Highlights of the fascinating Darjeeling Tour Package

The beauty of the erstwhile kingdom of Tripura stems from the splendour of it natural and cultural heritage. It offers a plethora of delightful attractions in its cavalcade of historic places. Blending into the hills and valleys, the villages are a tapestry of rich ethnic traditions.  Getting to Tripura is as easy as visiting any other famous places of attractions in India. You can get there by air, railway or by bus easily and comfortably. Once you reach this beautiful place in the Northeast India, you can get around and explore places by various modes of transportations. However the main mode of transport is auto rickshaws, you can still hire cabs or choose bus to travel. Some of the top activities to do are to visit tourist places in Tripura like Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary that is truly a biodiversity heaven, the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary Situated about 111 km from Agartala or the Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary also a home to a bewildering variety of plant species. Apart ...

Bhutanese food has been influenced by India, China, and Tibet, but the local food still remains unique.  The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese food is its spiciness, with chillies being an essential part of nearly every food item.  You will get a lot of options to choose from the Bhutanese cuisine. Some of the foods you need to definitely try on your next trip to the mountain kingdom are the delicious ema datshi a stew made with chillies and cheese, shamu datshi stew made with cheese and mushrooms, kewa datshi stew of cheese and potatoes,  gondo datshi etc. Bhutanese love their locally produced cheese and many dishes are made by using them. Apart from these popular foods in Bhutan do try the mouth watering gondo datshi also called as butter egg fry. This food in Bhutan is best eaten with Himalayan red rice. Shakam ema datshi is a non-vegetarian version of datshi made with dried beef. If you are a beef lover and always ready for challenges, this food i...

Mizoram is one of the Seven Sister North-eastern states of India. It is landlocked with Assam, Manipur, and Tripura in India and with the countries of Bangladesh, and Myanmar too. Mizoram’s topography consists of undulating hills, valleys, lakes, and rivers. There are 21 major hill ranges or peaks in Mizoram. This dramatic and captivating landscape along with Mizoram’s pleasant climate has been nicknamed as   Mizorama. The major tribe here are Mizos and the word ‘ram’ means land. So Mizoram literally translates to ‘Land of the Mizos’ Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram is also the largest city in Mizoram and is located in the northern part of Mizoram. It has a lot of tourist attractions and also home to the world’s largest family lives (180 members) in Baktawng Village. Mizoram is connected through its rail head in Bairabi in Kolasib District. However, the track ends at Bairabi and you need to take another transportation to reach your destination. Other railway stations clo...

Mizoram is one of the Seven Sisters, a north-eastern state of India. It provides a unique destination for tourists with its dramatic landscapes, enjoyable weather, and interesting cuisine. It shares borders nationally with Assam, Manipur, Tripura, and internationally with Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The best time to visit Mizoram is between November and March. It's capital Aizawl, has its Lengpui Airport and is well connected to all major metros. The closest railway stations are Bairabi, Mualkhang, and Khamrang Railway Station. Indians require an Inner Line Pass is required for entry into Mizoram which is not too complicated to obtain. Here are 5 tourist places to cover on your visit to Mizoram Aizawl - It is the capital of Mizoram and is a beautiful old city situated on steep hills. Some of the attractions here are Solomon’s Temple, the State Museum, Reiek Heritage village, and Durtlang Hills. Bara Bazaar at Bau Tlang is the main shopping center. Also, visit Tamdi...

Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, the tiny Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan was inaccessible to the outside world until a few years ago, and now it has become one of the premier travel destinations in this part of the world primarily because of its unique culture and traditions that have been preserved for centuries now. Bhutan is also nicknamed as ‘the Land of the Thunder Dragon’ and is the only country to go by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness as a development index. Bhutan lies in Southeast Asia and shares its border with Tibet, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh , Assam and West Bengal. Bhutan has only one international airport— Paro Airport. The nearest railway station is Hasimara in West Bengal. Bhutan is well connected by roads too (Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar) and accessible from India. The landscape of Bhutan consists mostly of steep and high mountains and deep valleys. , Bhutan’s climate goes from subtropical in the south to temperate in the highlands, while in...

