#places to visit in Nagaland in October

[travelthrivehub]

Discover Dzukou Valley: Northeast India's Hidden Gem

Discover Dzukou Valley: Northeast India's Hidden Gem 🏞️ Explore the breathtaking Dzukou Valley in Nagaland, India! Home to 500+ rare plant species, vibrant wildflowers, and the elusive Blyth's tragopan pheasant. Perfect for trekkers, nature lovers, and photographers. Best time to visit: May-October. #DzukouValley #NortheastIndia #Trekking #NatureLovers #AdventureTravel

Nestled in the heart of Northeast India, Dzukou Valley is a breathtaking natural wonder that has captured the hearts of adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. This hidden gem, straddling the borders of Nagaland and Manipur, offers a mesmerizing blend of lush meadows, vibrant flora, and unforgettable trekking experiences. Prepare to be swept away by the valley’s serene beauty and unique…

[manousjournal]

Travel Sketches (Nov 2023 - March 2024)

Nov 2023.

Bishnumaya just turned 100 this October. She comes from Pokhari, about 15 kilometers from Mirik town. As we spoke, she recalled old memories, her expressions shifting as if reliving those moments. She seemed elsewhere, gazing past me into the distance, and then, as if continuing a conversation with herself, she said, “Nowadays people ask about caste when they meet someone, and how is that of any use?”

She described how, when she was small, there were no proper schools in her village. She learned to read and write, however little, by arranging corn kernels on the ground to form shapes that resembled letters and numbers. Reflecting on her long life, she added that everyone around her—friends her age and younger siblings—is dead, and she feels like a monster who swallowed them all.

The sun is out, but it’s only warm where the light falls. The history of Mirik is reflected in its lake, which used to be a marshland. According to Wikipedia, the name Mirik comes from the Lepcha words Mir-Yok, meaning "place burnt by fire." It's very green now for a place that was once burnt.

A town fair is underway, offering a range of attractions: a Ferris wheel, flower park visits, fast food stalls, ice cream carts, horse and boat rides, live pop music, card game betting, balloon shooting, local bingo-type card games, and hoopla with prizes up for grabs. Some prizes are cash with notes of 20, 50, and 100 rupees.

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For the past ten years, I haven't had a permanent home. When I wanted to sidestep the weight of planning and longed for comfort and familiarity, I returned to places I liked a little more than others: Auroville, Dharamshala, Shillong, Aizawl, Nagaland. 

I like meeting new people and have formed what feels like extended families in some of these places. Since I have mostly felt free to move around, sometimes nostalgia of people or a time or a curiosity to see how things may have changed would draw me back to a place.

Earlier in August, while I was temporarily living in Auroville, I got a call about a six-month project called The Great Himalayan Exploration, a collaboration between UNESCO and Royal Enfield. The project aims to document the intangible cultural heritage of local communities in the Himalayan region of Northeast India.

My work on this trip specifically involved photographing the people behind various cultural practices and examining the ecosystems they exist in. To build context, I engaged in various methods, such as scanning old photos from people’s personal albums, taking photos of their living spaces, landscapes, and exploring archival resources. From November to April, we were in West Bengal, Sikkim, Tripura, Mizoram, Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya.

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On our way back to Siliguri from Mirik, we made a lengthy stop near a tea estate. Lalita, from Tingling village, shared that she had spent two decades working on the estate, much like many other women from the village. Their collective hope was to earn a minimum of 500 rupees per day for their labor. Currently, they are receiving 250 rupees per day for an eight-hour shift.

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Sanchamaya, 74, sits with her friend Bodhimaya in the front yard of her house in Darap, both lifelong farmers of the area and belonging to the Limbu community. They're nice and welcoming. It's our second day in Pelling, West Sikkim, and I've ended up at the wrong house. Today, we're supposed to see a drum dance(chyabrung) performance by local Limbu boys, which I'll catch later.

They talk in basic broken Hindi, with Shusan translating most of it. Sanchamaya leads me to the back of their house, where she proudly shows me trays of dried large cardamoms. Later, we'll visit her cardamom field. They also cultivate Mosambi, oranges, guavas, maize, peas, ginger, and onions. Sanchamaya spends her days with her friend, grandchildren, working in the fields, and cooking in the kitchen.

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I visited Chuba village, 3 hours away from Gangtok, with Semeon from Haflong, Assam, a textile design graduate from NID and working at Sonam’s design studio called EchoStream based in Gangtok. Semeon was familiar with the village and the community I was there to meet. Arun Gurung and his wife, founders of Chubako, are endeavoring to revive an old tradition of sourcing wool from indigenous banpala sheep to make clothes. They operate a small cooperative called Chubako. In this village of 43 families, one person from each household now works for Chubako. (photo above: Arun Gurung, founder of Chubako)

(photo below: Designed by Sanskruti Shukla, co-created with the craft community of Chubako for Echostream, Gangtok)

Local stories of the craftspeople of Chuba are showcased and incorporated into wool through interactive workshops focused on storytelling and design development. The felted art rugs depict the flora and fauna of Sikkim.

Gangamaya Gurung, 83, Arun Gurung's mother, lit up like a child when she saw Semeon. They shared a bond akin to best friends. Despite her age, Gangamaya remains active, tending to sheep, cutting grass, farming, and weaving. When asked about her leisure activties, she said, "eat, watch TV - eat, watch TV."

Sampati Debbarma, a farmer, returning from work in Takarjala, Tripura.

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Jan, 2024.

We have been out on this trip for 3 months. My thoughts scattered in a kind of bardo between the world I know and the world I am coming into contact with. I picture house fronts with flowers in Darjeeling, roads winding, the long cold rivers snaking toward mountains that seem no bigger than my thumb, the snow capped peaks shifting colours, the prayer flags in high altitudes and on house doors. Gangtok’s Lal Bazaar skateboarders flash by, a school in Tripura where a student lives on 700rs a month, nini bung tamo and 4 other sentences I learned in Kokborok nag me like a tune. Sidangcherra to Pecharthal to Panisagar to Damchara checkpoint we make our way from Tripura into Mizoram by road. I think about where I will be later in the summer and see a white fluffed cloud taking the shape of a growing tree far on the horizon.

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Krismas Ruaitheh(Christmas feast) at Khatla Presbyterian Church, Aizawl. This is my 3rd time in Aizawl. I used to go for dinners, sometime evening tea to my friend’s family house further up the road from the Khatla church. We are here to document the traditional community feast of the Mizos.

Priscilla is currently pursuing her BA in Political Science in Delhi, and she's home for the holidays. She was volunteering at Khatla Presbyterian Church where she and her friends were tasked with serving lemonade, a customary drink after the meal. For Priscilla, the most remarkable aspect of the feast is its longstanding tradition — dating back to pre-Christian times — where the entire community comes together to share its moments of joy and sorrow + they still use Changel Hnah (plantain leaves) — the traditional way to serve meals.

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On an idle walk one evening in Khatla, I find myself in a local thrift store and get invited to meet James Lalhmingliana. He is 80, one of the founding members of Aizawl's first bike club, Aizawl Thunders. He went to school at Sts. Edmund’s in Shillong.

In 1966, he joined the Mizo National Front uprising, fighting for freedom. He went underground for seven years, first in Arakan, Burma, then in 1969 to East Pakistan for shelter. "It was useless," he says. "We wasted our good years. When I came back, I was put in jail, but not for long."

He has been housebound for years due to his health.

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At 8 am on a cold January morning, we arrive at Joonbeel Mela. (Joon and beel are Assamese terms for moon and wetland. The Tiwa community first organized this in the 15th century to exchange goods between indigenous tribal communities in Assam and the surrounding areas.)

It is known as the only fair in India where people still practice barter, exchanging goods like fish, sweet potatoes, yam, homegrown vegetables, turmeric, chili, kali miri, and rongalau.

Over a few hours, I have brief interactions with people from Jagiroad, Pamlatar, Deosal, Sira, Changsari, Potia Pathar, Bengenabari, Palahguri, ulukunchi, morigaon, Nagaon, Saru Amli, Belguri, Damal, and places as far as Langpih, mawlynnong in Meghalaya.  No one refuses a photo.

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This is my fifth time in Nagaland. I first came here ten years ago and stayed at Kevesho's home. He is the father of the Tetseo Sisters, a well-known folk group of four sisters from Nagaland.

Kevesho Tetseo, son of Nülhüprü Tetseo was born in 1950s in Thüvopisümi village, Phek District, Nagaland. Initially schooled in the village, he finished his HSLC at Government High School in Kohima and graduated from Kohima College in Arts. He worked in the Education Dept. for sometime and now retired. Active in cultural music, Chokri language preservation, and in church choir since his youth.

(Tati - - a single string musical instrument which is used as an accompaniment with singing of li- indigenous songs by the Chakhesang Nagas.) 

