Ranchi tour: Journey to a land of waterfalls where legend and history creates an aura.

Ranchi is a land which is famous for its  history, legends, natural beauty and hometown of famous cricket MS Dhoni. This is holiday season, travel crazy Bengali’s are out with backpack and kids to enjoy holiday locations in and around Kolkata. This winter I have chosen Ranchi because it is close to Kolkata and many historical events are attached with this state capital and  small hill town near Kolkata.

Ranchi history : Some interesting facts about Ranchi 

As per local legend, Ranchi name was derived from “Archi” when a local farmer farmer drove out an evil spirit with bamboo stave. Evil shouted Arhci before leaving this place. And this place become Ranchi.

Since Ranchi is a part of the Chota Nagpur plateau, Many water falls are created by river at the edge of plateau. Ranchi is popularly known as the “City of Waterfalls” because of its numerous waterfalls, the most well known of which are Dassam Falls, Hundru Falls, Jonha Falls, Hirni Falls, and Panchghagh Falls.

Through this blog I like to share my experience with my readers and helping them to select Ranchi in your next short tourist destination.

Hundru falls in “The City-of-water-falls” Ranchi

Ranchi tour guide: Why have I selected Ranchi for our short family trip?

It is again subjective decision based on your taste. I have selected this location of top three reasons.

1) It is very close to close to Kolkata and tucked away by 430 km by train route. So for 2-3 days break, you come here with your family. It is a over night train journey.

2) It is a right place if you like enjoy history of Chinnamasta devi and beauty of hundhru falls. History and nature are same place to take your breath away.

3) From here you can go Netarhut to enjoy pristine beauty of hill town and unparalleled experience of watching sunrise and sunset. From here you can go for Betla forest trip.if you have 4 to 5 days time , you can plan Ranchi- Neturhat-belta forest trip. Hence history, jungle and hilltop views all are offered at the same location.

How to reach Ranchi?

Kolkata Ranchi route

Ranchi is well connected with major cities by roads, air and rails. But question is “how to reach Ranchi from Kolkata?”We have reached here by train from Kolkata. There are 3 main train running daily from Ranchi and Kolkata/Howrah.

• 18628/Ranchi – Howrah Intercity Express (via Dhanbad)
• 18616/Kriya Yoga Express
• 12020/Ranchi – Howrah Shatabdi Express

I found Kriya Yoga Express more suitable for tourists as far as timing and pricing are concerned.

Hotels in Ranchi: How to find best hotels in Ranchi?

I like to share my honest experience with readers in this post. Since I was traveling in peak time in last week of December 2016. I was little bit apprehensive about availability of good hotels in that place at reasonable price.

Hotels in Ranchi Station road area. You can find many good hotels in this area.

I was searching in Goibibo and Makemytrips. In fact these websites are inflating prices. There are 3 types hotels. For top hotels you can definitely book from hotel booking  websites. For medium range hotels you can book over phone. I was looking for hotels in 1000 to 1500 range. What I found on travel booking sites in this range, that actually cost about 700 – 1000 range if you book that offline.

I have interacted few travel agents and local people here. You won’t find mad rush of tourists here even in very peak seasons. In that respect,  there are plenty of hotels in Ranchi.

1) Premium hotels: Many quality hotels located along Ranchi station roads. After coming out from platform number 1, you find a two way lane just running across rail tract separated by rail wall. 100 meter from rail station  you can locate at least 40 hotels located along the station roads.

2) Few good hotels : Hotel Benna in , Hotel AVN plaza, Hotel Element, You can found few 3 star hotels in this water. All within 100 meters.

3) Budget hotels. Hotel Amrit, Hotel konark, hotel bliss regency. If you walk about 800 meters, you find many budget hotels.

4) I have seen few more hotels near over bridge areas. It about 1 km from station road. I have found big shopping complex near over bridge. I have found many more budget hotels in this area.

However, I have stayed in Hotel Amrit, 200 meter from station located in station road areas. They charge 1000 -1500 for deluxe room and 1500 to 2000 for AC double bed room. For non ac doubles bed they charged around 800/_.

As per local reference, you can try hotel Konark for budget travelers, and hotel Bella in for good comfort stay.

Some base pricing in budget and semi luxury hotels

Double bed : 600 – 800

Deluxe- 1000 – 1500

Ac double bed- above 1000

Best restaurant in this area, undoubtedly two names come up for tourists 

1) Sunny restaurant for pure vegetarian foods

2) Punjabi Rosoi for veg and non veg foods.

Both are located near Hotel Amrit along station road and very close to station.

Hotels booking tips : trust me, you wound not find mad rush of tourists here even in pick season. Hence, if you have time, you come here and check 2-3 hotels before you finalize the deals. After all it not like Darjeeling or Gangtok.

Ranchi sightseeing and outside city tour

Ranchi tour -Day 1 : we have planned day long outside trip with our family. I have discussed few friends and local agents before finalizing travel itinerary. We have booked sedan for a day long trip as we are 4 members in our family. Driver Mukesh also shared his views about tour plan before start the journey. He charged INR 2000 for covering 4 major spots in a day long trip.

A) Chinnamasta mandir.

This is famous sidhi peth and famous pilgrimage destination. Goddess Chinnamasta temple  is a hindu famous pilgrimage centre and located in Rajrappa, Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. Devotees from different states like Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal come here to offer puja.

On the way to Chinnamasta Mandir

Our journey started at 8;15 AM. This temple is 70 km away from Ranchi city and located along Ranchi purulia highway. It is 28 km away from Ramgarh Cantonment along NH-23 in the Ramgarh district of the State of Jharkhand

Entering Chinnamasta mandir area.

We were very excited about this temple. Chinnamasta is also called as Chhinnamastika and Prachanda Chandika. She is only  goddess who beheaded her own head and holding her own severed head and bledding neck make the whole darshan more dreadful. As if some Tantrik baba is waiting to grab some prey to offer it to Maa.

After starting from hotel driver took NH 33 road and reached Shivaji chowck after 10 km drive. This is big junction from here you can take roads to reach major distant cities like Jamshedpur, Ramghar, etc. We have taken road to Ramghar. Before reaching toll plaza we have taken roads towards Sikidri road. It took few more km to reach Rajrappa. However, I recommend this road to enjoy beauty of rural lives, hilly village trail. Along this path you can reach hundru fall. We reached sikidri hill top. In fact, hundru fall originated from this Plataea area. From here we can see the vast valley down. We started climbing down towards planes.

