Travel With Rangan Datta

Rangan Datta is an expert on tourism in Eastern India, North India, and Nepal. He contributes travel articles to Indian newspapers, The Statesman, The Telegraph, and Hindustan Times on a regular basis. Click the following link to ask Rangan Datta your travel related questions. If you would like to share your experiences in Eastern India, North India, and Nepal, you may send your comments by clicking the following link. Your questions / comments and responses from Mr. Datta will be posted on this page. The following information are necessary for planning an itinerary: The day and time of arrival and departure. The exact points of arrival and departure. Kolahal Travel Guide Please post questions regarding Mandarmani on Mandarmani Q & A page. Not on this page.

Ask Rangan Datta

Mandarmani – Q & A

Sanjeeb Majumder from Kolkata writes (February 24, 2012): Going to NJP on 17th morning by Darjeeling mail...return ticket is on 20th ..same train...but have not yet decided the destination. We are looking for some remote place with a bit activities which will attract the kids. Please suggest some of the destinations on the hill or foothills. We are a group of 4 adults and 2 kids. Thank you Dear Mr. Majumder: We will contact you soon and discuss your options. kolahal.com

PINAKESH ROY from Kolkata writes (February 24, 2012): DEAR SIR, PLEASE GIVE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS IF ANY. WE 8 MEMBER (WITH MY 1 YEAR BABY), CHECK IN DATE 24/10/2012 CHECK OUT DATE 28/10/2012 KINDLY ARRANGE BEST TOURS IN DOOARS WITH RIVER SIDE TENT CAMP & WITH JUNGLE RESORT Dear Mr. Roy: Please send an e-mail to shchdh@gmail.com. We will make all the arrangements for you. kolahal.com

INDRAJIT from SRIRAMPUR writes (February 2, 2012): Can you please give me any information regarding transport from NJP station to Mongpong resort? And how can I go to MAHANANDA WILD LIFE SANCTUARY from Mongpong resort? Is there any local bus service available? Actually I want to economise the trip. Dear Indrajit: We have given the schedule of a public bus from NJP / Siliguri to Mongpong resort. A link (Dooars Tourist Bus Schedule) to it is given in Mongpong resort page in kolahal.com. The telephone number of Mongpong resort is also given in the Mongpong resort page. Can you call Mongpong resort and ask if the bus schedule is still valid and how to go to MAHANANDA WILD LIFE SANCTUARY? Let us know what you find out so that we can post it in kolahal.com for the benefit of others. Send us an e-mail (shchdh@gmail.com). Also, can you send us photographs of a bathroom and bedroom in Mongpong resort for publication in kolahal.com? kolahal.com

Taaneeyaa Mookerjee from Kolkata writes (January 31, 2012): Is there any public bus service/share jeep from New Mall juntion to Murti resort (wbfdc) or nearest place of that resort? If not, from NJP or Siliguri to Murti? Please inform me, we are starting on 14th February from Kolkata. Thank you. Dear Taaneeyaa Mookerjee: We have given the schedule of a public bus from NJP / Siliguri to Murti resort. A link (Dooars Tourist Bus Schedule) to it is given in Murti resort page in kolahal.com. The telephone number of Murti resort is also given in the Murti resort page. Can you call Murti resort and verify if the bus schedule is still valid and if there is a connection to the bus from New Mal Junction? Let us know what you find out so that we can post it in kolahal.com for the benefit of others. Send us an e-mail (shchdh@gmail.com) or post it on this page. kolahal.com

