a passage to india

发表时间: 2007-2-11 09:08    作者: 聚义厅    来源: 精品自驾游

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• 聚义厅 (2007-2-11 09:09:30)

  
  These trains, operating on narrow-gauge tracks - hence the name toy trains - laid during the British days, link stations in the plains to hill stations and offer a laid back experience, where passengers can take in the diverse mountain scenery at leisure. Some of these routes are: Kalka-Shimla: 107 tunnels, arched bridges and picturesque stations en routes are the features of the 96-km journey linking the one-time summer capital of India to the plains of Punjab.
  
  The Shivalik Deluxe Express runs two every day, stopping only at Barog for providing catering services to passengers. The train has bay glass windows and wall-to-wall carpeting. Seating: 120 seats. Fare: Rs. 340 (one-way) and Rs. 540 (round trip).
  
  Deluxe Rail Motor Car, with a transparent roof, TV/VCP, music and an altimeter. It operates twice a day. Seating: 14-18. Fare Rs. 340 (one- way).
  
  Shivalik Palace can be attached to any train for an exclusive experience. With a dining table, folding cushioned beds, a refrigerator, modern bathrooms, catering by a special attendant on board and a well-equipped kitchen etc. As part of the package is offered a complement of two luxurious retiring rooms with geysers, a TV and telephone at Shimla. Setting: 6. Fare: Rs. 4,850 in UP direction and Rs. 3.375 in DN direction.
  
  The Shivalik Queen between Kalka-Shimla has been launched for honeymooners. Each couple offers exclusive privacy and big windows for panoramic view of the hills. There is an alarm bell for communication with driver while a microphone helps to be in touch with the guard. Fare Rs. 750 per couple, inclusive of meals.
  
  Nilgiri Mountain Railway traverses 46 kms of twists and turns from Mettupalayam to the hill resort of Ootacamund at a speed of 33 km an hour. Snaking through 16 tunnels and tall girder bridges, the climb offers breathtaking vistas of plantation and fir-clad hills.
  
  Darjeeling Hill Railway with a 2-feet gauge is the narrowest of the regular narrow gauges. Linking the town of New Jalpaiguri with the east Indian hill station of Darjeeling, this famous little trains is drawn on its 86 km journey by a 100-year-old engine in 7.5 hours.
  
  With no tunnels on the route, passengers get an uninterrupted view of the Himalayas.
  
  Matheran Railway is a 77-year-old line connecting Neral (on the Mumbai-Pune line) to the resort of Matheran close to Mumbai.
  The panorama of hills and plains unfolds as the sturdy little train chugs up to the peaceful retreat. The train runs between sunrise and sunset, covering the distance in 1.5 hours.

• 聚义厅 (2007-2-11 09:16:19)

  Palace On Wheels Train Tour...........
  
  
  Duration: 8 Days
  This Tour explores various travel attractions of Jaipur - Jaisalmer- Jodhpur- Sawai Madhopur- Chittaurgarh- Udaipur- Agra & Bharatpur. This tour starts from Delhi & terminates in Delhi after seven days.
  
  Day 01: Delhi
  Welcome aboard to the Luxury Train Tour of Palace on Wheels. The Tour Departs in the evening from Delhi for Jaipur.
  
  Day 02: Jaipur:
  Jaipur is the capital city of one of India's most colorful and vibrant states, Rajasthan. It is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts & enclosed by embattled walls. Houses with latticed windows line the streets, their rose pink color lending enchantment to the scene which is almost magical at sunset. Places of Interest include Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, a remarkable five storeyed building in pink splendor, the Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and various other monuments from medieval times. This town is also famous for its semi- precious stones, gems & jewelery, & woolen carpets
  
  Day 03: Jaisalmer:
  Founded by Rawal Jaisal in the twelfth century, Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert and is today one of Rajasthan's best-loved tourist destinations. Local color and warmth prevail over the inhospitable and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval town with a special magic. The yellow sandstone fort is an imposing sight, towering majestically over the city. The nearby shifting sand dunes of Sam remind you of Sahara Desert.
  
  Day 04: Jodhpur:
  Famous for its rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort built in mid 15th century by Rao Jodha, the founder of the city, Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan. Part of the Desert Tourist Triangle, the old Jodhpur city is surrounded by a 10 Km long wall with eight gates serving as entrances and the new city is settled around this walled area. Jodhpur houses grand palaces like the Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and the Phool Mahal. In these exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis, the genius of its sculptors comes to life and stand as a testimony to the imperial grandeur of the city. The Umaid Bhawan Palace hotel is said to be the biggest private residence of single individual.
  
  Day 05: Morning: Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambhor):
  Sawai Madhopur plays host to the Ranthambor wildlife sanctuary that houses the Indian tiger. It is the best place to see these majestic predators in their normal pursuits. The park is also home to 300 species of birds and hyena, ratel, jackal and fox among other species. There are Lake Palaces, chhatris, old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort overlooking the park. The lovely Jogi Mahal is located at the foot of the fort and gives magnificent view of the Padam Talao, painted white with water lilies.
  
