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NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2019
We are proud to have received two consecutive awards this year, The FICCI (The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce) Award and the prestigious National Tourism Award.
Prior to the recent awards, we have won The National Tourism Award for Best Domestic Tour Operator three years in a row from 2013 to 2016. Our Managing Director, Mr. Suresh Periwal was bestowed with the Hall of Fame by IATO in 2016 and was inducted into the Gallery of Legends at India Travel Awards in 2016. We were also presented with the award for Best Inbound Tour Operator at India Travel Awards three times in succession from the year 2014 to 2016.
Our well-explored and unforgettable excursions are fabricated with a skilled eye of our in-house team bearing in mind the benchmark of customer preferences. Our travel plans encompass some of the most extraordinary scenery, religious monuments and vibrant cultural centres that can be found in the subcontinent.As a multi-award-winning Tour Operator, our aim has always been to meet the needs of both FITs and Group travellers from across the Globe who are looking for mainstream travel as well as customized holidays keeping in mind to offer the best of comfort and services to our valued guests. With the recent recognition, we strive to achieve more enriching experiences for the travellers with highest quality service.
FESTIVALS
SWAY LIKE A SANGAI, GLIDE LIKE A HORNBILL
It is November already and the two biggest, back-to-back winter festivals of the two neighbouring states are drawing closer - The Sangai Festival of Manipur and The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland are the two carnivals that outline an impressive concoction of tribal dance, food, music, theatre, handicrafts and adventure sports for all guests and tourists.
The Sangai Festival, Imphal, Manipur – 24th to 30th November 2019
The Sangai Festival is dedicated to the rare and endangered brow-antlered deer, Sangai. It is also known as the dancing deer and is a valuable possession of the State that prevails deep into the legends and folklore of the Manipuris who believe that the animal is a great source of connection between humans and nature. Therefore, it is considered that, in Sangai, humans find a way of connecting with nature and expressing their love for it.
In addition to the rich array of art and culture, handloom, handicrafts and ethnic cuisines, the festival is also packed with entertaining performances such as rock shows and fashion shows. Artistes from neighbouring countries like Thailand and Myanmar perform at the venue in Imphal. Manipur is the birthplace of the game of Polo that the British embraced and took along with them to England. Hence, Polo matches are organised during this mega event with international players from as far as Denmark and Germany.
Apart from the festival one can take a quick look, in and around the city of Imphal. Some interesting places of sightseeing in Imphal are the Govindajee Temple, the Ima Market (an all-women market), the Kangla Fort and the World War II Cemetery. One can also visit some places near Imphal such as Moirang, Lokat Lake (the Largest freshwater lake in the Northeast ) and the historic site where Netaji’s Indian National Army (INA) flag was first unfurled on 14th April 1944
The Hornbill Festival, Nagaland – 01st to 10th December 2019
The Nagaland Tourism and Art & Culture Department organises the Hornbill Festival every year in the first week of December. The Festival is an assortment of the cultural uniqueness of the various tribes under one parasol. The tribes of Nagaland celebrate their festivals with great pride and enthusiasm. The purpose of the carnival is to revive and protect the Naga culture and encourage inter-tribal interaction, together, with the display of its spectacular performances and traditions. It showcases ethnic food, traditional arts and crafts, indigenous sports, music, cinema, and is packed with entertainment items of dance, music and contests.
This grand event is held at a Naga Heritage Village called Kisama about 12 kms from Kohima where tourists can visit the distinctive huts of sixteen different tribes set up for the occasion and one gets a chance to interact with the local community that certainly enhances the experience. The highlight of the event is the traditional dance performed by various tribes. The food stalls present a selection of indigenous cuisines which is quite popular. The evenings are reserved for rock shows performed by local and international rock-bands.
If you have an inclination for extra activities, then you must make it a point to visit the remarkable Khonoma Village of the Angami Tribe which is known for being self-contained and eco-friendly and just about 45 minute’s drive from Kohima. Another interesting place is the World War II Cemetery. The significant battles of Imphal and Kohima during World War II are considered the greatest battles fought in the history of the British Army.
NEW EXPERIENCES
Psithurism, A tea-stroll.