Kevesho learned how to make Tati from observing elders in his village when he was young and has done Tati making work since 1990s and a good number of it has been produced till date by him including improvising it for longer life by using steel wires as strings.

He tells me, the woven shawl he is wearing in the picture is "thipiqhü". It is the most prestigious shawl (indigenous cloth) among many traditional clothes of the Chakhesang tribe. It is a shawl they wear with humility and honour.

“Nagaland is my home and I love my culture, its rich traditional heritage, and the natural beauty.”

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Daisy Yaden was born in Zotlang, Mizoram. She studied at the Welsh Mission School in Mission Veng, Aizawl. She will turn 98 this June. She learned to weave shawls on a backstrap loom, stitching, and baking from her mother, often baking cakes in the fireplace. She taught in the interiors of Nagaland, in places like Noklak and Changtongya. She started her career by teaching people self-sufficiency—how to cook, make jams and pickles—skills she picked up from a British magazine called Woman’s Own. She used to compose little tunes for children at Sunday school. She loves flower gardening and her favourite film is "Gone with the Wind."

Photographed at her house in Duncan, Dimapur.

I am sitting with Marian, Daisy's daughter, at her house in Duncan. Marian, now 75, lived in Bombay from 1970 to 2012. She went to college there and worked as an air hostess with Air India for 34 years. In 2012, she returned to Nagaland. We agreed to meet again for lunch and look at her old photo albums.

(below: Marian,16, in Kohima trying a sari for the first time / in Santa Cruz, Bombay in the 80s with James Ferreira and friends)

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Khinchi is Christian, and Sindri is Songsarek, belonging to one of the last animism practising communities. I learned a few words in Achik: Khading bo, Methela, Namja, and Manja. Here I am in the extended kitchen space at Sindri's hut, in Sadolpara, Dadenggre, where they are taking a break from cooking lunch. 

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First published in Hindustan Times June '24

[indiatourpackages]

Find Your Perfect Escape with North East India Tour Packages

The region of North East India is a hidden gem for travelers. It offers an exceptional mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. If you're searching for a memorable getaway, North East India Tour Packages provide endless options. Whether you prefer serene landscapes, cultural explorations, or thrilling activities, there’s a package tailored for every traveler.

Scenic Escapes for Nature Enthusiasts

North East India is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty. The rolling hills of Sikkim and the misty landscapes of Meghalaya are perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat. In Sikkim, visit the majestic Tsomgo Lake, where the reflections of the surrounding peaks create a stunning scene. Meghalaya, known as the “abode of clouds,” offers scenic drives through lush forests and waterfalls like Nohkalikai Falls.

For wildlife lovers, North East India Tour Packages often include trips to Kaziranga National Park, home to the one-horned rhinoceros. The park's vast meadows and wetlands provide a beautiful backdrop for safaris and birdwatching tours.

Adventure-Focused Packages

If you crave an adrenaline rush, the North East has much to offer. Trekking through Arunachal Pradesh is an unforgettable experience. The Goecha La trek, for example, provides views of the Kanchenjunga and other towering peaks. Adventure seekers can also enjoy river rafting on the Brahmaputra in Assam. This thrilling activity offers a mix of rapid currents and calm stretches.

Meghalaya’s extensive cave systems are perfect for exploration. Popular sites like Mawsmai Cave challenge even experienced cavers with their narrow passages and natural rock formations. North East tour packages often bundle these adventures for convenience.

Safety and Best Seasons

Planning an adventure? It’s important to choose the right season. The best time for trekking and outdoor activities is from October to April, ensuring clear skies and pleasant weather. Make sure your package includes certified guides for safety.

Cultural and Heritage Experiences

The region's rich culture is woven into its daily life. In Nagaland, you can witness the Hornbill Festival, a vibrant display of traditional dances, music, and art. North East India Tour Packages often include visits to such cultural events, giving travelers a chance to engage with local traditions.

The Kamakhya Temple in Assam is a significant cultural site. It is not only an architectural marvel but also a place where myths and legends come alive. Beyond the major landmarks, explore local villages to see craftspeople at work. Hand-woven textiles, bamboo crafts, and pottery showcase the skill and heritage of the region.

Unique Encounters

Some packages feature guided tours that highlight local stories and history. Spending time with tribes like the Konyaks or Apatanis provides insight into their lifestyle and traditions.

Family-Friendly Tour Options

Traveling with family? North East tour packages cater to all ages. One must-do experience is the Darjeeling Toy Train, which delights children and adults alike. This UNESCO World Heritage train ride offers spectacular views of tea gardens and hillsides.

Kaziranga National Park is another great choice. Families can embark on jeep safaris to see wildlife up close. To balance fun with learning, visit Assam’s museums and tea estates. Children enjoy seeing the tea-making process and tasting freshly brewed Assam tea.

Engaging Itineraries

Family packages typically include activities like picnics by scenic lakes and simple hiking trails. This ensures everyone, from young children to grandparents, has a fulfilling experience.

Romantic Getaways for Couples

For couples, the North East is an ideal destination. Shillong, with its serene lakes and charming spots, is perfect for romantic walks. Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh offers breathtaking views, especially during sunset. North East India Tour Packages for couples often feature boutique hotels and cozy stays.

Special Inclusions

Look for packages that include private experiences like boat rides on Umiam Lake or guided walks through flower-filled meadows. These small touches create lasting memories for two.

Wellness and Rejuvenation Tours

Amidst the tranquil setting of North East India, wellness retreats are becoming popular. Packages often include yoga and meditation sessions with scenic backdrops in places like Sikkim and Meghalaya. The fresh mountain air and peaceful environment encourage relaxation and well-being.

Spa and Nature Walks

Many wellness packages include spa treatments, along with nature walks that take you through green valleys and along riverbanks. It's the perfect escape for those seeking balance and calm.

Culinary Tours for Food Lovers

The region's cuisine is diverse and flavorful. North East India Tour Packages for food enthusiasts often include tastings of local dishes such as thukpa, momos, and bamboo shoot curries. Assam’s tea estates add a special touch, offering guided tours and tastings.

Must-Try Experiences

Be sure to visit the local markets. Here, you’ll find traditional street food and regional ingredients. This authentic food experience is a highlight for many travelers.

Customizable Tour Packages

Flexibility is key for many travelers. Customizable North East tour packages allow you to tailor your itinerary. Whether you wish to attend a local festival, add an extra day for hiking, or include a visit to an offbeat village, the options are vast.

Adding Personal Touches

With customizable packages, you can create the ideal travel plan. Choose your preferred accommodations, add unique experiences, and make your trip truly your own.

[selfdrivecar2]

Top 10 Thrilling Adventure Sports You Should Not Miss in Northeast India

Introduction

Northeast India, often referred to as the "Seven Sisters," is a hidden gem for adventure enthusiasts. With its rugged mountains, dense forests, turbulent rivers, and captivating landscapes, the region offers endless possibilities for adrenaline-pumping experiences. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-time thrill-seeker, Northeast India has something to get your heart racing.

In this article, we’ll take you through the top 10 adventure sports that should be on your Northeast India bucket list.

1. River Rafting in Teesta and Siang Rivers

Location: Sikkim & Arunachal Pradesh

Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to December

Experience: The Teesta and Siang rivers, fed by melting glaciers, offer some of the best white-water rafting experiences in India. The turbulent rapids range from Grade II to IV, providing a thrilling challenge for both beginners and experienced rafters.

What to Expect: Thrilling rapids, beautiful landscapes, and occasional wildlife sightings along the riverbanks.

2. Paragliding in Gangtok, Sikkim

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim

Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November

Experience: Soaring over the mesmerizing Himalayan mountains is an unparalleled experience. Paragliding in Gangtok lets you glide like a bird, with breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range and lush valleys.

What to Expect: A tandem paragliding session with a trained instructor, lasting from 10 to 20 minutes depending on weather conditions.

3. Trekking in the Dzukou Valley

Location: Nagaland and Manipur border

Best Time to Visit: June to September for lush greenery, October to November for clear views

Experience: Dzukou Valley, also known as the "Valley of Flowers," is a scenic trek that offers everything from dense forests to vibrant flower-strewn meadows. The trek is moderate and ideal for beginners.

What to Expect: Stunning views of the valley, exotic flowers, natural caves, and scenic campsites.

4. Caving in Meghalaya

Location: Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya

Best Time to Visit: October to April

Experience: Meghalaya is known for its incredible cave systems, some of the longest and deepest in India. Exploring these limestone and sandstone caves is a thrilling experience, offering a glimpse into ancient rock formations, underground streams, and stalactites.

What to Expect: Adventure and exploration in pitch-dark conditions, squeezing through narrow passages, and discovering underground wonders.

