A misty dawn on the mountains. A bronze sunset across the expanse of the Brahmaputra. The clang of prayer bells at a monastery. Life moves at a serene pace in the North East.

The North East is composed of seven states whose natural beauty has earned them the sobriquet of `Seven Sisters'.

Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya have been generously blessed by nature. Verdant valleys, emerald tea gardens, lush forests and tumultuous rivers blend to create magnificent landscapes.

You begin your travels at the picturesque city of Gangtok, capital of Sikkim, where orchids bloom on the hillside. Then journey to Guwahati, Kohima, Shillong - the incomparable jewels of the North East. With salubrious climate, fascinating customs, beautiful handicrafts and the warm welcome of its gentle people.

Cradled in the manifold splendors of nature, deep within the snowballed Himalayas is Sikkim's capital - Gangtok.

Gangtok offers a hospitable base to explore the varied wonders of this highland, its picturesque valleys, monasteries, mountain lakes and trekking trails.

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TRAVEL INFORMATION

Climate : Summer (Mar to Jun) : Cool and pleasant

Winter (Oct to Feb) : Chilly to very cold

Clothing : Summer - Light woolens

Winter - Heavy woolens

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HOW TO GET THERE

Gangtok is chiefly linked to be outside world by road, its only direct form of access. It is connected to Siliguri (111 km), Kalimpong (72 km) and Darjeeling (110 km).

The railheads are New Jalpaiguri (126 km) and Siliguri (111 km).

The entry point by air is Bagdogra (124 km).

WHERE TO STAY

Standard Hotels : Tashi Delek, Nor Khill

Supplementary Accommodation : Hotel Mayur, Tibet, Siniolchu Lodge
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WHAT TO SEE

CHORTEN : Situated near the orchid sanctuary, one can see the young lamas here working, learning and worshipping. DEER PARK : The Deer Park provides a commanding view of the expansive valleys surrounding the city of Gangtok. ENCHEY ANCIENT MONASTERY : Set in a forest on a hill, the monastery offers one of the best views of the mountain range of Kanchenjunga. GOVERNMENT COTTAGE INDUSTRIES INSTITUTE : Situated near the Tourist Office, the institute specializes in weaving, wood carving and paintings of typical Sikkimese designs. The most popular items are hand-woven carpets, blankets, shawls, and exquisite tables. ORCHID SANCTUARY : Located within the premises of the Research Institute of Tibetology, the sanctuary offers an amazing sight of more than 250 varieties of orchids which bloom in April-May and December-January. RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY : A splendid example of traditional architecture, the institute has a library with a large collection of Tibetan books on science, medicine, astrology and others. TASHI VIEW POINT : A popular picnic spot from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Kanchenjunga. TSUKLAKHANG : A sacred place built several decades ago within the premises of the palace. This royal chapel is the scene of many grand ceremonies and festivals.

SHOPPING

There are beautiful blankets, shawls, carpets and knitted garments. The shopping area includes Institute of Collage Industries, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lall Market and Naya Bazaar.

FESTIVALS

Among many festivals, the annual International Flower festival is the biggest draw.

Surrounded by low hills, the ancient city of Pragjyotishpur (Light of the East) and capital of many kingdoms is modern Guwahati. With its commanding position on the river Brahmaputra and direct links with eastern India, Guwahati is an important business centre as well as the gateway to the state of Assam.

Guwahati is the largest tea auction centre in India, and a little over half of the total crop of tea in India is produced in Assam.

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TRAVEL INFORMATION

Climate : Summer (Mar to Jun) : Warm

Monsoon (Jun to Sep) : Warm and humid

Winter (Oct to Feb) : Chilly to very cold

Clothing : Summer - Cottons

Winter - Woollens

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HOW TO GET THERE

Guwahati is connected by flights to Calcutta (1 hour), Delhi via Bagdogra (3+1 hours), Imphal (half hour), Dibrugarh, Dimapur and Agartala. Guwahati is an important terminus on the North-East Frontier Railway and is connected with all parts of the country by express trains. Guwahati, is the hub of the road network to the north eastern region and to centres west of Assam; Calcutta (1151 km), Darjeeling (627 km).

WHERE TO STAY

Standard Hotels : Brahmaputra Ashok, Belle Vue ,Coronet Dynasty,Kuber International,Urvashi, Prag Continental.

Supplementary Accommodation : Nandan, Chilarai Regency, Princess, Samrat, President, Siddharth, Maruti Mayur, Comfort, Tourist Lodge.

