A FIELD STUDY REPORT ON EDUCATION TRIP FROM SIKKIM TO

DARJEELING

Supervisor Submitted by

Dr. Rajesh sharma SONAL MISHRA

Dr. Bhanuprakash M.Sc. BOTANY (Sem IV)

Department of Botany Roll no.:-15419BOTO57

BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY Enrol no.:-372590

(2015-2016)

0
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Feeling get expression in word and word express feeling. This statement may be true for day to
day ordinary feeling but I wonder whether I would do justice if I express my feeling in world for
the person involved in fulfilments of this academic tour in fact. I find my self-crippled, the
moment. I start jotting down my feelings in this regard. None the less this attempt is inscribed as
following.

I bow my head in respect to late Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of
Banaras Hindu University for his Life time sacrifice and efforts in establishing such a great
temple of learning for the cause of millions of students like me.

I wish to my gratitude to , Department of Botany, BHUfor valuable guide line and his untiring
and inspiring supervision critical assessment, help full suggestion and constant encouragement
throughout the memorable tour.

I am thankful to Dr.RAJESH SHARMA and Dr.BHANU PRAKASH for their constant help and
support with marvelous supervision in entire visiting and learning process.

I owe my thanks to Prof. Madhoolika Agrawal, head department of botany for providing
necessary facilities.

I express my heartfelt thanks to lab attendants Mr. Amit Sharma and Mr.Ashok Kumar for their
co-operation and taking care of collected materials.

No words can adorn the indebtedness to my beloved parent for their consecrated and inordinate
efforts and everlasting encouragement.

1
Content
# Introduction
# Chronological Order of Events
# Constitution of Tour
# Sites description
# Material collected during the tours
# Sweet Memories

2
 INTRODUCTION

Botanical tour is needed as the basic demond of the subject to understanding and interact with
nature and to interpret signature of biodiversity which are essential in understanding the
ecological process. They help to asses the ecological condition of various places being visited it
may be geographical enviremental and agricultural perespectives. It aims for through
examination of the flora and fauna of the various spot being visited and to draw conclusion from
the observations.

It is only time when student away from classrooms burden indulge themselves in the lap of
nature and cherishits hidden treasures.

Tour also holds a very significant place in college memories. It is not only gives us an
opportunity to explore different places but always help in stengthing the bonds with our friends.

We are highly fortunate since our university curriculum provide us with opportunities of
education tour. The tour spot selected was indeed with rich biodiversity. The whole was totally
exciting. We learned a lot about the environmental aspect of our subject and how botany play an
important role in the maintanace of ecosystem and nature development.

CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF EVENTS

SERIAL DAY DATE TIME PLACE VISITED SPOT MEANS OF
NO CONVEYENCE

1. MONDAY 2/01/2017 3:00 VARANASI MUGHALASARAI KAMAKHYA

P.M. EXPRESS

2. TUEDAY 3/01/2017 9:30 NEW JALPAIGURI PELLING BY CAR

A.M.

3. WEDNESDAY 4/1/2017 9:45 HELIPAD,KANCHENJUNGA PELLING BY WALKING

A.M. FALL,KHECHEOPALRI
LAKE,VIEW POINT

4 WEDNESDAY 4/1/2017 3:00 RHINCHING RINCHEN PONG BY CAR

P.M. PONG,SHINGSHORE
BRIDGE AT 4:30

3
5. THURSDAY 5/1/2017 8:00A.M. RESUM RINCHENPONG BY WALKING
MONESTRY,POISON LAKE,
TAGORE HOUSE,

6. FRIDAY 6/1/2017 5:00 KALIK MARKET,CHAR SIKKIM BY CAR

P.M. DHAM

7. SATURDAY 7/1/2017 8:00P.M. BOTANICAL DARZELLING BY CAR

GARDEN,ZOOLOGICAL
PARK, DARZELLING
MARKET
8. FRIDAY 8/1/2017 4:30A.M. TIGER HILL,BOTARIA DARZELLING BY CAR
LOOP,SPOTS
VISITS,BUDDHA TEMPLE,
ROPEWAY ST.JOSEPH
SCHOOL.
9. SATURDAY 8/10/2016 9:00 MARKET, DARZELLING BY CAR
A.M.

10. SUNDAY 9/1/2017 10:25 NEPAL ,PASHUPATI NJP BY CAR

A.M. MANDIR,

11. MONDAY 10/1/2017 3:00A.M STATION,HONGKONG NJP EXPRESS

MARKET
12. TUESDAY 11/1/2017 3:30 MUGHALSARAI MUGHALSARAI EXPRESS
A.M. JUNCTION

WHAT IS TOURISM ?

In 1976, the Tourism Society of England's definition was: "Tourism is the temporary, short-term
movement of people to destinations outside the places where they normally live and work and
their activities during the stay at each destination. It includes movements for all purposes.In
1941, Hunziker and Kraft defined tourism as "the sum of the phenomena and relationships
arising from the travel and stay of non-residents, insofar as they do not lead to permanent
residence and are not connected with any earning activity."

In 1981, the International Association of Scientific Experts in Tourism defined tourism in terms
of particular activities chosen and undertaken outside the home.

