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West Bengal government has taken up a slew of projects to develop Sagar Island at the confluence of the river Ganga and Bay of Bengal as a major tourist destination. Two virgin beaches will be developed as part of the programme.

"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will on October 30 inaugurate 20 cottages having all modern amenities to cater to high-end tourists at Sagar Island," Bardhan told PTI here.

Darjeeling Mall Road or Chowrasta

Darjeeling Mall Road or Chowrasta

Darjeeling is the shining jewel in the north-east region of the country. It is very well-known all over the world for the tea and as a tourist spot. The place got the name "Chowrasta" because Chow means four while Rasta means road. This was done because four roads converge and meet at this place. The four important roads namely Nehru Road that comes from upper side, Dr Zakir Hussain Road that comes parallel to Nehru Road and Mall Road on the opposite side which originates from one side, goes around the Observatory Hill and comes back into the Mall from the other side. So it's counted twice. The Chowrasta is one of the most important tourist destinations in the hill town of Darjeeling. It is heaven for crazy shopaholic people who come here during vacations for leisure trips. There is also a Café Coffee Day with both indoor and outdoor sitting facilities. However the most important building located in this line is the Hawa Ghar. It is actually an open air elevated stage. The audience is expected to watch the program sitting or standing at the mall. Chowrasta Mall is leading retail and leisure destination in Darjeeling. The entrance of this mall has beautiful small fountain that has artificial models of golden colored fishes and pelicans with low iron fence around it. This place is an open place and free from vehicular movements from where one can watch the scenic beauty of the mountain range and take charm of walking at the Darjeeling Mall Road.

Other than shopping, people can go for a joy pony ride at this place. The young boys of the area offer pony rides to people of all age groups in return for a certain sum of money. Nehru Road is the place where people come to sun bathe and watch the scenery around. This public place is where you would like to lounge & bake in the sun, sit and watch the wonderful views of the mountain range and see many locals and tourists hanging around. One side of the mall is lined with pine trees through which you get wonderful mountain vistas; the other side is lined with lovely boutique shops of different kinds. Some of the noted shops, restaurants and eateries in the area are Habeeb Mullick & Son, Curio Corner, Nathmulls Tea & Sunset Lounge, Golden Tips, Life & Leaf, Jolly arts and Bhutan Tibet Art Shop. The Bhutia Market, which is close to Chowrasta is another attraction for shopaholics. Next to the Nathmulls Tea & Sunset Lounge is the famous Oxford book store and Stationery. The store has been selling books for almost seventy years. They have all sort of books, but specialize on the Himalayan states such as Darjeeling Nepal Tibet and Bhutan. A walk around the Mall gives you a feel of Darjeeling life with the pleasing view of the mountains, valleys with rhododendron trees and old houses.