India Trip —» Eastern India

Eastern India Trip

About Eastern India
Eastern Golden Triangle with Sikkim and Darjeeling ( 10 Days / 9 Nights )

KOLKATA - BHUBANESHWAR - KONARK - PURI - GOPALPUR ON SEA - CHILKA LAKE - BHUBANESHWAR – KOLKATA

In no time at all the stimulating bustle and heat of Calcutta is left far behind, opening out to the cool and luscious mountains of refreshing Darjeeling. Encounter the mighty range of the Himalayas in Sikkim, the one-horned rhinoceros in wonderful wildlife reserves, then dream of a forgotten age in the ancient holy towns on the plains of rural India.

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Discover the Soul of Calcutta

05 NIGHTS / 06 DAYS EXTENSION OF DARJEELING / GANGTOK (SIKKIM) / KALIMPONG / KOLKATA ( TOTAL 16 DAYS)

Calcutta is the largest city in India, indeed one of the largest in the world. Established as a British trading post in the 17th century, the city rapidly grew, acquiring a life and vibrancy of its own. Its glory is still reflected in the buildings of Chowringhee and Clive Street, know as Jawaharlal Nehru
Road and Netaji Subhash Road respectively.

It is a city which leaves no-one indifferent-fascinating, effervescent, teeming with life, peoples, cultures. The impact can be a shock at first; the rickshaws, cars, brightly painted lorries, trolley buses, the cries of the street vendors, labourers hard at work on the construction of the vast underground railway, the noise and colour of the huge New Market, the bustle of the crowds...but soon the jumbled impressions will sort themselves out.

To the north of the city is the silent beauty of the Belur Math and, across the river, the Botanical gardens (with a 200 years old Banyan tree, reputedly the largest in the world)and the Kali temple of Dakshineshwar. Calcutta has a soul. The Bengalis are poets and artists of India and this has affected their city. Calcutta will certainly grow on you. For a complete change, take a plane or boat from Calcutta to Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the peaceful sun-soaked paradise in the Bay of Bengal.

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NORTH EAST INDIA TRAVEL TRIP

ACCESS: Air: airports are Bagdogra, near Siliguri and Guwahati along with Tezpur, Jorhat, Lilabari and Dibrugarh and these have connections within the North East. Rail: Fast and convenient rail connections to the gateway cities from both Delhi and Calcutta. Road: Most of the north east is well connected. Though the distances are short, being hill areas, journeys could be time consuming but yet this may well be the best way to discover the land and its people.

General Activites :- Sight-seeing / Conducted Tours, Excursions, Trekking, Rafting, Mountaineering and other Nature Activities with a number of Mountain Ranges and Wildlife Reserves, Religious visits, and other number of activities including, horse-riding, polo, golf, theater and cinema etc.

Northeast of India... the mystic region, is the most bio-diverse regions of the world. Comprising of seven small states located in the far North-eastern portion of the vast Indian subcontinent, this region is flanked by hills while the mighty River Brahmputra along with its tributaries cut across. The seven states are Assam, Arunachal, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya. A home to the beautiful landscapes, ancient temples, rich culture, mystical tribes and an array of flora and fauna, all these and more is what the Northeast region of India has to offer. These North East Indian states have always been abundant in nature. The tropical forests are full of vast species of Flora and Fauna. Scarcely populated and mainly full of tribal population, these states always are on a celebration spree. Tourists are attracted to the Kaziranga National Park which has the only population of one horned Rhinocerous in India; Cherapunji, which records the highest rainfall in India; the legendary Kamakhya temple full of myths; the tropical forests and the lush tea gardens; the sunrise of Arunachal and the tribal customs, traditions and festivals. Although these states are situated in the remote parts of India, they have also stayed pleasantly untouched and unexplored and retain their charm and natural innocence. Hill stations and plains of tea gardens, pilgrimage spots and adventure sports, wildlife and tribal life all this and the spectacular views; the North-east region is all what a traveller wants and dreams of. A whole new experience in itself.