One of the most scenic of treks in Bhutan is unmistakably the Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek which is a 217 km trek, spanning over 14 days beginning at   Drukgyel in Paro valley. The trek is named after the highest peak of Bhutan Mt. Jomolhari which is also believed to be the abode of the Goddess of protection (Jomo). The trek will take you through gorgeous alpine meadows, high mountain passes, and dense subtropical jungles before ending at Damji in Tashithang. Along the trail of the Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek, you will be able to spot indigenous animals of Bhutan such as blue sheep and takins and pass through most pristine and unspoiled landscapes in Bhutan. The trek also offers a day of relaxation at the famous Gasa hot springs en-route. The best months to visit Bhutan to complete this trek are between April-June and mid-September-mid-November, when Bhutan experiences clear skies and a pleasant climate. Day 1 starts at the Gunitsawa Village in northern Paro and ends at S...

Phobjikha valley is a small town in the central part of Bhutan surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. The place is known for its beautiful landscapes and passes and a day’s hike will take you through the town woods, and valleys. The vast U-shaped glacial valley also known as Gangteng valley, offers beautiful landscapes ideal for walking and hiking.  With semi-nomadic way of life of the locals who enjoy archery and dart throwing as their favourite pastime in Phobjikha valley the place can be reached by bus and car. Some of the interesting places to visit near Phobjikha valley are the Gangtey Monastery about 4 hrs away, it is also the largest monasteries in western Bhutan, Kumbhu Lhakhang about 2 hrs away from the valley is considered to be spiritually refreshing and is said to have been built by Tibetan sculptors and Jomolhari a popular trekking spot in Bhutan starting at Paro is about 98 km away from Phobjikha valley. Apart from these places to visit in Bhutan and in ...

Bhutan radiates a certain blissful aura that is highly appealing to the soul-searcher. From Bhutan’s serene landscapes and calm people to monumental Buddha statues and stately monasteries, the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan is quickly picking up as a popular tourist destination for cultural as well as pilgrimage travelers. Bhutan has many monasteries and your visit to Bhutan will not be complete without it. It is one of the places in Bhutan that mesmerizes you with the architectural marvel and brings peace to your soul. Monasteries in Bhutan also serve various social purposes such as providing homes to children who are either orphaned or unable to be support by their parents. Some of the worth visiting monasteries in Bhutan are the Chagri Dorjeden Monastery aka Cheri Monastery at the northern end of the Thimphu Valley, the Chimi Lhakhang in Punakha District, Lhodrakarchu Monastery, Paro Taktsang also identified as the Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger's Nest located in the...

Where is Bhutan you ask? Bhutan is comfortably tucked in the Himalayan range of South Asia between India, and China. Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, is a place to experience royal life as well as the developing sections of Bhutan. This bustling little city, situated in the western central of Bhutan, is the main centre of commerce, religion, and government in Bhutan. An interesting feature of this place is that the city does not have traffic lights. Instead, policemen on small pavilions can be seen directing traffic. The roads are usually empty, but it’s opposite during the ‘peak hours’. Among the different main cities of Bhutan, Thimphu offers a perfect juxtaposition of old world charm and the hustle bustle of a new commercial exuberance. You could spend some time in the Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan’s third king, His Late Majesty Dorji Wangchuk, who is also regarded as the Father of modern Bhutan. Also, take time to explore the National L...

The Bumthang Owl Trek is one of the most sought after treks in Bhutan. It is a 3-day trek around Bumthang (north-central Bhutan) and is great for amateur trekkers t take in the unspoiled landscapes of blue pine, birch, maple, spruce, juniper, bamboo, and rhododendrons,   with opportunities to visit age-old Buddhist temples and monasteries as well as get a glimpse into local village life. All of this and the glorious views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, which is the highest unclimbed peak in the world. The best time to visit is in the months of April and May when rhododendrons are in full bloom. Trekking through this area in autumn is a different experience altogether as there is a possibility of encountering Himalayan black bears.   For culture lovers, the best time to visit Bhutan is during the local festivals. The trek begins at the Manchugang village and passes through the Dhur Village of the nomadic Kheps and Brokpas. The trek continues with an uphill climb through a...

