography

Time to visit: All days except Thursday

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Ticket Counter)

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Garden)

10:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Aquarium) 

4- Aquatica Amusement Park

This is a water theme park and is one of the largest water parks in Eastern India. The place is a famous attraction for tourists and locals alike. There are fun activities for kids ranging from surfing to karting. It is a must place to visit with your kids. The park also has varieties of rides for kids of all age groups. So, if you are in Kolkata and want to have some fun with kids then Aquatica is the best place to go.

Location: Kochpukur, Hathgachchia, Kolkata, West Bengal 700156, India

Entry fees:

INR 500 per person For Adults (Weekdays)

INR 600 per person For Adults (Weekends)

INR 350 per person For Children (Weekdays)

INR 400 per person For Children (Weekends)

INR 100 per person For Adults (Weekdays) only for online booking

INR 100 per person For Children (All Days)

INR 150 per person For Adults (Weekends)-only for online booking 

     Time to visit: All days of the week from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

   5- Science City:

  Kolkata has been the intellectual capital of India since a long time so it is not a surprise to know that the largest Science centre is located here. The place has a various science-related exhibitions with separate galleries like Evolution, space and other branches of science. The kids must visit this place to foster and interest of science within them and it can be seen that the creators of Science City has worked hard to make it a fun and learning place for kids.

Location: J.B.S Haldane Avenue, Kolkata, West Bengal 700046, India

Entry fees:

INR 50 per person (Entry) INR 30 per person (3D Theatre) INR 15 per person (Road Train) INR 40 per person (Cable Car) INR 15 per person Mono Cycle INR 10 per person Caterpillar INR 30 per person Gravity Coaster INR 30 per person Science on a Sphere INR 80 per person Combined Rates for ‘Dark Ride’ and ‘Human Evolution’ INR 60 per person  for Panorama on Human Evolution INR 40 per person Evolution of Life – A Dark Ride 

Time to visit: All days of the week from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

In all, the city is a delight and a must visit place for kids for fun and enjoyment during weekends. So, do not sit at home and postpone a much-needed outing, holiday or escape to these fun-filled and exciting places with your kids like an enthusiast explorer with AKK Crusier

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#Manipur a jewel of India. Also know as  'Switzerland of India'. Earliest references to 'Manipur' date back to the ancient Indian epic #Mahabharata here are some great places to visit https://bit.ly/2Pf95TG  #beautifulnortheast

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Manipur A Known Jewel of India

Distance means nothing when traveling and exploring is important to you

A wonderful state in the North-East part of India, surrounded by Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Myanmar, Manipur is a land of Jewels. The word Manipur literally stands for “A Jeweled land” and is surrounded by nine hills. The world famous game Polo was originally discovered here and it is also the birthplace of the classical dance form, Ras Lila.

Now the reasons for visiting this pristine land are detailed below:

1-The unique culture of the state:

The whole state of Manipur is inhabited by highly cultured people who are aware of their Manipuri culture, traditional art, and folk songs. The state also has unique traditions, fabulous language, finger-licking delicacies and traditional attires.

2-Sports of the state:

Manipuri people are attracted towards various types of sports like Mukna which is a form of wrestling, Yubi Lakpi which is almost like Rugby must with a coconut and Polo. Who hasn’t heard the name of Mary Kom on whom Bollywood has made a biographical film. Some other famous sports personalities in Manipur are Dingku, Sanjita Chanu, Kunjarani Devi, Sarita Devi, Mirabai Chanu and Devendro Singh etc.

Mesmerizing sightseeing destinations in Manipur:

1-Imphal - It is the capital city of the state and is packed with some celestial fields, and bodacious forests. In order to enjoy every aspect of a hill station along with breathing face air, you have to visit Imphal.

2-Loktak Lake - It is one of the largest water lakes in the North-East part of India and is situated at a distance of approximately 55 km from Imphal city. A tourist’s bungalow on the top of Sendra Island is there which is popular for offering a birds-eye-view of the lake.

3-Kangla Fort -Back in the days, when Manipur was a kingdom Kangla Fort was the ancient capital of the state. It is very different than any other fort as it is not very huge and you can easily cover it within an hour or two. A Govindji Temple and a Hijagang Temple are there is the fort complex.

4-Loukoipat Lake - It is an ideal picnic and weekend destination situated near the Tiddim Road on NH150 at Bishnupur surrounded by small hills. The scenic beauty of the landlocked freshwater lake will mesmerize you every time you visit it.

5-Andro Village -It is another tremendous weekend destination as well as a fabulous picnic spot. Santhei Natural Park is a popular destination in the Andro village where drinking is legal and you should try the rice beer made by the locals.

Change your life by traveling to Manipur!!

