TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN DARJEELING

Darjeeling Himalayan rail at Batasia loop

Lying in the foothills of The Himalayas at an elevation of 2,042 m, Darjeeling is a quaint hilly town located in West Bengal. With the snow-capped mountains in the backdrop and lush greenery all around, Darjeeling is one of the best places to visit for anyone looking for a rejuvenating experience. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Darjeeling offers you one of the finest experiences through its picturesque landscape, delicious cuisine, exciting adventures, and captivating culture.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to reach

By air: Bagdogra airport in Siliguri is the nearest airport to Darjeeling.

By rail: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest railway station to Darjeeling.

Best time to visit

April to June, October to November.

TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN DARJEELING

Although there are many places that you can visit in Darjeeling, we have compiled a list of the top 10 places to visit in Darjeeling that you can’t afford to miss. If you want to get the most out of Darjeeling in a limited time, then these are the places you should opt to visit.

(1) The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway/Toy Train

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is commonly known as the ‘Toy Train,’ is one of the must-visit places of Darjeeling. Featured in several movies, the Toy Train is honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow-gauge rail starts its journey from New Jalpaiguri and ends at Darjeeling. You can take a fun ‘Joy Ride’ on the train, which takes you through stunning landscapes including the famous Batasia Loop. Keep reading…

‘LIVE TO EAT’ IN NEPAL: 11 MOUTH-WATERING FOOD OF NEPAL

Often referred to as paradise on earth, Nepal is a small and beautiful country sharing borders with India and China. The food of Nepal has a wide range of tastes, and you will perhaps be able to experience all types of tastes that exist. One of the blessings of Nepal is that this country rejoices in its diversity and every community proffers something special on the plate to enjoy. The food of Nepal ranges from sweet, salty, sour, and bitter to food with pungent smells yet delicious.

The flavors in Nepal are unique and the preparations of traditional food are interesting. Due to the wonderful variation in its landform, the food of Nepal has been influenced by other neighboring countries as well. You will be able to enjoy ethnic dishes in Nepal also find yourself indulging in food influenced by India, Tibet, and China. Nepal is a fascinating place with complex cuisine and satisfying flavors. The food of Nepal is for all; whether you are a meat-eater or not the food is appealing to all. Unlike many Asian countries, due to the presence of Buddhist and Hindu traditions in Nepal, vegetarian food can be easily found in all places. Read more…

10 INCREDIBLE PLACES TO VISIT IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Arunachal Pradesh is one of the seven sisters of Northeast India and is also the northeasternmost state of the country. This beautiful state in India appears as a giant patch of green on the map of India. The beautiful Arunachal Pradesh is considered to be one of the places that offer dense forests, a wide range of flora and fauna, many unexplored places, and untouched beauty in the country. The stunning mountainous state, Arunachal Pradesh has freshwater bodies, lush green valleys, hills, vibrant varieties of flora, and also avifauna. Also known as the ‘land of dawn-lit mountains’, Arunachal Pradesh has many places to visit and offers picturesque views to visitors. Tourists seeking adventure, nature enthusiasts, and visitors looking for quite simple holidays with their loved ones can all visit this beautiful state and wander around the beautiful places in Arunachal Pradesh.

GENERAL INFO

Best time to visit: October to March

How to reach: Lilabari Airport in the North Lakhimpur district of Assam is the nearest airport. Naharlagun railway station is the only railway station.

COVID guidelines

10 Incredible Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh

1) Tawang:

An important travel destination of Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang boasts of being blessed with natural beauty in abundance. The city is home to the Monpa tribe. Pankang Teng Tso Lake is one of the most popular lakes in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. The lake is surrounded with blue lapis flowers in summers and wrapped in a blanket of snow in the winters. The largest monastery of India and the second largest one in Asia, Tawang Monastery is another major attraction of the region. Read more…

TOP 14 PLACES TO VISIT WHEN IN KATHMANDU, NEPAL

Kathmandu, also known as the city of temples, stands at an elevation of approximately 1,400 m above sea level in the bowl-shaped Kathmandu Valley in central Nepal. The valley is historically termed as “Nepal Mandala” and is home to the Newar people. The royal capital of the Kingdom of Nepal, you can find palaces, mansions, and gardens of the Nepalese aristocracy. It has been home to the headquarters of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) since 1985. Today, it is the seat of government of the Nepalese republic established in 2008 and is part of the Bagmati province.

