Sikkim, a place to Visit!

Sikkim, long isolated from the outside world, Sikkim was settled by Tibetans in the 16th century and became a British protectorate in 1890. Sikkim passed to India in 1949 and became a state of that country in 1975.

Sikkim's people are predominantly of Nepalese extraction; the minority Bhotias (Tibetan in origin) and aboriginal Lepchas are mainly pastoral nomads. Although the Nepalese practice Hinduism, Buddhism was professed by the former chogyal (“king under the religious laws”) and the official class, and Sikkim is noted for its Buddhist monasteries. Tibeto-Burmese languages and dialects are spoken widely.
Sikkim is India's smallest state in terms of population and second smallest in area after Goa. It is the shrine of the third highest mountain in the world i.e. Mt. Kanchendzonga (28,208 Ft asl). The main source of revenue has been tourism for this small land locked on all sides. It shares its border with Bhutan to the east, Nepal to its west, Tibet (China) to the north and Indian mainland to its south.

Rich physical features like forests, rivers and mountains that define the boundaries of the state. Most of the peaks above 6100 meters (20000ft) lie towards the western border of State including Kanchenjunga. On the eastern border the most imposing peak is Paunhri, at an altitude of about 6700 meters (22000ft). Most of the peaks of Sikkim have remained unscaled because the Sikkimese consider them sacred and feel that they will lose their sanctity if climbed.

On the way between Gangtok to Nathula, 35 Kilometers from Gangtok lies the serene Changu (Tsomgo) Lake at an altitude of about 3693 meters (12310 ft). Two other lakes nearby are the Bidang cho and the Mememcho. Kecheopalri lake is another well-known lake that lies on the route between Gyalshing and Yoksum. The highest concentration of lakes is on the western border north of Chiwabhanjang towards the Base Camp. Laxmipokhari, Lampokhari, Majurpokhari, twin lakes of Ram-Laxman are a few of the lakes in this area. Dud Phokhari and Samiti Lake are two other lakes situated in this area. Gurudogmar, which is the largest lakes is in north Sikkim.

Sikkim has many hot springs known for medicinal and therapeutic values. The most important hot springs are at Phurchachu (Reshi), Yumthang, Borang, Ralang, Taram-chu and Yumey Samdong. All these hot springs have high sulphur content and are located near the riverbanks. The average temperature of the water in these hot springs is 50°C.

Kolkatta/ Culcutta

Kolkata : the human city

The Ganges (called the Hooghly in Kolkata) is still the inspiration, as it was to Job Charnok, East India Company agent, who reached the shores in August 1690 finally, to settle here.

The City was founded 300 years ago out of 3 villages namely Sutanati, Gobindapur and Kolikata. Once the capital of British India, the capital of undevided Bengal and now the capital of West Bengal since Independence. Kolkata, on the east bank of river Hooghly, retains the aura of days long gone, weaving the past and the present, the intense and the funloving into a charming fabric.


Home to five Nobel laureates – Ronald Ross, Sir C.V. Raman, Rabindranath Tagore, Mother Teresa and Amartya Sen, Kolkata is the nerve centre of intellect and human values, where many modern movements began in art, cinema and theatre, science and industry. India’s quest for freedom began here.

Kolkata is the gateway to Eastern India. A city with a rich heritage, bustling streets and bewildering variety of facets. From October to March, Kolkata wears a radiant look. Sunshine, mild winter, lights, colours, fairs, festivals, galas and excursions, the mood is infectious and spirit sweeping.





Festivals & Fairs of Kolkatta

The festive spirit sets in with Durga Puja, a five day ritual and celebration for the ten armed goddess Durga. A major festival when excitement and activity touches a feverish pitch. Diwali, the festival of lights is the worship of goddess Kali. Clay lamps and firecrackers are a part of the festival. Rathajatra, is Lord Jagannath’s Car festival.

Holi, the festival of colours, is a celebration of the spring season.

Muslim festivals, the two Ids, are also celebrated with great rejoicing. Unique, perhaps, is the Christmas festivity that continues till the New Year.

