Crispy Funny Child | Crispy Funny Child https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com Squaryum's Travel Blog Sun, 01 Mar 2026 06:21:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/cropped-Mini-Logo-32x32.png Crispy Funny Child | Crispy Funny Child https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com 32 32 Travel To & Stay In Darad Diani Hotel https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/travel-to-stay-in-darad-diani-hotel/ Sat, 21 Feb 2026 07:36:18 +0000 https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/?p=1092

Travel To Ukunda & Stay In Darad Diani Hotel

Ukunda, Kwale County, Kenya

Port of Mombasa:

The only international seaport in Kenya, which connects Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, South Sudan & Somalia via a multi-modal transport network. The history of the port dates back to 1st Century AD, especially from the ancient Arab and Persian dhow trading hub to East Africa‘s largest, modern deepwater port. Kilindini Harbour is one of the main parts of the port.

Kilindini Harbour:

Inaugurated in 1896, during the construction of Uganda Railway. During World War II, it served as the base of the British Eastern Fleet.

47 Counties of Kenya

Mombasa Kwale Kilifi Tana River Lamu
Taita–Taveta Garissa Wajir Mandera Marsabit
Isiolo Meru Tharaka-Nithi Embu Kitui
Machakos Makueni Nyandarua Nyeri Kirinyaga
Murang’a Kiambu Turkana West Pokot Samburu
Trans-Nzoia Uasin Gishu Elgeyo-Marakwet Nandi Baringo
Laikipia Nakuru Narok Kajiado Kericho
Bomet Kakamega Vihiga Bungoma Busia
Siaya Kisumu Homa Bay Migori Kisii
Nyamira Nairobi

Ukunda:

It is a coastal town, in Kwale County, Kenya. It is adjacent to Diani Beach. It is located between Mombasa (to the north) & Lunga Lunga (to the south).

Diani:

It is a popular beach on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. The beach stretches from Congo River (north) to Galu Beach (south).

Lunga Lunga:

It is a border town, in Kwale County, Kenya. It is located near Kenya‘s international border with Tanzania (another country of Africa).

Dongo Kundu Bypass:

It is also known as Mombasa Southern Bypass Highway. It was opened to public traffic in August 2024. It is roughly around 17.5 km, reducing the time of travel from Moi International Airport to Diani Beach, making tourist travel & transport faster than before.

Port Reitz:

It is a district of Mombasa, named after Lieutenant J. J. Reitz (Johannes Jacobus Reitz), famous for the site of Moi International Airport.

J. J. Reitz:

Born: 3rd May, 1801 in Cape Town, South Africa
Joined British Royal Navy: 29th April, 1814
He was promoted to lieutenant of British Royal Navy, in February 1824. The same year he died because of high fever, which was suspected as Malaria.

Darad Diani Hotel:

It is a hotel in Ukunda, Kenya. It is close to Diani Beach.
Road Access: Diani Link Road

Nomad Beach Bar & Restaurant:

It is located on Diani Beach, Kenya, with a fabulous & stylish outside seating arrangement.
Road access: Diani Beach Road

Coast Dishes:

A local restaurant, which is close to Darad Diani Hotel & Diani Beach.
Road access: Diani Beach Road

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Journey To Mombasa https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/journey-to-mombasa/ Sat, 31 Jan 2026 07:24:15 +0000 https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/?p=1066

Journey To Mombasa

Air Ride From Kolkata

Kolkata

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport

Mumbai

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose:

Born: 23rd January, 1897
5th Mayor of Calcutta (now Kolkata): 22nd August, 193015th April, 1931
President of the Indian National Congress: 18th January, 193829th January, 1939
President of the All India Forward Bloc: 22nd June, 193916th January, 1941
Leader of Indian National Army: 4th July, 194318th August, 1945
Died: 18th August, 1945 (it is said that he died due to Third-Degree Burns from aircrash)

Kolkata International Airport:

Eshtablished in 1924 as DumDum Airport.
In 1995, it was renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.

Before the eshtablishment of this airport:
28th December, 1910Baron de Caters and Jules Tyck conducted early demonstrations at present Tollygunge Club. Mrs. N.C. Sen (Mrinalini Sen), sister of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, became the first Indian woman to fly in an aeroplane during these demonstrations.
24th December, 1912Jules Tyck and Baron De Cators took off from and landed on the Calcutta Maidan.
1920 – Empty area, near the construction of Victoria Memorial, was used as airbase for Italian aircraft.