Shanta Chakrabarti from Kolkata writes (January 29, 2012): Dear Mr. Rangan, I have visited Garuchira in the month of January 2012. It's a good place to stay for two days amidst the calm and quiet nature. We have narrowly missed the opportunity to face a group of wild elephants. Still the place itself has got its own beauty one has to feel that. It was a short trip with my wife only. Now we are planning to visit Dooars again in the month of February 2012. We shall board our train on the 19th of Feb and return on the 22nd by evening train. Initially I planned to stay at Garuchira on the 1st day i.e. on the 20th. On the 21st I had a plan to go up to Bindu and stay there and on the 22nd from Bindu via Jaldapara/Gorumara catch the train. But after seeing the picture of Paren resort I have changed my plan. I must stay one full day and night in Paren and for the rest I depend on you. Please make a trip plan for us. We wiil be 6 in no. (one person may be added). We shall board our train on the 19th evening from Kolkata and we shall board our return train on the 22nd evening. Where we shall get off (NJP or Malbazar or Chalsa) will depend on what itinerary you suggest. But you must keep one or two days for Paren. Dear Mr. Chakrabarti: Can your return us the favor by sending some photographs of Garuchira and Paren to shchdh@gmail.com for publication in kolahal.com? We are particularly looking for photographs of bedrooms and bathrooms. kolahal.com Rangan Datta answers (February 2, 2012): Dear Mr Chakrabarti, Thanks for using Ask Rangan. I apologies for the delay in reply. I would advise you to spend the first day in Garuchira, as I hope you won't be second time unlucky in missing the elephants. The bungalows in Garuchira are said to be located very next to the elephant trail. Moreover, Garuchira is a place where the forest meets the hills. Also, the two rivers Reti & Sukti are added attractions. Spend you second night at Paren (not Bindu). Bindu is located close to Paren and can be visited for a day trip. Also visit the small scenic village of Godak, famous for Cardamom plantation. Also visit the Todey and Tangata village for insight into the Tamang (Nepali Buddhist) community. Wish you a happy journey and great wild life spotting. Regards Rangan Datta.

Biswadeep Banerjee from Kolkata writes (January 28, 2012): Hi Team, I want to spend two days at Mandarmani with my girlfriend on Friday and Saturday. My accommodation budget is Rs 1500 per day. Can you suggest me a good hotel or resort to stay? I would also like to know how to get back from Mandarmani to Kolkata by bus since I didn't get any info in any sites. Dear Mr. Banerjee: Please go to any Mandarmani resort page in kolahal.com and click on the reservation link and then fill out the reservation form. We will provide all the help you need. kolahal.com

PARTHA SARATHI CHAKRABORTY from Kolkata writes (January 17, 2012): Mr. Rangan My friend and I decided to spend our summer or puja holiday in Lolegaon/Lava & Rishop. Our details -- Family - 2 Adult - 4 Child ( Below 5yrs ) - 3 Want to stay in Lolegaon/Lava - 2 Days ( In WBFDC Cottage ) Want to stay in Rishop - 3 Days ( In WBFDC Cottage ) Please inform us the approx. cost of these location. Dear Mr. CHAKRABORTY: Can you send your e-mail address to shchdh@gmail.com? We will send you a cost estimate. kolahal.com

Kousik Saha from Kolkata, Sarsuna writes (January 3, 2012): Hi Rangan, I am planning for a trip to Lolegaon in coming February, 2012. I heard from one of my friends that the foot-bridge for Canopy walk has gotten broken recently. Do you have any news of that? Without the Canopy walk I guess we will miss a lot of Lolegaon forest beauty and will plan late then. Can you confirm about this? Dear Mr. Saha: The telephone number of WBFDC, Lolegaon, is given in kolahal.com. Can you call them and find out? Can you let us know the answer so that we can include the information in kolahal.com? kolahal.com

Tapas from Kolkata writes (January 2, 2012): What are the kitchen and toilet facilities in WBFDC rest houses in Murti, Suntale and Jaldhaka? Are the toilets of western style? Dear Mr. Tapas: The telephone numbers of the resorts are given in kolahal.com WBFDC pages. Can you call them and find out? Can you let us know the answers so that we can include the information in kolahal.com? kolahal.com