5. Mountain Biking in Arunachal Pradesh

Location: Bomdila, Tawang, and Ziro Valley

Best Time to Visit: April to June, October to November

Experience: The rugged terrains of Arunachal Pradesh make it perfect for mountain biking. With paths cutting through remote villages, lush green forests, and steep valleys, biking here is as challenging as it is rewarding.

What to Expect: Challenging trails, cultural interactions with local tribes, and the raw beauty of Arunachal's landscapes.

6. Rock Climbing in Assam

Location: Elephant Rock near Guwahati

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Experience: For rock climbing enthusiasts, Assam's Elephant Rock provides a great place to test your skills. The natural rock faces vary in difficulty, offering routes for both novice and advanced climbers.

What to Expect: Exhilarating climbs, scenic views, and a unique chance to hone your climbing techniques.

7. Angling in Arunachal Pradesh

Location: Siang and Subansiri rivers

Best Time to Visit: October to April

Experience: Arunachal Pradesh's rivers are home to some of the most prized game fish, like the Golden Mahseer. Angling here combines the thrill of fishing with the tranquility of nature.

What to Expect: Peaceful surroundings, encounters with diverse fish species, and the joy of catching and releasing these majestic fish.

8. Hot Air Ballooning in Meghalaya

Location: Dawki and Umiam Lake, Meghalaya

Best Time to Visit: November to February

Experience: For a unique and relatively new experience, hot air ballooning over Meghalaya's scenic landscapes offers an aerial view of the misty hills, dense forests, and pristine rivers.

What to Expect: A gentle, scenic ride high above, offering panoramic views of the region and a unique perspective of Meghalaya’s stunning landscapes.

9. Ziplining in Cherrapunji

Location: Mawkdok Dympep Valley, Cherrapunji

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Experience: One of the longest zip lines in India, the zip line at Mawkdok Dympep Valley lets you zoom over scenic valleys and lush green hills, giving you a bird's-eye view of the beautiful landscapes.

What to Expect: A thrilling ride over the valley, high adrenaline, and a memorable experience.

10. Camping and Jungle Safari in Kaziranga National Park

Location: Assam

Best Time to Visit: November to April

Experience: Famous for its one-horned rhinos, Kaziranga National Park offers camping and safari options for wildlife enthusiasts. Safaris can be done by jeep or elephant, giving you a chance to witness exotic wildlife in their natural habitat.

What to Expect: Close encounters with rhinos, tigers, and other wildlife, scenic campsites, and the tranquility of being surrounded by nature.

Conclusion

Northeast India is a treasure trove of adventure activities that appeal to every kind of thrill-seeker. From white-water rafting to paragliding, trekking, and wildlife safaris, this region offers experiences that are truly one of a kind. Each sport brings you closer to the region's unique landscape, rich culture, and vibrant biodiversity. So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in the enchanting landscapes of Northeast India. You can rent a self drive car for explore wisely.

[swantourtravel]

Immerse In The Natural Beauty Of The North Eastern Hills

India is a diverse country in every way possible and its vast landscapes consist of various terrains and weather patterns giving tourists the adventures they seek. The mountainous terrains of North Eastern India have a great catalog of tourism and holiday destinations, all lining up on the Himalayan range. The sheer beauty and solace have been the biggest reason for people visiting in bulk in different seasons and the rise of North East Tour Packages. 

When talking about North East India touring, it is important to understand the states that make up the North-East part. Typically, there are 7 sister states and 1 brother state that comprises the entire North Eastern zone of India. However, when considering touring the northern parts of West Bengal, such as the Darjeeling Gangtok tour packages are sometimes included within North Eastern Touring programs. 

The brother state is Sikkim and the seven sister states are Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. From the numerous hill stations to the breathtaking natural beauty coupled with the perfect weather, the North Eastern states of India have everything required to become such a beloved destination for vacationing. North East Tour Packages attract families, solo backpackers, and friend groups to visit these beautiful locations from around the country and across the borders. 

How To Best Plan A Trip To North East India?

In order to plan a trip to North East Indian states, tourists must know about the seasons and weathering situations. There are typically three seasons when the tourism is at peak but the weathering conditions can change anytime, so, it has to be kept in mind. Darjeeling Gangtok tour packages are mostly conducted in the monsoons, while other states can be best explored in other seasons. 

Assam

For exploring all eight North-East Indian states, Assam is often the place from where tourist agencies like to begin their complete trip of the region. The ideal period for visiting Assam and exploring its vast landscape is between November and April, or throughout the whole of Winter. 

Arunachal Pradesh

North East Tour Packages tend to consider the best season for touring Arunachal Pradesh to be during the months of October and April. The 6-month-long tour passage allows the visitors to witness three separate seasons, monsoon, winter, and summer. 

Darjeeling-Gangtok

As mentioned earlier, the Darjeeling-Gangtok touring sessions are mostly focused around the monsoon and maybe even at the start of winter. The Darjeeling Gangtok tour packages are aligned accordingly to avoid weathering woes and other disruptions to the journey. 

Meghalaya

The state of Meghalaya could use a separate tour and in either case, the right time to visit these enchanting lands is during summer and monsoons, namely between October to April. From the capital hill station Shillong to the wettest places inside the Indian borders, Mawsinrum and Cherrapunji, Meghalaya is a pretty place almost in between clouds. 

Manipur

North East Tour Packages will plan the Manipur trip sometime in winter. The winterś in Manipur is perhaps too pleasant with temperatures dipping as low as 5 degrees but not to a freezing climate. 

Mizoram

Mizoram is another North-Eastern state that must be visited during winter time as the temperatures only get as low as 10 degrees and do not go much over 20. Apart from the wonderful weather, Mizoram also has mesmerizing landscapes and several places for sightseeing for visitors.  

Nagaland

Nagaland is another north Indian state that is home to several indigenous tribes surrounded by vast hills and a very deep-rooted connection to individual tribal cultures. 

Tripura

The North East Tour Packages remain incomplete without visiting the remote hills of Tripura. It is another North-Eastern state to have a vast tribal population and a few religious and architectural marvels that captivate tourists to visit the place at least once. 

Sikkim

Sikkim is a renowned tourist destination that needs no introduction. Every other Indian middle-class family tends to once go on vacations on Darjeeling Gangtok tour packages which may also include Sikkim as an extended trip planning. These northeast Indian states are among the most admired hill stations in all of India.  For more details about the North East tour packages, contact Swan Tours today!

[masteraarnav]

Unveiling 6 Offbeat Destinations: Take a Short Trip in India in 2023

Embarking on a short trip in India allows you to discover emerging offbeat destinations. If you are tired of visiting the same famous tourist destinations in India, this time use your weekend effectively to immerse yourself in the charm of the lesser-explored wonders of India. For explorers like you, we have penned down the 6 best offbeat destinations in India that offer a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

1. Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu:  Dhanushkodi, located on the southern tip of Rameswaram Island, offers a mystical experience where the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal meet. Visit the iconic Adam's Bridge, the ruins of the old town, and the Gandhamadhana Parvatham for panoramic views. The beach, with its pristine beauty, provides a serene environment for relaxation and introspection. Explore our weekend trip packages that will make your trip economical. 

Best Time to Visit: November to February

2. Gokarna, Karnataka Tucked away on the western coast of Karnataka, Gokarna is a tranquil beach town known for its pristine shores and spiritual significance. It is one of the best vacation spots near Bangalore to visit with friends on the weekend. Explore the scenic beaches like Om Beach and Paradise Beach, witness the breathtaking sunsets, and visit the revered Mahabaleshwar Temple. Gokarna offers a perfect escape from the city, making it an ideal destination for a short trip in India. 

Best Time to Visit: October to March

3. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh One of the best vacation spots in Northeast India for peace seekers and nature lovers, Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh is a hidden gem for those seeking offbeat vacation spots. It is nestled amidst the mesmerising Eastern Himalayas and showcases a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

Interact with the Apatani tribal community to understand the local customs and traditions. Don't miss the enchanting Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and the ancient Meghna Cave Temple.

Best Time to Visit: March to October 

4. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh  One of the best offbeat family weekend getaways from Delhi for families who want to avoid the crowds of Shimla and Manali on the weekend trip. Popularly known as the "Mini Switzerland of India," the picturesque landscapes and pleasant weather will captivate you. Explore the lush green meadows, visit the Khajjiar Lake, and indulge in adventurous activities like zorbing and paragliding.

Don't miss the nearby Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary for a rendezvous with nature. Buy the package from International Travel House to make your family vacation memorable, affordable, and comfortable.

Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November

5. Dzukou Valley, Nagaland Located on the border of Nagaland and Manipur, the Dzukou Valley is a hidden gem that offers a pristine environment and breathtaking views. Trek through the lush green valley, adorned with seasonal flowers, and camp under the starry skies. The flowers begin to bloom in the summer season; however, the first two weeks of the monsoon season are the peak flower season in Dzukou Valley.

