beautiful thoughts: A lovely day.......: "The morning of june 27 was clear and sunny with a fresh warmth of full summer day.The flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was r..."
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About Sikkim Travel
The beautiful hill state of Sikkim lies on the eatern tip of the Himalayas bordered by Bhutan, Nepal an Tibet.Sikkim is famous for Kanch-Endzonga, at 598 mtrs, which is third highest mountain in the world. Being second smallest state in India, Sikkim covers 7,096 sq kms and measures 110 kms from north to south and 64 kms from east to west. It encompasses the upper valley of Teesta river, a tributary of the Brahmaputra. The watershed form the borders with Tibet and Nepal. Rangit and Rangpo rivers form the border with West Bengal. Sikkim is separated from Nepal in the west by the Singalila range while Donngkya range is the border to the north & north-east. Sikkim is broadly divided into four districts. The east district with capital city of Gangtok is the hub of all administrative activity. The famous Rumtek Monastery, the Dharma Chakra Centre and the seat of his Holliness Gyalwa Karmapa, all are located here. Other places of interest include the Tsomgo Lake and the Nathula Pass. A most beautiful district, the North District is an abundance of the natural splendour and Alpine scenery. During spring time, the meadows are alive with exotic wild flowers that cover the valley in charming hues. The hot springs and tribal customs & culture here are very attractive. The west district offers the ultimate in adventure. From white water rafting on the foaming Teesta and Rangit, to trekking through thick Rhododendron forests- the district offers it all. A breathtaking view of Mt Kanch-Endzonga can be had from Pelling that has developed as a major tourist attraction. The sacred lake of Khechiperi also lies close to Pelling. The Osuth District is home to some of the oldest monasteries in the state. Adventure treks to Maenam and Tengdong Hill originate from Rawangla. The region is also just-right for mountain biking and nature watching.
Wildlife in Sikkim
Sikkim's local name 'Denzong', which means the 'Valley of Rice' is apt, since rice is the main crop here. The jungles abound in plantains, bamboo tree ferns, walnut, oak, pine and silver fir. Sikkims Orchids are known the world over and number more than 450 species. The state flower is t
he Nobile Orchid. Also, there are around 36 species of Rhododendrons found at heights of 10000 ft.Since the area of Sikkim ranges from the tropical to the Alpine, the flora and fauna is unique. There are more than 500 species of avifauna, ranging from the majestic Bearded Vulture to the few inches long Olive Ground Warbler. Other species include the Emerald Dave, Woodpeckers, Cuckoos and Kingfishers. The forests are the habitat of the Barking Deer, Red Panda, Leopard Cats and Flying Squirrels, among other animals. Alpine Adventure The mountains of Sikkim offer great experience to all trekkers, mountaineers and seekers of adventure. All one needs is to be reasonably fit and in good shape. The unrivalled high altitude Alpine treks of Dzongri at 128000 ft and Goechala at 18000 ft, are both breathtaking and awe-inspiring. Also, if one is inclined for some white water action, the rivers Tista and Rangeet beckon. Sikkim Tourism organises river rafting packages through recognized tour operators. Besides these, facilities are also available for mountain biking and rock climbing, with instructors from the Sonam Gyatso Mountaineering Institute in Gangtok.
Fairs and Festivals in Sikkim
Maghe Sankranti MelaA three day holy festival of the Hindus celebrated along the river banks with huge fairs. BumchuIt is held in the month of January/February in the monastery of Tashiding. The abbot of the monastery unveils a pot of holy water and foretells the future of the state. LosarThis festival is held around the festive month of February to celebrate and welcome the Tibetan New year with feasting and merry-making. Saga DawaHeld during the month of May, this festival celebrates the triple blessed day of Buddha's Birth, Enlightenment and Maha 
parinirvan in most of important monasteries in Sikkim. Pang LhabsolUnique to Sikkim, this festival worships the snow peaks of Mount Kanchendzonga. An important feature of the celebration is the warrior dance with its intricate steps and leaps accompanied by martial war-cries. Tendong Lho Rum FaatThis festival celebrates the event, when according to legend, the Thedong Hill had risen to save the Lepchas, during a great flood. DasainIt is the main festivals of Hindu Nepalese in Sikkim. It signifies the victory of good over evil. The elders of the family apply 'Tika' on the young and bless them.TihaarThis festival is celebrated as the festival of lights with the lighting of lamps accompanied with traditional carols called Deusi and Bhakti. Losoong FestivalThis Bhutia festival marks the end of harvest season and also the end of the Tibetan year. It is celebrated with religious dances (Chaams) in the monasteries of Tsug Lakhang, Phodongand Rumtek along with family gatherings , feasting and archery contests.