Ankush Das from Kolkata writes (December 30, 2011): Sorry Mr. Rangan Dutta, but I had already mentioned the place where we are staying at Buxa in my 1st query. And the place is Rajabhatkhawa (Buxa Jungle Lodge). By the way thanks for providing me the information we needed. Dear Mr. Das: Can you return us the favor by sending a trip report with photographs to shchdh@gmail.com for publication in kolahal.com? kolahal.com Rangan Datta answers (December 31, 2011): Dear Mr Das, Thanks for the info. Actually with so many questions from Ask Rangan I was unable to keep track. First of all Rajabhatkhowa is not a good destination for treks. Sorry for the inconvenience and here is my suggested itinerary: Trek 1: It is best to follow the Jayanti river towards Jayanti. Jayanti is about 12 km away by road but the trek route is much shorter and possible to trek from Rajabhatkhowa - Jayanti - Rajabhatkhowa in a single day. Trek 2: You can head for Buxa Fort, but it is almost impossible to cover it in a single day, do what your guide suggests Notes: Do take a guide and follow his instructions. Do carry a torch, as it can be late finishing your trek Do carry plenty of drinking water and dry food, also carry instant noodles and soup, your guide can cook it in lodges or local homes. Regards Rangan Datta.

Tirthankar Mitra from Kolkata writes (December 29, 2011): My parents will be staying at Buxa Jungle Lodge of WBFDC from 1/01/2012 to 13/01/2012. What is a hassle free yet cost effective way to visit different places from here by car? Dear Mr. Mitra: Can your parents return us the favor by sending a trip report with photographs to shchdh@gmail.com for publication in kolahal.com? kolahal.com Rangan Datta answers (December 31, 2011): Dear Mr Mitra, 12 days is a long time but it will also give an opportunity of enjoying the place. I am suggesting five day trips. Trip 1: Coach Behar town and Rasik Bill. It is best to start with Rasik Bill well known for its birds. Move on to Coach Behar for the majestic palace. Trip 2: Jaldapara wild life sanctuary along with Totapara, home of one of India's oldest tribe. Trip 3: Jaigoan & Phuentsholing (Bhutan), a trip that will add a flavour of foreign land. Trip 4: Do visit Jayanti for a day (or may be half day) trip. Trip 5: Lataguri the entry point of Gorumara National Park along with the Park Notes: The trips can be taken in any order It is not necessary that they need to take all the trips The trips range from half to full day. Basic food is available for all trips, but do carry water and some dry food. Regards Rangan Datta.

Ankush Das from Kolkata writes (December 22, 2011): Sorry for not providing you all the information. We are staying at Buxa for 2 days and 2 nights in the middle of Feb’ 2012. The no. of heads is 12 (male). We are all aged between 23 to 25 years. And we are not planning for a camping trek; it would be a day trek. We are looking for some exciting trekking as well as natural beauty of jungle. Could you please suggest us? Rangan Datta answers (December 27, 2011): Dear Mr Das, There are several places to stay in Buxa Tiger reserve. You have not mentioned the place. If you are staying at Santabari: Day 1: Santabari - Buxadwar Forest Bungalow (5 km) and then onwards to Rover's point (4500 ft). (another 4 km). Retrace your way back total of 18 km of trek. Do carry water and dry food. The entire trek will take 10 hours with adequate rest time. Day 2: It's best to take a jeep safari in the morning. In the afternoon you can take short walks. If you are staying at Buxadwar: Visiting the place is itself a trek from Santabari. (already discussed). Day 1: Rover's point (already discussed) Day 2: Mahakal Temple (a cave temple) at Jayanti (13 km one way). Note: For both cases a guide is absolutely essential. Carry plenty of dry food. You can carry instant noodles and soups. Your guide can cook them in forest bungalows at nominal cost. Carry a torch as it may get dark. Regards Rangan Datta.

Dr. Anup Bose from Howrah writes (December 22, 2011): My friends and I are planning to go to Lepchajagat in the last week of January. Please let me know the expected temp, food availability, and how to go from NJP. Dear Dr. Bose: Can you return us the favor by sending a trip report with photographs to shchdh@gmail.com for publication in kolahal.com? kolahal.com Rangan Datta answers (December 22, 2011): Dear Dr Bose: Thanks for using Ask Rangan Datta in kolahal.com. Getting There: Lepchajagat is 85 km from Siliguri. There is no direct bus. The best way to go to Lepchajagat is to go to Darjeeling from NJP/ Siliguri. From Darjeeling bus stand take a share jeep to Sukhipokri and get down at Lepchajagat. Follow the same route for the return journey. The other alternative is to hire a car. One way cost is about Rs 2500. Food: Hope you are staying at the WB Forest Resort. It serves excellent food. For meals like chicken, the order normally needs to be placed in advance (about 4/5 hours). Temperature: The end of January will be very cold. You won't get snowfall but the min temp can reach 1 degree C. Do make a day trip to Jorepokhri, Mirik & Balsan Valley. Have a great trip! Regards Rangan Datta.