The valley is a paradise for nature photographers and adventure seekers, making it an offbeat destination worth exploring. Book the best self-drive service online to explore sightseeing places like Sanctuary Falls, Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary, Kohima War Cemetery, and Kohima Museum, to name a few. 

Best Time to Visit: June to September

6. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand Another of the best family weekend getaways from Delhi, that you can visit in June is Munsiyari. Nestled in the lap of the snow-capped Himalayas, Munsiyari is a quaint town that serves as a base for treks to the Milam and Ralam glaciers. 

Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty, visit the Birthi Falls, and enjoy the panoramic views of the Panchachuli peaks. Munsiyari offers a peaceful and rejuvenating experience, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Buy our weekend trip package, pack your bags, fuel your wanderlust, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November

Conclusion: India's offbeat tourist destinations offer a treasure trove of experiences, taking you off the beaten path and allowing you to discover the hidden gems of the country. On your 2023 short trip in India, make sure these hidden gems are a part of your exploration. Each of these destinations provides an enchanting blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and tranquillity. 

[themilesnsmiles-blog]

7 Places To Visit In The Seven Sisters Of India

The northeastern states of India boast of many scenic, surreal, and spectacular places featuring lofty hills, gorgeous valleys, sparkling lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and dense forests. Take a look at these places that are perfect for an impeccable Seven Sisters Of India tour.

1. Kaziranga National Forest – Assam

Location: Kaziranga National Park, Kanchanjuri, Assam 784177 Best Time To Visit: November to April Average Temperature: 15°C How To Reach: One can take a cab or taxi from the nearest airport which is in Guwahati. Places To Stay: Summit Green Village Resort and Spa, Kaziranga Things To Do: Bird watching, touring the national park

2. Kohima – Nagaland

Best Time To Visit: October to May Average Temperature: 30°C How To Reach: The nearest Domestic Airport is Dimapur Airport from Kohima. Places To Stay: Niraamaya resorts Things To Do: Visit the war cemetery

3. Tawang – Arunachal Pradesh

Best Time To Visit: March to October Average Temperature: 15°C How To Reach: Best way to reach Tawang is by taking a cab Places To Stay: Hotel Tawang Heights Things To Do: Adventure touring

4. Imphal – Manipur

Best Time To Visit: September to April Average Temperature: Varies with the season How To Reach: The best way to reach here is by an airplane. Airport is only 8 kilometers away. Places To Stay: Manipur House Things To Do: Kangla fort visit

5. Champhai – Mizoram

Best Time To Visit: November to March Average Temperature: 20°C How To Reach: It is best to take a cab from Aizwal Airport. Places To Stay: Blueberry Inn

Things To Do: Visit Umiam lake

6. Agartala – Tripura

Best Time To Visit: December to March Average Temperature: 15°C How To Reach: The best way to reach Agartala is by railway. There is a railway station just a few kilometers to the south from the center of the city. Places To Stay: Hotel Polo Towers Agartala, Ginger Agartala Things To Do: Visit Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal Palace, Heritage Park

7. Shillong – Meghalaya

Best Time To Visit: April to June Average Temperature: 20°C How To Reach: One can take a cab/taxi from Umroi Airport which is 25 kilometers away. Places To Stay: The Loft- Executive Inn, Hotel Polo Towers Shillong Things To Do: Visit Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak & View Point, Laitlum Canyons

[tripnomadic]

Top Places To Visit In Arunachal Pradesh Ensuring The Most Awesome 2022 Vacation

 Arunachal Pradesh is situated in the northeastern part of India and is bordered by the states of Assam and Nagaland to the south, and by Myanmar to the east. There are many amazing places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh. And, the best time to visit these places is between the months of October and March. This is the time when the weather is at its best, and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.

[winstours]

Best Indian Tourist Places to visit in Summers

Summers in India are unbearable, especially in North India. But that doesn't mean you can't escape the hot weather. India has the best tourist places to make your summer a little cool and pleasant. From hill stations to beaches and more. Let's explore:

1.Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, situated 1,400 km away from the east coast of India, are a paradise with turquoise water and history. There is a major airport and seaport in Port Blair, the capital of this union territory, offering direct connections with many tourist islands throughout the country and the world. It's a perfect destination to beat the summer heat. The most popular tourist places are Havelock and Neil islands which offer excellent diving options.

Places to visit: Radhanagar Beach, Cellular Jail, Ross Island, Elephant Beach, North Bay Island, Night Kayaking in Andaman

Best Time to Visit: October to June

2.Nainital: Nainital, nestled among the Kumaon Mountains, is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Uttarakhand. It is built around a lake whose shape is unique - hence its name, 'Naini Lake'. With snowcapped hills and serene azure lakes, Nainital has a charm that'll spellbind you. As Nainital is located at an altitude of 1938 km, it has a pleasant climate for most of the year and can be rightly anointed a picturesque idyll for tourists. Plan your summer vacation to this mesmerizing Indian tourist destination.

Places to visit: Naini Lake, Snow View Point, Mall Road Nainital, Tiffin Top, Eco Cave Gardens, High Altitude Zoo

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

3.Srinagar: How can we miss Srinagar when talking about beating the summer heat. With a reputation for being paradise on earth, Srinagar is every bit as beautiful as it appears to be. Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is the most picturesque city in the world, lying on the banks of the Jhelum river with a cool, pleasant climate all year round. Beautiful and scenic views of the city with a perpetual influx of tourists will leave you mesmerized, engulfing you in its heavenly beauty.

Places to Visit: Dal Lake, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Tulip Festival in Srinagar, Shalimar Bagh, Badamwari Garden, Char Chinar

Best Time to Visit: April to October

4.Kohima: The capital city of Nagaland, Kohima is a natural paradise. British gave the anglicized name Kohima while the original name was 'Kewhira' derived from a regional flower 'Kewhi.' This hilly tourist destination is situated at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level and nestled with lush greenery forests, scenic landscape, and pleasant weather. All adventure enthusiasts should go there because it is ideal for trekking, camping, and hiking.

Places to Visit: Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak, Kohima Museum, Touphema Village, Kohima Zoo, Khonoma Village, Shilloi Lake, Kohima

Best time to visit: October to June

5.Mount Abu: With its lush green surroundings and pleasant atmosphere, Mount Abu is one of the most popular tourist spots and the only hill station in Rajasthan. Nonetheless, the major attraction in the area is undoubtedly the Dilwara temple, which boasts some of the most astonishing architectural features in the country. If you're a history fanatic and want to escape the summer heat, Mount Abu is the perfect tourist place to visit.

Places to Visit: Nakki Lake, Guru Shikhar, Toad Rock, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu Sunset Point

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

[assamtourin]

4-Best Places to Visit in Assam

Situated along the Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys in northeast India in the province of Assam. North East India tour Known for its wide scope of conditions, it's nothing unexpected that large numbers of the top spots to visit in Assam are portrayed by their normal magnificence.

Assam's tropical woods, fields, deciduous timberlands, wetlands, and bamboo plantations are simply important for what makes this state so uncommon. With a rich history that envelops the Ahom Kingdom and incalculable verifiable destinations Assam Holiday Package Experience the world-class Tour to Assam. We help you explore the best destinations in Assam at a given time to leave you with no regret.

Assam is overflowing with staggering recorded and social locales what's more; its metropolitan territories offer both an investigation of present-day Indian life and a brief look into its conventional past.

There, you'll find scrumptious yet unpretentiously seasoned cooking just as searing food sources overflowing with enticing flavours. Assam may not get the wonder that different pieces of India do, however it's an outright secret stash for voyagers. These are the 4 spots to visit in Assam, India.

Guwahati

With a long and celebrated history that dates in any event as far back as 400 CE, the city of Guwahati has for quite some time been one of the top spots to visit in Assam. This city along the Brahmaputra River is the biggest city in upper east India.

 It's likewise the best place of passage into the area. Guwahati is sprinkled with numerous Hindu sanctuaries, acquiring it the moniker "the City of Temples." Two of the best places to visit in Assam to find out about the Hindu religion are Ganesh Temple Latasil and the eighteenth-century Nine Planets Temple.

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park a world legacy site is celebrated for the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, the scene of Kaziranga is of sheer timberland, tall elephant grass, rough reeds, swamps, and shallow pools. It has been pronounced as National Park in 1974.

 One of the principal reasons decided to visit Assam in March of 2019 is its untamed life. Kaziranga National Park is maybe the best spot in the state to spot creatures like elephants, rhinos, tigers, swamp deer, water bison, and that's only the tip of the iceberg Assam Tourism Kaziranga Package.

