Neermahal Palace (Agartala)

Neermahal literally means Water Palace, it was the summer palace of Tripura Kings. Neermahal palace is built Tripura king Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur in 1930 and was completed in 1938 and is situated in Melaghar at a distance of 53 km away from Agartala (capital of Tripura). It is also knowsn as a water palace and is located right at the centre of Rudrasagar Lake. In the month of August, a big festival observed by the local body and government department which is called 'Neermahal Water Festival' and is is observed for 3 days. The Neermahal Palace is divided into two parts, the western side and the eastern side. Western side of the palace is known as Andar Mahal and was made for the royal family and eastern side is an open air theatre were cultural events were organised. This palace is designed by Martin & Burn Company.

Neermahal deserve protection as this palace is loosing its beauty day by day due to pollution and need to be protected, because a large number of tourists visits this palace every year. This is the only lake palace in Eastern India and is designed in both Islamic and Hindu architecture style. Best time to visit this palace is during its festival season.

Garden of Neermahal Palace

Explore Assam

Majuli( A Wonderous River Island)

Majuli is the biggest river island in the world and is located in the Brahmaputra river, Assam. It is a lush green environment-friendly and pollution free fresh water island with a total area of 1250 sq kilometers (but due to erosion, its area is decreasing day by day).

Majuli has been cultural capital of Assamese civilization. The festivals celebrated here are all joyous and vibrant. Main festival of the town is called Raas. 

The local languages spoken by the people of Majuli are Mishing, Assamese and Deori. Agriculture is the main source of income in the town.

Majuli is unique and quite interesting and is one of the key reasons  why people love this place so much. This island attracts tourists from all over the world. Best time to visit Majuli is between January-March and September-December.

Talatal Ghar

Talatal Ghar is the largest among all Ahom monuments, located in Rangpur, 4 kilometres from Sivsagar in Upper Assam. This is one of the most impressive of Tai Ahom architecture and was built by great Ahom Swargadeo Rajeswara Singha between 1751 AD and 1669 AD. It was initially built as an army base and has 7 levels of the fortress, four levels lay above the ground and three levels lie below/underground ( closed for public). There is also 2 secret underground tunnels which are connected to Dikhow River (3 km away) and Ghargaon Palace (16 km).

This secrets routes were built to facilitate emergency evacuation for the king and his army in times of crisis. The upper ground floor of the Talatal Ghar is popularly known as Kareng Ghar and was used by as a live-in palace by the royalty of Assam. It was built with purely organic materials- bricks and organic cement (mixture of rice powder and duck eggs).

The best time to visit Talatal Ghar is in the month of March and April. As is is too dark in the night, it is advised to visit during daytime when the sun is Bright.

Accoland

Accoland has been named after "Acco", the king of fun and entertainment. Accoland ( a family fun kingdom and a must place to visit) is situated in the outskirts of Guwahati in Pargaon and is 2 kilometres from the Guwahatti Airport.

This is the first biggest water cum Amusement Park in the NorthEast India and is designed beautifully like a castle, was inaugurated in 2005 and offers a lot of options to keep you busy for the entire day. Accoland park is at the foothills, giving beautiful view of landscapes.

The amazing rides like The M Fair Lady, Roller Coaster, Pirate Ships, Rocking Rola , Sky Train, Water Shoot, Swing Chairs, etc. offers a wonderful thrilling experience to the fun lovets.

Accoland Amusement Park is a great place to have a good time with friends and family.

Barak Valley

The word Barak has been derived from the Dimasa (Dimasa language is a Sino-Tibetan language spoken by the Dimasa people in the NorthEasteern part of India, mainly of Assam and Nagaland) word 'Bra' & 'Ko', Bra means bifurcation and Ka means upper stream/portion.

The Barak Valley is located in the Silchar, Assam and includes whole of Cacher, Hailakandi, Karimganj district. It is one of the most umnspoil and picturesque regions of Assam.

The Cacher districts of Barak Valley reflects the cultural, heritage of Assam and nature of the region is adorned with rich flora and fauna. 

Barak Valley was previously called Surma Valley and also consisted of Sylhet Division of Bangladesh.

This valley is spread in 7000 sq. kilometers. Best time to visit Barak Valley is during monsoon and winter season.

Chandubi Lake

Chandubi Lake is a natural lake, formed during the 1897 Assam-Meghalaya earthquake on 12th June, located in the Kamrup district of Assam. This lake is at a distance of 64 km from the Guwahati city, accessible through National Highway 37. 

Chandubi lake is blessed with rich flora and fauna and is relatively poor and less populated. The lake is located at the foot of Garo hills, surrounded by Assam and Meghalaya.

This place is calm and peaceful covered by deep forests and small village, spread over 2000 hectors. 

This lake is a natural sight seeing and one of the best picnic spot, the beauty of this lake and its surrounding lays a charm and attracts a large number of tourists from around the world to relax in the lap of nature. 

