Sunderbans National Park – Kolkata (West Bengal)

The name Sunderbans is derived from the Sundari trees, once present here in plenty. Wildlife lovers arrive here to watch the world-famous Royal Bengal Tiger. Due to its rich biodiversity, the forests of Sunderbans are often compared to the Amazon basin. Sunderbans has the privilege of being the world's largest delta. The word 'sundar' in Bengali means beautiful. And when you make a trip here and penetrate into the lush wilderness, you are sure to be mesmerised. Three islands namely Goasaba, Sandeshkhali and Basanti comprise Sunderbans. The delta, which is the largest in the world, is formed by the confluence of three powerful rivers – Brahmaputra, Ganges and Meghna. The forests at Sunderbans National Park are swamp and mangroves and cover an area of 1,330 sq km.

Mode of Travel at Sunderbans
The finest option to approach the Sunderbans National Park is via the river. It will rid you of the road hassles and make your journey a unique experience. You can set out on a cruise from the city of Kolkata, the capital of the state of West Bengal. Another option is to reach Canning, the closest town from the park, and hire a motor launch from there. From inside the boat, you can easily watch the wildlife species at close quarters. The slower pace of the boat also makes it easy for you to soak up the natural beauty of the place.

Wildlife Species to Watch at Sunderbans
Though the Royal Bengal Tiger is the biggest attraction for wildlife lovers here, there are a number of other endangered and rarely seen species that you would love to watch. Major animal inmates of the national park include Fishing Cat, Macaque, Wild Boar, Common Grey Mongoose, Fox, Jungle Cat, Flying Fox, Pangolin and Chital among others. A good population of deer and monkeys can be watched around the pond. Birdwatchers also can have a great time responding to the cacophony of a variety of bird species. These include kingfisher, plover, lap wing, white-bellied sea eagle, curfew, whimbrel, sandpiper, pelican etc. Aquatic creatures include colourful species of fish, red fiddler crab, hermit crab, humongous crocodile, Olive Ridley Sea Turtle etc. On the Mechua Beach, you can watch the River Terrapin, also known as Royal Turtle. Both Olive Ridley Sea Turtle and River Terrapin are highly endangered aquatic species.

Stay Options at Sunderbans
Staying at the wildlife resorts of Sunderbans National Park is truly a unique experience, particularly at nighttime. Because you are very well aware that the tiger is as close to you as your nextdoor neighbour. During your wildlife tour to Sunderbans, you can choose to stay at any of the following wildlife resorts and lodges.

Sundar Chital Tourist Lodge
Sunderban Tiger Camp
Vivada Cruises
Bali Island

Best Time to Go to Sunderbans National Park : September to May
Closest Airport : Dum Dum Airport (Kolkata)

[Note : Foreign nationals would require permits from the Secretary, West Bengal Forest Department, to visit the Sunderbans National Park.]

India Tourism Offices (India)

The tourism department of India has set up a number of tourism offices across the country. These tourist information offices are located in all the major states of India. Information regarding Indian tourism can be easily collected at these tourism offices, either by writing in to or visiting these offices personally. Given below is a list of all the tourism offices located in different states of the country.

Tourism Offices in EAST

Regional Director
INDIATOURISM KOLKATA ( West Bengal )
'Embassy', 4 Shakespeare Sarani
Kolkata-700 071, West Bengal
Tel : 033-2282 1402, 282 1475
Fax: 033-2282 3521
E-mail : indtour@cal2.vsnl.net.in
Airport Domestic Counter: 033-25118299
International Airport Counter: 033-25130495

Shri D.K. Baruah,
Director
INDIATOURISM PATNA ( Bihar )
Sudama Palace , Kankar Bagh Road ,
Patna -800020, Bihar
Tel/fax : 0612-2345776
E-mail: adgtt.tour@nic.in

Mr. G.C Bhuyan,
Manager
INDIATOURISM BHUBANESWAR (Orissa)
B/21, B.J.B Nagar,
Bhubaneswar-751 014, Orissa
Tel: 0674-2432203, 2435487 Fax: 2432203, Exnt. 23
E-mail: itobbs@ori.nic.in

