North East India - Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Ranjan Chetry gets talking to Vijaya Das Panicker and narrates about his recent trip to the mountainous terrain of Arunachal, Meghalaya & Assam. It was all business but got peppered with a twist of leisure covered on the way.

“A prayer in my heart and a luggage full of woolens and thermals (must items to combat the impending harsh weather), I am all set for the eight day spree, which takes off from Delhi Airport and lands me straight to the city of Guwahati, the ‘Gateway’ of the North-East Region. I didn’t waste any of my time out here and immediately proceeded to the first destination in my itinerary, which is Shillong – ‘SCOTLAND of the EAST’.

Shillong is where the clouds reside and is just two and half to three hours journey by road from Guwahati. The surrounding hills have been categorically cut to give way to roads wide enough for my cab driver to safely maneuver his vehicle through the misty land, giving me a better feel of things. The open, topsy-turvy roads mingled with tall pine trees and the wind in my hair was just the teaser for the imminent wonder called Barapani Lake, whose beauty is captivating enough to quench the artistic desire. Here, the senses are engulfed with the freshness and chill in the air. It is believed that if you have to experience the true essence of a place, then you got to book yourself into a good hotel, and that’s exactly what I did – a room with a hill view in Polo Towers, the only 4 star hotel in the vicinity and my abode for the next two days. Belting a contract with the hotel and hungry for more, I thought of celebrating the moment by checking out the market for some steamed chicken MOMOS, which were served in plantain leaves. Fully satiated, it was time to hit the bed for an early morning trip to Cherapunjee.

‘All work and no play makes Ranjan a dull boy’, so I took some time-off from my hectic schedule to catch the beauty of the land of the Cherapunjee, the wettest place in the World and only 60 kms away from Shillong. The bald plateau, bereft of all vegetation, the wayside waterfalls and the view of the plains of Bangladesh a few thousand feet below was worth every boost of my energy. Then there was the animated Living Bridge of the World, (resembling a digitalized bridge straight from the Oscar winning movie - AVATAR) for which I had to go 2015 steps down, making me breathless, all the way. Due, to time-constraint I had to return back to Shillong, but en-route I made it sure to visit the fabulous Elephanta falls and Shillong peak, the highest point of Meghalaya for some breathtaking views and some Kodak moments. But if time is what you have in hand then do visit the main attraction of Shillong - The Gambling Archery Sport, which is a socializing pub with a dart competition, frequented mostly by the localities.

In midst of marathon meets with hoteliers, my tryst with Nature continued at Kaziranga National Park on the third and fourth day of my sojourn. The park, the home of the ‘One Horned Rhinoceros’ and sanctuary to a variety of wild lives was explored on the back of an elephant (children and adults alike would love this outing). The thick foliage in this jungle ambiance made me apprehensive, but my day was made when I encountered Rhino and other endangered species, including the Hog Deer, Swamp Deer, wild Buffalo, and Elephants. The wilderness had made my stomach grumble and didn’t want to be an appetizer for the Tiger, who had not kept up with our safari appointment. So, I returned to the GL Resort, my abode for the moment and enjoyed a yummy breakfast. There is an interesting, afternoon jeep safari organized by the Central Zone of the National Park, for the exploratory soul amongst us.

Bomdila was the next town in my itinerary and I wished I had my Harley Davidson bike and a friend to cruise along with in the surrounding picturesque valley. But, alas I had to do with the loyal cab, which drove me to the most romantic destination – the Tipi, located on the banks of the Bharali River at an elevation of 190 meters. Tipi is a Nature’s paradise; an Orchid Research Center spread over 112.8 acres with over 50,600 orchids under cultivation. The Tower Point in the mountains was another must-see on my bucket list, which I visited in the evening. The point presented a bird’s eye view of the entire city, mesmerizing my senses with its sheer magnitude.

My entire business visit to the North-East was getting interesting with every passing moment and I didn’t want the sun to go down on me. I wanted to explore new horizons. So, after a hearty breakfast I depart to Tawang, the land of the Monpa tribe, for whom life is a song and dance. En-route, I visit the Sela Pass, the high altitude mountain pass that connects the Buddhist city of Tawang with the rest of the country. The pass with an altitude of 13700 ft. is famous for its unparalleled view of the Himalayas, and is an ideal setting for ice skating during winters. Not one with nimble feet, I do a rain-check on the Bangajung Gonpa, the main Buddhist cultural centre where one can indulge in some serious soul searching exercise, and get enlightened.

