Eastern India is the least explored destination. It may not have the grandeur of North and South India, but is unparalleled in its abundance of nature and tribal culture. Green hills, tea estates, wildlife sanctuaries, views of the towering Himalayas wait to be explored and experienced.


KOLKATA

Fascinating, Bewitching, Bewildering. That's Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, a seething mass of activity with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, a far cry from Job Charnock's Calcutta of 1690 to which the metropolis traces its origin.

The city has a population of over 14 million, making it the fourth-largest city in India. This city presents a unique blend of 19th century Europe and the throbbing vitality of a metropolis and is associated with some of the India's finest talents in the sphere of art, theater, literature and films - an output that has influenced the very course of Indian history. Personalities like Tagore, Satyajit Ray, Mother Teresa and many other luminaries have made Kolkata "The City of Joy'.

Some of the must see landmarks in Kolkata are Shahid Minar, previously known as Ochterlony Monument, Victoria Memorial, National Library, Jorasanko Tagore House, Marble Palace, Indian Museum and many others.


ORISSA

The state of Orissa lies along the eastern seaboard of India. The main attractions of the state are the temples of Bhubaneswar, the state capital, the long sandy beach at Puri and the famous Jagannath Temple and the great Sun Temple at Konark. These three sites make a convenient and compact triangle for tourists visiting the state.

Many wildlife sanctuaries dot the land. Bhitarkanika Wild Life Sanctuary, the second largest mangrove forest in the country has the largest nesting ground for sea turtles, crocodiles, spotted deer and many birds. Simlipal National Park with its tigers, elephants and other wildlife together with Nandan Kanan, the white tiger reserve are great a attraction for visitors. Chilika, the largest brackish water lake in Asia flutters with thousands of indigenous and migratory birds - even from distant Siberia.

DARJEELING

Darjeeling the dream land of the East, it has been a popular hill station since the British period. Darjeeling is surrounded by lofty mountains. Mt Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world can be seen from some vantage points. Don't miss the spectacular sunrise over Kanchenjunga from nearby Tiger Hill. Down below in the valley flow the rivers swollen by rain water or melting snow. Darjeeling is a fascinating place rich in natural beauty and surrounded by the Buddhist monasteries. It's truly called the "Queen of the Hill Stations". The toy train chugging up from Siliguri is something which is liked by the elders and the children equally. Either by this heritage train or by road, arriving at Darjeeling gives you ample opportunity to watch and appreciate the beauty which nature has provided it.


SIKKIM

Sikkim is a magical land of amazing natural beauty - rolling green hills, snaking mountain rivers and mystical snowy peaks. The people are friendly, smiling and almost untouched by the Western world. Until the 1970s, Sikkim was ruled by Buddhist kings and enjoyed its secluded position, nestled between Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and India. Most of Sikkim is well above 2000m in altitude, and the steep valleys and raging rivers create a cool climate and a luscious green environment The main attraction of Sikkim is its pristine natural beauty, Buddhist traditions and monasteries and adventure sports opportunities in terms of trekking, mountaineering, mountain biking and river rafting. Some of the important destinations in Sikkim are Gangtok, the state capital, Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center, Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, Pemayangtse, Pelling, Yuksom, Rinchenpong, Yumthang, Lachung, Phodong Monastery, Gurudongmar, Ravangla etc.

Kanchenjungha, the third highest mountain in the world towers over the land and is considered the guardian deity of the Sikkimese people and is held in great reverence.

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