Eastern Vistas

The North East is a general term for a group of fascinating states that include Assam, Sikkim Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura, located in the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan ranges of this area. Superb natural scenery, colourful cultures and exceptional terrian for trekking, mountaineering and other adventure sports make them marvellous destinations for unusual holidays. Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, is the entry point to this region.

Starting as a small British settlement on the Hooghly about 300 years ago, Kolkatta grew to be the brilliant capital of British India and a centre of their commercial interest in the east. Kolkatta is also known for its devotion to the arts.

Places Of Interest

Botanical Gardens, Indian Museum, Fort William, the Octherlony Monument, Victoria Memorial, Raj Bhawan, St. Pauls Cathedral Town Hall, National Library, Birla Planetarium, Marble House.

Around Kolkatta

Belur Math (16Kms), Dakshineshwar Temple (20Kms), Santiniketan (167Kms), Vishnupur (201Kms).

Access

Well connected by rail and road. Linked by air to major Indian cities and to a number of international destinations. Regular flights link it to the North East and the Andaman Islands.

DARJEELING

A popular hill station, picturesquely located on a ridge 2123m high, Darjeeling is noted for its fine tea. It offers splended views of the snow-capped Himalayas and of the Kanchenjunga Peak.

Places Of Interest

Tiger Hill, Senchal Lake, Ghoom Monastery, Dhirdham Temple, Himalayan Mountainerring Institute, Zoological Park and Botanical Gardens.

Around Darjeeling

Takdah (26 kms), Kurseong (32 kms), Mirik (49 kms).

Access

A toy train links New Jalpaiguri (85 kms), the nearest railhead to Darjeeling The nearest airport Bagdogra (90 kms) is linked by regular flights to Kolkatta (686 kms). Well linked by road.

GANGTOK

Sikkim, with its spectacular scenery, exotic orchids Buddhist monasteries and mountain trails, is a splended holiday destination. Gangtok, its capital, offers superb views of the Kanchenjunga range.

Places Of Interest

Tsuka-La-Khang, Institute of Tibetology, Orchid Sanctuary, Enchey Monastery.

Around Gangtok

Rumtek Monastery (24 kms).

Access

The nearest railheads are Siliguri (111 kms) or New Jalpaiguri (126 kms). Gangtok is only accessible by road. The nearest airport is Bagdogra (124 kms).

GUWAHATI

The green state of Assam has old towns with fine monuments and splended wildlife reserves - the home of the rare one-horned rhinoceros. Guwahati, its capital, is the ideal base for visits to the state.

Places Of Interest

Kamakhya Temple, Umananda, Navagraha and Janardhan Temple, Assam State Museum.

Around Guwahati

Hajo (24 kms) , Vashisht Ashram (12 kms), Sualkashi (20 kms), Chandubi Lake (64 kms), Kaziranga National Park (233 kms ).

Access

Linked by rail and air to Kolkatta. Connected by rail to Lucknow, Delhi and to towns within state. Connected by road to towns in the state and to other north eastern states.

SHILLONG

The capital of the state of Meghalaya, Shillong is a pretty hill town with lakes, grassy downs, pine scented hillsides, English cottages and a fine golf course.

Places Of Interest

Ward Lake, Raj Bhawan, Botancial Gardens, Lady Hydari Park, Bishop and Beadon Falls, Elephants Falls, Cherrapunji, Mawphlang.

Access

Nearest airport and railhead is Guwahati (100 kms). Well connected by road to various parts of the state and to towns in Assam.

AGARTALA

Tripura, a tiny wooded state, was once a royal principality. Its capital, Agartala, has old places and temples that reflect its royal past.

Access

The nearest railhead is Kumarghat (140 kms). Nearest airports are Guwahati and Kolkatta. Accessible by road.