The four Jewels of Sikkim
East District
The capital city Gangtok is located here and it is the hub of all government activities. The world famous Rumtek Monastery, the Dharma Chakra center and the seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa is located here in addition to the alpine Tsomgo lake and Nathula Pass.
West District
The West District offers all adventure activities. river rafting, trekking, mountaineering etc begin here. The rivers Teesta and Rangeet attract white water rafting revelers in large numbers.
North District
The famous Shingbha Rhododendron sanctuary as well as the Khangchendzonga National Park is located here. During spring time, the meadows of Yumthang abound with wildflowers, which carpet the valley in a riot of colours. The Hot Springs and rich tribal culture and customs are other attractions.
South District
Most famous monasteries are located here. A 108 ft high image of the patron saint of Sikkim, Guru Padmashambhava is situated near the district headquarters at Namchi. Ravangla Base Camp offers trekking upto Maenam and Tendong Hill here. Varsey Rhododendrons Sanctuary is also located here.
posted by debcubspark @ 6:36 PM
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Tripura, The Tiny State
Tripura, the second smallest state in the country, is almost surrounded by Bangladesh. Inspite of having 19 tribes, the majority of the population of Tripura is Bengali. Situated in one of the remotest corner of the country, Trpura is one of the best potential places that caters the taste of everything from palaces to lakes and hill station. Neermahal, a summer resort at south Tripura, built by late Maharaja Birbikram Kishore Manikya way back in 1930, attract a good number of tourists every year. The Ujjayanta Palace, a dominating built in Agartala, was built by Krishna Kishore Manikya Bahadur in 1901. The ancient land of Tripura located in the North Eastern region of India between 22.56 deg and 24.32 deg North Latitude and 90.09 deg and 92.20 deg East Longitude and is bounded on the north, west, south and south-east by the international boundary of Bangladesh. In the east it has a common boundary with Assam & Mizoram. 60% of the total area is under hills and forests. This tiny state has an area of about 10,500 sq. kms and is inhabited by largely 19 tribes Bengali, Manipuri and other communities.
History
The ancient history of Tipperah or Tripura is shrouded with mystery. We come to learn from Rajamal that more than 150 tribal kings ruled Tripura since the legendary period and King Ratnapha got the title "Manikya" from the Lord of Gauda. But recent readings of Tripura Coins have proved that Ratna had his two predecessors Maha Manikya and Dharma Manikya. Hence it is perhaps reasonable to conclude that with Mahamanikya, the historical period of the "Manikya" Dynasty started, which continued till 1949. The history of the rulers of Tripura in medieval period is the story of continual fights, particularly with the Sultans of Bengal. During the British period, some English officials were eager to occupy Tripura, but it was opposed by others. However, the office of the British Political Agent of Tripura was created in 1871. After the death of Birbikram Kishore Manikya in May 1947, a Council of Regency under the leadership of his widowed wife Maharani Kanchanprava Devi took over the charge of the administration on behalf of the minor prince. The Regent's rule came to an end on September 9, 1947, when due to popular pressure, the agreement of Merger of Tripura with the Indian Union was signed by the Maharani on 15th October 1949. Finally, Tripura became a full-fledged State in January 1972. The original inhabitants of the land, i.e. the hill people were noted for their tolerance and passive obedience. It is only in the 19th century that they started protesting against the oppressive Feudal System.
Flora & Fauna
Sepahijala Wild Life Sanctuary, is about 25 kms from Agartala covering an area of about 18 sq kms.It houses about 150 species of birds and the unique spectacled monkey. There is also a botanical garden, zoo, lake and boating facilities nearby. The Trishna Wild Life Sanctuary is located about 100 kms away.