Blog post: Best time to visit Nepal for a perfect vacation

Kathmandu is and has been for many years the centre of Nepal’s history, art, culture, and economy. It has a multiethnic population with a Hindu and Buddhist majority. Religious and cultural festivities form a major part of the lives of people residing in Kathmandu. Tourism is an important part of the economy. In 2013, Kathmandu was ranked third among the top ten upcoming travel destinations in the world and ranked first in Asia.

GENERAL INFO

Best time to visit: September-November

How to reach: Fly to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport or take a cab from India. Buses ply from Patna, Varanasi, Darjeeling, and Gorakhpur to Kathmandu. Read more…

PLANNING A TRIP? BEST TIME TO VISIT DARJEELING

Darjeeling, the queen of hills, is a city in the state of West Bengal. Darjeeling is situated at an elevation of 6,700 ft. and attracts many tourists from around the world throughout the year. Best known for its mesmerizing natural beauty and tea, Darjeeling is a popular spot for a memorable holiday.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Toy Train: UNESCO heritage site

• Darjeeling tea estates

• Sunrise from Tiger Hill

• Best view of Mt Khangchendzonga, the 3rd highest peak in the world

Best time to visit Darjeeling: Apr-Jun and Oct-Dec

How to reach Darjeeling: From Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri railway station in Siliguri you have to take a cab to reach Darjeeling.

Clear skies and fresh, crisp air makes it an ideal atmosphere to indulge in sightseeing and enjoy outdoor activities. The weather is ideal for trekking, especially the Sandakphu trek where you see clear views of the Himalayas. Spring sees the blooming of flowers such as rhododendrons and magnolias that can be best enjoyed during treks. These months are considered peak season, so book your tickets in advance. Read more…

AN UNRULY YAK AT TSOMGO LAKE- DID I SURVIVE THE RIDE?

It’s a cold day. The snow has already settled on the hilltops and the Himalayas are as usual standing grander than ever draped in a frosty white coat of ice. The only time they take on a different appearance is during sunrise when golden rays set the pinnacles ablaze. Tashi Viewpoint, which is a 10-min drive from MG Marg in Gangtok, is a great place to witness this spectacle. Trust me on this one, I’ve seen it after driving up to the viewpoint at 4:30 in the morning, and it’s just breathtaking.

Although the temperature outside is hovering close to 4 degrees Celcius, with the piercing cold penetrating through 4 layers of my clothing, it’s a great day though for the yaks. They love the cold and snow, and they would prefer doing nothing more than being lazy and the younger ones playful. Talk about being playful, I should know best after my ordeal riding on one. More on that later.

YAK RIDES IN SIKKIM

So it’s been on my wish list to take a yak ride in Sikkim, and the only places to do yak safaris are at Tsomgo Lake in East Sikkim and Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim.

You can see yaks grazing literally everywhere in north Sikkim and they can be found living at altitudes of upto 20,000 feet. The wild yaks generally have dark blackish to brown coats whereas the domesticated yaks have patches of brown. Read more…

10 BEST TOURIST PLACES IN NAGALAND

Distinct and different, Nagaland is definitely not like the rest of the states in India. Nagaland is a vibrant and colorful land with flawless and unheard of traditions, one alluring enough for tourists to explore. It is one of the lesser-known destinations in India but enriched with culture and diversity and boasts of rich history. Bordering Myanmar, Nagaland is a mountainous state in the northeast part of India.

Home to diverse tribes, their distinct culture and traditional artifacts make it a perfect place for travelers to visit; most people in Nagaland follow Christianity.

How to reach

By Air: The nearest Domestic Airport is Dimapur Airport from Kohima city, roughly 74 kms from Kohima.

By Rail: The nearest Railway station is located in Dimapur, roughly 74 kms from Kohima.

