GUWAHATI- EAST INDIA

Cuppa with Kamdev

Guwahati, part of the Kamrup district, is North-East India’s potpourri and a virtual epicenter with almost every soul from this part of the globe visiting it once in their lifetime, be it en route another destination, for commercial or educational purposes, tourism, health issues - you name it! The mighty Brahmaputra forms the very life-blood of this Assam metropolis both nourishing its fish-crazy gourmets, and ravishing its shores during monsoons. And Guwahati emerges phoenix-like and continues to absorb citizens and foreigners alike. Right from the annual floods, Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg (the favorite singers), Bihu functions held at every nook and lane to the Digholi pukhuri cruises, grandma’s muga mekhela-sador (traditional draping), Cotton-Handique (colleges) love-war stories, Kamakhya legends, Assamese films, Tea Auctioning - and what not, Guwahati makes finest sepia-memories to be cherished at leisure.

Tale of the City

Guwahati finds mention in the great Indian epic Mahabharata as the capital of the demon king Narakasura of Pragijyotispura. Another lore has it registered as the birthplace of the Hindu God of love and fertility - Kamdev (hence, Kamrup). The name however is a combination of two words - ‘Guwa’ meaning betel nut and ‘Hat’ meaning market, hinting at its commercial-connection that dates back some quaint age.

Attractions

Kamakhya Temple : Every tourist visiting Assam, religious or not, visits the Kamakhya temple at Guwahati. A 10 km drive uphill the Nilachal range brings you to this 10th century Koch King Naranarayan’s landmark to the kernel of Tantrism (not to be confused with Black magic) or Shakti worship. Unfortunately though, Kamakhya makes it to the headlines more than often for some other reason - the mass massacre of animals during festivals. But amidst the scholarly circle and believers, Kamakhya is a name revered. Devotees from all over India converge on this holy place during Ambubachi and Manasha Puja. Another belief is, blessings of Goddess Kamakhya may help a barren woman bear child. It is also one of very few Indian temples where foreign tourists are allowed to its inner sanctum inspite of its strict Hindu decorum. Also visit the Bhubaneswari Temple further uphill. Incase you are amused to the extent of picking up a novel while on your way, Assamese writer and Jnanpith awardee, Dr. Mamoni Raisom Goswami’s “The Shadow of Kamakhya”, is a recommended read.

Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra : Named after the greatest Vaishnava saint and the greatest integrator of the Assamese society, Srimant Sankardeva, the Kalashetra is a classic stopover for that sweeping-glance at the State’s culture, artistic excellence and heritage. The Central Museum houses objects and collectibles of different ethnic groups of Assam, the Open Air Theatre hosts regular folk performances and cultural festivities, an Artist’s Village, a Sahitya Bhavan with its rare collection of books and manuscripts, the Lalit-Kala Bhavan where some or the other exhibition, art and sculpture workshops is held round the year, and a Heritage Park. By now, you must have realized that once in Guwahati, it will be sacrilegious almost to miss out Kalashetra.

The Shiva Temple, Umananda : Go there not just to pray or seek blessing, but to partake in typical South Kamrup religious ambiance. Call it adventure or discovery jaunt, it begins at boarding the public ferry or the motor boat and ends in the same, but on your way back, the Brahmaputra currents will seem less fearful and you can try standing on top of your motorboat (with the herd of two-wheelers) and act out your Titanic-act (hands spread) or count river dolphins.

Cotton College : Life starts here and ends at places all over the world. Be it politics, drama, media, culture, this college has infallibly given Assam the best performers ever and over the years. Recently, on the occasion of the College’s Centenary celebration, the bee-hive of alumni from across the globe would have left anybody slack-jawed at the phenomenal ‘loyalty’ a Cottonian feels and will forever feel for his college. With some 8-9 hostels all over Panbazaar, it won’t be very difficult to get a clubable Cottonian help you tour around the college premises and load you with lores. Especially the Cotton-Handique (a nearby girls-college) love stories!

Brahmaputra River Cruise : With the world’s fourth largest river flowing by, a river-cruise is sine qua non for the tourists. Luxury cruise vessels like ‘Jolporee’, ‘Al Fresco’ offer a dramatic evening cruising experience with the vermilion sun melting into his (unlike other Indian rivers, referred to as ‘she’, Brahmaputra or the Son of Brahma, is an obvious ‘he’) azure waters, in the backdrop. You can also join the music troupe there with your favorite Bob Dylan number and enjoy your moment of instant fame.

Consider visiting these landmarks : Balaji Temple of Tirupati, Navagraha temple (temple of the nine planets colored red), Vashistha Ashram, State Zoo-cum Botanical Garden, which is the largest natural zoo of the country, The Guwahati planetarium, the State Museum, Forest Museum, Cottage Industries Museum, Guwahati Tea Auction Center (GTAC), Gandhi Mandap, ISKON Temple.

Festivals: If you ask for the best month to visit the Assam capital - Guwahati, it is undoubtedly April. This is the period when Nature decks Herself in Her best attires to mark the advent of spring. What Baisakhi is to Punjab and Vishu to Kerala, Bihu is to Assam. Locally called Rongali or Bohag Bihu. Celebrated on 13th & 14 th April, it marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year. The main attraction is the Bihu dance competition held at every bend of the street in Guwahati and rest of Assam. Both men and women partake in the dance extravaganza. The ladies decked in mugar mekkhela-sador (traditional saree made from a kind of silk), gracefully match their steps to the rhythm of the instruments. Some spectacles are best witnessed, words only diminish their aura. And Bihu truly is one of them, especially, the truly amazing movement of the waist of the Bihu dancers! You should not miss it! Consult with our agents or your hotel manager to find out the best venue around to enjoy the Bihu dance competition and the various local cuisines.

Brahmaputra Beach Festival, organized by the Assam state government, every year in January, gets the city romping with traditional contests like elephant race and kite flying, adventure sports activities like beach volleyball, kayaking, canoeing, hot air ballooning, para-dropping, wind surfing, and the most participated, beach cricket.

Shopping

Assam’s indigenous products like items made of bamboo and cane, Assam silk and Muga constitute the most recommended buys at the Capital City markets. Fancy Bazaar and the Pan Bazaar area has all the shopaholic crowd is the main shopping area and has everything from cane to silk in its myriad shops.

For exciting curios like cane jewelery, baskets and decorative items, jute bags, bamboo utensils and masks, countless local handicrafts, Assam traditional wear, visit Pragjyotika (G.N.B. Road, near Ambari). For those enticing silk and muga drapes and sarees, reha stoles, visit Kolpotoru (Pan Bazaar), Sualkuchi Silk House and Kumar’s Silk Center (Pan Bazaar).

Cuisine

An Assamese if often nicknamed “Khar”. You will soon know why. Khar is actually a form of baking-soda made from the ashes of dry banana-peel, once used as an alternative to salt. Though its use is now restricted to specific recipes, the lore that due to Khar the Assamese tongues have become inert and difficult words don’t roll out correctly, thereby resulting the appellation - “Khar khua Axomiya” (who only has Khar). This is added to different vegetables or cereals and had with rice.

