State Info of Nagaland

With Kohima as its capital, Nagaland is one of the 7 sister states of North East India. Created in 1/12/1963, this is one of the relatively smaller state. The largest city is Dimapur and it is bordered by Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and manipur. 

Assam State Info

Capital-Dispur
Main cities-Guwahati,Silchar,Jorhat
The worlds largest river island Majuli is on the banks of brahmaputra river
known for Kaziranga(indian rhino) and manas National park
languages- Assamese,Bengali,Bodo,Nepali, Hindi,English
Top Tourist spot- National park,Guwahati,Jorhat,Goalpara .

State Info of Arunachal Pradesh

Capital-Itanagar
major cities -itanagar, naharlaghun,pasighat
created in 1986 called Land of rising sun
About 40 different languages are prevelent in the state
official languages- Tani,Assamese,Bengali,Hindi and English
Top Tourist spot-Tawand,lohit .

Hanging Bridge of Along

A local bridge built on the Siang River at Along is a Hanging Bridge made of cane and Bamboo. The bridge is 70 metres long that connects the hilly areas and is the passage way for the tribes. The construction of the  bridge is a beauty by itself. It is constructed using just cane and bamboo. People do a lot of fishing in this bridge which actually is a sport for the tourists and visitors. The walk on the bridge is an exciting one and one can have a great view of the valleys while crossing it.

Tezpur Town is the nearest transit point and it can be reached by Jeeps or Taxis. The roads get a bit marshyduring the monsoon times.  The nearest Railway Station is located at Assam which is about 318kms. The town of Tezpur has an Airport and people can easily come from Kolkatta and Guwahathi. Taxis are available from and to the airport. 

Gangtok The Feast to your eyes

Article by Mr. Shankara Narayanan

Reaching  Gangtok.  If You are Travelling By Train  Your Nearest  rail Station is  New Jalpaiguri ( West Bengal)
Buy Air ; the nearest Airport is Bagdogra, again very near to New Jalpaiguri
 From  both the places you get buses and Share taxis to Gangtok All fixed rates. No cheating. The Road transport goes Via Siliguri.

The road transport takes you Via National High way 31 A,a distance of Approximately 140 Kms goes via Sevoke,Dur bandara, Melli, Rangpo, Namthang, Singtam, ( the ascent is appreciable from here), Ranipool and Gangtok. The entire journey is along the River bed Teesta .
This stretch is a feast to your eyes and don’t forget to freeze it with a Camera.
Upon reaching  Gangtok , take a walk around the bus stand area , to get feel of the land , you would love it. Then Climb up to  Mall road , and you get a feeling that you are out of India. Gangtok , is an unpolluted, clean , plastic free city, 
but with Narrow roads, steep steps.



The palace of the former Chogyal,  and the impressive Royal Chapel are lower down along the ridge. Then there is the Namgyal  Institute of Tibetology, an Orchid Sanctuary and a large chorten (Tibetan stupa) with an adjoining gompa.


If you are an engineering tourist , stroll down to see the Micro Hydel Projects, which are plenty in Sikkim.
The sun sets very early say by 1600 hrs and it is better you complete your Dinner. There is a lovely Marwadi , Vegetarian restaurant in Mall road. For Those who like NV food , the choices are unlimited, with Wine. By the way Liquor is the cheapest.
Next day you can start your Journey to Rumtek , which houses , Rumtek Monastery and Institute of Buddish studies. Though the distance is just around 40 Kms , it would take a solid 1 Hr and 30 Mts perhaps more.
This Rumtek monestry is one of the Holiest monastery of Buddhism and said to house the Black Hat of Budhha, It also houses the Samadhi of Buddish saints. You Need at least 2 Hrs to Go round the Monastery. On Your way back to Gangtok, You should travel Via  Lumd Ding Monastery. It is a  spic and span, absolutely silent place. If You are lucky you can get free food.

