Jammu & Kashmir
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Jammu Kashmir is the first Himalayan state of India. it is further divided
into Jammu, Kashmir and Ladak regions. Dogri, Kashmiri, Hindi & Ladakhi
are the main languages of this area. Seasons to visit these places vary from
ranges to ranges. Jammu is best suited from October To February, Kashmir can
be visited from May To October & November To February and ladakh is
favorable from Mid June To September.
Among the most attractive activities that this Indian state offer is the
adventure opportunities that can be segregated into trekking, mountaineering
and Trans Himalayan Jeep Safari.
In the summer season Kashmir offers a series of a less rigorous adventure
sports, such as Water Skiing, on Srinagar's Dal and Nagin Lakes, a popular
part time in the valley. Water trekking is a delight to anyone wanting to
explore the valley in a boat. A Gondala, locally known as Shikara, takes
sightseers along a five-day route along rivers and lakes situated within the
valley. Enjoy spending nights camping along the way. Trout fishing is
another delightful water sport in Kashmir and fishing season lasts all
through summer.
What makes a mountaineering expedition, an adventure one could never forget?
If its done on the glaciers that are still craving to be explored. The
Himalayan range offers some of the most rigorous mountaineering challenges
one can ever come across. The glaciers of Ladakh and Kashmir regions can
test one's survival to the fittest and most testing of them all is the
Siachen glacier, known as the largest glacier outside the Polar Regions.
Himachal
Pradesh
For sheer geographical diversity, few places in the world are as richly
endowed as Himachal Pradesh. Hindi and Pahari are the languages spoken here
and from May to Mid-October is the most favored months for visits.
Himachal also store numerous wonderful hill stations, which are
particularly cool in summers. Shimla, Dalhousie, Kullu, Manali and Kufri are
a few of the hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh which offer breathtaking
scenery and countless options of adventure sports. Dharamshala, where the
Dalai Lama lives, is another important centre on the tourist map.
Rivers in deep gorges and placid mountain lakes, thick forests and acres of
scree, mountainsides draped with snow, and green Alpine meadows, all form a
part of this immense spectrum. And the possibilities for a whole range of
adventure activities is also enormous. There are day-bikes by the thousand,
and the trek routes follow trails that last a couple of days - or can extend
over a few weeks. These vary from gentle walks over easy terrain, to
grueling expeditions. Himachal has a niche of adventure for everyone.
Sikkim
Sikkim form the eastern part of Himalayas and can be visited from March to
May & October to December. It offers a holiday that is more like a
voyage of adventure and discovery. When the misty rain wraps the slopes in
lacy wisps of clouds, you will find yourself trekking at 14,000 ft or more.
If you are more enthusiastic about the thrills of untamed waters, then go
for some Rafting or Kayaking experience in Teesta River. And as the mountain
scopes of Eastern Himalayas are so luring, how about having a mountaineering
expedition and conquering those virgin peaks, which are craving to be
explored! The ones looking for safari trips check out the Yak Safari's that
is an unforgettable experience in itself.
Uttaranchal
Lying in the north of the vast and bountiful expanse of India and cradled
in the awesome beauty and calm serenity of the stately Himalayas,
Uttaranchal - the "Devbhumi" that has attracted tourists and
pilgrims from world over. Kumaoni, and Garhwali are the main languages of
this region. April to June & September to Mid-November are the best time
to visit this place.
Sacred pilgrimages of different religions including the world famous "Char
Dham" or the four Hindu pilgrimage destinations of Shri Badrinath -
Kedarnath - Gangotri - Yamunotri; the sacred Sikh pilgrimage of Hemkund -
Lokpal, Nanakmatta and Meetha - Reetha Sahib and Piran Kaliyar have drawn
pilgrims and seekers for spiritual fulfillment to Uttaranchal. Kailash
Mansarovar, Tholingmath are all in the Chinese occupied Tibet, but for the
people of yesteryears, these were some of the most important landmarks in
Uttaranchal.
The queen of hills, Mussoorie, the lake district of India - Nainital,
Kausani, Pauri, Landsdowne, Ranikhet, Almora, Pithoragarh, Auli, Munsiyari
and many more attractive tourist destinations are part of Uttaranchal.