I wrap up my official trip with a spiritual visit to the ancient city of Tezpur, a must for the religious-minded. Tezpur houses the legendary Mahabhairav Temple, where king Bana worshipped Mahabhairav for his blessings. And, I for one needed the blessings for a rocking year ahead.

There is more to Arunachal than meets the eye. And, through this trip my soul touched base with my childhood in matters more than one… when running in the playground was akin to life. Such were the joys of childhood, which one can relive in the rugged and untouched terrain of Arunachal.”

All those who plan a trip to this dream destination can check out the best hotels in Guwahati and hotels in Shillong. One can even book exciting holiday packages like Shillong - Cherapunjee - Guwahati starting Rs. 7,699/- and Guwahati - Kaziranga National Park - Shillong starting Rs. 12,635/-

Around the White Paradise of Sikkim in 9 Days

Vijaya Das Panicker gets talking about one of the most destinations in India - Sikkim, seen through the eyes of 2 travel aficionados. Read on...

"Is city life grinding down your very existence with never ending work deadlines and mundane routine? Are you having the blues for an escapade to the serene pastures? Well, embark on a journey highly recommended by our two in-house travel enthusiasts - Nupur and Vandana, who are just back from a 9 day mystical journey of Sikkim.

Dark, wet, windy and bitterly cold, Sikkim was all of 0.4 temperature when they touched its base around 7.30p.m., engulfing their senses to explore its mysticism even further, but that would have to wait for the next day after a refreshing slumber.

The next day started off with an enriching trip to the White Paradise called Lachung, a Shangri-La on the Earth, which is perched at an elevation of 8,800 ft. The bumpy drive passed them through many scenic spots, waterfalls and quaint little villages. They stopped at one of the local eateries for a quick breakfast, which included sizzling Maggie noodles, yummy Nankhaties and piping hot Darjeeling tea, which satiated their appetite and fuelled their soul for the impending adventure ahead. The mystical land of Lachung lures one and all to enjoy a nature’s trip through the Seven Sisters Waterfall and the beautiful Yumthang Valley (the Valley of Flowers), where they stopped for half an hour to experience the heaven-on-Earth. The land was like a cake covered in sugar icing and presented an idle platform for some fun-filled photo-shoots and snow fights. Travelers can soak in its diverse and picturesque landscape, characterized by charming government hotels, hot water springs with medicinal powers and an overbridge with a river flowing below.

A six hours drive from Lachung took them to the land of Gangtok, which is 127kms away from the surface of Bagdogra. Here, one can take pleasure in the divine spirit of Nature flavoured with positive energy – the right recipe to kiss life in its full glory. And, if your soul is searching for some tranquility then the Rumtek Monastery is the place to be in. It is one of the largest monasteries, maintained with an inspiring ambiance and a beautiful shrine temple where one is sure to find solace through its many meditation courses. A little distance away is the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which has a library, housing the largest collection of Tibetan works and a museum of Tibetan iconography and religious art. After satiating their intelligence, it was time to satiate their stomach with some mouth watering Momos (Rs20/plate), which spiced up their taste buds for some more of the delicacy. The duo opines that Gangtok does not only satiate ones gourmand urge or directs one to the path of rejuvenation, but is also a good place to shop for some local trinkets and souvenirs, especially at the famous Mall Road.

Life in Gangtok is beautiful amidst the abundance of natural beauty of Tsomgo Lake known as Changu Lake, which is flanked by the hills and is home for the Brahminy Ducks. But, since it was frozen, the girls with their boots (Rs30/pair) and caps on got a chance to do some exciting Yak rides (Rs300, during off season), which took them up to the zero point.

Mother Nature’s other spectacular panoramic sites on the itinerary was Pelling, which is an artist’s preferred destination. Its beauty is well represented by Khecheopalri Lake, also known as the wishing lake, where the girls tried their luck by dropping a coin in the sacred water and wished for their prince charming. The mystical charm of the place continued with the Rock Garden, just 12kms away. It’s a perfect backdrop for a romantic rendezvous, well-maintained with gardens, pools and zigzag foot paths. Here, couples could leisurely spend time watching the stars, the open sky and whisper sweet nothings to each other.