Other Places of Interest In Gangtok.Tsuklakhang- The most important monastery  and the Royal Chapel ( of Namgyals, The Rules of Sikkim) This building itself a beautiful one and would need an Hour to enjoy.
Institute Of Tibetology : A centre for Studies and research in Tibetian Studies.Has an excellent collection of Books , Manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism.
Just adjacent to this Tibetology is the Orchid Sanctuary , which housed more than 500 varieties .
Cottage Industries Institute: To learn about the handicrafts, wood carvings, Paintings , hand over carpets , Bambooware  and Pan , a liqueur made from Betal leaves.
Just past the Secretariat is the deer Sanctuary . Best place to sit silently for hours and to meditate.
Take little step of 9 Km to Tashi View Point, to get a Magnificient view of Kanchenjoonga. It is better to Visit this place early in the morning well before Sunrise , so that you can se ethe snow clad peaks Glowing like gold.

Sikkim,The land Locked Ever Green State

Article by Mr. Shankar Narayanan

Sikkim, not many of us are aware of this state , except  for a small piece of Information that it is state of India, and Baichung Butia and Danny Deng Zongpaare from this state.

I had an opportunity to travel across this state, and believe me, it is the most beautiful and divinely state . I am looking forward to going here once again.

Contrary to the belief that, you dont  need permit  to enter, You can just travel straight to Sikkim. You need permit only if you are visiting certain areas , which have been classified as restricted.

So let us get moving. Before we start , we need to know the following things about Sikkim.

Geography of Sikkim

Sikkim Lies to the North Of West Bengal, bordering Darleeling and Kalimpong Districts. Nepal Is on the west In North and East  it shares borders with Tibet ( Do Not call it China) In the South East It has borders with Bhutan. Incidentally Sikkim is the Only state to have Three International Boundaries. Sikkim Is divided in to 4 Districts as shown in the Map. Certain Areas of Northern Districts are restricted to Tourist and Civilians. Languages spoken: Hindi , English, Nepali. ( English is the official language of Govt Of Sikkim)

Capital of Sikkim is Gangtok located at an Altitude of 1700 meters ( App 5300 Ft)

Altitude: Sikkim – Since the entire state is located on the Himalayas, the altitude varies from Place to Place. The lowest being 1500 and the highest reaches up to 21000 ft

To Know about the History of Sikkim  http://www.sikkimipr.org/sikkim_history.htm

Climate : The annual rainfall varies from 50-200 inches (mostly during June - September), and perennial snow in the upper levels often accumulates to a thickness of few meters. The best times to see orchids in bloom are April - May, July - August, and November. Though December isa Good Time , be prepared to face harsh winter and sudeden snow fall in the upper reaches.

Tempteratures:Summer:Max.21°C;Min.13°C, Winter : Max. 15°C; Min. 8°C, at times the Temperatures goes below Zero , , in few locations.

Hence Proper winter clothing is suggested. Make Sure You have a BSNL mobile Connection. ( other operators are available , but the signals disappear often)

Why Sikkim: Since Sikkim is located in the Himalays , and due to lack of Industries , there is absolutely no pollution in the Air. You get fresh , breeze blowing through out the year, and being Light in Nature ,if Helps you to rejuvenate.

Also Sikkim does offer what you want during a Holiday  No rush , plenty peace and easy availability of Food and Of all Security. Most importantly less expensive.

Tourist Places In Sikkim: Each of the Four Districts offer different varieties of Tourist attractions.

Depending on the location you select the Head quarter.

I spent a week In Sikkim two years ago, and enjoyed it in Full.

I took road from Darjeeling ,went to Gangtok , a 4 hours Drive . Stayed at Hotel Hungry Jack, a pretty decent and economical Hotel ,  just close to Bus Stand .

Plan a trip to Nathu La, the ancient silk route , thru which  trade was conducted with China.

You need  entry permit to Visit this place, ( hence you need to carry few copies of your Passport Size Photos), The permit is Generally arranged by The tour operator.