Faith & Culture
There are only four predominant communities in Tripura professing different religious beliefs - Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians. Most of the tribal people have their own tribal customs and beliefs but in a broader sense of the religion they are believed to be followers of is Hinduism. They worship elements such as the god of water, the god of fire, the god of forests, the god of earth etc. A trace of their old faith is found in their present practice of striking a bamboo in the ground during religious festivals and worshipping it. Sacrifices form an important part of their religion; the buffaloes, pigs, goats and fowls being the animals ordinarily used for this purpose. Most of the modern members of the ruling family of Tripura were great patrons of art and literature and had great regard for eminent scholars of the country. Maharaja Dharmamanikya is said to have inaugurated the rajmala, a verse chronicle of the royal house. Tripura, a neighbouring state, have had a spiritual contact with Bengal for well over a few centuries and this contact became all the more significant during the period due to Tagore's continued association with the ruler and his benign influence over them. Teachers were brought from Mithila for the spread of Music in the State. A flute made of Muli Bamboo of Tripura was very famous. There are also their own improvised musical instruments like Sarinda, Chougpreng and Samu (flute) etc. made of bamboo and strings. The songs are mostlly related to their days work and different songs are sung on different occassions. Dancing in Tripura has always been in complementary lines with Music and it has always been a very popular aspect of cultural functions. The Garia dance is very popular among the Tripuris.
Handicrafts
Loin-loom, indeed is the oldest and most developed cottage industry of Tripura. Among the traditional produces mention may be made of dubris (a piece of skirt to be wrapped twice over the body) riha or risa (breast garment); bed-covers, screens, asanas etc. Silk is another age old industry of Tripura. Next to weaving, cane and bamboo works occupy place of prominence. Bamboo is available in super abundance, and this typical forest wealth of Tripura is one material that is used in many ways from building homes to making toys. Many artistic things are made of bamboo or its roots for example toy, tray, vase, photo-frame, human figure, casket, calender, pen-stand etc.
Fairs and Festivals
Of the many festivals which are celebrated in Tripura, the worship of fourteen Gods popularly known as "Kharchi Puja" occupies a place of pride. This is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the month of July every year. The first day of this week long festival is declared a holiday by the Government. Ker and Garia Puja- these two traditional tribal festivals, need special mention. Ker Puja starts generally fifteen days after Kharchi Puja. It is said that this puja is performed for the welfare of the state and its people. The puja is performed within a specific boundary & during the puja nobody is allowed to enter or come out of this specified boundary. The Garia Puja is performed on the sevventh day of the month of Baisakh (April). When the Puja is over, the devotees, men and women take to dancing. Another remarkable tribal festival is Ganga Puja. This puja is held in March-April. About 4 to 5 Villages join together to perform this puja. To perform the puja they build a temple of bamboo just on the middle of the river. They sacrifice goats, buffaloes and ganders and pray to God to save them from epidemic disease. Durga Puja in the month of October is one of the most popular festivals of Tripura. Next comes Diwali, on the occasion of which each year a big fair is held near Matabari in the temple of Tripura Sundari at Udaipur. "Ashokastami fair" is held at Unakoti Tirtha at Kalishahar every year in the spring. Thousands of pilgrims assemblle here to offer prayers to the images of Goddesses engraved on the hilly rocks which are found here.
Places of Tour
ist Interest
Agartala The State Capital is connected by road with Guwahati via Shillong by National Highway No. 44. It takes about 24 hours by road from Guwahati to reach Agartala. There are flight connections as well, with Calcutta and Guwahati. Ujjayanta Palace This is a modern building of the royal house of Tripura and is located in the heart of Agartala, sprawling over a half sq. kms. This two storeyed mansion has a mixed architechture with three high domes ( the centre one being 86' high). The magnificient titles floor, curved wooden ceiling and beautifully crafted doors are particularly notable. The palace was built by Radha Kishore Manikya in 1901. Its well laid out gardens have two large tanks on either side and the fountains are laid out in the patterns of the Mughal Gardens. Kunjaban Palace situated 1 Km ahead on a hillock, was constructed in 1917 and named as Pushbanta Palace by the than ruler, Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya. It is said that the known poet Rabindra Nath Tagore stayed in the eastern apartment of the palace. The southern side is now open to the public and is known as Rabindra Kanan, while the rest of the palace is now the official residence of the Governor of the State. Neermahal A Summer resort built in 1930 by the late Maharaj Birbikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, is about 55 kms away from Agartala. It is built in the middle of a Lake called Rudrasagar with a total area of about 5.35 kms. A perfect blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture it is the only Lake Palace in Eastern India. Half of the Palace is an open-air theatre and the other half on the Western Side is called the Andar Mahal, used by the Royalty.