Ankush Das from Kolkata writes (December 20, 2011): We have planned for a Dooars trip at the end of January 2012 and will be staying at Rajabhatkhawa Resort (Buxa Jungle Lodge). Could you please suggest the best & exciting trek route at that place? Rangan Datta answers (December 20, 2011): Dear Ankush: Please provide me the following info Duration of stay. (If possible give the date & time of arrival & departure) The no of heads. Are you planning for day treks or camping treks? (Second case you need some prior experience of trekking). Without these info I can't answer your question. Looking forward to your reply. Rangan Datta.

Prosenjit from Kolkata writes (December 19, 2011): Dear Ranjan, Thanks a ton for providing this nice tour plan. A real helpful one. A few more concerns like we are 4 in terms of head count for this tour & the return on 17th is from Srinagar. So how should we cover Sonmarg, Gulmarg & Pahelgaon in Srinagar? Vaishno Devi plan looks perfect but how to arrange Srinagar? Please note the arrival is in Jammu & departure is from Srinagar. Thanks in advance. Regards, Prosenjit Dear Mr. Prosenjit: Can you return us the favor by sending a trip report with photographs to shchdh@gmail.com for publication in kolahal.com? kolahal.com Rangan Datta answers (December 20, 2011): Dear Prasenjit: In that case you can use 16th for a full day excursion of Sonemarg. It's 87 km and the journey takes 3.5 hours one way. It would be hectic but definitely worth it. Srinagar sightseeing can be done in an auto and sikarha. Since you are doing day trips for Gulmarg, Sonemarg and Pahelgaon you need to hire a car. A small car will be ideal for 4 of you. For Patnitop - Sanasar trip you also need a car. Have a nice journey! Regards Rangan Datta.

Prosenjit from Kolkata writes (December 12, 2011): Where to stay and how to plan a Kashmir tour from 9th March, 2012 to 17th March, 2012. (Including Vaishnodevi) Rangan Datta answers (December 14, 2011): Dear Mr. Prasenjit: Thanks for using Ask Rangan Datta in kolahal.com. Assuming both the beginning and end days are inclusive, I am planning a itinerary for you: March 9: Take a Jeep from Jammu to Katra. Check in at a hotel and rest. The Vaishnadevi Yatra starts at midnight. March 10: Reach Vaishnadevi at dawn (5 / 6 hrs walk). Dandis are also available. Offer Puja and trek back to Katra (3 hrs). Leave Katra for Patnitop. Night stay at Patnitop. March 11: Hire a car for Nathatop & Sanasar sight seeing. Patnitop, Nathatop & Sanasar offer fantastic views of the Great Himalaya Range. Get back to Patnitop by late afternoon. Explore Patnitop in the evening. March 12: Leave Patnitop for Srinagar in the morning. The journey takes about 4/5 hrs. Hire jeeps are also available. Reach Srinagar by late afternoon and check in at a house boat. Explore the Lal Market in the evening. March 13: Take a sikhara ride. Visit the swimming boats, Kabutar Khana, Char Chinar, Vegetable Garden, Floating Market, Lotus Pond & Neheru park. The ride takes about 3/4 hrs. Take an auto or car (depending on the number of heads) and head for the Shankar Acharya Temple, providing a grand view of Dal lake. Next head for the Mughal Gardens of Chasma Sahi, Shalimar & Nishant Bagh. Visit the Tulip Gardens of Nashim Bagh. Finish off the day at Hazart Bal. You can also take a short sikahara ride here. March 14: Day trip to Gulmarg. Do have the Gondola (Rope way) ride. It would take you to the Kongdori, take a horse ride to the snow fields of Khilanmarg. (In mid March there is high chance of getting snow). Back to Srinagar and it's best to shift to a hotel. March 15: Day Trip to Phalgam. Visit the ruins of the Martand sun temple and willow bat factories on the way. Take a horse ride to Baisaran, through Pine & Fir forest. Back to Srinagar. March 16: Leave Srinagar for Jammu. 6/7 hrs. Rest and night stay at Jammu. March 17: Jammu sightseeing. Possible in auto. Ragunath Mandir, Ranubireshwar Temple, Peer Khol (cave Temple), Bahu Fort, Mubarak Mandi Palace, Amar Mahal Museum. Note: Depending on the no of heads and your budget you can hire a vehicle for the entire trip. Jammu - Katra, Katra - Patnitop, Patnitop - Srinagar, Srinagar - Jammu journeys are possible in shared jeeps or even bus. But for the sightseeing trips personal vehicle is necessary. Some related Links from my Website: Photos of J & K Gulmarg Patnitop Regards Rangan Datta.