Masor tenga (a cuisine that has fish and bottle-gourd tangoed with tomatoes), Bah-gaj (bamboo-shoot) dishes and pickles, Tomato tok (sweetened tomato sauce), Payesh (rice & milk-based dessert), kharoli (made of mustard seeds), different pithas (steamed or roasted rice cakes) and of course that peerless cuppa are specialties of every Assamese kitchen. Add to it the influences from the neighboring states and nations, that lend Assamese cuisine its tinge of Tibetan and tribal flavor. Non-veg dishes are a commonplace, especially fish-based. Pork Momos (dumblings stuffed with pork) and bamboo-shoot Pork curry is one of the local favorite, phenomenally popular amongst the youngsters. Infact the entire nations Momo-infatuation can be traced back to these roots in the North East India. Go to Momo-Ghar for that original bite. Hotel Paradise (Goswami Service), Ehaaj (Zoo Tiniali), Jooti Logai Kham (Near Ganeh Mandir, Ganeshguri) are names to mug-up for a lip-smacking Assamese thali. Chinese food is best served at Mingroom (near Commerce College) and Chung-Fa (near Zoo-Tiniali). Recently opened lounge-bars (Bluez and Traffik) give you the choice of both befriending the localites and soothing your journey-blues.

Getaways

Hajo (25 km West): A site where Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist pilgrims coalesce. The Hayagriba Madhava Temple with its giant ancient turtle is the most famous. Some belief that this is where Lord Buddha attained Nirvana and this temple contains his relics. Muslim saint, Pir Giasuddin Aulia built a mosque here which later came to be known as Poa-Mecca.

Madan Kamdev (35 km): History has been curiously silent about this site of archaeological ruins where legends hold that the God of Love, Kamdev or Madan was reunited with Rati, his beloved in this historic hillock.

Sualkuchi (32 km): An weavers village on the north bank of the Brahmaputra, famous across the globe for its silk weaving. The look and feel of Assam silk is best termed - enamoring!

The Manas wildlife sanctuary (176 km): Visit Manas, an UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Big Cats.

Chandubi (64 km): The dilapidated cliffs and forests make beautiful natural lagoon a favorite picnicking spot of the city-chafed localite. Try fishing and boating in the pristine lake lacing it while the children can embark on a treasure-hunt jaunt.

Nagaon (120 km): Here, at Bordua, is the birthplace of Srimanta Shankardeva. Pose with the friendly deers or feed the fearless school of fish in the pond nearby, there is much more that awaits the vision there.

Cherrapunjee (1300 m): above sea level, known all over the world as the rainiest place on the planet. Cherrapunjee is 160 km from Guwahati.

Jatinga (330 km south): A sleepy village in North Cachar Hills, hosts a mass-suicide of migratory birds every year. The suiciding-spree lasts for 4 months beginning August and ornithologists from across the world flock here to study the phenomenon. Go there like a tourist and come back enlightened about secrets nature refuses to share with just anybody.

Jorhat (200 km/4hrs): The tea capital of the world hosts the Assam Tea festival (every November) where varied flavors of tea enchant tealovers and bidders from across the globe. At a distance of 20 km is Majuli, acclaimed as world’s largest fresh-water river island and has regular visits from rare migratory avian species. Besides, Majuli is also the famed center of many Vaishnava Monasteries, established by the great Vaishanav revivalist, Sankardeva.

Location :
On the banks of Brahmaputra, Assam

Go there for :
Kamakhya Temple, Tea

Climate :
34°C to 20°C (Sum); 20°C to 8°C (Win)

When to Go:
October to April

Local Tongue:
Assamese, English

STD Code :
+91 - 361

KOLKATA - EAST INDIA

Kolkata - India's cultural kingpin

Kolkata, aka Calcutta, is the West Bengal Capital, third largest urban agglomeration in India, fourth-largest Indian city, a British capital for monitoring the sub-continent till 1911. Some tags attached, but these don't interest a tourist, do they!

The vengeful Kali (Lord Shiva's consort) is the patron Goddess here and the same passion, runs through the life and blood of the Bengalis. Be it the sacrifices at the pyre of nationalist struggle, the compulsive call of their sweet-tooth, a Rabindrasangeet (Rabindranath Tagore songs), political confabulate, film-making - the zeal is just enviably perfect. And before we head further, some legendary products this 'City of Joy' owes to the nation and perhaps, the world - Rabindranath Tagore (artist), Jyoti Basu (politician, CM for 23 years), Satyajit Ray (film-maker), Sushmita Sen (Miss World 1994), Mother Teresa (Missionary nun), Subhas Chandra Bose (nationalist), Ilish-masheer-bhappa (a fish curry), the Rôshogolla (a sweet), and a legion of writers, film-makers and what not. Come here to feel India painted in a different hue from what Delhi, Mumbai and the likes are!

Tale of the City

A part of the decolonization spree (that turned Madras - Chennai, Bombay - Mumbai) is Calcutta becoming 'Kolkata' derived from 'Kalikata'(called so before the British came), in turn, is an anglicized version of Kalikshetra (Land of the goddess Kali). During the colonial period it was called 'the City of Palaces'.

Attractions

Victoria Memorial: It is Lord Curzon's white marbled memorabilia for Queen Victoria, resonates the colonial era with its house of artifacts and impressive Western style architecture. Its 25 galleries, house about 3,500 articles relating to the Raj, plus the black marble throne of Siraj-ud-Daulah and the mammoth painting of a Jaipur royal procession (perhaps the largest in Asia). Don't miss the Light and Sound Show held everyday, except Mondays, when the Museum remains closed.

Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu): The third largest cantilever bridge in the world and an engineering marvel completed in 6 years, the gracious Howrah Bridge of Kolkata has a world record of being the third largest cantilever bridge. Its 71ft wide road has 8 lanes of traffic and 2 footpaths on both sides. As you travel, along with the 2 million that reportedly crosses the bridge daily, its 500 meters with no pillars in the middle, gives the spine a strange chill.

Birla Planetarium: Just near the crossing of the Theater Road and Chowringhee Road is one of world's most famous planetarium with an astronomical library and art gallery, an otherwise landmark (its dome shape) for tourists who feel lost and confused in this bustling city. Daily shows are held in English, Hindi and Bengali as the planetarium's gigantic projector recreates the night sky.

Eden Gardens: Now the name here is a confusion of sorts. Incase your mind is racing already, this place has got nothing to do with the Biblical Eden. And its fame as a garden is passe, considering its roaring popularity as a site for the international cricket matches. However, it still offers a quiet stroll along the banks of the Hoogly River, add to it a short cruise down the river with the Vidyasagar Setu Bridge silhouetted in the background.

BBD Bagh: The popular Dalhousie Square is just another one to come under the renaming spree. Benoy-Badal-Dinesh Bagh, after the three martyrs of Bengal, is the city's administrative hub with famed historical buildings like the Writers' Building, Raj Bhavan, State Legislative Assembly, Kolkata High Court, St John's Cathedral, GPO and Reserve Bank of India.

Botanical Gardens: Banking Hoogly, south of Howrah and sprawling a vast 270 acres, is this world famous herbarium with some 50,000 species of plants, the Botanical Survey of India, a 250 year old and 98 ft tall banyan tree, is the oldest botanics in India founded in 1786.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple: Flanking the mighty Ganges River, on the Kalighat Road, north of Kolkata is this sprawling temple with a Goddess Kali shrine in the center, surrounded by 12 of Lord Shiva. The great religious thinker Ramakrishna Paramahamsa is believed to have achieved spiritual nirvana, here and today pilgrims from around the world visit the temple to bask in its ethereal serenity. The goat sacrifice ritual everyday (that allegedly replaced the ancient practice of human sacrifice), however might leave one with a bad taste if sighted.

Paresnath Temple: This Jain temple at the Badridas Temple street, dedicated to Sitalnathji (the 10th of the 24 Jain tirthankaras or perfect souls), is more of an architectural orchestra with mirror-inlay pillars, marble floors with floral motifs, chandeliers from Paris and Brussels, blocks of glass mosaics and European statues painted in silver, gold-gilded dome and what not.