Popular Attractions of Gangtok

Gangtok, capital of Sikkim has rich heritage, hill stations, etc., which attract tourists from all over the world. It is located in the Eastern Himalayan range, at an elevation of 1,650 meters. There are densely forested regions around Gangtok, consisting of temperate, deciduous forests as well as evergreen forests. Gangtok enjoys a mild temperate climate throughout the year.

Here are some Top Attractions of Gangtok 

Do Drul Chorten

Do Drul Chorten or Stupa was built by the Venerable Trulsi Rimpoche in the year 1945 and it is the biggest stupa in Skkim, located on the hillock, Gangtok. The stupa is surrounded by the 108 Mani Lhakor (Prayer Wheels), all of which has mantras inscribed on them in Tibetan.

Inside the stupa, a complete set of Dorjee Phurba (Vajra Kilaya), Zung (mantras), a set of Kang Gyur relics (Holy Book) and other religious objects are kept. 

The Quaint serenity and calmness of this monastery has attracted tourists and devotees since years. 

BanJhakri Falls

Ban means 'forests' and Jhakri means 'healer'. BanJhakri Falls is about 5 kilometers from Gangtok and is accessible by all wheather road. It is an energy park and a Shamanistic theme park. The 100 foot waterfall is located in a landscaped park with forested area, close to Ranka Monastery. 

BanJhakri Fall is natural waterfall sourced from springs at higher elevation. The park was consequently developed into an attraction that celebrated the shamanic traditions of the people of Sikkim.

Ganesh Tok

Temple of lord Ganesha (Ganesh Tok) is close to Tashi View Point and is located at an altitude of 6,500 meters above sea level on a beautiful hillock.

Ganesh Tok view point is one of the most popular attractions of Gangtok. The place takes you closer to nature with its beautiful surroundings and pleasant ambiance. The best time to visit Ganesh Tok is early in the morning when it is enveloped with clouds.

Kanchenjunga Mountain

Kanchenjunga Range is the 3rd highest mountain in the world. It is visible from many other places in Gangtok. Kanchenjunga is the part of the Himalayan mountain range and is located on the eastern border of Nepal with India. 

Kanchenjunga has total 5 peaks, out of which one summit is 8585 meters. This mountain is 1st climbed by Joe Brown and George  and on 25th May, 1955.

There are 4 climbing routes to reach the summit of Kanchenjunga, 3 of which are in Nepal and 1 in Sikkim. This route has been banned by the Indian govt and is closed since 2000.

Tsomgo Lake  

Tsomgo means 'Source of Water'. Tsomgo Lake is also known as Changu Lake, is a glacial lake in the east Sikkim, 38 kilometers from the Gangtok is at an altitude of 12,310 ft, the ethereally beautiful Tsomgo lake is must on every visitors itinerary.

There is a pathway along the lake that leads to a resting place about half a kilometer walk. The lake is surrounded by steep mountains which are covered with snow during winter season. The lake is formed in an oval shape and has a surface area 60.5 acres. Before visiting Tsomgo Lake, is is essential to obtain permit as this is a restricted area.

Paradise Discovery

  Entrance Gate of Kongmu Kham (Golden Pagoda)

It was 2016 when I discovered paradise named Golden Pagoda, situated in Namsai  district  of Arunachal Pradesh,India.Golden Pagoda is also known as Kongmu Kham in    local Tai Khamti language.

The Pagoda is built on a plateau overlooking the plains at the foothill of the last fringes of Eastern Himalayas.Thousands of devotees,monks visit evey year to the Pgoda as it is considered sacred and very significant.

It is also a center for cultural research of the Tai Khampti and Singpho tribes who inhabit this part of the country and practice Theravada Buddhism.

              Location : Namsai District of Arunachal Pradesh

FACTS about GOLDEN PAGODA

• Arunachal Pradesh is known as 'Land of Rishing Sun'

• Golden Pagoda was opened on 22nd February in presence of  more than 200 monks from all over the country and those from  Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thai Land.

• Largest Buddhist monestry of NorthEast, India.

• Spread over 20 hectares.

• Built in a Burmese aechitectural design.

• Built by over 300 architects from Myanmar and skilled masons ,craftsmen.

• The site for housing the 5 feet high statue was identified in 2004 on land donated by Arunachal Pradesh state government.

Visitor's Review about Pagoda

1. Mesmerizing beauty of the Pagoda is breathtaking. This is a very peaceful place to visit.
2. Great landscape, I discovered a Paradise. This is a very relaxing place and it give so much eternal happiness after visiting inside the Pagoda.
3.  Full of beauty, nature love is at high peak as it is situated at top hill.
4. Monks of the Pagoda are very kind and they help you to explore the temple.

