1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the most revered temples in India, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s golden spire and its significance in Hindu mythology make it a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike. Witness the divine energy and participate in the soul-stirring aartis that light up the temple complex.

2. Dashashwamedh Ghat

A visit to Varanasi is incomplete without experiencing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. As the sun sets, priests perform the ritual with rhythmic chants, fire lamps, and incense, creating a surreal ambiance that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

3. Sarnath

Located just a few kilometers from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The site boasts stupas, monasteries, and the iconic Dhamek Stupa, making it a crucial pilgrimage destination for Buddhists and history lovers.

4. Manikarnika Ghat

This ghat is one of the most sacred cremation grounds for Hindus. While it may seem intense for some, it reflects the deep philosophical roots of Hinduism and the belief in moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).

5. Ramnagar Fort

For history buffs, Ramnagar Fort offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the bygone era. Built in the 18th century, the fort is home to a museum that displays vintage cars, royal costumes, and ancient manuscripts, showcasing the rich heritage of the city.

6. Assi Ghat

A popular spot among travelers, Assi Ghat is a lively place where you can witness morning yoga sessions, sip on traditional chai, or simply soak in the serene beauty of the Ganges. The ghat’s vibrant atmosphere makes it a perfect place to unwind.

7. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

A prestigious educational institution, BHU is also a great place to explore. The campus houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which showcases a remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, and rare manuscripts.

8. Gyanvapi Mosque

A historically significant structure located adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Gyanvapi Mosque represents the confluence of cultures in Varanasi. The site attracts history enthusiasts and those interested in Indo-Islamic architecture.

8. Swarved Mahamandir Dham

Swarabhed Mahamandir Dham is a popular tourist spot located in Varanasi. This temple is unique in that it does not worship any deity; instead, it serves as a meditation centre. It has the capacity for about 20,000 people to practice yoga simultaneously. The temple is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. Inside, there is an idol of Sadguru Sadafal Dev Ji, and the words inscribed on the walls of the temple room are taken from the book “Swarabhed,” which was authored by Sadguru Sadafal Dev Ji.

Final Thoughts

Varanasi is more than just a destination — it’s an experience that stays with you forever. From its sacred temples and ghats to its historical monuments and bustling bazaars, every corner of the city tells a story. Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment, cultural immersion, or simply a journey through history, Varanasi welcomes you with open arms.

So, when are you planning your visit to this timeless city? If visited, please write somethig, as your experience! thank you

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Winter presents an ideal opportunity for travel, offering a unique pleasure in experiencing the serene beauty of mountains, seas, or forests accompanied by a gentle chill in the air. Jhargram emerges as a quintessential destination for a short holiday with loved ones, ideally suited for a one to two-day retreat.

Notable Tourist Attractions in Jhargram:

1. Jhargram Rajbari:

This historic palace is a significant attraction in Jhargram, now transformed into a heritage hotel. Its stunning gardens and ancient architectural features are key highlights.

2. Chittaranjan Palace (Dewanraja):

A testament to the rich traditions and history of the local dynasty, this site captivates visitors with its exquisite architecture and picturesque surroundings.

3. Kanakadurga Temple in Chilkigarh :

Situated in the village of Chilkigarh near Jhargram, this ancient temple is complemented by a scenic water body encircled by lush forests.

4. Rikhia Canyon (Gorges):

Characterized by its natural rock formations and river vistas, this location provides a distinctive experience for tourists, making it an excellent spot for trekking.

5. Sitanath Pahar:

This area is perfect for those wishing to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of hilly terrains and forests, featuring various small trekking paths.

6. Khandarni Lake:

Nestled within verdant jungles, this lake serves as an ideal picnic destination, enchanting visitors with its surrounding natural beauty and opportunities for boating.

7. Jhargram Mini Zoo and Deer Park:

A delightful venue for family visits, this park offers the chance to observe deer and other wildlife.

8. Gopiballabhpur:

This rural tourism hub in Jhargram attracts nature enthusiasts with its tranquil rivers and serene environment.

9. Belpahari:

Renowned for its hilly landscapes, waterfalls, and tribal culture, Belpahari’s allure is particularly heightened during the monsoon season.

10. Ghaghra Waterfall:

Ghaghra is a prime location for appreciating the splendor of hill waterfalls, providing visitors with an opportunity to connect with nature. A recent visit to this area has inspired me to share my experiences; feel free to explore my profile for the complete blog, which I hope you find enjoyable.

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The Kali temple of Dakshineshwar, dedicated to Mother Bhavatarini, is well-known throughout India. It was built in 1855 by Lokmata Rani Rasmani for Mother Bhavatarini.