Mr. Mritunjay Mishra
Manager
INDIATOURISM PORT BLAIR (Andaman & Nicobar)
VIP Road , 189, IInd Floor,
Junglighat, PO . Port Blair- 744103
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Tel : 03192-236348
Fax: 03192-233006
E-mail: indiatourism_pb@hotmail.com

Tourism Offices in WEST

Ms. Sujata Thakur ,
Regional Director
INDIATOURISM MUMBAI (Maharastra) 123, M Karve Road, Opp.Churchgate,
Mumbai-400 020, Maharashtra
Tel : 022-2203 3144 /45,2207 4333 /4
Fax: 022-2201 4496
E-mail : indiatourism@vsnl.com
Airport Domestic Counter: 022-2615 6920
Airport International Counter:022-2832 5331

Mr. Hari Singh,
Manager
INDIATOURISM KHAJURAHO (Madhya Pradesh)
Near Western Group of Temples ,
Khajuraho-471 606, Madhya Pradesh
Tel : 07686-242347
Fax: 07686-242348
E-mail : goito@sancharnet.in

Mr. R. Pattanaik,
Manager
INDIATOURISM PANAJI ( Goa )
Communidade Building ,
Church Square , Panaji-403001, Goa
Tel : 0832-222 3412
Fax: 0832-564 1653 Email:indiatourismgoa@sancharnet.in

Dr. Ramakant Bhoir,
Manager
INDIATOURISM AURANGABAD ( Maharashtra )
'Krishna Vilas', Station Road,
Aurangabad-431 005, Maharashtra
Tel: 0240- 236 4999
Fax : 0240-233 1217
E-mail : indiatourism@sancharnet.in

Tourism Offices in SOUTH

Mr. D. Subhash,
Regional Director
INDIATOURISM CHENNAI (Tamil Nadu)
154, Anna Salai,
Chennai-600002, Tamil Nadu
Tel : 044-2846 1459,2846 0285
Fax: 044-2846 0193
E-mail : indtour@dataone.in
Airport Domestic Counter: 044-2256 0386

Mr. T.W. Sudhakar,
INDIATOUTRISM BANGALORE (Karnataka)
KFC Building , 48 Church Street,
Bangalore-560 001, Karnataka
Tel: 080-2558-3030/ 2532-1683
Fax: 080-2558 5417
E-mail : indtour@kar.nic.in

Ms. Sushila Tigga,
Manager
INDIATOURISM HYDERABAD (Andhra Pradesh)
Netaji Bhawan, II floor, Liberty Road , Himayat Nagar,
Hyderabad-500029, Andhra Pradesh
Tel : 040- 2326 1360 /3, 23260770
Fax : 040-2326 1362
E-mail : indtourhyd_hyd@dataone.in

Shri Ashok Sharma ,
Manager
INDIATOURISM KOCHI (Kerala)
Willingdon Island ,
Kochi-682009, Kerala
Telfax : 0484-2668352 / 266 9125
E-mail : indtourismkochi@sify.com

Tourism Offices in NORTH

Mr. S.P.Singh,
Regional Director
INDIATOURISM NEW DELHI
88 Janpath, New Delhi-110 001
Tel : 011-2332 0342, 2332 0005/8
Fax: 011-2332 0109
E-mail : goitodelhi@nic.in
Domestic Airport Counter
Tel : 011-2567 5296
Intl Airport Counter Tel : 011-2569 1171

Mr. sanjay Srivats,
Director
INDIATOURISM JAIPUR (Rajasthan)
State Hotel, Khasa Kothi,
Jaipur-302 001, Rajasthan
Tel/fax : 0141-2372200
E-mail : indtourjpr@raj.nic.in

Mr. Sudhir Kumar,
Manager
INDIATOURISM AGRA (Uttar Pradesh)
191, The Mall Agra 282 001
Tel : 0562-2226378
Telefax : 0562-2226368
E-mail : goitoagr@sancharnet.in