Mrinalini Sen:

First Indian woman to fly in an aeroplane. She was a poet.
Born: 3rd August, 1879
Married to Raja of Paikpara at the age of 12 and widowed few years later.
Married Nirmal Chandra Sen (Mr. N.C. Sen), after placing her brother on the throne of Paikpara, and became Mrs. N.C.Sen.
She had 1 son, N.C. Sen (Jr), and 3 daughters, Srilata, Arati & Anjali.
Died: 8th March, 1972

Indian National Army (INA):

Founded by Captain Mohan Singh, in 1942, using Indian prisoners of war from the British army, with Japanese support, to fight for India’s independence.
From 1943, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose led INA, transforming it into a powerful force and eshtablishing Azad Hind Government.

Slogan of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom.”

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Shivaji I):

Born: 19th February, 1630
Member of Bhonsle dynasty.
Became Chhatrapati at Raigad Fort, in 1674.
Father: Shahaji
Mother: Jijabai
Died: 3rd April, 1680

Wives:
Sai Bhonsale ​(married: 1640; died: 1659)​
Soyarabai ​(married: 1650; died: 1681)​
Putalabai ​(married: 1653; died: 1680)​
Sakvarbai ​(married: 1657) [died in the captivity of Aurangzeb, when taken as a prisoner along with royal family members, following the death of Sambhaji I]​

Mumbai International Airport:

1928Juhu Aerodrome was established as first civil airport of India.
1942Santa Cruz Airport (now Terminal 1) was built as Sahar Airport.
1999 – renamed to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
30th August, 2018 – renamed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Independence day of Kenya:

12th December, 1963, which is celebrated as Jamhuri Day

Nairobi

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)

Mombasa

Moi International Airport (MIA)

Jomo Kenyatta:

Born: around 1894 (birth records among the Kikuyu were not kept at that time)
Original Name: Kamau wa Mūigai
Place Of Birth: Ngenda, British East Africa (now in Kenya)
1938: Named as Jomo Kenyatta
Member of Parliament for Gatundu: 1963 – 1978
Chairman of the Kenya African National Union (KANU): 1961–1978
Prime Minister of Kenya: 1st June, 1963 – 12th December, 1964
1st President of Kenya: 12th December, 1964 – 22nd August, 1978
Died: 22nd August, 1978

Nairobi International Airport:

9th March, 1958 – opened as Embakasi Airport.
1978 – renamed as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Situated in Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya.

Daniel arap Moi :

Born: 2nd September, 1924
Original Name: Toroitich Arap Moi
around 1930s: Named as Daniel arap Moi (baptized into the Christian faith at a mission school)
Member of Parliament: 5th December, 1963 – 20th December, 2002
Minister for Home Affairs: 28th December, 1964 – 9th April, 1978
3rd Vice President of Kenya: 5th January, 1967 – 22nd August, 1978
Chairperson of the OAU: 24th June, 1981 – 6th June, 1983
2nd President of Kenya: 22nd August, 1978 – 30th December, 2002 (longest-serving president of Kenya till date)
Died: 4th February, 2020

Mombasa International Airport:

Eshtablished during the Second World War as Port Reitz Airport.
1979 – renamed as Moi International Airport (MIA).
Situated in Port Reitz, Mombasa, Kenya.

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Patalpani Waterfall & Choral Dam https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/patalpani-waterfall-choral-dam/ Sat, 13 Dec 2025 04:21:31 +0000 https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/?p=1044

Patalpani Waterfall & Choral Dam

Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India

Indore:

Cleanest city of Madhya Pradesh, India. The city is divided into:

  • Old Indore – Historic place, consisting of old & magnificient palaces, temples & market places
  • New Indore – Modern developing part, including some special areas like Super Corridor, VIjay Nagar, Pithampur & other such areas.

Chappan Dukan (56 Shops) is a speciality of Indore, where 56 different vendors sell different varieties of Indian street foods.

Patalpani Waterfall:

A 91 meter (300 ft) waterfall on Choral River, situated in Mhow tehsil of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. The name is taken from 2 Hindi wordsPatal (underworld) & Pani (water).