4
In 1994, the United Nations identified three forms of tourism in its Recommendations on
Tourism Statistics.

Domestic tourism, involving residents of the given country traveling only within this country
Inbound tourism, involving non-residents traveling in the given country
Outbound tourism, involving residents traveling in another country

The terms tourism and travel are sometimes used interchangeably. In this context, travel has a
similar definition to tourism, but implies a more purposeful journey. The
terms tourism and tourist are sometimes used pejoratively, to imply a shallow interest in the
cultures or locations visited. By contrast, traveler is often used as a sign of distinction. The
sociology of tourism has studied the cultural values underpinning these distinctions and their
implications for class.

IMPORTANCE OF FIELD STUDY

Tourism links communities throughout our vast province, and defines our image how we see
ourselves and how others see us. Tourism sector comprises five industries accommodation,
food and beverage, recreation and entertainment, transportation, and travel services.

But here Scince is a subject that needs practical training besides the theoretical knowledge.
Botany being an important branch of natural science infact require much more intense field
training than other branches. After all one can not be fully aquinted to the natural objects like
Rocks, Plants, Natural vegetation of different places of laboratory to have a close look at them or
to study them without practical approach.

SIKKIM AS A VISITING SPOT

Sikkim is a northeastern state of India. It borders China in its north and east, Bhutan in its
east, Nepal in its west and the Indian state of West Bengal in its south. Sikkim is also located
close to the Siliguri Corridor near Bangladesh. Sikkim is the least populous and second
smallest among the Indian states. A part of the Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim is notable for its
biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to

5
Kanchenjunga, the highest peak in India and third highest on Earth. Sikkim's capital and
largest city is Gangtok. Almost 25% of the state is covered by the Khangchendzonga National
Park.
Modern Sikkim is a multiethnic and multilingual Indian state. Sikkim has 11 official
languages: Nepali, Sikkimese, Lepcha, Tamang, Limbu, Newari, Rai, Gurung, Magar,
Sunwar and English. English is taught in schools and used in government documents. The
predominant religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Sikkim's economy is largely
dependent on agriculture and tourism, and as of 2014 the state had the third- smallest GDP
among Indian states, although it is also among the fastest-growing. Sikkim accounts for the
largest share of cardamom production in India, and is the world's second largest producer of the
spice after Guatemala. Sikkim has the highest share of agricultural land dedicated to organic
farming in India. It is also among India's most environmentally conscious states, having banned
plastic water bottles and styrofoam products.

GEOGRAPHY , GEOLOGY& CLIMATE

Nestling in the Himalayan mountains, the state of Sikkim is characterised by mountainous
terrain. Almost the entire state is hilly, with an elevation ranging from 280 metres (920 ft) to
8,586 metres (28,169 ft). The summit of Kangchenjungathe world's third-highest peak is the
state's highest point, situated on the border between Sikkim and Nepal. For the most part, the
land is unfit for agriculture because of the rocky, precipitous slopes. However, some hill slopes
have been converted into terrace farms. Numerous snow-fed streams have carved out river
valleys in the west and south of the state. These streams combine into the major Teesta River
and its tributary, the Rangeet, which flow through the state from north to south.About a third of
the state is heavily forested. The Himalayan mountains surround the northern, eastern and
western borders of Sikkim. The Lower Himalayas, lying in the southern reaches of the state, are
the most densely populated. The state has 28 mountain peaks, more than 80 glaciers, 227 high-
altitude lakes (including the Tsongmo, Gurudongmar and Khecheopalri Lakes), five major
hot springs, and more than 100 rivers and streams. Eight mountain passes connect the state to
Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. Sikkim's hot springs are renowned for their medicinal and
therapeutic values. Among the state's most notable hot springs are those at Phurchachu,
Yumthang, Borang, Ralang, Taram-chu and Yumey Samdong. The springs, which have a high

6
sulphur content, are located near river banks; some are known to emit hydrogen. The average
temperature of the water in these hot springs is 50 C (122 F).
The hills of Sikkim mainly consist of gneissose and half-schistose rocks, producing generally
poor and shallow brown clay soils. The soil is coarse, with large concentrations of iron oxide; it
ranges from neutral to acidic and is lacking in organic and mineral nutrients. This type of soil
tends to support evergreen and deciduous forests. Most of Sikkim is covered by Precambrian
rock, which is much younger in age than the hills. The rock consists of phyllites and schists, and
is highly susceptible to weathering and erosion. This, combined with the state's heavy rainfall,
causes extensive soil erosion and the loss of soil nutrients through leaching. As a result,
landslides are frequent, often isolating rural towns and villages from the major urban centres.
The state has five seasons: winter, summer, spring, autumn, and a monsoon season between June
and September. Sikkim's climate ranges from sub-tropical in the south to tundra in the north.
Most of the inhabited regions of Sikkim experience a temperate climate, with temperatures
seldom exceeding 28 C (82 F) in summer. The average annual temperature for most of Sikkim
is around 18 C (64 F). Sikkim is one of the few states in India to receive regular snowfall. The
snow line ranges from 6,100 metres (20,000 ft) in the south of the state to 4,900 metres (16,100
ft) in the north.The tundra-type region in the north is snowbound for four months every year, and
the temperature drops below 0 C (32 F) almost every night. In north-western Sikkim, the peaks
are frozen year-round; because of the high altitude, temperatures in the mountains can drop to as
low as 40 C (40 F) in winter. During the monsoon, heavy rains increase the risk of
landslides. The record for the longest period of continuous rain in Sikkim is 11 days. Fog affects
many parts of the state during winter and the monsoons, making transportation perilous.