  Day 05: Evening: Chittorgarh:
  Chittaurgarh owes its name to the women of the city who performed 'jauhar' or immolated themselves to escape the designs of foreign conquerors. Legends of valor and chivalry surround the majestic Chittaurgarh fort.
  
  
  Day 06: Udaipur:
  Udaipur is better known as the 'city of lakes'. One of the most romantic places in India, it is situated around the shimmering clear blue water lakes, which whisper the mood of a bygone era. The two most famous lakes are Pichola and Udai Sagar. The city also has beautiful palaces, the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace), and the Jag Mandir, which appears to rise as if from the blue waters of the lake Pichola. Udaipur is also famous for its miniature paintings.
  
  Day 07: Morning: Agra:
  Meaning paradise in Sanskrit, Agra is a place made famous by the Taj Mahal, a moment that has come to epitomes love. Built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it is one of the most visited and photographed sights in the world. Also famous for its marble showrooms.
  
  Day 07: Afternoon: Bharatpur:
  Bharatpur is famous for its bird sanctuary, the nesting place for thousands of Egrets, Siberian cranes, migratory water Fowl and other species of birds.
  
  
  Day 08: Delhi:
  After early breakfast, a week in wonderland comes to an end.
  
  Feel like the royalty on board the Palace on Wheels - a completely self-train. Fully air-conditioned, the train comprises of 14 deluxe saloons, equipped with class amenities to enhance the pleasure of travelling. Each saloon is a combination of 4 twin-bedded chambers with channel music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot & cold water, shower and wall to wall carpeting. The lounge car recaptures the royal style, pomp & pageantry, the quality of the era gone by. The two dining cars-the Maharaja and the Maharani have a traditional Rajasthani ambience serving continental, Indian and Rajasthani cuisine. The coaches are named after the erstwhile princely states: Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Dhaulpur, Dungarpur, Jaipur, Kishangarh, Kota, Sirohi and Udaipur. What's more, each saloon has personal attendants or 'Khidmatgars', who are at your call whenever you need anything.
  
  OTHER FACILITIES: Doctor on call at the next station. Money exchange facility/ credit cards. Adequate safety and security arrangements. Complimentary mineral water on board/ in the coach during sightseeing/ and at hotels. Assistance for travel arrangements on completion of the tour. Voltage available on the train 110/230 V.
  
  CLOTHING RECOMMENDED: Light woolens and tropical clothing.
  
  CLIMATE: Varies from 8 C to 25 C between September to March & in April around 30 C.
  
  MEALS The two restaurant cars, the Maharaja and the Maharani, serve a range of Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine. Menus are changed seasonally.
  
  REPORTING TIME: Reporting time is 7 PM at Delhi Cantt. Railway Station.

• 聚义厅 (2007-2-11 09:33:21)

  Tariff:
  
  Cost Per Person Per Night (In US $)
  September & April October to March  
  Single occupancy US $ 395 US $ 485
  Two Persons Sharing Coupe US $ 295 US $ 350
  Three Persons Sharing Coupe US $ 240 US $ 285
  
  > Indian passengers can pay in equivalent amount in Rupee.
  
  Cost Includes:
  > Tariff is inclusive of travel, catering, conducted sightseeing.
  > Entrance fee to the monuments, parks, palaces.
  > Cultural programmes
  > Rickshaw ride and Elephant ride in Jaipur, camel ride in Jaisalmer, boat cruise on Lake Pichola in Udaipur and Jeep Safari to the wild life park in Sawai Madhopur.
  > Surprise gifts for bookings till April 30, 2002.
  > Still cameras fees to the monuments.
  
  Cost Does Not Include:
  > Video camera fees to the monuments.
  > Personal expenses such as drinks, tipping, airport tax and laundry.
  > Visa fees or International flight tickets and insurance
  > Any other items of personal nature

• 聚义厅 (2007-2-12 09:21:05)

  The Matheran Hill Railway is a heritage railway in Maharashtra, India. It was built between 1901 and 1907 by Abdul Hussein Adamjee Peerbhoy, financed by his father Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy at the cost of Rs.16,00,000[1]. The railway covers a distance of 20 kilometres (12.67 miles), over large swathes of forest territory connecting Neral to Matheran in the Western Ghats hills near Mumbai.
  
  The railway is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge railway. Neral also has a broad gauge station which is on the busy Mumbai-Pune route.
  
  The railways comes under the Central Railways and is being promoted as a future World Heritage Site.
  
  The railway was closed by flood damage during 2005 and is not expected to re-open before April 2007.
  
  
  Matheran  pronunciation? with a population of 5,912 (census held in 2002), is a hill station in Maharashtra, India. It is the tiniest hill station in India. It is located on the Western Ghats range at an elevation of around 800 m (2,625 feet) above sea level. It is located at 18.59° N 73.18° E, around 110 km from Mumbai and about 120 km from Pune. Matheran's proximity to the two cities makes it a popular weekend getaway for urban residents. The name Matheran means either "forest on top" or "mother forest".
  
