calcutta/darjeeling/puri/mumbai

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My rough plan it to take the trains up to darjeeling stopping over in a few places, maybe spend 2 weeks in different towns before arriving back in calcutta. Then trains down the orrisa coast to maybe Puri also spending around 2 weeks. lastly a train across country to Mumbai, maybe stop of in nagpur for a couple of days.

1/ I am going oct 29th, what sort of clothing will i need north of calcutta, how cold is it? can i get a warm coat there rather than take one from home?

2/ Any reccomendations for nice places on this route? thank you

Britishraj

Hi itchycoo..Small Faces with Rod Stewart if I remember rightly?
I arrive in Bagdora Nov.11th to begin my tour of Sikkim / Darjeeling. As I've travelled this route many times before I would advise you to have some warm clothes which you can buy when you get there. Personally, I prefer to go directly to Gangtok ( Sikkim) 5 1/2 hr jeep ride from NJP. Darjeeling is 3 1/2hr jeep ride. If you have two weeks travel time then you should explore places like Pelling - Yuksom and the surrounding areas. Fantastic scenery.Plenty of places to explore. Darjeeling is a nice town, OK for shopping, but limited in many respects. I used to go to school in Darjeeling! when I was a juvinile deliquent! Take the Toy Train ride in Darjeeling where they use the Original 150 year old engines. But NOT from NJP. too much time wasting and they use a Modern Diesel engine! Go to Ghoom by toy train to visit the monastry. If you can get up at 4am then take a share jeep up to Tiger Hill to see the sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjungha and if its a really clear day you'll catch a glimpse of Everest! Pay a few rupees more to get a place indoors of the observation tower otherwise hanging around and freezing outdoors.
Places to stay: Try Andy's Guest House or further up the road Bird's Eye View. You can get up to Darj / Gangtok by shared jeep. You need a permit for Sikkim which you get at the border. The permit office is up the hill on the right side in a Hotel, go to reception. Its Not at the entry point where you would expect it to be. Btw. it can be pretty cold on the train at night going to Cal.
Calcutta: you arrive at Sealdah stn expect to pay Rs150 for a taxi if your heading for Sudder St. I'm sure you will get plenty of info on Cal.
The train to Puri:there are a couple of early morning trains that will get you to BBSR about 2pm and then a bus to Puri 2hrs approx. so you can arrive in Puri early evening same day. Altn. there are two evening trains which gets you in at 5.30am and 8.30am the next day. To make sure of your tickets go to Fairlie Place where you will be offered the Tourist Quotas. make sure you have your passport and a Receipt to show you have changed money. an ATM receipt will do. Thats if you want to pay in rupees.
Puri: I've spent 18 years visiting this place and of course I will be there again this trip. Best restaurant in town is without doubt Peace restaurant on CT. Road ask for Chandu and mention my name HAEMISH KANE...World Famous in Bournemouth But Never Heard Of Anywhere Else! Suggest when you arrive go to the restaurant leave your bags Very Safe and then look around for lodgings.
Good Travels

__________________
Elvis Has Left The Building

6345789

thanks mate, i hadn,t really thought of Sikkim. As i am going all that way north i may as well have a look see, a case of 'all or nothing" ?

So if i get the train from Calcutta to Darjeeling i can then get a warm coat there before going into sikkim? What is the deal with a permit? do you have to state which places you are going to. your reply has inspired me as i thought Sikkim was difficulte to visit.

Any other tips appreciated.
cheers

brixton

Britishraj

Hi..still strumming your guitar? I'm an ex DJ!
OK if your going from Cal. (Sealdah Stn. to Darj it can get pretty cold on the train at night so maybe you should get something warm for the journey. I would definately consider Sikkim as your first stopover it has much more to offer than Darjeeling. You get a permit for Sikkim at the border its free and takes about 20 mins. The jeeps stop there anyway for a break. Take 2 passport photos. Go up the hill to a hotel on the LEFT (I remember I wrote 'right' in my last report) Buying a ticket for NJP, suggest you take a walk to Fairlie Place (Dalhouise) which is not too far from Sudder St. and go to the Foreign Tourist Office to get a 'tourist quota' which are tickets specially reserved for tourist.You have to apply in person. If your interested in whitewater rafting you can do this near the border at a place clled Rangpoo. If yo share with other people it will cost about Rs350 Great Fun but WET! water wont be very cold. f ou need any further info. PM me.
Haemish

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I am still strumming, but its a ukelele!