Traveling to Bhutan and not visiting the iconic Tiger’s Nest in Paro is a cardinal sin. For those who do not know, let this be your introduction to the fascinating Paro Taktsang perched precariously at a height of, 10,000 feet above sea level in the cliffs in upper Paro Valley, Bhutan. This iconic tourist attraction was once engulfed by a mysterious fire but has been completely restored to its former glory and is by far, the most visited in Bhutan. This place is sacred to the Buddhists housing a monastery and is so particularly to the Vajrayana sect. There is an interesting tale revolving around its origins. It is believed that Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who was an 8th-century Buddhist master from India and also believed to be a reincarnation of Buddha himself, landed at Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan, on a flying tigress. He then began meditating in a cave for 4 months. It is believed that he subdued the local ‘demons’ and began the conversion of the people of Bhut...

Known as the land of the Thunder Dragon, the tiny Himalayan kingdom called Bhutan is shrouded with mystery and mysticism for the outside world. Bhutan is a paradise for tourists, landscape coupled with monasteries, temples, and other Buddhist places, exude solace and tranquility. The past few years has seen an unprecedented number of tourists visit Bhutan especially from India.  The Bhutan’s landscape ranges from lush plains and captivating valleys to high passes and rugged snow-capped Himalayan Mountains. This country has a total of 71% forest cover. For the tourist seeking to enjoy the beauty of Bhutan, the country offers a number of trekking routes, hiking trails, cycling paths, picnic spots, and rejuvenating hot springs. Spring (early March-mid-June) is the best time to visit Bhutan, when the valleys are filled with flowers. For those seeking adventure, Bhutan has some thrilling activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, fishing, and more. ...

Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”, offers subtropical plains to steep mountainous regions and deep valleys, all in a serene atmosphere. No wonder throngs of foreign tourists flock this Himalayan kingdom.   An ideal time to visit Bhutan is during its spring-summer months (Mar-May) when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear whereas October is ideal for trekking. Some of the hot tourist destinations here are Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Haa Valley, and Pheuntsholing. Among all of these, Thimphu is perhaps the most interesting. It is the capital of Bhutan, located on the western part and is a wonderful juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity seen through its monasteries and traditional houses that stand alongside modern shopping complexes and night clubs. Thimphu has a number of exciting tourist worthy spots to offer that give a traveler an insight into the uniqueness of the arts and culture of Bhutan. Here is our list of 5 such places: Motithang...

When in Rome, be like the Romans, goes the saying. This applies to any geography. If you have not yet been to Assam, then this is to encourage you to travel to and try your hands at local delicacies while you are there. A typical Assamese meal consists of rice, lentils, masor jool (fish stew), mangsho (meat stew), and stir-fried greens or herbs and vegetables. There is a liberal use of both fresh and fermented ingredients in this style of cooking. The two main characteristics of a traditional meal in Assam are khar (named after the principal ingredient) and tenga (preparations with a rich and tangy flavor). Assamese love their mutton, fowl, duck/goose, fish, pigeon, pork, and beef and even the exotic foods like grasshoppers, locusts, silkworms, snails, eels, squab, and other birds, which are eaten in moderation. An interesting ingredient of Assamese food is khorisa (fermented bamboo shoots) which are used to flavor curries or made into pickles. Koldil (banana flower), Ouu ...

