East India Tours


The natural beauty of tiny Sikkim attracts tourists in large numbers. The snow clad Himalayan mountain ranges and virgin forests gives the landscape a mesmerizing look. Cut off from the din and bustle of the modern world, Sikkim is the perfect destination for tourists to rest and recreate in the midst of Himalayas.

One of India's smallest states, Sikkim is strategically located above eastern Indian state of West Bengal. The state shares its boundary with three countries-Nepal in the west, Bhutan in the east and China in the north. The state has an interesting history. Established in 1642, Phuntsog Namgyal was the first ruler of Sikkim who was recognized by Dalai Lama as the first chogyal (temporal and spiritual king). The rulers of Nepal and Bhutan made many attempts in the past to annex Sikkim. But the rule of Namgyal dynasty prevailed in spite of the adventures of neighbouring kingdoms. During British rule in India, Sikkim was given the status of a princely state but the Britishers had full trading rights. After India's independence, Sikkim initially remained an Indian protectorate having autonomous status. But an overwhelming majority of Sikkim's population favoured merger with India and Sikkim became the 22nd state of India on May 15, 1975.

Picturesque Sikkim has a myriad of tourist attractions. Capital Gangtok is one of eastern India's most picturesque hill stations. The prime attractions of the hill station are snow clad mountains, rich flora and magnificent Buddhist monasteries. Other than the natural beauty and places of religious importance, the orchid garden of Gangtok is one of its kind in the state. It has 454 different varieties of orchids. In north Sikkim, a visit to Chungthang is a rewarding experience. Chungthang is the origin of river Teesta with great scenic beauty. Other attractions in northern Sikkim are Yumthang, Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary and Kanchenjunga National Park.

Khecheopalri Lake of Sikkim is held in high reverence by the people of Sikkim. Considered sacred by Hindus and Buddhists, it is believed that the water of the lake has medicinal properties. A noticeable phenomenon is that even birds do not permit dead tree leaves to float on its waters. The Temi tea garden is the only tea garden of Sikkim but produces tea of a very high quality. The garden has been planted on a hill slope. Some of the other picturesque destinations of Sikkim located in high altitudes are Pelling, Namchi and Tendong Hills.

South Sikkim is most ideal for trekking and mountaineering. Both professionals and amateurs in the field belonging to different parts of the world visit Sikkim routinely to take part in the expeditions.

Sikkim also offers a range of shopping choices for tourists. They include carved furniture, traditional clothes, Lepcha weave bags, carpets and durries with intricate designs. Wooden and bamboo artifacts are also among the best buys of the state.

The population of Sikkim mainly consists of Bhutias, Lepchas and Nepalis. The best time to visit Sikkim is between the months of October and March. Located in high altitudes, the temperatures dip sharply during winters. With luck on their side, tourists may also be able to enjoy snowfall during winters.




Gangtok

The capital and principal town of Sikkim, tucked away in the clouds, spread out on the ridge, 5000 feet above sea level. Offers number of places of interest to the visitors namely, the Research Institute of Tibetology Garden Sanctuary, Buddhist Monastary.

Nearest Airport - Bagdogra

STD/ISD Codes
if dialing from India to Gangtok --- 03592 (number)
if dialing from outside India to Gangtok-- ++ 91-3592 (number)



Rumtek Monastery

Location : On the outskirts of Gangtok (24 kms away) in the state of Sikkim.
Festivals Celebrated : Two of the most important events are held every summer and winter. In the months of February and March, a festive ten-day practice of the Mahakala Protector is held. This is followed by the traditional sacred lama dance of Mahakala on the 29th day.The Tibetan New Year involves many cultural and spiritual festivities lasting for 3-8 days. All these events provide an unique opportunity for both practitioners and the general public to learn and enjoy the sacred culture maintained by lamas.

His Holiness the Sixteen Gyalwa Karmapa fled from Tibet in the year 1959 due to Chinese pressure. He was given a formal invitation by Choegyal (Dharma King) of Sikkim to settle in the state. His Holiness accepted the invitation of royal family and came to Rumtek to settle permanently.