However if you apply a day before , it would be easy. You can leave early morning for Nathu La, though it is just 56 Km from Gangtok, it would take a full 2 Hrs 30 Mts. While travelling to Nathu La, don’t miss to see the Only prison in Sikkim,, you actually feel like spending time here, a heaven in Hills.

The next Stop is  Kyangosla  , which is at an Altitude of  10.400 feet and enjoy your  Cup of tea, with the milk from  Mountain Goats. You also get treated with Freshly fried Pototos, and Bhajji.


Few Kilometers past Kyangosla, is Tsomgo lake ( pronounced Songo), and tourists call it Changu lake. Nothing great about this, but a surprise to see a lake in such a High altitude. It gets Frozen during December – January.

Few Kilometers after Tsomgo , you would pass thru Sherathang , the Trade Town. It houses the Highest Altitude Cybercafe , Rail reservation centre.

Few Kilometers from here is Nathu La, the entry point to Tibet. I would not like to describe this place ,but would prefer you to see it your self. You have Highest Altitude PCO here and Make Phone calls  to your dear one from Top Of the world.

You Can Visit Baba Mandir, while returning to Gangtok. Please ensure that your return Journey commences well in to Sunlight , say No later than 1400 Hrs..

The next destination is either Pelling or Gurudongmar.

Pelling is in west Sikkim, totally undeveloped, still maintains its century old tradition.

Gangtok to Pelling takes about 4 hours. It is better to start early fromGangtok and start driving, so that you are in Time for Breakfast at the right places and in Time for Lunch at Pelling. ( Pelling has Just one reputed vegetarian restaurant)

Well when you start  from Gangtok , you drive down hill up to Singtam, and then turn right , to traverse zig zag to reach Ravangala( also Pronounced as Rabangla , Raibangla , rabang , all one and the same.)

You can gave lovely break fast, of Tibetian Bread and Choole. We had food in a restaurant run by a Tibetian emigrant , an  English speaking Aunty, She was very courteous and served us like a sister, and allowed  us to stretch our legs. This hotel situated at  Geyshing road. We expected a hefty bill , but it was just peanuts.

After Ravangla, you reach Bakim and Legship.A picture square Village, serves lovely tea. The You move on to Geysing, Skaoyang and then  Pelling.

Pelling is a sleepy town with dozens of  Hurridly modified Lodges .

Pelling offers a lovely view of Mount Kanchanjunga.

You can take a little tour to Yaksom lake , which is about 35 Km from Pelling. Though just 35 Km , the road is scary and at One Point you travel thru a rattling suspension bridge, a Hydel Project and then to Kempuchelaka, and suddenly you find Yaksom lake.

This lake is considered a Sacred One , for Both Hindus and Buddish. It is believed Dhuriyodhanan had penance here , and Mother Tara ( Brahmas mother) comes here daily to have bath.

The beauty of this lake is ,it is surrounded by thick forest at an Altitude of 7000 Ft. But you wont find a speck of dirt , or dried leaves in the lake. It is said that , whenever, a dried leaf falls on the lake, a bird comes and picks it up. Keeping it clean.

Lot of Hindus visit here and offer prayers , and it is believed that all their wishes are fulfilled.

While returning back to Pelling you can see oranges every where, in .It is lovely sight to see. It is so sweet , you feel like eating  for the whole day , but when the locals say that it is of poor quality, you put your fingers on your nose?.

You need to retire to bed latest bt 1900 hrs.

You wake up early morning, to have a Golden glimpse of Kanchajoonga.

Trip to North Sikkim.

Entry to North Sikkim is only possible on a guided tour, and a travel permit must be organised in Gangtok 1-2 days prior to travel. You would need a copy of your photo id card and 2 photos to obtain the permits for North Sikkim. All travel is by 4-wheel-drive as the roads are subject to frequent landslides. The terrain is very difficult and cold. Make sure that your tour operator is giving you cars in good condition. Mostly Boleros and Scorpios are the safest bet although Sumo Victas also ply. Nevertheless, the journey into the valley is stunning.Dont ever try driving by your self. You need special skills to drive here.