FLORA AND FAUNA

Sikkim is situated in an ecological hotspot of the lower Himalayas, one of only three
among the ecoregions of India. The forested regions of the state exhibit a diverse range
of fauna and flora. Sikkim is home to around 5,000 species of flowering plants, 515 rare
orchids, 60 primula species, 36 rhododendron species, 11 oak varieties, 23 bamboo varieties,
16 conifer species, 362 types of ferns and ferns allies, 8 tree ferns, and over 900 medicinal
plants. A variant of the Poinsettia, locally known as "Christmas Flower", can be found in
abundance in the mountainous state. The Noble Dendrobium is the official flower of Sikkim,

7
while the rhododendron is the state tree. Orchids, figs, laurel, bananas, sal trees and bamboo
grow in the Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests of the lower altitudes of Sikkim. In the
temperate elevations above 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) there are Eastern Himalayan broadleaf
forests, where oaks, chestnuts, maples, birches, alders, and magnolias grow in large numbers,
as well as Himalayan subtropical pine forests, dominated by Chir pine. Alpine-type
vegetation is typically found between an altitude of 3,500 to 5,000 metres (11,500 to 16,400 ft).
In lower elevations are found juniper, pine, firs, cypresses and rhododendrons from the
Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests. Higher up are Eastern Himalayan alpine
shrub and meadows, home to a broad variety of rhododendrons and wildfl

The fauna of Sikkim include the snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, red panda,
Himalayan marmot, Himalayan serow, Himalayan goral, muntjac, common langur, Asian
black bear, clouded leopard, marbled cat, leopard cat, dhole, Tibetan wolf, hog badger,
binturong, and Himalayan jungle cat. Among the animals more commonly found in the alpine
zone are yaks, mainly reared for their milk, meat, and as a beast of burden.
The avifauna of Sikkim include the impeyan pheasant, crimson horned pheasant, snow
partridge, Tibetan snowcock, bearded vulture and griffon vulture, as well as golden eagles,
quails, plovers, woodcocks, sandpipers, pigeons, Old World flycatchers, babblers and
robins. Sikkim has more than 550 species of birds, some of which have been declared
endangered.

8
PELLING AS A VISITING SPOT (SIKKIM)
Pelling is a town in the district of West Sikkim, India. Pelling is nestled at an altitude of 2,150 m
(7,200 feet). The town is located at a distance of 10 km from the district headquarters of
Geyzing. A regular bus service connects the two towns. However with the influx of tourists, the
region is undergoing a metamorphosis, with the roads being repaired and hotels being set up.

LOCATION AND SURROUNDINGS

The Himalayas and the Kanchenjanga may be viewed at close quarters from Pelling. Pelling
also forms the base from where trekkers and other peripatetic adventurers undertake the
strenuous and arduous treks in West Sikkim. The land around Pelling is still a virgin territory and
is bathed with alpine vegetation, with numerous waterfalls lining the hillside. In the months of
winter, Pelling is sometimes covered with a blanket of snow. Pelling is 115 km from the state
capital Gangtok and about 135 km from Siliguri, the nearest railhead and airport. Regular jeeps
connect Pelling to the towns of Jorethang, Kalimpong and Namchi. The nearest airport is
Bagdogra airport. Most of the people of Pelling are Buddhists and speak the Sikkimese
language. Other languages spoken are Nepali, Hindi, and English.
9
MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Places to visit in and around Pelling include the local monasteries namely the ancient
Pemayangtse Monastery and Sanga Choeling Monastery, the rock garden and waterfall at
nearby Rimbi River, the holy rock of Rani Dhunga, the imposing doublepronged
Kanchenjungha Falls, the archaic quaint Singshore Bridge, the Chhange Waterfalls, and the
Khecheopalri Lake holy to Buddhists. Other locations close to Pelling are Yuksom,
Rinchenpong, Dzongri and Hee Burmiok.

PELLING HELIPAD
Pelling has a helipad ground though there is no regular air service. Helicopters can connect
Pelling with Gangtok on request.

10
KANCHENJUNGA HILL
Kanchenjunga, is the third highest mountain in the world, and lies partly in Nepal and
partly in Sikkim, India. It rises with an elevation of 8,586 m (28,169 ft) in a section of
the Himalayas called Kangchenjunga Himal that is limited in the west by the Tamur River, in
the north by the Lhonak Chu and Jongsang La, and in the east by the Teesta River. Mount
Kangchenjunga lies about 125 km (78 mi) east-south-east of Mount Everest. It is the second
highest mountain of the Himalayas. Kangchenjunga Main is the highest mountain in India, and
the easternmost of the mountains higher than 8,000 m (26,000 ft). It is called Five Treasures of
Snow after its five high peaks, and has always been worshipped by the people
of Darjeeling and Sikkim.

11
KANCHENJUNGA FALL

This is one of the greatest waterfalls in Sikkim. The water is dense and the current is very strong.
You will find local people helping you to cross the rocks to reach there. One of the scenic places
in Sikkim. You will also find local people selling eatables there.