Since then, the Rumtek Monastery has become one of the most important seats of the Kagyu lineage. The monastery became the international Kagyu headquarters during the life of His Holiness. The monastery is also the residence of a new generation of Kagyu masters.

The Rumtek Monastery, also known as the Dharma Chakra Centre has a well structured main shrine temple and monastery with monks' quarters. The Karmapa also resides in the quarters. Other structures include a retreat centre, a monastic college, a nunnery, stupas, a protector's shrine and other establishments.

The construction of Rumtek Monastery had started in the year 1962. It took three years for completion of the monastery. The then king of Sikkim had passed away. But the foundation stone of the new monastery was laid by the new King of Sikkim. The general secretary for His Holiness carried out the construction exactly in accordance with the instructions of His Holiness.

The monastery is covered with beautiful murals and traditional Tibetan style paintings. It is worth mentionable that Rumtek monastery is the first monastery built in India according to traditional designs thus becoming a model for many other monasteries built later in the country.

Reaching Rumtek Monastery
Air : Tourists desirous of visiting Rumtek monastery can take a flight to Bagdogra, the nearest landing facility at a distance of 124 kms. From Bagdogra, daily helicopter services to Gangtok are also available.

Rail : New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railhead at a distance of 125 kms from Gangtok.
Road : Bus services are available to Gangtok from Siliguri, Darjeeling and a few other places.







Swami Vivekananda had once said that next only to Kashmir, Assam is the most beautiful place in India. Regarded as the gateway to the north east, Assam is the second largest state of the region. Also called 'the land of green valleys and blue hills', picturesque Assam is particularly famous for her tea gardens, the one-horned rhino and the mighty river Brahmaputra. The landscape of the state is dotted with many monuments and temples of historical period. A state with an abundance of forest cover, Assam also has five national parks and around half a dozen other wildlife sanctuaries. Another aspect that separates Assam from the rest of Indian states is the rich composite culture of the state. Assamese constitute the majority of the state's population but the state has over two dozen other big and small tribal groups with many of them having their own language, script, dance forms and traditions. Hence, Assam is also called a mosaic of cultures.

The information available on the ancient history of Assam is less as compared to medieval and modern periods. Assam was mentioned as 'Kamarupa' or 'Pragjyotish' during the period of the epics. The most prominent of the earlier dynasties was the Varman dynasty having started its rule from 400 AD. The Ahoms came to Assam in about 1228 AD. The Ahom rule, a bright period in the history of Assam, saw the construction of many temples and monuments besides a general upliftment of the infrastructure of the state. The Ahom rule weakened in the early 18th century and the Burmese sensed an opportunity to invade Assam. This forced the British to interfere resulting in the signing of Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826. A lot of credit for establishing tea gardens and oil exploration in Assam goes to the British. After independence, the states of Meghalaya and Mizoram were carved out of Assam.

The commercial capital of Assam, Guwahati has many beautiful temples including Kamakhya temple, Nabagraha, Umananda, Dol Gobinda and Basistha Ashram. The Sankardev Kalakshetra displays the artistic excellence of Asam and the rest of north eastern states. Hajo near Guwahati is sacred to followers of three religions-Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. Majuli in upper Assam is the world's largest river island. Sivasagar and Jorhat preserve many of the legacies of Ahom period in the form of temples and monuments. Tezpur is renowned for archeological ruins and ancient temples. Haflong in lower Assam is the only hill station of the state.

Kaziranga is the most famous wildlife sanctuary of the state. It is home to more than half of the world's one horned rhino population. Other national parks of Assam are Nameri, Manas, Orang and Dibru-Saikhowa. There are many picnic spots along the banks of mighty river Brahmaputra.

Assam is also a state where festivals are celebrated with pomp and gaiety. Bihu,the main festival of the state has three varieties-rongali ,bhogali and kongali falling in January, April and October respectively. Durga Puja is also celebrated in a big way in the state. Coupled with these are the festivals of many tribal groups of the state keeping the atmosphere of the state festive for most part of the year.

The exquisite handloom and handicraft products of the state made largely of cane and bamboo are among the best buys of the state.

In the midst of forests, mountains, rivers and lush green tea gardens, destination Assam is sure to be a captivating tourist attraction.