They suggest visiting right off the bat in the year when the daytime temperatures don't get severe. Simply remember your sunblock and mosquito repellent! Like with Manas National Park

  Jorhat

The eighteenth-century capital of an autonomous Ahom realm, the little city of Jorhat is perhaps the best spot to visit in Assam. Get a brief look at a portion of the neighbourhood natural life at the close by Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary. To study the historical backdrop of the Ahom Kingdom, head out to the Sukapha Samannay Kshetra remembrance. The commemoration is committed to the Tai sovereign who established the realm, Sukaphaa.

Jorhat District, Assam. The Tea Festival is held in the region of Jorhat in the north-eastern territory of Assam in India. Jorhat is notable for its broad tea cultivates, and is the operational hub of the tea business. Jorhat has the world celebrated Tocklai Experimental Centre. Meghalaya Tour Places we help you explore the best destinations in Meghalaya at a given time to leave you with no regret.

Jorhat is a regulatory area of the Indian province of Assam arranged in the focal piece of the Brahmaputra Valley. The region is limited by Majuli on the north, Nagaland state on the south, Charaideo on the east, and Golaghat on the west.

Manas National Park

The Manas National Park was pronounced an asylum on 1 October 1928 with a zone of 360 km2. Manas bio save was made in 1973. Preceding the announcement of the asylum, it was a held back wood called Manas R.F. furthermore, North Kamrup R.F.

It was utilized by the Cooch Behar illustrious family and Raja of Gauripur as a chasing hold. In 1951 and 1955 the region was expanded to 391 km2. It was proclaimed a World Heritage site in December 1985 by UNESCO. Kahitama R.F. the Kokilabari R.F. furthermore, the Panbari R.F. was included in the year 1990 to frame the Manas National Park.

 On the off chance that you head three hours north of Guwahati, you'll discover Manas National Park. This 366.8-square-mile tiger saves, elephant hold, and UNESCO World Heritage Site are situated in the Himalayan lower regions. It's probably the best spot to visit in Assam Tours and Travels . Experience the world-class Tour to Assam. We help you explore the best destinations in Assam at a given time to leave you with no regret. The recreation centre is home to Asian elephants, tigers, rhinos, water bison, blurred panthers, deer, and considerably more.

[mytriptoindia]

Dzukou Valley, Manipur (North East) Best time to visit: October to June The land of lush green forest, crystal clear water, colorful flowers and a visual treat to your soul- the land of flowers, Dzukou Valley is an undisturbed low land and a secret kingdom of the North East, India. Dzukou Valley is located at the border of the Indian states of Nagaland and Manipur, due to its heavenly and divine place the flora and fauna is pure and untouched. The picture-perfect Dzukou Valley is located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters and it is surrounded by the mighty Japfu hilly ranges making it an ideal holiday place for trekking. The main plant found in the valley is the tough bamboo brush and an area full of it looks like a neatly mown lawn from far away. Its alluring beauty and lavish nature is covered with countless seasonal flowers that bloom every summer. The Valley is surrounded by two icy cold rivers – Dzukou and Japhu that flows crossing each other’s path with small handmade bridge to cross the narrow rivers in the valley; it is the land of the lost where everything is like an antidote for imaginary friends. For More details of the trip, Click for Whatsapp https://bit.ly/3a6Boyn and for more packages on North East Click http://bit.ly/325r6dy Booking is on First come first book basis. T & C Applied Photo Credit @northeastmagazine @momo_irengbam . For Featuring your photo or video tag us @mytriptoindiadelhi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #SelaPass #mytriptoindia #adventure #guwahati #dawkiriver #shillong #cherapunji #Mawsynram #boating #Mawlynnong #Livingrootbridge #MawjymbuinCave #Mawlyngbnavillage #Nohkalikaiwaterfall #sohra #nameri #bhalukpong #Dirang #tawang #bumlapass #chinaborder #sangtivalley #northeasttrip #loktaklake #Ukhrul #Chandel #Tamenglong #Churachandpur #Kakching #DzukouValley (at Dzukou Valley) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDRhpP0nwtb/?igshid=1rp20wwwydq1z

[thevueindiatours]

Know best time to visit Indian tourist destinations – A Month-wise Guide

If an unforgettable journey to the different divine places of India is on your bucket-list, then you must know about the best places to visit in India each month. India is a diverse country where variations can be found in castes, cultures, religions, customs and even in the climatic conditions.  

  Therefore, if you are planning your visit to India, then you must be aware of the different places that are worth traveling in each month of the year. You can plan out your trip as per the weather in India and what to see in India at which month of the year. This knowledge would help you enjoy your vacations to the fullest when in India.

Here are some of the best places to visit in India in each month of the year. Have a glance:

January – Auli in Uttrakhand You can kickstart your year with a great, fun-filled vacation and lots of adventure into the snow-covered valleys of Auli in Uttarakhand. When you would visit this snowy meadow in the month of January, all that you would able to spot across the horizons is the vast expanse of snow bed all around. Skiing down the snow-covered meadows and slopes is a fun way to welcome the New Year. Auli in Uttarakhand is a must-visit place for the adventure freaks in the month of January. You can reach Auli from Haridwar being the nearest rail station at 273 km.

User Interest: 7 hill stations in India that will fascinate you in this Summer

February – Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir When you are on a visit to India, you cannot miss out to witness the heavenly beauty of Jammu & Kashmir which is India’s Switzerland. Gulmarg in Kashmir is among the best places to visit in India during the month of February. If you have the craving to witness the serene beauty of the snow-covered mountains and meadows, then Gulmarg can be the perfect destination for you. While in Gulmarg, the adventure seekers can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the snow-fed meadows. At the same time, those searching for serenity can explore the divine hills and rejuvenating places in the region to unwind themselves. 

 March – Vrindavan, in Uttar Pradesh The month of March in India is observed to be the month of the festival of colors -Holi. You can experience the joys of this happening festival in India at Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. Vrindavan is the holy land of Lord Krishna and the festival of colors in celebrated in full bloom and mood in this city. You can have an unforgettable experience in the holy land of Vrindavan to witness the same and to be carried away by the piousness of the spiritual winds that blow here. You can reach Vrindavan by the nearest rail station at Mathura Cantt in Mathura.

April – Mon in Nagaland If you happen to be visiting Nagaland during the first week of April, then you can witness the glorious Aoleang Festival. This festival is celebrated in the region once the farmers have cultivated their crops in the farmlands. The festival also marks the beginning of the fresh and new year in the local region. You can experience the rich culture of the North East India through their rich display of the indigenous performances by the villagers in the form of dances and folk songs. This place is a must-visit to India during April.

May – Ooty in Tamil Nadu You can be astounded by the natural beauty of the Nilgiri Hills in Ooty that is considered to be the best place to visit in India during the month of May. The month of May can be quite sweltering in the Indian plains. Therefore, if you wish to escape the heat, you can plan out a weekend to Ooty to witness the chill and the natural beauty of the place.

June – Ladakh in Leh When the half of the country is burning with the hot & humid weather in India, you can beat the heat by planning a trip to Leh, Ladakh that is located on the northern outskirts of the country. Leh usually attracts the adventure freaks from across the country as well as from abroad, who set out on long bike rides through the rough terrains of this region. When you are on a trip to Leh this June, you can check out some of the famous sites like the Leh Palace, Pangong Tso and much more. 

 More to explore in India: Majestic Forts in India – Feel the royality .

  July – Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand July is the perfect time to visit Uttarakhand and to get spellbound by the beautiful Valley of Flowers in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. You would be dazzled by the majestic display of colorful flowers in their full bloom spread across the expanse of the valley. A must-visit place in India during the month of July!

August – Karjat in Mumbai When the monsoons have set in the country, you can wear your trekking shoes to explore the best trekking locations in Karjat. Karjat is a one-hour ride from Mumbai and is also famous for leading sites like Kondana Caves, Bhor Ghat, Ulhas valley and much more.

September – Andaman & Nicobar Islands You can take a flight to Andaman & Nicobar and get lost in its divine natural beauty. This island is the best place to visit in India during the month of September. You can visit the famous North Bay Island, Cove Beach or the Ross Island to experience the true beauty of this secluded place in India.

October – Coorg in Karnataka With the abundance of the rich flora and fauna, you can explore the serene coffee plantations and witness the stunning waterfalls in Coorg. On your visit to India in October, you must visit Coorg to witness the beauty of nature through Iruppu Falls, Abbey Falls and much more.

 You might be interested to know: 10 Most Popular Cultural destinations of India.

  November – Pushkar in Rajasthan You cannot miss out the majestic animal fair in Pushkar, Rajasthan that is held in the month of November. The place attracts several foreign tourists owing to the rich display of the local culture and traditions including folk music & dances.

December – Konark in Orissa You can witness the breathtaking beauty of the blue Bay of Bengal while visiting the world-famous Konark Temple (Sun Temple). The temple is clad in the architectural significance of the medieval times and attracts several tourists from across the world due to its magnificent architecture and structure.

