Category: North east

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Reasons to plan the visit to north-east India

North-East India is the one-stop destination for all travelers. There are several places to visit in North-east India. Still untouched by the bustling city life, the region of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, etc still have natural scenic beauty that has not been destroyed by the umbrage of travelers yet. There is a lot to be explored in North-East India which is why it becomes the best offbeat place to travel to for all those who have already seen or have no interest in seeing the “popular” places. The top 5 things that will compel you to visit North-East India are: 

The Tribal communities

North-East India is brimming with unique tribal communities. Even in the modern age, these tribals live completely cut-off from the outside world and whether it is the Apatani Tribe in Arunachal Pradesh (fascinating because of their tradition of facial tattoos) or Head hunters in Nagaland, or Galo tribes, each tribe has a unique and fascinating culture that one would love to get familiar with. But it is best to find a local guide who would inform you about the tribes and their behavior beforehand. While generally, they are welcoming to tourists, you must not do anything that they find offensive.

Rare cuisines

Being in North-East India would make you feel like you are not in India at all since the seven sisters have a unique identity. While cuisines in the rest of the country is identified by the rich use of spices, in North-East states, different ingredients like bamboo shoots are used to flavor the cuisine. Moreover, in certain areas, the cuisine is inspired by Tibetan or Nepali style of cooking. Some of the must-try dishes are Narasingha masor jhol which is a specialty of Assam, Smoked pork with bamboo shoot and Gundruk in Sikkim.

Rich scenic beauty

The beauty of North-East India is beyond what one can imagine. There is no shortage of challenging treks that one can go on, there are many offbeat destinations that make for a memorable road trip and waterfalls, pristine forests and tea gardens are a common sight to be enjoyed. You can go on The Bailey Trail Trek in Arunachal Pradesh for spectacular views or Tawang or living root bridge.  Moreover, the natural landscapes are credited with making travelers grow spiritually after their visit to North-East India.

Endangered wildlife to be seen

Along with magnificent views, North-East India is also home to endangered wildlife species like the one-horned rhino. North-East India has many National Parks where travelers can go on Safaris to see endangered animals. One of the must-visit parks is Kaziranga National Park situated in Assam. Nokrek National Park is also a good option for travelers in Meghalaya.

It is a spot that highlights diversity in India

Though a part of India, the seven sisters differ from the rest of the country in all ways. The culture is closer to that of Tibet and Nepal while the cuisines are also completely different. The people of North-East India resemble people from China or Burma in their appearances and the hassle-free atmosphere adds a fascinating element to the beauty of North-East India. Not only this, it boasts of places like Kamakya temple, which has religious importance too. And the people respect their natural surroundings a lot. Sikkim, a part of North-East states is the first state to be completely organic.

Therefore, North-East India is a crown jewel of the country and makes one feel like they are visiting a completely different country altogether. Apart from all the things mentioned above, there is a lot to be seen in North-East India. One can see the Tibetan culture reflected in people’s lifestyles and enjoy the rich handicrafts.   

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Culture North east Spiritual Hubs

Why visit to Ma Kamakhya temple, Guhawati is special?

India is the land of temples. A number of spectacular temples are of religious importance and, even if you are of a secular orientation of mind, amazing architectural works and sites that boost of amazing legends. Ma Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati in Assam is one such temple. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in Guwahati.

Ma Kamakhya Temple is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas and an important place of pilgrimage, especially among Tantric worshippers.

Today, Ghoomophiro is going to tell  you all there is to tell you about this amazing temple:

Location of Ma Kamakhya Temple

Ma Kamakhya Temple is located in a temple complex on Nilachal Hill in the western part of Guwahati city in Assam, India. The complex has ten individual temples dedicated to the ten Mahavidyas of Saktism: Kali, Tara, Kamakya, Sodashi, Bhuvaneshwari, Matangi, Bhairavi, Chhinnamasta,  Bagalamukhi, Kamalatmika, and Dhumavati.

Best time to visit Ma Kamakhya Temple?

An important event is Ambubachi Mela which is celebrated during the monsoon season around the middle of June. It is thought of as the celebration of the yearly menstruation course of goddess Kamakhya. Another important event is the navratras when Durga Pooja is held during a five-day long festival. However, the monsoon might cause transit problems. Guwahati has the most pleasant weather during the winter months from October to March. The temple is open all days of the year from 08:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. and 2:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. The temple is less crowded during the afternoon hours.