Manager
INDIATOURISM VARANASI (Uttar Pradesh)
15-B, The Mall Varanasi 221002
Uttar Pradesh
Tel/Fax: 0542- 2501784
E-mail :indiatourvns@sify.com

Tourism Offices in NORTH-EAST

Mrs. Roma Singh
INDIATOURISM GUWAHATI ( Assam ) Amrawati Path, Christian Basti
G.S. Road ,Guwahati-781 005, Assam
Tel : 0361-2341603, Fax:2341598
E-mail : indtour@sancharnet.in

Mr. Sanjay Kumar Das
INDIATOURISM IMPHAL (Manipur)
Old Lambulane, Jail Road ,
Imphal-795 001, Manipur
Tel/fax : 03852-221131

Mr. S.S. Dev Barman,
Manager
INDIATOURISM SHILLONG (Meghalaya)
Tirot Singh Sylem Road , Police Bazar
Shillong-793001, Meghalaya
Tel/fax : 0364-225632
E-mail : indtour@shillong.meg.nic.in

Officer- in -Charge
INDIATOURISM NAHARLAGUN (Arunachal Pradesh)
C-Sector, Barapani Police Point,
Naharlagun-791110,
Arunachal Pradesh
Tel : 0360-2244328 �

Ladakh: The Little Tibet

Why do people affectionately call Ladakh 'Little Tibet'? The district of Ladakh in the state of Jammu & Kashmir lies in close proximity to Tibet and is greatly influenced by the country, both in terms of geographical features and culture. The barren landscape of Ladakh is dispersed with a number of beautifully located Buddhist gompas, palaces and mountain villages. Ladakh occupies a position in the trans-Himalayas and is surrounded by two of the world's most powerful mountain range – the Karakoram and the Great Himalayas. The district invites an equal number of adventure lovers and culture enthusiasts from all across the globe. While you travel to Ladakh, the major tourist attractions are : adventure sports in Ladakh, Buddhist monasteries and Buddhist festivals. But don't miss to interact with locals.

Places to visit in Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir)
Major places to visit in the district of Ladakh are as follows. Please have a look.

Leh
It is the capital town of Ladakh. The 17th century Leh Palace is the major landmark and dominates the town of Leh. During your trip to Leh, it's a wonderful experience to take a stroll through the winding lanes and the colourful bazaars. Visit the gompas that are located in and around Leh. From the town, you can also plan to visit other closely located towns of Ladakh. Most of the trekking expeditions in Ladakh start from here.

Likir
This is a tiny mountain village in Ladakh. The presence of green fields, willow groves and apricot orchards in and around the village of Likir add much to the overall charm of the place. It is also a popular place for treks in Ladakh. The trek runs from the village of Temisgam up to the village of Likir. Travel on foot to soak up the beauty of this village the most.


Alchi
It is one of the best places in Ladakh to experience the village culture. A small village in Ladakh, Alchi offers you blissful peace and a peak into the wonderful Indo-Tibetan works of art. Spend some time with the villagers and observe their way of life. The village of Alchi lies 70 km west of Leh town, towards the south of the Indus River. Hire a jeep from Leh to arrive here. Buses also ply to Alchi from Leh, at regular intervals.

Sumur (Numbra Valley)
Sumur village is located in the Numbra valley. Though it is a small village, it enjoys a scenic location. A treat for your eyes indeed. The valley of Numbra (or Nubra) features a number of excellent treks for adventure lovers. Sumur village is located north of Leh town in Ladakh. The valley of Numbra is home to a number of temples.

Tso Moriri Lake
It is one of the most frequented places in Ladakh. The Tso Moriri Lake in Ladakh is situted in the Rupshu Valley, known for its heart-stirring scenes and locations. A road drive of 250 km southeast of Leh takes you to this wonderful lake. You can either book yourself an organised tour from Leh to reach here or a hire a private jeep.


Padam (Zanskar)
Visiting the Zanskar region of Ladakh is a favourite of travellers. A number of valley comprise the Zanskar region. The village of Padam is located in the Zanskar region of Ladakh. The village lies close to the major trekking routes in the region. So, during your trek in the Zanskar region, you can easily plan to halt here. The area of Zanskar is accessible only during the summer time. It's good to travel here in a group.