  Matheran was discovered by Hugh Poyntz Malet, the then district collector of Thane district in May 1850. Lord Elphinstone, the then Governor of Bombay laid the foundations of the development as a future hill station. The British developed Matheran as a popular resort to beat the summer heat in the region.
  
  Matheran is connected to the town of Neral which lies at the base of the hills. A tar road connects Neral to Dasturi Naka which is 11 km (6.8 miles) from Matheran. In order to maintain Matheran's uniqueness, no vehicles are allowed beyond this point. The other mode of transport is a 2-ft (610-mm) narrow-gauge railway, which links the town to Neral. Neral also has a broad gauge station which is on the busy Mumbai-Pune route. Neral is well connected by raiway lline with Karjat being the nearest Junction. The Matheran Hill Railway was built in 1907 by Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy and covers a distance of 20 km (12.4 miles), over large swathes of forest territory.
  
  In the recent July 2005 floods, the railway lines were washed away and currently the railway line is dormant.
  
  Matheran has been declared an ecosensitive region by the Union Environment Ministry and can be called a Health Sanatorium in itself. The main form of transport within Matheran are horses and hand-pulled rickshaws.
  
  Matheran lying in an elevated region, it enjoys a cooler and less humid climate which makes it popular during the summer months. Temperatures range from 32 °C (90 °F) to 16 °C (61 °F). Matheran has a huge number of medicinal plants and herbs. The town also has a large monkey population, of both the red-faced and black-faced breeds. The nearby Lake Charlotte (Matheran)|Lake Charlotte is the main source of Matheran's drinking water.
  
  Languages spoken include Marathi, Hindi, and English. Beautiful old British-style architecture is preserved in Matheran. The roads are not metalled and are made of red laterite earth. There are many "points" (viewpoints) in Matheran which give a panoramic view of the plains below. On clear nights, the lights of Mumbai are claimed to be visible.
  
  
  Monkey Point namesakes, Matheran
  
  
  
  Additional Information
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  Matheran’s uniqueness lies in the fact that is the only hill station in India where air-polluting vehicles are not allowed. You have to reach Matheran either by the toy train, which is an experience in itself, or you have to reach Dasturi (nearly 11 km away from Matheran Railway Station) by car / taxi & then climb up the remaining hills by walking / on horse. By keeping the vehicular traffic away, not only Matheran retains its clean & calm atmosphere, but also takes you nearly 200 years back when there were no cars. Horses are the main mode of transport. Horse riding on the roads to One Tree Hill, Panorama Point is an enchanting experience

• 聚义厅 (2007-2-28 08:36:51)

  JET AIRWAYS  三月14/15 都有票  原价 RS4224 你用 VISA 卡 可以优惠 至RS3802  时间重复如下
  
  Jet Airways 602
  Boeing 737-800
    
  Duration
  2.5 hrs
    
  Depart
  Delhi (DEL) Thu 15 Mar
  10:10:AM
  
  
  Arrive
  Bagdogra (IXB) Thu 15 Mar
  12:15PM
  
  另外  还有 印度航空 价格 RS4394
  时间如下   
  Indian Airlines 880
  Airbus Industrie A320-100/200
    
  Duration
  1.50 hrs
    
  Depart
  Delhi (DEL) Thu 15 Mar
  10:05:AM
  
  
  Arrive
  Bagdogra (IXB) Thu 15 Mar
  11:55:AM

• 聚义厅 (2007-2-28 08:40:01)

  1.到锡金的通行证要到大吉岭办理(照LP上面说的上下跑).免费.可呆15天
  2.大吉岭到锡金可以搭乘SHARE JEEP:RS:130/1人./4-5小时.
  
  1 飞到bagdogra,然后坐吉普车（ｒs80/人）上darjeeling（大吉岭），大概要３个小时，
  2 早上要４点钟爬起来坐吉普车去ｔiger hill看日出。日出时是惊叹声一片，远处全世界第三高峰－－干城章嘉山（kanchen junha，高8,598公尺），随着太阳的升起慢慢的清晰起来， 此时此刻，感觉是如此的纯净
  3 toy train一定要提前买好票!早上9：30出发，下午6点过到siliguri车站---- darjeeling 与siliguri 之间共88公里路，9个小时
  4 晚上从silguri 坐火车去ｖaranasi.15个小时
  5 大概中午到ｖaranasi（瓦拉那西）。ｈotel alka是个位置不错的旅馆rs350/间)，上游不远处就是manikarnik ghat,看火葬的地方，下游不远处是晚上举行祭拜仪式的地方      
  佛教感兴趣的可以去sharnath（鹿野苑）
  6 早上５点起来乘船观赏圣河和沐浴场的圣浴人群。 在当地的商店买纱丽，价格是钉在上面的，不用讲价了。从rs200~600不等。下午１４：０５分坐火车去jhansi.(rs640)
  7 早上６点多到jhansi,rs1800包个车到khajuraho（克久拉霍），庙性爱文化，壮观而细致的雕刻，爱经(kamasutra)，月亮王朝性爱庙群，是联合国“世界文化遗产”之一。晚上从jhansi坐火车去agra
  8 凌晨到agra，一天的时间可以看完ittmad-ud-daulah, agra fort 和ｔai mahal
  9 晚上有趟8：43pm shatabdi express （rs395）的火车，两小时就回到德里。火车上还免费供应晚餐

