Incredible India! Chand Baori, Rajasthan

Situated just 100 kms from Jaipur on Agra - Jaipur Road, Chand Baori is an architectural wonder.Even after 1000 years of its constrution the unique well mesmerize the visitors with its intricate design. Probably one of the most beautiful examples of patterns in architecture, the 10th century Chand Baori well in the Indian state of Rajasthan is the world’s deepest, extending 100 feet below the surface of the earth.

Built as a solution to chronic water supply issues in this arid region, the well has a total of 3,500 steps in 13 levels arranged in an inverted ‘V’ shape and is adjacent to the Harshat Mata Temple. The walls are so steep that when standing at the bottom, you sometimes can’t see people who are on the steps above you.

It’s difficult to imagine the construction process for such a complex stone structure with the technology available at the time. Local legend has it that ghosts built it in a single night; perhaps that accounts for its preternaturally preserved state as well.

Incredible India! Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal

Little known and lying at the foot of the Bhutan hills (Eastern Himalayas), the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary with its panoramic view, covering an area of 216 sq. km., has special significance by maintaining remnants of terai grasslands harboring endangered Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis).

Established in 1941, it is situated in Alipurduar, sub division of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal. The river Tosha flows through this rain forest sanctuary. The Malangi river also flows nearby from east to west.

The Sanctuary provides extensive grasslands to the wild animals, becoming the last refuge to a wide variety of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds. The major animals seen in the Sanctuary are Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Sambhar, Cheetal, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Pig, Indian Gaur, Hispid Hare and a variety of avifauna including endangered Bengal florican. The sanctuary has 33 species of mammals, 240 species of birds, 16 species of reptiles, 8 species of turtles and 30 species of fishes. Riding elephants is the only way to move inside this forest.

How to Reach Jaldapara National Park

Bus and taxi services available from SIliguri (140 kms – 4 hours) and Jalpaiguri to reach this place. Bagdogra  Airport is about 140 kms from Madarihat (nearby township).