Tripura Tourism

Surrounded by Bangladesh on three sides, the lush mountains and valleys of TRIPURA became part of India in 1949; since then, its fate has been entwined with that of Bengal . Partition and the subsequent creation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh ) in 1948, followed by war, famine and military regimes forced millions of Bangladeshis to flee into Tripura, where they now significantly outnumber the indigenous people, which has caused much resentment. Nevertheless, Agartala, the capital, is a relaxed city with a palace and a few temples, with Udaipur and the fairy-tale palace at Neermahal easily accessible. A handful of…

Treks and Adventure in Sikkim

Sikkim is one of the finest destinations for Trekking, simply because a trek in this jewel embedded in snow clad mountains provides the most fascinating, charming and awe-inspiring closeup views of the Sikkim mountains. Add to this the richness of culture, tradition and religious spirits, it turns out to be a picture postcard version of ethereal beauty not to be equaled in the whole world. Entry Formality in order to promote tourism in Sikkim restrictions on the entry of foreigners onto certain areas of the state has been relaxed. They can now stay for 15 days with a further extension…

Fairs and Festivals of Sikkim

As most Sikkimese festivals are held as per the Buddhist calendar. The most interesting spectacle one sees are ritual dances of the Lamas with quaint musical instruments and masks. Losar, Tibetan New Year, involaves a lot of gaiety and festivity. Saga Dawa is a very auspicious day for the Mahayana Buddhists. On this day people go to monasteries to offer butter lamps and worship. A huge procession of monks goes around Gangtok with holy scriptures. Phang Lhabsol is a festival unique to Sikkim. It is celebrated to offer thanks to Mount Khanchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim and to Yabdu,…

Arts and Crafts of Sikkim

To enrich the memories of your holiday in Gangtok you can carry back the most exquisite souvenirs. Choose from the cunningly crafted furniture, the Lepcha weave bags, Intricately woven carpets and the beautiful artifacts in wood and bamboo. Gangtok is a souvenir hunter’s paradise. Handicrafts: A wide variety of handicrafts is available for the tourist to take back as souvenirs, showpieces and even items of daily use in the Government Institute of cottage Industry and the many curio shops in Gangtok. Canvas wall hangings depicting paintings on different aspects of sikkim can cost from Rs 20 to Rs 200. Most…

Fairs and Festivals of Meghalaya

Nongkrem Dance Celebrated during Autumn at Smit, the cultural centre of the Khasi Hills, to essentially commemorate the evolution of Khasi indigenous democratic states called HIMA, which are still functioning today under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution when these states, earlier acceded to the Indian Union by signing the Instrument of Accession during 1947-48. Shad Suk Mynsiem A colourful thanksgiving festival celebrated during springtime all over Khasi Hills. Virgins dressed in traditional finery and menfolk in colourful costumes participate in the dance to the accompaniment of drums and pipes called tangmuri, the queen of musical instruments. Behdienkhlam Celebrated…

Arts and Crafts of Meghalaya

Crafts Weaving is an ancient craft of the tribals of Meghalaya – be it weaving of cane or cloth. The Khasis are famous for weaving cane mat, stools and baskets. They make a special kind of cane mat called ‘Tlieng’, which guarantees a good utility of around 20-30 years. The Garos weave the material used for their costumes called the ‘Dakmanda’. Khasis and Jaintias also weave cloth. The Khasis have also been involved in extracting iron ore and then manufacture domestic knives, utensils and even guns and other warfare weapons using it. Costumes and Jewellery The three major tribes of…

Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Arunachal Pradesh

Name of Sanctuary / National Park District Divisional Headquarters Area in Sq. Kms. Major Animals Found Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary East Kameng Seijosa 861.95 Elephant, Tiger, Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Binturong, Leopard, Four Hornbill Species, peacock, Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary Lower Subansiri Naharlagun 140.30 Elephant, Barking deer, Tiger, Leopard, Serow, Birds, Orchids Dr. D. Ering memorial Wildlife Sanctuary East Siang Pasighat 190.00 Hogdeer, Hispid Hare, Bengal florican, raptors and migratory water birds. Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary Dibang Valley Lohit Roing 281.50 Hoolock Gibbon, Tiger, Leopard, red Panda, Elephant, Tiger, etc. Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary Lohit Miao 783.00 Hoolock Gibbon, Tiger, Leopard,…

Temples and Monuments in Assam

`Institution of Satra These are unique features of Vaishnavism in Assam. Satras are basically monasteries which were propagate neo Vaishnavism. They also became centers for education and dissemination of all kinds of art of harmonius living. Satra culture developed mainly at Majuli, Bardowa, Barpeta, Madhupur etc. When the British invaded Assam in 19th century, missionaries followed and churches were established all over Assam. Assam is a unique example of communal tolerance and religious harmony which prevails amongst the believer of different faiths. Assamese society is remarkably free from communal conflict. Satras of Majuli World’s largest river island Majuli is the…

Fairs and Festivals of Assam

Bihu The most important festivals of Assam are the Bihus, celebrated with joy and abundance by all Assamese people irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith and belief. In a year there are three Bihu festivals known as Rongali, bhogali and Kangali. The most important and colourful of the three Bihu festival is the Spring festival “Bohag Bihu” or Rangali Bihu celebrated in the middle of April. This also initiates the agricultural season. The merriments include dances accompanied on the wild and lusty beats of Dhol and Pepa (buffalo hornpipe). Songs sung in this Bihu are woven around themes of love…

Places to visit in Nagaland

State Museum Situated at Kohima, The state museum has a rare collection of artifacts of the different tribes which inhabit in the state. The museum depicts ancestral weaponry, Old Naga currencies, Attire of warriors, Dresses, Longdrums, Artifacts, Carved gatepost, Status pillars, Jewellery etc. One must see for getting an idea of the customs of Naga people and traditions. War Cemetery Situated in Kohima, this cemetery was constructed in memory of the brave soldiers who made their supreme sacrifices during the second World War. The cemetery is maintained by Commonwealth War Graves Commission. There is an inscription on the memorial which…