From November, part of the Maidan is converted into fairgrounds. The Textile Fair, Art and Handicrafts Fair, Leather Exhibition and the famous Kolkata Book Fair are the favourites. The city is resonant with Film and Theatre Festivals, music conferences, rock shows, art exhibitions and various other cultural activities. This is also the time when the fairs of rural Bengal are held.

Gangasagar Mela : The largest fair of the State, Gangasagar Mela is a three-day event held in mid-January, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, at Sagar Dwip. Lakhs of pilgrims come for a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal.

Kenduli Mela : on the occasion of Makar Sankranti (mid-January) another fair is held at Kenduli in the district of Birbhum. The Mela draws the largest number of Bauls, the wandering minstrels of Bengal.

Jalpesh Mela : On the occasion of Sivaratri (February - March), a month-long fair is held at Jalpesh near Mainaguri in the district of Jalpaiguri. The fair centres round the age-old Siva temple dedicated to Lord Jalpeswara.

Vasanta Utsav : With the onset of spring, Holi is celebrated all throughout India. At Santiniketan in the district of Birbhum, it is Vasanta Utsav (March). Students of the Visva Bharati University welcome the season of colours through songs and dances, throwing abir and spraying liquid dyes at each other.

Naba Barsho : The Bengali year starts from the first Baisakh (mid-April). It is an occasion for celebration to the Bengalees in general and tradesmen in particular. New clothes, fresh flowers, offerings at temples, people visiting decorated shops mark the day.


Rathayatra : Rathayatra (June-July) at Mahesh near Serampore is a week-long festival. People throng to have a share in pulling the long ropes attached to the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra on the journey from the temple and back.

Jhapan : All over the Western part of the state, a festival is held in the honour of the serpent-deity Manasa on the last day of the Bengali month Sravana (mid-August). But the most spectacular is the one held at Vishnupur in the district of Bankura, with its shows of live snakes on open platforms.

Bera Utsav : Every year on the last Thursday of the Bengali month of Bhadra mid-September), Bera Utsav is held at Lalbagh on the river Bhagirathi near the palace of the Nawabs. Fireworks of various size and colour add to the gaiety of the festival.

Durga Puja & Deepavali : The largest Bengali festival is Durga Puja, held in the Bengali month of Aswin (October). Images of the ten-armed goddess are worshipped in ancient houses and at pandals, erected specially for the Puja. After the four-day ceremony, the images are immersed in the river. Durgapuja is the most important festival in the city of Calcutta.




The festival that follows is Deepavali, the festival of lights,. The worship of goddess Kali is marked by display of fireworks and crackers.

Rash Mela : On the occasion of Rashyatra (November), a fair is held at Cooch Behar in North Bengal. The month-long fair is one of the most important fairs in the area.

Jagaddhatri Puja : Goddess Jagaddhatri is worshipped in the Bengali month of Kartick (November). At Chandannagar near Calcutta images of the goddess are tall, pandals spectacular and the illumination unique. In fact, the illumination part is the most attractive feature here.

Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival : Held in a series at Darjeeling, the Dooars and in Sikkim, the Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival is celebrated with a view to promote tourism in this region as a composite tourist destination, with its bounties in tea, timber and tourism. The festival is held every year in November - December.

Poush Mela : Between the 7th and 9th of Poush (end-December). Poush Mela is held at Santiniketan in the district of Birbhum. Of the many seasonal festivals celebrated at Santiniketan, this is perhaps the most important, with cultural programmes consisting of folk music & dance, folk theatre and Baul songs.

Vishnupur Festival : In the temple town of Vishnupur a festival is organised every year between 27 and 31 December. Characterised by exhibition and sale of local handicrafts and performance of the rich musical tradition that Vishnupur boasts, this is an immensely popular festival.

Thiruvananthapuram/ Travancore/ Trivandrum

Thiruvananthapuram (known as Trivandrum) the capital of Kerala. Located at the South Western tip of India, is bounded by the Arabian sea on the West and Tamil Nadu on the East. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the Eastern and North Eastern borders give some of the most enchanting picnic spots, a long shorline, with
Thiruvananthapuram Travel (Trivandrum) :internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination.