Nearest railway station: Patalpani Railway Station

Choral Dam:

Built on Choral River, it is famous for the scenic beauty & popular picnic spots near Mhow, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. It was a part of Choral River Valley Project, which began in 1978 and completed in 1993, providing water to irrigation.

Mhow:

Founded by Sir John Malcolm, in 1818.

Full form: Military Headquarters Of War

Historically, it served as a vital British cantonment. In 2003, it was officially renamed as Dr. Ambedkar Nagar, named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar), who was born here.  He was an Indian jurist, economist, social reformer & political leader, who was born on 14th April, 1891 and died on 6th December, 1956.

Sir John Malcolm, who was born on 2nd May, 1769 and died on 30th May 1833, was a Madras Army officer, diplomat, colonial administrator, politician and historian.

Today, Mhow is recognised as Indian Army cantonment area, consisting of infantry school, museum and other things related to Indian Army.

Choral River:

A tributary of Narmada River, which rises in the Vindhyachal Range, near Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. It provides different activities, like boating, picnic & other related activities, especially for those who love nature. It is famous for Choral Dam.

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Natural Destinations of Similipal National Park https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/natural-destinations-of-similipal-national-park/ Sun, 07 Dec 2025 06:17:38 +0000 https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/?p=1022

Natural Destinations of Similipal National Park

Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India

3 Main Natural Destinations:

  • Hadahadi Waterfall
  • Sacred Sal Tree
  • Barehipani Waterfall

Hadahadi Waterfall:

Hidden natural beauty of Similipal National Park, situated about 1.5 km from Jamuani Nature Camp, in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India.

Sacred Sal Tree:

Age: around 340 years
It is termed as heritage & sacred by the people of Similipal National Park.

Sal Tree:

scientific name: Shorea robusta

Cultural Aspect:
According to Hindu tradition, this tree is sacred. It is associated with Lord Vishnu. The name Sal came from the word Shala, which means rampart in Sanskrit. Some Hindus worship Sarna Burhi, who is depicted as the Goddess of Sal tree groves and she is strongly associated with water and plant life.
According to Buddhist tradition, Gautama Buddha died at the age of 80, in a grove between two Sal trees.

Uses:

  • Strong durable & decay resistant wood is used in railway sleepers, construction, shipbuilding & furniture.
  • Sal Butter, extracted from seeds, is an edible oil, which is used in cooking & lighting.
  • Resin is used in rituals, like making incense. It is also used in treating oily skin, itching & rashes.
  • Pastes from the leaves are used to treat skin problems.
  • It is used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating coughs, headaches, piles, fractures & ear problems.
  • The leaves are often used in making disposable plates and bowls.

Goat:

scientific name: Capra aegagrus hircus
Generally domesticated four-legged mammal.
food habit: Herbivores (though sometimes they may opportunistically eat small animals or animal-based scraps whenever they find)

They are Ruminants with four-chambered stomach (Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum & Abomasum), which allow them to ferment and digest tough plant matter through a process called Rumination, which involves regurgitating and rechewing. 

Uses:

  • Good source of meat, milk & dairy products.
  • Some breeds, like Angora and Cashmere goat, provides high quality fibers, which are used in making clothes & rugs.
  • Goat skins are used in making leather goods, like gloves & shoes.

Barehipani Falls:

India‘s second highest waterfall
Odisha‘s highest waterfall
height: 399 meters (1,309 ft)

Two-tiered waterfall located in Similipal National Park in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. It is on Budhabalanga River.

Another waterfalls (Joranda Falls) is roughly around 0.4 km (20 km  drive from Barehipani Chowk through Ghati routes). Sometimes, Joranda Falls & Barehipani Falls are referred as natural companions in Similipal National Park.

