Major Attractions :
Kaziranga National Park, Mahabodhi Temple, Patna Sahib
Major Cities : Guwahati, Calcutta, Darjeeling
States of East India Information
The east Indian region constitutes the states of Arunachal Pradesh,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Assam, Manipur, Orissa, West Bengal,
Sikkim, Bihar and Jharkhand. The area is one of the least explored regions
in the country, a fact which is due to several reasons such as the
inhospitable climatic conditions, infrastructure, requirement of special
permits for foreigners etc. All these things though a bit inconvenient,
sometimes prove to be a blessing in disguise by lending the area a secluded
charm. The area is mostly inhabited by tribals who speak different languages
and local dialects.
Arunachal Pradesh
Spread over an area of 83,743 sq. km, Arunachal Pradesh in the extreme east
of India is a hilly state with abundant forested area and extreme natural
beauty. Arunachal Pradesh is one of the wettest regions in the country with
as much as five hundred centimeters of annual rainfall, which also results
in the forming of a number of lakes and rivers. The major attractions of the
state are the Buddhist temple and Jawaharlal Nehru museum at Itanagar and
Tawang, the beautiful hill station situated at an altitude of 11,155 feet,
close to the India-Burma border.
Famous Attractions : Buddhist Temple, Jawaharlal Nehru
Museum, Itanagar, Tawang
Meghalaya
Meghalaya in the far east of the country is one of the most picturesque
states in India. A small state in terms of area, Meghalaya is bordered by
Bangladesh in the south and the Brahmaputra valley in the north. Meghalaya
receives heavy rainfall during monsoons thus resulting in the formation of a
number of lakes and river bodies which lend a unique and beautiful look to
the state. Shillong is the capital and one of the most picturesque hill
stations in the region.
Famous Attractions : Shillong, Elephant Falls, Shillong
Golf Course
Assam
Assam in the north eastern part of India is famous for its lush tea gardens
as also the ferrocious one horned Indian rhino and the mighty Brahmaputra
river. The landscape is dotted with green valleys and picturesque hills
which have over the years helped promote the place as a major tourist
attraction. Amongst the major tourist attractions in Assam are ancient
monuments, temples and over half a dozen wildlife parks and sanctuaries. The
exclusive cane and bamboo products available in the state are some of the
must buys.
Famous Attractions : Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park,
Manas National Park
Orissa
The vibrant past of Orissa dates back hundreds of years when the region
witnessed extreme atrocities and bloodbath under the rule of King Ashoka,
who subsequently in time took to Buddhism, thus turning Orissa into a quaint
region adorned with temples and other magnificent monuments. Besides
centuries old temples, Orissa boasts of serene valleys, lush forests and
sandy beaches. Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Orissa houses over 500 temples
making it the 'temple metropolis of India'.
Famous Attractions : Bhubaneshwar, Gopalpur Beach,
Khandagiri Caves, Lingaraja Temple, Mukteswara Temple
West Bengal
Besides the diversity in its geographical conditions, West Bengal is
equally varied in its culture and demography. The state promises a
comprehensive vacationing experience where the tourists can witness
modernisation at its best in the metros, plush hills in the north and sandy
beaches down south. The exotic festivals which mark every occassion are
known for their lavish festivities while the Rasagolla (a popular sweetmeat)
has over the years become popular around the world. Kolkata, the capital of
West Bengal is one of the four major metros in India.
Famous Attractions : Kolkata (Calcutta), Darjeeling,
Victoria Memorial
Bihar
Bihar has occupied a significant place in Indian history for its rich
cultural heritage. The state is most famously known as a religious
destination for the followers of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religions.
Bodhgaya is the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and laid the
foundations of Buddhism. The Mahabodhi temple located close by is visited by
hundreds of devotees. Another attraction is the 5th century Nalanda
university, the ruins of which can still be seen around.
Famous Attractions : Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Bodhgaya,
Mahabodhi Temple, Patna Sahib