Views from Sikidri Hill top

After 10 km drive, we reached Gola  station area and leaving behind hilly trail of sikidri cantonment area. After crossing Gola bazaar area, we took right to another 10 km. Finally we reached Chhinnamasta Temple around 1030 am.

We have parked our car and took the path to cross a hilly stream to reach temple premise.

Chinnamasta temple has long history to cherish. When I read first time about this place, I felt it might be inside jungle. Uncanny environment would prevail and frighten us during our visit. I was expecting some tantrik baba would be around with red eyes and chanting mantra for offering some sacrifices on alter. Satyajit Roy had chosen this location for shooting of chinnamasta aabhisap.

Offering puja at Chinnamasta temple

I was proved wrong as many things have been changed. Flocks of pilgrims with smart phone took snaps of temples. Tantric s were not insight. But puajaris were busy in managing puja and queue.

There is a nice platform build near the mandir and by the side of the river. This location has a special  significance. From the platfrom, we can see union of Bhairavi nadi (female) coming from top, meeting Damodar nada (male) signifying vipareeta rati ( opposite coppulation) pose as described in Devi Chhinnamasta’s dhyana (vipareeta rataturam). Damodar is very calm and Bhairavi is the active member. We could see some boating down in the Damodar river.

Views of Bhairavi and Damodar river from Chinnamasta Temple top

We then moved to main Chinnamasta temple and there was a moderate queue. When we entered the main temple area, we could not find any sign of Maa Chinnamasta. Pujaris are clamoring for dakshina and they hardly allow you to stand there for a minute. Anyway, I closed my eye and feel the blessing of Maa Chinnamasta.

Astha Mandir in chariot style . Nice place to visits near Chinnamasta Temple

What to see Chinnamasta temple in Ranchi 

1) Chinnamasta temple. Is located near the small rivulet flowing down the rocks. Morning time you offer puja and there was not much queue that time.

2) Next to temple, you will find Astha Mandir consists of  series of temples in  a chariot fashion.

3) I have located some boating scheme down the river. Since we have limited time we have not tried that options.

You can spend 2 hours time to offer puja and enjoy environment around

B) Hundru falls

We have covered the distant location ( Chinnamasta temple) first and started for Hundru fall while returning for Ranchi. It is 45 km  from Ranchi, along  the Ranchi-Purulia Road.  From Gola bazaar, we again drove up to reach Sikidri top and turned left and drove about 10 km through tribal village to reach fall. On the way we observed paddy fields, 2-3 km jungle to reach main gate of fall. It was 1:30 pm. We finished our lunch here. Very tasty Bengali thali  here at very reasonably rate. We took entry ticket ( rs 5 per ticket) and claimed down the 700 stairs to reach the base of fall. The scenic beauty of fall and valley erased our tiredness.

Hundru fall- awesome views

The Hundru Falls is 98 metres (322 ft) in height and is created on the course of the Subarnarekha River, and it is one of the highest water falls in the state. The spectacular scene of water falling from such a great height has been described as a sight to behold.  In rainy season, it takes dreadful image and it becomes a popular picnic spot in winter. We climbed down about 600 steps to reach the bottom of the fall. There is a private arrangment of boating in the water near the falls. We spend around 30 minuted there. And reached the hill top by 3:30  pm.

C) Getalsud dam :

It  is a off beat location. From the fall it is 20 km jungle ride. On the both side we have observed jungle of shawl and other big tress. In one location driver informed us that is area was infested with snakes. No animals enter here. We park our car close to jungle and looking at mud lumps near big tress to have a distant look of poisonous snake. But it was 4 pm hence drove  headed towards dam. We directly drove onto dam. It is a 3 km ride along dam. Left side big dam reservoir covering areas up to Ranchi city side. We did a brisk walk on lock gate. Sun is also on the other side of vast reservoir planning for day off.

Journey through jungle towards Getalsud dam. This is very snake infested area

Driving on the Getalsud dam.

D) Bhagawan Birsa biological park zoo

It was last point for the day. We reached spot around 4:30 pm. Time for closing the zoo visiting hour. We spent 30 minutes there.

Bhagawan Birsa biological park zoo

Finally we started there at 5 pm and reached our hotel around 6 pm.

In this tour we generally looked places for outside city tour. Mandir and fall experience are still afresh in our mind.

Ranchi Tour – Day 2

We have taken a complete day rest for full day tour outside Ranchi city. We have done a combo plan i.e. to complete city tour and outside city tour in a day. It was about 250 km travel plan to complete

A) Dassam falls

B) Sun Temple

C) Patratu valley and dam

All these are distant places from Ranchi. In addition, we have planned to visit some select places inside city. We know this is hectic schedule, however we tried to cover major places before we board the train at night from Ranchi railway station. We have booked same sedan for day long tour.

A) Dassam falls : It was 8 o clock morning , we started from hotel and take Ranchi – Tata Nagar highway. It is located 40 km from Ranchi. First 30 minutes journey refreshed our mind when we took hilly trails to reach a point from we take right turn for final path towards Dassam fall.

Dassam Fall view

From highway it was about 10 km drive , local village life, lush green paddy fields, and distant view of hills will take your tiredness away. After 3 km drive we reach a junction which shows two directions and both direction will take you to Dassam fall. But there is a catch. We actually took straight path and this is new path for reaching on the top of the hill and falls.

Dassam fall view from hill top

Along new path you would find more jungle and turn of the jungle path was steep and sharp.but road condition was excellent. On the way we observed silence of jungle and distant hill top was watching us from over the jungle trees. We found tribal women carrying wood logs climbing down the hilly path. You won’t found tribal village in this path, but jungle journey was excellent. When we reached on the top of falls it was 9:30 am. We took some awesome snaps from here. From here you can see another approach road to base of Dassam fall. In fact that is old and main entrance.

As I told you after entering from highway into village path we observed two path. Actually you have to take left path and this will take you to the base of falls. We now headed towards old route. This route is very well maintained also. We have found tribal village schools, rural health clinic along this path. In path , we have found less jungle experience. However, this place is good for sightseeing the nearby areas of falls. We now climbed down about 200 steps to reach at the base of the fall. It was really awesome. This falls may not be as high as Hundru falls, but best experience I have had while enjoying time in waterfall area.

Question may arise: which is the best fall in Ranchi? Hundru, John’s or Dassam.