Budhabalanga River:

Budhabalanga means Old Balanga. It rises in the Similipal Hills and flows through different villages, cities & districts:

  • Karanjiapal village of Bangriposi, in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India
  • Jhankapahadi village of Bangriposi, in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India
  • Baripada city Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India
  • Balasore (Baleswar) district of Odisha, India

The river finally flows into Bay of Bengal. Some tributaries of Budhabalanga River are:

  • Palapala
  • Sunei
  • Kalo
  • Sanjo
  • Deo
  • Gangahari
  • Katra Nala
  • Chipat
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Barehipani Nature Camp https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/barehipani-nature-camp/ Sat, 29 Nov 2025 10:23:59 +0000 https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/?p=995

Barehipani Nature Camp

Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India

Simul Tree:

scientific name: Bombax ceiba
Also known as Semal Tree or Silk-Cotton Tree. Similipal is named after this tree.
The kapok fiber (fluffy & cotton-like fibers) of Simul are used for stuffing  pillows, quilts, sofas and other such things.
Medically, the roots & bark are used for treating diarrhea, dysentery & constipation. The flowers & their extracts help in treating cough, asthma & bronchitis. The bark & gum are used for healing wonds. The gum is used for Pulmonary Tuberculosis treatment.
Garasia tribe (of Rajasthan, India) consider this tree as sacred.

Barehipani Nature Camp:

A resort under Odisha Eco Tourism, which is under Odisha Government Tourism.

Tribes:

The tribes, who dwell in and around Similipal, are Khadia, Mankidia, Lodha, Ho, Kolha, Santal, Bhumija & Munda, out of which,  Khadia, Mankidia & Lodha are recorded as PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups).

Khadia (Kharia):

The tribe, who generally rely on forest products, like honey, resin, and arrowroot. Their traditional occupation is hunting and gathering forest products. They generally speak Kharia language, which belongs to Munda branch of Austroasiatic languages.

Lodha:

They belong to a larger Munda ethnic group, who generally speak Mundari language. History says that, the British government termed them as the Criminal Tribe under the Criminal Tribes Act, which later got repealed.

Mankidia:

This semi-nomadic Austroasiatic tribe is a section of Birhor tribe. This tribe traditionally depend on forest for their livelihood through hunting, food-gathering & rope-making.

Ho:

This indigenous tribe primarily practice agriculture and depend on forest-based livelihoods.

Bhumija (Bhumij):

A Munda subgroup, who traditionally follow Hinduism. They are famous for Bhumij Revolt (18321833) against British East India Company. The revolt was led by Ganga Narayan Singh.

Munda:

An indigenous Austroasiatic ethnic group of Mundari language speaking people. Their economy is generally based on agriculture, especially shifting cultivation. They generally follow Adi Dharam (a religion that respects natural spirits associated with trees, rivers & hills) and celebrates different seasonal festivals, like Phagu, Karam, Baha Parab & Sarhul.

Kolha:

This indigenous tribe of approximately 6,25,009 people were historically hunters & gatherers. Now, they are primarily agriculturists, who are mainly involved in paddy cultivation.

Santal (Santhal):

The third largest tribe of India with rich cultural traditions, which include distinctive music, dance & festivals. They speak the Santhali language, which is a Munda branch of Austroasiatic language. In 1925, Pandit Raghunath Murmu developed the Ol Chiki script (30 letters) for the Santhali language.

Birsa Munda:

He is an icon of Munda tribe, who was born on 15th November, 1875, at Ulihatu village, in Ranchi district of Bengal Presidency (now in Khunti district of Jharkhand, India). He is remembered as the rebellion, who raised a movement against the British oppression. His movement is referred as the key event of Indian freedom strugle. He was arrested and died in jail on 9th June, 1900.

Tribal Dance:

  • Pinkali, Bahabana & Kathi dances are generally performed by the Kolha tribe. They are typically performed to the rhythm of traditional musical instruments, like drums and flutes.
  • Changu Dance is a folk dance, which is generally performed by women, following the rhythm of changu (a rural tambourine, which is played by men). This dance is associated with Bhuiyan, Bathudi, Khadia, Juang, Mechi & Kondha tribes.
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Journey To Similipal Tiger Reserve https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/journey-to-similipal-tiger-reserve/ Wed, 19 Nov 2025 11:51:26 +0000 https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/?p=959

Journey To Similipal Tiger Reserve

Road Ride From Kolkata

Early morning, we started our road trip from Kolkata, West Bengal, India, by a 4 wheeler.