How to reach Ma Kamakhya Temple?

Guwahati boosts of its own international airport – Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. It also enjoys brilliant rail and road connectivity. Once in Guwahati, you can catch a bus from the main bus stand of the city that takes you to the temple. The city also has good taxi services.

Where to stay?

Guwahati offers hotels and accommodations services of all budgets and forms.

The mythological importance of Ma Kamakhya Temple

According to an important legend of Hinduism sourced from Kalika Purana, this was the place where Sati and Shiva held meetings for amorous relations.

The origin of worship ‘Shakti’ at the site is associated with the tragic end of GoessSati, the wife of the ascetic god Shiva and daughter of the Puranic king Daksha. Daksha, who was not pleased with his daughter’s choice of husband, did not invite Shiva or Sati when he performed a grand Yajna for all the deities. Enraged, Sati threw herself into the fire, knowing that this would make the sacrifice impure. Griefened and enraged by the loss of his wife, Shiva put her body over his shoulder and began his tandava  – Shiva’s great dance of cosmic destruction. The other Gods, afraid of the destruction of the world, implored Lord Vishnu to pacify Shiva.

Vishnu sent his discus Sudarshana chakra to cut off, one by one, 51 parts of the corpse of Sati until Shiva was left without a body to carry. Upon noticing this, Shiva calmed down and settled to do Mahatapasya (great penance). ]Shive would later marry reincarnation of Goddess Sati, Parvati.

The places where each of 51 pieces of Sati’s corpse are known as ‘Shakti Peeth’. Ma Kamakhya temple is one such Shakti Peeth. It is the peeth where Sati’s yoni (‘womb’) fell to Earth. The name ‘Kamakhya’ figuratively means ‘renowned goddess of desire’.

Kalika Purana counts Ma Kamakya temple among one of the four primary shakti peeths. The other three include  –  the Vimala Temple within the famous Jagannath Temple complex in Puri, Odisha; Tara Tarini, Sthana Khanda, near Brahmapur, Odisha (that originated from the breasts of the Corpse of Mata Sati) and Dakshina Kalika in Kalighat, Kolkata, in the state of West Bengal, that originated from her limbs.

In other legends, the temple has been associated with the goddess Kali.

History of Ma Kamakhya Temple

Though the site might have attracted the pilgrim much earlier, the earlier part of the architecture dates back to ninth century A.D. It is in tenth century A.D. that the temple grew in prominence under later Palas, especially gaining the popularity among the tantric worshipers. Kalika Purana was composed around this period too. The temple was destroyed by invaders in the 16th century and was reconstructed by rulers of Koch density.

Entry Fee

The entry is free of cost but you can get a VIP ticket for some fee if you wish to avoid long queues.

The architectural design of Ma Kamakhya Temple

The Ma Kamakya temple consists of the following four chambers: one garbhagriha and three mandapas. These madapas are locally called calanta, pancharatna, and natamandira aligned from east to west.

The garbhagriha is the main part of the temple. It is a sort of cave below the ground level. It is rather small and dark (only a couple of lamps provide the light) and is reached by narrow steep stones starting from the main hall.  The path is very narrow and no more than two or three people can pass it side by side.

The garbhagriha has no image or sculpture. All it has is Yoni or a vagina-shaped rock fissure about 10 inches deep, It usually remains covered with the flowers and other offerings, that is considered as the main deity This fixture keeps getting filled again and again with an underground water spring which pilgrims often carry back as a sort of prasad.

The temple is just one of several in the complex all of which are devoted to goddesses.

Food and Souvenirs

Like all major Hindu temples, Ma Kamakya temple boasts of shops outside its premises which sell souvenirs and different kinds of Prasad.

Things to remember

Though cameras and mobiles are allowed, photography is strictly forbidden. And of course, like most Hindu temples, shoes are not allowed. Though there is no dress code and you can wear western clothes, too much show of skin might attract frown from some of the narrow-minded pandas. Pandas, by the way, are the priests in orange-colored robes who offer their services at the place. Also, it might be disturbing to many, including Hindus, buts sacrifices of goats are regularly made in the temple complex and it can be a gruesome sight.

Conclusion

In a time where feminism of the country has finally learned to question the taboos surrounding the mensuration, a temple devoted to the ‘bleeding goddess’ (as Ma Kamakya is locally called) and that celebrates through a mela the annual mensuration cycle of a goddess gains great importance. One is forced to wonder whether the temple authorities forbidding the entry of mensurating women citing their ‘impurity’ are coloring Hinduism according to their own narrow-mindedness.