I am for Dassam fall as it has some advantage over others. 3 main factors for choosing Dassam fall

1) Nice jungle driving experience in Dassam fall area

2) It is easy to reach at the bottom of falls. You need to only about 250 steps.

3) I found surrounds are really beautiful.

Tips for this place

1) Start early for this place and reach there by 10 am in the morning

2) spend 2-3 hours there and if possible go for jungle drive to reach other side of fall through the jungle.

3) do some trekking from old that to new ghat. I have seen many people crossed the roads over the falls.

B) Sun temple : After finishing Dassam fall visit, we again come back to Ranchi Tata Nagar highway. We drove 10 km towards Tata nagar direction and from the highway we found the top of the sun temple. It was 12 noon just before closing hour of temple. Front sculpture is really good. But the whole mandir needs some renovation work especially wheels of chariot. We made a round of the temple. Distant view of surrounding hills mesmerized us. We spent 30 minutes there spending sometimes inside meditation hall. Temple remained closed between 12 pm to 12:30 pm to visitors. Hence plan your time accordingly. There are many good dhabas in this region, hence We have finished our lunch here.

Sun temple along Ranchi -Tata Nagar highway

Tips

You can access this place if you coming from Tata Nagar towards Ranchi. You are touring from Ranchi , then you can easily visit this place once you finish Dassam fall visit.

Back to Ranchi city

Our next trip is Patratu hill and valley. This place is located on the other side Ranchi along Ranchi- Ramghar- Hajaribag national highway. We have reach Ranchi town now and spent some time for visiting some sightseeing places in Ranchi city.

Quick sightseeing in Ranchi city

There are many places to see in Ranchi, but select few selected locations as to manage precious time.

1) Ranchi hill and pahari mandir

This is located right at the heart of the city. We claimed about 200 stores to reach the hill top. From here you can see distant views of Ranchi lake, Ratu chowck etc. We spend 30 minutes there.

Pahari mandir inside Ranchi city

Pahari mandir at the hill top

2) Hatia dam

We gain drove 10 km from highway towards hatia station. On the way we have seen Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) campus, Ranchi stadium. And finally reached Hatia dam. It being 31st December, many families are enjoying picnics in dam area. This is very popular destination for picnic in Ranchi.

Hatia Dam

3) Jagannath temple in Ranchi 

On the way returning  from Hatia dam, we went to Jagannath temple located on a small hillock. It was closed by that time. But beauty of temple is really awesome. From temple top you can see distant view of Hatia city, and stadium. We spend about 20 minutes there.

Jagannath temple

Now it is about 2: 30 pm. We need to cover of our last lap of day long trip. From here we will take road for Patratu valley. Hence again on wheel for patratu tour.

C) Patratu valley trip

I feel if you like to enjoy a hilly drive then it is the best place to visit during your day long tour in and around Ranchi. This place is located 35 km from Ranchi along Ranchi Hajaribag highway. On the way we crossed Ratu chowck and after 15 km journey, we reached at the uphill of Pratratu valley. It was after noon, sun was on the other side hilly range. Riots of colors from sun rays drenched the whole valley. On the both side of road, long stretches of forest consisting shawl, segun were welcoming us. We stop at a location along highway to take a panoramic views of Patratu hill. Down the hill on the right side we could see vast lake called Patratu lake. Patratu lake is a popular picnic spot in Ranchi. When we reached the lake area, it was 3:30 pm. Picnic parties are in their full mood to enjoy 31st December year end party.

Patratu valley – views from car

Boating in Patratu dam

We reached the lake water by dodging picnic huts scattered near the water body. It was almost evening, we sit on bank of the lake. Distant views of small boats plying in the lake was awesome. Tourists parties are enjoying boating in the lake. Distant views of hillocks on the other side creating relaxed felling. We were recollecting the memories of Maithon dam. There if you sit on the lake and look carefully , you would find tortoise like island deep inside the lake. Whole experience was mesmerizing. We have a nice tea at nearby tea stall. Darkness covered  the dam area.  It was 5:30 pm evening. We are back onto car for return journey to Ranchi city. When we reached Ranchi station for return train to Howrah, it was 730 pm. It was a nice whole day tour experience.

Ranchi tour plan

If you like enjoy hills and pilgrimage then you can have following plan

A) Day one – hundru falls + chinnamasta mandir. We travel by private vehicle.

B) day 2: we take local cab for city sightseeing. They charge about INR 1000 for 8 spots in 6 hours.

C) day 3 : Dassam fall and patratu viley. Private car charges about INR 2000.

Before booking you check with 2-3 travel agents along with your hotel’s service desk.

Our journey continues ..

Hope you find this information useful. Please let me know your view.

I don’t want my kid to become a super kid!

Really ! Yes, I want them to get space to enjoy and play life as kids. However, sometimes as a parent we expect sky high achievements from our kids on a regular basis. As a Bengali parent, we generally expect that our kid should be either doctor or engineer. To fulfill our own objective, we force them to become genius kids in their tender age.

Genius kid (Photo source: Heraldsun.com.au)

Without checking real interest of our kids, we normally subscribe what other parents are doing for their kids. I just cite some examples from interactions with parents.

Case study 1 : Ramesh Das (name changed):

He is our neighbor, and retired from service two years back. He has two sons and both studied science up to class XII. His wife had dream to make their sons engineers at any cost. It was their dream, not theirs sons’. First son admitted to private engineering college. Second son also followed his brother passion to enroll same private engineering college as a fashion. Later younger son shared shared that he felt he souild do something like his elder brother. Both passed out from college last year. They are now registered bekar (unemployed youth) enjoying their post engineering life. Father has spent 15 Lakh for two sons and produced 2 engineers with no jobs. Anxious father is now confused what else he could do for sons’ career settlement.

I have met those engineer sons few days back. They are in fact weak in mathematics and science. In fact peer pressure and parents expectation forced them to take engineering route.Thanks to mushrooming private engineering colleges. These colleges are machines meant to fulfill parents’ expectation. Now those kids are preparing for bank and other clerical job posts.

Case study 2:  Monaj Saha (named changed) :

He is successful business man. Like other parents, he wants to see his only son as an engineer. However, son is rather busy on social media. He marginally crossed the hurdle of passing Madhyamik (10 Th broad) with grace mark. To fulfill father’s wish and put himself with higher rank with respect his peers, he joined private ITI college. He thought that he would would do polytechnic after this. His family relative guided him to take this journey to fulfill his father’s which. After joining ITI college, beta (son) behaves as if he were junior engineer and started spending more time on social.