Excursions
Unakoti The Rock-Cuts and stone carvings of Tripura are huge and have been carved on open vertical walls at Unakoti, Debtamura and Pilak. Unakoti is about 178 kms from Agartala. The name Unakoti means one less than a crore and legend. It is a Shivva pilgrimage site dating back to the 8th or 9th century. The central Shiva Carving known as the Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava is about 30 feet high, its head dress is 10 feet in height. Evvery year a big festival known as Ashokastami Mela is held here in the month of April. Debtamura This is 75 kms from Agartala and is situated on the banks of the river Gomati between Udaipur and Amarpur. The rocks on the banks of the river are also called Chabimura and are images of Shiva, Vishnu, Kartik, Mahisasur, Mardini Durga and other deities. The images date back to the 15th and 16th Century. Pilak The Stone carvings found here are mostly in stone and terracotta plaques. This is located about 100 kms away from Agartala. Mata Tripureshwari Temple Located at Udaipur about 58 kms away from Agartala and 3 kms from Udaipur, is considered one among the 51 pithasthans of India according to Hindu Mythology. It is also known as Kurma Pith because of the shape of the temple resembling the tortoise. The idol of Maa Kali is made of reddish black stone and is in the Soroshi form. The Fourteen Goddess Temple Is situated about 14 kms from Agartala at a place known as the old Agartala. The famous Kharchi Festival is celebrated here during the month of July each year. Bhuveneshwari Temple On the right banks of the Gomati River, was buillt by Maharaja Govinda Manikya, during 1660-75. It finds its reference in Rabindra Nath Tagore's poetry and drama. Jampui Hills The luxuriant forests of 'Jampui Hill', the premier one among the 6 principal hill ranges of Tripura provides a life time's exhilarating experience for the tourist.'Jampui Hill' - the permanent seat of spring, is situated at an altitude of about 3000 above sea level and about 250 km away from Agartala. This hill range consists of cluster of tribal villages and is home for colourful Lushai and Reang tribal communities. The neat and clean traditional wooden houses of the local inhabitants combined with greenery all around provide excellent opportunities for eco-friendly tourism. During the month of November every year, the unique Orange Festival is celebrated in the Jampui Hill.
posted by debcubspark @ 6:01 PM
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About Arunachal Pradesh 
Monpas and Sherdukpens of Twang and West Kemeng districts follow the lamastic tradition of Mahayana Buddhism. Noted for their religious beliefs, the villages of these communities have highly decorated 'Gompas' . Though largely agriculturists, many of these people are also pastoral and breed herds of Yak and mountain Sheep. Culturally similiar to them are the Membas and Khambas, who live in the high mountains along the northern borders, Khamptis and Singphos, inhabiting the eastern part of the State are Buddhists of Hinayana sect. They are said to have migrated from Thailand and Burma long ago. The second group of people are the Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bungnis, Nishis, Mishmis, Mijis, Thangsos etc. who worship the Sun and Moon God. Their religious rituals largely coincide with the phases of agricultural cycles. They invoke nature deities and make animal sacrifices. Adis and Apatanis extensively practice wet-rice cultivation and have a considerable agricultural economy. Apatanis are also famous for their paddy-cum-fish culture. They have specialised over centuries in harvesting two crops of fish, along with each crop of paddy. The third group comprises Noctes and Wanchos, adjoining Nagaland in the Tirap district. These are hardy people known for their structured village society in which the gereditary village chief still plays a vital role. The Noctes also practise elementary form of Vaishnavism. 
ulture
n has developed an Orchid Research and Development Centre at Tippi in West Kameng district for propogation and conservation of these species. In addition to this Orchidorium at Tippi, two Orchid conservation sanctuaries have been developed at Sessa and Dirang in West Kameng district.The Wildlife of Arunachal Pradesh is equally rich and varied. Elephants and tigers abound, especially in the grassy foothills and leopards and jungle cats are quite common. The White browed gibbon is found in Tirap and Lohit districts and red pandas and musk in the higher altitudes.
posted by debcubspark @ 5:29 PM
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About Assam
Assam, the mystic land of tea
We landed in Guwahati, the majestic gateway city to the North-East and capital of the state of Assam. The magic land Assam is a verdant land of the eternal blue hills, a treasure of flora and fauna, a mystic land of tea, the home of one horned rhino"uni-corn", toget
her with a numbers of fairs and festivals.