On the second last day of their journey, they embarked on their journey to the city of Darjeeling. Here, they took on some sporty activities at the Teesta River. They river rafted through the icy cold waters of the rugged Teesta with a series of rapids with varying intensity and character, and challenged its ruggedness, and had an adrenaline filled time. Tenzing Rock situated on Lebong Cart Road, was the other exhilarating stopover, which challenged their rock climbing skills. But, they had nothing to worry about because Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was just a corner away where people get trained in mountaineering by experts. Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park was the other place of interest that captivated their thoughts with the revelation that it was the only place in the world where breeding of Snow Leopards in captivity was successful.

The last leg of their journey took them to the Tiger Hill located at an altitude of 2590mt to catch the fabulous glimpse of the sunrise over Kanchenjunga. They soaked in its diverse and picturesque landscape, featuring the Ghoom Monastery, which is famous for its 15 feet high statue of the Maitryee Buddha. A visit to Darjeeling is incomplete without an excursion to Mirik, which is surrounded by innumerable tea gardens and if you want to be one with Nature then do indulge in a boat ride in the Mirik Lake, and romanticize with Nature.

So, what are you waiting for? Celebrate life with a journey to Sikkim that is sure to cool your heels in its natural surroundings, enriching you with a new outlook towards life."

Visit this beautiful state of Sikkim with confirmed hotels & holiday packages. Get Hotels in Gangtok and Hotels in Darjeeling at lowest rates. Plus, you could also book holiday packages: Darjeeling-Kalimpong-Gangtok starting Rs. 10,299, Darjeeling-Gangtok-Pelling starting Rs. 12,879, Darjeeling-Gangtok-Lachung starting Rs. 14,859, Darjeeling-Gangtok-Pelling-Kalimpong-Lachung starting Rs. 19,959.

Sunrise in Bangkok

For all those looking to visit the happening hotspot of Bangkok, here's a detailed account by our avid traveller, Vijaya Das Panicker on what to expect.

"BANGKOK, the magnificent capital city of Thailand is more than a duty-free shopping paradise. The place is engulfed in a mystical magnetism through its many temples and heritage that dates back to the early 15th century.

It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, and the tourists, especially people from the corporate World love to frequent Bangkok as it provides the best rejuvenation opportunities the World has ever experienced. One can enjoy the serenity of the place during the month of August and December, when the climate is at its best.

Once here feel the peace amidst the many ancient temples that has been in existence since 1782, the oldest being the temple of Wat Phra Kaew, which is popularly known as the ‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha’. The place is a visual treat and provides an aesthetic spectacle of the Grand Palace surrounded by over 100 brightly coloured buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics. It is the most sacred temple which houses the tiny Buddha all of 60 and 75cms. The uniqueness of the image is that it changes its robe according to the seasons - in summer, its a diamond encrusted golden robe and during cool winters its a solid gold robe. And, when it is monsoon it is dressed up in a gilded monk’s robe, thus adding charisma and serenity to its talisman power. Apart from this the temple houses many other images of Buddha in different postures and a cloister surrounds the temple that depicts an extensive mural of the great Ramakian, the Thai version of the famous Indian mythological story of Ramayana. The compound of the temple also has some intrinsic work-of-art, depicting a dwarf version of the Cambodian temple complex of Angkor Wat.

The other ancient temple that is a must see which inspires the mortal mind is Wat Pho. It is famous for the huge reclining Buddha statue which is the largest in Bangkok and a star attraction. This holds a distinction of having the most number of images of the divine Buddha. The exquisite gold plated reclining Buddha is 46 meters long and 15 meters high and was mainly created to narrate Buddha’s journey of life, and the ultimate Nirvana. The feet and eyes of the statue are decorated with mother of pearls that presents the love, devotion and artistic acumen of the craftsman towards the deity. The Wat Pho Temple houses more than thousand Buddha images in its large grounds which features the ruins of the former capitals of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai. And, since you are in Wat Pho, do take time-out from the exploration of the temples to indulge in some traditional Thai massage that is highly recommended by the locals and by the rich and famous who have experienced the heavenly pleasure of the “foot reflexology massage”.