Gurudongmar  Glaciar is the main attraction. Located at 17,100 Ft

Trip to this place will take 2 nights and 3 days. tough the to and fro distance is 400 Kms

Prior to Going to Gurudongmar, you need to ensure the following.

1) Good Wollen Clothing, 2) Confirmed Hotel accommodation,3) Plenty of water,4) Medicines 5) Carry good amount of Food.( Food is available in plenty , however if you are struck in between , this will come handy) 6) Dark Sunglasses.

stay away from military zones, there are few safety concerns in the region. Theft is uncommon.
The journey to Gurudongmar is into very high altitude and cold zones. Many people experience headaches because of lack of oxygen. Don't exert yourself too much and drink lots of water. If you are having kids with you, please be careful. The roads are steep and winding and nausea is very common.

People with breathing trouble, should avoid this trip.

The name Gurudongmar is derived from the name of the Sikh Guru Padmasambhava who is thought to have visited Tibet through this area. The area is said to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. There is a small temple of the Guru besides the lake.

The terrain leading to Gurudongmar is very hostile and yet very beautiful. The land resembles Tibetan plateau, vegetation is very limited and the road is through stony moraine like unpaved path. Due to proximity to the Chinese Boarder, landmines are not uncommon and presence of Indian Army is ubiquitous. Due to high altitude breathing problems are also not uncommon.

Despite the hardship and difficulty associated with visiting Gurudongmar lake, a visit to this lake may last as an experience of a lifetime.

The road to Gurudongmar from Thangu passes through the high alpine pastures carpeted with thick rhododendron bushes. One can get a prized view of rare Bramhakamal peeping through the bushes in inaccessible terrain or of a herd of mountain sheep grazing in the distant valley.

Gurudongmar is one of the highest lakes in the world. It lies in the North side of the Khangchengyao Range and is encircled all around by snow-covered mountains, the sacred lake freezes during the winters except at one spot, which the devout believe has been specially blessed. The Chinese Tibetan boarder is just a few kilometers away from the lake.

You should leave Gangtok , quite early , say at least by 1000 AM, to reach  Lachen  well during Sunlight. The distance is 130 Km , would take  3 Hrs , but I would suggest , you take as much as time possible, to stop in between, stretch your legs and work out your muscles..

Take a Night Halt at Lanchen. Go around, look out for some handicrafts, spend some time with Indian Army Jawans. They are your protectors. Leave your address with them.

Next day leave very early while  it is dark say by 500AM , the drive to Gurudongmar , is 60 Kms and would  take two Hours, but Go slowly and you can take 3and half hours. Keep drinking lots of water, eat lots of food.

Keep you camers Ready , with spare battery,As the sun raises you will see Snow clad peaks , glowing red and Gold. It is a divine  moment.

Take a halt at Thangu, Refresh your self, look out for Tea from Army camp.at 13000 Ft.

From here onwards it is a steep climb to 17000 Ft. The journey ahead is full of frozen rivers . Gurudongmar is mostly flat land with mountains on all sides. It s a high altitude desert, hardly any vegetation and very stony and dusty. You have to make your own roads here and its very easy to get lost. Because it is a plateau, it is very cold as chilled winds come down the frozen mountain slopes.

Don't exert much as you would be gasping for breath at this altitude.

Once you reach Gurudongmar, you don’t feel like leaving the place. However Govt regulations states that you must leave the place by 1500 Hrs and return to Lachen. Yu are not allowed to Stay at Gurudongmar.

spend your Night at Lachen, under chilling cold, enjoy some folk dances..

Take a leisurely walk in the morning.

Pack your bags by 1200 and return to Gangtok.

If you have contacts with Army , you would have more pleasure.

Advise.

While travelling to Sikkim, I would suggest you to Go Via Calcutta.