The word Assam is derived from the Sanskrit word "Asom" meaning 'peerless'. The ancient history refers to Assam as Pragjyotishpur, until in 1228, the Ahoms from North Thailand invaded this land and established a kingdom, which came to be known as Assam. So here I was glad to know about the Thai connection with Irene smiling.
The irresistible tourist attraction of Assam lies in her immense green stillness, the lush green forest, and the bewildering variety of wildlife.
How to Get there
Gateway to North-East India is the City of Guwahati. To get There 
By Air: LGB International Airport is conveniently connected to all major cities of India. With daily three flights to Delhi and five to Kolkata and weekly flight to Bangkok with connecting flights to rest of the world.
By Train: Guwahati Railway station is the Hub all Train services. It is connected to rest of India with convenient train connections.
By Road: Guwahati is connected with all other state capitals of North-East India through a network of government and private luxury buses, which are perhaps the best in the country.
Population
Total Population of Assam is 26 million.
People and Culture
The society in Assam is not just a conglomeration of diverse racial and cultural elements but a composite whole arising out of the integration and synthesis of all of them. Indeed, Assam has been a curious melting pot into which have gone the Aryan and non-Aryan, the tribal and the non-tribal, the indigenous and the exotic, making for a delightful fare with wonderful mixed flavor. 
The majority of the population in the plains is made up of Hindus, speaking the Aryan Assamese language. But the Aryan racial strain is prominent only in the upper castes, most of the other other castes are of the Mongoloid stock.
The Satras (seat of the religious head Satradhikar) and Namghars (house of names or Prayer hall) plays an important role in the life of an average Assamese and have acted as religious as well as cultural institutions.
Majority of the tribal groups belong to the Tibeto-Burmese family. The colourful people of Assam consist of Bodo-Kacharis, Rabha & Hajongs, Tiwas (lalung), Misings, Sonowal Kacharis, Deuris, Karbis, Dimasa Kacharis, Rengma Naga, Zemi Naga, Kukis and the Hmars.
In Assam, the line between the tribal and the non-tribal is pretty thin and the so-called non-tribal Assamese Hindu society retains many elements, which are patently 'tribal' by orthodox Hindu standards. Castes are not strictly occupation linked, and caste based disabilities are very few.
More than 40 percent of Assam's population is thought to be of migrant origin. During the six hundred years of ruling, the Ahom Dynasty managed to keep the kingdom, independent from Mughal, the Muslim invaders of India before the British, as well as other invaders though Mughal attacked Assam seventeen times. During this era, the Assamese society was exogenous. The British entered Assam in 1824 as tea planters, which was the starting point of the destruction of Ahom Dynasty.
The fairs and festivals in this sparsely populated state are essentially an opportunity for people from far and wide to converge and see the culture of the land.
posted by debcubspark @ 4:20 PM
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About Mizoram Travel
Myanmar and Bangladesh border Mizoram, the finger-like projection in the extreme south of the region. This region gained a measure of self government as a state in its own right. The Mizos have the second highest literacy rate in India.Mizoram, predominantly a Chr
istian populated state, is towards the southern-most tip of the North-Eastern states, sharing borders with Manipur, Assam, Tripura and then jutting between Myanmar and Bangladesh. The word Mizo means highlander, a collective term given by their neighbou
rs to a number of tribes, which settled in this area. They are orginally believed to have come from North-Western China and gradually pushed themselves to their present homeland, less than 300 years ago. A mountainous region, Mizoram became the 23rd state of the Indian Union in February 1987. The hills are steep with an average height of 900 metres. Its green thick forest is rich in flora and fauna. Mizoram has an area of 21081 sq kms.