Marble Palace (former 'Palace of Arts'): If you have already had a dekko of Hyderabad's Salar Jung Museum, you will be amazed at the exactitude of this similar structure. Located in north Calcutta at Muktaram Babu Street, the conglomeration of some hundreds of marble varieties from across the world, pristine fountains from Rome, original painting masterpieces by Rubens and Joshua Reynolds, glass chandeliers and much more await your vision. A large pool near the small granite bungalow has ducks, peacocks and ostriches. It remains closed on Mondays and Thursdays.

Hangouts: The Park (despite its micro dance-floor), Someplace Else, Tantra are where you can shake a leg with Kolkata's hippest nocturnals. The evenings can be flavored with a visit to one of the many theatrical performances and cultural gatherings that are staged almost everywhere in the city. The local newspapers or your know-it-all travel agent will furnish the required information about venues et al. The Birla Academy of Art and Culture (108-109 Southern Avenue), the Centre for International Modern Art (Sunny Towers, 43 Ashutosh Chowdhari Avenue/Sun closed), the Academy of Fine Arts (2 Cathedral Rd.) are perfect retreats for connoisseurs of art.

Shopping

Home to some of India's best designers, the designer buys here are really worth the splurge. Some names to mug-up are Sabyasachi Mukherjee (one of India's bests), Kiran Uttan Ghosh and Shabari Datta.

Bengal's famous Tangail sarees can be had from Kundahar (10, Sarat Banerjee Rd.) and Ananda (Russell St.) For Bengali handicrafts, visit Dakshinapan or the Bengal Home Industries (11 Camac St.) or Sasha (27 Mirza Ghalib St.). The Central Cottage Industries Emporium in Chowringhee is where you must go if you want to pick different ethnic Indian stuff, not necessarily Bengali.

New Market, the erstwhile Hogg's Market, is Kolkata's oldest and most renowned shopping arcade on Lindsay Street. Right from leather goods, fancy silverware, jewelery, garments, fabrics, garment to dry fruits, poultry products, fish, meat, flowers - here is where everything can be bought right. Park Centre, on Park Street is the fashion hub with a wide variety of apparel, especially ladies' garments, cosmetics and electronic gadgets.


Cuisine

If you have a sweet-tooth, Kolkata is a paradise of a sort. Rasgollas (cottage cheese balls in sugar syrup) and mishti doi (curd sweetened with molasses) are almost religiously sought favorites. Others Bengali staples include curious names like sandesh, chanar payesh, and khir kadom, and more delicately sweetened gulab jamuns and halwas of North India. Try these at Ganguram Sweets (41 Bipin Behari Ganguly Street), K C Das (11A&B Esplanade East), Mithai (48B Syed Amir Ali Ave.), and Bhim Nag (Bidhan Sarani). And good news is, sweet-tooth or none, Kolkata is a gourmets Shangri-La. Sententiously put, the Bengali kitchens are where the gastronome is allowed to indulge in spicy, fried, tasty food, especially varieties of fish delights.Kolkata-Mughlai palate is what results when the Persian spices fall for the East Indian herbs and fish. Try Nizam's (1 Corporation Place) where the kathi kebab roll (kebabs wrapped in fried bread) was born. Shiraz is another option for similar flavors. The murgh mussalam (chicken) and the mutton chanps tikiya (chops) of the Royal Indian Hotel (147 Rabindra Sarani) are legendary. Kolkatans have a panache for Chinese platters and some toothsome flavors can be sampled at Mainland China (Uniworth House, 3A Gurusadary Rd.) and Taj Bengal's in-house Chinese restaurant, Chinoiserie.


Snippets

The Rôshogolla lore: Defying the popular belief, the Rasgulla is originally a Puri (in Orissa) product. The art was eventually transferred to Kolkata, and during the Bengal renaissance, and finally it was Nobin Chandra Das of Bagbazar (Kolkata) who evolved its 'spongy' form and threw it right at the international gourmets table. A popular limerick goes hence: "Bagbazar's Nobin Das, Rossogolla's Columbus".

Rabindranath Tagore: Asia's first Nobel laureate, Tagore - the avante garde poet, writer, philosopher, playwright, novelist - is a cult figure in Bengal. The English translation of his poetry collection Gitanjali was published under Yeats' auspices, and the Nobel Prize followed in 1913. The poems also appeared in Ezra Pound's magazine Poetry. The British crown's Knighthood was repudiated by this humble nationalist in 1919, in protest of the Jallianwalabagh Massacre (Punjab).


Getaways

Shantiniketan (212 km): Founded in 1901 by Rabindranath Tagore, a noted poet, writer and nationalist, this university resonates the Gurukul system of learning, where student and teachers reside together and learn the various aspects of life through practical experience and classes are held mostly in the open air, under trees. Noted alumni include India's ex-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Digha (185 km): A classic fishing hamlet with an exotic beach on the east coast sum up for a perfect weekend getaway from the city hum-drum.

Malda (365 km N): Also called English Bazaar from the cenruries old British factory here, is a base for heading to the archaeological sites of Gaur and Pandua. Gaur has been the capital to three dynasties - Buddhist Palas, the Hindu Senas and the Muslim Nawabs. Pandua has the third largest concentration of Muslim monuments in Bengal.

Vishnupur (200 km): This slice of 17th-18th century with terracotta temples should not be missed. The endemic 'Bankura horse' is a popular handicraft item across the nation and once there you can buy some of its terracotta pieces to adorn your walls.



Location :
In West Bengal, East India

Go there for :
Museums, Art Galleries, Sweets

Climate :
38°-41.7°C (Sum); 16°-29°C (Win)

When to Go:
Aug-Feb

Local Tongue:
Bengali

Literacy :
80.86%

STD Code :
+91 - 33

TAWANG HILL STATION - EAST INDIA

Monpas and Gompas

Your very route to this 11,155 ft hill-station - Tawang, will hint you about what to expect. Picture postcard landscapes flaked with sprightly colored monasteries (Gompas) and the sound of thundering waterfalls and hot water springs freeze your senses and you will have to shake your head to remind yourself, “This is real”! Bathed in the quintessential halo of Buddhism, Tawang is still more Tibetan than Indian. The grandiose of the myriad orchids and the warmth of the local Monpa tribes help you ward off the bone-numbing breeze of the Himalayas. God, the Himalayas and the devoted jawans (army-men) stand as undaunted sentinels protecting this land from the Chinese and evil-eye.


Attractions

Tawang Monastery : ‘Dramatically outlined’ against the verdant landscape is the 400 years old Galden Namgyal Lhatse, popular with the tourist-tongue as the Tawang monastery. It is said that the whole structure was brought from Tibet, piece by piece, on horseback and assembled here. Besides its famed assemblage gold lettered Buddhist scriptures, images, tapestries and the rare hand-written and block-painted thankas or manuscripts of revered books (in the Parkhang Hall), it is held significant in the Mahayana Buddhist world for the 26-ft high gilded Buddha housed in its inner sanctum over headed by a mural rich ceiling. The name of Tawang means “horse chosen”, a reference to the way in which Meera Lama’s horse wandered off on its own and discovered the perfect spot on which the monastery now stands.

Urgelling Mobastery : The 6th Dalai Lama was born of a Monpa mother in this monastery, 5 km away from Tawang.