That is all from us regarding the most famous temple of Guwahati. We hope you enjoy this post.

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North east wildlife

The ultimate wildlife experience at Kaziranga

A world heritage site, Kaziranga National Park is home to over 1500 one horned Rhinos, some wild elephants, and water buffaloes and also the Bengal Tiger can be spotted there.

Get ready for a wild time at the beautiful Kaziranga National Park as the government of Assam has decided to throw open the gates for tourists from October 1 this year, exactly a month before it normally opens for the year-ending season. Apart from the one-horned rhinos, the Kaziranga National Park is also famous worldwide for its population of elephants, tigers, buffaloes, spotted deer, hog deer, bear, a total of 42 species of reptiles, and plenty of winged species such as flying squirrels and bats.

The Kaziranga national park covers about 430 sq km and it is having three main ranges namely Kohora Range (Central), Bagori Range (Western) and Agaratoli Range (Eastern).

How to Reach

The best option is to reach Guwahati first.

From there the tourist can hire a cab or take a bus. (220 km)

The closest railway station is Guwahati while Tezpur has the closest airport.

Sightseeing

Despite the fact that there are about 100 Tigers in Kaziranga, the sightings of this mysterious cat are not very common here. The park hosts two-thirds of the world’s great one-horned rhinoceros. The park also hosts animals such as the Asian and African elephants, the wild water buffaloes and the swamp deer. The tiger, beer, monitor lizards, and python can also be seen here just roaming around casually.

The birds that can be sighted here includes some very rare species of vultures, eagles, and others along with some fascinating species such as serpent eagles, fishing eagles, Pelicans, Bengal floricans the black-necked stork and the jungle fowl.

Tips

  • The walks in the park are not allowed due to a large number of dangerous animals there such as the wild buffaloes and beer.
  • In order to move across the park, you may have to just take a guided jeep ride along with a guide.

Not to be missed

The elephant rides are also quite popular here as you get to sit on the back of an elephant and roam around the area while staring fearlessly at some of the most intricately evolved animal species.

The elephant ride takes place mostly in the mornings and follows a pre-set route. The trip starts at 5 or 6 in the morning and it will offer a close sighting of Rhinos, buffalo and also the swamped deers. The western and central ranges are two of the three total ranges in the park that somehow allows an elephant ride.

Best Time To Visit

However, due to some reasons, the Kaziranga national park remains closed most of the year. In case you want to have a trip to the place, plan it in the months between November and April.

The average stay duration at the Kaziranga National park is 3 nights and they are about enough to witness everything there is about the park.

One of the best national parks in the country is located in the northeast region of the country that refrains most of the countrymen to have a trip here.

Restaurants and Local Food in Kaziranga National Park

The best option for food here would be to dine at the resorts, lodges, and hotels that take care of all tourist needs amazingly. Other than these there are narrow options in terms of local food joints or Dhabas.

You can treat your taste buds to an assortment of local Assamese preparations which include Laksa, Khar, Tenga as well as some other fish delicacies and rice dishes.

Places to Stay in Kaziranga National Park

If you want to cruise along the destination for long, rooms here are usually booked and even overbooked during the peak holiday season – between November and May. So it’s best to go for advanced booking. The place offers some good resorts equipped with spas, bar, gift shop and other basics.

Luxury Hotels

IORA – The Retreat

While you make a weekend visit to the Kaziranga National Park in Assam, try to plan your stay at the IORA Resort which is a breeze of fresh air and lush greens. The double deluxe rooms with balconies and the well-manicured gardens are a delight to stay.

Resort Borgos

It is just a wonderful place to stay for visitors to unwind for a weekend. The rooms are airy and provide all the modern facilities. You will fall in love with nature around as it the place is surrounded by a lot of trees.

Budget hotels

United 21 Grassland Resorts
Nested in the wildlife reserve of Kaziranga, situated amidst a pleasant location, the hotel is an ideal place to stay. It’s a nice hotel in a sprawling area with spacious rooms and wide verandahs. It also features a swimming pool and a fitness center.

So when are getting your bookings done?

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Culture North east Tribal

A peep into the lives of Galo Tribe, Arunachal Pradesh

The diversity of India gives it a unique identity. It is so well absorbed in every aspect that we can feel it developing on the surface of our souls. One such exotic aspect of Indian diversity is the Galo Tribe from Arunachal Pradesh that exudes a variety of colors in different shades and textures.