Best time to go to Ladakh : May to October

Tourist offices
> J & K Tourism, Leh
Tel: 01982-252297, 252095

> J & K Tourist Reception Centre
Shervani Road, Srinagar
Tel : 0194-2476063, 2476107

For more info on Ladakh, visit Jammu Kashmir Tourism Department Website.

India Government Tourism Offices (Overseas)

The tourism department of India has regional and sub-regional tourism offices established overseas. These tourism offices are located at key destinations around the world. These offices are set up in foreign countries to help foreign nationals coming to India. Apart from prviding tourism related information about India, these tourism office also promote the Indian culture and heritage. Whether foreign national are in need of destination knowledge or any other consumer information for travelling to India, they can get in touch with these tourism offices, set up in almost all the major cities of the world. At any time, travellers can also visit the official sites of these tourism offices. Given below is a list of all the Indian tourism offices established abroad.

Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Shri M.R. Pattanaik
Director
Indiatourism
Rokin 9-15, 1012 KK Amsterdam
Phone : +31-20-6208991
Fax :+31-20-6383059
E-mail: info.nl@india-tourism.com
director.nl@india-tourism.com

Argentina
950-Cordoba Avenue
9th Floor 'A' 1054
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel. : 00-54114326/5391
Fax : 00-54114326/5143
E-Mail : argentina@tourisminindia.com

Beijing (China)
Director
India Tourism Office
Add: 29th Floor, East Tower
LG Twin Towers
B-12 Jianguomenwai Dajie
Chaoyang District, Beijing
Tel. +86-1065686294
Fax +86-10-65688594

Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
Regional Director
Indiatourism
Post Box 12856, NASA Building
Al Maktoum Road, , UAE
Phone : +-971--4-2274848,2274199
Fax : +971-4-2274013
E-mail: goirto@emirates.net.ae

Frankfurt (Germany)
Mrs. S.Bhramara , Regional Director
Indiatourism
Basler Strasse 46, D-60329
Frankfurt, AM-MAIN 1, Federal
Republic of Germany
Phone:+49-69-2429490
Fax :+49-69-24294977
E-mail: info@india-tourism.com

Israel (Tel Aviv)
C/O Indian Embassy 4
Kolfman Street Tel Aviv
Tel : 0972-3-5101431
Fax : 0972-3-5101434
Email : telaviv@tourisminindia.com

Johannesburg (South Africa)
Mr J P Shaw, Director
Indiatourism
P O Box: 412452
Craig Hall 2024, Johannesburg-2000
Tel: +27-11-3250880
Fax: +27-11-3250882
Email: goito@global.co.za

London (United Kingdom)
Mr. Jagdish Chander
Assistant Director
Indiatourism
7 Cork Street, London WIS 3LH
Phone : +-44-207-4373677(Gen.)
+-44-207-7346613(Direct line)
Fax : +44-207-4941048
E-mail: info@indiatouristoffice.org

Los Angeles (United States of America)
Sanjeev Vasihist
Assistant Director, Indiatourism
Indiatourism
3550 Wilshire Boulevard, Room 204
Los Angeles, California 90010 2485 USA
Phone : +1-213-380-8855
Fax : +1-213-380-6111
E-mail: indiatourismla@aol.com

Milan (Italy)
Shri A.M. Basheer, Manager
Indiatourism
Via-Albricci 9
Milan 20122, Italy
Phone : +39-02-8053506
Fax : +39-02-72021681
E-mail: info@indiatourismmilan.com; director@indiatourismmilan.com

New York (United States of America)
S.L. Khyriem, Regional Director
1270, Avenue of the Americas
Suite 1808, 18th Floor
New York 10020-1700 USA
Phone : +1-212-586-4901/4902/4903
Fax : +1-212-582-3274
E-mail: 12 , rd@itonyc.com
ad@itonyc.com