Area - 2192 sq.km
Population - 2,938,583 (1991 census)


Access :

Air - thiruvananthapuram international airport 6 kms from the city.
Rail - there are direct trains to all the main towns in kerala as well as the major cities in india.
Road - well connected to all towns & cities.

Book your Tour to Kerala


Places to visit :

Kovalam Beach - 16 kms away this Internationally renowned Beach Resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The Southernmost, known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Padmanabha Swamy Temple - The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, & a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its Mural Paintings and Stone Carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu Temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on anantha the serpent.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum - The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family.

The Napier Museum - Built in the 19th century, the indo - saracenic structure boasts a "natural" Airconditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The use of plaxtic is banned in the museum premises.

Sree Chitbra Art Gallery - Located near the Napier Museum. This are gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of Art In India. Other places of interest 1.. The zoological park , priyadarshini planetarium , observatory, shankhumugham beach & connemera market.


Cape Comorin - Kanyakumari Excursions :

Thiruvallam - 10 kms away this serene backwater stretch enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its Canoe Rides.

Aruvikkara Dam - 16 kms away this picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana River. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full of fish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.

Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) - The land's end of india or the point where the three seas meet, is the enchanting kanniyakumari. It is one of the most popular tourist
spots in the country. Part of the fascination is, of course, the fact that it is the very tip of the indian peninsula and the confluence of the bay of bengal, the arabian sea and the indian ocean.


Places of interest at Kanyakumari :

» Tiruvalluvar statue
» Gandhi memorial
» Guganathaswamy Temple
» Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Padmanabhapuram Swami Temple which is enroute Trivandrum & Kanniyakumari.


Other excursions :

» Vizhinjam rock cut cave
» Koyikkal palace nejumangad
» Neyyar dam.

Vythiri & Wayanad

Indulge in a romantic interlude in the treetops at an altitude between 3750 - 4500 feet. This Eco-lodge located in Wayanad, Kerala, offers you an opportunity to live in the wilderness overflowing with colours of nature that manifests itself in the wings of butterflies, birds and exotic vegetation. The shadows of this verdant forest amidst the fragrance of a thousand scents beckon you to a place where time moves according to ancient rhythms.

The forests of Wayanad - a feast for sore eyes, where nature has been blissfully preserved, spared of devastating urbanization. Its natural beauty has been kept intact; its natural springs unpolluted. Its emerald forests afire with scented blossoms with a hundred varieties of tree ferns, moss and flowering plants, flamboyant butterflies and birds. A place to listen to your heartbeat - misty mountains, gurgling streams, bright sunshine and cool shadows, thundering showers and a magical monsoon. Enjoy a honeymoon amidst Nature's bounty.

Tree House Accommodation

The tree houses have been completely constructed with environment-friendly materials. Local craftsmen and indigenous tribes were actively involved in the construction of these luxury tree houses. All rooms in the tree houses are equipped with room amenities such as an attached veranda with sit-out facilities, attached washrooms with toilettes and showers, a wash basin with a constant flow of water, floor coverings, excellent and discreet service, eco-friendly energy supply and more. These rooms are located on top of very old banyan trees, almost 80 feet above the ground level.
Cuisine


The culinary delights served here are specially cooked with vegetables and fruit grown at an organic farm within the resort grounds. These crops are grown without the application of fertilizers and chemicals. Traditional cuisine prepared with the choicest of spices in the typical Kerala style are served to the guests on banana leaves without spoons, forks and knives. You are supposed to eat with your fingers, as there is no other way to relish the mouth-watering delicacies prepared in the rural style. You can actually watch the food being cooked at this lovely forest hill resort.

Recreation

Enjoy the luxuriantly lush environs and explore the nature trails that lead you to nature spots and the spectacular panoramas that this heavenly hill station has to offer. Go on nature walks and course through nature trails, watch birds and listen to the myriad of jungle sounds that greet you. The tree houses are located at a distance of 2½ hours from Calicut airport and 6 hours from Cochin airport.

Darjeeling & Gangtok

This picturesque 7,001-foot (3,134-meter) hill station - which served as a cool summer retreat for the English during the Raj - is especially well known for its production of tea. Flanked by towering mountains, including Kanchenjunga, elevation 28,208 feet (8,598m), Darjeeling has views that are truly dramatic - a great way to fully savour them is by taking a trek in the surrounding countryside. Nestled in the grandeur and beauty of towering snow-capped mountains, with the mighty Kanchenjunga (King of the Mountains) dominating the somber, snowy sentinels, is a jewel of a town - elegant, sophisticated and incredibly beautiful.