A large chunk of tribes in the majestic Arunachal Pradesh is occupied by Galo Tribe. In some areas of the state, they are also known as Duba, Doba, Dobah Abors, Galloing Abors, and Galong. Galo tribe has been listed in the Indian constitution as a separate tribe or scheduled tribe by the name of Galong. The efforts are being made to change the name to Galo by the community.

Demographics

According to the census of 2001, the total population of Galo community is 80,597. They are found in West Siang, southwestern side of East Siang, southwestern side of upper Subansiri, lower Dibang Valley, and Changiang Districts of Arunachal Pradesh. Shifting cultivation was primarily practiced by the tribe before 1960. However, the government introduced Wet Rice cultivation and terrace cultivation soon as a part of a development program in hilly areas of the state. Wet Rice cultivation is the main cultivation style in the state besides Jhumming Cultivation, which is still practiced by the tribe.

Galo is the first language of more than 95% of the population of the Galo community. Most people from the community are bilingual with proficiency in languages such as English and Hindi.

Christianity has seen a major rise in the past few years. However, Donyi-Polo religion is mostly practiced by people here.

Language

Galo is the first language of the community, which is often referred to as Tibeto-Burman language derived from Western Tani-Branch. Genetically, the language is closest to Nyishi, Tagin, and Bokar language of Tibet China. Galo and Minyong languages have converged structurally so much so that people have started believing that Galo is a dialect of Adi language.

Festival

 Galo tribe has a distinct culture. It celebrates a number of festivals throughout a year with joy. One such religiously important festival for the tribe is Mopin that is celebrated by the community only. The festival is celebrated every year to ward off evil spirits that bring bad luck to the community. People of the Galo community pray during this festival so that natural calamity of any type does not hit them. They believe that doing this allows them to live their lives peacefully.

Rituals

Mopin festival is celebrated in the month of April (Lumi, in Galo language) every year. The main objective of celebrating this festival is to attain prosperity, gaiety, wealth, and universal happiness. People smear rice power at each other’s faces during the festival. Animal sacrifices are considered sacred and are important rituals of the festival. Mithun is an auspicious animal in the community. Hence, they are preferred for sacrifices.

One of the most iconic rituals of the festival is its folk dance. All the dancers wear their traditional costumes with multicolored beaded ornaments. People celebrate the festival with good food and rice wine.

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North east Tribal Uncategorized

Dirang Monpa, one of the major tribes of the Monpas

The Dirang Monpas are identified as the major division of the greater Monpa Tribe belonging to Tibeto – Burman language family. These tribal people are Tibetan Buddhist and inhabit the north eastern area of India. The Dirang Monpa tribe has been granted the scheduled tribe status in India. During the 1981 census, their total population was 3599, which crossed 5000 in one decade’s time.

The other name used commonly for the Diran Monpa tribe is Tsangla, which suggests that these people are maybe in some aspect, related to Tsangla tribes of Bhutan, China and India, which numbers more than 250,000 people. But when it comes to the language spoken, the difference is vast. A research has been taking place in order to determine the relationship between the two ancient tribes.

History

In India, for the most part, the Dirang Monpa people inhabit the Dirang circle which happens to be located in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The tribal people claim that they are the very first people who inhabited the area which takes their origin to a thousand years back. Some of their elders reveal that their forefathers originated primarily in Bhutan and they moved to India later when their native land was constantly being bombarded by the outside invasions.

Customs

When it comes to cuisines, the Monpa people survive majorly on cereals, fish, vegetables, chuung, rice, maize and wheat. Maize happens to be their staple item food. When it comes to meat, they are known to consume everything from beef, pork, mutton, yaks and mithuns to deers and in some areas, there are tribal people who eat snake as well. Bananas, apples and peaches are the fruits most consumed by them.

To perform the marriage rituals, a lama gets hired in order to consult the horoscopes and determine the most auspicious time and day for the marriage to take place. On the day of marriage, the family of the bride moves to groom’s house. The marriage is considered as a simple procedure where a lama simply places a white scarf called Katha around the necks of the bride and groom, showers blessings on the couple and in no time, the marriage formalities are completed. A huge feast is held after marriage at which all the people, including children, often become indulge in consuming copious amounts of strong rice whisky.