  Planning a visit to India? Do not miss out these best places to visit in India each month. And, your way to safest and most price-perfect touring is here. Click here to Explore Our Travel Packages.

[sushanttourtravels]

Top Attractions in India Geographically India stretches from the tropical lushness of the Indian Ocean coasts to the high Himalaya, with virtually every conceivable terrain between. Combine this with a history dating back thousands of years and the result is a land of incredible diversity and endless fascination. A rich melting pot of religions and languages, regional cultural and culinary traditions and festivals, splendid artistic and architectural styles. Climate- India has such a wide range of climatic factors that it’s impossible to pin down the best time to visit weather-wise with any certainty. Broadly speaking October to March tend to be the most pleasant months over much of the country. In the far south, the monsoon weather pattern tends to make January to September more pleasant, while Sikkim and the areas of northeastern India tend to be more palatable between March and August, and Kashmir and the mountainous regions of Himachal Pradesh are at their most accessible between May and September. The deserts of Rajasthan and the northwestern Indian Himalayan region are at their best during the monsoon. India is a land of festivals and fairs. Every day of the year there is a festival celebrated in some part of the country. Some festivals welcome the seasons of the year, the harvest, the rains, or the full moon. Others celebrate religious occasions, the birthdays of divine beings, saints, and gurus (revered teachers), or the advent of the New Year. A number of these festivals are common to most parts of India. However, they may be called by different names in various parts of the country or may be celebrated in a different fashion. Religion- religion seeps into every facet of Indian life. Despite being a secular democracy, India is one of the few countries in which the social and religious structures that define the nation’s identity remain intact, and have continued to do so for at least 4000 years despite invasions, persecution, European colonialism and political upheaval. Change is inevitably taking place as modern technology reaches further and further into the fabric of society but essentially rural India remains much the same as it has for thousands of years. So resilient are its social and religious institutions that it has absorbed, ignored or thrown off all attempts to radically change or destroy them. Hinduism- India’s major religion, Hinduism, is practiced by approximately 81% of the population. In terms of the number of adherents, it’s the largest religion in Asia and one of the world’s oldest extant faiths. Hinduism has a vast pantheon of gods, a number of holy books and postulates that everyone goes through a series of births or reincarnations that eventually lead to spiritual salvation. With each birth, you can move closer to or further from eventual enlightenment; the deciding factor is your karma. The Hindu religion has three basic practices. They are puja or worship, the cremation of the dead, and the rules and regulations of the caste system. Hinduism is not a proselytizing religion since you cannot be converted: you’re either born a Hindu or you’re not. Significant differences exist within this Hindu majority, arising not only out of divisions of caste, but also out of differing religious beliefs. One great divide is between devotees of the god Vishnu and devotees of the god Shiva. There are also Hindus who are members of reform movements that began in the 19th century. The most significant of these is perhaps the Arya Samaj, which rejects divisions of caste and idol worship. Hindus may come together also as devotees of a guru, such as Sai Baba. Despite its differences, the Hindu community shares many things in common. Islam- there are more than 100 million Muslims in India (approximately 12% of the population), making it one of the largest Muslim nations on earth. Muslims are a more urban community than Hindus. There are many towns and cities in northern India where Muslims are one-third or more of the population. In addition to Jammu and Kashmir and the Lakshadweep islands, where more than two-thirds of the population is Muslim, major concentrations of Muslims live in Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala states. About one-quarter of all Muslims living in India live in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Muslim influence in India is particularly strong in the fields of architecture, art and food. Buddhism- Buddhism was founded in northern India in about 500 BC, spread rapidly when emperor Ashoka embraced it but was gradually reabsorbed into Hinduism. Today Hindus regard the Buddha as another incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. There are now only 6.6 million Buddhists in India, but important Buddhist sites in northern India, such as Bodhgaya, Sarnath (near Varanasi) and Kushinagar (near Gorakhpur) remain important sites of pilgrimage. Jain- The Jain religion also began life as an attempt to reform Brahmin cal Hinduism. It emerged at the same time as Buddhism, and for many of the same reasons. The Jains now number only about 4.5 million and are found predominantly in the west and southwest of India. The religion has never found adherents outside India. Jains believe that the universe is infinite and was not created by a deity. They also believe in reincarnation and eventual spiritual salvation by following the path of the Jain prophets. Sikhs- The Sikhs in India number 18 million and are predominantly located in the Punjab. The religion was originally intended to bring together the best of Hinduism and Islam. Its basic tenets are similar to those of Hinduism with the important modification that the Sikhs are opposed to caste distinctions. The holiest shrine of the Sikh religion is the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Other- approximately 3% of the population is Christian and there are also a few small Jewish communities in ex-colonial enclaves. India’s population is rich with diverse ethnic and cultural groups. Ethnic groups are those based on a sense of common ancestry, while cultural groups can be either made up of people of different ethnic origins who share a common language, or of ethnic groups with some customs and beliefs in common, such as castes of a particular locality. The diverse ethnic and cultural origins of the people of India are shared by the other peoples of the Indian subcontinent, including the inhabitants of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. People of India – The overwhelming majority of India’s population shares essentially the same physical characteristics. There is no concrete scientific evidence of racial differences within this majority, although there are ethnic and cultural differences, such as language and religion. Tribal Groups. There are also groups of people in India that have been identified by the government as tribal, meaning they belong to one of the more than 300 officially designated “scheduled tribes”. The tribal people are sometimes called hill tribes or adivasis (“original inhabitants”), and in 1991 made up about 8% (more than 65 million people) of India’s population. Members of India’s various hill tribes are thought to be indigenous and tend to be ethnically distinct. These groups typically marry within their community and often live in large, adjoining areas, which are preserved by government policies restricting the sale of land to tribe members. Major tribes include the Gond and the Bhil. Each has millions of members and encompasses a number of sub tribes. Most other tribes are much smaller, with tens of thousands of members. Very few tribal communities now support themselves with traditional methods of hunting and gathering or with shifting cultivation because of government restrictions aimed at protecting the environment. Instead, they generally practice settled agriculture. Tribal groups tend to live in rural areas, mainly in hilly and less fertile regions of the country. Less than 5 percent practice traditional tribal religious beliefs and customs exclusively, most now combine traditional religions and customs with Hinduism or Christianity. Most tribal groups live in a belt of communities that stretches from eastern Gujarât to western West Bengal. The western tribes speak a dialect of Hindi, the central tribes use a form of the Dravidian language, and the eastern tribes speak Austro-Asiatic languages. The other major concentration of tribal people is in the northeastern hills. Tribe members make up the majority of the population in the states of Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Arunâchal Pradesh. These people, many of them Christian, speak languages of the Sino-Tibetan family which are also spoken by the Buddhists who live along the Himalayan ridge, from Arunâchal Pradesh in the east, through Sikkim, northern Uttar Pradesh, and Ladakh (in Jammu and Kashmîr state). In the Himalaya particularly, isolation on the mountain flanks has led to languages so distinct that ethnic groups living within sight of each other may not understand each other. Other tribes live in southern India and on India’s island territories, but their numbers are not large. Caste – The caste system is pervasive in India. Although it is entwined in Hindu beliefs, it encompasses non-Hindus as well. A caste (jati in Sanskrit) is a social class to which a person belongs at birth and which is ranked against other castes, typically on a continuum of perceived purity and pollution. People generally marry within their own caste. In rural areas, caste may also govern where people live or what occupations they engage in. The particular features of the caste system vary considerably from community to community and across regions. Small geographical areas have their own group-specific caste hierarchies. There are thus thousands of castes in India. In traditional Hindu law texts, all castes are loosely grouped into four varnas, or classes. In order of hierarchy, these varnas are: the Brahmans (priests and scholars), the Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), the Vaisyas (merchants, farmers, and traders), and the Sudras (laborers, including artisans, servants, and serfs). The varnas no longer strictly correspond to traditional professions. For example, most Brahmans today are not priests, but professionals in a variety of industries. Dusshera- Dusshera is usually celebrated in October. The mode and the fervor vary by a great deal across the subcontinent; the celebration in Mysore is one of the most famous. Different parts of India celebrate the festival in different ways. Some celebrate it as Navaratri, some as Vijaya-Dashami, and some as Dussehra, in worship of Goddess Durga or celebrating Rama’s victory over Rawana. The celebrations vary from a day to nine days (for Navaratri) to a month (for Mysore Dusshera). On the day of the Holi, people (men and women) irrespective of caste and creed mingle together and exchange colors. The celebrations can get wild and rowdy – it is one of the few occasions of the year that the sexes are allowed to mix freely. People use tools and tricks to spray, paint and drown friends and relatives in color Pongal or Sankranti- This holy day marks the commencement of the Sun’s northern course in the Heavens, known as the Uttaraayana patha. Interestingly, this is the only festival in Hindu calendar that follows a solar calendar and is celebrated on the fourteenth of January every year (all other Hindu festivals are computed using the lunar calendar). Pushkar Camel Fair- Back in a legendary time, Lord Brahma was flying over the Rajasthan desert on his swan, when some petals fell from his hand and drifted down. Miraculously, blue lakes sprang up where the flowers touched the soft sands. Lord Brahma realized that this was the auspicious moment to perform a fire sacrifice so he landed near one of the lakes, completed the powerful ritual and, thus, laid the groundwork for the first Pushkar Fair. Ever since then, when the full moon shines on Purnima during the autumn period of kartik, the desert tribes meet to commemorate this epic event.