• 聚义厅 (2007-2-28 08:52:50)

  补充一下  交通   
  火车：每天有至少4班火车从德里到阿姆利则，其中2班日间特快只需4－5小时，另两班夜间车则需8－10小时。注意：火车发自德里两个不同的火车站。 汽车：很多班汽车来往于德里和阿姆利则间，车程约10小时，车况较差，但票价便宜。
  
  The Shatabdi Express is the fastest and most comfortable way to arrive from Delhi. Slower and cheaper trains are also available. Trains also arrive from Jammu, Dharamsala and other northern areas via Pathankot, and many other locations daily.
  
  最好在  Golden Temple Complex 定票处预定好返程票(DELHI)

• 聚义厅 (2007-2-28 08:54:17)

  行--- 火车站 到 GOLDEN TEMPLE (相当于突突) 机动/RS40 人力/RS20 : An auto-rickshaw from the train station to the temple should cost around Rs 40, while a cycle-rickshaw will run about Rs 20.
  吃--- 像我们以前在庙里一样 免费 在入口处领盘子 勺子 排队 找空位 坐下 务必吃干净
  The Golden Temple has a dining hall (langar) serving free basic meals to all... a definite must for visitors. Plates and spoons are handed out near the entrance, then follow the crowds inside and take the next vacant spot in one of the rows on the floor. Servers come by with large buckets of dal, chappatis and rice. Make sure to finish everything on your plate (wasting food isn't an option here!) then take it outside to volunteers at the washing area. It's inside the complex which means no shoes and cover your head.
  New Punjabi Rasoi, around the corner from the temple, is the most popular restaurant in town. Serves up great Indian food including tasty masala dosas. Meals ~Rs 40-60.
  Neelam's, a few doors down from New Punjabi Rasoi, offers pizza and other basics. Meals from Rs 30.
  Ice cream is very popular, and there are several soft-serve stands on the streets surrounding the temple, often with lines in the evening. Rs 5.
  住  说是FREE  最好 捐献RS50或100 就在GOLDEN TEMPLE 后面 问问当地人
  The Golden Temple offers free accomodation to pilgrims and tourists in very basic dorms or 3-bed rooms in Guru Ram Das Niwas, behind the temple. While free, donations are expected (Rs 50-100 minimum per person per night is appropriate).
  进金庙需要脱鞋包头，有专门的存鞋处和为游客准备的头巾,
  最好自带头巾,其实拿个比手帕大点的布顶在头上就行了.
  阿姆利则(AMRITSAR)
  锡克教圣地金庙 (Golden Temple)
  “花蜜池" (Amritsa rovar)
  降旗秀具体在距离阿姆利则约20公里的瓦嘎(Wagha)边境,不知道你的大陆护照能佛过去对面巴国的 拉合尔  LAHORE

• 马克 (2007-2-28 22:44:20)

  01/03 :UDIPUR--JAISLMER  22:00-10:00 /TRAIN THAN BY BUS TO JODHPUR---PUSKER-JAIMBUR
  
  05/03:JAIBUR-AMRITSAR BY TRAIN 19:20-13:45
  
  10/03:AMRITSAR-DEHLI  BY TRAIN 21:40-7:00
  
  13/03EHLI-VARANASI /TRAIN (此票自己安排 看dehli /varanasi 喜欢程度取舍停留时间）
  
  15/03:VARANASI-NEW JALPAIQURI 21:20-13:20 THAN BY JEEP TO SILIGURI-DARJEELING
  
  20/03 NEW JALPAIQURI-SEALDAH(A TRAIN STATION OF KOLKATA) 20:00-6:00（此票为WL 到时不能确认 临时改做巴士好了）
  
  21/03 KOLKATA-MOMBEI /PLANE 10:00-13:20

• 马克 (2007-2-28 23:59:03)

  提供 KOLKATA 长途BUS
  
  1
  Jalpaiguri
  NBSTC
  (Rocket Service)         Time 12 hrs.   Leaves Jalpaiguri 7 p.m. (Fare Rs.147).
                                  ARRIVING KOLKATA                7 AM     
  2
          Siliguri                Leaves Siliguri 7.30 p.m. reaches Calcutta 8 a.m.   (Fare Rs.142).