WHAT TO SEE

BASISTHA ASHRAM : 12 km to the south of Guwahati, the Ashram is believed to be the place where the famous rishi or sage Basistha lived. JANARDHAN TEMPLE : In the heart of Guwahati, it stands on the Sukleswar hillock on the river bank. KAMAKHYA TEMPLE : Situated on the sacred Nilachal Hill, the Kama temple is representative of old Assamese architecture. NAVAGRAH TEMPLE : West of Chitrachal Hill is the temple of Navagrah or the nine planets. UMANANDA TEMPLE : Situated on the Peacock Island in the middle of the river Brahmaputra, it is one of the most picturesque temples in Assam. ASSAM STATE MUSEUM : Archaeology, stone sculpture, inscriptions, paintings, costumes and ethnology.

SHOPPING

Bamboo and cane products are abundant here. Muga, Pat and Endi silks and cottons are fashioned into fabrics and shawls, wall hangings and caps.

Main shopping areas are Fancy Bazar, Pan Bazar, Paltan Bazar, Ulubari, Ganeshguri, GNB Road.

CUISINE

Assamese food is mainly based on rice and fish. For dessert, or for those with a sweet tooth, there is a wide range in `pithas' (cakes).

FESTIVALS

Bihu is very special to Assam and is celebrated with fervour all over this state. Other notable events include Rongali or Bohag Bihu, Dol Jatra.

Shillong, a hill resort with an incomparable climate, is the capital of Meghalaya. Often likened to Scotland, it has rolling hills, heather-covered slopes, beautiful waterfalls, moving mists, silent lakes and a rich and unique variety of flora and fauna.

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TRAVEL INFORMATION

Climate : Summer (Mar to Jun) : Pleasant

Winter (Oct to Feb) : Chilly to cold

Clothing : Summer - Tropical with light woollens for chilly days

Winter - Woolens

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HOW TO GET THERE

Regular flights from Shillong to Calcutta and Guwahati. Taxis also available at Guwahati for Shillong (4 hours).

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Pinewood Ashok, Hotel Alpine Continental, Hotel Orchid, Shillong Club, Hotel Magnum, Polo Towers, Centre Point.

WHAT TO SEE

WARD LAKE : A beautiful little lake, well-landscaped and set in a botanical garden. LADY HYDARI PARK & MINI ZOO : Another beautiful little park, landscaped in Japanese style. MEGHALAYA STATE MUSEUM : An introduction to the lifestyles and heritage of Meghalaya. BISHOP & BEADON FALLS : Both plunge down the same escarpment into a dark and wooded valley. SHILLONG GOLF COURSE : 18 holes and said to be one of the best in the country. SHILLONG PEAK : Believed to be the abode of Gods, this is a 1960-metre peak rising 464 metres Above the city.

SHOPPING

Bara Bazaar, Police Bazar, GS Road and Jail Road are the main shopping areas. Cane, bamboo and wooden handicraft items, shawls and fabrics are the main buys.

CUISINE

The fare in Meghalaya is heavily tilted in favour of meat, particularly pork. Jadoh - a spicy dish of rice and pork is eaten almost any time.

FESTIVALS

Notable Festivals are Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem Dance Festival and Shillong autumn festivals.

Situated at 1500 metre above sea level, Kohima is one of the prettiest centers of the North East. The capital of Nagaland, a state that presents, perhaps, the most exotic tribal culture in the country, Kohima is truly representative of the state. Here are seven districts and 16 tribes who are described in Sanskrit literature as the `kiratas'.

To visit Kohima, domestic tourists require inner line permits that ae issued from liaison offices at Delhi, Calcutta, Shillong and Dimapur. Foreign tourists require restricted area permits, issued from the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi.

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TRAVEL INFORMATION

Climate : Summer (Mar to Jun) : Pleasant

Winter (Oct to Feb) : Chilly to cold

Clothing : Summer - Tropical

Winter - Woolens

Best season : October to April

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HOW TO GET THERE

The nearest airport is Dimapur (74 km), daily flights to Calcutta. Nearest railhead is also at Dimapur. Bus services to nearby towns.

WHERE TO STAY

Standard Hotels : Hotel Japfu Ashok, Ambassador, Pine, Valley View

Budget hotels : Hotel Happy Valley, hotel Meyase, Tourist Lodge.

WHAT TO SEE

BARRA BASTI : According to Naga belief, this is where Kohima began. It is the largest village in India. THE WAR CEMETERY : Serene and beautiful, located on a hill overlooking the capital. THE STATE MUSEUM : A treasure trove, displaying dioramas of the lifestyle of individual tribes. Here are exhibits on the birds and animals of the North East region. ZOOLOGICAL PARK : Abounds in the rich flora and fauna of Nagaland. Of special interest is the world famous Blythe Tragopan.

SHOPPING

Weaving is a traditional art of Nagaland. The sales emporium of Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation stocks these woollen shawls and other Naga handicrafts.

FESTIVALS

Sekrenyie, Tuluni, Tsungrem Mong, Tokhu Emong, Summer Festival and Autumn Festival are important festivals of Nagaland.