12
KHECHEOPALRI LAKE

Khecheopalri Lake, originally known as KhaChotPalri (meaning the heaven of

Padmasambhava), is a lake located near Khecheopalri village, 147 kilometres (91 mi) west of
Gangtok in the West Sikkim district of the Northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. Located 34
kilometres (21 mi) to the northwest of Pelling town, the lake is sacred for both Buddhists and
Hindus, and is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake. The local name for the lake is Sho Dzo Sho,
which means "Oh Lady, Sit Here". The popularly known name of the lake, considering its
location is Khecheopalri Lake, ensconced in the midst of the Khechoedpaldri hill, which is also
considered a sacred hill. The Khecheopalri Lake is also part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage
circuit involving the Yuksom, the Dubdi Monastery in Yuksom, Pemayangtse Monastery, the
Rabdentse ruins, the Sanga Choeling Monastery, and the Tashiding Monastery. An interesting
feature of the lake is that leaves are not allowed to float on the lake, which is ensured by the
birds which industriously pick them up as soon as they drop into the lake surface. The
Khecheopalri Lake and the Khangchendzonga National Park are conserved from the biodiversity
perspective with ecotourism and pilgrimage as essential offshoots. As a result, their recreational
and sacredness values are enhanced.

SINGSHORE BRIDGE
The Singshore Bridge in Pelling is considered as the highest bridge in Sikkim and the second
highest suspended bridge in Asia. The Singshore Bridge acts as a connecting point between 2

13
hills; length of the bridge is 198 m, and the depth is 220 m. The bridge offers a spectacular view
of the verdant hillsides, overwhelming waterfalls and the pristine valley.

RINCHENPONG MONASTERY
Rinchenpong Monastery is situated above the twin villages of Rinchenpong (Richenpong) and
Kaluk in West Sikkim, at a height of over 1,700 metres (5,500 ft) in the northeastern state of
Sikkim, India. This 18th century monastery is a popular tourist attraction in West Sikkim.
Rinchenpong Monastery was established in 1730 by the Ngadakpa Lama in the village of
Rinchenpong Rinchenpong Monastery is popular with tourists visiting West Sikkim for its
scenic beauty and singular Buddha statue. It is situated on a mountain trail above the village of
Rinchenpong. The villages of Kaluk and Rinchenpong are at an altitude of 1,700 metres (5,500
ft) and about 5 hours by road from Siliguri. From the main Rinchenpong bazaar, a mountainous
trail originates which leads to a bifurcated junction. Towards the left of this junction lies the
Poison Pokhri, the famous poisoned lake, a symbol of resistance against foreign invasion.

14
Further up from the Poison Pokhri, the trail continues amidst maize fields to a series of stony
steps. The final climb of the stone staircase brings one to the Rinchenpong Monastery, situated
amidst lush green mountains and floating clouds. A panoramic view is one of the attractions of
the place. The entrance to the monastery is lined with colorful prayer flags. Housed in a
traditional hut, the outer periphery is decorated with prayer wheels. Child lamas can be seen in
and around the monastery as the place also serves as a training center for lamas. The main door
and windows have intricate detailing in a myriad of colors. Inside, the Buddha statue is placed on
a platform. Visitor entry is allowed in the sanctum but photography has recently been prohibited.

CHAR DHAM
Char Dham is a huge pilgrimage cum cultural complex developed by the Sikkim Government to
promote Religious, Eco and Village tourism in the state. Over Rs. 56 crore has been spent on this
complex which spreads across 29 hectares of area on top of a hill known as the Solophok hill in
Namchi of south Sikkim. This temple complex is also known as Siddheswar Dham and was
inaugurated on 8th November 2011. Char Dham is located about 5kms from Namchi town and
accessible by a nice smooth road all the way. At one point the car needs to ascend uphill to reach
the top of Solophok hill. There is a huge open car park where you will need to park your car. It is
a paid car parking. From here you will need to walk. For persons with mobility challenges, the

15
staff can organize battery operated cart and even separate entrance to offer prayers to the deity.

WEST BENGAL AS A VISITING PLACE

West Bengal is a state in the eastern region of India and is the nation's fourth-most populous.
The state capital is Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). The state encompasses two broad natural
regions: the Gangetic Plain in the south and the sub-Himalayan and Himalayan area in the
north. The tourism in West Bengal is maintained by WBTDCL, a state government owned

16
enterprise. West Bengal, located on the eastern bottleneck of India stretching from the
Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south, presents some of marvelous landscape
features and natural scenic beauty. Some of India's most preferred travel destinations like; the
Darjeeling Himalayan hill region in the northern extreme of the state, the highest peak of the
state Sandakphu (3,636 m or 11,929 ft) and the Sundarbans mangrove forests in the extreme
south. During the British colonial era from 17001912, Kolkata enjoyed the privilege of being
the capital of British India and witnessed a spate of frenzied construction of buildings, largely
influenced by the conscious intermingling of Neo-Gothic, Baroque, Neo-Classical, Oriental and
Islamic schools of design. Unlike many north Indian cities, whose construction stresses
minimalism, the layout of much of the architectural variety in Kolkata owes its origins to
European styles and tastes imported by the British and, to a much lesser extent, by the
Portuguese and French.
The Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu) and the Second Hooghly Bridge
(Vidyasagar Setu) are iconic of Kolkata. Aside from colonial and heritage buildings, there are
also high rising monuments and skyscrapers in the city. There are also a couple of cemeteries
established by the British when Kolkata was the capital of British India. These include the
South Park Street Cemetery and Scottish Cemetery.
The River Ganga flows through the state. World heritage sites in West Bengal include the
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the Sundarbans National Park. Neora Valley National
Park, which is one of the richest biological zones in the entire Northeast, situated in the
Kalimpong subdivision under Darjeeling District, is in West Bengal. The Ganges Delta (also
known as the GangesBrahmaputra Delta, the Sunderbans Delta, or the Bengalla Delta) is in the
South Asia region of Bengal, consisting of West Bengal and its neighbouring country of
Bangladesh. It is the world's largest delta, and empties into the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the
most fertile regions in the world, thus earning the nickname "The Green Delta". It stretches from
the Hooghly River on the west to the Meghna River on the east. It is approximately 350 km
(220 mi) across at the Bay of Bengal. Kolkata and Haldia are the principal Indian seaports on the
delta.
The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden or Calcutta Botanical Garden
(previously known as Indian Botanic Garden) is the largest and oldest reserve of greeneries of its
kind in South East Asia. It is also a premier institution for botanical and horticultural research in

