I happened to see a documentary from The Department of Tourism - Government of India “INCREDIBLE INDIA – NORTH EAST a Path to heaven”. When I saw the documentary I felt proud to be an Indian. It is a mirror giving crystal clear picture of great India – Unity in Diversity.
That day only I made up my mind to visit the places. Journey started from Mumbai to Kolkata. First visit was at holy Dakhineshwar Temple on the very Friday which gave an intuition for our successful heavenly awaited trip ahead!
How can we forget the test of Kolkata from K. C. Das - The "Mishty Dohi"!!!
Next day the flight was ready to board for Guwahati and the official North East Trip was about to begin! The excitement reached it’s peak during our flight journey when we saw nature’s “Nazara” and Green valleys down below from the flight and to add to that excitement arrived an Ocean river – “Brahmaputra”. The vein of North East! We could really evidence what’s truly said in our national song “Vande Mataram” - “सुजलाम सुफलाम मलायाजशीतालम …….” During the flight journey we came to know why the river name is “Brahmaputra”? As kilometers together we couldn’t see land! This mysterious river inspired the well known Assami poet cum singer Bhupen Hazarika so much that he wrote a poetry “ओह गंगा तू बहेती क्यों ……..” and a local Assami song "एई देसों एई माटी मोमता मोई नाआटी........"
Within an hours time we reached Guwahati with a bit humid weather around. We had been to Godess Kamakhya at Kamakhya temple around 8 KM away from Guwahati City. The temple is built in a typical Kalinga style architecture. In India temples are mostly divided into two structures – One is Dravidian which is found mostly in Southern India at Pattadkal, Ahihol & the other one is Kalinga.
That day only I made up my mind to visit the places. Journey started from Mumbai to Kolkata. First visit was at holy Dakhineshwar Temple on the very Friday which gave an intuition for our successful heavenly awaited trip ahead!
Within an hours time we reached Guwahati with a bit humid weather around. We had been to Godess Kamakhya at Kamakhya temple around 8 KM away from Guwahati City. The temple is built in a typical Kalinga style architecture. In India temples are mostly divided into two structures – One is Dravidian which is found mostly in Southern India at Pattadkal, Ahihol & the other one is Kalinga.
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| Kamakhya Temple |
After watching a sunset at sunset point on Kamakhya Temple Road we came down to city. City is stepping towards metro city lines! Markets were crowded depicting Assam’s traditions and on the other hand acceptance of western style by acquiring mall culture.
We enjoyed our evening walk at Dikhalipukhari Lake – Shanti Udyan; and shopping for Assami “Bihu” special cap in Guwahati City market.
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| Dikhalipukhari Lake – Shanti Udyan |
Other tourist spots at Guwahati are Umananda Temple an island, situated in Brahmaputra River and the Sukreswar Ghat. Boat ride through Brahmaputra with cool windy breezes is a pleasure! We found Umananda Temple as the best place for meditation, no disturbance but cool and quiet place!
Our next halt was at Tezpur. We had been to Tezpur Airforce Base. We felt very proud looking at the active participation of youngsters to serve our nation and yes being a lady ;more proud to see a lady flying officer performing her flying duty at Air Force Base.
During our this visit we were fortunate enough to attend Bihu Festival which begins every year on 14th April and lasts for a month’s time. Bihu is a celebration for Assami New year! It was a sheer luck that we met an Indian Oil’s strategic Team in whose honour this Bihu special dance was organized at Kaziranga!
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMKo-Hu6uQrUyn8OQz26h-pMjEfF5SOPb77iPpCJNNQQ-Z-VO-4fkOgHcfm1YrEyw/photo/AF1QipOjeY-FXIKp_ifFGYPH3eQudYwnjCloaQpiZIQV?key=djdYX3dzdFM4Z1pHaExseEVOSU5SdXRmOE5rYXNB
One more incidence of a sheer luck was to visit Kaziranga national Park. Generally Kaziranga Park shuts down for annual maintenance from mid April. But if it rains then it may get closed earlier only and this was the year of census for Rhinos.