Known as the Queen of the Hills, Darjeeling’s wonderfully cool climate, clear brisk air and the breathtaking views of the Himalayas once drew the British here to escape the stifling heat of Kolkata. Mark Twain seems to have visited this Himalayan city and penned down his impression about Darjeeling as the "land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that away for the shows of the rest of the world combined." Such is the beautiful land of Darjeeling.

These spectacular views and the climate have stayed the same, which is why at any given point you will find honeymooners there. But beware, the mighty Kanchenjunga stands sentinel to your romance. Stick your head out the window of the train as it turns the loop at Batasia, wrap your cold hands around a cup of hot, fragrant chai as you watch the sun rise over Kanchenjunga – golden, glorious, and humbling.

Getting to Darjeeling

The most romantic way to access Darjeeling is by hopping the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train", a narrow-gauge train that has been chugging up and down the hill since 1881. The train departs from the New Jalpaiguri station (near Siliguri) and takes around 6.5 hours (picking up passengers at Kurseong) to reach Darjeeling; advance bookings are recommended. Two-hour "joy rides" on this train are also possible for those who don't have time to take the full journey. Apart from the Toy Train, you can get to Darjeeling by bus as well as by share-jeeps and taxis, which all make frequent trips between Darjeeling and surrounding towns, including Siliguri. You can easily get around "downtown" Darjeeling by foot. For longer trips, catch one of the numerous share-jeeps that cost just a fraction of what you'd pay for a private taxi.
Darjeeling's Attractions

Riding on the "Toy Train" is one of the town's glowing attractions, giving passengers the chance to see the breathtakingly beautiful scenery en route to Darjeeling. You can get an insight into the tea-making process at the Makaibari Tea Estates, which offers not only tours but also lodging, and mountain and jungle treks.

Located around eight miles (12.8 km) south of Darjeeling is Tiger Hill, which has stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Kanchenjunga. You can even catch a distant glimpse of Mount Everest. The best time to visit is at the crack of dawn, when the sight of the rising sun is positively magical. In the Darjeeling vicinity you'll find some notable Buddhist monasteries, including the Bhutia Busty Gompa and the Yiga Choeling Gompa, each built in the 19th century and containing fine murals.

The top spot to book white-water rafting expeditions (these range from a couple of hours to a couple of days) is from Darjeeling, even though the trips themselves often depart from the Teesta Bazaar. Boating is along the rapids of the Rangeet and Teesta Rivers, with prime rafting seasons September to November and March to June.

You'll find some terrific places to eat in Darjeeling, including restaurants that dish out global fare, from Mexican-style enchiladas to Italian pasta and Tibetan momos (fried or steamed stuffed dumplings). Many restaurants in Darjeeling close as early as 8pm. Room rates skyrocket April to June and October to December, so come at other times to save money.

Gangtok

Capital of the remote north-eastern Indian state of Sikkim, Gangtok stretches along an undulating ridge and enjoys glorious views of the mighty Kanchenjunga, India's highest mountain. Although it has seen escalating modernization in recent times, this city still has a more relaxed demeanour than most Indian towns its size. Gangtok is a good base from which to explore the state's surrounding attractions. Gangtok means, aptly enough, "hill top" and is perched at 5500 feet high on the ridges of a valley. From Gangtok, you look over the hillside, down and across to terraced fields, with tall, white Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the wind and endless stunning backdrop of towering snow-capped peaks.

Getting To Gangtok

The most common way to reach Gangtok is by bus, with state-run buses arriving and departing from the SNT (Sikkim Nationalized Transport) station on Palzor Stadium Road. In addition, privately operated mini-buses travel here from a selection of towns including Kalimpong, Siliguri and Darjeeling; the private bus depot is on National Highway 31A. You can also catch one of the many share-jeeps and taxis that shuttle between Gangtok and various towns, including Kalimpong, Siliguri and Darjeeling. There are plenty of share-jeeps in Gangtok, which are a cheap and quick way to get around town. Private taxis are also available. Gangtok's restaurants offer a jumble of Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, continental and Sikkimese cuisine at reasonable prices. Hotel tariffs decrease by as much as 30 percent during Sikkim's off-peak seasons, January to March and July to August.