Have you ever wanted to go on a holiday that fulfills your parent’s religious wants, your brother’s thirst for adventure and your love for serene picturesque locales? Then a trip to Guwahati, Shillong, and Cherrapunjee will do the trick. Begin as most of the trips to North-East India do, at Guwahati, which also happens to be the ‘City of Temples’ and the largest metropolis in North-East India. The main attraction for anyone visiting Guwahati is Kamakhya Mandir, a 16 th -century temple complex dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya. The best time to visit Kamakhya Mandir, Guwahati, to see a special occurrence in this temple, is in June when the river turns red around the temple. There are many other temples in and around Guwahati like the Umananda Temple on Peacock Island which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, The Bhimasankar Jyotirling temple to the recent addition of the Sree Balaji Temple. You can also enjoy a visit to the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, which is the largest ...

Are you a wildlife lover? Do you love to explore new places and experience new cultures? Then Assam is the place to go. Blessed with an abundance of national parks like the Manas National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Orang National Park, Nameri National Park, and Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, it is a wildlife lover’s dream destination. Among the many, Kaziranga National Park, Assam is the most popular. It is spread over an area of 430 sq km, is the habitat of the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses as well as many mammals including tigers, elephants, panthers, and bears.   Kaziranga National Park, Assam, is also home to thousands of bird species. No wonder, Kaziranga National Park, Assam, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its unique natural environment. Kaziranga National Park is about a 5-hour drive from Guwahati in Golaghat in the Nagaon district of Assam. There are many hotels, lodges and, resorts in Kaziranga that you can check into...

Bhutan’s beautiful landscape is made of sub-alpine Himalayan Mountains, valleys, meadows, rivers, and sub-tropical plains. Landlocked in the Eastern Himalayas, most of the population of Bhutan is centralized in valleys and lowlands. There are a total of 21 valleys in Bhutan and Phobjikha valley is one of them. Phobjikha Valley is surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. The place is known for its beautiful landscapes and passes. It offers beautiful landscapes ideal for walking and hiking. Also known as Gangteng Valley, Phobjikha Valley is a huge U-shaped glacial valley. Every year, black-necked cranes, an endangered bird species, migrate to Phobjikha Valley in the winters. This has earned the valley the name “Valley of black-necked cranes.”  Every year a 9-day festival is held in Phobjikha Valley to celebrate the arrival of the black-necked cranes to the valley. This festival is celebrated at Gangtey Goenpa and is one of the few festivals where you can witness cham(reli...

Mizoram is one of the 8 northeastern states of India. It is bounded by Myanmar to the east and south, Bangladesh to the west, Assam to the north, and Tripura and Manipur to the northeast. The hills of Mizoram form a part of the Rakhine (Arakan) Mountains, a series of compact parallel ridges with a north-south axis formed of sandstone, limestone, and shales. One way to reach Mizoram is by air. Mizoram’s only domestic airport, Lengpui Airport, is located in Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. The state does not have an international airport. Lengpui Airport is the first large airport in the country to be built by the State Government. Lengpui Airport is located on a plateau and has a 2,500-metre long table top runway, making it one of the trickiest runways to land on.  A tabletop runway is a runway that is located on the top of a plateau or hill with one or both ends stopping abruptly and dropping into a deep gorge. This type of runway creates an optical illusion, which requires a ...

Situated at the foothills of the mighty Eastern Himalayas, Manas National Park is a densely forested area at an average elevation of 85m above sea-level. Sprawling over an area of 2837 sq. km, it offers unique biodiversity and landscape. It acquired the status of a Biosphere Reserve in 1989 and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1985. Manas National Park is flooded by tourists from all over the world who visit to catch glimpses of many wildlife species such as the Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog, Hispid Hare, Assam Roofed Turtle, Wild Water Buffaloes, etc. If you are planning to visit Assam, you must include the Manas National Park in your itinerary. The National Park area is located between two districts of Assam- Chirang and Baksa and is divided into three ranges. This utopian destination, where you can find the harmonious co-existence of several diverse wildlife species, is accessible via various modes of transport. Manas National Park tourism offers a wide rang...