Every 3 years census activity is carried out at Kaziranga! It was already shut down on 9th -11th April due to the sudden rainfall & bad weather! But fortunately because of good weather and weekend tourists rush it got opened & we entered the forest to eyewitness the world of Rhinos!
During our this visit we were fortunate enough to attend Bihu Festival which begins every year on 14th April and lasts for a month’s time. Bihu is a celebration for Assami New year! It was a sheer luck that we met an Indian Oil’s strategic Team in whose honour this Bihu special dance was organized at Kaziranga!
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMKo-Hu6uQrUyn8OQz26h-pMjEfF5SOPb77iPpCJNNQQ-Z-VO-4fkOgHcfm1YrEyw/photo/AF1QipOjeY-FXIKp_ifFGYPH3eQudYwnjCloaQpiZIQV?key=djdYX3dzdFM4Z1pHaExseEVOSU5SdXRmOE5rYXNB
One more incidence of a sheer luck was to visit Kaziranga national Park. Generally Kaziranga Park shuts down for annual maintenance from mid April. But if it rains then it may get closed earlier only and this was the year of census for Rhinos.
Every 3 years census activity is carried out at Kaziranga! It was already shut down on 9th -11th April due to the sudden rainfall & bad weather! But fortunately because of good weather and weekend tourists rush it got opened & we entered the forest to eyewitness the world of Rhinos!
To see baby rhinos with mother was a real treat for eyes! October – December is the best season to visit this sanctuary. Along with Rhinos bird watchers can watch Migratory Birds from different continents!
Gypsy ride is always preferable which takes you to the different watch points. Central, West and East watch points. It is preferable to watch one point per day as the area of this national park is huge and widely spread. Accompanying a security guard is must considering safety and security aspects of this national park.
Gypsy ride is always preferable which takes you to the different watch points. Central, West and East watch points. It is preferable to watch one point per day as the area of this national park is huge and widely spread. Accompanying a security guard is must considering safety and security aspects of this national park.
After Kaziranga on the way towards Arunachal Pradesh is Bhalukpong – City on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The State Bank’s board welcomes tourists gracefully soliciting it’s presence nationwide including remote places! Most of the north eastern states require inner line permit Assam and Meghalay are exceptions for this rule. Contact Numbers addresses and more information can be sought from the following website - http://roing.nic.in/permit.htm for Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line permit.
Generally within 3 weeks this inner line permit could be obtained subject to some verification formalities. We were fortunate enough not to go through this inner line permit process as we were accompanied by defense personnel and being defense invitee.
Arunachal greets tourists with a gift of beautiful mountains covered with snow caps accompanied by river flowing through valleys and cute naughty kids with rosy chubby chicks standing beside the roads to say you bye – bye and the unseen & attractive colorful blooming flowers!
Tippi is another tourist spot after crossing Bhalukpong for those who love orchids! This place is famous for Orchids sanctuary and a special research centre is developed for orchids.
The best place to visit in Arunachal Pradesh is Tawang which is a last node of Arunachal Pradesh at about 12500 ft from Sea Level. As we started going up and up from the sea level temperature started falling down and at Sela pass at around 14500 ft it dropped down to 0 almost! Weather changed so fast that suddenly roads got covered with heavy fog & a pleasure trip changed into an adventurous trip! That’s why the best season to travel is summer. Sela pass is the pass to enter Tawang which is a real tough pass if it gets closed due to bad weather then even choppers can’t provide any service. It’s a tough life for defense & while traveling we could really feel the adverse weather conditions which those defense personnel come across everyday! Hats off to their dedication and determination!