17
India. The garden is situated on the west bank of the River Hooghly in Shibpur, Howrah, nearly
8 km from center of city Kolkata. Located here is the Great Banyan Tree. It was the widest tree
in the world in terms of the area of its canopy and is estimated to be about 200 to 250 years old.
It became diseased after it was struck by lightning, so in 1925 the middle of the tree was excised
to keep the remainder healthy. West Bengal also has some more geographical indications like
Nakshi Kantha(handicraft), Darjeeling tea (agricultural), Santipore saree (handicraft),
Shantiniketan leather goods (handicraft), Fazli mango (agricultural), Khirsapati or Himsagar
mango (agricultural), Laxman Bhog mango (agricultural), Baluchari saree (handicraft), and
Dhaniakhali saree (handicraft).

HILL STATIONS
There are many hill stations in North West Bengal, of which Darjeeling is worldfamous. Others
are Kurseong, Kalimpong, Rimbick, Lava and Loleygaon, Mirik and Sandakfu.

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES AND NATIONAL PARKS

West Bengal has 3.26% of its geographical area under protected areas comprising 15 wildlife
sanctuaries and 5 national parks Sundarbans National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve,
Gorumara National Park, Neora Valley National Park, Singalila National Park, and
Jaldapara National Park. West Bengal also has wildlife sanctuaries and bird sanctuaries like
chintamani kar bird sanctuary and raiganj wildlife sanctuary.

FLORA AND FAUNA

As of 2009, recorded forest area in the state is 11,879 km2 (4,587 sq mi) which is 13.38% of the
state's geographical area,compared to the national average of 21.02%. Part of the world's largest
mangrove forest, the Sundarbans, is located in southern West Bengal. The southern part of
West Bengal can be divided into two regions: the Gangetic plain and the littoral mangrove
forests of the Sundarbans. The coastal region of Purba Medinipur exhibits coastal vegetation. A
notable tree from the Sundarbans is the ubiquitous sundari (Heritiera fomes), from which the
forest gets its name. The distribution of vegetation in northern West Bengal is dictated by
elevation and precipitation. For example, the foothills of the Himalayas, the Dooars, are

18
densely wooded with Sal and other tropical evergreen trees.[26] However, above an elevation of
1,000 metres (3,300 ft), the forest becomes predominantly subtropical. In Darjeeling, which is
above 1,500 metres (4,900 ft), temperate-forest trees such as oaks, conifers, and
rhododendrons predominate.
Wildlife include Indian rhinoceros, Indian elephant, deer, bison, leopard, gaur, tiger, and
crocodiles, as well as many bird species. Migratory birds come to the state during the winter. The
high-altitude forests of Singalila National Park shelter barking deer, red panda, chinkara, takin,
serow, pangolin, minivet and Kalij pheasants. The Sundarbans are noted for a reserve project
conserving the endangered Bengal tiger, although the forest hosts many other endangered
species, such as the Gangetic dolphin, river terrapin and estuarine crocodile. The mangrove
forest also acts as a natural fish nursery, supporting coastal fishes along the Bay of Bengal.
Recognizing its special conservation value, Sundarban area has been declared as a Biosphere
Reserve.

DARJEELING AS A VISITING SPOT ( WEST BENGAL)

Darjeeling is a town and a municipality in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located in the
Lesser Himalayas at an elevation of 6,700 ft (2,042.2 m). It is noted for its tea industry, the
spectacular views of Kangchenjunga, the world's thirdhighest mountain, and the Darjeeling
Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Darjeeling is the headquarters of
Darjeeling district which has a partially autonomous status within the state of West Bengal. It is
also a popular tourist destination in India. The recorded history of the town starts from the early

19
19th century when the colonial administration under the British Raj set up a sanatorium and a
military depot in the region. Subsequently, extensive tea plantations were established in the
region and tea growers developed hybrids of black tea and created new fermentation techniques.
The resultant distinctive Darjeeling tea is internationally recognised and ranks among the most
popular black teas in the world. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connects the town with the
plains and has some of the few steam locomotives still in service in India.

GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE

Darjeeling is the main town of the Sadar subdivision and also the headquarters of the district. It
is located at an elevation of 6,700 ft (2,000 m)[1] in the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region on the
DarjeelingJalapahar range that originates in the south from Ghum. The range is Yshaped with the
base resting at Katapahar and Jalapahar and two arms diverging north of the Observatory Hill.
The northeastern arm dips suddenly and ends in the Lebong spur, while the northwestern
armpasses through North Point and ends in the valley near Tukver Tea Estate. The hills are
nestled within higher peaks and the snowclad Himalayan ranges tower over the town in the
distance. Kanchenjunga, the world's thirdhighest peak, 8,598 m (28,209 ft) high, is the most
prominent mountain visible. In days clear of clouds, Nepal's Mount Everest, 29,035 ft (8,850 m)
high, can be seen. The hills of Darjeeling are part of the Lesser Himalaya. The soil is chiefly
composed of sandstone and conglomerate formations, which are the solidified and upheaved
detritus of the great range of Himalaya. However, the soil is often poorly consolidated (the
permeable sediments of the region do not retain water between rains) and is not considered
suitable for agriculture. The area has steep slopes and loose topsoil, leading to frequent
landslides during the monsoons.
Darjeeling has a temperate climate (Kppen: Cwb,subtropical highland climate) with wet
summers caused by monsoon rains. The annual mean maximum temperature is 14.9 C (58.8 F)
while the mean minimum temperature is 8.9 C (48.0 F),with monthly mean temperatures
ranging from 6 to 18 C (43 to 64 F). The lowest temperature recorded was 5 C (23 F) on 11
February 1905. The average annual precipitation is 309.2 cm (121.7 in), with an average of 126
days of rain in a year.The highest rainfall occurs in July.The heavy and concentrated rainfall that
is experienced in the region, aggravated by deforestation and haphazard planning, often causes

20
devastating landslides, leading to loss of life and property. Though not very common, but the
town receives snow at least once during two winter months of December and January.

FLORA AND FAUNA

Darjeeling is a part of the Eastern Himalayan zoogeographic zone. Flora around Darjeeling
comprises sal, oak, semievergreen, temperate and alpine forests. Dense evergreen forests of sal
and oak lie around the town, where a wide variety of rare orchids are found. The Lloyd's
Botanical Garden preserves common and rare species of plants, while the Padmaja Naidu
Himalayan Zoological Park specialises in conserving and breeding endangered Himalayan
species. The town of Darjeeling and surrounding region face deforestation due to increasing
demand for wood fuel and timber, as well as air pollution from increasing vehicular traffic.
Wildlife in the district is protected by the wildlife wing of the West Bengal Forest
Department.The fauna found in Darjeeling includes several species of ducks, teals, plovers and
gulls that pass Darjeeling while migrating to and from Tibet. Small mammals found in the region
include civets, mongooses and badgers. TA conservation centre for red pandas opened at
Darjeeling Zoo in 2014, building on a prior captive breeding program.

LLOYD'S BOTANICAL GARDEN

Lloyd's Botanical Garden was established in 1878 when 40 acres (160,000 m2) of land was
acquired at Darjeeling to form a botanic garden as a distant annexe of the Calcutta Botanical

21
Garden. The land was provided by William Lloyd, in whose name the botanical garden has been
named.
The Darjeeling Botanical Garden preserves several species of bamboo, oak, magnolia, arisaema,
cotoneaster, wild geranium, and rhododendron forest native plants of the Darjeeling
Himalayan hill region, Sikkim region, and other neighbouring regions. Also, several exotic
plants are preserved. The Cacti and Succulent collection of 150 species is displayed in the
Conservatory. The collection of native Orchids from the Singalila Ridge in presentday Singalila
National Park is rare and notable.

Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as ginkgo or gingko also known as the ginkgo tree or the
maidenhair tree, is the only living species in the division Ginkgophyta, all others being extinct.
It is found in fossils dating back 270 million years. Native to China,the tree is widely cultivated
and was introduced early to human history. It has various uses in traditional medicine and as a
source of food. The genus name Ginkgo is regarded as a misspelling of the Japanese gin kyo,

22
"silver apricot".An extract of Ginkgo biloba leaf is marketed in dietary supplement form with
claims it can enhance cognitive function in people without known cognitive problems. Studies
have failed to find such effects on memory or attention in healthy people.
Extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaf have been studied as a possible treatment for dementia and
Alzheimer's disease, with mixed results.

Digitalis purpurea (foxglove, common foxglove, purple foxglove or lady's glove) is a species
of flowering plant in the plantain family Scrophulariaceae, native and widespreadthroughout
most of temperate Europe. It is also naturalised in parts of North America and some other
temperate regions. The plants are well known as the original source of the heart medicine
digoxin (also called digitalis or digitalin).

23
Rhus chinensis, the Chinese sumac or
nutgall tree, is a plant species in the genus
Rhus. The species is used to produce galls,
called Chinese gall, Galla Chinensis which
are rich in gallotannins, a type of
hydrolysable tannins. The infestation by
Chinese sumac aphids (Melaphis chinensis Bell) can lead to a gall which is valued as a
commercial product. Chinese galls are used in Chinese medicine to treat coughs, diarrhea, night
sweats, dysentery and to stop intestinal and uterine bleeding.