• 马克 (2007-3-01 09:28:47)

  
  
  Jalpaiguri (jəlpī'gʊrē) , town (1991 pop. 68,732), West Bengal state, NE India, on the Tista River. It is the administrative center for a district that produces tea, rice, jute, tobacco, timber, and medicinal herbs; it is West Bengal's primary agricultural market. It is on major road and rail lines. Sawmilling and jute-pressing are major industries.
  Business boomed and the town established itself as the premier commercial and cultural hub of the northern Bengal region. It also helped that the town was well connected with Kolkata (then Calcutta), as it lay on the main Railway link between Calcutta and Darjeeling (via the Hardinge Bridge and Parbatipur junction, now in Bangladesh).
  All this changed with the great event of the mid 20th Century, the partition of Bengal and the independence of India. Overnight, Jalpaiguri's geographical status changed. It was pigeon-holed into an un-important nook of the state of West Bengal, and its Railway link with Kolkata severed. Its neighbouring little hamlet, Siliguri, had now begun its march towards being what it is now - the commercial and cultural nerve centre of the entire region and the fourth largest city of West Bengal behind Kolkata, Asansol and Durgapur

• 马克 (2007-3-01 09:37:20)

  Siliguri is a rapidly developing metropolis in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is strategically located in the Chicken's Neck — a very narrow strip of land linking mainland India to its north eastern states. Besides, it is also the transit point for air, road and rail traffic to the neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The town hosts over 500,000 domestic and 15,000 foreign visitors annually. It is the commercial nerve centre of North Bengal.
  Siliguri is situated in Darjeeling district, and though it is the district's largest city, the district headquarters is located at Darjeeling.
  Siliguri is situated at the base of the Himalaya mountains in the plains. It is the largest city in the area (North Bengal)and 2nd largest city in west bengal and connects the hill station towns of Gangtok, Kalimpong and Darjeeling with the rest of India. The Mahananda River flows past Siliguri. Siliguri has three main seasons summer, winter and monsoon. Summers are not very hot and temperatures rarely exceed 38°C.It is considerably cooler than the southern and central regions of West Bengal. During this season, tourists from all over India stop in Siliguri en route to the cooler climes of the northern hill stations. Winters are cool and temperatures range from a high of 15°C to a low of about 3°C. Light rain and dense fog are seen during this season. During the monsoon season between June and September, the town is lashed by heavy rains often cutting access to the hill stations and Sikkim. The climate is suitable for growing tea and the surrounding region has many tea gardens.

• 马克 (2007-3-01 09:39:01)

  Transport
  Local public transport include city buses, cycle rickshaws and tempos.
  
  Siliguri has three important railway stations:
  
  1. Siliguri Town - This is the oldest station in the area. Opened on 23 Aug, 1880 during the British Raj, this station used to be the terminus for the trains coming from Calcutta, and the starting point for the world-famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway for journey to Darjeeling.
  
  2. Siliguri Junction - This station opened in 1949, and used to be the point of departure of all trains to the north-eastern states, until the broad gauge was extended to Dibrugarh. Siliguri Junction is the only station in India with all the three gauges of tracks.
  
  3. New Jalpaiguri - Opened in 1961 as a totally greenfield project 16km south of Siliguri, this is now the most important station in the region. This station connects Siliguri to every nook and corner of the country. The city has expanded and touched New Jalpaiguri such that it seems to be a seamless single city.
  
  With the extension of broad-gauge railway track to the Siliguri Junction station, people can now travel directly to the heart of the city without having to alight at New Jalpaiguri. This new broad-gauge track covers the old Dooars metre-gauge track, and is a beautiful journey passing as it is through the foothills of the Bhutan hills and picturesque little hamlets and villages with the famous Dooars tea gardens for company.
  
  Bagdogra airport, situated about 12 km away is the closest airport. The airport is well connected to most Indian cities including the state capital Calcutta. The Bagdogra airport is poised to become an international airport in the near future. A regular helicopter service links Siliguri to Gangtok.
  
  The Tenzing Norgay Central Bus Terminal is a major stop for most buses in the region. The Royal Government of Bhutan also operates buses from Siliguri to the Bhutanese capital Thimphu. Jeeps also link Siliguri to neighbouring towns. Similarly the Sikkim government's buses run to Sikkim from the SNT bus station opposite the Central Bus Terminal.
  
  A new road, named as Vivekananda Road, has been built connecting Burdwan Road to the Mahabirsthan Rail Gate bringing much relief to the chaotic section of the city. Also a new fly-over over the Rail Gate is under construction connecting Hashmi Chowk to Mahabirsthan. This flyover will provide seamless communication from the Station Feeder Road in the south to Hill Cart Road in the central part of the city.

• 马克 (2007-3-01 09:47:49)

  CALCUTTA
  The largest metropolis in India, Calcutta is a vibrant city on the move, volatile and unpredictable. The Gateway to India, till 1912, and the capital of the Raj in India, it still bears the Victorian imprint on its streets and structures. A city just about ready to burst at the seams, Calcutta is home to more than 10 million people. It is the commercial nerve-centre of the East, with major industrial plants, textile mills and corporate units. Regal edifices, grubby alleys, bustling bazaars, elegant hotels, people from all walks of life - Calcutta has it all. The city is a hub of fervent activity in the realms of music, theater, arts, and sports. Calcutta has always prided itself on the many luminaries it has sent forth, be it Tagore, Satyajit Ray, or Mrinal Sen. The intense dedication to the arts manifests itself in a plethora of festivals, dance, music performances and other cultural events. The Calcutta's are also famous for their all-consuming passion for sports, especially, football and cricket. Calcutta is a city of baffling paradoxes, a city that leaves its stamp on one's mind ... forever.
  Access
  By Air : The city is serviced by 11 international airlines from both the east and the west, apart from Air India and the country's domestic airlines.
  By Rail : Calcutta is a major railhead and is linked to all parts of the country by an extensive network of trains. The two important stations are Howrah and Sealdah. Local trains are bes for connecting to nearby places.
  By Road : Good motorable roads connect Calcutta to all the major cities in India.