Nunneries of Tawang : The Brahma Dungchung Ani Gompa, the Gyanganga Ani Gompa and the Singsur Ani Gompa are the important ones amongst the flock of nunneries near Tawang whose nuns are known to follow stricter norms than their male counterparts.

Se La Pass : Your very route to Tawang will be via this enigma perched 13,714 ft high (world’s third highest). The vista is best termed ‘enrapturing’ -- raise your head some 45° and behold the Se La Peak; next droop it 90° to discover the glorious curves of the Se La Lake.

Zimithang & the Lakes : The impressive Gorsam Stupa, the Tatsang gompa, the Khinme monastery and the Singshur nunnery here attract tourists visiting Tawang to this place just a stone-throw away. As your vehicle grinds its way up to the “Heap of Stones”, the LAC with China, lakes appear - bright turquoise or brooding gray according to the mood of the sky. The Sangeshar Lake, more popular as the Madhuri Lake after the Bollywood actress who starred in a film song (Koyla) canned here is one must-replenish beauty. The Lake freezes in winters.

Tawang for Adventurers : The rivers Tawang-Chu and Namjang-Chu are ideal for river-rafting activities. There is also an option for rock-climbing, paragliding, skating and other winter sport activities.


Shopping

The Craft Center of the Tawang Monastery produces fine woolen carpets in various colorful designs. Items that could make excellent buys are Serdukpen shawls, Apatani jackets and scarves, Adi skirts, Mishmi shawls, blouses and jackets, wancho bags.

There are Craft- Centers at Bomdila and Tawang producing very fine carpets of colorful designs and works. Carpets in ethnic Tibetan designs are very popular, made of pure wool.


Cuisine

Tibetan food is what you will find here at Tawang’s every eatery. Related Chinese cuisine, and lately, due to tourist demands, Indian food of the plains is also served. Apong is the local drink made from rice or mallet. Butter-tea is an Arunachal speciality and momos, a local favorite. The restaurants of your hotels are the best.

Getaways

Bhalukpong (52 km): En route Tawang from Tezpur, you can stop by at Bhalukpong before or after your main destination. Another postcard-perfect locale, for the North-Eastern vacationers this is one of their favorite weekend picnicking joint. The Pakhul Sanctuary’s wildlife embellishments and the Orchid Research Center at Tipi with some 600 species (including indigenous ones like “Ladies Sleeper”), are the prides of Bhalukpong, besides its gurgling streamlets.

Dirang (143 km): A concoction of some unique attractions make Dirang an excellent stop-over on your trip back from Tawang. Look out for the Kalchakra Monastery, Ngingmapa Monastery, kiwi and apple orchards, hot-water springs, Yak Research Center, medicinal plantations, Dirang Dzong (former Tibetan Jail), Sangti Valley (home of Black Neck Siberian Crane during winter). Dirang hosts the Buddha Mahotsav Festival every February-end with activities like Monastic Dances, Bay-Warrior dance, Sherbang Procession, flower and orchid show, food festival, hiking and trekking, traditional games and sports, you name it!

Bomdila (190 km): Another orchid-apple love-story will arrest your jaunt on your way to Tawang. Bomdilla is just excellent for your trekking, picnics and eco-tourism camps and the plummetted orchards, monasteries, forests, waterfalls and more than inviting for a day-long exploration - all on foot. The Craft center here is recommended for your souvenir buys. Irresistible, yes, but better save it to douse your Tawang hangover on your way back.

Bum-La (la, incidentally means a pass): This is where the Indian and Chinese force commanders on either side of the border meet every six months to sort out any minor problems. Bum-La does not have the non-commercial innocence of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh separated from the plains by the Brahmaputra, reserve forests and the gradually ascending Himalayas. At Jaswant Singh Garh, near the Bumla Pass, the story of heroism of some Indian soldiers is retold. This is where Jaswant Singh of the 4th Battalion Garhwal Rifles held off the enemy for 72 hours single-handedly. Army convoys on the way to the border make it a point to stop and pay homage at the beautifully maintained memorial. The jawans (soldiers of the Indian army) at the outpost treat everybody passing through with tea.



Location :
At 11,155 ft near Indo-Burma border, Arunachal Pradesh

Go there for :
Treks, Angling, Monasteries

Climate :
Max 29° C; Min (-)5.5° C

When to Go:
Mar-April, Sep-Oct

Altitude:
Tawang - 10,000ft, Thingbu - 11,000 ft, Lumla - 8,000 ft

Literacy:
41.45%

STD Code :
+91 - 3794

DARJEELING HILL STATION- EAST INDIA

Darjeeling - a Himalayan Queen

At an elevation of 6812 ft., this West Bengal hill-station, with its monastries and tea gardens set against the snow-capped vistas of the world's third-highest mountain, Mount Kanchenjunga (27,400 ft.), is just the perfect retreat if the mention of a cozy vacation peppered with adventure escapades ticks you on. Just as the flight of your imagination begins to take off, a quaint whistle of a century old little train penetrates the vista and you are reminded once again - it is Darjeeling!

Attractions

The Toy train: The century old Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, fondly nicknamed 'toy train', is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This engineering marvel begins from Sukna (533 ft.) and chugs up the hill to reach Darjeeling(6812 ft.) passing Asia's highest railway station Ghoom at 7407 ft. - making it one of the most treacherous rail jouneys in the world. The hung-ho apart, the toy-train trail is something should not be missed if you want to feel the spirit of a this paradisiacal land and of its humble denizens.

Tiger Hill: Roosted at 8482 ft. near the Ghoom Monastery and about 13 km from the town, the magnificient views of the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga makes it a photographer's dream-come-true. On a sunny day, the world's highest peak, the Mount Everest, can be spotted in the distant horizon. Flanking the Tiger hill is the Senchal lake with a 9-hole golf course (one of the highest in the world), a clubhouse and an exotic tourist lodge - that is a popular weekend escape.

Monastries: The Monastery at Ghoom, about 6 km south of the city has a 4.57-m high statue of a seated Maitreya Buddha (the coming Buddha) that attracts adherents from far and wide. Aloobari Gompa, about 3 km from the city centre, is a good place to drop by for some interesting Tibetan and Sikkimese religious accessories you can also buy as souvenirs. About 11 km from the city, with the backdrop of Kanchenjunga, is the colorful Bhutia Busty Gompa, whose library has the original Tibetan Book of the Dead, amongst thousand other Buddhist texts.

The Observatory Hill: For a good visual sweep of the entire purlieu climb up the Observatory Hill or the Mahakal Baba ko Sthan, held sacred by Hindus and Buddhists. The Kali shrine and the colorful fluttering Buddhist prayer flags strung between the pine trees make a beatific spectacle.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Perched on the Jawarhar Parbat, about 2 km from Chowrasta, is an institute for training the adventure mongers. Why you should go there for is the institute's collection of historic mountaineering equipment, specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna, a relief model of the Himalayas and a record of all attempts to scale the Mount Everest.

Zoological Park: Neighboring the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park that houses the Siberian tigers, Himalayan Black bear and the Red Panda. Not to be missed is the Snow Leopard breeding centre here.

Dhirdham Temple: Located just below the Darjeeling railway station, the temple is a replica of the famous Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu (Nepal).

Passenger Ropeway: Situated at 3 km from the city center at the North Point is the 5-km long India's first passenger ropeway that connects Darjeeling with Singla Bazaar on the Ranjit River at the bottom of the valley. A ride on this cable-car repletes the theme of adventure so typical of this roof-top city.

Adventure escapades: Trekking begins in Darjeeling and proceeds through Maneybhanjyang, Tonglu, Sandakphu and ends in Phalut. Teesta river is ideal for whitewater rafting.