Manipur is a part of the Seven Sisters and is equally beautiful like any other hill station in India. Now it time for you to book your packages to Manipur from Akk Crusier and enjoy a journey like never before.

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Although this place is not much talk about. Rishikhola  a most adventure place in silk route near Darjeeling Sikkim Border

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Although its not a high-tech cities like in other parts of India. Kolkata’s Legacy Yellow Taxi is fading

Ambassador..

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Sillery Gaon - A Fanciful Hamlet In The Kalimpong District

Sillery Gaon is a small village in the Kalimpong district of the state of West Bengal with a breathtaking view of the mighty Kanchenjunga and pristine nature. Situated at an elevation of 6,000 feet, Sillery Gaon is also called the New Darjeeling. It is located at a distance of approximately 23 kilometers from Kalimpong and is a home to only 45 families. The village is almost 90 km away from Siliguri main town and when you travel by road you get to witness lush green forests and glimpses of the beautiful Himalayas.

Best time to visit:

In order to witness the pure beauty of Sillery Gaon, you will have to visit it from March to June and October to November. Even winter that extends from December to February is also considered to be a great time to visit the village.

Below is the detailed information regarding the best places to visit in and around Sillery Gaon:

#1-Ramitey View Point:

The viewpoint is popular for its offerings of the jaw-dropping view of the Kanchenjunga above and Teesta River below. On a clear day, one can enjoy the heavenly view of the Teesta River and its 14 bends along with that, a breathtaking view of the entire region.

#2-Damsang Fort:

Built-in 1690 the fort was the last home of Lepcha King, Gyabo Achuk and now it is nothing but ruins. Explore the stable where horses used to drink water and the water source where the queen used to take bath. A sculpture of Lord Hanuman is little beyond the Fort.

#3-Tinchuley View Point:

Tinchuley Viewpoint is popular among tourist for the 360 panoramic views of the Nathula and Jelep La Pass along with the Himalayas. Indulge in hiking expeditions here and enjoy the eye soothing view during the monsoon season.

#4-Silence Valley:

The valley is surrounded by pine trees and has green meadows all around. True to the name as the valley is truly a peaceful destination with the only sound of the chirping birds. In order to enjoy the true essence of tranquility, one has to visit the Silence Valley which looks like a large pond in the monsoon season.

#5-Cross Hill:

With the wish of spreading Christianity in Tibet, many Evangelists lost their lives and Fr. Augustine Desgodins erected a cross in the year 1882 facing Tibet. He had a hope that the Evangelists may return someday. Along with that a statue of Jesus Christ has been established and it provides a magnificent view of the mountains and the rise of the sun.

Living the life of your choice is the biggest adventure you can take!!

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#Himalayas #adventure and Sandakphu does not fails to charm trekkers. Impeccable beauty is not missed out from the lens of @lagunavibe 

Sandakphu, Darjeeling, West bengal, India

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Rishikhola - An Ideal Tourist Destination For Camping along The Riverside

Rishikhola is a small riverside village located at the border of West Bengal and Sikkim along the bank of river Rishi. In the local language “Khola” means stream and Rishi have been derived from the name of the stream itself.

It has an elevation of 2,000 feet and 37 km away from the main town of Kalimpong, Rishikhola has lured many nature lovers through its serene ambiance and mind-boggling pictorial sights. To stay away from the city’s madding crowd and enjoy nature in its purest form, you have to visit this quintessential destination

How to reach Rishikhola:

Rishikhola is located at a distance of 97 kilometers. If you want to travel directly from Siliguri then you can hire a car from quality assured travel agency in Siliguri like AKK Crusier to reach Rishikhola. It takes approximately 3 hours 38 minutes from Siliguri to Rishikhola.

The best way to reach your destination is mentioned below:

Head towards the western side of Siliguri

Turn left towards Neotia Getwel Rd.

Then again turn right onto Neotia Getwel Rd

From right turn left at Shanti Tea Store onto NH10

From NH10 pass traffic point onto Rangpo-Rorathang Rd

Then turn right towards Rorathang-Rhenock Rd

From Rorathang-Rhenock Rd turn right onto Rhenock-Tarpin Rd

Then turn left to continue on Reshi-Rhenock Rd or Rhenock-Tarpin Rd

After continuing left on Reshi-Rhenock Rd turn shard left at Ganesh Prasad (Automobile All Genuine Spare Parts)

From there you will finally reach Rihikhola

Best time to visit Rishikhola:

Summer and winter are the best time to relish the surreal beauty of the riverside village of Rishikhola. During the summer season, the valley surrounding Rishikhola is filled with blooming Rhododendrons and there are many tourist spots in Rishikhola to Spend your holiday 

Why visit Rishikhola?