Beautiful view of Golden Pagoda

Heaven on Earth

Keibul Lamjao National Park is also known as Loktak Lake is located in Manipur, India. The name is derived from Lok (Stream) Tak (End) meaning End of the stream where many rivers including the Manipur river coverage. It is the largest freshwater lake in NorthEast India and is famous for heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil and organic matter at various stages of decomposition. Lamjao National Park is the only floating National Park in the world.  The lake is home to 233 species of aquatic plants, more than 100 species of birds, and 425 species of animals. Sangai is the state animal of Manipur and its hooves are adapted to walk on the Phumdis.
The Phumdis float during the rains and sink during the dry season, sucking nutrients from the lake bed to replenish their roots and float again when the next monsoon arrives.
Earlier the larger Phumdis were home to fishermen who have now largely relocated to nearby areas as they were asked to leave the Phumdisbut the fishing families refused to leave the islets. After that in 2011, LDA officials and armed policemen torched their huts and around 800 were burnt down. According to Lda officials, Rs. 40,000 were paid to torched families whose huts were burned as compensation.
Phum Shang, Loktak lake documentary directed by Hao Bam Pabankumar, won the Golden conch award for Best Documnetary in the Mumbai International Film Festival .

Facts about Loktak Lake

* World's only floating freshwater lake.

* 57 species of waterbirds and another 14 species of wetlands associated birds  have been noted in the lake.

* The lake has multiple ring-shaped land masses known as   Phumdis.

* Fish yield from the lake is reported to be about 1,500 tonnes every year.

* In 1966, it was initially declared a sanctuary but in 1977, it was declared a National Park.

* This lake is also home to many resident and migratory birds making it a birdwatchers' paradise.

Top Tourist Places in Shillong (Meghalaya)

Shillong, capital of Meghalaya, is a hill station situated in NorthEastern part of India. Shillong is 330th most popular city in India according to 2011 census, also it is known as 'Scotland of the NorthEast'. 

Climate of Shillong are typically pleasant and pollution free. It has also been selected as the 100th city to receive funding under the center's flagship 'Smart Cities Mission'. Shillong is well connected by roads with all major NorthEastern states.

March, April, October and November are best months to visit Shillong.

Shillong View Point

Shillong View Point, standing at an altitude of 1966 meters above the sea level, is at highest peak in the province of Himalayas. It is located about 10 km south of Shillong city. Shillong View Point can be reached through upper Shillong or the Jowai road.

It provides great views of the Shillong city, surrounding waterfalls, the Himalayan Range, Bangladesh Syllhet Plains and the lush greenery nearby.

Himalayan Ranges also look mesmerizing and beautiful from this point. May-September is best month to visit Shillong.

Ward's Lake

The Ward's lake is well known as The Pallock's lake or Non-Polok locally, is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Shillong. 

The lake is a refreshing pool surrounded by beautiful gardens in the heart of Shillong city. The serene lake and the cool shades of trees around it. Between the month of June and July, tourism is at its peak and it can also be visited any time of the year.

Elephant Falls

Orininally, Khasi people named this fall as 'Ka Kshaid Loi Pateng Khohsiew' as it falls in three steps, but Elephant Fall named by Britishers because a stone near the fall resembles as an Elephant. But that stone was destroyed in 1897 due to earthquake, still it is called as Elephant Falls.

Cathedral Catholic Church

Cathedral Catholic Church is also known as Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians is built over 50 years ago is located in the Laitumkhrah locality of Shillong (Meghalaya). The Cathedral is named after Mary, The mother of Jesus Christ. It is one of the oldest Churches in the archiocese and in the whole NorthEast India, built in 1936 after a fire destroyed the 1st Church dedicated to the Divine Saviour.

Mawsmai Cave

Mawsmai Cave is at a stone's throw away from Sohra (Cherrapunjee) and 57 km from Shillong in a little village of Mawsmoi. It is one of the best caves in the Meghalaya and is a major tourist attractions. The cave has a spacious opening but it soon squeezed into a small neck, cave is well lit with electricity. The cave is home to various flora and fauna.

          

Tawang Monastery : India's Largest Monastery

Monastery Gate

At the entrance to the monastery, there is colourful gate which is hut like structure, known as Kakaling with side walls built of stone masonary. 

Tawang monastery is the largest monastery in India and 2nd largest in the world ( largest in the world is Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet) is located in Tawang city of Arunachal Pradesh, It is also called Golden Namgey Lhatse, founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1680-1681. The monastery is built like a mansion is 3 storey with a large assemble hall with 10 other functional structures and 65 residential quarters for monks, lama and students. It also has a praying hall, along with the school for buddhist culture studies, market and a museum (which displays many historical artifacts).

A large statue of Golden Buddha is of 8.3 meter height, placed in a lotus position. The main temple fell into a dilapidated condition and was renovated in 2002 in traditional Buddhist architectural. The monastery also has a printing press to print religious books and wooden blocks are used for printing. The building also has a library of valuable old books and manuscripts, both handwritten and printed. This monastery is all time greatest attraction for tourists in Tawang.

The monastery stands on the spur of a hill, about 10,000 feet which is above sea level and has ravines in the south and west, narrow ridge on the north and gradual slope on the east. This monastery is in the shape of fountain head of the spiritual life of the people of this region and is surrounded by lofty peaks of over 4000 meters in elevation.

Best time to visit Tawang monastery is during Choksar, Torgya and Losar  festival time. Losar festival marks the beginning of Tibetian New Year in which people visit the monastery and offer prayers which continues fir 15 days. Torgya is an annual festival also known as Tawang-Torgya is held in the monastery.