Festivals: The Beni Mela is held on the banks of the River Teesta in January, the New Year for the Bhutias and the Lepchas. Tibetan New Year is celebrated in February and is marked by great festivities, religious ceremonies and colourful folk dances in monasteries. Every 14-20 November, the Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival is held here with cultural performances, tea estate visits and organised tours, treks and walks around the region.

Shopping

Shop for Himalayan curios like thangkas (Tibetan paintings), brass statues, Nepali khukris and masks, jewelery, woodcarvings, woven fabrics and bamboo baskets, carpets and of course, the famous Darjeeling tea. Chowrasta and The Mall are the shopping spots. For Tibetan souvenirs visit Habib Mullick and for local handicrafts go down to Hayden Hall.


Cuisine

Darjeeling momos (a steamed dough dumpling stuffed with pork, beef or vegetables) and thukpas (noodles in soup) are famous. Wai-Wai is a packaged snack comprising of noodles which can be munched dry or boiled. Churpee, a kind of cheese made from cow's or yak's milk. For the freezing evenings try Chhang, a local beer made from millet or the royal Darjeeling tea.

For Indian and Chinese food, check out Park (Laden La Road) and for wholesome vegetarian thalis and Indian snacks head to Hasty Tasty (the Mall).


Getaways

Kalimpong (51 km): A quieter hillstation at an altitude of 4,100 ft., Kalimpong is known for its magnificent views of Mt Kanchenjunga, abundance of wild orchids and educational institutions.

Mirik (48 km): At an altitude of 1,730 m this sequestered hill-station is carpeted with forests of Cryptomeria Japonica, orange orchards, tea gardens and cardamom plantations. Sumendu Lake, with its 3.5 km of cobbled promenade, offers boating facilities. Also visit the carpet-weaving centre at Krishnanagar. Trekking tracks to Kurseong and Sandakphu begin here.

Kurseong: The toy train hisses past this station midway between Darjeeling from Siliguri is Kurseong (1,458 m) famous for the Deer Park and Makaibari Tea Estate.

Phalut & Sandakphu: About 60 km away is a joint that commands the best views of the Himalayan grandeur. Giant flowering Rhododendron trees and a pointillism of reds, pinks and whites Dwarfs comprise of the en route trail. On attaining heights of over 3,048m, one is surrounded by skeletal trees devoid of leaves and branches, which are especially eerie when the clouds roll in and envelop the area. Sandakphu with over 650 avian species is an ornithologists paradise.

Rock Garden, Barbotay (15 km): The Chunu falls cascading over the boulders provides an ecstatic view.



Location :
500 km N of Kolkata, West Bengal, East India

Go there for :
Tea Gardens, Toy Train, Adventure

Climate :
8.5°- 15°C (Sum); 1°- 6°C (Win)

When to Go:
Mar-Jun, Sep-Dec

Local Tongue:
Nepali, Bengali, Hindi

STD Code :
+ 91 - 354

TRIVANDRUM - SOUTH INDIA

The Anglicized ‘Trivandrum’, for the Capital of the South Indian ‘greenhouse’ Kerala seems a respite from the mouthful ‘Thiruvananthapuram’ (its original name), meaning the home of Lord Vishnu’s (preserver of Hindu Trinity) sacred Serpent Anantha. Located at the apex of southwest India lacing the Arabian Sea, Trivandrum is just the place to be if you are looking for some seaside Shangri-la with exotic lagoons, palm-fringed waterways, quite Resorts and endless leisure.

Tale of the City

The ‘city of seven hills’, Thiruvananthapuram had once been the port of call for Romans and Jews, Arabs and Christians. Legends have it that King Solomon’s ships landed here at a port called Ophir. Traders have been coming to these parts as far back as 190 AD for spices, sandalwood, and ivory. Even today it serves as a significant maritime hub.

Attractions

Kovalam Beach: Undoubtedly the most beautiful of Indian beaches and one of the best across the globe, drive south (16 km) from Trivandrum to find the exotic Kovalam beach. Ayurvedic spas, sea-food stalls, sun-bathers, water-sports, all make it an enticing beach front not to miss.


Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Some 260-year-old Dravidian temple with a 100-ft gopuram, inside the East Fort in the heart of the city beckoning travelers to bask in its hallowed serenity. There is however strict dress code to be maintained. Men should be in dhoti, while women in sari and blouse. Besides, only Hindus are allowed.

The Zoological Gardens (Open: Tue-Sat; 9am-5:15pm): The botanical gardens in Trivandrum cradle one of the firsts amongst the Indian zoos famed for its huge trees and a reptile house with an interesting snake collection.

Government Art Museum (Open on all days except Monday and Wednesday; 10am-5pm): Popular as the Napier Museum, after the erstwhile Governor General of Madras, this building is a fine architectural landmark for the center of the city, just near the zoo. Besides the antique ornaments and costumes, musical instruments, intricate ivory carvings, a temple chariot, found there would infatuate any art-lover !

Veli Tourist Village (Open 8am-6pm): At the estuary of the Veli Lake, is a lovely lagoon that can be explored with rented paddle and speedboats. The sculptures that flake the landscape form a children favorite.

Puttan Malika Palace Museum (Open: Tue-Sun; 8:30am-12:30pm & 3:30pm-5:30 pm): The venue of the annual classical music festival between 27th Jan-3rd Feb, this Palace is a classic traditional Travancore style building with exquisite woodcarvings. The art collection and the other palatial exhibits form interesting eye-feasting for art lovers.

Indian School of Martial Arts (ISMA): This one is a must-visit if you want to have a dekko at India's 'crouching tiger hidden dragons' -- martial art experts down south -- that is. This 5,000-year-old martial art form of Kerala is called Kalarippayattu. Besides, ISMA's healing centre, famed for the traditional kalarichikitsa - a branch of medicine endemic to Trivandrum, and ISMA's collection of oltrivandrumnthas or palmleaf manuscripts are must-check outs for historians and the likes.

Festivals: The Great Elephant March (Jan-17-20) of decorated elephants is a real visual feast. The 10-day Attukal Pongala (18-26th Feb), celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavati temple is the most participated festival. Its traditional dessert, Pongala, made of sweet porridge, cooked in jaggery, coconut kernal, and plantain is not to be missed. Another reason to cheer if you are timing your trip in February is the Nishangandhi Dance Festival (21-27 Feb) conducted at Nishagandhi open air auditorium in Kanakakunnu Palace where performers from across the nation congregate. That means right from Bharathanatyam, Kathak, Kathkali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattom and Oddissi the classical seduction is endless and fatal.



Shopping

Hunt for carved rosewood, Kathakali masks at MG Road. Visit Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan (opposite the Ayurvedic College, MG Road) if you are looking for those exotic Kasava sarees. Gram Sree, the village crafts centre around that area, is just the place for artefact admirers. Head for the Station Road, famed for its sandalwood and brass products, and the traditional Keralan bell-metal oil lamps. Savor the arresting fragrance of the tea and filter-coffee of Kerala, fresh from the Nilgiris, at Sankar's Tea and Coffee, on MG Road.

And if you happen to be in Thiruvananthapuram around Christmas time, ask anyone about Connemara, for this is the place you will have to head to for your mistletoe and wine!