• 马克 (2007-3-01 09:50:46)

  BAKKHALI
  Bakkhali is a small beach resort about 132 kms from Calcutta. Despite being isolated and having limited accommodation, it is very popular with the citizens of Calcutta. One can walk to the Frasergunj beach from Bakkhali.
  Access
  A three hour bus journey from calcutta to Namkhana, Bakkhali is Between Calcutta and Namkhana
  
  There is also a train service from Sealdah station upto Diamond Harbeur Namkhana is 58 km from diamond harbeur
  Kumardhubi (10kms.) and Barakar (12kms.) are the nearest railway stations. Asansol Junction is about 35 kms from , here . Regular bus services are available from Dhanbad and Maithon to this place.

• 马克 (2007-3-01 09:51:59)

  DARJEELING
  Darjeeling is the hill station of West Bengal. This has been called the queen of hill-stations. 663 kms. from Calcutta. Altitude is 2134 m. or 7000 ft. It is a famous hill resort offering a breath taking sight of the numerous peaks of the majestic Himalayas. The clouds seem to whisper to one another here and from horizon to horizon stretches the Kanchanjunga, covered with snow from the head to foot all round the year. The views of Kanchanjunga and Mount Everest are particularly inspiring. And viewing Sun rise is wonderful from the famous Tiger hill. The Himalayan physiography of lofty mountainous terrain and cascading rivers, offers adventure sports trekking, mountaineering and river rafting.
  Places of  Interest
  Batasia Loop,Dhirdham Temple , Himalayan Mountaineering Institute ,Padmaja Naidu Himalaya Zoological Park , Natural History Museum ,Lloyds Botanical Garden ,Tibetan Self-help Centre ,Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway ,Lebong Race Course , Rope way ,Ghoom Buddhist Monastery ,Observatory Hill
  Access
  By Air: The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, 90 km away from Darjeeling. Bagdogra is connected to important cities of the country by domestic airlines.
  By Bus: There are bus connections to Darjeeling from Siliguri, Bagdogra, Gangtok, Kurseong and Kathmandu.
  By Train: New Jalpaiguri /Siliguri is the rail head for all trains, except the toy train running to Darjeeling. Siliguri is connected to Calcutta and other parts of the country by train.

• 马克 (2007-3-01 10:25:16)

  一位朋友告诉我，在印度坐火车旅行快捷而又省钱。于是，我花了100美元买了一张21天的二等卧铺火车证，开始了环印旅行。
  
  只要在印度坐火车旅行过，到全世界旅行都不怕了
  
  在新德里火车总站的国际售票厅里坐满了来自世界各地的背包客，等了两小时，总算抡到我，急忙把事先草拟的21天旅行计划连同火车证交由办事员一一输入电脑，30分钟后打出13张不同日期、车次和铺位号的车票，票面上还清晰印有我的姓名、年龄和性别。据说印度火车票采用实名制已近百年，这在国际上也是少有的。
  
  印度拥有全球最大的铁路营运网，每天有14500 多列客车运营在63000多公里的铁路线上，运送旅客1300万人次。同时，印度也是世界上铁路事故最多的国家，每年大小事故不下300起。过去10年中，有近 2000名旅客在铁路事故中丧生，多位铁道部长因此引咎辞职。国际公认：印度火车是世界上最不安全的火车；还有一句名言：“只要独自在印度坐火车旅行过，那么，到全世界旅行都不怕了。”
  
  21天中两次“赶火车”的经历使我做背包客的素质得到充分锻炼。首先，从旅馆到火车站的出租车常常受塞车延误，市中心少见警察和红绿灯，汽车、马车、摩托车乱作一团。然后，当我好不容易挤进火车站，就像刘姥姥进了大观园：整个车站没有检票口，看不到值班员，找人打听还常常被误导得“南辕北辙”，有几次离开车仅几分钟，我还背着沉重的行李发疯一般地打听、寻找、来回奔跑；当我气喘吁吁地赶到停泊那趟列车的站台，在车门口布告栏上找到我的名字和铺位号时，火车几乎要开动了。 近50年，印度火车的载客量增长了50％， “年迈”的铁路系统有点不堪重负。
  
  印度火车只要能开出就行，安全靠神相助
  
  新德里“国家铁路博物馆”里至今还陈列着100年前英国制造的蒸汽火车头。1853年4月16日从加尔各答开出第一列火车在仅34公里长的铁路上行驶了十几个小时，如今印度铁路已形成了总长度达6.3万公里的世界最大的营运网络，每年运送旅客44亿人次，货物4.3亿吨。铁路成为印度最大的国营企业和重要的经济命脉。
  