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The Magic of the Toy Train

For those who don't wish to fly, try taking a train to Darjeeling from Calcutta. The last leg of the journey from New Jalpaiguri takes place on a miniature railway which winds through deep jungles, tea gardens and pine forests. It is one of the great journeys of the world. Darjeelingis an unspoilt, English-style hill station straddling a mountain slope and surrounded with high green hills covered with coniferous trees, with massive drops into the enchanting valley below. It commands a stunning view of Kanchenjunga (8586 metres), particularly from nearby Tiger Hill, and the sunrise which breaks over the mountains is one of the most beautiful on earth. Many Tibetan refugees live here, and it is also the home of the celebrated Sherpa Tenzing, as well as being the headquarters of the India Mountaineering Institute. The tea to which the town gives its name is the finest in the world; where better to sample it than here.

Invigorated by the fresh mountain air, stroll along the winding paths, marvelling at the views of the massive range of snowcapped peaks which appear in all their glory as the swirling mists clear. See the Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the breeze; it is possible to visit one of the Buddhist Monastaries, such as Ghoom which enshrines an image of the Maitreyee Buddha. Only two and a half hours away by bus or taxi is Kalimpong, a quaint bazaar town set in rolling foothills and deep valleys at the foot of the mighty Himalayas. There are several excursions from here to places which offer some of the finest panoramas in the world. To the north, the mountain state of Sikkim is a land of peace and tranquillity high up in the mountains.

Even further east are the states of 'Assam and Meghalaya. The state of Assam is famous for its tea, and also for its wildlife reserves which can be reached via the ancient and graceful state capital of Gauhati, situated on the river Brahmaputra. The tiger reserve of Manas is also rich in other varieties of wildlife, while in Kaziranga it is often possible to see one of India's one-horned rhinoceros. Bordering Assam to the north is the beautiful mountain kingdom of Bhutan. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is the home of the colourful Khasi people. The breathtaking views, the waterfalls, brooks and pine groves have all led to the state being popularly described as "The Scotland of the East"; Shillong also has one of the best golf courses in India. The landscape, the people and the climate all combine to make it an ideal holiday resort throughout the year.

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Enchanting Holy Cities

Orissa, the eastern state of the Bay of Bengal, has a rich tradition of classical dance, music, silverware, handicrafts and sculpture. The three great temple towns of Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark constitute, like Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, a "Golden Triangle", but here with the emphasis strongly on tempels – temples of the most glorious and stunning kind. Bhubaneswar is the capital of Orissa and the Temple City of India. Seven thousand temples once ranged around the sacred Bindusagar Lake in Old Bhubaneswar; about five hundred of them are still standing. The great Lingaraja Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva is the largest of these, and is the site of a major Shivartri festival in February-March, on the night of the new moon. On the coast, south of Bhubaneswar, lies Puri, one of the four holiest Hindu cities in India and now also being developed as a beach resort; relax in the refreshing sea after wondering at the famous 12th century Jagannath Temple, the home of Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the World, "the Formless God". Many travellers try to be in Puri around June or July, when it is possible to join in one of India's greatest festivals the spectacular Rath Yatra or "Car" Festival, when a concourse of pilgrims gather to pay homage to the images of the deity drawn on their massive wooden chariots. Splendidly alone amidst the sand dunes which rise from the blue waters of the bay, the Sun Temple of Konark marks the pinnacle of a great Kalinga achievement in temple architecture. It was built as a chariot for the Sun God, complete with wheels and horses. The sculpture is among the most stupendous in India. After seeing these, and so many other, remarkable sights, relax with the friendly people by the flat and beautiful Chilka Lake, or in the little beach resort of Gopalpur-on-Sea. The excitement and stimulation of busy Calcutta, the tranquillity and ecstatic beauty of the Himalayas, the dream-like quality of the ancient holy cities - what spectacular and va.