Board  15959 Kamrup Express , which leaves Howrah at  1735 Hrs and reaches  Jalpaiguri at  0615 Hrs.

You get lovely Break fast  at the station itself and Board a four wheeler , or a Bus From Sikkim Transport , right from the Station. to reach Gangtok in less than 4 Hrs.By doing so You get one half day to get acclimatized to weather conditions.

Please ensure You have a Good Battery for your Mobile Phone, perhaps a spare one , stock of camera battries..( In low temperature battries refuse to give required out put).

keep Antibiotics, bronco dilators in hand. Keep reporting to  some  one at Home every hour.

Have a Good Footwear. A trekking shoe with woolen socks., multiple pairs. Ladies must avoid slippers, switch over to shoes. Please wear a tag with your ID and Contact address.

Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Tour Operators in Arunachal Pradesh

Donyi Hango Adventure Tours & Travel.
Mrs. Yane Dai(Mangaging Director)C-Sector,
Naharlagun-791110
Arunachal Pradesh
Contact No:         
+91-360-2244977           
+91-360-2247642      (Fax)       
 9436042866      (M)
E-mail:donyihango@yahoo.com
Webiste:www.arunachal-holidays.com

Tribal Adventure Tours
Shri John Panya (Managing Director)
Borum Village Naharlagun.
Arunachal Pradesh-INDIA
Contact No:          
0360-2247422  
9436252013/986208726(M)
E-mail:tribaladventura@yahoo.co.in

Tribal Adventure Tours
Shri John Panya (Managing Director)
Borum Village Naharlagun.
Arunachal Pradesh-INDIA
Contact No:          
0360-2247422    
9436252013/986208726(M)
E-mail:tribaladventura@yahoo.co.in

M/S Brahmaputra Tours and Travels.
Shri Koj Mama(Managing Director)ADV Building,
Post Box No. 27.Ziro-791120
Arunachal Pradesh
Contact No.         
+91-3788-224905       
 9436068846      (M)
E-mail:kojmama@yahoo.co.in
Website:www.brahmaputra-tours.com

M/S Boni Tours & Travels
Shri Boni Nipak,
Boa House,
F-Sector,
Post Box No. 268,
Itanagar
E-mail:bonitours@yahoo.com
Website: www.bonitours-travels.com

M/S Tribal Discovery Tours & Travels
Miss Phurpa Lahmu
Old Market,
Tawang/Bomdila/Itanagar/Bhalukpong
E-mail:tribal discovery@yahoo.co.in
Website:www.tribal-discovery.com

M/S Arunachal Discover Paradise Tours
Miss Yanium SonamD-Sector,
Naharlagun
District Papum Pare
Tel:-+91-943663380(M)         
+91-9402049421      (M)
E-mail:arunachaldiscovertourr@ymail.com
Website:bengiab@gmail.com

M/S Northeast Adventure
Shri Michi RajenTintin House,
Near PWD S.E.
Office Mob-II
ItanagarDistrict,
Papum Pare
Arunachal Pradesh
Tel:-0360-2291256         
+91-9436251191      (M)
E-mail: michidusu@sancharnet.inrajenmichi@yahoo.co.in

Himalayan Holiday
Shri Tsering Wange (Managing Director)
ABC- Building Main Road,
Bomdila-790001.
Arunachal Pradesh.
Contact No:
 +91-3782-222017/222662
+91-3782-223725/223191          
9436045063/9436222905    
 E-mail: himalayan-holidays@usa.net
Website: www.himalayan-holidays.com
Member : IATO, ATOAI, ATONEI, ICC, APTOA, EHTTOA & AMASA
Branches: Tawang, Itanagar & Dirang

Gibbon Travel
Mr. J.K. Riba(Managing Director)
MLA Cottage Road-E-Sector,
Itanagar-791111
Arunachal Pradesh
Contact No.:-        
+91-360-2291181      (O)   
      9436044069      (M)
E-mail:tribalvoyages@yahoo.co.in
Website:www.gibbontravels.com