History repeated again, he marginally passed ITI degree. But there is no distant chance of getting into good polytechnic college. In fact he developed a phobia in engineering. That day I meet him father at social function. He is now happy to become a father of bekar (unemployed) technician son. But his dream was partially fulfilled. He is a businessman, he can afford to experiment after throwing few Lash rupees for such junk degree. But there are many fathers from villages are semi-urban India are getting duped false promise from private college and their agent network.

Tips parents

1)Don’t go by what others are doing. Sit with your kids. Know their strength and choice for subject . Encourage them to study what feel comfortable. Besides engineering there are many career avenues to pursue.

2)Do fact checking before enrolling your child with any professional course. Every week in career page of leading dailies, you would find many glossy advertisement of many colleges offering professional degrees. There are many tall claims. Do not go by those claims. Rather check veracity of those claims and facts using personal source or making surprise visits to those colleges.

3)Beware of self proclaimed career mentors willing to give you advise free for direct admission to private engineering and medical college. They are in fact agent of those colleges and are working on commission basis.

As a parent, I also expect that my kids should pursue the course they like most. Off course, as we should guide them with necessary resources. I am working hard to mentor them as “sensible kids” rather than “genius kids” or “super kids”. One of the biggest challenges to parents is how they can make their kids independent in their studies.

Let me know your view.

 

 

It’s my journey to connecting with rural mythology

Today morning is really refreshing. Moreover, morning rain make the environment more afresh. Winter is knocking door. Today I have made a quick plan to visit a nearby tourists place in Kharagpur. This time I have chosen a pilgrimage location called Maa Manasa temple in Jakpur.

Maa Manasa mandir at Jakpur- Distant view from Train

Jakpur is a small station located along the Howrah-Kharagpur train route and located just before KGP station if you travel from Howrah. If you like to enjoy village walk and local folklore, then this is an ideal location for nature lovers.

Jakpur Maa Manasa temple

I have heard a lot about this temple. This temple is popular for jagrata devi Maa Manasa (Maa is actively present here to fulfill wishes for followers). Local people says if you wish with your heart, Maa will fulfill your dream. Whenever my train passing by this location, I usually notice devotees on the way to temple for darshan. So I had a wish to visit this place for Devi darshan and listen history behind it.

Today afternoon I was free, and I am out for a short trip. I board Medinipur Howrah local from Kharagpur station and get down immediately next station Jakpur. It is a beautiful village station surrounded by lush green paddy field. It looks nature has made this place so natural and simple.

On the way to Manasa Mandir

I reached station around 3:30 pm. It being October end, sunshine was mild and soothing. Hence I plan to go for village walk. After coming out from Jakpur station. I asked a local shop for direction. Since it was afternoon , I couldn’t find any local van or rickshaw there. I could only see a village path meandering through paddy fields. I feel path is calling me to enjoy bucolic simplicity of rural Bengal. I come here to enjoy village walking, hence without a second thought I am on foot to cover 4 km distance. After some walk, I observed another person also following me. Later I came to know he is also on the way to temple. So I got my walking partner for next 30 min walk. We talked a lot about passion to explore new areas.

Around 4 pm we reached the Mandir. Local people called it Maa Manasa mandir. There was a altar at the center of temple and there is no roof top on the temple. Local people tell that this tempe will be kept like this without rooftop as per local tradition.

Legend of  Maa Manasa mandir

As per local saying, there was a temporary altar in this place 10 years back. New Mandir was build just four year back. Actually this area was covered with dense forest and long grass land. A herd of cattle from Jaminder came here for grazing. One day, jaminder’s mink man observed that cows were not giving milk when they come from jungle area. Jaminder ordered to check.  Cowmen later found that every day cows entered the nearby bush and jungle areas and give milk to someone inside the jungle. As per Hindu mythology , snakes can suck milk from cows. Later Maa Manasa appeared in dream of jaminder and ordered him to build temple in jungle area. That the first time makeshift platform build for Manasa puja. Many devotes from distance village started visiting this place and got wishes fulfilled.

Maa Managa Mandir -main entrance

One day a realtor on the way to business trip crossed this location while in train and his wished some thing sitting on train. His wishes  also got fulfilled. He then donated money to build this modern temple what you see today.

Main Altar- where pople offer puja to Maa Manasa

You wouldn’t find heavy sculpture here or eye catching arrangement, but simplicity of local environment and local people would surely make you fresh and mentally satisfied.

Distant view of rail track from temple

What to see here

1) enjoy village walk and surrounding environment

2) offer Puja  and feel device presence in rural place. And enjoy local tea.

3) On every Saturday and Thursday, many people come here for offering puja. Come here in morning time and enjoy pilgrimage while on walking.

4) there use be a big mela (village fair) once in a year. I forget the exact month for mela. But nature lover can avoid this time due to heavy rish

How to reach.

1) from kharagpur it is about 7 km. If you come by train , get down at Jakpur, and morning you can get some local van or Toto car.

2) From Madpur station you can book Toto van they charge 100-200 for one hour round trip journey.

3) From Kolkata and Howrah station, you can get down at Madpur station and take Toto car if you are in small group. Nature lover should drop at Jakpur and enjoy 40 min village walk.

4) Best season for tourists – winter is the best time. And avoid rainy season

5) Only local train ( Howrah -Kharagpur local or Howrah Medinipur local stops in Madpur or Jakpur station.

Note : it is a good place for nature lovers or pilgrims.

How to plan Pandal hopping ? my Durga puja experience in 2016

Every year before Dugra puja , we used to plan for pandal hopping. Every time 2 main questions are raised in our mind: First, what area we should visit this year for covering most popular dugra puja in Kolkata? Second, what time should go out for pandel hopping? I don’t like to hop during rush hour. In the last year we went for whole night pandel hopping. This year we plan for early morning pandel hopping. Last year we covered south and central Kolkata puja. This year we plan to cover central and north Kolkata durga puja pandel.

Wakisaka toys – popular decorating items in Durga Puja 2016

Now next question is what are the durga puja mandop we should visits. I urge you look for Times of India puja review published every year on Sasti. This year, we took that reference to collecting information about location and theme of these durga puja. So our plan to visit few select Dugra puja panels in Central and north kolkata.

Journey start now! We research Sealdha at 5:30 AM. First visited  Rail Maidan Puja. It’s very close to Sealdha Railway station. There was no queqe. Hence it was a king size entry in that puja and other puja pandel.