Sayan Sarkar from Kolkata writes (December 7, 2011): We have planned a 3N/4D tour to Buxa and Jaldapara in the of end January 2012 and will be staying at Rajabhatkhawa Resort (first 2 days) and Hollong bunglow (Last day). Could you please suggest a suitable itinerary from Day 1 to Day 3? Rangan Datta answers (December 9, 2011): Dear Mr. Sarkar: Thanks for using Ask Rangan Datta in kolahal.com. First of all you have probably chosen the best places to stay in Dooars. Rajabhatkhawa & Hollong are beautiful enough to spend entire days without doing anything. Itinerary for you: Day 1: In the morning go for a jeep safari on the tiger reserve, do cover Jayanti also. Rest in the evening. Day 2: Trek along the river. It's not at all difficult and safe but do take a forest guide. In the evening you can head to Jaigaon & Phuentsholing, and get a feel of foreign land (Bhutan). Day 3: Will be in Hollong. In the morning take an elephant safari and a jeep safari in the evening. Note: If you want to enjoy only nature, skip the Phuentsholing trip, and go for another trek, there are numerous walking trails. I don't know your travelling background or the nature of your group but I would strongly recommend a trek and if possible a short walk. This will give you a feel of the forest. Walks are perfectly safe, but do take a guide from the bungalow All the best with your tour. Have a great trip! Regards Rangan Datta.

Kallol Kundu from Kolkata writes (December 2, 2011): We have planned a 4N/5D tour to the Dooars in the of end December 2011. Will be staying at Rose Valley Resort and would like to use it as a base to soak and feel the rustic charm of the Dooars more for unwinding ourselves. Could you please suggest a suitable itinerary from Day 1 to Day 4? Rangan Datta answers (December 4, 2011): Dear Mr. Kundu: Thanks for using Ask Rangan Datta in kolahal.com. I am providing with an itinerary for full 4 days from Rose Valley Resort in Falakata. Although you wanted only nature I have added a bit of history & culture in the itinerary. Day 1: Jaldapara. Home of the Asian one horned rhino. The Rose Valley website gives details of the sanctuary in its website. You can also add Totapara (located 22 km from Madarihat, the entry point to the sanctury). Totapara is home to one of the oldest tribes of India. It would give a good insight into their tribal lifestyle. Also try Chilapata, forming a corridor between Jaldapara Sanctury to Buxa Tiger Reserve. Chilapata is home to the ruins of a fort belonging to the legendary Nal Raja but it is overgrown with forest and almost inaccessable. Day 2: Chalsa & Gorumara National Park. You can also combine Lataguri & Dhupjhora. Day 3: Cooch Behar Town & Rasik Bill. Coach Behar town is famous for its royal palace. Rasik bill is a huge water body. Day 4: Can be spent exploring the resort & surrounding. Note: The order of the itinerary is given at random, you can reshuffle it accordingly. Cars need to be hired in each case, which is available from Rose Valley. Food is more or less available on the way. Expect from places like Chalsa & Cooch Behar to get basic food. Do carry some dry food like biscuits, cakes, etc. Also carry water. All the best with your tour. Do get back to me if you have any more enquiry. Regards Rangan Datta. D. H. Pramanik from Howrah writes (November 28, 2011): Dear Mr. Dutta, Please let me know the present tariff of hotels at Mandarmani. We two families would like to visit the said place probably 1st week of January, 2012 for two clear days. Also please inform the rate with breakfast, lunch, dinner/only lodging in a moderate hotel. We require two rooms (non-AC) (four beded). With thanks. Dear Mr. Pramanik: Send an e-mail to us (shchdh@gmail.com) stating your budget. We will make all arrangements for your trip.