Rupnarayan River:

The river originates as Dhaleshwari River, in Chota Nagpur Plateau (northeast of Purulia, West Bengal, India). It flows southeast, passing Bankura (a city in West Bengal, India), where it is known as Dwarakeshwar River. This Dwarakeshwar River joins with Shilabati River, near Ghatal (a town in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India), where it is known as Rupnarayan River. Finally, the river discharges into Hooghly River.
History says that, Tamralipti Port (ancient port of Gupta Dynasty) was located at present day Tamluk (a town in West Bengal, India), on the banks of Rupnarayan River.

GUPTA DYNASTY: early 4th century AD – late 6th century AD

NH16:

It is a national highway, which starts from Dankuni, West Bengal, India to Nallur, Tamil Nadu, India. It is also known as Grand Northern Trunk Road. It runs through the Indian states of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana & Tamil Nadu.
Nallur is a town in Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Dankuni is a city in Hooghly district of West Bengal, India. It is near Kolkata, West Bengal, India. So, NH16 is sometimes called Kolkata-Chennai Highway.
Previously, NH16 was known as NH5.

Haldia:

It is an industrial port city of Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. It is situated at the mouth of Hooghly River. It is said to be the center of petrochemical business and the major trade port of Kolkata, West Bengal, Inida.
History says that, Haldia was the only Indian city to have a Japantown (Japanese communities in cities & towns outside Japan).

Ghatal:

It is a town in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India.
History says that, before early British rule, Ghatal was famous for the manufacture of cotton goods, tussar silk, bell metal utensils and other such products. Even, there was a Dutch factory. During the early British period, Ghatal was a part of Jahanabad (later Arambagh), in Hooghly district.
1869 – Formation of Ghatal municipality
1872 – Ghatal moved into Medinipur district
1876 – Formation of Ghatal subdivision
2002 – Ghatal moved into Paschim Medinipur district (when Medinipur was divided into Purba [East] Medinipur & Paschim [West] Medinipur)

Kharagpur:

It is the major industrial city in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. It is located to the west of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It is famous for the oldest & biggest IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) institute (IIT Kharagpur).
History says that, Kharagpur was named after Kharga Malla [841 AD862 AD] (12th ruler of Mallabhum dynasty), who conquered it.

MALLABHUM DYNASTY: around 694 AD – 1983 AD

Kalaikunda:

It is a town in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. It is famous for Kalaikunda Air Force Station, which acts as a base of Indian Air Force.
History says that, Kalaikunda Air Force Station was built by the British during World War II.

Jhargram:

It is a city in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. It is a popular tourist destination, containing many ancient temples, dense forests & royal palaces.

Sambalpur:

It is said to be the fifth largest city of Odisha, India, located on the banks of River Mahanadi. The river originates in Sihawa Hills of Chhattisgarh, India. It flows through Chhattisgarh & Odisha, crossing cities like Raipur, Sambalpur Cuttack, before flowing into Bay of Bengal. River Mahanadi is famous for Hirakud Dam (built accross River Mahanadi), which was the first major multipurpose river valley project after India‘s independence.

Raipur:

Previously, when there was no Chhattisgarh, Raipur was a part of Madhya Pradesh, India. On 1st November, 2000, when Chhattisgarh was cut out as a separate state from Madhya Pradesh, Raipur became the capital city of Chhattisgarh, India.

Nagpur:

It is the Orange City of Maharashtra, India. It is the major trade center of distinct & high-quality oranges, which are grown in the region and brought to Nagpur for export to different cities, states & countries. So, it is called Orange City.

Baharagora:

It is a town in East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, India. It provides an entry point to Jharkhand from 2 statesWest Bengal, India (12 km) & Odisha, India (7 km).

Jashipur:

It is a town in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. It serves as one of the entry points to Similipal National Park.

Mayurbhanj:

It is a district of Odisha, India. It is famous for Similipal National Park or Similipal Tiger Reserve.

Pathri:

It is a town in Parbhani district of Maharashtra, India.

Bisoi:

It is a village in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India.

Similipal:

1956 – Officially designated as a Tiger Reserve
1973 – Included under Project Tiger program
1979 – Declared as a wildlife sanctuary by the Odisha Government
1980 – Declared as a National Park
1994 – Declared as a Biosphere Reserve by India Government
2009 – Added to the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves

Khairi River:

The river flows through the core area of Similipal, within Similipal Tiger Reserve, in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. It acts as a vital water source for the wildlife of Similipal. It is the site, where the famous Khairi (a tigress cub) was found.