[travel435-blog]

6 Mesmerizing Places to Explore With North East Tour Packages in 2020

North East comprises of the Seven sister states Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura along with Sikkim and boasts of alluring natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Its diverse landscape and enchanting beauty of the rolling hills, aromatic tea gardens, serene lakes, and picturesque landscape attracts visitors from far and wide places. If you wish to experience all this and more with your Northeast tour packages, make sure to check out these awesome places.

Top 6 Places Places to Visit in the North East in 2020

Some of the best places to explore in the much-famed Northeast as a part of your Northeast tour packages are as follows:

Kaziranga National Park:

The Kaziranga National Park is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites and is home to more than 35 species of mammals and a wide variety of migratory birds that fly down in here each year. The start attraction of this park is the rare one-horned rhinoceros which is found in only very few places in the world.

Location: Kanchanjuri, Assam 

Best time to visit: November, February, and April

Famous for: The one-horned rhinoceros.

Goecha La

Located at an altitude of 4,940 m above sea level, its the base camp for the third highest peak in the world Mt. Kanchenjunga. A heaven for adventure seekers, Goecha La is a great place for trekking in the mids of the breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped mountains and peaking glaciers. 

Location: Sikkim, India

Famous for: Sightseeing, base camp for trekking

Best time to visit: March & April

Nuranang Falls

Also known by the name of “Bong Bong Falls”,  this 100m high waterfall is an epitome of serenity and the lush greenery set as a backdrop the milky waters of the falls gives a feeling of serendipity especially for couples who love to frequent this place quite often.

Location: Cona, Shannan, Arunachal Pradesh

Best time to visit: February to November

Activities to try here: sightseeing, swimming

Dawki

Dawki is the only river in India that is known for its waters which is so clear that it seems transparent. People come from far and wide places to enjoy boating in this river where you can clearly see the river bed. 

Location: West Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya

Famous For: Umngot River and Dawki Bridge

Best time to visit: November

Nagula Lake

Nagula Lake is one of the many hidden treasures that Arunachal Pradesh beholds. Hidden in the midst of the snowy mountains and located at an altitude of 4,300 ft. this beautiful lake charms its visitors with its serenity and picturesque charm. 

Location: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Best time to visit: September to October is the best time when the lake poses serene and peaceful views. April to May is also a great time and you might have a chance to see snow.

Famous for: Picnic and sightseeing

Nongriat Village

A village known for its multi-level root bridges is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the North East. Located in one of the rainiest places in the world, the Nongriat Village features a number of natural “root bridges” entwined with some man-made structures that leave all its visitors amazed. 

Location: Nongriat Village, Cherrapunjee

Best time to visit: All throughout the year except monsoon

Famous for: Double-decker living roots bridge

This amazing list of amazing places to visit in the North East is sure to have awakened the travel bug in you. If that’s the case then why delay, book your North East tour packages now and hit the road exploring some of the most popular;ar attractions along with a couple of offbeat attractions that will leave you nothing but amazed. 

[lamoille-house]

The Fascinating Seven Sisters of India

Fondly referred to as the “Seven Sisters of India” the seven different North-Eastern states are tourist attractions. Visiting the Seven Sisters states provides a very different experience than one usually gets while traveling the Indian mainland.

‘Seven Sisters of India’ are known for their different exotic and culture. These Seven Sister’s states attract young travelers and explorers from all over the world. They have different tribal and ethnic groups, religions, festivals, and fabulous landscapes. It is home to some of the best scenic and breathtaking views in the world. One can enjoy the trekking routes, wildlife tours, and river expedition.

Beautiful Seven Sisters of India States 

Here given below is some information on each of the Seven Sisters of India.

Seven Sisters of India State ASSAM: 

Assam is also known as Ahom. Assam is unveiling the hidden charm of the North-East. The place is a gift-wrapped with rolling fields of aromatic tea, canoes sailing down the Brahmaputra river, thick jungles with bizarre wildlife.

Tourist Attractions: attend the Bihu festival that marks the change of season, Ambubachi Mela in June dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya. Explore wildlife spotting in Kaziranga National Park, and Joy cruising on the Brahmaputra River.

Places to visit in Assam: Kaziranga National Park, Majuli Island, Manas National Park, Kamakhya Temple, kakochang Waterfalls, Hoollongaper Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Tocklai Tea Research center, Nameri National Park, Padam Pukhuri, Haflong Lake and Hill, Panimoor Falls.

Food: relish the authentic Assamese Tea in a Tea estate, an aquatic dish prepared in sour curry, Khaar a meat delicacy, Duck meat Curry, and Aloo Pitika, etc.

Best time to visit: all year round

Seven Sisters of India State MEGHALAYA: 

Meghalaya means “abode of clouds”. It’s famous for being the wettest place on earth. Meghalaya remains one of the rare locations that can be visited all year round and compensates every traveler’s thirst for a fulfilling retreat. It‘s best to admire the dramatic cliffs, lofty waterfalls and the endless caves of the place during the rest of the year.

Tourist Attractions: visit the Double Decker living root bridges, Mawlynnong village, Dawki Shnongpdeng, Krang Suri Falls, Ka Khoh Ramhah, Nohsngithiang Falls, and Shilling Peak, etc.

Places to visit: the gems namely Cherrapunji and Shillong make the state truly a wonderland

Food: Jodoh, Nakham Bitchi, Dogkhlieh, Bamboo Shoots, Pumaloi, and Momo

Best time to visit: October to April

MANIPUR 

It is a spectacular off-beat tourist destination in India. The land is popularly referred to as the “Switzerland of India” with breathtaking blue hills. The state was given the name as “The Jewel of India” by late Jawaharlal Nehru. Manipur, the pride of North-East India is ever blooming as a tourist destination. To learn the place deeper, you must spend quality time interacting with the locals.

Tourist Attraction: Loktak Lake, home to the only floating park in the world, Tharon cave, Singda Dam, and Manipur Zoological Garden.

Places to visit: Imphal, Thoubal, Tamenglong, and Ukhrul

The Cuisine of Manipur: Chamthong or Kangshoi a vegetable stew, Eromba a combination of vegetables and fish, Morok Metpa spicy chutney, Singju a salad, Paaknam, Chak-hao Kheer a popular dessert and Nga Thongba a classic fish curry.

Best time to visit Manipur: October to April

Seven Sisters of India State ARUNACHAL PRADESH: 

The meaning of Arunachal Pradesh is a “Land of the dawn-Lit Mountains”.

Arunachal Pradesh is rich with picturesque beauty offering relaxation and rejuvenation. The place offers you peace and action. This wonderful getaway is home to the valley, gushing waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, and picturesque mountain top. It is the largest among the other North-Eastern States in India. If you are an energetic adventurist or a spiritual enthusiast you will have a host of options to choose from on your magical journey to Arunachal Pradesh. Popular sports include trekking, hiking, camping, and rock climbing.

Tourist attractions: ancient temples, historical monuments, monasteries, waterfalls, museums, and sanctuaries

Places to visit: Tawang, Roing, Itanagar, Bomdila, Ziro, Bhalukpong, Pasighat, Namdapha National park, Sela pass

Cuisines: rice, fish, bamboo shoots, meat, and green vegetables

Best time to visit: summer (April to June)

NAGALAND: 

The hilly region in the North-East of India makes an amazing tourist destination. The serene atmosphere makes you unwind and relax. The exquisite landscape and beautiful sunrise elevate your spirits to a different plane. It is a perfect place for adventurous activities like trekking, jungle camping, and rock climbing.

Attractions: witness the colorful Naga Cultures at the Hornbill Festival, trek to the Dzoukou Valley, Hike the Japfu Peak, mountain biking, shopping in Naga bazaar, Kohima, and visit the Triple Falls. Places to visit: Kohima, Dimapur, Mokochung, Wokha, Mon, Phek, and Kiphire

Cuisine: Ingredients: Bamboo Shoot, Axone (fermented soya bean), Anishi (Dry colocasia), and fermented Dry Fish

Dishes: Samathu, Aikibeye, Akini, Chokibo, boiled vegetables, Bush Meat/Dog meat, Zutho (rice Beer)

Best time to visit: summer March-May, winter October- March

Seven Sisters of India State TRIPURA: 

This state lies in the cozy lap of the Himalayas. It is a wonderland of natural beauty with its deep valleys, running streams, and rivers. It is a dream destination for nature lovers. Forest, breathtaking valleys, gorgeous waterfalls, and majestic mountains make Tripura a perfect place to unwind.