A cactus (plural: cacti, cactuses, or cactus) is a member of the plant family Cactaceae,a family
comprising about 127 genera with some 1750 known species of the order Caryophyllales.The
word "cactus" derives, through Latin, from the Ancient Greek , kaktos, a name originally
used by Theophrastus for a spiny plant whose identity is not certain. Cacti occur in a wide range
of shapes and sizes. Most cacti live in habitats subject to at least some drought. Many live in
extremely dry environments, even being found in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on
earth. Cacti show many adaptations to conserve water. Almost all cacti are succulents, meaning
they have thickened, fleshy parts adapted to store water. Unlike many other succulents, the stem
is the only part of most cacti where this vital process takes place. Most species of cacti have lost
true leaves, retaining only spines, which are highly modified leaves.

24
THE ORCHEDS IN GARDEN

The Orchidaceae are a diverse and widespread family of flowering plants, with blooms that are
often colourful and often fragrant, commonly known as the orchid family.

Along with the Asteraceae, they are one of the two largest families of flowering plants. The
Orchidaceae have about 28,000 currently accepted species, distributed in about 763 genera.The
determination of which family is larger is still under debate, because verified data on the
members of such enormous families are continually in flux. Regardless, the number of orchid
species nearly equals the number of bony fishes and is more than twice the number
of bird species, and about four times the number of mammal species. The family also
encompasses about 611% of all seed plants. The largest genera are Bulbophyllum (2,000
species), Epidendrum (1,500 species), Dendrobium (1,400 species) and Pleurothallis (1,000
species).

25
The family also includes Vanilla (the genus of the vanilla plant), Orchis (type genus), and many
commonly cultivated plants such as Phalaenopsis and Cattleya.

TIGER HILLS
Tiger Hill (2,590 m) is located in Darjeeling, in the Indian State of West Bengal, and is the
summit of Ghoom, the highest railway station in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a panoramic view of Mount Everest and Mt.
Kangchenjunga together. At sunrise, the peaks of Kangchenjunga are illuminated before the sun
is seen at lower elevations.

26
TEA GARDEN IN DARJEELING
Darjeeling tea is a tea from the Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India. It is available in black,
green, white and oolong. When properly brewed, it yields a thin-bodied, light-coloured infusion
with a floral aroma. The flavour can include a tinge of astringenttannic characteristics and
a musky spiciness sometimes described as "muscatel".Unlike most Indian teas, Darjeeling tea is
normally made from the small-leaved Chinese variety of Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, rather
than the large-leaved Assam plant (C. sinensis var. assamica). Traditionally, Darjeeling tea is
made as black tea; however, Darjeeling oolong and green teas are becoming more commonly
produced and easier to find, and a growing number of estates are also producing white teas.

MATERIAL COLLECTED DURING TOUR

Materials collected during tour are like as Algae Trentipohalia & Lichens,
Bryophytes(Notothylus,Riccia, Dumortiera hirsute, Sphegnum etc.),Pteridophytes (Pteris,
Sellaginella, Equisetum etc.), Gymnosperms ( Araucaria,Ginkgo etc.) and many other.
Lichens & Trentiapohlia:
A lichen is a composite organism that arises from algae or cyanobacteria living
among filaments of multiple fungi in a symbiotic relationship. The combined lichen has
properties different from those of its component organisms. Lichens come in many colours,
sizes, and forms. The properties are sometimes plant-like, but lichens are not plants. Lichens may
have tiny, leafless branches (fruticose), flat leaf-like structures (foliose), flakes that lie on the
surface like peeling paint (crustose), or other growth forms.

27
A macrolichen is a lichen that is either bush-like or leafy; all other lichens are
termed microlichens.

Common names for lichens may contain the word "moss" (e.g., "Reindeer moss", "Iceland
moss"), and lichens may superficially look like and grow with mosses, but lichens are not related
to mosses or any plant. Lichens do not have roots that absorb water and nutrients as plants do but
like plants, they produce their own food by photosynthesis. When they grow on plants, they do
not live as parasites, but instead use the plants as a substrate.

Trentepohlia is a genus of filamentous chlorophyte green algae in the family Trentepohliaceae,

living free on terrestrial supports such as tree trunks and wet rocks
or symbiotically in lichens.The filaments of Trentepohlia have a strong orange colour
(photograph at right) caused by the presence of large quantities of carotenoid pigments which
mask the green of the chlorophyll.

Trentepohlia species form associations with fungal hyphae, and are widespread phycobionts in
lichens, such as the "secret writing" crustose lichen
genera Graphis, Graphina, Gyalecta and Opegrapha.

28
BRYOPHYTES

Riccia: Riccia is a genus of liverworts in the order Marchantiales.

The plants are small and thallose, that is not differentiated into root, stem and leaf. Depending on
species, the thallus may be strap-shaped and about 0.5 to 4 mm wide with dichotomous branches
or may form rosettes or hemirosettes up to 3cm in diameter, that may be gregarious and form
intricate mats.

The thallus is dorsiventrally differentiated. Its upper (dorsal) surface is green and chlorophyll-
bearing, with a mid-dorsal longitudinal sulcus (furrow or groove). Air pores occasionally break
through the dorsal surface, giving the thallus a dimpled appearance.This material collected from
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute of Darjeeling & from its adjacent area.

The lower (ventral) surface has a mid-ventral ridge bearing multicellular scales that originate as a
single row but normally separate into two rows as the thallus widens. The scales are multicellular
and hyaline (glassy) in appearance, or violet due to the pigment anthocyanin.

