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Sikkim,Darjeeling, North East India Tour Packages
Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas
this region is abundant in Natural Beauty, Wild life, Flora and Fauna and its
Colourful people. North-East of India is popularly known as “seven sisters
and one brother”. The region comprises of states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam,
Manipur, Meghalay, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim.
For those who
yearn for adventure and excitement there are mystique and romance in exploring
wild life in its true forms in their natural habitat, experiencing gushing streams
and waterfalls, picturesque mountain ranges – all fostered by mother nature.
It is the perfect Holiday one could expect away from the crowd straight into the
lap of Nature.
Assam spans the
fertile plains of the mighty Brahmaputra. You canchoose to spy on rhinos while
riding a trained elephant in Kaziranga or cruise down the river in luxury boats
in search of elusive river dlphin; or even explore the world's largest River Island
of Majuli. Assamese women take great pride in their weaving. Sualkuchi a village
near Guwahati is famous for its silks. Assam produces 400 million kgs of Tea per
year. With acres of Lush greenery, a drive through Tea Estates in an unmatched
experience.
Fairs, Festival and Cuisine
Bihu marks the beginning of the agricultural season and is ne of its most popular
festivals. Baishagu (Mid-April) is celebrated by the Boro tribe and heralds the
New Year. Baikho is a spring festival celebrated by the Rabha tribe. Ambubashi
Mela (Mid-June) is most important festivals of the Kamakhya Temple. Less spicy
but strong flavoured meal begins with a khar and ends with a tenga, a sour dish.
Places to Visit
In & Around Guwahati
visit Bashishta Ashram, Nabagraha Temple, Kamakhya Temple, Shilpgram, Kalakshetra,
Sualkuchi, Madan Kamdev Temple, Orang National Park and Manas National Park. Majuli
Island & Kaziranga National Park in Jorhat are popular destinations. Haflong
is a charming hill station in upper Assam.
The
land of the rising sun, Arunachal is a predominantly tribal. There is a strong
Buddhist presence with splendid relics of Buddhist art and architecture. In winter,
the higher reaches are inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. Almost 80% of the state
is covered in a canopy of impenetrable tropical deciduous forests. ANd remarkably,
many new species of plants and animals are discovered every year.
Fairs,
Festival and Cuisine
Arunachal has some unique festivals;Losar
(Jan/Feb) celebrates the Tibetan New Year. Torgy Festival is a three day affair
& signifies the destruction of evil spirits. The Saka dawa Festival marks
Buddha's transition to nirvana and is celebrated in the fourth month of the lunar
calendar. Apart from other traditional delicacies, Apong a local drink made from
rice or millet is very popular.
Places to Visit
Most tourists visit the areas around Itanagar that are famous for Bddhist monasteries.
The Daying wildlife Sanctuary is also worth a visit. The Namdapha wildlife Sanctuary
is accessible from Dibrugarh via its entry point Miao. Parashuram Kund is an important
pilgrimage centre. The tribal hamlet of Tezu is just 20km away. Other Places of
interest are Bhalukpong near Tezpur and Tawang and Urgelling monastries.
Three Mountain
ranges Patkai, Barail and Naga that rise from the Brahmaputra Valley from the
backbone of the state. Its people are as colourful as their woven attire. Weaving
is a skill that has been handed down through generations and is one of their most
renowed indigenous crafts.
Fairs, Festival and Cuisine
Various tribes have their own customs and song and dance is an intrinsic part
of their existence. Most dances recount the tale of their brave ancestors. The
Aoling Monyu festival of the Konyak tribe heralds spring. Tuluni (july) is an
important festival of the Sema Tribe. The Hornbill festival is celebrated every
year at kohima from the 1st to 5th of Dec. The Place is known for its exotic meats
but simple and flavorful ingredients.
Places to Visit
While in Kohima, Visit the world war Ii Memorial, Kohima War Cemetery, Kohima
Village & the Intanki wildlife Sanctuary.
Set in an oval
valley amidst smoky blue hills in Manipur. Large forest area sunstains a diverse
eco system. Some of the world's rarest orchids are found here. Its forests also
shelter endangered mammals like the Sangai (the elusive deer). Manipur is reputed
for its woven fabrics. The state's martial arts are renowned for their poetic
fluidity.
Fairs, Festival and Cuisine
Known as the land of Radha and Krishna, Manipur has contributed significantly
to India's Classical dance repertoire. Its recital based on the lyrical Ras leela
(That mimics the courtship of Radha and Krishna) is inpirational. The spring festival
of Lai Haraoba is the best place to see all the folk dances of the state. Yaosang
(Feb/March) is Manipur's biggest festival and festivities continue for five days.
The delicious dishes of Manipur include Kabok, a traditional cuisine, made of
rice and Iromba, Combination of fish, vegetables and bamboo shoots.