Located on 20 acres of land, this temple complex of Dakshineshwar Kalibari was earlier known as Saheban Bagicha. Rani Rasmani Devi bought this land from an Englishman named John Hastie

This Navaratna temple cost about 9 lakhs of rupees and took approximately 8 years to build. On May 31, 1855, Rani Rasmani Devi inaugurated the idol of Maa Bhavatarini in this Navaratna temple during the Snan Yatra.  

Additionally, the temple complex contains twelve octahedron Shiva temples known as the “Twelfth Shiva Mandir”. 

The area around the main temple has special places filled with memorabilia of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and his family members, such as the Traditional Kuthibari, Nahabat khana, Rasmani Devi Temple, Panchabati Tala, Gazi Tala, Gazi Pond, as well as on Bhog eating rules, temple opening time, temple closing time, and a guide on how to take the sky walk from Dakshineshwar metro station to the main gate of the temple.

Traditional Kuthibari / Pragya Thirtha Library

During its establishment, the temple’s first and chief priest was Ramkumar Chattopadhyay, the Elder brother of Ramakrishna Paramahamsedeva. After Ramkumar’s death, young Ramakrishna Paramahamsa took over the puja of the Dakshineshwar Temple.

After the death of Sri Ramakrishna’s nephew Akshay, he left this cottage and moved to the room in north-west corner of the temple. And Sri Ramakrishna spent most of his last life in this house. 

Pragya Thirtha Library was established in 2009 at this historical cottage (Kuthibari) under the initiative of Lokmata Rani Rasmani Foundation.

This library has about 7000 books, many periodicals, and newspapers (in Bengali, Hindi, and English).

The library is open to the general public from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm. (The library is completely closed on Wednesdays)

The books that enrich this library are:- Theology, Novels, Literature, Linguistics, Biography, Philosophy, History, Geography, Economics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Technology, Pedagogy, Sociology, Law, Politics, Psychology, Arts, Commerce. , Computers & Information Technology, Travel Books, Competitive Books, and many Rare Books.

Gaji pukur and Gaji tola in Dakshineswar Kali temple

To the east of the temple is a pond called ‘Gaji pukur’, which measures 260 ft in length and 120 ft in width. Northeast of the pond is Gaji Tala, where Sri Ramkrishna explored Islam. Nearby, there is a peepal tree. 

When the Dakshineswar Kali temple was constructed, Rani Rashmoni designated the Gaji Tala as a place for both Hindus and Muslims to offer prayers, without disturbing it. Today, Gaji Tala is maintained by the Debottar Estate.

Nahabat Khana is the room of Sri Sarada Ma

“Within the Dakshineshwar Complex, there are two Nahabat Khana. One located in the southern garden is closed, while the other is situated west of the Kuthi Bari and north of the Kali Temple. In the past, Nahabat was used to play a variety of musical instruments, but today, the temple authorities only use Dhak, Dhol, and Kashi during the ‘aarati’. Just below the Nahabat Khana is the room of Sri Sarada Ma, where she resided when she visited Dakshineshwar. Daily prayers are offered to her here.”

Panchabatitala

To the north of Bakul Tala is a wide open space called Panchabati. Under Sri Ramkrishna’s guidance, five trees – Banyan, Peepal, Neem, Amlaki, and Woodapple trees – were planted in the southern part. Soil from the ‘Radha Kund’ and ‘Shyam Kund’ of Vrindavan was brought here to plant these trees. Sri Ramkrishna spent 12 years of sadhana in Panchabati and had the darshan of Bhavatarini for the first time, attaining siddhi in matri sadhana. He took sanyas according to vedantic rites under the tutelage of Sri Totapuri. A hut was built in Panchabati for sadhana, which was later rebuilt into ‘Shanti Kuthi’. Close to it is a Shiv temple with a Shiv linga, where puja is performed every day.

Directions

From anywhere in Kolkata you will get alight at Dakshineshwar Railway Station or Dakshineshwar Metro Station
Then a 3 to 4 minute walk through this sky walk will reach the main gate of Dakshineshwar temple.

Please take note of the following information about Dakshineshwar temple:

Maa Bhavatarini Darshan Timings : – 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM 

If you wish to partake in the noon meal, you can Collect the coupon from inside the main temple complex. Bhog coupons are available daily from 9 am.

During summer evenings, the Ganga Aarti starts at 6:20 PM, followed by Bhavatarini’s Sandhya Aarti. The temple closes at 7:30 PM when the Sandhya Aarti concludes.