Brigadier Pradeep Yadu from Kolkata writes (November 27, 2011): Helo Rangan, 1. I am Brigadier Pradeep Yadu from Kolkata. I want to organize engagement ceremony of my son on 28 January 2012 in Mandarmani. The relevant details are as under :–    (a) Number of guests – 45 Adults.    (b) Travel Kolkata to Mandarmani on 27 Jan 12 and return to Kolkata on 29 Jan 12.    (c) Cocktails and non–veg dinner for all guests on 27 & 28 Jan 12.    (d) Arrangements on 28 Jan afternoon for Pooja and Hawan; will be attended by all guests.    (e) Arrangements for DJ on 28 Jan for sing–song session and dance. 2. My e-mail ID is – XXXXXXXXXXXXXX 3. I request you to please give me the best and most economical package for the details given above. 4. I look forward to a prompt response please, thanks. With best wishes, Brigadier Pradeep Yadu Tel: XXXXXXX Dear Brigadier Pradeep Yadu: This reply is from Kolahal Travel Guide. A representative of kolahal.com will get in touch with you as soon as possible and make all arrangements according to your requirements. Thank you for writing to us. We look forward to providing assistance to you.

Biplab from Berhampore writes (November 27, 2011): Hi, My wife and I plan to visit Mandarmani. Can you tell us if it is a good place for us and if it is a safe place? And if I go there as a walk-in guest then would I get a good room? Can you suggest to me a nice and safe hotel, please? Dear Biplab: This reply is from Kolahal Travel Guide. Yes, Mandarmani is a safe and good place to visit. Do not walk-in to a resort. Send an e-mail to us (shchdh@gmail.com) stating your dates and budget. We will make all arrangements for your trip.

Chandrarup Mukherjee from Katwa writes (November 27, 2011): Mandarmoni hotel rates on 25/12/11-26/12/11? Dear Mr. Mukherjee: This reply is from Kolahal Travel Guide. Send an e-mail to us (shchdh@gmail.com) stating your budget. We will make all arrangements for your trip.

Jaydeb from Hooghly writes (November 18, 2011): What is the room condition at WBFDC Lava Resort? ––– good or bad? What is your suggestion about staying in Lava ––– WBFDC resort or a private hotel? Dear Jaydeb: This reply is from Kolahal Travel Guide. WBFDC Lava Resort cottages are in good condition. We suggest that you stay in a WBFDC Resort cottage in Lava.

Priya Kakkar from Delhi writes (November 15, 2011): Hi, My Husband and I are planning to visit Mandarmani and want to hire a cottage which will provide us with a basic kitchen as well. Can you suggest or maybe any other place around Kolkata which we can visit in December this year? Dear Mrs. Kakkar: This reply is from Kolahal Travel Guide. Ganapati Palace has cottages with a view of the Bay of Bengal. We have provided ample photographs in kolahal.com Ganapati Palace page. Please call them or send them an e-mail and tell them you have a referral from kolahal.com. I doubt that you will get a kitchen, but they will be happy to prepare food according to your needs. Other attractive places near Kolkata are Santiniketan and Digha. But Mandarmani has upscale accommodations that you may find suitable. If you visit Bengal, have a good trip.