Lamas play many other roles as well. When a woman gives birth to a child, she is considered to be in a state of spiritual and physical pollution and nobody is allowed to visit her. On the third day, a lama is invited to name the child and prepare a horoscope for the baby. The lamas are not only present at birth, but they also carry out the funerals. When there is a death in this tribe family, ‘the body is carried to a nearby river and thrown into the water after being cut into 108 pieces as Tibetan Buddhists consider 108 to be an auspicious number. The lamas recite a prayer and on the seventh day, a tree gets erected in front of the house of the deceased to satisfy the soul.

Religion

Tibetan Buddhism has the greatest influence on the Dirang Monpa tribes. At the time of the 1981 census, 99.69 per cent of the Dirang Monpa expressed their belief in Buddhism. The previous Indian census, in 1971, had returned 100 per cent of the Dirang Monpa as Buddhists.

Culture / Belief

The Dirang Monpas feel that the caste Hindus are superior to them, while the Lish Monpas, But Monpas and Mijis are considered inferior.

Occupation

Agriculture is the chief occupation. The people practice both jhum(shifting cultivation) and settled cultivation and also domesticate yaks, cows, sheeps, pigs etc. The cattles and yak are reared for milk and meat, while the sheep is credited for producing wool and meat.

Conclusion

Northeast India boasts of incredible linguistic and cultural diversity out of which the Monpa tribes make up for five percent of the total population of tribal communities spanning the whole Arunachal Pradesh. These tribes are known for their own and unique system of the practices. The tribes are also famous for their artistic creations that include beautiful Thangka painting, carpet making, weaving, and wood carving.

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North east wildlife

Kaziranga National Park can give you a super rich birding experience

Kaziranga National Park is a world heritage site, which supports two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros population.

For the bird watchers, this may very well be the best place in the entire country. Jorhat airport is the nearest to Kaziranga National Park which is about 100 kilometers away. Bus or a taxi from there can bring you to this place. Guwahati happens to be the nearest railway station. So one can also choose to reach Guwahati and then hire a cab or take a bus from there (220 km).

An estimate says that there are more than 478 different species of birds that can be seen here throughout the year and almost half of them are migratory birds. However, what makes this place one of the UNESCO world heritage sites is the very fact that there are about 25 species of birds that are on a verge of extinction and 21 which are less endangered but still are hard to find in many parts of the globe.

A very versatile biodiversity

Made unique with a lively, well preserved and sustained ecology this park has a very versatile biodiversity which makes Kaziranga National Park a very important and admired tourist destination.

  • One can see all kinds of birds in Kaziranga and the key species include Swamp Francolin, Pale-capped Pigeon, Bengal Florican, Great and Wreathed Hornbill, Jerdon’s Baza, Slender-billed Vulture,  and Pallas’s Fishing Eagle. But this is not the end!!

  • One can see and observe more varieties of birds such as the Greater Spotted Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Pied Harrier, Pied Falconet, Oriental Hobby, Black-necked Stork, Greater Adjutant, Hodgson’s Bushchat, White-vented Myna, Rufous-vented Prinia, Marsh Babbler, Jerdon’s Babbler, Black-breasted Parrotbill and Finn’s Weaver. Besides this rich birding haul, there is a breeding colony of Spot-billed Pelicans near Koladuar in the Agoratoli area.

  • Out of the rarest of rare birds that can be found in the park in their natural habitat are species of geese (lesser white-fronted goose), and ducks (ferruginous pochard, Baer’s pochard).
  • Along with that, there are riverine birds including kingfishers (Blyth’s kingfisher), herons (white-bellied heron), pelicans (Dalmatian pelican, spot-billed pelican), shanks (spotted greenshank) and terns (black-bellied tern).

  • There are also many rare migratory birds that make their annual presence felt in the park (lesser adjutant, greater adjutant, black-necked stork, Asian openbill).

  • The place also has a great number of raptors, which can be seen as a sign of very healthy ecosystem as these predatory birds maintain the balance in nature. These birds include eastern imperial eagle, greater spotted eagle, white-tailed fishing eagle, Pallas’s fish eagle, grey-headed fish eagle and the lesser kestrel. And vultures, one of the rarest birds on the planet once had the Kaziranga national park as their unabashed home.

Apart from the wildlife, the park itself is enormously beautiful with water bodies and forests. Kaziranga is the place to go for a trip full of thrill. While at this place, enjoy the best and most of what Assam’s nature has to offer.