Other remarkable factor is vehicle speed! Maximum speed with which a vehicle can travel is 20KM! So to reach the destination with a distance of even 50KM, one would require 2 hrs! So the preferable vehicles are Mahindra’s Scorpio or Tata Sumo. Clearing of sludge/snow on the roads by defense and the localities &; continuously working for betterment of roads is a routine activity. Unique thing is workers are ladies! That’s really an astonishing fact!
We started for Shugestar Lake from 12500 ft & reached upto almost 13500 ft. On the way we visited the Ghatak Comando Training Camp for high altitude survival. Most of the time we were accompanied by defense convoy as the area is under defense surveillance. After a journey of almost 1 hour we reached “Shugestar alias Madhuri lake”.
This lake is situated in a wonderful scenic location surrounded by Himalayan peaks with ice caps and pine, spruce trees covered with snow slanting on the steep edge of those mountains! While eye witnessing this scenic beauty we didn’t feel like leaving the place! But finally we left the place with overwhelmed feelings &; saving the collection of best scenic shots in our mind’s hard disk. We really enjoyed the moment “Himalay ki God Mein”!
Next destination that was supposed to be covered on the same day was Tawang War Memorial built by Indian Army in the memory of “Shahid Jawans” in 1962 Indo – China War.
The “Shahid Jyoti” in memory of soldiers who laid down their life in Indo – China War &; a ready position gun at the entrance; specially attract tourists’ attention.
AWA (Air Force Wife’s Welfare Association) shop is also present beside this War Memorial where we can buy the crystals, war memorial mementos, and some north eastern special handicraft items.
On the same road at the dead end is Tawang Monestry – “Gyaden Namgyal Lhaste”. This monestry was previously under Lhasa governance but latter on the founder member Maryl Lama with a noble intention of civil piece and betterment of the city brought it under Indian Governance. Even today more than 400 monks take monastery education here. Along with monks education better civilians are also trained through this monastery which is the most appreciable part of this organization.
Wherever you go in Arunachal Pradesh you can watch the board – Fiker Not -117 really it’s a fiker not with 117 defense establishment. Tourists need not worry about the information, transport in case any urgency because 117 defense troop is always there at your service! Really they deserve the mission statement “I’m an eye of India”. “Drive in the heaven with 117!” We were surpised to see Shivaji Maharj's statue and the road named as "Shivaji Maharaj Marg". Blessed to see King of Swarajya in North East!! Another interesting hoarding was for Tawang Lhasa Highway. The road is bumpy and not superfine also. It takes days together to reach the final destination Lhasa.
On our return journey to Tenga we visited Gorsam an ancient place famous for very old stoop since 1200 century. This stoop lies within Himalayan mountain ranges and a river flowing beside the road approaching stoop. In Gorsam. We really witnessed untouched and explored beauty of North East!
Enroute from Tawang to Tenga we haulted at Jang which is famous for Giant Waterfall. Really by name the cascade is Giant with a noisy waterflow. Special waterfall watch point “Narnung Hydel” attracts tourists to enjoy it’s beauty.
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPFSSrjqW5nOpG1XUFn8Yk99MYh6DBB2X8GMPZxSNXPUFoR0tONaIcdWhofI69HOg/photo/AF1QipPiaSU7B-tYM8quSVOgIxyD3zeO3p7jGko5KKM4?key=S2tWVlV1R3dad043MWFEVDJ6NFVKV0NQaW01RWd3
We were blessed to spend some time with local kids from Arunachal and witness their hardship!
Our next destination was Shillong, capital city of State Meghalay. We could witness the fact “Why the state’s name is kept Meghalay?” Really it’s a residence of clouds! Shillong is situated in a hilly region at a distance of 100 km from Guwahati. So it’s correctly said Guwahati is a real gateway to the seven sisters.
While entering Shillong Bada Pani” lake in association with Lions Club Shillong welcomes you. Road beside the “Bada Pani” lake is surrounded with lot many eye smoothening violet color flowery trees and mountains covered with clouds. Watching a sunset from this lake is one of the attractions on tourist’s cart!