North Eastern Indian Himalayan States
The North-Eastern region of India, comprises of seven states, Assam,
Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
October to march are the best time to be here.
The region of northeastern India will whet the appetite of the traveler,
the tourist, the anthropologist and the observers. It is impossible to
describe the nuances that make this area unique, challenging and
interesting. Get to any one of the place and the result will be that you
will long to return again and again.
Assam
Assam possibly has more folklore and tradition than other place in India.
There are archaeological ruins all over Assam but the ones around Sibsagar
should simply must not be missed. The largest river island of the world,
Manjuli along with Kaziranga wildlife sanctuary is a magnificent sight to be
seen. Guwahati, the capital city of Assam where the famous Kamakahya temple
is located on a hilltop, has evolved as a major business centre.
Arunachal
Pradesh
Because of the remoteness, the state of Arunachal have not been overtaken
by urban ethos. Yet the fine balance between advancement and keeping in
touch with ones roots is nowhere as clearly visible as in the state.
Arunachal Pradesh has primary jungles, deep gorges and villages in really
remote places. The changing colors provide a constant reminder of diversity
and cheerful spirits.
Cane bridges, swaying precariously over roaring white waters is often the
only form of bridges. Ziro, Daporijo, and Pasighat are the main place to be
at.
Nagaland
Inhabited by swarthy tribes, Nagaland has its own distinct culture and
ethos. Happy and cheerful, the people have an innate sense of music and
colour. Gateways to villages and houses are really something to see. The
all-prevalent greenery continues and the scenic beauty of the state
overwhelms us.
Manipur
Manipur is culturally different from the rest of the Northeast region
because of the Vaishnav influence and some of the dance forms are very
distinct and stylized. Along with dance forms, various martial arts are
practiced here and the game of Polo is said to have originated in Manipur.
The capital city of Imphal has a lot to offer - war cemeteries, Kangla, the
building that housed field marshal slim during World War II, the
Orchidarium, many temples. One of the more interesting areas to visit is the
Ima Market or Mothers' Market, which is run by women only.
Tripura
Tripura is steeped in history with linkages established from the legendary
Limar dynasty. Recorded history dates back to almost 3,000 years. Even
Samudra Gupta's pillars mention the existence of this state. This is yet
another state like Manipur where Christian influence is negligible. It is
the unique continuous history that has to be absorbed here. In geographical
terms, Tripura is a small state and the second smallest state of India.
The architecture of the temple of Lord Jagannath is interesting and worth
studying. It rises from an octagonal base. The Ujjayant Palace, dating back
to Bir Bikram, is equally interesting with its Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Old buildings and ruins are worth exploring and are in plenty like the lake
palace called Neer Mahal on Rudrasagar Lake in Udaipur, the ancient capital.
Sipahijala is an interesting area to spend the day.
Meghalaya
Unlike the others seven sisters, Meghalaya's terrain consists more of
rolling hills and less of steep climbs. There are beautiful meadows with
fringes of pine forests everywhere. There are breathtaking waterfalls with
deep valleys.
Meghalayas culture has a unique mixture of the traditional and the modern
ethos. People are fiercely proud of their roots and yet British influence is
quite pronounced. Shillong is the busy hub centre of Meghalaya. The Idew
Market or Burra Bazar is one of the most interesting markets one can ever
see over here. For hours, one can explore the different levels and myriad
alleys with shops displaying a mind-boggling array of items. In and around
Shillong itself, there is lots to do. Visit the butterfly museum or Ward
Lake or golf course or Shillong.
Mizoram
Over the years, Mizoram has managed to maintain its special touch with
Aizawl being the hub centre. Pollution is low and despite "Jhuming"
- a slash and burn type of cultivation - the greenery is intact. The hills
rise towards the centre of Mizoram therefore Aizawl is pleasant throughout
the year. Lunglei, Champhai and Saiha are the other centers.
Driving along the roads with plenty of orchids makes it a perfect route for
long drives. If one ventures into the forests, the rewards in terms of
varieties of orchids would be great. The beauty of Mizoram lies in its
unique harmony between man and nature. The clouds come to rest in the
valleys, rainbows abound, small waterfalls gurgle past, greenery is all
encompassing, handicrafts are in plenty, the shawls are colorful and the
markets exude cheer.