Overview
East India is bestowed with a spectacular beauty which makes this part of the country more compelling. The region includes states like West Bengal, Sikkim & other seven sister states . Experience the scenic beauty of the Himalayas, enjoy a quiet drive through the jungles and know about the religious past of the states, the eastern India has a lot more to offer. The most striking places to visit are Kolkata, Darjeeling, Guwahati, Shillong and lots more. Unwind your stress sitting in the lap of nature as this part of India houses several hill stations that take you away from the crowded parts of the country. The monasteries, Buddhist temples and the Durga Puja speak loud about the religious significance of the states while the ruins of ancient Nalanda University signify its historical importance. East India welcomes you to the paradise on earth.
Sights
Map
Info
Kolkata
Formerly known as Calcutta, the city of joy is the capital city of West Bengal and offers a joy ride to its visitors. Located on the east bank of Hooghly River, the city is the cultural, commercial and educational centre of East India. The city boasts of flamboyant history and affluent future. The major attractions in Kolkata city are Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial and Marble Palace. A divine feel captures your heart as you take a trip to Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Birla Temple and Iskon Temple. For a heavenly calm, take a trip to Mother House and St. John’s Church. Visit the Indian Museum (closed on Mondays), India’s richest museum which houses some priceless treasures of ancient Indian civilization.
Darjeeling
A town in the state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is located at a mighty height of 6,710 feet in Mahabharat range or lesser Himalaya. Known across the globe for its distinctive Darjeeling tea, the place is noted for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An ideal place to visit for a happening weekend, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Zoo and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park are a must visit.
If you are a trekking enthusiast, then the place offers you some exciting trekking destinations like Sandakphu. You can also go for some mountain activities like hiking and rafting on its high range mountains. Tiger Hill, Kanchenjunga Mountain, Mahakal Temple and monasteries like Japanese Peace Pagoda, Aloobari Gompa, Bhutia Busty Gompa and Ghoom Monastery are some other major Darjeeling attractions.
Kalimpong
Nestled amidst the lush foliage in the mid ranges of the Himalayas, Kalimpong is popularly known as the hill station of “the Raj”. This tranquil hill retreat is adjacent to the state of Sikkim and stretches over verdant deciduous forests which are really a treat to the eyes.
The incredible striking backdrop of towering snow capped peaks, makes this town an incredible part of the eastern region of India. This exotic town offers an astounding combination of beautiful people along with a rare ethnic blend, mesmerizing beauty, great hospitality not only from today but from the days of the mule caravans of old.
Mirik
(41 km. from Darjeeling) is a quaint little hill where the people of Mirik live in a fascinating alpine setting with wild flowers and the shy smiles of local people. Mirik is almost completely surrounded by tea gardens and aromatic cardamom groves in marshy terrain. Beautiful orange orchards at a spur of 2 km from Mirik add varying hues to the landscape.
Gangtok
Known as a Buddhist Pilgrimage site and a calm place to meditate, Gangtok is the capital city of the Indian state Sikkim. Bordered by China, Nepal and Bhutan, the place requires a number of permits to be visited. The city is regarded as one of the largest Himalayan Shangri-las and captures your heart with its mountainous beauty.
The city offers you a chance to view a number of magnificent views. Tsomgo Lake, Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Saramsa Garden, Banjhakri Falls and Bakthang Waterfalls are the major tourist attractions of Gangtok are Rumtek & Enchey Monastery.The Rumtek Monastery: 22 kms. from Gangtok main city a drive through beautiful countryside takes one to Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre built in the 1960’s by His Holiness, It houses some of the world’s most unique art objects, ancient manuscripts and icons.Orchid Sanctuary: visit the orchid sanctuary, which boasts of over 200 species of orchid. Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts: -This Directorate was set up to promote traditional Sikkimese art and handicrafts. Evening stroll famous Gangtok mall road which is India cleanest mall road.
Pelling
After Gangtok, Pelling is emerging as the second biggest tourist destination in the state of Sikkim. The main attraction of the place is the breathtaking view it offers of the Khangchendzonga and surrounding ranges, and easy access to the nearest tourist spots in the area. Sightseeing places in Pelling are monasteries; here you can explore the beauty of the oldest monastery in the city. Some of the famous monasteries are Pemayangste monastery, Sanga Choling monastery, etc. City’s serene environment and picturesque setting is perfect for adventurous trip and small treks make it more exploratory. The city offers an array of activities like white-water rafting on the Rangit, kayaking, promotional trekking, mountain biking, sightseeing, traditional sports and bird- watching. If you are looking for relax and tranquility then Pelling is ideal destination for stay.
Shillong
It is situated at an altitude of 1,491m above sea level and is the only hill station in the country that is accessible from all sides. The name Shillong is derived from U-Shyllong, a powerful deity. It is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the European settlers of Scotland. Hence, Shillong is known as “Scotland of the East.” The presence of many well reputed educational institutions, many of them established by various missionary groups make Shillong the hub of education for the entire north-east.
Guwahati
The destination is poised on the banks of the river Brahamaputra and this city provides a link to seven other northeastern states. Hills of this destination hold a 10th-century temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya and an ancient seat of astronomy known as Navagraha, the temple of the nine planets; the small Umananda temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is on an island in the river. The area around the city contains wildlife sanctuaries, archeological ruins and a silk-weaving center.
Kaziranga National Park
The national park is located on the banks of the River Brahmaputra in the far North East of India, Assam. The national park covers an area of 430-sq-kms (approx.) with lots of flora and fauna. The national park is the ideal habitat for the Indian One-Horned Rhino. In the year 1940, Kaziranga National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary. Apart from the great one horned Indian Rhino, the other wild attractions includes Indian Elephants, Indian Bison, Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Hog Deer, Sloth Bears, Tigers, Leopard Cats, Jungle Cats, Otters, Hog Badgers, Capped Langurs, Hoolock Gibbons, Wild Boar, Jackal, Wild Buffalo, Pythons, Monitor Lizards, etc.
Experience the spectacular beauty of the east by exploring each of these eye-pleasing places which will certainly let your mind, body and soul get rejuvenated away from the hustle and bustle!