Shillong city is a mix of Modern as well as traditional culture. It’s a north eastern command for air force. Indian Institute of Management has also come up with one of their branches here. It’s a lush green city with blooming variety colored flowers.
First day we planned our visit to Cherapunji – the highest rainfall place in India known to us since our school days but now the honor is shifted in the name Mausinram.
Arunachal greets tourists with a gift of beautiful mountains covered with snow caps accompanied by river flowing through valleys and cute naughty kids with rosy chubby chicks standing beside the roads to say you bye – bye and the unseen & attractive colorful blooming flowers!
Tippi is another tourist spot after crossing Bhalukpong for those who love orchids! This place is famous for Orchids sanctuary and a special research centre is developed for orchids.
The best place to visit in Arunachal Pradesh is Tawang which is a last node of Arunachal Pradesh at about 12500 ft from Sea Level. As we started going up and up from the sea level temperature started falling down and at Sela pass at around 14500 ft it dropped down to 0 almost! Weather changed so fast that suddenly roads got covered with heavy fog & a pleasure trip changed into an adventurous trip! That’s why the best season to travel is summer. Sela pass is the pass to enter Tawang which is a real tough pass if it gets closed due to bad weather then even choppers can’t provide any service. It’s a tough life for defense & while traveling we could really feel the adverse weather conditions which those defense personnel come across everyday! Hats off to their dedication and determination!
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| Tawang City Entrance |
Other remarkable factor is vehicle speed! Maximum speed with which a vehicle can travel is 20KM! So to reach the destination with a distance of even 50KM, one would require 2 hrs! So the preferable vehicles are Mahindra’s Scorpio or Tata Sumo. Clearing of sludge/snow on the roads by defense and the localities &; continuously working for betterment of roads is a routine activity. Unique thing is workers are ladies! That’s really an astonishing fact!
We started for Shugestar Lake from 12500 ft & reached upto almost 13500 ft. On the way we visited the Ghatak Comando Training Camp for high altitude survival. Most of the time we were accompanied by defense convoy as the area is under defense surveillance. After a journey of almost 1 hour we reached “Shugestar alias Madhuri lake”.
 |
| Shungestar / Madhuri Lake |
This lake is situated in a wonderful scenic location surrounded by Himalayan peaks with ice caps and pine, spruce trees covered with snow slanting on the steep edge of those mountains! While eye witnessing this scenic beauty we didn’t feel like leaving the place! But finally we left the place with overwhelmed feelings &; saving the collection of best scenic shots in our mind’s hard disk. We really enjoyed the moment “Himalay ki God Mein”!
Next destination that was supposed to be covered on the same day was Tawang War Memorial built by Indian Army in the memory of “Shahid Jawans” in 1962 Indo – China War.
The “Shahid Jyoti” in memory of soldiers who laid down their life in Indo – China War &; a ready position gun at the entrance; specially attract tourists’ attention.
 |
| Tawang war Memorial |
AWA (Air Force Wife’s Welfare Association) shop is also present beside this War Memorial where we can buy the crystals, war memorial mementos, and some north eastern special handicraft items.
On the same road at the dead end is Tawang Monestry – “Gyaden Namgyal Lhaste”. This monestry was previously under Lhasa governance but latter on the founder member Maryl Lama with a noble intention of civil piece and betterment of the city brought it under Indian Governance. Even today more than 400 monks take monastery education here. Along with monks education better civilians are also trained through this monastery which is the most appreciable part of this organization.
Wherever you go in Arunachal Pradesh you can watch the board – Fiker Not -117 really it’s a fiker not with 117 defense establishment. Tourists need not worry about the information, transport in case any urgency because 117 defense troop is always there at your service! Really they deserve the mission statement “I’m an eye of India”. “Drive in the heaven with 117!” We were surpised to see Shivaji Maharj's statue and the road named as "Shivaji Maharaj Marg". Blessed to see King of Swarajya in North East!! Another interesting hoarding was for Tawang Lhasa Highway. The road is bumpy and not superfine also. It takes days together to reach the final destination Lhasa.