Duyu Tours & Travels
Shri Duyu Tamo (Director)
Vivek ViharItanagar-791113,
Arunachal Pradesh
Tel:        
 +91-360-2217571             
  9436044905      (M)
E-Mail:- duyutours@yahoo.com

M/S Abor Country Travels & Expedition
Shri Oken Tayeng
B-Sector
Near Raj Bhawan
Itanagar
Tel-0360-2211722         
+919436053870    
E-mail:kentayeng@yahoo.com
Website:www.aborcountrytravels.com

M/S Abor Country Travels & Expedition
M/s Patkai Tours & Travels
Mrs. Yeshi Chotten
P.O. Tawang ‘O’ Point Tinali
District Tawang         
+91-9436059645       (M)
E-mail:yeshichotten@yahoo.co.in
Website:www.pathkotours.com

M/s Patkai Tours & Travels
Mrs. Yeshi Chotten
P.O. Tawang ‘O’ Point Tinali
District Tawang         
+91-9436059645       (M)
E-mail:yeshichotten@yahoo.co.in
Website:www.pathkotours.com

M/S Arunachal Cultural Exchange Tours & Travels
Shri Mindu Phuntsok
HQ. Old Market,
Tawang
District Tawang
Tel:-03794-222322/223765+91-94361751(M)
E-mail:arunachaltravel@ymail.com

Tourism Information Office Manipur

Manipur Information Centre,

Baba Kharak Singh Marg,

New Delhi

Tel. : 011-3746359

Fax : 011-3746361

Manipur Bhavan,

2, Sardar Patel Marg,

Chanakyapuri, New Delhi

Tel : 011-6873311/6113150, 6873009

Fax : 011-6111803

Kolkata

Government of India Tourist Office

Embassy, 4, Shakespeare Sarani,

Kolkata

Tel : 2421475, 2423521 2. Manipur Bhavan,

26, Rowland Road,

Kolkata

Tel : 747087, 747975

Guwahati

Manipur Bhavan,

Rajgarh Road, Guwahati

Tel : 540707

Imphal

Tourist Information Centre,

Directorate of Tourism, Imphal

Tel : 224603, 220802

Government of India Tourist Office,

Jail Road, Imphal

Tel : 221131

Tourism Information Offices Meghalaya

The Directorate of Tourism
3rd Secretariat Nokrek Building,
Lower Lachumiere,
Shillong – 793001,
Meghalaya, India
Tel Fax: +91-364-2226054
Ph no: +91-364 – 2502166/2500736

Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation
Polo Road,
Shillong – 793001
Meghalaya, India
Ph no: +91-364-2222731/ 2224933/ 2505012/ 2224471

Indiatourism
Tirot Singh Road,
Shillong – 79001
Meghalaya, India
Ph no: +91-364-2225632

West Garo Hills District
Deputy Director of Tourism
C/O Dakopgre,
Near Tura Orchid Lodge
West Garo Hills
Tura – 794001
Ph no: 03651 – 232394

East Garo Hills District
Tourist Officer & Information Centre
C/O Tambu A. Ding
Tourist Lodge Willimanagar
East Garo Hills,
Williamnagar – 794111

South Garo Hills District
Tourist Officer & Information Centre
C/O Dilsa A’Bri
South Garo Hills
Baghmara – 794102
Ph no: 03639 – 222141

Jaintia Hills District
Tourist Officer & Information Centre
C/O Kynrooh Sahphlang
Jaintia Hills
Jowai – 793150
Ph no: 03652 – 221902

West Khasi Hills District
Tourist Officer & Information Centre
C/O Deputy Commissioner
West Khasi Hills
Nongstoin


Tourist Information Centres
New Delhi
Meghalaya House,
9 Aurangzeb Road,
New Delhi – 110001
Ph no: +91-11-23014417