Guwahati is known for its many mandirs, and hence, it is also known as the “city of temples.” It is a popular pilgrimage site for thousands of devotees to Guwahati every year. Each mandir differs in structural beauty and history that only make them fascinating revered religious sites in Guwahati, Assam. Kamakhya Mandir, situated on Nilachal Hill of Guwahati is an important Hindu temple dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya. It is the main mandir among a complex of individual mandirs dedicated to the ten Mahavidyas. It is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus, especially for Tantric worshipers. The structure of Kamakhya Mandir is a hemispherical dome on top of a cruciform base with 4 chambers.  The Kamakhya mandir in Guwahati has an interesting history. Assumptions are made that it was destroyed by Kalapahar, however the latest historical findings points out an earlier destruction of Kamakhya Mandir during Hussein Shah’s invasion of the Kamata kingdom then under ...

A cosmopolitan outlook, ponds, palm trees and single-storey traditional houses are the first few visuals you come across when in Guwahati. It seems like the elders in the society can never be wrong. They once named Guwhati Pragyotishpur (Light of the East), and we believe that Guwahati has lived up to this title. This is the largest city in the northeast and blends in the old colonial charm with concrete structures. Guwahati is well known for religious places like Kamakhya Temple located on the Nilachal Hill. It is over 2200 years old and according to the locals, the goddess menstruates once every year at this temple. Umanada Temple situated on Peacock Island in the middle of the Brahmaputra River is also a famous religious place in Guwahati. This quiet place of worship is named after and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The name 'Umananda' comes from the two Hindi words 'uma' - Lord Shiva’s wife and 'ananda' meaning happiness. The Umananda temple is nestled in th...

From the land of the one-horned rhinoceros to the home of clouds and rain, a journey to Assam and Meghalaya is always refreshing. While Assam boasts of tea gardens, the mighty Brahmaputra, the Kaziranga National Park and a host of temples, Meghalaya is home to rolling highlands, innumerable waterfalls, caves and even the cleanest village in India. A trip to these two fascinating states starts at Guwahati, which is a base for entering any of the other 6 north-eastern states in India. In the heart of Assam, close to Guwahati, lies the Kaziranga National Park, a world heritage site as declared by UNESCO. You can reach Guwahati and take a 5-hour drive down to this National Park. As safaris only take place in the mornings, you can relax and absorb the surroundings as you prepare for an exciting day. The next day, you can take a jeep-safari or even an Elephant ride, which is controlled by the Forest Department of the Govt. of Assam, into the sanctuary and experience the exot...

Guwahati is the largest city in Assam and in the whole of North-east India. Its name is derived from ‘Guwa’ which means areca nut and ‘haat’ which means a ‘bazaar’ or market. Situated on the Brahmaputra River, Guwahati is a port city and one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Even historically, Guwahati has been a bustling trading center. Assam is also equally famous for being the ‘Corridor to the North East’ and rightly so said because you can practically go to any of the other six of the ‘seven sisters’ states of India by road with Guwahati as its base. It even shares its border with the countries of Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh It is also famous as a pilgrimage site, being home to famous temples like the Kamakhya, Navagraha, and Umananda (which also happens to be the largest river island in the world) to name a few. No wonder it receives thousands of visitors every year, especially during Hindu festivals. When taking of tourist attractions, how can on...

Assam is one of the 8 states of Northeast India.  An important geographical aspect of Assam is that it contains 3 of 6 physiographic divisions of India – the Northern Himalayas (Eastern Hills), the Northern Plains (Brahmaputra plain),  and the Deccan Plateau (Karbi Anglong). As the Brahmaputra flows in Assam, the climate here is mostly cold, and it receives a lot of rainfall. Geomorphic studies conclude that the Brahmaputra, the life-line of Assam, is an antecedent river fairly older than the Himalayas. With the tropical monsoon climate, the temperature in Guwahati, the capital city of Assam during summer ranges from 950 - 100°F or 350 - 38°C, and during winter the temperature ranges from 430 - 46°F or 60 - 8°C. The climate and temperature is characterized by particularly heavy monsoon downpours, reducing summer temperatures and affecting foggy nights and mornings in winters, generally frequent during the afternoons. Spring (March-April) and autumn (September-October) ar...