Khairi:

An orphaned tigress cub, who was found abandoned near Khairi River by Saroj Raj Choudhury, who was the first Forest Conservator under the government of Odisha. She lived in his house and raised by him & his wife (Nihar), from 1974 to 1981, depicting a unique, affectionate & trusting bond between animals & humans. Khairi died in 1982.

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Journey To Siliguri & Stay In Mainak Tourism Property https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/journey-to-siliguri-stay-in-mainak-tourism-property/ Sun, 17 Aug 2025 07:25:37 +0000 https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/?p=900

Journey To Siliguri & Stay In Mainak Tourism Property

Howrah To Siliguri, West Bengal

Vande Bharat Express

express train
Howrah Railway Station to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station

Mainak Tourism Property

West Bengal tourism property
in Siliguri

Bolpur:

It is a city & municipality in Birbhum district of West Bengal, India. It is famous for Santiniketan (also spelled as Shantiniketan), which was eshtablished by Maharshi Devendranath Tagore and, later expanded by his son, Rabindranath Tagore, who was a nobel laureate. It is also known for Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary (or Deer Park).

Malda:

It is a city in West Bengal, India, on the banks of Mahananda River. It is also known as English Bazar because of the English factories, which were eshtablished in the 17th century, along the banks of Mahananda River for high profitable trade.

Howrah Railway Station:

Eshtablished in 1854, it is one of the oldest, largest & busiest railway station in India. The first train ran from Howrah to Hooghly on 15th August, 1854.

Siliguri:

Situated on the banks of Mahananda River and in the foothills of the Himalayas, it is one of the northern cities of West Bengal, India and famous for tea, timber & tourism.

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Chel Khola https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/chel-khola/ Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:22:58 +0000 https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/?p=764

Chel Khola

Kalimpong, West Bengal

Chel Khola:

It is a river, which originates in the Sakam Reserve Forest and flows through Ambiok, Gorubathan, Odlabari, Rajadanga & other places. It merges with the Neora River, forming the Dharala River, which eventually joins with the Teesta River.

Sakam Reserve Forest:

It is a forest, which is located in the Kalimpong Forest Division, from where Chel Khola originates.

Some say that Chel Khola originates in Pankhasari Reserved Forest of Kalimpong Forest Division.

Gorubathan:

It is a village of Kalimpong Sadar subdivision of Kalimpong district of West Bengal, India. It is said that this place was once ruled by the Lepcha kings.

Lepcha Tribe:

They are indigenous people, composed of the Renjóngmú of Sikkim, the Dámsángmú of Kalimpong, Kurseong & Mirik, the ʔilámmú of Ilam district of Nepal and Promú of Samtse and Chukha in southwestern Bhutan.

Odlabari:

It is a town in Malbazar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, India. It is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by tea gardens & forests.

Ambiok:

Also spelled as Ambeok, is a small village in Ambeok Tea Garden of West Bengal, which is famous for tea garden & production.

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Khoshbagh & Jafarganj Cemetery https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/khoshbagh-jafarganj-cemetery/ Sun, 16 Feb 2025 05:33:27 +0000 https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/?p=671

Khoshbagh & Jafarganj Cemetery

Murshidabad, West Bengal

Khoshbagh

cemetery of
Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah & his family

Jafarganj Cemetery

cemetery of
Nawab Mir Jafar & his family

Afshar Dynasty

Alivardi Khan (29 April, 1740 – 9 April, 1756) Siraj ud-Daulah (9 April, 1756 – 23 June, 1757)

Daughters of Nawab Alivardi Khan & Sharfunnesa Begum:

  1. Ghaseti Begum married Nawazish Muhammad Khan, who was the governor of Dhaka, and was childless.
  2. Maimuna Begum married Syed Ahmed Khan Sawlat Jung, who was the nephew of Nawab Alivardi Khan. They had a son, whose name was Shawkat Jung.
  3. Amina Begum married Zain ud-Din Ahmed Khan, who was the governor of Patna. They had 2 sons, Ikram ud-Daulah & Siraj ud-Daulah.