Kolkata
Meghalaya House,
120, Shanti Pally,
Rash Behari Connector
Kolkata – 700107

Ph no: +033-24412159
Fax: +91-33-24411930

Guwahati
Meghalaya House,
A.K. Azad Road,
Rehabari,
Guwahati
Assam
Ph no: +91-361-254434

Tourist Information Offices Mizoram

Government of Mizoram
Aizawl - 796001
Mizoram, India
Phone : +91 (0)389 2333475
                   2334474
                   2335677
                   2333473
                   2333476
Fax : +91 (0)389 2333475
Email : mizo.tourism@hub.nic.in

Liaison Offices:
Delhi : +91 (0)11 23015951
Kolkatta : +91 (0)33 24757887
Guwahati : +91 (0)361 2529411
Shillong : +91 (0)364 2520315
Silchar : +91 (0)3782 225655

Tripura Tourism Information Offices

 Managing Director, TTDC Limited 

Ph. 0381 2317878, Fax 0381 2317878, E mail: mdttdcl_2009@yahoo.in Tripura Tourism Development Corporation Limited, (A Government of Tripura Undertaking),

Swetmahal, Agartala-799001 Ph. (0381) 222-5930/3893, FAX. (0381) 231 7878,

E mail: tripuratourism09@rediffmail.com 

Tourist Information Centre, Agartala Airport : 0381 2342393 

Tourist Information Centre Kolkata: Tripura Bhavan, 1 Pretoria street ,033-22825703/0624/2297

Fax:- 033-22826842 

Tripura Bhavan,HC-10, Sector -III, Saltlake, Kolkata, 03323214104/05

Fax:-03323378176 

New Delhi : Tripura Bhavan, Chanakyapuri 01123015157/0968, Fax:- 01123793237 

Guwahati : Tripura Bhawan, Ramkrishna Mission Road, Birubari, Guwahati, Phone : 0361-2492041/2042

India Tourism Guwahati, Government of India, Regional Office, (North East), G.L. Publication Complex, G.S Road, Ulubari, Guwahati-781 007(Assam), Ph (0361) 2456158, Fax: (0361) 2547407, Website: www.incredibleindia.org E.mail: indtour@asm.nic.in

Inner Line Permits for foreigners to visit Sikkim

Foreigners who wish to  visit to Sikkim, India need to take up Inner Line Permit. These permits can be obtained from all the Tourist Offices of Sikkim by producing the Indian Visa. This ILP is valid for a duration of 15 days on the spot if two passport size photos, passport and visa photo copies of the applicants are submitted.

The State Government is authorized to extend the same for another 30 days. The extension of stay need to be obtained from the FRO Gangtok and Office of Superindent of Police of the North, South and West districts.

Arunachal Pradesh Tourism information Office details

Contact Information for Arunachal Pradesh Tourism as per Arunachal Pradesh Tourism website.

Directorate of Tourism
Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
India

Phone :             +91-360-2214745      
E-mail : info@arunachaltourism.com
           director_tourism1@yahoo.co.in

Bohag Bihu or Rangoli Bihu - Harvest Festival of Assam

Bohag Bihu or the Rongali Bihu is the New Year festival of Assamese. This festival comes mostly in the middle of April and normally it falls on April 15th or a day before or after. The festival comes during spring and the first day is called as Garu Bihu and on this day bulls, cows and cattle are bathed and fed well with brinjal and gourds. The heads are smeared with turmeric and they are tethered with new ropes too.

On the second day, Manush Bihu men, women and children wear new clothes and eat the delicacies named Pitas and Larus. prepared in the house. This day is marked as the day of harmony and people settle old differences and quarrels. People visit their friends and relatives and exchange the delicacies prepared. Gifts like hand woven scarves are also exchanged. The bihu festival is celebrated for a week. And people involve themselves in singing and dancing with the traditional bihugeets, traditional folk songs. The Rangoli Bihu dance is a traditional dance which starts at a very slow pace and accelerates speed slowly. The songs are sung in chorus and the dance is done in groups and in circles. The songs are accompanied by instruments made of bamboo and drums. The best women dancer is awarded Bihu Kunwori.