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Western India Trip

covers states like Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Daman & Diu (UT), and Dadra & Nagar Haveli (UT) :-
West India include the states like Goa and Gujarat in addition to Maharashtra. Western Part is popular because of Bombay, Goa, Rann of Kutch, Temples of Ajanta & Ellora and Elephanta & Wildlife Santuaries in Gujarat. After the vibrant atmosphere of Bombay, allow the palm-fringed beaches of Goa with plenty of variations of delectable sea food to suit one’s taste buds and Fenny - the Cashew based alcoholic drink which is a speciality of Goa to warm your spirit in the sun and relax your mind.

Goa
Alternately also known as " Pearl of the Orient " and a " Tourist Paradise ", it is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. Abundant in the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, tourists & travellers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax.

Much more than the sandy silvery beaches and endless water by way of Arabian Sea, Goa has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture, magnificent scenic beauty and the unmatching architectural splendours of its Temples, churches, Forts and old houses and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer often fascinates one and all and leave them spell bound.

Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation on December 19, 1961 and became an Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic. The state of Maharashtra borders Goa on the north, the state of Karnataka on the south and east. The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west forms the magnificent coastline for which Goa is justly famous.

Having been the meeting point of races, religions and cultures of East and West over the centuries, Goa has a multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India with communal harmony and mutual respect for each other’s religions and sentiments showing the Secular face and tolerant nature of the people of the state. Hindu and Catholic communities make up almost the entire population with minority representation of Muslims and other religions. Goans and its visitors enjoy and celebrate all major festivals of different religions with equal gaiety, fervour, sanctity and enthusiasm like Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Christmas, Easter, Id and the Great Goan Carnival, generally held in winters.

Maharashtra
Is one of the largest in India in terms of both size and population, stands mostly on the high Deccan Plateau and the Arabian sea on the West, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh to the North, Madhya Pradesh on the East, and Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka to the South.

Maharashtra means " The Great State ". The main centre of the Maratha Empire, which defied the Mughals for a long time and under the fearless rule of Shivaji, carved out a large part of Central India Trip as its domain. Maharashtra's many inland and coastal forts are a legacy of Shivaji and, to a lesser extent, the Portuguese.

Mumbai
The major Economic Powerhouse India with rich cultural heritage is one of the main Metropolitan cities and is a major attraction for all irrespective of caste, colour, creed, economic status et al. A major Sea Port, India’s Film Factory, commercial centre, Share Market Major – Bomaby Stock Exchange Building in Dalal Street to Gothic and Portuguese townscapes and architecture found specially in the Gateway Of India, Bomaby High Court, Victoria Terminus or VT – as is popularly known, University Building and Old Secretariat. Amongst major tourist attraction of the city are the Gateway of India, The Prince of Wales museum, the Aquarium, Hutatma Chowk, Jija Mata Udhayan, the view of Bomaby High – Oil refinery from the Gateway of India, the Elephanta Caves and the steamer ride from and to the Gateway, the Marine Drive – the Queen’s Necklace as it appears during nights and Nariman point - the end of the road to the sea, Juhu Beach, Chowpatty with so many road side eating joints offering the speciallity of local / Indian fast food in terms of Paani Pooris, Paav Bhaji, Bhelpuri, and to digest all this with the very native Naariyal Paani or the Coconut water and very economic too to suit everyone’s pocket with such a lively atmosphere offering Ikka rides or Tongas, horse rides, children playing with balls, freely making and breaking sand houses, running around – just to name a few though the list is endless.

Excursions available in and around Mumbai – Maharashtra are Elephanta Caves, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Various Forts, Several Hill stations like – Khandala, Karla & Lonavala, Panchgani, Matheran, Mahabaleshwar, Toranmal, Panhala, Chikhaldhara etc., Wildlife Sanctuaries like Pench Wildlife Sanctuary, Navegaon National Park, etc.

Forts Standing as silent sentinels to history are the 350-odd forts of Maharashtra, Forts with such a vast variety, Sited on an island, as at Murud-Janjira or guarding the seas as at Bassein, or among the Sahyadri hills, as at Raigad, whose zig-zag walls and rounded bastions sit like a sceptre and crown amidst hills turned mauve.