1)Rail Maidan Puja.

Rail Maidan Puja

2)College square puja 

This is childhood puja location. As usual, pandel and durga idols was awesome. If you come here in the evening, you need to stand in a long queue. But, we quicly completed our darsan here.

3)College street Odhibasi Brinda Puja

It’s located along the SurJa Sen street and 200 meter away from College street puja Mondap. Theme was Santhal Village. Whole mandir was decorated and presented with bucolic simplicity. Awesome durga protima.

Odhibasi Brinda Puja pratima

Nice village ambiance near Odhibasi Brinda Puja

4)Mahammad Ali Park Puja 

From College square, it’s again walking distance. We are also enthralled to see the nice pandel and duga idol.  This is again old and favorite puja. We covered 4 major pujas in 1-2 hours time.  In between we took snacks break.

Enthralled to see the nice pandel and duga idol

After visiting central Kolkata Durga Puja mondop, we headed towards Sovabajar Metro area. Our target is to cover all puja mondops from Sova Bajar metro to Bidhan nagar railway station. Along this road you get at least 10-12 big pujas. The important point is that most of the pujas are 10 minutes walking distance from each other. You can cover 10-12 pujas in 1-2 hours time (non peak hour). In peak hour, it takes minimum 4-5 hours. Here is our journey along this road

4)Nabin Palli Durga Puja utsav

It’s located near  Hatibagan opposite Citi mart . They are celebrating 82^nd year Puja this year. On the way to  puja mondop we found many old fashioned jamindar bari. Puja is a perfect amalgamation of modern puja and old sabeki (traditional) environment.

Kaavad sculpture – nice depiction of 400 years old tradition – “walking and talking temple”

Theme- Kaavad – a portable pilgrimage: Walking taking temple

Kaavad sculpture – nice canvas painting all round – reminding us village tradition in propagating religious message.

It is decorated with Rajasthan’s cupboard art uased as a travelling temple. It presented 500 years old tradition when preaching was not allowed. Hence walking taking temple culture was prevalent.

5)Hathibagan Sarbojanin

It’s celebrating 82^nd year puja this year. Located inside Hatibagan market and very close to main road.

Hathibagan Sarbojanin pratima – best pratima I have seen in this season

Art work made of daily used items.

Theme- Various thrown up itmes (like bottles, tooth picks etc) were uased to depict butterflies, shiuli and kadam Flowers. I found the Maa durga idol is most elegant in this season.

6)Nalin Sarker street Durga Puja

It’s located near Khanna Cinema corssing.

Theme – Putul o- pratima

Mexican Wakisaka toys were used to decorate the pandels. These dolls are popular in Europe and Wesr Asia. When we reched this place, Saptami puja was started. We spent time there.

7)Ultadanga Pallyshree Durga Puja

Located along the Ultadanga Main road and celebrated 68^th year puja.

Pally shree durga idol -awesome amalgamation of architectural beautify and light

Theme – Cityscape was decorated with colors and lights. Entire locality was decorated with beautiful sculptures and apartments were painted with motifs.

Kabiraj Bagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja

Pandel decoration – “Kolkata Station” – tarin engine and AC coaches look very realistic.

It’s  located along ultadange main road.

Theme- Kolkata railway station. They build the station and stationed maître express near on Kolkata platform so naturally, I got confused at first glance that whether the set up was natural or artificial. It looked so natural .  There was very good ambience.

Telenga Bagan Durga Puja

It’s one of the most popular Durga puja pandel in Kolkata and they celebrated 51^st year durga puja.

Way to Telenga Bagan puja mondop

Theme- Oparer sajhe eparer puja.  The whole mondap was decorated with colorfull dolls and traditional sculpture. I fould this protima very elegantly decorated.

Telenga bagan durgaa pratima – second best idol I have seen in this season

We ended our puja trip with this puja and it’s 10:30 am. Now we are headed towards home. Besdies there pujas , we visited many beautiful pujas. I could not recollect those names.

What happens when an aam aadmi (common man) gets a chance to showcase his X factor?

I am a cautious driver. I never drive car over 90 km/hr. Timidity gets over me whenever I try to speed up my car over 80 km / hr. It’s always a safety concern dissuade me from speeding my car. Like an Amm aadmi , I have a small car and drive cautiously whenever I am at wheel.

Common man as a F1 driver

But that day was different; I was strolling in front of Mechanical Engineering Department in IIT Kharagpur campus. I noticed small gathering at the entrance of Mechanical department and peeped in and found F1 type car model was kept on show for visitors.

An enthusiastic student chipped in and started explaining the model and its performance in last event in UK. Some of students offered me for a trail (could be a test drive). I couldn’t resist my temptation. I immediately agreed to try that wild beast. In a moment, F1 legend Michael Schumacher appeared in my dream. I sit on a driver seat. I felt as if I were in F1 track, I was checking dashboard with a grim face as if I were ready start first lap at 350 km/hr speed. While on wheel, I suddenly felt a small jerking and heard a sound of auto starting. And a deep fear engulfed me and I felt in that moment that I am in pilot cockpit and plane falls in an air pocket. I closed my eyes for a moment…

When I opened my eyes,  I noticed a photographer taking photos of my nervous face. Later I realized that sound was coming from nearby parking bay. My F1 sedan didn’t move an inch and it was a vicarious feeling. But the virtual of experience of F1 driving comes over me again. I feel a sense of accomplishment without driving. After all most of dreams of amm admi people get fulfilled in dream. I was happy being a F1 driver in a virtual world.

Is not that enriching experience?

 

Our trip to offbeat tourist locations near IIT Kharagpur

It was middle of April month (2016), and scorching Sun spewing heat across the region. We were lucky, so we got 2 AC guest rooms in Visvesvaraya Guest House (VGH) at IIT Kharagpur campus. We were enjoying foods and cozy stay in VGH, despite high summer temperature outside. But that could not dampen our spirit to visit nearby places from IIT kharagpur.

Especially every evening was pleasant during our 3 days’ stay at campus. I had come here in my own car and that was extra advantage I had as I could visit any nearby places in afternoon. First day we target Gopali asram.

Gopali Ashram:

It’s a nice Ashram located 3 km from IIT Kharagpur Prem Bazar Gate. Spending some time here with your family is really refreshing. We reached there around 5:15 pm.. On the back side of the asram , we found a primary school with nice playground and garden. As per local inscription, this asram was set up in 1978 on a land donated by Haripada Bhanja and Radhanath Bhanja. We have found a long list of donors from different parts of West Bengal.