  印度不仅是亚洲最早拥有火车和铁路的国家，而且铁路总里程一直雄踞亚洲第一、世界第三。火车在印度国民生活中的地位相当特殊，车票不贵，且四通八达，是备受普罗大众欢迎的交通工具在印度火车上没有乘务员，但每趟车配有专职检票员。火车开动后，检票员手捧厚厚的登记簿挨着铺位，逐一验票登记。车厢内无人打扫卫生，车站的苦力上车清理垃圾，火车上经常发生失窃与偷盗。因没有乘务员，无人通报到站时间，常常发生旅客坐过站误了下车的事情。从新德里到西里古里是凌晨3点，因为怕坐过站，我一夜没合眼。
  
  印度火车的设备不是这儿坏，就是那儿响。嘎嘎作响的电风扇几乎要掉下来；座椅破旧，脏得无法让人坐下。另外，火车车门可任意开启，有的根本就没有门。火车站的各种设施也是陈旧不堪，有一天夜晚我坐的列车停靠的车站竟然停电，漆黑一片，只有一盏红色信号灯在不停闪烁。一位印度铁路员工说： “火车只要能开出就行，至于安全，就只有靠神相助了。”跟印度社会一样，印度火车也等级分明。我坐过“昌迪加尔—新德里”豪华特快，
  
  车上阅读灯、航空椅、卷式窗帘、按钮抽水马桶等设施堪称世界一流，尤其是从甜点到正餐的一条龙服务，处处细致周到。坐这样的火车，除了不系安全带，与坐飞机无二致。但是，这类豪华车的票价也不菲，仅200多公里的车程要840卢比，而普通硬座只需60卢比。我持有的火车证不能乘用豪华车，至少要补 700卢比，但检票员考虑到我属“初犯”的外国人，予以“特赦”，还叫餐车给我送来一杯浓香的奶咖。
  印度火车划分成特别快车、快车、快运车、普通客车等很多等级，票价不同，设施和服务也有天壤之别。普通客车常常又挤又慢，车厢“破旧如囚车”。
  
  印度火车车厢与车站是解读印度社会的课堂
  
  我只能在车站找个地方休息等天亮。我走进检票员办公室，发现墙上贴了一张布告：12月8日全印铁路检票员工会发起大罢工，呼吁大家那天前往新德里参加集会游行。届时，工会向到会的国会议员和劳工部长提出增加工资的诉求，普通员工由4500增加到7000卢比，资深员工7000增至11500卢比。
  
  因为去不丹、锡金边境，耽误了两天车程，原订的卧铺位作废。在加尔各答上车后，我找空铺睡觉，但常被后到的持票旅客叫醒撵走。一位检票员查看了我的火车证后，设法找了一个下铺，让我在睡了个好觉。半夜醒来，看见那位检票员正拿出自带的干粮和瓶装水充饥。他告诉我，五口之家就靠他每月4000多卢比工资，伙食3000，房租1000，所剩无几了。但印度人心态很好，不抱怨，他们觉得忍耐和期盼也是人生的一部分，何不去享受呢？
  起初觉得花100美金可以享受21天卧铺是拣了一个大便宜，在火车证到期的最后一天，我抵达印度“硅谷”班加罗尔，粗略计算我坐过的火车票实际价格，总共不到4000卢比(100美元＝4500卢比)。而且火车证事先预定卧铺位，让我无法临时改变旅行计划。实践证明，在印度旅行购买火车证并不便宜，也不自由。所以，21天火车证到期后，我逐段购买火车票或搭乘巴士，在印度南部继续旅行了半个月。
  
  印度火车有时一节车厢能装进150人，超出原定容量一倍以上。至于车身外还挂着多少人，连铁路部门也无法查清。 从新德里开往东部边境大吉岭30个小时车程，摇摇欲坠的老式风扇彻夜不停地转动，也难以驱散车厢的闷热，但我在三层上铺的小天地里却自得其乐。我一边看书，一边欣赏车厢里流动的风景：小贩不停地叫卖各种饮品杂果，巫婆向旅客施术骗钱，几位年轻的白领和学生妹默默地读书阅报。
  
  旅行指点 火车旅行印度
  
  
  阿姆利则—黄金庙: 新德里—阿姆利则，火车300公里/6小时，前往印度西北旁遮普邦首府—阿姆利则，距巴基斯坦边境古城拉合尔40公里。全世界锡克教的圣地——黄金庙，建于16世纪，是用云石和纯金建造的印度甚至世界上最为昂贵的庙宇。游客入内必须头缠布条，赤脚。黄金庙凌晨4点开始早祷告，对香客提供免费食宿，给外国游客辟有专门的免费招待所。下午可前往于印巴边境，观摩两国边防军降旗换防仪式。
  