Climate
Mizoram has a mild and very pleasant climate of 11deg C-21 deg C in winter and 20 deg C-30 deg C in summer. The entire area is under the influence of south west monsoon. It rains heavily from May to September and the average rainfall is 254 cm per annum.
Flora and Fauna
The state has 
thick bamboo forests. Rivers run in narrow ribbons that seem to be challenging onlookers to plunge in for some adventure and excitement. The hill ranges running in north-south direction are resplendent with green vegetation throughout the year. The highest peak, Phawngpui Mountain (meaning vast meadow) known as Blue Mountain, a garden of rhododendron of arboreum and veitchianum species is 2,065 mts. There are a number of hilly streams and rivers which murmur through idyllic scenario.Inhabited by swamp deer, tiger, leopard, elephant and hoolock gibbon, Mizoram can boast of a variety of wild life in the Dampa Sanctuary, established in 1976 at the north-western tip of Mizo hills. Best season to visit the sanctuary is from November to March. [1]
Faith & Culture
The majority of the Mizos are Christian by faith. The literacy percentage is 88 percent the second highest literacy rate in the country. The people are mainly non-vegetarian and their staple food is rice. The Mizo people are a close knit society with no discrimination on grounds of sex, status or religion. They are hospitable, sociable and love music, singing and dancing.
Handicrafts
The traditional handicrafts of Mizoram include the Khumbeu ceremonial hat that is made of waterproof wild Hnahthial leaves. Other handicrafts include items such as shawls, textiles, bags and fine bamboo.
Note: Customized tour package to this state could be made to suit your travel time and requirement.
posted by debcubspark @ 3:45 PM
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About Manipur This little corner is a paradise on Earth where Mother Nature has bestowed her bounty extra generously. Manipur`s exotic scenery, mystic atmosphere and salubrious climate are all that fascinate tourists. Abounded with festivals, Manipuris are best introduced by their world famous "Manipuri Dance"- one of the major dance forms of India.South of Nagaland, Manipur borders Myanmar. The state is inhabited by over two dozens tribes. Manipur claims to have invented the game Polo, the main sport of Manipur. Loktak Lake with floating- Weed- Island and dancing deer Sangai, is of tourist interest.Nestling deep within a lush green corner of North East India, is the wondrously beautiful little Shangrila called Manipur. Literally meaning - "a jewelled land", this little corner is a veritable, paradise on earth. Untouched and undiscovered, Manipur promises to be the great tourist discovery of the 21st century. An oval shaped valley surrounded by blue green hills, rich in art and tradition has inspired descriptions such as the "Switzerland of the East" with cascading rapids, tripping rivers, carpets of flowers and exotic blooms. It lies to the south of Nagaland & north of Mizoram. It shares the international boundary with Myanmar on the western and southern side.
Climate
The state of Manipur experiences a maximum temperature of 32 degree celsius and a minimum temperature as low as 0 degree celsius. The annual rainfall here is 1467.5 mm and the rainy season is from May to October. The winter stretches from November to March.
Flora & Fauna
Blessed with an amazing variety of flora & fauna, 67% of the geographical area of Manipur is hill tract covered forests. Depending on the altitude of the hill ranges, the forests range from tropical to sub-alpine. The wet forests, the temperate forests and the pine forests together sustain a host of rare and endemic plant and animal life.Orchids in Manipur, abound in their natural habi
tat growing in soil or on trees and shrubs. 48 kms from Imphal is Loktak-Lake & Sendra Island. This is a saucer shaped fresh water lake that attracts many species of birds. Part of it forms a rare ecosystem. This huge and beautiful stretch of water is like a miniature inland sea. The islands of Loktak are unique as they 'float' and comprise of marsh & grass and root of solid earth. Situated on the fringes of the Loktak Lake is the Keibul Lamjao National Park. Habitat of the endangered dancing deer, the brow-antlered-deer of Manipur, it is the only floating National Park of the World. The Hoolock Gibbon, the Slow Loris, the Clouded Leopard, the Spotted Linshang, Mrs Hume's Barbacked Pheasant, Blyths Tragopan, Burmese Pea-Fowl, four different species of Hornbills etc. form a part of the rich natural heritage of Manipur.