History of this Ahsram

This ashram was established on the auspicious day of Vijaya Dashami  in 1974 on a plot of land measuring 6.5 Acres by Kalyan Ashram. It’s situated 7 Km. South of Kharagpur Railway Station, and tucked away 2 Km. South from I.I.T. Kharagpur and 3 Km. North of E.F.R. Training Camp, Salua and Air Base, Salua. Later the management was taken over by the Pratisthan.

Shiva Mandir at Gopali Ashram

What to see here:

a) Lord Shiva Temple: The Ashram has a magnificent Shiva Mandir built by the Bhagchandka family of Calcutta. Temple’s foundation stone was laid by H.H. Jagatguru Shankaracharya Sri Abhinava Vidyateerthjee Maharaj of Sringeri.

Om KareShwar Mandir at Gopali Ashram

b) Chatrabas : School cum shelter providing free lodging & Boarding for economically weaker section: SC/ST and orphan boys.

c) Sarda Sishu Mandir: It provides day and morning schooling to hundreds of children.

School inside Ashram

We visited all 3 places. While coming back from school ground, we found game teacher taking evening exercise class of small kids. We also enjoyed sunset behind vast ground located in front of asram. This asram may be small , but bucolic simplicity of local people and transcendental presence of asramic environment made our mind cool.

How to reach here: if you come by car, its 7 km from Kharagpur railway station and 3 km from IIT campus. If you like to avail local bus, you can catch any private bus plying between Medinipur and khorika or Keshiwari. You can also hire local auto. IIT student can go there by cycle. It’s only 4 km cycle ride from hostel.

After ashram visit , I took my family for a short drive towards Keshiwari. On the way we stopped at Salua to savor tasty local momo. There are 2-3 momo shops in that area. When returned from short evening trip, it was 730pm.

Hijli Eco Park: On the second day

It’s a small natural park very close to IIT Kharagpur campus. It is located 1 km from Prem Bazar gate. It’s a famous picnic spot in winter. There is a small deer park inside. Since it was summer, we went there at 5pm evening. Someone informed that 5 P.m. is a feeding time for deer. We have located a nice eco resort is being constructed by forest department. I hope it would fully functional in few months.  While walking along the path covered with trees from both sides , we found many small rides for children and nice picnic spots under giant mango trees.

Hijli Eco Park entrance

Pathway towrads Deer park

After few meter walk, we look left to reach deer park area covered with iron fence. Forest official told everyday 5 pm they feed deer. To locate the deer, we walked along the fence and entered the forest to reach feeding area. That time it was evening. Evening sun ray created riots of colors across the jungle. Chattering of some birds over the tree heads created an uncanny environment there. As if jim Corbett is waiting for tiger hunt in a deep jungle and chattering of brids declared the presence of beast. We stayed sometime there and moved to see other part of park.

Deer park insdie Hijli Eco Park

Nice nursery growing local varieties of sonajhuri trees

On the back side of the park,  there a nice nursery growing local varieties of sonajhuri trees, shal trees etc. This is a restricted area. However, we requested local official for a short trip inside the nursery. It’s very refreshing to spend some times there. When we came to main gate, it was 6pm evening, park closing time.

Nice park and picnic spots inside

Some facts for tourists about Hijli Eco Park

Timing : open till 6pm

Ticket: Rs 5 per head and 25 Rs for  car parking charge.

Best time to visit: winter season

How to reach Eco park: it’s very close to Prem Bazar Gate of IIT Kharagpur. So from IIT campus you can reach by cycle or on foot. If you come from kharagpur station , you can reach this place  either by Salua bound auto or Keshiwari bound bus and get down at Prem bazar. From prem bazar it’s 500 meters distance walk. I am not sure whether bus has any stoppage at Hijli Eco park stopage.

Hijli Eco park is really a nice pincin spot during winter.

Hope you find this information useful.

Thanks

THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Roles of social media in our lives. Views from a teenage girl who sense both good and bad sides of social media.

Richitaroy's Blog

We All know about social media sites like Twitter,  instagram, facebook tumblr, whatsapp etc. They were made to socialize and connect with friends and loved ones even if they are at far off places.

Nowadays social media is popular among everyone. From Taylor Swift’s 1989 tour updates to your friends’ and family’s day to day status , you can gain any type of information from social media. But recently social media is like a show off site. People take photos and selfies  infront of their lavish cars and 5 star A.Cs  and post them in social media sites to show how aristocratic they are.  Selfie is a recent fad  where people make fish lips(the technical term for fish lips  is “pout”) and post them on their social media pages. We see many people social media who use loads of hash tags (#) , For example: #At beach #having fun #eating…

View original post 154 more words

Our trip to Nathula pass and Changu Lake after 15 years

This is our third trip to Gangtok. This time we have come to Gangtok after 2 days’ visit at Darjeeling. Since we have already visited major places in Gangtok in last two trips, we planned to visit Nathula pass and Changu Lake. We went Changu for the first time in 1999. So this was a second time journey to rekindle our experience after 15 years.

We are at new Bada Dham – Nathula pass

I have shared only Nathula and Changu lake trip experience in this blog post. In Gangtok , you can plan for three major trip : 1) Gangtok sightseeing ( 1day trip ), 2) yumthang trip ( 1N/2D day trip) , 3) Nathula and Changu lake trip (1 day trip)   . 4) Gurudongmar Lake trip (2N/3D day trip). In this blog post, I have shared trip experience and some important facts about successful Nathula tour in Gangtok.

Awesome view of hilly terrain on the way to Nathula

We checked in Hotel Central Point just opposite of Rumtek bus stand near Lal Market. From our room we can directly view Kanchenjunga view. After cheked in hotel, we looked out for best car deal from local 2-3 travel agents.

We are 4 people in our family; still we booked private car sumo at Rs 2800 price as no small car is allowed to go to Nathula. A team from Delhi booked same type of car at Rs. 6000. So it’s a broker raj and always check price before booking cab.

Our journey to Tsomgo Lake/ Changu Lake:

It was 7:30 A.M., and our driver Lampa arrived with car and informed us that road condition was good up to nathula. We started from Gangtok town at 7:45 AM. After 25 min journey, we reached check point for checking our pass for Nathula.

Check point before entering Nathula Pass road

Weather was good, so we enjoyed our journey along hilly terrain. On the way we spotted many small falls.  But worth to spend some time at Rukmini falls. We spent some time there. Driver advised us to visit Nathula pass first and then visit changu while on returned journey.