Chandan from Baranagar writes (November 13, 2011): I have planned (2 persons) for 1 week to spend in Lava – Lolegaon – Rishop – Kalimpong during the 1st week of January. My questions are: 1. From New Mal jn. where to go first – Lava or Loleygaon or Rishop 2. Which room / cottage of WBFDC is best for viewing in Lava – Gorkha / Lepcha / Dukpa. Or should we stay in another room for comfort? 3. Which room / cottage of WBFDC has best view in Loleygaon? 4. Where should I spend 2 nights – Lava or Loleygaon (usually I thought about 1 night stay at Loleygaon and Rishop and 2 nights at Lava) 5. How is the shared car / jeep availability for Rishop and Loleygaon and approx cost? 6. Approx cost for shared car for Lava? 7. Usually how is the weather in January? 8. Your valued suggestion or advice Best Regards. Dear Chandan: This reply is from Kolahal Travel Guide. We are not in a position to answer all of your questions, but we have a few suggestions. The article in the Loleygaon page of kolahal.com gives Kalimpong –> Lava –> Loleygaon –> Rishop as the order of visit. That article provides good guidance. We have provided a few telephone numbers of WBFDC staff at Lava and Loleygaon. Can you call them and ask your questions? If you get answers from them, please let us know so that we can post them here. Also, if you go, please write to us with answers to your questions. We keep getting questions on Lava, Loleygaon, Rishop etc. The answers will surely benefit others.

Arnab Patra from Midnapore writes (November 9, 2011): Hi Mr. Datta, My fiance and I have a plan to visit Lava and Lolegaon on the first week of Feb 2012. Could you please suggest us which WBFDC resort is good for newly married couples for both the places? Thanks & Regards, Arnab. Dear Mr. Patra: This reply is from Kolahal Travel Guide. Lava and Lolegaon WBFDC Resort information pages are given in kolahal.com. Both are good. Please contact WBFDC and make your reservation well in advance.

Sujit Ganguly from Kolkata writes (November 9, 2011): We [7 adults & 2 children - including 2 women] are going to Darjeeling - Lava - Lolegaon - Kalimpong. Our Date of Journey: 21.12.2011 Our Date of Return: 27.12.2011 Can you arrange our tour at a cheap cost? Please suggest. Mob: XXXXXXXXX e-mail: XXXXXXXX Dear Mr. Ganguly: This reply is from Kolahal Travel Guide. Lava and Lolegaon WBFDC Resort information pages and Darjeeling and Kalimpong WBTDC lodge information pages are given in kolahal.com. Please contact WBFDC and WBTDC and make your reservation. They are reasonably priced.

Sujit Chanda from kolkata writes (October 22, 2011): Dear Mr. Datta: My requirment is for 2 person & 3 days. 1. cottage in Murti Nature Resort ( room Rent) 2. tariff including food (2 major meals & breakfast for 2 person) Dear Mr. Chanda: This reply is from Kolahal Travel Guide. Murti Nature Resort tariff is given in kolahal.com Murti Nature Resort page (a link to it is given from Lava Nature Resort page in kolahal). The contact information is also given. Can you call Murti resort to find out the cost of food and let us know so that we can post it in kolahal.com? Also, our understanding is that you need to book in Murti Nature Resort well in advance to get a room. It is the peak season for them.

SOMNATH PATRA from ASANSOL writes (October 21, 2011): Dear Rangan: My fiance and I want to visit Mandarmani on 15th & 16th of Nov, 2011. Our budget for a room is Rs. 1500 to 2000 excluding food. Also, I want to know about the sea beach. Is there any time limits for roaming and bathing at the beach? Kindly suggest some hotels which has sea view also with cottage-hut look? Dear Mr. Patra: This reply is from Kolahal Travel Guide. We suggest that you consider Ganapati Palace, Eco Villa Resort, and Neel Nirjaney. Please visit the Ganapati Palace, Eco Villa and Neel Nirjaney page in kolahal.com for contact information. Please give a reference to kolahal.com if you call Ganapati Palace or Eco Villa, or Neel Nirjaney or any other resort.

Joyosuryyo Ray from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh writes (October 16, 2011): Dear Mr. Datta, We want to visit Mandarmani on 10-12 Jan 2012. Our requirements are: a) Sea beach Deckchairs and umbrellas b) Seafood & Drink availability on the beach c) Attached bathrooms with Bathtubs. d) Swimming Pool We shall be 4 adults and 2 children, 4 bedded a/c room with extra cot will do. Please suugest the best rates which will be the best value for the money. Dear Mr. Ray: This reply is from Kolahal Travel Guide. We suggest that you consider Ganapati Palace and Neel Nirjaney. Please give a reference to kolahal.com if you call Ganapati Palace or Neel Nirjaney or any other resort.