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is located in the heart of Assam on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra river. The nearest towns from the park are Tezpur, Jorhat and Golaghat. Famous for the one-horned rhino, Kaziranga National Park covers an area of approximately 430 square kilometres. Vast stretches of coarse, tall elephant grass, marshland and dense tropical forests makes Kaziranga the ideal habitat for the one horned rhino and many other animal and bird species. Abundant availability of water in the park is another advantage.

It was rampant poaching that attracted the attention of British authorities towards Kaziranga during the early part of 20th century. As the rhino population was dwindling, Kaziranga was declared a reserve forest in 1908 and a ban was imposed on shooting. It became a wildlife sanctuary in 1940 and was designated as a national park in 1974. Kaziranga was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The Rhino population in Kaziranga has increased significantly over the years. The park celebrated its centenary in a grand manner in the early part of 2005.

Sightseeing at Kaziranga -
Flora : Kaziranga has a good cover of sal, sagon, teak and other trees. The park also has a scattered bamboo cover. Vast stretches of coarse, tall elephant grass could also be found. Most of the nearby places of Kaziranga have lush green tea gardens.

Fauna : More than half of the one horned rhino population of the world is found in Kaziranga. Besides the famed rhino, other major animal species found in the park are elephants, bison, tigers, leopard cats, jungle cats, otters, hog badgers, capped langurs, hoolock gibbons, wild boar, jackal and wild buffaloes. The reptile species include pythons and monitor lizards. A few varieties of deer like swamp deer and hog deer are also found.

Park Trips : Rides on back of elephants is the best way to explore the park. The elephant safari begins very early in the morning as that is the best time to see most animal species. The elephants and mahouts of Kaziranga are very well trained and experienced. If luck favours tourists, most animal species including the rhino could be seen from very close quarters. Jeep trips are also available but are not as exciting and rewarding as elephant safaris.

Best Season to Visit : Mid November to early April

Reaching Kaziranga -
Air : Guwahati is the major airport nearest to Kaziranga at a distance of 217 kms. The other airport is Jorhat at a distance of 97 kms.
Rail : Furkating is the nearest railhead at a distance of 75 kms from Kaziranga National Park.
Road : The main gate of Kaziranga is at Kohora on NH -37. All buses operating between Guwahati and upper Assam towns go through Kohara. Some private operators also retain a seat quota for Kaziranga passengers.

Basic Guidelines -

Please enter the Park only after taking the necessary permits and follow all the rules.
» Drive slowly in the Park. In this way you can see, observe and enjoy the most, without disturbing the wildlife.
» Respect the wild animals and maintain a safe distance from them. Remember, you are in their home and they get first priority.
» Switch off your car stereo or transistor. The quieter you are, the more the chances of your seeing wildlife.
» Wear dull-coloured clothes. Bright colours alarm most wild animals and they flee.
» Don’t carry guns or other weapons. Feel free to shoot with a camera instead.
» Do not smoke or light campfires in the forest. Accidental fires can destroy this wonderful jungle in no time.
» Don’t get off your vehicle at any point in the Park except where it’s allowed. This is for your own safety and the safety of wildlife.
» Help keep the park pollution-free. While inside the park, please put your entire non-biodegradable litter (tin cans, plastic, glass bottles, metal foils etc.) into the bag provided and dispose of it on your way out.
» Keep to the specified roads and trails. Driving off track you may trample growing trees and cause disturbance to resting animals and their youngs.




Manas National Park

The picturesque Manas National Park is situated in the foothills of Himalayas. Located in north eastern state of Assam, Manas covers an area of 519.77 square kilometres out of which 360 square kilometres form the core area. The Indo-Bhutan international border splits Manas territory. As a result, one part of Manas falls in India while the other part falls in Bhutan. Manas was declared a national park in the year 1980 and is covered under Government of India's Project Tiger. It may also be mentioned that due to its breathtaking natural beauty and rich flora, Manas has also been declared a biosphere reserve along with being a world natural heritage site. The fauna of Manas is excitingly diverse.

The headquarters of the park is located in Barpeta road. All necessary clearances and permits can be arranged from here before going to the park.