Faith & Culture
The people & tribes of Manipur include Meiteis, Naga and Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups and other colourful communities, which have lived in complete harmony for centuries. These are the people whose folklore, myths and legends, dances, indigenous-games and martial-arts, exotic handlooms and handicrafts are infested with the mystique of nature. In the field of art and culture, the state is best represented by its classical and folk dance forms. Ras-Leela songs and dances depict the Leelas (Sports) of Lord Krishna as a child with the Gopis (milkmaids) of Brindavan, and express their yearning for communion with the Lord.
Handicrafts
It is said that goddess "Panthoibi" drew her inspiration for weaving, from a spider making cobwebs in a corner. While almost every household in Manipur owns a loom-women folk alone are weavers. Intricate designs are woven on sarees, sarongs, shawls and bedspreads. The handloom industry is the largest cottage industry in Manipur, with the finished items often being exported. Manipur-Pottery is made without a potter's wheel. It is a rare experience to witness the potters of Andro, Thongjao and Nungbi, deftly moulding an unbelievable range of earthenware. Beautiful pieces of art made out of cane and bamboo form an important part of handicrafts. Tourists can take home a Lifan, Phak (weed mats), Phiruk, Manipuri Dolls & host of other beautiful carvings from rare and exotic varieties of Timber.Note: Customized tour package to this state could be made to suit your travel time and requirement.
posted by debcubspark @ 7:37 PM
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About Nagaland
The state of Nagaland, covering an area of 16,488 sq. km. is encircled by Assam in the north and west, by Burma and Arunachal Pradesh in the east, and Manipur 
in the South. The state is predominantly dominated by Naga communities and hence, it forms a single cultural region generally definable by common cultural and linguistic traditions. This state was carved out of the territories that were earlier known as Naga Hills - Tuesnsang Area(NHTA), through the State of Nagaland Act, 1962. It was inaugurated on 1st December, 1963 by the then President of India, Dr S. Radhakrishnan. The state lies between 2506 deg and 2704 deg of the equator and between the longitudinal lines 93015 deg E. The Barail range extending from the south-west via North Cachar runs up to Kohima, with its highest Peak, Japvo, attaining a height of 3,048 metres.
Climate
The beginning of winter is marked by a steep fall (almost 5 degree Centigrade) in temprature during December. January is the coldest month. In February, the temprature starts rising gradually. The monsoon lasts for five months from May to September with June, July and May, being the wettest months. The annual rainfall varies from 100 cm to over 300 cm.
Handicrafts
Nagaland's handloom and handicrafts own a reputation for their quality. The beauti
fully hand woven tribal shawls of various tribes, Naga mekhelas (Sarongs), Naga hand bags, which are exquisitely and intricately designed, have won worldwide appreciation. The new generation of Nagas have ventured into fashion designing on a commercial scale, reproducing fabrics that represent the past, fused with modern taste. They have handicrafts like beads, cearlands & baskets, made of cane & bamboo.
Flora & Fauna
The variations in the altitude, latitude, climate and soil have given rise to a diversity of forest types, ranging from tropical evergreen to temperate evergreen and the coniferous. Bamboo groves are extensive everywhere. Among the common species, mention may be made of the Naga Bhe and plants such as Mesuaferrea, Careyaarbotrea and Fiscus Electica. On the hill slopes are found oak, chestnut, birch, magnolia, cherry, maple, laurel and fig. Pine trees are found at high altitude areas, varying from 3,000 to 4,000 ft. Wild vegetables, roots, fruits and tubers are found in abundance throughout Nagaland. Nagaland constitutes a meeting ground for the sub-Himalayan, Indian, Chinese and Burmese type of fauna. Elephants, tigers, barking deer and sambar are found in different places through the state. Monkeys, jackals, wild buffaloes, wild pigs, bear and wild dogs are sparsely distributed through the Naga Hills. Among the ritually most valued species is Mithun. Other common species are lizards, toads, monitors.