Kamal Bysack from Kolkata writes (October 15, 2011): Dear Rangan: I want to book in Mandarmani for 3 nights/4 days in mid-Nov weekdays [Tue, Wed, Thu] 4 superior/deluxe sea facing / sea-viewing GF double rooms / cottages with balconies, non-AC ~preferably with running h & c water. Could you please give me your best 2/3 suggestions. Would there be high tide problems in mid-Nov? Thanking you Dear Mr. Bysack: This reply is from Kolahal Travel Guide. We suggest that you consider Ganapati Palace and Eco Villa Resort. Please visit the Ganapati Palace and Eco Villa page in kolahal.com for contact information. Please give a reference to kolahal.com if you call Ganapati Palace or Eco Villa or any other resort.

Uttiya Ray from Burdwan writes (October 11, 2011): Dear Rangan: We want to visit Mandarmoni from 30th Dec 2011 to 1st Jan 2012, in a group of 10-12 persons including our kids. It's a get-together of friends. Sea view accommodation is preferable, but rates should be moderate. Food packages are not preferable. Kindly suggest. Dear Mr. Ray: This reply is from Kolahal Travel Guide. We suggest that you consider Eco Villa Resort. Please visit the Eco Villa page in kolahal.com. Please give a reference to kolahal.com if you call Eco Villa or any other resort.

Manami from Bangalore writes (October 9, 2011): Dear Rangan: Thank you for taking the initiative to start Travel With Rangan Datta in kolahal.com. Kolahal.com is really helpful for travelers for information about Mandarmani. I have some questions. 1. I am looking for a resort/cottage within 2k. Please advise. 2. We have a two and a half years old child. Is it safe to go to Mandarmani? Please suggest a resort according to that. 3. I heard that local sea beach restaurants (for food) are excellent. Please advise where to have seafood there. 4. In the beginning of November do we need an AC room? How would be the weather there? Regards Manami Dear Manami: This reply is from Kolahal Travel Guide. Responses to (2) - (4) are based on the input we received from Mr. Anim Sarkar, Manager, Eco Villa Resort, Mandarmani. 2. It is ok for a two-year old child to visit Mandarmoni and also Eco Villa. 3. All hotels serve seafood like crab, prawn, and pomfret. 4. On the first week of Nov, A/C is not needed because the weather would be cool. Regarding (1), there are quite a few good resorts within 2k. We suggest that you consider Eco Villa, Neel Nirjaney, Hirak Jayanti, and Digante. Please visit the kolahal.com pages for these resorts for reviews and contact information. Please give kolahal.com as a reference when you call. Please write a review for kolahal.com if you visit Mandarmani.

Manas Basu from Kolkata writes (October 9, 2011): Dear Rangan: I want to ask you if an adult couple but not a married couple can stay in a hotel or lodge. My fiance and I are planning to visit Bakkhali but we are afraid to go as we are not married. Dear Mr. Basu: This reply is from Kolahal Travel Guide. There is an answer to this question in Mandarmani Q & A page. There is no problem in Mandarmani. We do not know what the situation is in Bakkhali.

Vijay Sancheti from Kolkata writes (October 1, 2011): Dear Rangan: I want to visit Mandarmani for two days from 3 Oct. to 5 Oct. Please suggest a room or cottage ranging from Rs.1500/- to 2000/-. Dear Mr. Sancheti: This reply is from Kolahal Travel Guide. Mandarmani has quite a few good resorts in that range. We would suggest that you consider Eco Villa, Ganapati Palace, Neel Nirjaney, Hirak Jayanti, and Digante. Reviews from kolahal.com visitors are posted in the corresponding kolahal.com pages, and telephone nos are provided in each page. If you call, please give kolahal.com as a reference. Please write a review for kolahal.com if you go there.