Sightseeing at Sundarbans -
Flora : Most vegetation of the park is of mixed deciduous variety. Small glades of grass could also be seen all over the park area.

Fauna : A diverse variety of animal species are found at Manas. The park is home to aggressive creatures like tigers, elephants, rhinos, wild buffaloes, leopards and black panthers. Around 20 varieties of endangered species are found in Manas which includes hispid hare and pygmy hog. Other animals routinely sighted in the park are gaurs, swamp deer, golden langurs, Assamese macaques, slow loris, hoolock gibbons, smooth Indian otters and sloth bear.

Park Trips : There are three exciting options available for tourists to explore Manas National Park. A four wheeler can take tourists to every nook and corner of the park without making much noise. Park authorities also arrange boat rides from an area called Mathanguri. Animals coming out of the forest to the river banks to drink water could be spotted during these trips. But the most exciting option is to venture into the park on the back of elephants. Elephant safaris take tourists deep into the dense forests. Rhinos, tigers and wild buffaloes can sometimes be seen from very close quarters during elephant rides.

Best Season to Visit : November-April

Reaching Sundarbans -

Air : The nearest landing facility is the airport at Guwahati at a distance of 176 kms.
Rail : The nearest railhead is the Barpeta Road Railway Station.
Road : Regular bus services are available from Guwahati to Barpeta Road. Barpeta Road town area is at a distance of 41 kms from Manas National Park.






Nagaland is a small state in the north eastern part of the country. Strategically located, Nagaland shares international border with Myanmar to its east. The state is bound by Assam in the north west, Arunachal Pradesh in the north east and Manipur in the south. The variations in altitude, latitude, climate and soil have given an unique diversity to the state. Full of natural beauty, Nagaland also has a rich variety of flora and fauna. Bamboo groves are found in abundance in the state. The hill slopes are full of oak, chestnut, birch, magnolia, cherry, maple, laurel and fig. At altitudes between 3000 and 4000 feet, pine trees grow in large numbers. Orchids could be seen in full bloom during April and May. Many varieties of wild vegetables, roots, fruits, and tubers also grow in the soil of Nagaland. With a pleasant climate, Nagaland is the ideal tourist destination for lovers of nature.

The Buranjis, the chronicles of Ahom rulers of Assam throw a lot of light on early history of Nagas. The first Ahom king Sukapha had engaged the Nagas in the Patkai hills. Thereafter, he entered Assam through Naga territory. The British had to sweat a lot to bring the belligerent Nagas under the control of the Raj. Though Kohima was established headquarters of Naga hills way back in 1878, the whole of Nagaland could be brought under British control only in the early 20th century. After independence, Nagaland was granted statehood on 31 December, 1963.

Kohima, the capital of Nagaland is a picturesque hill station yet to be discovered fully by tourists. The World War II cemetery of Kohima reminds the sacrifices made by the soldiers during that period. The Catholic Cathedral of Kohima is an important landmark and one of the biggest cathedrals of the entire eastern region. The State museum of Nagaland has an impressive collection of various traditional Naga items. Khonoma, on the outskirts of Kohima, is a place where the Naga ancestors waged many courageous battles to protect their honour. Dzukou Valley is one of the best trekking spots in the whole of north east. It is located 30 kms to the south of Kohima. Dimapur is the most important commercial centre of Nagaland where one can also see the last relics of the Kachari kingdom. Ruzaphema is popular for exquisite variety of handicrafts. The place is full of colourful markets. Close to the Nagaland-Myanmar border is Fakim wildlife sanctuary inhabited by tigers and hoolock gibons. Pulie Bazde is another small wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of Kohima.

The handloom and handicraft products of Nagaland have a distinct identity of their own. The exquisite hand woven shawls of various tribes, Naga mekhelas (Sarongs) and Naga hand bags have also found markets outside India. Beads, baskets and hats made of cane and bamboo are also among the best buys of Nagaland. Tourists may also buy a pair of Naga decorative spear to adorn the walls of their homes. A new trend seen in Nagaland is the manufacture of new garments using the traditional products of the state.