On our return journey to Tenga we visited Gorsam an ancient place famous for very old stoop since 1200 century. This stoop lies within Himalayan mountain ranges and a river flowing beside the road approaching stoop. In Gorsam. We really witnessed untouched and explored beauty of North East!
Enroute from Tawang to Tenga we haulted at Jang which is famous for Giant Waterfall. Really by name the cascade is Giant with a noisy waterflow. Special waterfall watch point “Narnung Hydel” attracts tourists to enjoy it’s beauty.
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPFSSrjqW5nOpG1XUFn8Yk99MYh6DBB2X8GMPZxSNXPUFoR0tONaIcdWhofI69HOg/photo/AF1QipPiaSU7B-tYM8quSVOgIxyD3zeO3p7jGko5KKM4?key=S2tWVlV1R3dad043MWFEVDJ6NFVKV0NQaW01RWd3
We were blessed to spend some time with local kids from Arunachal and witness their hardship!
Our next destination was Shillong, capital city of State Meghalay. We could witness the fact “Why the state’s name is kept Meghalay?” Really it’s a residence of clouds! Shillong is situated in a hilly region at a distance of 100 km from Guwahati. So it’s correctly said Guwahati is a real gateway to the seven sisters.
While entering Shillong Bada Pani” lake in association with Lions Club Shillong welcomes you. Road beside the “Bada Pani” lake is surrounded with lot many eye smoothening violet color flowery trees and mountains covered with clouds. Watching a sunset from this lake is one of the attractions on tourist’s cart!
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| Bada Pani Lake |
Shillong city is a mix of Modern as well as traditional culture. It’s a north eastern command for air force. Indian Institute of Management has also come up with one of their branches here. It’s a lush green city with blooming variety colored flowers.
First day we planned our visit to Cherapunji – the highest rainfall place in India known to us since our school days but now the honor is shifted in the name Mausinram.
First destination was “Mausmai Caves” naturally formed caves. Inside the Caves are lighted up and generator facility is also available if the power goes off. Different stone sculptures formed naturally are real wonders of nature! We had a great experience of trekking cum rapling inside the cave!
Next halt was at Nohkalikai Fallls. Noisy and cascading waterfalls is a speciality of Cherapunji. This is the 4th highest waterfall in the world. Unfortunately due to changes in weather there was no rainfall since 5 months so the cascades were almost dried off. Even though there was no rainfall the surroundings were lush green with cloudy weather.
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| Inside Mausmai Caves |
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| Nohkalikai Falls |
From Cherapunji we returned to Shillong for Elephant falls visit. We also had photo session in Khasi community special Robes at Elephant Falls.
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| Elephant Falls |
Another tourist point is Shillong peak to watch sun set and sun rise. Entry to this point is via Air Force base premises and again defense permission is required which is available at the entrance gate. It’s a nice to watch widely spread Shillong city down below in the valley from the peak. The peak is surrounded by huge pines like Ooty’s Filmy Chakkar and one cannot restrain from singing around the trees!
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Shillong Peak |
The last destination was Shillong Catholic Church.
At the end how we can forget to “Shop till we drop?” We visited the central Shillong Bazaar &; experienced weekend crowd! Parking was flooded with vehicles and the roads with visitors! Special North eastern handicrafts and article special shops; attract tourists with their display and uniqueness!
Being last destination in the trip it was really tough to digest that the pleasure tour was about to end! But there were lot many things to be shared with friends and people. The most important message that we brought from North Eastern states; which was to be shared loudly – “India is still unexplored! Untouched beauty is yet to be seen. North east is calling for Tranquility and piece of mind so come forward to explore the Incredible India!!!!!!!!”