By Road: There are buses run by the Nagaland State Road Transport which ply between Dimapur and Kohima. Read more…

6 SPECTACULAR PLACES TO VISIT IN TAWANG IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH

One of the beautiful states in Northeast India is Arunachal Pradesh, which literally translates to “land of dawn-lit mountains.” The lush green hills, dense forests, freshwater bodies, and rich culture attract tourists from all over the world. Two of the many popular places in this state are the capital city of Itanagar and the beautiful Tawang.

Tawang, locally pronounced as ‘Dawang’ is a monastic settlement town in Arunachal Pradesh that is situated at an elevation of approximately 3,048 meters (10,000 ft.) to the east of Bhutan. It is a beautiful town and is not very populated. Arunachal Pradesh will flatter you with its unmatched natural beauty wrapped in the scent of spirituality. If you are curious about the lifestyle of monks, monasteries, and Buddhism, you must visit Tawang; there are many beautiful monasteries in Tawang, including the second biggest and oldest in Asia. One of the many reasons for the popularity of peaceful Tawang is that this is the birthplace of the Dalai Lama.

Tawang is also the cultural epicentre of Arunachal Pradesh, and the best time to visit the town is during the festival season. Before planning your trip to Arunachal Pradesh, have a look at the festival calendar of Arunachal Pradesh. Read more…

THE BEST OF MANIPUR TOURIST PLACES

Manipur is one of the beautiful northeastern states of India bounded by Nagaland, Mizoram, Myanmar, and Assam. Also known as the jewelled town of India, it rightly justifies the picturesque land. Surrounded by nine hills and the presence of an oval-shaped valley at the centre, it really does look like jewellery. The lush greenery, the wide array of flora, the colours of the sky, and the festivals of this state add to the beauty of the land. This mesmerising state in the northeastern region of India is a melting pot of culture, natural beauty, and breath-taking places to visit.

WHY TOURISTS FLOCK HERE

The beauty of Manipur attracts tourists every year from around the world. It is one of the prides of India in the east and also an ever-blooming tourist destination. Some tourists travel all the way from the opposite side of the world and from many different places to get close and to understand the culture and traditions of Manipur. The legends, customs, and cultural heritage and traditions of Manipur are really interesting and drive tourists’ curiosity. The locals are extremely kind and welcoming, and they really enjoy interacting and showing astonishing places in their state to visitors.

The places of attraction famous among tourists are bestowed with nature’s bounty, and there are myriad options to choose from when it comes to sightseeing. The vibrant festivals and culinary delights of this state also add to its popularity.

GENERAL INFO

Best time to visit Manipur: September-April

How to reach: Imphal airport. The nearest railway station is Dimapur, Nagaland. Buses ply to Imphal regularly from here. Read more…

INTO THE WILD ARUNACHAL PRADESH NATIONAL PARK

Arunachal Pradesh is the ultimate destination for wildlife tourism. The state has two national parks and several wildlife sanctuaries that are home to endangered as well as rare animals found only in the Northeast region of the country. Leopard, tiger, red fox, Hoolock gibbon, pigtailed Assamese macaque, capped langur, and red panda can be found in these beautiful landscapes. Perhaps Arunachal Pradesh is the only state in India that is home to four major cats: tiger, clouded leopard, snow leopard, and leopard.

The state has over 500 species of birds, 7 species of primates, and 25 species of mammals found across its national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

NATIONAL PARKS OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Arunachal Pradesh’s famous national parks are Namdapha National Park and the rich Mougling National Park. Like other National Parks of Northeast states in India, these parks in Arunachal Pradesh are home to diverse wildlife ecosystems. These parks are mostly covered with majestic mountains and dense forests and have many large water bodies that sustain the wildlife of the park.

Namdapha National Park:

Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the diverse ecosystems in the Indian subcontinent. It is in the lower Eastern Himalayan belt and provides beautiful views of the Himalayan peaks nearby. This beautiful park is tucked between the Patkai and Dapha Bum range of Mishmi Hills in Arunachal Pradesh. Spread across 1807.82 sq km, Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the largest areas to have been declared a protected zone in the Eastern Himalayas. The park was first established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1972, and in 1983, it was declared as a national park. Read more…