Also, do visit Chinatown and enjoy the urban culture that Bangkok is famous for. Chinatown is presumably the oldest area in Bangkok that has a Chinese twist of affairs to it, and one of the main streets of this area is the Charoen Krung, which is famous for its gambling culture.

In Bangkok, a family can enjoy the history of the place by visiting the National Museum, which is located in the Na Phara That Road. This fascinating museum exhibits the star inscriptions from the Sukhothai era. Also, one can browse through an impressive display of traditional murals, jewelry, gems and musical instruments that were used through the centuries. Also, there are other recreational facilities like the amusement parks which are a huge hit with the children. Other family attractions include the Ancient City, the Crocodile Farm and the Dream World, which spices up the adventure, making the holiday trip, a one big fascinating experience.

This ancient city of Bangkok has so much to offer that it is the perfect getaway where one can enjoy tradition and modernity in equal abundance. But, one needs to visit it more often to get the right vibe of the culture to attain that perfect “Moksh”."

Travelling to Bangkok? Choose an all-inclusive holiday package to this beautiful Thai country. There are a number of customised packages available: Bangkok starting Rs. 10,399, Pattaya & Bangkok starting Rs. 12,099, Phuket & Bangkok starting Rs. 18,899, Bangkok & Krabi Island starting Rs. 21,899 or even Bangkok & Koh Samui starting Rs. 28,799. And if you're looking for a holiday with a streak of wildness, visit Bangkok & Chiang Mai starting Rs. 25,099.

10 Places that are Every Travellers Favorite

Undoubtedly India is one of the most colourful lands to ever exist. It blends everything together, from seas to deserts and mountains, you can find it all here. While there are numerous places to visit here and many more that are discovered everyday, there are a few locations that would always remain a traveler’s favourite. Here I put down a list of the top 10 destinations that would and should always be visited.

1. Goa

The clichéd title of ‘sun, sand & sea’ still holds true for this place. Endless blue seas with intermittent moss covered rocks, swaying palms and lines of shacks serving the best of cuisines. There are, of course, lots you can do in Goa – whether it’s sun soaking or a tour through the various sights & sounds. The place has a curious mish-mash of it all – churches, throbbing pubs, vibrant carnivals & festivals and temples dedicated to loads of Gods & Goddesses.

2. Ooty

The site of many a Bollywood movies Ooty is simply marvelous. Abounding in natural beauty and so many interesting attractions, this site in South India is obviously a tad crowded. Nevertheless, the views and experience make it totally worth it! From gushing waterfalls, flower-decked gardens, busy lakes with picnicking families and wildlife parks with rare animals. Probably what makes it even more special, is the miles of rolling tea estates amidst misty clouds. Totally worth it!

3. Agra

Now this place needs no introduction. Agra is home to the eternal monument of love, the Taj Mahal built by an Indian emperor in memory of his wife. Agra is also the land of the Mughals who gave the country some of its finest monuments. The Agra Fort with its numerous palaces within, the marble memorials and tombs, the brilliant architecture of Fatehpur Sikri and the well-laid out gardens are popular tourist spots. Of course, among all this, one thing surpasses all views – that of the pristine white Taj Mahal shining bright like a beacon on a full moon night. Simply splendid.

4. Shimla

Snowy hills, skiing competitions, quaint markets with smiley Tibetans – there’s not much that can beat these sights. Shimla was once the stronghold of the British and the summer capital of India. Visit it and you’ll know why. The hills are lined with oak and pine trees and thick forests abound in picnic spots. There are a number of British style structures here too, such as the Viceregal Lodge and the State Museum & Library. What tourists really visit in Shimla is The Mall, which is the busiest area of the city with its churches, shopping stalls and food joints.

5. Jaipur

The most colorful city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a fine blend of everything traditional and modern. The stronghold of the valiant Mewar rulers, they have left their marks here. The beautifully done monuments, palaces and gardens are a fine example of their architecture and craftsmanship. The Hawa Mahal with its hundreds of windows, creamy City Palace and various Havelis with intricate designs are simply surreal. Hear tales of the brave Rajputs, savour some delicious cuisine and watch a traditional puppet show or two – it’s bound to keep you coming back.