We are approach towards Nathula Pass

We drove another 20 km to reach Changu lake, but we didn’t stop there as our first destination was Nathula . Leaving behind Changu lake to drove up towards Nathula . We were spell bound to see the beauty of hill and serenity of nature. Many small lakes welcoming us at the Holly hill top .on the way, we found newly built campus for  Kailash Manasarovar yatra from Nathula. Driver informed that Chinese vehicle come upto this place.

Rukmini falls on the way to Nathula

Camp for Kailash Manasarovar yatra at Nathula

After a 2 km drive, we have reached a junction. From here, the left path take you to Nathula border and it’s a commercial route so needs separate permission.  But we had tourist pass, so we took right path towards Baba Dham. “Baba” Harbhajan Singh Dham was 2 km from this post. On the way, we have seen ” Mera Bharat Mahan” engraved on a hillside. It was a awesome views. Finally we reached Baba Dham .

Baba dham – “Baba” Harbhajan Singh Dham

We are at New Baba Dham

Earlier I thought that this is the place famous for Baba I mean Bhole baba ( LORD shiva ). But this place is named after “Baba” Harbhajan Singh. He joined as a sepoy in Indian army in 1946. While on duty in east sikim week region, he was killed in 1968. Later he appeared in a colleagues’ dream and requested them to build shrine in his name. Sepoy Harbhajan Singh is revered by soldiers of the Indian army as the “Hero of Nathula” and later on the Indian army had also built a shrine in his honor. As per local legend, spirit of “Baba” Harbhajan Singh is still guarding Indian armies at such high altitude region.

Shiva Temple on hill top – 1 km trek from Bada mandir

The original Baba Mandir was built at Tuku La Donchi La in 1983. Later for tourist convenience, new Harbhajan singh shire built at 10 km downhill. Most of regular Natula trip ends in new Baba temple.

When we reached this new Baba temple it was 1030 am .This is a awesome place and our tiredness got vanished with healing tough of Baba and beautiful nature around .we could see the vast valleys around looking us from the top . Clouds are coming up from down hills.

Siva temple at Nathula

Distant view of Shiva Temple from Baba Mandir

Nammangcho water fall

Recently, Indian army has built at 12 ft long Shiva temple on a foot hill of Nammangcho hill . The  Shiva temple is put at the height of 13000 ft from sea level . It’s is regarded as the highest located Shiva idol in the world.  From new Baba shrine, we did trekking of 200 meters to reach the shiva Temple. On way we stopped at the foot hill of Nammangcho water fall.  This place was inaugurated in 10 October, 2014. From statue podium, we could see the scenic beauty of Narhula valley , Baba shrine and beautiful Nammangcho hill and waterfall. We spent there for 1:30 hrs and then started for   old Baba Mandir.

Nammangcho water fall

Old Baba mandir :

it’s located 10 km up from new shrine . This place was not included in our regular package. But I must tell you should not miss this place. We started for old Mandir at 1230 pm. On the way, we saw beautiful golf course, Elephants Lake and beautiful valley covered with orchid flowers. Along this journey we have found that the whole path is full of 4-5 types of orchid flowers, and beauty of Elephant Lake was beyond explanation. After 30 min ride we reached old Baba mandir . We offered our puja there and visited bankar and items used by Baba Harbhajan.

Elephant Lake on the way to Old Bab Mandir

We stopped at check post on the way to old Baba Maindir- most of the time this palce covered with ice.

At old Baba Mandir- Nathula

Top view from Baba ji ki Bankar

Awesome view of Hills, cloulds and orchid ganden near old Baba Maindir

Tsomgo Lake:

Awesome view of Changu Lake

While come back from old Baba temple, we stopped at Changu lake as per our plan. It was 2 pm by that time . In Changu market , we finished our lunch and went out for sightseeing around Changu lake . We took 2 yak for ride. Local people charged premium for this. We negotiate 250 for each yak ride. For still photography they charge Rs 50 per person . My wife and I walk on foot and my daughters on yak ride. It was 20 min ride walking along the lake. In an hour, black cloud covered the lake and thunderstorms started declaring their presence. So cut short the ride and ran across the lake. Rain already caught us on the way . Now whole valley and lake became raining paradise .It was really intimidating and enchanting. Driver spotted us while we were running and finally our car picked us. It was 4 pm and it was our time for return journey to Gangtok.

We are at Changu lake

We then climbed down towards Gangtok leaving behind Changu Lake. Now this 1 hour journey was thrilled with driving experience in a heavy rain in hilly area. Finally we crossed check post before 5 pm and reached Gangtok with loads of sweet memories of day long tour in Changu and Nathula .

Yak riding at Changu lake

Some important facts for my fellow travelers:

1. Car rental for Nathula and Changu trip

• Innova and xylo , Rs. 3000 – 3500
• Suma and max, Rs. 2500 to 3000
• Shared service, 350- 400 per head

From trip Darjeeling to Gangtok: We took a Mahindra Xylo: Booking charged Rs. 2500/-

2. Distance and road condition upto Nathula

Road condition is good all the way upto narhula as the road is maintained by BRO. Distance from Gangtok to Nathula is about 55 km and only 6-10 km road condition is bad . But overall road condition is good.

3. Any sickness due to high altitude

Tsomgo lake is 12000 ft and Nathula is 13000 ft above sea level . So there is not much problem there due to high altitude.

4. Journey to old Baba temple: it’s 10 km from the new shrine and worth to visit . This is not included in our package. Driver charges Rs. 1200 per car for this trip. It’s same like zero point trip from yamthung.

4. Hotel price in Gangtok: I have already shared in my last blog. It varies depending on season. We stayed at central point lodge . Deluxe room they charged us Rs 2000 per night for 3 beds. In Lal market area, they charge between Rs. 1000 to 2000 depending on season and hotel locations.

5. Where to go for booking cab: You can book from hotel or from nearby travel agents. But check prices from 2-3 places.

Rumtek bus stand: It’s located near police commissioner office in Lal market. You can directly book car for sightseeing in Gangtok or for Yumthang or Changu.

Siliguri bas stand near Deorali market: you can book shared or private car fot siliguri or other places.

6. Local taxi fare: if you stay in Deorali market, you can visit MG Marg or Lal market availing local taxi, they charge Rs. 20 per son per ride.