Did you know?

Kaziranga national park was once home to about seven species of vultures but the sad thing is that almost all of them got wiped out due to severe kidney failures caused by eating infected animals and birds in the park. The red-headed vulture and the Eurasian vulture are on the verge of the extinction while Indian vulture, slender-billed,  and the Indian white vulture are technically extinct as there are no sightings of them anymore anywhere in the park.

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Architectural North east

Spectacular teracotta work of Temples in Bishnupur

Bishnupur is in West Bengal and got its name from Lord Vishnu of Hindu Mythology. Known for its traditional architecture, it has brilliant terracotta temples with detailed and intricate work. While in Bishnupur, I had planned a list of temples to see and while talking to the locals, I got to hear the story behind the terracotta temples. Turns out, back I 18th century the Malla Kings decided to build these temples but fell short of stones. Such grand beautiful shrines that people adore till date was a result of a scarcity of stones.

As I arrived at Netaji Subhas Chandra Airport in Kolkata, I took a bus to Bishnupur. The lodgings were also available at a fair price and the room was comfortable. Travelling around Bishnupur was also easy as we found auto rickshaws everywhere.

My first stop was Rasmancha and as soon as I entered the place, I was in awe. The whole temple had a single chamber and passageways surround it. Just the Terracotta work would make you marvel at its beauty. I was glad to have hired a guide who gave us a back story about the temple and the Malla Kings. Since photography is allowed, I ended up clicking many pictures but no picture would be able to justify the actual experience of being there.

The next stop was Madan Mohan Temple. This temple was also beautiful with stories of Ramayana inscribed on the terracotta tablets. A mixture of stone and terracotta work with its flat roof giving it a Bengali touch, this temple was a true work of art. Nearby, the guide showed us a Peepal tree which had a trunk that looked like Lord Ganesha.

Then we went to Jor Bangla Temple. The structure of this temple is unique as it looks like two adjoined huts. There is terracotta work both on inner and outer walls of the temple and there are scenes of Krishna Leela and other normal life workings of that era inscribed in it.

We then moved on to Radhashyam temple which is just close by. The dome shaped structure and laterite stone give it an Islamic style. We kept reveling in the beauty of these temples and then moved on to the next one.

We did the Pooja in Mrinmoyee temple and I bought a few handicrafts as souvenirs from the shops outside. They displayed horses with terracotta work and other such items. The next temple is a real jewel-like its name suggests. The Panch Ratna Temple had terracotta work on all its wall panels and there were scenes of Radha and Krishna on it. The Ras chakra was the most beautiful and detailed work I saw. We entered through a triple arched entrance and that in itself was a wonderful experience.

There was also a cluster of 7 different temples that we saw but then my excitement got the best of me and we went over to the most popular temple of Bishnupur, the Chinnamasta temple. There is a famous canon called ‘Dalmadol Canon’ nearby and it is believed that Lord Madan Mohan fired it himself once to drive away attackers.I also saw the sarees that had been weaved so beautifully with different patterns that were actually stories from Hindu epics. From pallu to the end, it told a mythological story. I bought some more stuff from shops here too because the work was just so beautiful that I could not resist.

Bishnupur is a beautiful place with many other sites to see such a Bishnupur Museum, Garh Darja and Pathar Darja. It just isn’t a place that you can finish seeing in one day. I took my time exploring each site and it was a marvelous experience.

Categories
Adventure North east

The wettest state of the country, Meghalaya has an abundance of natural attractions

If Kerala is god’s own country than Meghalaya must be the goddess he fell in love with. You cannot help yourself from not being bewitched by Meghalaya’s magic spell.The place that literally means the home of clouds is a tourist’s delight. Not often you find majestic hills, gushing waterfalls, tranquil lakes, exotic flora and fauna in the same place.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Guwahati, at a distance of 180 km.While Shillong is the epitome of most travelers map, there are these 5 offbeat places that certainly deserve your footfall.

MAWJYMBUIN

Why date the World’s Second wettest place when you can romance the first! Yes Mawjymbuin, as it is known locally, has officially dethroned the famous Cherrapunji as the wettest region on planet earth. For honeymooners, this is a wet dream. The underplayed romance in the lush greenery vouches for it.

You don’t need to be a poet to appreciate it, it just brings out that poetic side in you that for years has been buried under those office files and house bills.