During his rule, Nawab Alivardi Khan faced lots of battles & raids from the Marathas. Even Siraj ud-Daulah revolted against him, in 1750, and seized Patna. But, the revolt was suppressed and Siraj ud-Daulah was forgiven by his grandfather, Nawab Alivardi Khan. Once, he even saved Amina Begum, Ikram ud-Daulah & Siraj ud-Daulah from the Afghan revels of Mustafa Khan, who killed Nawazish Muhammad Khan in an attempt to take control of Bihar, and drove out the Afghan rebels, in 1751.

Ghaseti Begum adopted Ikram ud-Daulah, who died at a young age due to small pox. His death led to grief & death of Nawazish Muhammad Khan. After Nawab Alivardi Khan, Ghaseti Begum tried to enthrone Shawkat Jung, in place of Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah, but failed, which gave birth to her conspiracy against Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah.

Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah, during his rule, seized the wealth of Ghaseti Begum from Motijheel Palace and placed her under confinement. Along with this, Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah appointed Mir Madan as the paymaster of the army, replacing Mir Jafar. Mohanlal was also elevated to the rank of courtclerk. Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah even suppressed and killed Shaukat Jang in a battle. In June 1756, Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah captured Calcutta (now Kolkata) from the British East India Company and named it Alinagar. This event is referred as the Black Hole of Calcutta, which is taken as one of the causes of British anger against Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah. Thus, such incedents led to a successful conspiracy & treachery of Mir Jafar & many others, in the Battle of Plassey, when they all sided with Robert Clive.

Lutfunnisa Begum was a Brahmin by birth, whose original name was Rajkunwari, and used to serve Sharfunnesa Begum. Her name was changed to Lutfunnisa Begum after her marriage with Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah.

The defeat of Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah in the Battle of Plassey, gave birth to the British rule in India.

After the Battle of Plassey, the women of the house of Nawab Alivardi Khan, including Ghaseti Begum, Amina Begum, Lutfunnisa Begum and some others, were imprisoned in Jinjira Palace, which is situated in Keraniganj of present Bangladesh. Some of them were poisoned to death, whereas others, including Ghaseti BegumAmina Begum, in 1760, were instructed to move to Murshidabad and, on the way, their boat was drowned in Buriganga River of present Bangladesh, which was ordered by Mir Miran.

Only Lutfunnisa Begum & Umme Zohra Begum were spared. During her stay in Jinjira Palace, Lutfunnisa Begum was tortured to get the location of the family jewels. Some say that Mir Jafar & his son each asked for her hand in marriage, which she refused. In 1765, Lutfunnisa Begum was released and brought back to Murshidabad. The British East India Company arranged a kind of pension for her living.

Some say that Umme Zohra Begum was married to Mir Asad Ali Khan Murad ud-Doulah, who was a nephew of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah. After marriage, Umme Zohra Begum was renamed as Qudsiyah Begum Sahiba.

Some say that Qudsiyah Begum Sahiba & Mir Asad Ali Khan Murad ud-Doulah had 4 daughters. Both of them died in 1774, leaving their 4 daughters to Lutfunnisa Begum. So, in March 1787, when Lutfunnisa Begum petitioned the British East India Company to increase her pension to meet the needs of her grand children, she was refused. 

Lutfunnisa Begum used to visit Khoshbagh, every afternoon, with the recitations from the Quran and light candles, till her death on 10 November, 1790.

Some say that, after the Battle of Plassey, Mohanlal, who was a trusted friend & official of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah, fled away and took the son of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah & Aleya Begum to a safe place in Mymensingh of present Bangladesh, where the son was adopted by a hindu family and was named as Jugal Kishore Ray Chaudhury.

Najafi Dynasty (Puppet Rulers Under British Rule)

Mir Jafar (2 June, 1757 – 20 October, 1760 & 25 July, 1763 – 17 January, 1765) Mir Qasim (20 October, 1760 – 7 July, 1763) Najm ud-Daulah (5 February, 1765 – 8 May, 1766)
Saif ud-Daulah (22 May, 1766 – 10 March, 1770)
Ashraf Ali Khan (10 March, 1770 – 24 March, 1770) Mubarak ud-Daulah (21 March, 1770 – 6 September, 1793)
Azud ud-Daulah (1793 – 28 April, 1810)
Ali Jah (5 June, 1810 – 6 August, 1821) Walla Jah (1821 – 30 October, 1824)
Humayun Jah (1824 – 3 October, 1838)
Feradun Jah (29 October, 1838 – 1 November, 1880 [abdicated]) title of Nawab of Bengal abolished

