Welcome to "Rising Stories in the East," our new newsletter aimed at keeping our valued partners and agents updated on the latest from East India, North East India, the Andaman Islands, and Bhutan. As the region's leading travel company with nine national awards, we're excited to use this platform to share important updates, innovations, and stories from these unique destinations. In each issue, we'll bring you news on fresh initiatives, notable achievements, and the evolving tourism environment, showcasing why these regions are sought after by those looking for distinctive travel experiences. Beyond updates, this newsletter aims to strengthen our partnership. We’re eager to hear from you, exchange ideas, and grow together, ensuring we all make the most of what East India, North East India, the Andaman Islands, and Bhutan have to offer. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Let's continue to seek out new experiences, innovate, and grow together. With Best Regards, Amit Periwal Director
Upcoming Festivals
Strawberry festival, Meghalaya
Celebrated at: East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi District, and West Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
Date: April 5th to April 13th
Significance of the festival: This festival marks the culmination of efforts by the Department of Horticulture, Government of Meghalaya, which planted an extensive array of strawberry plants some time ago, and now it's time for the bountiful harvest.
Aoling festival, Mon Nagaland
Celebrated at: Mon, Nagaland.
Date: April 4th to April 6th, 2024.
Significance of the festival: This festival coincides with the rigorous time of seed sowing in the Jhum fields, adding significance to the festivities. Aoling is marked by a vibrant display of colorful attire and ornaments worn by both men and women. The celebration includes dancing, singing, feasting, and the performance of ancient rituals, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Konyak Nagas.
Naba Barsho / Poila Baishakh (Bengali New Year)
Celebrated at: All over West Bengal.
Date: 15th April.
Significance of the festival: Naba Barsho, also known as Polia Baishakh, marks the beginning of New year in Bengal. It’s is celebrated on the first day of Baishakh, as per the Hindu Bengali Calendar.
Saga Dawa
Celebrated at: Sikkim.
Date: 15th April.
Significance of the festival: One of the most famous and biggest festivals of Sikkim, Saga Dawa is celebrated on April 15 with great enthusiasm and fervour every year. It holds profound significance for Mahayana Buddhists, commemorating Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and liberation from worldly attachments.
Sector Updates and Recent Developments
Vivanta Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
The first 5-star hotel, Taj Vivanta, has opened in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Situated at an elevation exceeding 10,000 feet, it offers stunning views of mountains and valleys.
- With 80 rooms and suites, the hotel provides luxurious accommodations with cozy, heated wooden floors.
- Tawang, known for its historic significance as the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama and home to Asia's oldest monastery, gains increased tourism importance with this addition.
Developments after GLOF in Sikkim
- October 4, 2023: Sikkim encountered Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) from South Lhonak Lake due to heavy rainfall.
- December 1, 2023: Affected areas are reopened for tourism.
- Lachen - Gurudongmar point remains closed for restoration work, looking to open in the coming months,
A New National Highway To Be Added (NH717A)
- Construction of NH717A, a new national highway, connecting Malbazar to Sikkim via Jalpaiguri, has commenced.
- Primary objectives include reducing travel time by over an hour and mitigating the impact of landslides on the route.
- Expected completion date is in 2024.
- The planne droute aims to bypass the current NH-10.
- The new alignment will be approximately 150 kilometers long, roughly 50 kilometers shorter than the existing NH-10.
De-coding Paradise Unexplored!
Jolly Buoy Islands, Andamans
Jolly Buoy Island in the Andaman boasts pristine beaches, clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs
- Strict adherence to a No Plastic Policy maintains cleanliness and serenity on the island.
- No overnight stays allowed, ensuring minimal human impact on the fragile ecosystem.
- Activities include glass-bottom boat rides, swimming, and beach picnics while adhering to eco-friendly guidelines to preserve natural beauty.
Biswanath Ghat, Assam
Biswanath Ghat was awarded the title of the "best tourism village of India" by the Ministry of Tourism in September 2023.
- It is situated under the Biswanath Wildlife Division and is adjacent to the Kaziranga National Park, covering a 107 km stretch along the Brahmaputra River.
- This region is the habitat of the elusive Gangetic river dolphin.
- Biswanath Ghat is a popular destination for pilgrims, as it is believed to be the site where sage Shiva drank poison to save the universe.
Mukto Village, Arunachal Pradesh
Village is located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh,India.
- Situated at an altitude of approximately 8,500 feet above sea level,Mukto offers stunning views of the surrounding
- Hima layan landscape.
- The villageserves as a gateway to several trekkingroutes and natural attractions, includinglakes, waterfalls, and monasteries, making it a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts.
Bandel, West Bengal
Bandel is a town located in the Hooghly district of West Bengal, India.
- It is famous for the Bandel Church, one of the oldest Christian churches in West Bengal, built by the Portuguese in 1599.
- The Bandel Church, dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Our Lady of the Rosary), is a prominent pilgrim- age site for Christians and attracts visitors from far and wide.
- Key attractions in Bandel include the Bandel Church, Hooghly Imambara, Hangseshwari Temple, and Ananta Basudeb Temple.
Accreditation
Clubside Tours and Travels Pvt Ltd, honored with a Certificate of Appreciation for our services to Thomas Cook, presented by Romil Pant, Executive Vice President, and Daniel D'Souza, President & Country Head of SOTC. Grateful for the recognition and excited to continue delivering exceptional service!