The Mawjymbuin Cave there is something not to be missed out. It’s made of calcareous sandstone, one of its stalagmites has shaped into a Shiv Lingam and holds a highly divine place for the Hindu devotees.

MAWLYNNONG

After playing dirty in the world’s wettest place it’s but natural to visit the cleanest village of Asia. Despite that tag, it’s a place still off most tourist’s radar. The landscape and more importantly its native; the Khasi people hold so much of love that even their small gestures will touch you in a big way. They make sure that their abode is free of plastic and other wastes.

Try staying atop a tree house after a tiring day of hiking across the dense forests. Away from the polluted sky of cities, there are countless stars waiting for you!

DIRANG

Best known for its orchards and hot springs, this is a remote village in Ranikhor tehsil, its strategic location is great to watch the eastern range of the Majestic Himalayas.Bird watchers will be glad to meet many feathered friends who visit the various water bodies. There are some places so serene that you feel like completely surrendering yourself. This is one of them!

MAWSHAMOK

A picturesque hamlet on the East Khasi Hills, inhabited by mere 38 houses to be precise and to meet them you will need to cross the ‘Living Root’ bridges that Meghalaya is famous for. It connects the isolated village spread in the cluster of houses. Trust us, Mumbai’s sea link and Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge are no matches for these ‘Organic’ bridges made of Ficus Elastica (Indian Rubber Tree.

Away from the internet, wifi and mobile signals. This is how you need to detoxify, the digital life you have been living in cities

DAWKI

As you reach Dawki you realize that you are a shout away from the Bangladesh border. Best known for exporting coal to Bangladesh which is mere 2 km away, Dawki is a next door neighbor in true sense!

The boat ride across the emerald colored river Umngot introduces you to this small town engulfed by the Jaintia hills. There is a suspension bridge over the river that connects India and Bangladesh. Summer holds special interest for the locals and tourists as an annual boat race is organized amidst much fanfare.

Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji in Meghalaya sits on the edge of the Himalayas and is known as one of the wettest places on the planet. It is the only place in India to receive prodigious rain throughout the year. Cherrapunji is famous for its living root bridges which are the most fantastic sight around. These root bridges form natural pathways and can bear 50 people at a time.

Mawsmai Cave

Situated around 6 Kms from Cherrapunjee, the Mawsmai Caves is a popular spot for domestic tourists. Mawsmai Cave is known to be the only cave in Meghalaya that is lit enough to allow tourists to enjoy the natural formations. Another reason why they are a major crowd puller is that it remains the most accessible cave for many travelers and one can explore it without a guide.

Eco Park

Designed by the Meghalaya government to facilitate tourists to cherish the ‘Green Canyons” of Sohra, Eco Park is a popular tourist attraction of Cherrapunji. There is also a crystal clear water stream inside the park that one can enjoy. You will have to cross a bridge to get near the edge of the canyon and admire the scenic beauty from the edge.

Sitting by the riverside, doing nothing but looking at the serenity all around you wish you had planned a longer holiday!

Categories
Itinerary North east

“Kashmir” The Paradise on Earth!!

“If there is heaven on earth, it’s here in Kashmir” it is famous saying once said by the Moghul Emperor Jahangir. The beautiful and picturesque land of Kashmir is located at the peak of India, 566 Km from the New Delhi.  The overwhelming beauty is an eye delight for the visitors ringed by Himalayan and Pir Panjal range. It is the most loved location among the directors and filmmakers of Bollywood for shooting, due to its mesmerizing eye luring view. This is the place, where you can witness the flawless art of nature,heavenly beauty spread everywhere. The beautiful lakes, snow covered hills, springs, and rivers are the real charm of the Kashmir. This alluring heavenly land is considered as the jeweled crown on the map of India. If you want to experience the alluring feeling of Paradise? Plan your vacation for Kashmir!!! Through this article, I will take you on the journey of paradise, come along with me and know more about this eye-arresting beautiful  region.

Beauty at its best “ Snow Covered Gulmarg”!!!

Tour to the Kashmir is incomplete if you have skipped  Gulmarg famous as “Meadow of flower”. The snow covered land all around is one among the ultimate tourist destination in Kashmir. The picturesque beauty all across the Gulmarg is the perfect place to enjoy winter.  It is also the world famous spot for skiing.