Wake up in the morning with the whiff of fresh infusing tea in chorus with the sight of the magnificent sun rise over the expansive tea gardens sipping a cuppa that is flawlessly made with handpicked tea leaves from the garden itself and be pampered with utmost care and service. Live through the rich lifestyle and get yourself soaked in all things natural accompanied by the striking Chang Bungalows and amiable service which makes for the best tea holidays.
Here is a welcoming news for travellers who are looking for such getaways. Psithurism near Guwahati offers such experiences in the outskirts of Guwahati City surrounded by Tea Garden, Natural Forests and hills. The activities include Nature walk through tea plantation, Bird Watching, discovering and identifying old trees and plants while walking through forest trails, interacting with garden workers and exploring their village, cycling, observing how tea is manufactured, tea tasting and visiting an old British bungalow which is located in the tea garden itself.
Dzuko Valley, a fairy-tale landscape
Dzuko Valley sits high amongst the clouds at a height of 2,452 meters between the border of Nagaland and Manipur. This is one of the offbeat trekking destinations in the Northeast of India with charming meadows, veiled with clouds and dotted with colourful flowers and is best suited for travellers who desire to experience soft treks. The entire trail is coated with lush green forests and plenty of water streams. The flora and fauna found on this trek are unique in its beauty and charm. This trek allows one to witness some of the most picturesque locations of Nagaland that takes you through villages and offers a chance to understand the Naga culture and the local inhabitants. It is best to approach Dzuko Valley from Nagaland as it is a fairly plain-sailing affair and the best time to cover this trek is during the months of October and November and especially in March and April when the Dzuko Lilies are in full bloom.
Port Heritage Tour, Kolkata.
Ranging from the eminent Howrah Bridge through the Man of War Jetty to the Indenture Memorial, the Port is an open history book and assists the curious traveller to comprehend the City of Joy and the role that the Port performed in influencing the city. Kolkata needs to remember its glorious past along with the heritage that its Port proudly holds.
The Port Heritage organises Summer land cum river Tours from the Port’s Maritime Archives and Heritage Centre at Fairley Place. The tour takes place from the Historic Man of War Jetty to Fairley Place for a two-hour riverine excursion.
NEWS UPDATES
Lachung Leading the way to a Cleaner Environment for Tourists.
Plastic builds up about 8% of the total solid waste and many states in India have been struggling to deal with this situation. However, Lachung, a small Himalayan village in Sikkim has been able to emphasise on eco-friendly alternatives. The people of the Valley of Flowers observed over a period of three years that the tourists were bringing along with them a lot of plastic items and would litter in the rivers and streams. Hence, the village community decided to form a low-banning single-use plastic. Apart from that, they also highlighted better alternatives, such as bottles and shopping baskets made out of bamboo, items used like they were in the Stone Age - old school mortar and pestles, etc. The plastic bottles which are used are recycled instead of throwing them away. The village imposes a fine on people who insist on bringing in plastic bottles or other types of single-use plastics. Lachung, taking a holistic approach and setting an example for cities across the world clearly suggests that change can happen much faster than any of us might have previously imagined.
Kaziranga National Park is Open for the Season
Kaziranga National Park, has opened its gates for the tourists this season from 12th October. A world Heritage site, Kaziranga is famous for its one-horned rhinos that makes up to one third of their world population and is abode to the highest density of tigers in the world. The park also harbours Wild Buffaloes, Elephants, Swamp deer and various species of birds, reptiles and amphibians. Another Natural World Heritage Site in the lap of Assam, Manas National Park is also opened for the season. The only Tiger reserve in Assam, Manas NP is one of the best-kept National Parks in India famous for the rare golden Langur and Red Panda.
DESTINATION OF THE MONTH
LAND OF CLOUDS, CHERRAPUNJEE
Cherrapunjee is a valley of immaculate beauty wrapped with misty mountains and everlasting waterfalls. The breath-taking refinement of this 'land of clouds' makes it an enchanting holiday destination in Meghalaya.
Cherrapunjee is said to be one of the wettest places on planet earth and receives an annual rainfall of 11,777 mm. The cliffs of Cherrapunjee receive heavy rainfall due to Monsoon winds blowing from Bay of Bengal. However, there has always been an on-going debate between Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram but the latter is known to receive higher rainfall. The town of Cerrapunjee, originally known as Sohra or Churra which denotes "the Land of Oranges", is snuggled in the East Khasi Hills about 50kms south of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. One can get a view of the stunning plains of Bangladesh from the cliffs of Cherrapunjee.