Gangtok's Attractions

The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology was established in 1959 to carry out research into Tibetan and Mahayana Buddhist culture. The institute houses a massive collection of Buddhist literature and manuscripts as well as an array of sublime tankas (Tibetan paintings) and a variety of sacred relics, including a human skull that once served as a holy bowl. Close to the institute is the tranquil and colourful orchid sanctuary and memorial garden. Sporting stunning town and mountain views is the Enchey Gompa. This Buddhist monastery, built in the early 20th century, houses murals and statues.

Kodai Canal

Kodaikanal is one of the most popular hill resorts in India. It literally means 'gift of the forest' in Tamil and is zealously guarded by the sylvan beauty of dense forests on the upper Palani Hills near Madurai, at an altitude of about 2133 metres. Pear orchards and buildings with gabled roofs add a fruity and romantic touch to Kodaikanal.

The pride of Kodaikanal is the 'Kurinji-flower', which blossoms once in 12 years. With its mountains, unique rows of silky pine trees sloping down to clear, cold streams, spectacular views that suddenly disappear in foamy mist, serene lakes and fresh air, Kodaikanal is an ideal hill resort for honeymooners.

Prime Attractions

Berijam Lake located at a distance of 21km from Kodaikanal and is one among the beautiful lakes of South India. Spread over an area of 24 hectares, the lake is star shaped and is known for its pure water.

You can take short treks and hikes to tourist spots close by as well to local viewpoints. Overnight treks are also possible here where one can spend a night at a local village.

Getting to Kodai

Kodaikanal is connected by road with Chennai (520km), Ooty (264km), Trichy (197km), Coimbatore (175km), Kumili (160km) and Madurai(120km). Regular bus services are available from Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore. Additional buses ply during the season. Taxis and vans are available for local transportation.

The nearest airport is at Madurai (120km from Kodaikanal).

The nearest railway stations are the Kodai Road Railway Station (80km) and the Palani Railway Station (64km).

Jaipur

Popularly known as "The Pink City", Jaipur is the most romantic and chosen tourist destination amongst honeymooners. It is a bustling capital city and business centre with all the trappings of a modern metropolis yet flavoured with an age-old charm that never fails to surprise a traveller. The old Jaipur painted in Pink can grip any visitor with admiration. The Stunning backdrop of ancient forts Nahargarh, Amer, Jagarh and Moti Dungri are dramatic testimonials of the bygone era and a reminder of their lingering romance.

Places to See:

Amber Palace - overlooking the artificial lake south of the town of Amber is one of the most popular tourist sites in the city, famous for its mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture and offering elephant rides from the town up to the palace courtyard. Although the structure is today known as Amber Fort, the complex was initially a Palace Complex within the Fort of Amber.
Jaigarh Fort - on the hills above the Amber Palace complex offers stunning views of the foothills of the Aravalli range, as well as immense underground water-storage tanks, a medieval canon foundry and an impressive collection of medieval cannons including the Jaivana, reputed to be the world's largest cannon on wheels.
Jal Mahal is on the way to Sisodia garden. The Rajput style "Water Palace" sits in the centre of the Man Sarobar Lake. It is often dry in the summer but winter monsoons frequently turn it into a beautiful lake filled with water hyacinths.

Distance from major cities

Delhi - 265km

Ahmedabad - 625 km

Chandigarh - 510 km

Mumbai - 1176 km

Calcutta - 1472 km

Agra - 246 km
Getting to Jaipur

By Air: The airport nearest to Jaipur is Sanganer Airport, hardly 10 km from the city. Domestic flights connect Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Udaipur to Jaipur. However, there is only one international flight to Dubai.

By Train: Jaipur is well connected by trains to all the nearby major cities such as Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Ahmedabad.

By Road: A network of good motor able roads and private and government buses connect Jaipur to all the nearby major cities such as Delhi and Agra.