Feel the tranquil of Dal Lake!!
The famous Dal lake is the eminent attraction of the valley. The ride on the “Shikaras”, magnificent houseboats and feel the calmness of the lake is the best thing you will experience in Kashmir. The eye luring beauty of the lake can’t be described in the world, it is seamless.

The colorful tulip Garden!!
Tulip garden is must view  travel destination of the Kashmir. The eye delighting view of colorful tulip flower will surely steal your heart.  Every year in the month of March and April, the tulips blossoms, the varied color flowers spread all over is just magical and alluring. I so loved getting clicked there in Kashmiri dresses

Travel to Paradise “Pahalgam”
The Palgham hill station is undoubtedly is like heaven on earth. The snow covered peaks makes it jewel  destination of Kashmir. It is also called “ village of Shepherds”, which gives you heart stealing views.  The pure and clear Jhelum flows through this area, which is the main source of living of the locals of this area. It is the starting point of famous holy Yatra of Amarnath.  Every year thousands of devotees come here for Amarnath Yatra.

The Sonmarg “ Meadow of Gold”!!
The Sonmarg famous as “Meadow of Gold”, is one of the worth visiting destinations of Kashmir.  It lies 84 KM from Srinagar having a magnificent landscape all round. The famous Indus river flows through this area and it is also the starting point for those visiting Ladakh.

How to Reach?

As the the beautiful valley of Srinagar has well- developed transport facilities, the travelers have numerous transport options, which they can choose according to their convenience. They can take either board a bus, flight, or private taxi  heading to Srinagar. Those who are traveling by train can board their train from Delhi to Jammu. Travelers from other cities of India can board a train from their nearest railway station connecting directly to Jammu.

Travel Tip

The ideal season to experience the divine beauty of the paradise is summers!!

If you want to see heaven before dying, then plan your trip to Kashmir “ The Heaven on Earth”. Investing on the trip to Kashmir give you memory of lifetime. The valley of Kashmir gives you enormous ways to escape from your busy life and take out some time for yourself  and spend some splendid moments  in the lap of paradise.

Categories
Adventure Himalayas North east North India Treks

Highest lakes in India, that gives breathtaking views!!

Trekking to a high altitude lake might be a strenuous task to undertake but the magical scenic beauty that it offers is completely worth the efforts. The following listed lakes are located at enough heights to keep them frozen during the winter season which adds on to their magnificence.

Pangong Tso, Ladakh

Located at an altitude of 4,250 meters in Ladakh, Pangong Tso is one of Asia’s largest salt-water lakes and is just 5 hours drive away from Leh. Its azure waters spread over an area of 100 kilometres across the borders of two countries- one-third of it lies in India while the remaining two-third lies in Tibet and a majority of the streams that constitute the lake are located in the latter part. Also known as the Hollow Lake, its brackish water along with sunlight produces beautiful light effects. During winters, the surface of the lake freezes and an ice skating festival is organised on it, inviting contenders from all over the world.

 Roop Kund, Uttarakhand

This high- altitude glacial lake is located in Uttarakhand and it takes 2 days to trek 30 km to it from Lohajung. The bottom of the lake contains the bones of humans as well as animals, the reason behind which is not clearly known yet and this very fact gives it a thrilling touch. The lake has a depth of only about 2 metres and the skeletons become visible once the water melts.

Tsongmo/Changu Lake, Sikkim

Situated at 12,313 feet above sea level, the glacial lake Tsomgo is nearby Gangtok, which makes it a great getaway option for not only locals but also tourists. This lake although small in size, has a unique and fascinating feature, which bestows upon it an important place in Buddhism and Hinduism alike. Due to natural factors, its surface reflects different colours during the changing seasons of the year.

Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim

Gurudongmar Lake’s altitude of about 17,800 feet makes it one of the highest lakes in the world. It is located 190 km away from Gangtok and 5 km to the south of the Chinese border.  Considered sacred by both Sikhs and Buddhists, Guru Padmasambhava of the Sikhs is believed to have visited this place. The area around the lake is inhabited by various high altitude animals but disappointingly its clear waters have now become polluted due to local interference.

Suraj Tal, Himachal Pradesh

Suraj Tal or the Surya Tal literally means the Lake of the Sun God and is the third highest lake in India and the 21st highest in the world.  It is located in the Lahaul and Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh, just below the Bara-lacha-la pass. This lake is the source of the Bhaga river which is a tributary of Chenab river. Its climatic conditions are similar to the poles of the Earth due to which the lake remains frozen for the most part of the year.

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