LIVING ROOT BRIDGES – 90 KMS
One of the major highlights of this place is The Living Root Bridges which has drawn many travellers to this region to see the result of bio-engineering practiced by the locals. The bridges can bear about fifty people at a time and is a spectacular sight to watch. Cherrapunjee, by and large is considered to be a good place for trekking and the most popular trekking route is the one that leads to the Double Decker Living Root bridge in Nongriat Village which requires at least a two-hour trek.
MAWLYNNONG VILLAGE – 15 KMS
Mawlynnong Village has earned the distinction of being the cleanest village in India. It is situated 90 kms from Shillong. Besides being the cleanest village, this picturesque hamlet offers many interesting sights.
SEVEN SISTER'S FALLS
Known for being one of the tallest waterfalls, Seven Sister’s Falls, as the name suggests have small streams that fall down the hills and is a great spectacle especially during and post monsoon.
DAINTHLEN WATERFALLS – 10 KMS
Located at a distance of 10 kms from Cherrapunjee, they act as perfect picnic spots, furnishing a pleasant drive full with scenic beauty to look around for, in order to reach here. Rangjyrthej is a village that lies near these falls that is worth a visit. There is an interesting legend associated with the falls. It is believed that people killed a huge snake living in the caves nearby this place and the natural rock carving made by the snake can still be seen.
ECO PARK – 2 KMS
Established by Meghalaya Government. It offers a breath-taking view of Sylhet Plains of neighbouring Bangladesh. You will find several varieties of hybrid and indigenous orchids in the green house in the park.
ARWAH CAVE – 8 KMS
The Arwah Lumshynna tourist hub will enable the tourists to have a glimpse of the scenic beauty, cascading waterfalls, ancient rocks similar to the grand Canyons, precipices, caves and recreation parks for Children.
NOHKALIKAI WATERFALLS – 12 KMS
These waterfalls lie at a distance of 12 kms from Cherrapunjee. They are very popular as they have earned the title of being fourth highest waterfall in the world with a height of 1100 ft. The view of these waterfalls falling off a steep cliff is majestic especially during the monsoons.
THANGKHARANG PARK – 8 KMS
It lies at a distance of 8 kms from Cherrapunjee. This park is directly under the control of the State forest department. This park overlooks the plains of Bangladesh, and provides a beautiful view of them. There is a nominal entry fee too.
KHOH RAMHAH OR THE BASKET OF THE GIANT – 7 KMS
If you move a few kilometres ahead from Thangkharang Park, you will spot an enormous stone resembling a Khasi basket. Local people of Cherrapunjee believe that a giant used to carry this huge stone and hence its name, KhohRamhah or the Basket of the Giant.
HOW TO REACH:
Nearest Railway Station:
Guwahati Railway Station 160 kms
Nearest Airport:
Umroi Airport, Shillong 90 kms
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International airport, Guwahati 170 kms
Driving Distance:
Guwahati to Cherrapunjee 160 kms 5 hours
Shillong to Cherrapunjee 60 kms 1.5 hrs
FEATURED PROPERTY
POLO ORCHID RESORT, CHERRAPUNJEE
Polo Orchid Resort is a part of the prestigious Hotel Polo Towers Group. This Resort is a rustic-style resort in a tranquil setting of lush green hills and stunning views. A few of the must-visits in Cherrapunji are located in the neighbouring areas of this resort. Visit Mawsmai Falls, Arwai Caves, Nongsithiang Falls and Thangkarang Park while you stay at this luxurious resort.
Experience the unique Meghalaya hospitality at this resort, offering warmth and homely comfort to the guests. There are three category of rooms namely, Misty Mountain Villa, Log Cabin and Dewdrop Cottage. Each of these rooms are exclusive with vibrant interiors and splendid ambiance. The balconies offer a mesmerizing view of the Seven Sister’s Falls. The rooms are equipped with television, digital safe, Wi-Fi and tea/coffee maker. All the rooms have attached bathrooms with basic toiletries and hot and cold running water.