Assam Tourism Info Offices

Directorate of Tourism
Govt. of Assam
Station Road
Guwahati 781001
Assam, India
Phone:             +91-361- 2547102       / 2542748
Fax: +91-361-2542748
Email: info@assamtourism.org


Dy. Director of Tourism
Tourist Information Centre
Govt. of Assam
B-1 Baba Kharak Singh Marg
Emporia Complex
New Delhi - 110 001
Phone:            +91-11-23345897      


Officer-in-Charge 
Tourist Information Centre
Govt. of Assam
Assam House
8, Russel Street
Kolkata - 700 071
West Bengal, India
Phone:            +91-33-22295094  

Dumboor Lake, Tripura

Wonderful week end tourist place with 110 kms from Agartala. This lake is the source for the river Gomati. There are about 48 islands in the middle of the lake. This lake is the place where rivers Raima and Sarma come together.

Dumboor Lake is the paradise for Bird Watchers as and birds migrate to this lake during the winter months. (Binoculars can be hired near the lake)


A Hydel Project is going on in this lake. As Agartala gets rain all through the year, this lake happened to be the best place for such projects.


The famous Pous Sankaranti Mela takes place close to this lake which have the Tirthamukh temple on its banks.


Dumboor lake is the natural habitat of different natural and cultured fishes

Journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling by Toy Train

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway - is one of the four Toy Trains of India. It is a 2 ft narrow gauge railway that runs between Siliguri and Darjelling run by the Indian Railways. The 86 kms ride starts from the plains and move towards the hills. The journey starts with a warmer climate and moves to a chill and cold climate. So while travelling in the Darjeeling toy train one need to keep warm clothes handy.

Nearing Darjeeling town

The route stretch from Tindhara to Gayabari station is a scenic beauty of jagged rock faced mountains of Giddapahar through which the train passes through and reaches the Gayabari station at 3400 ft. The train stops at Pagla Jhora where it stops for water. Then the train reaches Mahanadi Bazar station which is at 4000ft and which is also close to the source of the Mahanadi river. From here the train reaches Kurseong station at 4864 ft travelling west. Kurseong a little hill station where one can see the culture and tradition of a hill town and hill people. From Kurseong the train crosses through the Kurseong bazar which gives a glimpse of the Tibetian prayer flags while crossing over Hussel and Khola. The train passes through the forests of maple, chestnut, pear, cherry and cardamom plants. The train then reaches Tung at 5656 ft.

Train going through cross roads

From Tung the train reaches Sonada at 6552 ft and passes through the Sonada bazar giving a glimpse of Tibetan Stupa. Before reaching Ghoom, the train passes through the Senchel Reserve forest. One can get to see bright blooms of rododendrons, cream magnolias and orchids during the spring. The Senchel Reserve forest region is a world wide bird watching centre and the top of the hill is the famous tourist spot Tiger hill which gives a different and unique view of Himalayas and one can watch sunrise from this point. The train then crosses the town of Jore bunglow where the roads are narrow and this is the place where the traffic in and out of Darjeeling crosses. The train stops here for a while till the traffic clears if one happens. After crossing this town the train reaches Ghoom at 7407 ft.

Inside DHR toy Train

From Ghoom the train moves towards Darjeeling pasing through Batasia Loop from where one can see a splendid view of the Darjeeling town and the Kanchenjunga peak. The train then reaches the Darjeeling Station. The total travel time all along the route is about 9 hours (which could extend an hour more too).

All along the route from Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, there are lots of road crossings and almost all through the journey the train runs quite parallel to road and one can see cars and other vehicles running very close. The famous song of Meri Sapnon ki Rani from the movie Aradana is shot in this train and all along the route.

Darjeeling Railway Station