Cuisine

Malyali cuisine uses coconut and rice in all states and forms. But surprisingly, Trivandrum does not really have a lot of options when it comes to good Restaurants serving their traditional cuisine. Coffee and banana chips are addictive. Good spots to buy the the best chips, fresh and tasty are near the British Library, or at a small shop in Kaithamukku (about 3km/2 miles west of the central train station), where A. Kannan has been frying some of the best banana chips in Kerala for close to 15 years.


Getaways

Varkala (40km): An enticing beach and an important Hindu center of pilgrimage, the hilltop mineral springs, a 2000-year-old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Center are form the main and the must-visit attractions here.

Neyyar Dam (32km): This popular picnic spot has a high watch tower, deer park, lion safari park, crocodile farm and water sports facilities liek boating that make it one of Kerala Tourism's exotic favorites.

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary (30km): This plush forest boasts of a reserve of some thousand species of flowers and plants, that includes orchids; endangered primates like the lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri langur and other fauna like barking and mouse deer, elephants, sambhar deer, gaur, giant squirrels, and wild boar.

Padmanabhapuram Palace (63km): Find this Travancore palace enroute Kanyakumari, famous for its floral carvings, jet black granite floor and original murals.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary and Dam (50km): Spread over some 53 sq. km on the Western Ghats is a nature lover's sheer delight with some of the best concoction of plants and animals amidst plush hills, eucalyptus forests and verdant valleys.

Location :
Southern Kerala, South India

Go there for :
Beaches, Backwaters

Climate :
32°-23.8°C (Sum); 29°-20°C (Win)

When to Go:
September to May

Local Tongue:
Malayalam

Literacy :
90%

STD Code :
+91 - 471

HYDERABAD - SOUTH INDIA

Hyderabad is rich, flamboyant, extravagant and imperial, just like her Nawabs, pearls, gold, steel, fabric and, above all, diamonds -- the 108 carat Koh-i-Noor, the Orloff, Regent, Hope diamonds and Jacob Diamonds - to name a few. Her riches apart, Hyderabad is loved for her architectural grandeurs - mosques and minarets, bazaars, lakes and kacchi biryani. Lately, the software industry has taken over the city, yet the quieter lanes still echo of history and nostalgia. Movie-buffs have another charm here - the Ramoji Film City, one of the most advanced and largest studios in the world.


Tale of the City

The Golconda Fort, some 10 km away from the city center, is believed to be the precursor to Hyderabad and the guardian of the diamond mine underneath. It was Golconda’s legendary riches that got many empires fighting fangs and teeth. The Nizam’s of the Asaf Jahi dynasty were the most influential and jealously guarded Hyderabad’s riches.

Attractions

Charminar: Four majestic minarets with a 180 ft. high central structure stands amidst the animated Lad Bazaar in the heart of the old city. The Charminar (Urdu: Four Minarets), a masterpiece of the Qutab Shahi dynasty built in 1591 to mark the end of a terrible plague, is the insignia of Hyderabad. The small open air mosque on the terrace of the monument facing the Muslim holy city of Mecca. Go there for a breathtaking view of the entire city and feel the so hyped grandeur of this “Pearl City”.

Golconda Fort: This irregular rhombus shaped citadel with a rough pentagon on the North Eastern side called ‘Naya Qila’, is the landmark of the once famed diamond mines Hyderabad so boasts of. The Kohinoor originally belonged to Golconda as did the Darya-I-Noor, the Orloff, the Pitt, and the great table of the Nizam. Consider strolling through the winding lanes of the little villages dotted around the Fort for your fill of those ‘rich’ diamond lores.

Qutab Shahi Tombs: Close to the Golconda Fort (1.5 km from the Balahisar Gate) are the tombs of the seven Qutab Shahi rulers. The tombs are surrounded by well-laid gardens. They can be visited between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm on all days except Friday.

Salar Jung Museum: World’s largest one-man museum named after the Prime Minister of the Nizam who was called Salar Jung Bahadur III, some 35,000 collectibles and 50,000 books dating back to the 1st century gathered during his globetrotting escapades. Open between 10 am-5 pm on all weekdays, except Fridays and government holidays.


Lord Venkateshwar Birla Temple: Pilgrims from across the globe visit this white-marbled temple overlooking the southern end of the Husain Sagar Lake. The temple is a classic synthesis of Northern and Southern culture that Hyderabad is so famous for. Open from 7 am to noon and 3 pm to 9 pm.


Mecca Masjid: This is one of the biggest mosques in India and can accommodate around 10,000 people at one time. It lies 100 yards southwest of the Charminar. The mosque is built on the lines of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, hence the name. Lores even have it that the bricks in the mosque are made of soil brought from Mecca and the door arches are made from single slabs of granite that were dragged to the site by nothing less than 1400 buffaloes for 5 years. The sacred hair of Prophet Mohammed is also one among other relics in an exhibition room off the courtyard.

Hussain Sagar: This lake conjoins the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Good for boating and water sports, the pride of the place is the 18 m and 350 ton monolithic Buddha statue on the rock of Gibraltar in the middle of the lake. The making of the statue at Rajgir, 50 km from Hyderabad, took five years and during transportation, sank into the lake and languished there for two years till 1992.

Nehru Zoological Park: Some 3,000 different species of animals in this 1.2 sq km make it one of the largest in the nation. A lion safari trip, a natural history museum, a pre-historical animals park, a children's park with a toy train are some of its crowd-pullers.

Shopping

Once in the city of gems, needless to mention, you should load your bags with the best bets of pearl and diamond laden jewelry. The Laad Bazaar, around the Charminar, is a treasure trove of dazzling glass and lacquer bangles (some 450 shops and 2,500 craftsmen), exotic hand-woven carpets and some of the most inspired creations in silk. The zari (silver and gold embroidery) work and the print boutiques are undeniable seductions. You can even place an order of your favorite print on the fabric of your choice. Begum Bazaar, Sultan Bazaar, Generic Bazaar are other markets of use.

Antique hunt samples the charm of Hyderabadi bazaars (markets). The handicraft varieties to be checked out are the regional Bidriware (silver inlays in alloy), Filigree (objects made from silver, so finely crafted so as to appear as being made of thread weave), Pembarti (relief work in brass), Nirmal (wooden furniture painted with colorful motifs), and Kalahasti (intricate carvings on wooden furniture). Kondapally Toys, created in the village of Kondapalli, about 16km from Hyderabad, form another must-carry Andhra product. A lesser-known fact is that in Chandanpet (a few kilometers outside the city) an entire population is engaged in the delicate art of drilling pearls.


Cuisine

The geographical positioning of Hyderabad has conspired to churn out a unique cuisine with a strong Mughalai influence, dovetailed with pure Andhra 'hot-n-spicy' flavor. Hyderabadi Biryani ranks first amongst the delectable and popular Shahi Nizam cuisine, Hyderabad is so famed for. For desserts try khubani ka meetha (apricots and cream) or double ka meetha (bread pudding with cashews and almonds).

Hyderabad's claim to fame is its dum-style cooking (where the steam is locked so that the absorption of the aromatic spices if increased). Named fater this style is Dum Pukht (ITC Kakatiya Sheraton & Towers) and try kareli ki nahari (mutton pieces prepared in their own juices and spiced with saffron and cardamon), kakori kebabs (minced meat, cloves, cinnamon, green papaya are all mixed abd then chargrilled) that are served with sheermal (a kind of bread made in saffron and milk). For Hyderabadi biryani head straight to Azizia (near Nampally railway station), Firdaus (Taj Krishna, Rd. no. 1, Banjara Hills). For that scrumptious Andhra pesarattu (spiced mung bean flour pancake) eaten with allam pachadi (ginger pickle), go to Chutney's (Shilpa Arcade Rd. no. 3, Banjara Hills).