Hope you find this helpful. Please let me know your view.

Thanks,

Gobinda

 

Your 1 hour session can enlighten 100 needy students. Are you ready?

Dear alumnus/friends,

I have posted this message to request your non financial support for a social initiative to help underprivileged students.

Our organization: Lakshya foundation, a social initiative from JU and IIT Alumnus

Please look at our last social activities at: https://www.facebook.com/Lakshya-Foundation-130848373714896/?ref=hl

Please like our page to get more updates in future.

Our vision: Support needy and meritorious to realize their dream.

Our next initiative: we need to conduct a small 1-2 hrs session to mentor students how to score in academic.

Request your participation: 1 day workshop for mentoring students

• Share your tips how to score in board exam (especially 10+, Madhyamik or secondary)
• Share tips for math and English
• Share tips about how to plan for JEE. ( especially for 10+2 board students)
• How to plan your career for selecting stream in higher secondary

Your tips in 1-2 hours class will enlighten young minds who do not have resources to excel.

We will share more details if you share your willingness.

Look forward to seeing your participation and valuable suggestions.

Regards,

Gobinda Roy

Founder and chief mentor – Lakshya Foundation

Contact: foundation.lakshya@gmail.com

Bandel church – weekend destination to spend time with splendor of holly church and winter chill garnished with 500 old histories.

If you looking for a weekend destination and picnic spot near Kolkata, then Bandel church and nearby hooghly ghat is a perfect option for 50 km cool long drive to reach this holly church. I start this blog post with history of Bandel church and then shared our related travel information.

We are at Bandel Church with other kids from our team members

Bandel Church – at the top

History of Bandel church: a perfect reason to visit this holly historical monument and famed as “Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary Bandel”

In 1655, a Portuguese ship, in deep sea of Bay of Bengal, was facing deadly storm. And possibility of survival seemed impossible. Captain prayed to Mother Mary to save their poor souls and promised to sacrifice a mast to church which he would meet first. By the grace of Virgin, both lives and ship were saved. On a beautiful morning, a Portuguese ship appeared at the port of Hoogly ( near Bandel port) and captain landed from the ship and donated the mast as he promised to Bandel church. Many hundreds year has been elapsed; still church holds its old mast at entrance of church gate.

Beautiful sclupture at Bandel Church

But the history of this church takes you few decades earlier than the stated facts above. Here are few important historical milestones reminded us the importance of this holly church in Indian history.

• In 1950s, Bandel, (Bengali word “bandar” which means “port”) was an important port of Hooghly at the time of Portuguese and Mughals. Mughal Emperor Akbar give permission to build a town in Hooghly and Portuguese began using Bandel as a port in the sixteenth century.
• Bandel church located in Bandel is known as one of the oldest churches in West Bengal, and this church stands as a memorial to the Portuguese settlements in Bengal. Dedicated to Nostra Senhora di Rozario, popularly known as Our Lady of the Rosary.
• This first church of Bandel dated in 1599 was burnt and destroyed by the Moors in 1632. As history reveals, Emperor Shah Jehan attacked and destroyed the Portuguese settlements including the church. Four out of the five priests were killed and lone Father Joan da Cruz survived.
• Father da Cruz was captured and taken to Delhi, but his miraculous power impressed Emperor Shah Jehan. Emperor Shah Jehan donated about 101.21 hectares to the local Christians,
• Then the present form of church and monastery are said to be built in 1660 by Father Joan De Cruz, but the key stone of the old church was dated 1599 located at the eastern gate of the Monastery.
• On November 25, 1988, Pope John Paul II declared the sanctuary a minor basilica.

How to reach Bandel church

Bandel church is very well connected with major rail gateways in West Bengal.

Journey to Bandel church – our team at Hoogly Ghat station

Train route: From Howrah, you can take very frequent Howrah-Bandel local to reach Bandel station. And from there you can take auto to reach Bandel church.

From Sealdah: There are very few direct local trains between Sealdah and Bandel. In the morning, there is one Sealdah to Bardwan local via Bandel at 10:15 am and directly reach you to Bandel at 11: 20 am.

Alternatively, there are many trains between Sealdah and Naihati and get down at Naihati.  From there you get Naihati- Bandel local in every 30 minutes. If you go via Bandel, then get down at Hoogly Ghat station (2nd station after leaving Naihati station). From Hoogly Ghat station, this distance is less as compared to distance from Bandel station. It’s about 1-2 km from Hoogly Ghat station, and auto takes about 10 min to reach Bandel church. Toto charge Rs. 10  per head for Bandel church.

Car direction: I can share guidance only from airport as I travelled from my New Barrackpore area by car. From airport you drive straight up to Madhyamgram choumatha and then take left along Sodepur-Madhyamgram road and drive about 8 km to reach Muraghacha. From this junction, you have to take right turn to take Kalyani express way to reach up to Naihati and from Naihati you have to take left to cross the river and from there it’s about 6 Km to reach Bandel church. From airport it about 50 km and about 2 hours drive. Road condition is good so far.

What to see at Bandel church

1) Beautiful holy church is surely the biggest attraction of this place. Especially I liked prayer halls, holly inscription, beautiful sculpture depicting crucification of jesus christ. This church has several altars and a shrine of Mary, who is known as Our Lady of the Rosary and Our Lady of Happy Voyage.

2) Boating in Hoogly River. From the top of the church , you enjoy holiness of God with beautiful distant views of river hoogly. There is a small mela near hoogly bank. But , this is outside the church campus. We reached there taking a small lane to hoogly ghat. We also spotted many picnic parties enjoying pinic day near river bank.

Distant view of Hoogly rever from Bandel Church

3) Boat trip to Imambara: This is another tourist destination located very close to Bandel church. You can go by auto and they charge Rs 10 per head. We went to church on 27th December, 2015. It being a heavy rush time we skipped this spot. We spent whole day in church’s ground.

We are at Bandel Church Ganden after day long picnic

What is best time for visiting Bandel Church?

1. Obviously winter is the best time for visit.
2. I heard 25^th December Church is closed to outsiders due to their rituals. Better avoid this place on 25^th December due to mad rush.

Some tips

1. During top season in December 25 to January’s 10, you may face parking problem. This time have found no parking zone in nearby church area.

2. No entry fees for entrance.

3. If you go there without any food arrangement, you may find some average restaurant nearby.

References:

My own travel experience

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandel

http://hooghly.gov.in/description.htm

http://www.come2india.org/bandel-basilica.html