6. Darjeeling

Queen of Hill Stations, Darjeeling is like a city from the old Victorian times, complete with cobbled roads, cottages with rose trellis and unending tea estates. With the increase in tourism, the city is mostly crowded whenever you go. But that cannot take away from it its charm. With a huge Tibetan settlement, there are plenty of monasteries in Darjeeling with showcase elaborate designs and architecture. A rather popular place here is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which was founded by Tenzing Norgay, the first person to conquer Mount Everest. Of course, tea aficionados have much to do here, what with the lush tea estates here that produce some of the finest teas in the world.

7. Kovalam

This is the land for those who want a holiday mixed with therapies. Kovalam is located in South India and is known for its distinctly crescent-shaped beach, palm groves and an old lighthouse. But what it is most famous for is the ayurvedic massage, which beckons travelers from far & wide. Managed by professionals and experts, there are a host of therapies, including back spas, full body treatments and foot spas. Truly rejuvenating!

8. Udaipur

One of the most striking lands in Rajasthan, Udaipur is rightly the most romantic city in India. While there really is a lot to do here, probably tourists come here most for the views of the beautiful Lake Pichola and the Lake Palace located in the middle of it. Udaipur is great for those who wish to walk the trail through history, through the mazelike markets and picture perfect gardens. Another striking offering here is the rare Classic Vintage Car Collection belonging to the Mewar royal family.

9. Haridwar

Land of the holy, Haridwar is also known as Gateway to the Ganges. No matter when you visit, you are sure to find thousands of people engaged in various activities – offering prayers to the Ganga river, Sun God, yoga on the ghats or simply chit chatting. The most enduring image here is the view of the Ganga Aarti that happens every evening when thousands of lamps are lit and set afloat on the Ganga river, turning it almost ethereal! Of course, what most people visit it for is the Maha Kumbha Mela that happens once every 12 years & Ardha Kumbha that happens every 6 years. It is then that you can see lakhs of devotees arriving here to cleanse their souls and offer prayers.

10. Puri

Land of Lord Jagannatha (Lord of Universe), Puri is visited for its Jagannatha Temple with idols of Jagannatha, Balabhadra and their sister Subhadhra. Tourists visit this holy land to take part in the annual Ratha Yatra or Pulling of the Chariots on which sit these 3 gods and take them around town. Puri is also famous for its beach, which is said to be one of the finest in India – crystal clear and pristine. Of course, whenever here, you must not forget to partake the holy Prasad, which is 56 varieties of different foods prepared for the lord!

Cool Places to Go to This Summer - Matheran

One of the most serene hill stations in Maharashtra, Matheran is located at a convenient distance from Mumbai. This hill town is credited with being one of the few where vehicular traffic is not allowed, thereby preserving its environment. Matheran can be reached easily by a Toy Train and the view from the train as it chugs through the green terrain is easily one of the most mesmerising! This hill retreat is best visited during the monsoon, when the showers turn it into a carpet of pure greenness.

Sights to see:

Lookout Points: Matheran is full of beautiful places to visit, especially a number of lookout points that provide fabulous views of the nearby region. There are close to 30 lookout points with rather quaint names, such as:

• Louisa Point

• Echo Point

• One Tree Hill

• Garbut Point

• King George Point

• Cecil Point

• Alexander Point

• Porcupine Point

• Hart Point

• Little Chowk Point

Mount Berry: This is one of the best spots in the hills to catch glimpses of Neral, another splendid point. There are also several temples here, including the Pisarnath Temple.

Lake Charlotte: This is the most popular spot here, known as a picnic place among families.

This beautiful hill station has a number of hotels & resorts. From budget hotels in Matheran to luxury retreats, it’s all here. When traveling during the monsoons, you must book the hotel in advance to get a confirmed stay.

Cool Places to Go to This Summer - Kasauli

One of the most serene hill stations in India, Kasauli offers the perfect getaway option. Rolling hills lined with chestnut and oak trees and splendid views of the Himalayan range is what makes this land such a favourite one. Add to this delicious Himachali food and friendly locals and you are all set for the trip.