Getaways

Amravati (350 km): Here is one of the best-known Buddhist relics in India and the nation’s largest 2nd century Mahachaitya Stupa. Also famous is the temple of Amareswara, which consists of a massive Lingam. The extensive mounds of Dharankota located on the west of Amravati, together with Nagarjunakonda and Amravati form the Golden Triangle of Buddhism in Andhra Pradesh.

Warangal (157 km NE): Famous for its thousand pillar Chalukya temple and the freestanding gateway in the Buddhist tornan style.


Location :
Capital of Andhra Pradesh, SE India

Go there for :
Charminar, Precious Gems

Climate :
22°-42°C (Summer); 12°- 22°C (Winter)

When to Go:
Oct - Feb

Local Tongue:
Telegu, Urdu, Hindi

Literacy :
60%

STD Code :
+91 - 40

OOTY - SOUTH INDIA

At 7440 ft., Ooty or Udhagamandalam (recent official Tamil name) in the Nilgiris (the Blue Mountains), is a sheer beauty and pride of the South Indian State of Tamil Nadu. Miles and miles of plush tea gardens, plummeting orchards, streets lined with green pine and eucalyptus trees and multi-colored floral diaspora give Ooty its sliced-out-of-paradise vista. The ersthwile Ootacamund (an obscure name for the sylvan beauty, isn't it?), is inhabited by the Toda tribes and the forested areas have a legion of wildlife, including the endangered Nilgiri mountain goat. What the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy train) is to Darjeeling, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is to Ooty - indespensable and inherent part of the Blue Mountains.


Attractions

Botanical Garden: The 55 Acre Botanical Garden on the Dodabetta Peak - the highest point in Ooty, was founded by John Sullivan, the collector from Coimbatore, who is known to have first discovered Ooty for his summer dwelling. The diverse flora, including some 30 varieties of eucalyptus, and the colorful avian metropolis, attract tourists and passers-by alike. The Summer Festival held every May makes Ooty a bee-hive of various activities like flower shows, dog-shows, cultural programs and adventure sports like trekking.

Government Museum: Located on the Mysore Road, the museum houses a collection of tribal arts and crafts, the district's ecological details - and was set up with a view to educate the tourists about the Nilgiri purlieu. (Open: 10 am-5pm/Closed on Fridays, second Saturday, national holiday)

Ootacamund Club: This one the best preserved of all colonial clubs in the nation. You can go golfing or hunting or pick up one of the many activities offered by the club to soothe those worries away.

St Stephen's Church: Situated on Club Road, this gothic-style church is said to be the oldest in the Nilgiris. Its huge wooden beam came from the palace of Tipu Sultan in Srirangapatnam, carried all the 120 km by a herd of elephants. The attached cemetery contains the grave of John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty.

Rose Garden: About 3 km from Charring Cross is a 10 acre spread with 2000 variety of roses and lie on the way to the boathouse.

Ooty Lake: This 2.5km long lake is another John Sullivan construction and one of the most beatific spots in Ooty. There is a mini-train that takes you around the park or you can go boating. Fishing can also be done but with prior permission from the fisheries department. A tall pillar shooting out of the graveyard of William Patrick Adam, the Governor of Madras Presidency, overlooks the lake and on a quiet wintery evening, it creates a strange eerie feeling. Just 1 km away is the Deer Park.

Tribal Research Centre: This museum exhibits models of homes of the various Nilgiri hill tribes as well as a section on the tribes of the Andaman Islands. Toda researchers are available to give visitors a guided tour of the museum for that close insight into the way of life in the hills.

Kandal Cross Shrine: This Roman Catholic Shrine is the Nilgiri Catholics' "Calvary of Tamilnadu". The relic of the true cross here is said to cure the sick, bestow heavenly blessings, peace and joy on visiting pilgrims and tourists. Every 3rd May an annual feast is held.

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR): Declared a World Heritage Site in 2005, this curio covers a 46 km of treacherous trail in the Nilgiri Hills passing through 208 curves, 16 tunnels, and 250 bridges to reach Ooty. The uphill journey begins at Mettupalayum (1069ft.) and takes around 290 minutes to reach Ooty (at 7,440 ft.) and the downhill journey 215 minutes.

Adventure escapades: Hang-Gliding, Angling and Trekking are the activities to opt for if you want to tango your tour with some rush of the adrenaline.

Shopping

Toda jewelery, embroideries, shawls and a variety of endemic Nilgiri products like teas (eucalyptus, geranium, lemon grass, camphor), fruits, natural oils like Eucalyptas, honey are what to look out for in the ooty bazaars. The Taj Group's Savoy Hotel shop has a good collection of souvenirs. Also try out the cheddar, Wenleydale cheese and Planter's Special cigars made of Indian tobacco, at Spencer's Store.


Cuisine

The localite's taste bud is tuned in to favor typical South Indian cuisine. Go to Dashprakas located within the Hotel Dashprakash, south of the racecourse for some delectable South Indian cuisine and North Indian snacks. Shinkows, situated at 42 Commissioners Road, serve good Chinese food. Try Irani, on Commercial Road, for some scrumptious non-vegetarian cuisine (the menu's heavy on mutton and liver).


Gateways

Coonoor (10 km): It was the first of the three Nilgiri hill stations. Another 10 km away is the Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint which commands a majestic view of the St. Catherine Falls. The sprawling 12 hectares of Sim's Park here is one of the oldest and developed on the pattern of Japanese Garden. Some of the best camera shots can be had from its pristine heights.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (67 km): At an altitude of 1,140 m up in the Nilgiri Hills is the home to one of the largest populations of elephants in India, along with wild dogs, gaur (Indian bison), Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque, jackal, hyena, and sloth bear, it even has a few tigers and panthers.

Avalanche (26 km): Best known for trout fishing escapades, and about 7 km away is the MacIvor's Bund and further away is the Mukurti Peak.

Mukurti (36 km): The 8,031 ft peak, the 6 km lake and a plethora of wildlife make thus place a sheer beauty to douse all tiredness. Check out Nilgiri Tahrs or the mountain goats in the Sanctuary flanking this locale.

Pykara (21 km): Go there for the well-protected fenced sholas, Toda settlements, undisturbed grassy meadows and some sudden, but regular wildlife pop-outs from the dense jungles. The Pykara Dam and the Pykara Falls add to the exotic aura of the place.

Kalhatty Falls (12 km): The 131 ft. drop of cascading water and the various wildlife on the Kalhatty-Masinagudi slopes draw nature lovers for some enchanting eye-feasting.

Location :
At 7440 ft, in Nilgiri hills, Tamil Nadu

Go there for :
Tea Gardens, Replenishing vistas

Climate :
25°C (Sum); 5°C (Win)

When to Go:
Nov-Mar

Local Tongue:
Tamil

STD Code :
+91 - 423

COCHIN - SOUTH INDIA

It might come naturally to you to pass Kochi (or Cochin), as the Kerala Capital. No wonder, for this gorgeous beach-town is not just the most beautiful Kerala-cosmopolitan, but with its brimming coastline, enamoring backwaters, ayurvedic health centers, churches and synagogues rightfully positioned amongst National Geographic’s 50 top tourist destinations. Watch Kathakali performance, savor its seafood, dig at the antiques, try fishing with the Chinese fishing nets or attend a traditional marriage ceremony. Kochi is one place you will instantly fall in ‘like’ with!

