The Eastern region of India is highly fertile and lush mainly because of the massive Brahmaputra river and a part of the Ganga river flowing through it. The area surrounded by the mighty Himalayan ranges on the North and the Bay of Bengal on the South. The climate in the region is tropical, with a temperate climate and lots of rainfall during the monsoons. This region has an abundance of gifts for visitors from all over the world. These reserves are located on the foothills of Himalayas with hundreds of river streams running through, making them lush green with dense foliage, a perfect home for the wildlife. Safaris through these sanctuaries provide an immensely thrilling and fulfilling experience to any wildlife enthusiast.
This region abounds in Wild Life sanctuaries, many of which have been granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The Sunderbans Tiger Reserve of West Bengal is spread over more than 10,000 sq. Km and is the largest mangrove forest in the world with exotic flora and fauna, and several river streams. It is home to more than 400 Royal Bengal Tigers – the largest population in India and a boat safari through this region is a thrilling experience. The Kaziranga National Park is a wildlife attraction of this region that hosts two-thirds of the world’s population of One-Horned Rhinos. Through this exciting jungle, a jeep safari provides an immensely fulfilling experience for wildlife enthusiasts. The Manas National Park is another widely acclaimed tiger sanctuary in the Himalayan Foothills of Assam.
The North-Eastern part of India is a treasure trove of unparalleled beauty. Nestled in the Himalayas lap, the green and clean environs will entice you to make it your permanent abode. Sikkim, with its landscape of valleys with its lakes of myths and legends and Darjeeling with its beautiful and mesmerizing views of snow-clad Kanchenjunga, are some popular must-visit places. Also, the ferry ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Darjeeling Hill Railways (or the Toy Train as it is fondly called) is surely not to be missed. The plains of East India also offer some interesting beaches and lakes. Dolphins playing and dancing on Chilka Lake is a visual delight.
North East region of India is a paradise for handicraft lovers. The natives of this region are skilled artisans who create wonderful pieces of art and craft with bamboo, cane, cotton, silk, and canvas. You could also shop Thangka Paintings, carpets, or handmade ornaments, which will have you spellbound with their authentic charm.
East India is the place where Buddhism evolved and spread all over the world. The Eastern and North Eastern portions of India, where Buddhism is the main religion, abound in some of its most astounding monasteries.
This region has a rich heritage of magnificent ancient temples that will enthrall you with their intricate carvings and historical significance. Popular temples of eastern India are Konark, Sarnath, Kamakhya Devi, and several others that are to be seen to be believed.
Varanasi is the world’s oldest living city. It is one of the seven holy cities of Hindus, and a visit to this place brings a profound transformation in anyone’s thought process with its magical ambiance. With its myriad temples and the glorious river Ganga flowing through it, Varanasi provides an unforgettable experience to the curious visitors.
Hardly a day goes by in India without festivities on some account or the other. Festivals in the Eastern and North Eastern part of India mirror the rich cultural and spiritual fabric of the region. Most of the festivals here are celebrated in reverence to Gods and Goddesses or to welcome the harvest. The festivals of India will warm your heart with their exuberance and effervescence, which you will be delighted to carry home.
The Hornbill Festival is hosted in exclusive association of the Government of Nagaland and is aimed to dive you into the cultural assets of Nagaland. Named after the bird symbolic of ‘respect’ and ‘folklore’, it is held at the Naga Heritage village, this festivity stays alive and kicking for ten days offering you with attractive displays of its cultural delights each day. It observes a participation of all the local tribes every year. This extragavanza should offer you rich experiences of Nagaland’s heritage, food and the amazing rice beer, lifestyle and traditions followed best by its tribal inhabitants. The warm-hearted and cheerful people of Nagaland invite you to be a part of the ‘Festival of Festivals’ this year to get charmed by its splendid manifestation.
Hornbill Festival in Nagaland: 1st – 10th December, 2024
The Bihu Festival is the national festival of Assam that goes on for a week. It can be better defined as the Assam Harvest Festival that records 3 occurrences in a year. The first occurrence remarks the Assamese New Year, the second is inspired by the onset of Harvest Season and the third version is dedicated to the end of harvest season. All these three manifestations are adorned with melodious music and folk dance performances by people wearing traditional costumes. It is celebrated with names like Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu, Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu and Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu.This festival dons a sporty get up as it hosts fascinating bull fights, nightingale fights and egg fights too. Now it’s time for you to make the most of it in the pristine embrace of Assam.
Bihu Festival in Assam: 16th January, 2024
Wangala Festival (or the hundred drums festival) is a popular harvest celebration of the Garo tribes in the north eastern region of Meghalaya. It is a regarded as an event of great significance as the Garo people celebrate it with huge grandeur. They dance, sing and relish the traditional drink (freshly brewed rice beer). The highlight of this festival is the orchestra of hundred oval-shaped drums and people dressed in bright festive wear gather for dance performances every day. It is where people display a rhythmic beating of hundred drums and rich Garo traditions. This festival runs for two days and is considered to be the traditional harvest festival of thanksgiving/merrymaking by payinghomage the the god of ripeness. It falls in the second week of November and is observed as a public holiday as per the Government of Meghalaya.
Wangala Garo Festival in Meghalaya: 8th November, 2024
The Buddh Purnima is celebrated to mark the prime aspects of Gautama Buddha- birth, enlightenment (nirvana) and death (parinirvana). This sacred day falls on the first moon night of the 4th month as per the Chinese Lunar calendar. It is a single-day festival observes a grand celebration for it is when the legendary founder of Buddhism- Mahavir Buddha came into the physical world. Thus, it is celebrated in various forms across the country. Some participate in ceremonies before dawn, hoist the Buddhist flag recite Buddhist prayers and mantras or donate the needy and pay homage to Lord Buddha with fruits and flowers. Also, a large number of Buddhist tourists gather around the holy Bodhi tree (where Lord Buddha gained enlightenment) to recite holy prayers followed by group meditations while listening to the important Buddhism teachings.
Buddh Purnima in Bodhgaya: 23rd May, 2024
Losoong festival marks an extravagant celebrations in Sikkim. It is famous as the Sikkamese New Year and thus symbolizes the onset of a new year. Also, it is a time of merrymaking for the farmers as they take it as an opportunity to rejoice and celebrate their harvest. The cham dance involves a bright display of Buddhist monks who wear colourful masks and vibrant traditional attires while performing this dance form. You can watch the celebrations live of this four-day festival festival at the Rumtek monastery and Tsuklahang Palace. A traditional drink "Chi Fut" is savoured by everyone after the effigy of Laso Mung Punu is set on fire at night.
Lossong Festival in Sikkim: 31st December, 2024
The Ziro festival is celebrated in the green valley of Ziro, home to the Apatani tribe, in Arunachal Pradesh. It is an outdoor music festival that acts as a platform for the musical artists across the country. This is where the talented artists from all corners of the country to showcase their talent. Many local and international artists has been a part of this four-day festival hosted at a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During this valley, the Ziro valley reverbrates with the music beats in the serene Ziro valley. Apart from the festival, you can also seek tranquility in the valley, go on a road trip, interact with the warm-hearted Apatani tribe, sip some local beer served in bamboo glasses.
Ziro Festival: 26th – 29th September, 2024
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