The population of Nagaland is entirely tribal. The Nagas are divided into as many as fourteen major tribal groups. They are the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khemungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sema, Yimchunger and Zeliang. Each of the tribal groups have a distinct identity in the form of language, culture and traditions.

The only airport of Nagaland is at Dimapur. State carrier Indian Airlines operates regular flights from Delhi and Kolkata via Guwahati. Dimapur also has the only railway station of the state. Both Kohima and Dimapur are well connected by road with all state capitals of the north east including Guwahati.

Kohima

Tucked away in the far eastern part of India is Kohima, the capital of tiny north-eastern state of Nagaland. Kohima is a picturesque hill station at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level. It must be admitted that Kohima is one of the lesser known tourist places of the country. The geographical location of the place might be responsible to a large extent for this. Nevertheless, it is as beautiful as any other hill station of India with green valleys, blue hills, rich fauna and excellent climatic conditions. Kohima is at a distance of 339 kms from Guwahati, the gateway to north-east.

Best Season to Visit : October-April

Sightseeing at Kohima -
World War II Cemetry : The soldiers belonging to allied forces who died fighting valiantly during World War II at Kohima rest in peace at the place. Each grave is supported by a bronze plaque with suitable epitaph. There are beautiful gardens surrounding the cemetery.

The Catholic Cathedral : Located on top of Aradura Hill is the Catholic Cathedral, one of the largest in entire eastern India. The cathedral is also home to the biggest wooden cross in the country.

The Nagaland State Museum : The State Museum is a place worth visiting. The collections in the museum shall help tourists in greatly understanding the history, culture, customs and traditions of Naga people. The main items displayed are gateposts, statues, pillars, jewellery and traditional weapons. The basement of the museum houses some birds and animals found in northeastern hill states.

The Zoological Park : The Zoological Park is rich in flora and fauna of Nagaland. The main attraction of this park is the world famous Blythe Tragopan.

Reaching Kohima -
Air : The airport nearest to Kohima is Dimapur. State carrier Indian Airlines operates services from Kolkata and Delhi to Dimapur every alternate day. Flights are also available from Guwahati. Rail : Dimapur is also the nearest railhead at a distance of around 74 kms. A number of trains are available to Dimapur from Guwahati.

Road : Buses are available to Kohima from Guwahati and other state capitals of the north east. Volvo luxury coaches are likely to be introduced from Guwahati to Kohima in the near future.

STD/ISD Codes -
if dialing from India to Kohima: 03866(number)
if dialing from outside India to Kohima:+913866(number)

Shopping in Kohima -
The handloom and handicraft products of Nagaland are unique. Some of them like the Naga shawl and decorative spears are among the best buys. The items shall be available in all markets of Kohima.





One of India's smallest states, Tripura lies in the extreme east of India. Sharing a long international border with Bangladesh in its west, Tripura is also bound by Indian states of Assam and Mizoram in the north and east. Tripura is full of scenic hills, dales and green valleys. Infact, as regards the geographic pattern, Tripura deviates slightly from other states of north east. While north eastern states are basically hilly, Tripura's landscape is a mixture of hill ranges and broad, elongated valleys. The main hill ranges of Tripura are Jampoi, Sakham Tlang, Langtarai, Athara Mura and Bara Mura. At a height of 3200 feet above sea level, Be-talang-Shiv is the highest peak of the state. Khowati, Manu, Haorah, Muhuri and Gomati are the big rivers of the state. The beautiful valleys of Tripura include Agartala, Udaipur, Sabrum, Khowai, Teliamura, Amarpur and Silachari.

Tripura is a land ruled by kings who were both aristocratic and benevolent. Known as the Manikyas, they ruled Tripura during the entire medieval period and even later. In 1586, after the defeat of Jasodhara Manikya to the Mughals, a portion of Tripura had to be ceded to Mughals. During the period 1760-1783, taking advantage of the internal bickerings of Manikyas, the British established a firm hold over the state. Notified as a princely state at the time of independence, Tripura formally joined Indian Union in October, 1949.