Faith & Culture
The entire Naga inhabited area may be described as one culture area, on account of several ethno-historical factors. There are 14 tribes in Nagaland. The traditional faith, religious beliefs and practices of Naga tribes show signs of being animistic. There is a belief of a supreme creator of mankind, and many deities, ghosts and spirits of trees, rivers and hills. There are priests and medicine-men who placate these spirits, banish those who give diseases, attract those who help and guard, and also take the lead in the rites and festivals, which stimulate the processes of agriculture. Among the Naga tribes (Chang, Sangtam, Khiamngan), there is a belief that the soul, after death, goes down a narrow path to the land of the dead that is guarded by a spirit with whom it must struggle. Most Naga tribes regard the ultimate ancestors of man and the tiger, as very intimately associated. The ancient Kachari capital, Dimapur is one of the important sites of megalithic culture. The ruins appear to be contemporaries with the Kachari civilisation, established before the Ahom invasion in the 13th century A.D. There are evidences of Hindu influence on most of them, though these are predominantly non-Aryan. Today 85% of the people are Christians.
posted by debcubspark @ 4:22 PM
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About Meghalaya Travel
The state of Meghalaya is directly influenced by the southwestern monsoon that originates in the Bay of Bengal. The monsoon begins in May and continues until October. Mawsynram in East Khasi Hills district has one of the heaviest rainfalls in the world with a July average of 959 cms. The climate from November to April is almost dry. Winter begins in December and lasts until February.
The Language
The principal languages in Meghalaya are Khasi, Garo and English. However, the state language is English.
Flora & Fauna
In Khasi Hills, there are more than 2,000 flowering plants in a radius of ten miles from Cherrapunjee. There are 150 species of ferns and a profusion of mosses, fungi and lichens. More than 250 species of orchids , 25 species of balsams, 20 species of palms, wild species of apples and rhlateau and 150 species of grass are available. In the upper hill regions from 1500 metres and above, in the central plateau of Khasi Hills, coniferous vegetations like pines, oaks and ferns are found. This makes a distinct and interesting natural vegetation belt. The dense jungles in Meghalaya provide a natural habitat for various wildlife - mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. Balpakram, in the East Garo Hills is the centre of wild elephants population. The other wild animals found here include: tigers, bisons, hoolock gibbons, boars, barking deer, sambars, leopards, apes and monkeys. Among reptiles, many kinds of snakes, poisonous and non-poisonous lizards are found here. There are also a wide variety of birds found in the higher altitudes. A special mention of the approximately 500 species of butterflies found in Meghalaya needs to be made, with some of them being very rare.
How to get there ?
By Air: Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya is connected by helicopter service from Guwahati. Or else, one could take the daily flights to Guwahati and then travel by road - 100 kms (approx)
By Rail: Shillong is connected by North Frontier & North Eastern Railway via Guwahati. The nearest Rail head is Guwahati (127 Km.).
Festivals in Garo Hills
Among the Garos, the most important festival is the Wangala or the Hundred-drum Festival held from Nov. to Dec. This is a harvest festival celebrated in honour of Saljong, the Sun-God of fertility. The festival marks the end of the period of toil in the fields, bringing a good yeild of crops. Everybody - young & old joins in the festivities. The men beat the drums and move forward in rhythmic union. Doregata Dance Festival is another interesting dance. In this dance, women try to knock off the turbans of their male partners, using their heads. Another dance that requires exquisite skill is the Chambil Mesara or Pomelo Dance. This is a solo dance form, in which the performer dangles a pomelo or any other fruit on a cord tied to his waist and then hurls it round & round.
Festivals in Khasi Hills
The Khasis have two important festivals - Nongkrem Dance held in Oct. / Nov. and Shad-Suk Mynsiem, held in April. Nongkrem Dance is held annually for five days together. It is a religious festival for thanksgiving to God Almighty for good harvest and to pray for peace and prosperity in the community. It is celebrated in the month of November. An important part of this festival is 'pomblang' or decapitation of the goats, offered by the subjects to the Syiem of Khyrim. The Syiem is the administrative head of the state. Offerings are made to the ancestors of the ruling clan.
Festivals in Jaintia Hills
Behdienkhlam is the most important dance festival of the Jaintias. It is celebrated after the sowing period is over. At Jowai town, this festival can be seen being celebrated in July. Youngmen make a symbolic driving away of the evil spirits by beating the roofs of every house with bamboo poles. The climax of the celebrations is the tussle, as seen in a tug-of-war, for a large undressed beam of two groups of people opposed to each other. The Jaintias have also another Dance festival for entertainment called the Laho Dance, where young men and women dance to the merriment of the audience.
posted by debcubspark @ 2:33 PM
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