Amongst other forts are Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg later renamed as Fort Augustus or Ocean Fort by the British.

Famous Beaches In and Around Mumbai are Dahanu-Bordi, Ganapati Pule, Mandwa and Kihim, Marve, Manori and Gorai, Shriwardhan-Harihareshwar, Tarkarli, Velneshwar, Vengurla - Malvan to name just a few.

Other Major Cities of Maharashtra are Pune, Aurangabad, Ratnagiri, Kolhapur, Shirdi, Nasik, Wardha, Nagpur etc.

A Must Visit while in Pune are : Shaniwar Wada, now a picnic spot for locals, Aga Khan Palace, a historical landmark, Shinde Chhatri, a memorial to the great warrior, Mahadji Shinde, Snake Park, with snakes of 40 different species, National War Memorial, with the names of around 1200 martyrs from the state who have laid down their lives in various operations after Independence, Bund Gardens, a popular place for visitors to take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a boat ride, Empress Garden, a botanical garden spread over a large area in the heart of the Pune Cantonment, very close to the Pune Race Course, National Defence Academy, a premier Inter Service training institution, Pataleshwar Temple, an 8th century Shiva Temple, Kasba Ganapati, a Shiva temple established by Shivaji

Gujarat
Gujarat is a state full of history, rich heritage and culture, where vast seas meet sparkling sands, blushing sunsets embrace rosy dawns. The jungles are verdant, lush and green, where lions prowl and flamingoes preen. Marble temples white and pure, reflect the glory of the days of yore. Age-old palaces browned in the sun and water parks to unwind, relax and recharge. Due to its coastal Boundaries, it has been the major port from thousands of years and has been a gateway for the traders, which is also one of the reasons for the rich cultural heritage and the prosperity of the state.

Also last but not the least to mention the DWARKA CITY founded in the sea also called the Bet Dwarka, which has been ruined and submerged in the sea a number of times or precisely to say seven times and again emerged with new glow, was originally founded by Lord Krishna in the sea again has a legend / story attached to itThe main temple here was built in the 19th century and has several shrines and images of Lord Krishna and his 56 consorts. There are several other temples on the island. Excavations have revealed some Harappan period artifacts. There are some nice beaches and coral formations to the north and east of the Island. A MUST VISIT INDEED.

Major cities of Gujarat are Ahmedabad, Baroda, Kandla, Jamnagar, Palitana, Surat, Kutch, Rajkot, Junagadh, Veraval, Somnath, Porbandar, Bhuj, Diu Daman, Dwarka, Sabarmati, Gandhidham, Gandhinagar,Lothal Anand, Bhavnagar, Sasangir, Patan etc.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli
The union territory has lush green forests covered with tall trees, meandering rivers, large waterfronts, cascading waterfalls, the gentle gurgle of streams, the distant hills, and a gorgeous kaleidoscope of flora and fauna. The serene and sylvan land of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is Nature at its best.

This quiet magical land of 70 villages, sandwiched between the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, near Daman, was under the Portuguese, till it attained freedom in 1954. The people took over the administration under the system of self-government. The hospitable native tribals have their own customs, dances and rituals, which are quite fascinating. Tourism sector has been assigned a high priority keeping in view the deep forest area and favourable climate. The prominent places of tourist interest Tad keshwara temple on Sakartod river at Brinddaban , As a place, it is truly a visitor's delight and it will stay on the margins of one's mind.

Place to visit are :- There are beautiful gardens on the banks of river at Silvassa and Khanvel. A tourist complex at Khanvel named 'Van Vihar' has been set up. Van Ganga and Vandhara Garden on the Damanganga river, Bai Udyam, are other picnic points. There is also a Deer  Park and a Tribal Museum. The development of water sports at Dudhani has been completed and Khadia Van Resort at Luhari is in full swing.

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