After becoming the Puppet Nawab of Bengal, it is said that Mir Jafar paid Rs. 17,700,000 to the officials & traders of the British East India Company. Some also say that he paid bribes to different officials of the British East India Company, especially Rs. 2 million to Robert Clive and Rs. 1 million to William Watts. But, when Mir Jafar found out that the demands of the British East India Company were crossing the limits, he took help of the Dutch East India Company, who were defeated by the British East India Company in the Battle of Chinsurah, in November 1759. The throne was taken away from Mir Jafar and handed over to Mir Qasim, who, at that time, was in favor of the British East India Company. But, when Mir Qasim refused to pay taxes to the British East India Company, he, joining with Shuja-ud-Daula, who was the Nawab of Awadh, and Shah Alam II, who was the Mugha Emperor, at that time, faught against the British East India Company in the Battle of Buxar, on 22 October, 1764. But, that battle was also won by the British East India Company. Mir Qasim was replaced by Mir Jafar, who again became the Puppet Nawab of Bengal.

Mir Jafar had 5 sons:

  1. Mir Miran
  2. Najm ud-Daulah, who was the son of Munni Begum
  3. Saif ud-Daulah, who was the son of Munni Begum
  4. Ashraf Ali Khan, who was the son of Rahat un-Nisa Begum
  5. Mubarak ud-Daulah, who was the son of Babbu Begum

Mir Jafar remained as the Puppet Nawab of Bengal till his death, in 1765.

Around 1880, the title of Nawab of Bengal was abolished and the descendants of the Nawab of Bengal were recognized as the Nawabs of Murshidabad, which was a mere status of social prestige and nothing more than that. They lost all their political powers.

Feradun Jah, whose original name was Mansur Ali Khan, lived till 4 November, 1884.

Nawabs of Murshidabad

Hassan Ali Mirza (17 February, 1882 – 25 December, 1906) Wasif Ali Mirza (December 1906 – 23 October, 1959) Waris Ali Mirza (1959 – 20 November, 1969)
Dispute (20 November, 1969 – 13 August, 2014) Abbas Ali Meerza (13 August, 2014 – present)
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Aranya Tourism Property https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/aranya-tourism-property/ Sat, 04 Jan 2025 12:43:02 +0000 https://www.crispyfunnychild.squaryum.com/?p=630

Aranya Tourism Property

Jaldapara, West Bengal

Jaldapara

District: Alipurduar
State: West Bengal
Country: India
Nearest Places: Madarihat & Birpara

Aranya Tourism Property

It is a resort under West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.

easy access to jeep safari & elephant ride

Jaldapara National Park
History says that there were 2 tribes, who used to live in this place, before 1800, when this place was known as Totopara:

  • Toto – (smallest indigenous ethnic group, who are on the verge of extinction, living in Totopara, on India‘s border with Bhutan)
  • Mech – (ethnic group, living in Nepal, Assam, West Bengal & Nagaland, belonging to Boro-Kachari group)

Tribal Dance

Tribe Dance
Toto Chichi Pawra
Mech

Bagroomba (performed by women at spring festivals)

Chal Jhumgre Gele Nai (rhythmic martial war dance)

Mesa Glang Nai (perpormed by women for youth to be hardworking and industrious)

Situated on the banks of Torsa River and at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas, in northern West Bengal, this place was established as Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, in 1941, which was later on elevated to Jaldapara National Park,  in May 2014, especially for the conservation of Indian Rhinoceros.

Bhawaiya
It is a type of folk song, which originated in North Bengal, especially in Ranpur division of Bangladesh, Cooch Behar district of West Bengal & undivided Goalpara district of Assam.

Torsa River
It is known by different names:

  1. Machu in Tibet
  2. Amo Chu in Bhutan

It originates at Chumbi Valley, in Tibet, flowing through different cities & towns:

  • Phuntsholing of Bhutan
  • Jaigaon & Hasimara of West Bengal, India (in Alipurduar district)
  • Cooch Behar of West Bengal, India

It joins with Kaljani River, before entering Bangladesh. Finally it merges with Brahmaputra River, before entering Bay of Bengal.

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