In order to promote tourism in a big way, the government has declared tourism an industry. Capital city Agartala stores many tourist attractions. Agartala preserves the legacies of the Manikya rulers in the form of beautiful palaces of Ujjayanta and Kunjaban. The temple of Chaturdasa Devata is built in Bengali architectural style but also has some Buddhist influences. Dedicated to 14 gods and goddesses, they are all represented by their heads. Situated at a distance of 55 kms from Agartala is Neermahal, a summer resort and another popular tourist attraction. Built in the middle of Rudrasagar lake, it occupies an area of about 5.35 sq. km. A combination of Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture, it is the only lake palace in eastern India. Unakoti Tirtha, a hillock in North Tripura is famous for rock murals. The shrine at Unakoti is regarded as sacred by people of the state. Jampui hills are the highest hill ranges of the state famous for orange cultivation and some rare varieties of orchids. Other places worth a visit in the state are Pilak, Udaipur, Sepahijala, Kamalasagar and Deotamura. Tripura also has beautiful Buddhist monasteries in Agartala, Pecharthal, Kanchanpur, Manu Bakul, Pilak and Boxnagar.

The majority of Tripura's population are Bengalis. However, the Tripuri tribes are the original inhabitants of the state. Other major tribal groups are the Reangs, Jamatis, Noatias, Kukis, Halams, Chakmas, Moghs and Lushais. The various tribal groups celebrate many different festivals in different times of the year. Some of the important festivals of the state are Kharchi Puja, Ker & Garia Puja and Ganga Puja. But it is Durga Puja that is celebrated in a big way in Tripura.

Among the best buys of Tripura are its exquisite bamboo, cane and wooden handicrafts including cotton silk and polyester.

Agartala has the only airport of Tripura. Flights are available to Agartala from Guwahati, Silchar, Udaipur, Melaghar and Unakoti. Kumarghat is the nearest railhead from Agartala. Regular bus services are available to Agartala from Guwahati. Recently, Agartala-Dhaka bus service was also introduced.

Agartala

Agartala is the capital of Tripura, one of the seven states constituting the north eastern part of the country. Tripura was a princely state till 1956 when it was made a Union Territory. It was granted full statehood in 1972. Agartala is located just 2 kms away from the Bangladesh border. The capital city is also regarded as a mini storehouse of rich cultural diversity. This is because apart from the tribal population, many other communities reside in Agartala. Agartala was established in its present location in the year 1850 by popular ruler of the region Maharaja Radha Krishna Kishore Manikya Bahadur. The distance between Agartala and Guwahati is 599 kms.

Best Season to Visit : October-April

Sightseeing at Agartala -
Ujjayanta Palace : This palace is the major tourist attraction of Agartala. It was built in the year 1901 in the Indo-Saracenic style by Maharaja Radhakishore Manikya. The two-storeyed mansion is located in sprawling 28 hectares of parkland. Presently, it houses the State Legislative Assembly. Within the compound are two temples-Umanneshwar and Jagganath.

Kunjaban Palace : Another beautiful palace in Agartala is Kunjaban Palace built in the year 1917. It is located at a distance of 1 km from the Ujjayanta Palace on a hillock. The palace has now been converted into the official residence of the Governor of Tripura. The southern part of the palace is open to public.

Both the palaces are architectural masterpieces.

Neermahal : Situated at a distance of 55 kms from Agartala is Neermahal, a summer resort and popular tourist attraction. The resort has been built in the middle of a lake named Rudrasagar and occupies an area of about 5.35 sq. km. A combination of Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture, it is the only lake palace in eastern India.

Reaching Agartala -
Air : Regular flights operate to Agartala from Guwahati, Silchar, Udaipur, Melaghar and Unakoti.
Rail : The railway station nearest to Agartala is Kumarghat.
Road : Regular bus services are available to Agartala from Guwahati. Recently, Agartala -Dhaka bus service has also been inaugurated.

STD/ISD Codes -
if dialing from India to Agartala: 0381(number)
if dialing from outside India to Agartala: +91381(number)
Shopping in Agartala -
The best buys of Agartala are its exquisite bamboo, cane and wooden handicraft products including cotton silk and polyester. The best place to buy quality products at reasonable prices is the state government emporium of Agartala.