Marchantia:

The genusMarchantia is found all part of world. The species grow best in cool moist and shady
places.The gametophyte of Marchantia is prostrate dorsiventral and dichotomously branched. There is
specialized multicellular asexual reproductive body which is called as Gemma cup present on dorsal
surface of thallus on mid rib region.The vegetative reproduction takes place by a specialized structure
called Gemma Cup present on dorsal surface of thallus in the mid rib region. A gemma cup is

29
 approximately 2mm in diameter and 3mm in height. From the floor of gemma cup many small stacked

discoid and biconvex gemmae

Pellia:

Pellia is commonly occur along moist bank of river and lake, moist wall of wells and tree trunk.The
mature gametophyte of Pellia is simple, prostate, dorsiventral flattened, usually thin and dichotomously
branched. There is an indistinct mid rib on dorsal surface of the thallus. The thallus is irregularly lobed
with sinuous margins. The sporophyte of Pellia is differentiated into foot seta and capsule. The foot is
conical parenchymatous structure. The seta is also composed of non cholorophyllousparenchymatous
cell arranged in definite longitudinal row. The mature capsule is an almost spherical structure with a two
or more layer jacket.

Sphagnum:

Sphagnum is a genus of approximately 380 accepted species of mosses, commonly known

as peat moss. Accumulations of Sphagnum can store water, since both living and dead plants can
hold large quantities of water inside their cells; plants may hold 1626 times as much water as

30
their dry weight, depending on the species.The empty cells help retain water in drier conditions.
Hence, as sphagnum moss grows, it can slowly spread into drier conditions, forming
larger mires, both raised bogs and blanket bogs.These peat accumulations then provide habitat
for a wide array of peatland plants, including sedges and ericaceous shrubs, as well as orchids
and carnivorous plants.This is collected from Khechiperi lake,Pashupati market.

PTERIDOPHYTES

Pteris: Pteris is a genus of about 280 species of ferns in the Pteridoideae subfamily of
the Pteridaceae. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world.Many of them have
linear frond segments, and some have sub-palmate division. Like other members of the Pteridaceae, the
frond margin is reflexed over the marginal sori. The outermost layer is the single layered epidermis with
out stomata.The cortex is differentiated into outer and inner cortical region.This collected from Sikkim &
Rinchenpong side.

31
Silaginella:

Selaginella is the sole genus of vascular plants in the family Selaginellaceae,

the spikemosses or lesser clubmosses. This family is distinguished from Lycopodiaceae (the
clubmosses) by having scale-leaves bearing a ligule and by having spores of two types. They are
sometimes included in an informal paraphyletic group called the "fern allies". S. moellendorffii is
an important model organism. Its genome has been sequenced by the United States Department
of Energy's Joint Genome Institute.This is collected from Sikkim and Darjeeling sides.

Eqeisetum:

Equisetum ( snake grass, puzzlegrass) is the only living genus in Equisetaceae,

a family of vascular plants that reproduce by spores rather than seeds.

Equisetum is a "living fossil" as it is the only living genus of the entire class Equisetopsida,
which for over one hundred million years was much more diverse and dominated
the understory of late Paleozoic forests. Some Equisetopsida were large trees reaching to 30
meters tall. A superficially similar but entirely unrelated flowering plant genus, mare's tail
(Hippuris), is occasionally referred to as "horsetail", and adding to confusion, the name mare's
tail is sometimes applied to Equisetum.

Ferns and its allies : Almost 300 varities of fern species are present in Sikkim. Rare silver fern
is seen here by us. Cyathea dealbata or siver fern crown is dense, and the fronds tend to be

32
about 4m long and have a silver-white coloration on the underside.This is collected from mainly
Sikkim.

GYMNOSPERMS

Araucaria : It is a genus of evergreen coniferous trees in the family Araucariaceae. Araucaria are
mainly large trees with a massive erect stem, reaching a height of 580 metres (16262 ft). The
horizontal, spreading branches grow in whorls and are covered with leathery or needle-
like leaves. In some species, the leaves are narrow, awl-shaped and lanceolate, barely
overlapping each other; in others they are broad and flat, and overlap broadly.

The trees are mostly dioecious, with male and female cones found on separate trees,The female
cones, usually high on the top of the tree, are globose, and vary in size among species from 7 to
25 centimetres (2.8 to 9.8 in) diameter. They contain 80200 large edible seeds, similar to pine
nuts, though larger. The male cones are smaller, 410 cm (1.63.9 in) long, and narrow to broad
cylindrical, 1.55.0 cm (0.62.0 in) broad.

33
Rhododendron are characterised by having inflorescences with scarious (dry) perulae,
a chromosome number of x=13, fruit that has a septicidal capsule, an ovary that is superior (or
nearly so), stamens that have no appendages, and agglutinate (clumped) pollen.

Ginkgo:

Ginkgo is a genus of highly unusual non-flowering plants. The scientific name is also used as the
English name. The order to which it belongs, Ginkgoales, first appeared in the Permian, 270 million
years ago, possibly derived from "seed ferns" of the order Peltaspermales. The ginkgo (Ginkgoales)
is a living fossil, with fossils recognisably related to modern ginkgo from the Permian, dating back
270 million years.

CONCLUSION
Overall botanical tour provided us a lot of knowledge about nature. And we have enjoyed much
more that helped in freshening of mind from the burden of classroom. All the vsited site was full
of attraction for us and views were charming.

34
SWEET MEMORIES

35
36
37