Attractions: boating to the Neer-Mahal, pilgrimage to Jagannath and kali Temple, Stroll through the Heritage Park, visit the glorious Ujjayanta Palace, and explore Unakoti.

Places to visit: Agartala, Dharmanagar, Udaipur, and Ambassa

Cuisine: Chauk (rice Beer), Berma (fermented and dried fish) Gudok (stuffed bamboo pipes), wahan (Pork item)

Best time to visit: October to May, but try to avoid the rainy season.

Seven Sisters of India Mizoram: 

The name Mizoram in local language is “The Land of the hill people”. The beauty of North-East India is unique and one has to visit this part of the country at least once in their lifetime. Mizoram is a dazzling treasure trove for the discerning travelers for its amazing array of cultures, festivals, dances, handicrafts, and rich flora and fauna. Mizoram is blessed with a splendid paradise that will leave you mesmerized with its natural beauty.

Best place to visit: Aizawl, Champhai, Lunglei, Serchhip, and Lawngtlai

Attraction: Vantawang Falls, mountain biking in Hmuifang Hill, trekking in the Virgin forests, caving in Khuangchera Puk, Dampa Tiger Reserve, and Mizoram state Museum

Best time to visit: November to March

Cuisine: Bamboo shoot fry, bai, chhum Han, Mizo Vawksa, paanch Phoron Torkari, Misa Mach Poora, and Koat Pitha

Let’s feel the warmth of Mother Nature and sway into the lap of a blissful paradise with these Seven Sisters of India State tours.

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Get the best idea to visit Assam Wildlife Sanctuary

Are you looking for the best Assam Wildlife Sanctuary to make your vacation more meaningful and stunning, if you really want it then get the best idea to visit Assam Wildlife Sanctuary with best coast and comfort accommodation?

Assam wildlife sanctuary is known as a  mixture of a variety of flora and fauna. The state also consists of biodiversity zones in the world, the tropical rain forests, deciduous forests, riverine grasslands, bamboo orchards, and numerous wetland ecosystems had made Assam as a Paradise.

Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the protected areas where the animals are kept reserved for the conversion of only animals and human activities like harvesting of timber, collecting minor forest products and private ownership rights are allowed as long as they do not harm any animals. 

Some about Assam 

The more you know about Assam more you love to visit, located in the south of the eastern Himalayas along with the Brahmaputra River Valley, Assam is one of the beautiful and most visited places of North East India.

Assam shares international borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh the state comprises of a host of explored unexplored sanctuaries and national parks.

Assam became a part of  British India after the British occupied the region following the First Anglo-Burmese War of 1824–1826. Assam is well known among the many wildlife holiday destinations in North East India.

A state is covered with the seven sisters like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya. The state comprises of a host of explored unexplored sanctuaries and national parks. 

Assam is renowned for its lush green tea garden and another is for One Horned Rhinoceros, to explore all these lots of people from all the corners loves to visit Assam.

The state has its own natural beauty that you a chance to explore the stunning and marvelous historical places, along with the tourist places Assam also gives a chance to delve into the rich culture and the colorful festivals makes your tour more interesting and mesmerising. Its boosting tradition, culture, arts crafts has made Assam unique places for visitors. 

Why Assam is called  home for the wildlife sanctuaries 

Assam is called home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks because among the other state or country Assam is only the state that had protected varieties of animals that are not found in another state.

Where the tourists have the most thrilling experience encountering wonderful creatures in their natural habitat. The many wildlife sanctuaries in Assam provide shelter to of wildlife, right from the Golden Langur, Bengal Tiger to the one-horned rhinoceros.

How much wildlife Sanctuary is there in Assam 

There are mainly 18 Wildlife Sanctuary and 5 National Park in Assam, other than Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park are declared as one of the UNESCO World heritage sites.

Now let’s move towards some of the National Park and the Wildlife Sanctuaries of Assam.

Kaziranga National Park 

Kaziranga National Park is located in Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, covering an area of about 430 sq Km along the river Brahmaputra on the North and the Karbi Anglong hills on the south, these park is one of the oldest parks in Assam 

Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage Site and a Tiger Project are famous for the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Other residents of the park include elephants, Indian bison, four species of deer, tiger, leopard, capped langur, wild boar, hoolock gibbon, etc and a host of resident and migratory birds.

Amongst the birds, the crested serpent eagle is common while palla’s fishing eagle and gray-headed finishing eagle are frequently seen. Others include the Great Adjutant Stork, crane, Bengal florican, bar-headed goose, whistling teal, and pelican.

Distance from Guwahati to Kaziranga is about 5 hours journey by car. The park is open from November to April.

Manas National park

Manas National Park is UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve in Assam, India. Located in the Himalayan foothills, it is contiguous with the Royal Manas National park in Bhutan.

The park is known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur, and Pygmy Hog. Its core area is 500 Sq Km and records 60 species of mammals, 350 species of birds and its diversity of habitat is very high.

The time that takes from Guwahati to Barpeta by road is a maximum of  5 hours and from Barpeta road to Mathanguri camp, takes a maximum of  1 hour. October and May are the best time to visit Manas National Park.

Dibru- Saikhowa National Park 

The distance from Tinsukia town is 10 km and from nearest Dibrugarh airport is 54 km. From Guwahati, the distance is 510 km, 12 hours by road. Dibru-Saikhowa is one of the biodiversity hotspots situated in the south bank of the river Brahmaputra in the extreme East of Assam state in India. Dibru-Saikhowa, which has an area of 340 sq km, is among the most vibrant wildness on earth and is also distinct for her pristine scenic beauty. Situated in the flood plain of Brahmaputra, Dibru-saikhowa is a safe haven for many extremely rare and endangered species of Wildlife

The forest type of Dibru-Saikhowa comprises of semi-evergreen forests, deciduous forests, littoral and swamp forests and patches of wet evergreen forests. Famed for Feral horses, a total 36 species of mammals and above 400 species of birds have so far been recorded from the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. Tourist can visit these places in the month of April and October.

Namdapha National Park 

Namdapha National Park is one of the avifaunal most diverse areas in the World. The wide altitudinal range (200 to 4571 m MSL) supports a huge diversity of habitats.

Over 500 species of birds are recorded here including a large number of rare, endemic and restricted-range species of global conservation importance. It is also one of the few Indian Protected areas with five species of Hornbills. The best time to visit Namdapha National Park is in March to November.

Nameri National Park 

Nameri National Park is located in the sonitpur district of Assam. Nameri shares its northern boundary with the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary of Arunachal. Its area is 203 sq km. 

This is an excellent elephant country and ideal habitat for a host of other animals including the tiger. It is also home to the Leopard, Bison, Sambar, dhole (the Asiatic wild dog), Hog Deer, Muntjac, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Capped Langur, Indian Giant Squirrel, etc.

Nameri is a bird paradise with over 300 species of birds – including the white-winged wood duck, four distinct species of Hornbill, Blue-bearded Bee-eaters, Babblers, Plovers and more.

A tour without exploring the above park will be incomplete, so do not miss these opportunities.

Wildlife sanctuaries where you can delve into are like 

Hoollongapar Gibbon wildlife Sanctuary 

Hoollongapar Gibbon wildlife Sanctuary is an isolated region of Assam, and one of the best places that attract tourism,  this located is surrounded by tea gardens and long stretches of grasslands.

This wildlife sanctuary consists of rich biodiversity, here you can find the hoolock gibbons, and Bengal Slow Loris, Northeastern India's only nocturnal monkey.

Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary 

Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary situated in the wonderful place of Assam, covering the moderate expanse of 44.06 sq km in Sonitpur district.

East Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary 

East Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary has an exotic flora as well as rare species of wild animals and birds. The reserve is used to protect and preserve variegated species of resident and migratory birds. 

Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary 

Assam a state is itself gifted with a wide range of flora and fauna. There are numerous wildlife sanctuaries in Assam. this sanctuary is located 25 km from the Nagaon District of Assam, Laokhowa is one of the best wildlife Sanctuary which is also called as a home to the innumerable home for the bird’s species and animals.

Other wildlife sanctuaries that you can explore in Assam are like 

Garampani wildlife Sanctuary, Burhachapar wildlife Sanctuary, Pobitara wildlife sanctuary and more.

So, get the best idea to visit Assam wildlife sanctuary and make your next tour more interesting and amazing.

And if you want to know more information to book your tour packages then comment us in the below-given box, or if you want to know the coast of these packages then you can feel free to mail us in the below-given mail address

tours@naturehunttours.com