Paris (France)
Mrs. S.Bhramara , Regional Director
Indiatourism
11-13, Bis Boulevard Haussmann
F-75009 Paris, France
Phone : +331-45233045
Fax : +331-45233345
E-mail :indtourparis@aol.com

Russia (Moscow)
C/O Embassy Of India Moscow
Tel : 007095,2903283
Email : moscow@tourisminindia.com

Singapore (Singapore)
Neela Lad
Assistant Director
Indiatourism
20 Kramat Lane
#01-01A, United House, Singapore
228773
Tel: +65 6235 3800
Fax: +65-6235-8677
Email: indtour.sing@pacific.net.sg

Spain (Madrid)
Avenida Plo XII 30-32 Madrid 28016
Tel : 0034-1-3457339
Fax : 0034-1-3457340
Email : madrid@tourisminindia.com

Sweden (Stockholm)
Sveavagen 9-11 S-II 157 Stockholm
Tel : 0046-8-215081/101187
Fax : 0046-8-210186
Email: stockholm@tourisminindia.com

Sydney (Australia)
Mr. Gajendra Kumar, Jt. DG Indiatourism
Level 2, Piccadilly, 210
Pitt Street, Sydney
New South Wales - 2000
Phone :+00-61-2-92644855
Fax :+00-61-2-92644860
E-mail : indtour@ozemail.com.au

Tokyo(Japan)- Regional Office
Mr. Manmohan Sadana
Regional Director - Indiatourism
B9F Chiyoda Building, 6-5-12 Ginza, Chuo-Ku-Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Phone: +81-3-3571-5062/63,+81-3-35715196/97
Fax : +81-03-3571-5235
E-mail: indtourt@smile.ocn.ne.jp

Toronto (Canada)
Mr.Vibhav Tripathi
Tourist Information Officer
Indiatourism
60, Bloor Street, West Suite 1003
Toronto, M4 W3, B8,Canada
Phone : +1-416-962-3787/3788
Fax: +1-416-962-6279
E-mail : indiatourism@bellnet.ca

India Inbound Tourism News (Nov-Dec '08)

Kerala tourism Department gears up for crisis management
The Department of Tourism (DoT), Government of Kerala has formed a working group for crisis management. The global financial meltdown and the recent Mumbai terror attacks are taking its toll on the Indian tourism industry. The Kerala state government will conduct regular meetings with the working group on a monthly basis.

TOFT to endorse responsible tourism in Indian national parks
Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT) is ready to endorse and support the key principles of responsible tourism in the national parks of India. Currently, TOFT is working for the cause with six major national parks in India. These national parks include Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand), Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna and Pench (Madhya Pradesh) and Ranthambore (Rajasthan).

Global meltdown affects inbound tourism in India
It is for the first time in six years that the number of tourist arrivals in India is showing a decrease. Mumbai terror attacks have also added to the grim picture of tourism. As per official records, the number of foreign visitors to India fell by 2.1 per cent in November 2008 compared to November 2007, from 532,000 to 521,000.

Chandigarh Administration to develop world class 'Aquatic Park'
The Chandigarh Administration is in the process of coming up with a project to develop a world class Aquatic Park. Three acres of land has been acquired for the purpose, adjacent to the Golf Range in Chandigarh.

Assam tourism to focus on lesser known destinations and two tourism circuits
The state tourism department in Assam is all set to promote eco, ethnic and cultural tourism in the state. Major targets include the lesser known destinations including Pobitora, Rajiv Gandhi National Park at Orang, hill station located at Halflong, Tejpur Sibsagar, Majuli Island and Barak Valley. The focus is also on two tourism circuits in the state – Middle Assam Circuit and Buddhist Circuit. �

Wildlife Parks/ Sanctuaries in Kerala

The state of Kerala is regarded as one of the greenest places on earth. More than 26% of this state remains covered with verdant forests. The amazing wilderness and the rich biodiversity of Kerala invites hordes of nature lovers and wildlife freaks from all across the world. The state had to its credit a forested land of around 10,300 sq km. The initiative for conservation of biodiversity was started back in 1934 when the Maharaja of the princely state of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma declared the forests around the Periyar Lake as Nellikkampatty Game Reserve. Later in the year 1950, the game reserve was officially given the status of a wildlife sanctuary. After that, a number of wildlife parks/ sanctuaries and national parks came into being.