  玛纳里—昌迪加尔—新德里: 阿姆利则坐火车，再转长途巴士到玛纳里河谷、雪山、激流，坐巴士到“绿色之都”昌迪加尔，火车返新德里。可租三轮摩托游览新、旧德里城区，前往印度门广场、总统府、国会大厦，瞻仰甘地陵墓、世界大同教的祈祷地- 莲花庙、奎师那神庙，参观博迦梵歌博物馆，了解印度神秘悠久的历史和宗教。在哥文达餐厅品尝独具特色的印度素食，住青年旅舍80卢比/床，10人间，24小时热水，有餐厅、网吧等。
  
  新德里—杰普尔—阿哥拉“金三角”: 坐火车前往拉贾斯坦邦的首府-杰普尔，200公里/5小时。古城中所有建筑都是粉红色，故被称为“红粉之城”。参观幸运女神庙、英殖民总督府、风之宫殿、皇宫博物馆、山顶琥珀城堡等，这里也是全印度著名的宝石加工集散中心。住Jaipur Inn，100卢比/人，男女通铺。
  坐火车前往印度莫卧儿王朝的首都—阿哥拉180公里/4小时，参观世界著名七大奇迹之一泰姬陵。著名的阿哥拉红色古堡是统一印度的莫卧儿王朝皇帝宫殿。
  
  新德里—西里古里—锡金不丹边境: 坐卧铺火车1500公里/30小时前往大吉岭，到锡金边境，看世界第三高峰。在“贾贡” 不丹边境小镇过夜，可尝到久违的鲜美猪肉。
  
  西里古里—加尔各答: 火车500公里/8小时，参观维多利亚纪念宫、印度国家博物馆、豪威桥花墟等，住Salvation Army Guest House，80卢比/床，8人间。
  
  加尔各答—孟买: 卧铺火车1800公里/34小时，参观“一战”时建的印度之门、威尔斯王子博物馆、孟买火车总站英殖民地建筑等，住Salvation Army Red Shield Hostel，135卢比/床，4人间。
  
  孟买—海德拉巴—班加罗尔: 火车500公里/10小时，参观16世纪古堡、神庙等，当晚再坐火车去班加罗尔，400公里/8 小时，清晨到卡纳塔克邦首府、世界著名软件中心班加罗尔，住青年旅馆，45卢比/床，4人间(我在此丢失手机和瑞士军刀)；参观议会大厦、中心公园等，可坐车去海滨城市金奈、古城迈索尔游览。

• 马克 (2007-3-01 20:55:48)

  Rajasthan still retains an elusive fairy-tale character. A land where the tales of valour of its medieval Rajput warriors are still sung by its travelling bards.
  
  Rajasthan is the 'Land of Kings'. Where opulent palaces dot the desert landscape and battle-scarred fortresses appear on every hill like sentinels of the past. Here, folk culture still retains all its colour and vivacity. With exuberant celebrations of fairs and festivals. A music that echoes across the desert emptiness and a tradition of craftsmanship with a highly developed aesthetic sense.
  
  Begin your desert adventure at Jodhpur, a fortress-city at the edge of the Thar Desert. Then travel to Jaisalmer to see its unforgettable golden fortress. The trade route outpost of Bikaner still retains a medival flavour. While the route to Barmer will take you through typical Rajasthani villages.
  
  The four cities on your itinerary will create a perfect portrait of this exotically-beautiful desert land.
  
  Destinations
  Covered
  Jodhpur
  Jaisalmer
  Bikaner
  Barmer
  
  [ 本帖最后由 马克 于 2007-3-1 20:57 编辑 ]

• 马克 (2007-3-01 21:02:09)

  This triangle of three cities perfectly captures the pageantry of India. A gorgeous panorama of majestic architectural creations and a rich tradition of art and culture.
  Here you can see some of the images that epitomise India.
  
  The marble symphony of Shahjahan's Taj Mahal, the imperial elegance of Lutyen's New Delhi, the splendour of the desert city of Jaipur. Every city offers its unique blend of sights, sounds and experiences. From the opulence of the Mughal empire to the vibrant life of modern India.
  
  We would recommend that you start your tour at Delhi, which is connected to most cities in the world. From Delhi, Agra is 200 km and Jaipur 250 km away.
  Covered
  Delhi
  Agra
  Jaipur

• 马克 (2007-3-01 21:17:59)

  A misty dawn on the mountains. A bronze sunset across the expanse of the Brahmaputra. The clang of prayer bells at a monastery. Life moves at a serene pace in the North East.
  
  The North East is composed of seven states whose natural beauty has earned them the sobriquet of 'seven sisters'.
  
  Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya have been generously blessed by nature.  Verdant valleys, emerald tea gardens, lush forests and tumultuous rivers blend to create magnificent landscapes.
  
  You begin your travel at the picturesque city of Gangtok, capital of Sikkim, where orchids bloom on the hillside. Then journey to Guwahati, Kohima, Shillong - the incomparable jewels of the North East. With salubrious climate, fascinating customs, beautiful handicrafts and the warm welcome of its gentle people.
  Destinations
  Covered
  Gangtok
  Guwahati
  Shillong
  Kohima