Sights to see:

Monkey Point: One of the highest points in Kasauli, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman atop here. This place is also known for the views it provides of the region.

Sanawar: This is home to the 150-year old Christ Church located amidst pine forests. It is also known for the famous Lawrence School, which is one of the prime schools in the country.

Dagshai: Once a picnic spot of the British, today it is a cantonment area with a military public school & barracks.

Baba Balak Nath Temple: This is a busy spot frequented by childless couples who seek his blessings.

A nature lover’s delight, there are quite a huge number of hotels in Kausali. Whether it is resorts or heritage bungalows-turned-hotels, it is all available here.

Cool Places to Go to This Summer - Darjeeling

A chance discovery by two British agents, Darjeeling is simply beautiful with its views of the Kanchenjunga Mountains, pine trees and so many colourful monasteries. Dorje-Ling (Place of Thunderbolt), which rendered it the name ‘Darjeeling’ is simply a paradise, where you can sip your morning cuppa & soak in the sights & sounds of this land.

Sights to see:

The Mall: This is where the action is! With a host of shops selling Tibetan wares and options of trotting on a pony, this is undoubtedly the most popular area in the city.

Monasteries: The land of monasteries, there are several here that will catch your eye. The Ghoom Monastery is famous for its 15-ft high statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is painted in gold & adorned with precious stones. The Bhutia Basti Gompa is a storehouse of ancient Tibetan texts, including the original Tibetan Book of the Dead.

Tiger Hill: This is the most famous spot in Darjeeling, famous for the spectacular view of the sun rise, and the views of Mount Everest on a clear day.

Darjeeling Toy Train: This is a World Heritage site, which traverses from Kurseong to Ghoom. This day-long journey passes through quaint houses and rolling hills.

Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park: This is possibly the only that offers a chance to watch Snow Leopards gamboling with their mothers.

Its colonial past lets you choose from a large number of hotels in Darjeeling. From heritage bungalows-turned-hotels to luxurious modern hotels, you can book as per your requirement & budget.

Cool Places to Go to This Summer - Coorg

Home to a number of interesting trekking spots with quaint names, Coorg is made of lush tea and coffee and spice plantations. The air is fragrant with the smell of cardamom, orange and lemon grass and the land is interspersed with rosewood and bamboo trees.

Sights to see:

Madikeri Fort: Great for catching views of the region, Madikeri has within it a palace, temple, chapel, museum and prison.

Abbey Falls: This is one of the most popular waterfalls of the region, located inside a privately owned coffee plantation.

Dubare Elephant Training Camp: Housing about 15 elephants, you can enjoy 2-3 hours here and indulge in activities such as scrubbing, riding and feeding these tuskers.

Kakkabe: Once one of the most profuse honey-producing regions of India, today it is worth visiting for the highest peak in Coorg and the Igguthappa Temple.

Namdroling Monastery: This is the credited with being the largest Tibetan settlement in India, with the monastery housing 40 ft high statues of Padmasambhava, Buddha and Amitayus.

One of the most popular regions of South India, Coorg is full of hotels and resorts. Some of the best hotels & resorts in Coorg are situated amidst the coffee plantations.

Cool Places to Go to This Summer - Coonoor

A charming hill station, it is quaint, quiet and rather old-world. Located down South, it can often be confused with Ooty. But then it is distinctive in its own self. Sprawling tea estates, misty hills and old bungalows with bougainvilleas growing over the walls – this is what Coonoor is all about.

Sights to see:

Sim’s Park: A beautiful botanical park, it is partially built in Japanese style and has a vibrant range of flowers and plants, some of which have been imported from elsewhere.

Dolphin’s Nose: It gets its name from a rock that is, quite obviously, shaped like a dolphin. This spot is popular for the splendid views of the region around.

Catherine Waterfalls: Visible from Dolphin’s Nose, water gushes down 250 ft!

Droog: Earlier used by Tipu Sultan, this fort is now in ruins. Though the trek to it is quite long, the views from atop is mind-blowing!

UPASI: This is the bi-weekly tea auction that is held by United Planters Association of South India (UPASI) – a true delight for all tea aficionados.

Travelguru offers a choice of hotels in Coonoor. From resorts to hotels offering splendid views of the region, you can get it all here.