Given below is a list of all the protected areas in Kerala.

Eravikulam National Park
The biggest attraction in this national park is the highly endangered ungulate Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius). Another major attraction here is the nilakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthianus). The flower is unique due to the fact that it blooms at the interval of every 12 years.

Periyar National Park
The Indian Elephant is the major crowd-puller for wildlife lovers here. It is indeed a wonderful experience to watch these elephants frolicking as they gather at the Periyar Lake. A motor boat safari is the finest option to enjoy watching the elephants here.

Silent Valley National Park
The national park forms the basis of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. A number of animal and bird species can be watched here. The park also has mythological significance, as it is believed to be the place where Pandavas and Draupadi spent their exile.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
This is a unique wildlife park in Kerala. It is both due to the dry deciduous and thorny forests as well as due to the fact that it lies in the rain shadow area of Western Ghats. The endangered species of grizzled giant squirrel is a major wildlife attraction here. Besides, the wildlife sanctuary is home to a number of reptilian species.

Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Named after renowned ornithologist Dr Salim Ali, the sanctuary is a birdwatcher's delight. The Srilankan frog-mouth is an endemic species here. A number of common as well as rare bird species call the sanctuary their home. Animal and reptilian species can also be watched here.

Chimony Wildlife Sanctuary
It is an excellent place for watching wildlife in their natural habitat. Located off the beaten path, the sanctuary offers you a great opportunity to be in close contact with nature. This is an untouched area in the Western Ghats. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary Elephants, tigers and spotted deer are major draws for wildlife lovers here. A part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the sanctuary is included under Project Elephant.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
It is a good place for watching both mammalian as well as reptilian species. The wildlife sanctuary has the privilege of sheltering the largest teak tree in Asia. The Parambikulam Reservoir enhances the beauty of the place much.

Do remember to include these wildlife parks and sanctuaries in your itinerary when you next visit Kerala. Whether you an animal lover or an avid birdwatcher, there are wonderful opportunities awaiting everyone. There are various options of wildlife safaris available at each of these wildlife parks. Penetrate into the wilderness and ride the wild side of Kerala.

Travel Books For Your Trip to India

It's a good idea to have a copy or two of the leading travel books on India. Published by leading publishing houses, these books prove to be fine travel guides. In these books, You can find well-researched and reliable information on travelling to India. In addition, you will find useful write-ups, accommodation tips and detialed maps along with vivid illustrations to engage you. These travel books will help you immensely plan your trip to India. The information that these books cover will only make your holidays in India richer. Some of the leading publications that publish such travel books include Lonely Planet Publications, Outlook Publishing Private Limited, Frommers, Tuttle Publishing, Rough Guides etc.

Some of the must-haves travel books on India are as follows :

1. Outlook Traveler Getaways
Published by - Outlook Publishing Pvt. Ltd
More Info - http://traveller.outlookindia.com/

2. Lonely Planet India
Published by - Lonely Planet Publications
More Info - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india

3. Exciting India
Published by - Tuttle Publishing
More Info - https://peripluspublishinggroup.com/tuttle/shopping/search2.php?name=india&search=name&pag=0

4. The Rough Guide to India 6
Published by - Rough Guides
More Info - http://www.roughguides.com/website/shop/products/India.aspx

5. Frommer's India
Published by - Frommers
More Info - http://www.frommers.com/bookstore/

6. Discovery Channel Insight Guide India
Published by - APA Publications
More Info - http://www.insightguides.com/insight/results.asp?TAG=&CID=&kyt=India&SORT=uk_vat_price/d

Do remember to carry atleast one of these books for up-to-date travel information about India. These books are handy at the same time and won't occupy much of your backpack space. For travellers from all across the world, a copy of these travel books mentioned above would prove to be an indispensible tool. Fresh and practical information and exciting photography in these travel books will engage you and you will continue to equip yourself with essential and comprehensive travel information about India.