River camping: Camping beside the river with the sound of cold water flowing is the best way to explore nature. Rishikhola is an ideal destination for river camping. You can indulge in the luxury of bathing in the crystal clear river and go fishing in the river bank of Rishikhola.

Bird Watching: A place called paradise for bird lovers, Rishikhola proves to be the perfect destination for watching the various types of birds chirping around amidst the forest. You can get to see many bird species like the Crimson Sunbird, Himalayan Bulbul, the Great Barbet, Oriental White Eye and many more. April and May is the best time for bird watching in Rishikhola.

There are few other adventure activities like forest trek, rock climbing for you to test your adventure skills within the village of Rishikhola.

Nearby Attractions in Rishikhola

Aritar:  Aritar is an isolated place located in the East Sikkim with lush forests, mountains, and rivers. It takes approximately 2 hours 56 minutes from Rishikhola.

Lampokhri Lake: This Lake is one of the oldest natural lakes in Sikkim, located at an altitude of 4600 feet. This is the highest lake with boating facility and it takes a 1-hour drive from Rishikhola.

Pedong: Pedong is one the oldest town in the Old Silk Route at an altitude of 5000 feet. Damsung Fort, Pedong Monastery, Tinchule View Point, Riksum View Point are some of the places that can be visited in Pedong. It is a 1-hour drive and it is the nearest place from Rishikhola.

Enjoy holidays with peace and solitude!!

With the soothing sound of the river and enjoying the cool breeze, Rishikhola is an ideal place to enjoy the wonders of nature while sitting on the river bank. It is a place to rejuvenate yourself or spend the quality time with your loved ones amidst nature.

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Old Silk Routes - The Ancient Trade Route between India and China

Silk Route-more than just a trading route which connected the people and tradition of Asia, Europe, and Africa

The Silk Route or often termed as Silk Road is a historic route connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa that were for centuries the central for interactions and trade. Its expansion is 6,500 km from the Asian continent to the Korean peninsula and Japan to the Mediterranean Sea.    

Silk Route in Sikkim:

Sikkim has a stretch of this antique trade route which starts from Lhasa, crosses Chumbi Valley, passes through NathuLa Pass and meets the port of Tamralipta which is now known as Tamluk in West Bengal. Later it connects the sea in the East and very few know that it is the first information superhighway in the world used for trading of Silk, horses, cotton, gold, copper, sugar, tea and salt.

Today, Silk Route is forbidden for trade in Sikkim but it is packed with some of the most jaw-dropping destinations in Sikkim. Let us mark the most wondrous destinations in Sikkim Silk Route:

#1-Sillery Gaon:

Situated at an elevation of 6,000 feet, Sillery Gaon is a small village in the Kalimpong sub-division. It is almost 95 kilometers away from NJP Railway Station and it takes almost 3 hours and 40 minutes to reach there. With some viewpoints and awe-inspiring view of the Kanchenjunga ranges Sillery Gaon gives an overlook of the Teesta River along with its 14 tributaries.

#2-Mankhim:

Mankhim is a ravishing hilltop destination over the Dalapchand village. Explore some of the best surrounding sceneries and breathtaking views of the Mount Kanchenjunga from this hilltop station. Aritar Monastery, Mulkarkha Lake, Lampokhari Lake, the temple of mankhim, and the Dark Bungalow are some of the major sightseeing destinations in and around Mankhim.

#3-Hangu Lake:

Yes, you read it right and no spelling mistake has been attempted. It is not Changu Lake which is more popular among the tourists. It is a newly formed lake situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet and has impoverished mountain slopes without any plantation around. During the winter season, migratory birds come over here to the shallow waters of Hangu Lake across the Himalayas.

#4-Zuluk:

Zuluk which is an offbeat destination in Sikkim is situated at an altitude of 10,100 feet. It is a comparatively newly discovered destination with the large military settlement and is sometimes used as the base camp before traveling towards the upper altitudes of Tsomgo lake, Kupup, and Nathang Valley. One can enjoy the tremendous beauty of the forests and mountains in Zuluk.

#5-Nathang Valley:

It is referred to as the replica of paradise by the travelers who have visited it. It is situated at an elevation of 13,500 feet and on the mountain edges, you can witness prayer flags. During the rainy season, the valley becomes colorful with various flowers. There are various homestays in the valley where you can stay and feel at home. You can also experience the sunrise viewpoints near Nathang Valley such as Eagle’s Nest Bunker and Lungthung.

Silk Route is the symbol of cultural discovery and exchange with artistic expressions to nurture creativity!!

Before traveling to the Silk Route in Sikkim what you must keep in mind is that only Indians are allowed to travel there. One has to arrange a permit from the tourism department which can be arranged by registered tour and travel agencies like Akk Cruiser. So, now it’s time for you to set off on the journey and witness the iconic Silk Route.