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1. YAMUNOTRI

The holy abode of Goddess Yamuna is situated near the foot of Kalind Parbat (peak) and on a side of Banderpoonch Parbat. Nestled in the intimidating Himalayas, Yamunotri temple is believed to be constructed by the king of Tehri, Naresh Sudarshan Shah in 1839. Yamuna River jets down from one side of the temple, which houses Goddess Yamuna in the form of a black marble idol. Ganga Devi too finds her place, in white stone, by the side of Yamuna.

The temple of Yamuna closes its portals as winter approaches on Yama Dwitiya (second day after Diwali or on Bhai Dooj). Devi’s winter address is Kharsali village where she reaches in a palanquin and will remain for the entire period of winters. On Akshaya Tritiya the goddess comes back to grace Yamunotri again. Both closing and opening ceremonies of the Yamunotri shrine are brought about with celebrations, elaborate rituals and vedic chants.

YAMUNOTRI SIGHTSEEING SPOTS

Divya Shilla: It is a reddish-brown rock near the Surya Kund which needs to be worshipped before offering reverence to the main deity, Yamuna maa (mother). According to Skanda Purana, with a mere touch of the sacred rock one can attain spiritual liberation.

Surya Kund: Surya Kund is the most important and sacred thermal spring of Yamunotri amongst the cluster of thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple which flows into numerous pools. The pool is named after Surya or the sun god, the father of Yamuna.

Saptarishi Kund: This kund is situated 10 kms away from yamunotri. This is the actual place where Yamuna rises and an extremely difficult journey covered with ice. The water of the glaciers gathers in this lake. On the banks of the lake are naturally carved slate stones.

Hanuman Chatti: It’s 13 km from Yamunotri. The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers, from where the trek to Dodi Tal starts.Route Rishikesh-Barkot, Hanumanchatti, Yamunotri. Hanumanchatti -Darvatop -Dodital, Agora-Uttarkashi, Rishikesh.

2. GANGOTRI

Gangotri Dham, located at the height of 3,100 meters (approx.) on the Himalayan range in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, holds a very special place in the hearts of Hindus. It is one of the four sacred and important pilgrimage sites of Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Amid all the natural beauty and grace which the mountains and altitude of the place affords, what makes Gangotri one of the holiest places is its intimate connection with River Ganga (the Ganges).

Ganga Maa the much revered deity of Hindus, originates from the Gangotri glacier at Gaumukh which is some 18 km from the Gangotri town. It is said that Goddess Ganga came to earth in order to wash away the sins of King Bhagirathi’s ancestors. From the folds of mythology till the present time, Ganga River has always been a sacred source of purity for the mankind.

GANGOTRI SIGHTSEEING SPOTS

Bhaironghati: Further downstream,10 km from Gangotri, is the picturesque forested halting place of Bhaironghati. There exists a small temple of Bhairon, appointed by Shiva to safeguard this region which gives the place its name.

Sat-Tal: Sat-Tal, meaning seven lakes, is situated just above Dharali, 2 Kms. beyond Harsil. The trek of about 5 Kms. is rewarding as this group of lakes is situated amid beautiful natural surroundings. It also provides lovely camp sites.

Gaumukh: The Gaumukh glacier is the source of Bhagirathi (Ganga) and is held in high esteem by the devotes who do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling icy water. It is 18 Kms. trek from Gangotri.

Tapovan: Located at an altitude of above 4460 mts above sea level, Tapovan is a beautiful meadow that surrounds the peaks. Enriched with lovely flowers, a climb to this meadow sharpens the images of the surroundings peaks and ranges.

3. KEDARNATH

An imposing sight, standing in the middle of a wide plateau surrounded by lofty snow covered peaks. The present temple, built in 8th century A.D. by Adi Shankaracharya, stands adjacent to the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas. The inner walls of the assembly hall are decorated with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the exquisitely architecture Kedarnath temple is considered to be more than 1000 years old. Built of extremely large, heavy and evenly cut gray slabs of stones, it evokes wonder as to how these heavy slabs had been handled in the earlier days. The temple has a “Garbha Griha” for worship and a Mandap, apt for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form.

KEDARNATH SIGHTSEEING SPOTS

Chorabari Tal: Chorabari Tal is a beautiful lake situated 3kms ahead of Kedarnath . Chorabari Tal is a pristine lake which shows the reflections of the gigantic Himalayan peaks. The trek is easy but be careful while crossing the waterfall in between.

Bhairav Temple: This Temple is one of the most popular temples in Kedarnath. This temple is dedicated to God Bhairav, who is supposed to be the main gana of Shiva. The weapon of the Lord is Trishula and his vahan is a dog. The temple is also known as Kshetrapal.

