Tanima Holidays

The Excitement and Tranquility of the Eastern India

In no time at all the stimulating bustle and heat of Kolkata (Calcutta) is left far behind, opening out to the cool and luscious mountains of refreshing Darjeeling. Encounter the mighty range of the Himalayas in Sikkim, the one-horned rhinoceros in wonderful wild life reserves, then dream of a forgotten age in the ancient holy towns on the plains of rural India.

The capital of the state of West Bengal, Kolkata has a charm all its own. Imperial edifices, teeming bazaars, clubs and golf courses, museums and elegant hotels and the River Hooghly winding through the city are all part of its fascination. A good time to visit Kolakata is during the Durga Puja in October/ November when the metropolitan city is decked and decorated and is alive with good cheer and celebration.

Many of Kolkata's imperial buildings are located around the maidan (square), a large expanse of lawns that forms the heart of the city. They include the Victoria Memorial, an imposing structure in white marble that has a collection of paintings, manuscripts and memorabilia, the Fort William, the Raj Bhawan, the St. Paul's Cathedral and the Town Hall built in the Doric style. Calcutta has a lively cultural life and fine clubs. So see an art exhibition or two or go to the theatre.

Take a toy train to the magnificent hill station of Darjeeling for an unusual travel experience. Admire a panorama of some of the highest peaks in the Himalayan ranges. Go onwards to Gangtok, the attractive capital of Sikkim.

Travel further north to the lush Brahmaputra Valley to Assam. Explore the verdant UN spoilt beauty of the hill states of the north east-Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur. There are exciting trekking trails and colorful cultures to encounter and enjoy. Guwahati, the capital of Assam, set along the banks of the Brahmaputra, Shillong, a pretty hill station in Meghalaya with its grassy downs and lakes are special destinations.

From Kolkata you can wander off in the southeastern direction for a fantastic break to the spectacular Andaman Islands- 300 odd islands in the Bay of Bengal with their lush rain forests and sparkling beaches.

Along the coastline, south of Kolkata is the magical state of Orissa. Splendid temples in the Nagara style with tall shikaras or temple towers embellished with exquisite carving are the main attractions of this state. The temple towns of Bhubaneswar and Puri with Konark noted for its unusual Sun Temple make a marvelous circuit close to Kolkata.

Go west to the state of Bihar for a gentle trail in the path of the Buddha. Ancient settlements- Bodhgaya, the remains of the university town of Nalanda, Rajgir, Vaishali and Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh evoke the life of the Enlightened One.

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