Fun things to do in State of West Bengal

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Ichamati River , is a trans-boundary river which flows through India and Bangladesh and also forms the boundary between the two countries. The river is facing the problem of siltation leading to thin flow of water in the dry season and floods in the rainy season. Experts are handling the situation and remedial matters are being discussed between the governments of India and Bangladesh.
Ichamati River is now in three parts – The longer part flows from the Mathabhanga River, a distributary of the Padma, and after flowing for 208 km joins the Kalindi River near Hasnabad in North 24 Parganas and Debhata in Satkhira District.

I now wish to visit Taki, where there is a beautiful guest house made by West Bengal Govt.

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Grab a camera and binoculars- this is a good area for bird-watchers. We spotted quite a few, not just on the boat-cruises, but around the camp-site. For some reason, the birds here seemed tamer than anywhere else in India. Maybe they feel no threat, because there are few tourists anyway.
Eary morning and late afternoon is the best time for bird-watching.

PHOTO 1- the common Kingfisher- stunning colours reflected by the sunlight
PHOTO 2- Egret with its mighty wing-span
PHOTO 3-Pied Kingfisher

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Spending a few hours cruising the waterways is a relaxing and interesting way to spend the day. The boat we were on was very comfortable, with lunch & snacks being served. The toilets were clean and modern. Our boat carried about 20 people. The seating is good, and as it is an open-sided boat, the magnificent vews can be seen in all directions. We stopped occasionally for photo enthusiasts.
Getting on and off the boat was pretty dodgy- the "gangway" consisted of a narrow wooden strip that was placed from the boat onto the jetty, and only handrail was bamboo pole,being held by two crew members. For us it was no real problem, but the older passengers were understandably nervous. There were no mishaps.

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These watch-towers, which are dotted around the various camps, offer great views of the Mangroves and surrounds. Each one has its own designated area, jetty and attractions.
Our boat stopped at one- there were quite a few steps up to the watch-tower, but the view is well worth it. There are refreshment stalls and toilet facilities available.
Monkey populations are thriving at these stops. They get pretty frisky, and sit at the jetty, waiting for the boats to dock.

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Dear Jon,

I was not supposed to open this page but I had to as I was looking for some address. Relaxing near Kolkata? It is possible, otherwise how do we relax or stay in this polluted city? Please visit my Diamond Harbour ( Bakkhali), Digha, Bolpur, Mayapur ( if you are religious) or Puri pages, you will get all the answers of your choice, budget and everything. I could add one place, that is Berhampore( Murshidabad) about 200kms from Kolkata takes about 4hrs to reach. I dont' have any digital photo so I am yet to build that page. It also is a better option. If you have time then Darjeeling would also feature in this category. Calcutta pollution is also under control during August because of rains.

I am putting some photos for reference but I shall put more!

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The Greenery of Bengal best enjoyed in monsoon. Have a look at these Rice Fields, they will make you forget everything for a while. I took these photographs this afternoon near JhinkirHat, near Usthi, South 24parganas. The location is about 45Kms from Kolkata city.

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This beautiful Temple was built around 14th Century, in Mandir Bazar in the district of South 24Parganas. This temple belongs to Lord Shiva and is situated near Laxmikantapur, about 85kms from Kolkata. t was erected most probably the earlier Ruler of Sunderbans, one of the family members of Sabarna Roy Chowdhury's of Kolkata, who were Zamindars of Kolkata. This temple was re-built with Brick Morter again may be in 18th Century.

This is worth visiting in terms of Archeology also.

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Animal sacrifice is always bad and not appreciated in many parts of the world. But yet many people believe that God gets satisfied to see the blood. This is bad but still practised. This temple is called Kalyaneshwari Kali temple. The temple has history about 1200 years! People throng in from many parts of Rural Bengal as well as urban bengal here to worship the Goddess and ask her blessings. sometimes they tie a stone pellet on the tree, with a wish and when it is fulfilled they come offer worship to the Goddess and then untie the stone! The temple is located in Maithon Dam area near Asansol.

Some offer Animal sacrifice, if the qyuantam of the blessing is more than what they had asked for!!!!

Dont' you think Rural Bengal is Amazing!!!!!!!!!!