Tale of the City

Kochi was the favorite seaside entry into India from the Arabian Sea for the Arabs, Chinese, European sea merchants and finally the Portuguese under Vasco da Gama in 1500, and the Franciscan friars. And what had been a quaint fishing hamlet became India's first European settlement. In 1663, Cochin fell to the Dutch, and then to the British in 1795. Each of these foreign influences left their impressions, resulting in a distinctly Indo-European culture, most evident in the architecture and lifestyle of Kochinites.

Attractions

Fort Cochin : A quiet landmark to this port-city, the Fort Cochin, comprising Mattancherry and Jew Town (that hosts a 1st century AD Jewish community), is a slice of sepia-tinted world, where they still speak 14 different languages and tumbled-down mansions line narrow lanes. Near the water's edge, old warehouses (or godowns) are filled with the state's treasured cash crops -- pepper, tea, Ayurvedic herbs, whole ginger, and betel nuts -- being dried, sorted, and prepared for direct sale or auction. Walk around at leisure and chances are you will discover something (curio/ architecture) belonging to a world you never thought existed.

Cherai Beach & Vypeen : Bordering one another, this is where the city-chafed locals arrive for a replenishing weekend. The beaches are beautiful; there is an old lighthouse and a 16th century fort. Get there by ferry from Fort Kochi. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby add to the scenic beauty.

St. Francis Church : The oldest European church in India, it went through a myriad associations beginning from the Franciscan friars, Dutch Protestants, to Anglicans, and now this church finally belongs to the Church of South India. Something to keep in mind is, like Hindu temples and mosques, here too you are required to take off your shoes. (Open: Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm; Sun 9:30am-noon)

Bolghatty Palace : Situated at the Bolghatty island and accessed by a ferry, is this once British mansion has a postcard golf-course and beautiful honeymoon cottages. Good news is KTDC has taken it up and made it into a heritage hotel.

Mattancherry Palace : Adorned with fine murals from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and some of the Puranic Hindu legends, this double-story palace is an architectural wonder. The Dutch maps of old Kochi along with palanquins and coronation robes of the former maharajas of Kochi are attractions you have to hunt out in here.

Jewish Synagogue : Here is the oldest (17th century) synagogue in the Commonwealth with some amazing hand-painted willow pattern floor tiles brought all the way from China. The Clock Tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs and ancient scripts on copper plates, along with other ancient artefacts are of tourist interest over there. (Open daily: 10am-12 pm & 3pm-5pm; Sat closed). The area surrounding is an antique-lovers paradise with a myriad curio shops, spices, furniture, artifacts, rare glass and beads, all centuries old.

Parishath Thampuran Museum : This hosts the genesis of Kerala in the form of oil paintings, murals, sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris, manuscripts and coins belonging to the Kochi royal family - all preserved in its complex of 49 buildings, in itself a fine example of Kerala architecture. The area encompassing it has a Deer Park and facilities for horse riding. (Open daily: 9 am-12:30 pm & 2 pm-4:30 pm; Monday closed)

Santhanagopala-Krishnaswamy Temple : About 8 km away from Ernakulam, this museum temple showcases history from the Neolithic Age to the modern era through intriguing life-size figures. One can also catch the sound and light shows, which have commentaries in English and Malayalam.

Find sometime to explore : Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery, Willingdon Island, Kaladi, Vasco da Gama Square, Pierce Leslie Bungalow, Old Harbour House, Koder House, Delta Study, Loafer's Corner, Princess Street, Vasco House, VOC Gate, United Club, Bishop's House, ruins of Fort Immanuel, the Portuguese settlement.

Shopping

Your Kochi shopping spree must-have's are camel bone and wood carvings, various metal-ware, coconut shell decorations, cane crafts, embroidered pine mats and so on. Buy one piece each of the indigeneous handicrafts, that is. M.G. Road is where the shopaholics crowd at its various shops, emporiums and private showrooms. There's the huge GCDA shopping complex on Marine Drive, which should be explored at leisure. Antique shopping is another Kochi specialty and items to hunt for are rosewood artifacts, coir floor coverings and tablemats, old dowry boxes from Travancore, gold jewelery exclusive to the South, cotton saris, traditional khadi attire and antiques from Jewtown.


Cuisine

Kochi restaurants cater to both local and international tongues with cuisines ranging from Kerala cuisine to Chinese selections, American hamburgers, Italian spaghetti and so on. A permanent flavor you should expect in all traditional cuisine is that of coconut oil. The best food-joint are flaked around the at Fort Cochin and Willingdon area. Fresh seafood is an obvious favorite. And Kochi’s favorite palate will have rice, fish and coconut (in some form). Some restaurants you can trust for its quality of food and delight are Pandhal at M G Road (South Indian food), Bimbi’s at Jose Junction (low-priced Indian & Continental cuisine), Fry’s Village Restaurant at Chitoor Road, North End (spicy south Indian specialities like patthri, a Calicut-Muslim delicacy).

Snippets

Black Gold: In Kerala, pepper is referred to as karuthu ponnu, or "black gold," and represents the state’s international spice trade backbone. Consider a visit to the ginger, black pepper, betel nut, and Ayurvedic medicine warehouses, so very reminiscent of Salman Rushdie's The Moor's Last Sigh; or head for the Kochi International Pepper Exchange (Jew Town Rd., Mattancherry) to see Kerala's black gold being furiously sold off to the highest bidder.

Some Original names & Changed ones of Kerala’s cities:

Trivandrum -Thiruvananathapuram
Quilon - Kollam
Alleppey -Alappuzha
Trichur - Thrissur
Palghat - Palakkad
Cannanore - Kanoor
Calicut - Kozhikode
Cochin - Kochi

Getaways

Alwaye(21 Km):Banking the river Periyar, is this famous Shalvaite pilgrim center and a summer resort.

Malayatoor (47 km): Go there for the St Thomas Catholic Church on the 609 m high Malayatoor hill, specially if your trip coincides the annual Malayatoor Perunnal Festival (March-April).

Alleppey/Alappuzha (64 Km): This is the core tourist center for backwater cruises in Kerala and has often been referred to as the Venice of the East. If you are here in August, do not miss the Nehru Trophy boat race held here on the second Saturday.

Thrissur (80 Km): Former capital of Cochin, Thrissur is famous for the Vadakkumnatha Temple and is the venue of the annual Pooram Festival held in April/May. Buy some of its wood carvings and temple-arts are souvenirs.

Kumarakom (80 Km): Famed for its backwaters and the quaint village surrounded by paddy fields and the Vembanand lake.

Cheruthuruthi (100 Km): Go there if you are an art connoisseur to witness Kerala’s training center for art forms such as Kathakali, Mohinlattam, etc. The center is called Kalamandam.

Wynad: Located on the foothill borders of the state adjacent to both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is Wynad, famous for its temples, the Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary and its Lakkdi area known for its scenic beauty.

Lakshadweep Islands (300 km away in Arabian Sea): An archipelago of 12 atolls, 3 reefs, 5 submerged banks and 36 islands in the Arabian Sea forms a favorite getaway from Kerala. Only six of the 36 islands are inhabited and open for tourists - Androt, Amini, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadamat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti and Minicoy. They are the only coral reef island in India and rich in flora and fauna. Just the place for adventure enthusiasts who love snorkeling and other Watersports, Fishing etc.

Location :
On Arabian Sea coast, in Kerala

Go there for :
Backwaters, Antiques, Ayurveda

Climate :
Upto 35°C (Sum); Around 25ºC (Win)

When to Go:
December to May

Local Tongue:
Malayalam, English

Literacy :
94.3%

STD Code :
+91 - 484