Places
to Visit
Imphal, is famoous for its scenic beauty. The Khwairamband
Bazaar or Ima Market, Shri Govindaji Temple, Langthabal's old palaces & temples,
Waithou Lake, Kaina Hills, tengnoupal, Moirang, Loktak lake & Sendra Island
should not be missed. Rarest orchids can be seen in the Khonghampat Orchidarium.
It is one of the
most scenic states in the North East. With its rolling hills covered with exotic
blooms, sparklinglakes and valleys that magically vanish only to reappear out
of the mist, it is unusually enchanting! Aizwal, the citadel like capital city
of Mizoram is the best place to start your exploration.
Fairs,
Festival and Cuisine
The Mizos are considered the best Choir singers.
At the end of February when winter starts receding, the Mizos prepare the land
for sowing and the 'Chapchar Kut' festival commemorates spring and the promise
of a good harvest. One dance that is perennially popular is the Cheraw or bamboo
dance where bamboo staves are used as props. 'Khual lam' is a ceremonial dance
that celebrates 'new beginnings'. The 'Mim Kut & pawl Kut' festival (Nov/Dec)
celebrates the completion of the harvest season. Zu- a local tea like drink is
a worth try.
Places to Visit
In Aizawl,
explore the museum on Macdonald Hill for a deeper insight into Mizo culture and
shop for traditional crafts. Phawngpui is Mizoram's highest peak. The Dampa sanctuary
is the best place to see bison and wild elephants.
One of the prettiest
hill stations of the North East, it is aptly called the 'abode of clouds' Best
Known for its quaint hill station - Shillong. Meghalaya's extensive forest cover
harbours are best preserved bio reserves. Cherrapunjee holds the world record
for most rain. The state is mostly inhabited by Khasi, Jaintia & Garo tribes.
Fairs, Festival and Cuisine
The Nongkrem
Dance Festival (Nov) is one of the most important Khasi festivals. The Jaintias
petition the Gods for a successful harvest during the festival of Beh Deinkhlam.
The Wangala Dance (Nov) is the harvest festival of the Garos. Dance and music
are an integral part of all festivities. Jadoh - a pork delicacy - is an all time
favorite. Kyat, the local brew made from rice, adds color to all the festive occasions.
Places to Visit
While in Shillong, visit
ward's Lake, Shillong Peak, Sohpebneng Peak, various falls, the Butterfly Museum
and the city's many churches. Umiam lake, Mawphlang, Ranikor, Tura and Nartiang
are also worth a visit. There are many beautiful caves in Meghalaya to be seen.
Delicately beautiful
with legacy of fine palaces! Its Hindu and Buddhist monuments, protected forests
& the plethora of cultural experiences that greet the first time visitor make
it a sought after destination.
Fairs, Festival and
Cuisine
The Gomti River Becomes the focal point of the Uttarayan
Sankranti, and thousands gather for holy dip on its banks. The region celebrates
some spectacular festivals. The Kharchi Festival (july) invokes the entie pantheon
of Hindu goddesses Durga Puja, Orangs & Tourism festival (Nov) is the colorful
festival of Jampui Hills. Major food items among Tripuris are Chakhwi, Mwkhwi,
Muitru, Awandru, Bwtwi and Thokni.
Places to Visit
In Agartala visit Ujjayanta Palace, Kamalasagar - 16th century Kali temple and
Dumboor Lake.In Udaipur the Neermahal water palace, Bhubaneswari Temple and Tripurasundari
temple are worth visiting. Pilak is famous for its archaeological relics and the
Buddhist site of Mahamuni.
Land of immense
natural beauty - Sikkim is the only handsome brother among the seven pretty sisters.
Infused with ancient history and Buddhist mysticism its mountains are a trekker's
paradise and its mighty rivers provide some of the world's wildest spots for white
water rafting. Its trekking trails lead to hidden lakes and ancient monasteries.
The drive up the Teesta Gorge to Gangtok is simply spectacular. Just a short distance
away is the ancient Rumtek Monastery.
Fairs, Festival
and Cuisine
Most intriguing dance forms is the Chaams. Lamas wearing
colourful masks drive away evil spirits. Losoong (Jan/Feb) is the Sikkimese New
Year. saga dawa is the holiest of Buddhist festivals. Drukpa Tseshi (August) celebrates
the preaching of the Four Noble Truths by the Buddha. Pang Lhabsol (Aug/Sept)
commemorates its guardian deity, Khangchendzonga. The staple diet is rice. Momos
& Thupkas are popular. Tchang - a drink made of millet is served in bamboo
mugs.
Places to Visit
Namgyal Institute
of Tibetology in Sikkim has the world's largest treasury of invaluable Tibetan
books & manuscripts. Himalayan Zoological Park, Various monasteries, Tsomgo
Lake & Nathula Pass and Dzongri wildlife Sanctuary are places to visit.
| Sikkim,Darjeeling,
North East India Tour Packages |
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