Vasuki Tal:Vasuki Tal is one of the holiest places in India. this place is dotted with Hindu temples. Besides these holy shrines, Kedarnath offers a picturesque ambience that grabs attention of lots of tourists. It is one of the beautiful sites in Kedarnath.

Trijuginarayan: According to legend, this was the place where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized. In front of the Shiva Temple is an eternal flame, which is said to be a witness to the marriage. It can be reached by a 12 km from Sonprayag.

4. BADRINATH

The temple at the bank of Alaknanda River is a hot water spring known as “Tapt Kund”, a bath in which is very refreshing to all travellers. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple of Shri Badrinathji, is 5 m high, built in the form of a cone with a small cupola of a gilt bull and spire. The temple opens every year in the month of April-May and closes for winters in the third week of November. Even though legend dates the temple back to the Vedic age, Guru Adi Shankaracharya has established the present temple.

The Badrinath temple was constructed and renovated by Shankaracharya some time in 8th century during his pilgrimage to Badrinath Dham and Kedarnath Dham after he had established ‘Jyotirdham’ in Joshimath. Narada Kund, Surya Kund, Basudhara, Mata Murti and Charan Paduka are the other holy places of attraction for the large number of pilgrims who visit Badrinath Dham every year.

BADRINATH SIGHTSEEING SPOTS

Tapt Kund: Tapt Kund is a natural thermal spring where the devotees take a holy dip as it is very important to take a bath before visiting a temple. It is also believed that the kund has medicinal values and can cure allergies of the people. All the devotees take holy dip in the natural hot water together with unknown people.

Mana Village: Mana is very close to Tibet border and it is one of the last villages of India. Most of the tourists who visit Badrinath also come to see the end of the road at Mana. Mana is inhabited by Indo-Mongolian tribes often called as bhotias. Mana is situated 3kms from Badrinath.

Vyas Cave:Vyas Cave is an ancient cave that is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, just few kilometers away from the famous Badrinath shrine. It is believed that it is this place where sage Vyas composed the Mahabharata epic with the help of Lord Ganesha. This cave is situated in the Mana village in Badrinath.

Bheem Pul: Enthralling place with mythological importance. This is the place where Bheem threw a big massif rock to make a path joining two mountains so that Draupadi could walk easily on it. Saraswati River is coming from between the mountain with immense force to merge with the water of Alanknanda River.

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Here are some key features and facts about the Sundarbans:

1. Mangrove Ecosystem: The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, covering an area of approximately 10,000 square kilometers (3,900 square miles). Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in coastal saline or brackish water environments, serving as a vital habitat for numerous plant and animal species.

2. Biodiversity: The Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance due to its rich biodiversity. It is home to various flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, Indian python, saltwater crocodile, spotted deer, and the critically endangered river terrapin.

3. Royal Bengal Tiger: The Sundarbans are famous for their population of the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). The mangrove forests provide an ideal habitat for these tigers, which have adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle, swimming through the waterways in search of prey.

4. Avian Diversity: The region is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting over 300 bird species, including the endangered masked finfoot, Mangrove Whistler, and the large saltwater crocodile-hunting osprey.

5. Unique Ecosystem: The Sundarbans’ ecosystem is influenced by tides, with extensive intertidal mudflats and tidal waterways that constantly change with the ebb and flow of the tides. The intricate network of water channels is often compared to a natural maze.

6. Human Settlements: Despite being a protected area, the Sundarbans are also home to numerous human settlements. Many local communities depend on the forest’s resources for their livelihoods, including fishing, honey collection, and timber extraction.

7. Environmental Challenges: The people of Sundarbans are confronted with a range of environmental challenges, including rising sea levels, heightened salinity, the impacts of climate change, and human-induced threats such as poaching and habitat destruction. The West Bengal government endeavors to protect the villagers as much as possible. However, the villagers themselves believe that Mother Nature will always protect them.

8. Tourism: The Sundarbans attract nature enthusiasts, researchers, and tourists seeking to explore its unparalleled beauty and observe its diverse wildlife. Eco-tourism initiatives are in place to promote responsible tourism that supports conservation efforts and benefits local communities.

The Sundarbans remain a vital natural treasure, playing a crucial role in maintaining coastal ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and providing livelihoods to local communities. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our natural heritage for generations to come.

Contact Local guide and Wildlife tour operator –

1. Sukanta Bag PH +91 63637 35286
2. Malay Mistry PH. +91 78905 56383

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