Dear Travel Partners,
As the monsoon season breathes new life into the vibrant landscapes of the East, we are excited to bring you the Sep- tember issue of "Rising Stories in the East." This month, we celebrate the unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness that defines our regions, offering a fresh perspective on the experiences that await.
The monsoons have a way of unveiling the hidden charms of the East, from the lush greenery to the vibrant traditions that come alive during this season. With the increasing connectivi- ty across our regions, now is the perfect time to explore these treasures and introduce them to your clients.
In this issue, we highlight the opportunities for exploration and discovery that the East offers during this season of renew- al. From cultural celebrations to scenic trails, there is some- thing for every traveler seeking the authentic essence of our regions.
We look forward to continuing our journey together, bringing the wonders of the East to the world.
Warm Regards,
Amit Periwal
Clubside Tours and Travels
Upcoming Events
Ganesh Chaturthi
Date: 7th September
Celebrated at: All over India
Significance: Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day Hindu festival marking
the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of prosper- ity and wisdom. Celebrated from the fourth day of Bhadrapada (August-September), it is observed widely across India and Nepal. The festival honors Ganesha as the Remover of Obstacles and God of New Beginnings, featuring rituals, feasts, and cultural events. Its modern public celebration began in 1893, thanks to freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who used it to unite people and foster a collective nationalist identity against British rule.
Pang- Lhabsol
Date: 18th September
Celebrated at: Sikkim
Significance : Pang Lhabsol is a significant Sikkimese festival cele- brating Mount Kanchenjunga, the guardian deity of the land. It symbolizes unity and harmony among Sikkim's communities. The festival includes religious rituals, prayers, and traditional masked dances like the Pangtoed Chaam, which honour the guardian dei- ties and the spirits of the land. It's a day of cultural pride, reli- gious devotion, and a reminder of the shared history and harmo ny among Sikkim's people.
Sector Updates
Chiknajhar National Park
- Chiknajhar is poised to become Assam's 8th National Park, situat- ed in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) region. This designation highlights Assam's commitment to conserving its rich biodiversity. Known for its diverse flora and fauna, including several endangered and rare species.
- The park is expected to attract researchers, conservationists, and eco-tourists, eager to explore its natural beauty and contribute to ongoing conservation efforts.
- Its establishment will not only strengthen wildlife protection but also provide socio-economic benefits through eco-tourism, aligning with Assam's broader strategy for sustainable development and the protection of natural heritage.
Three Bridges Balwabas
- Two bridges were inaugurated at Balwabas, 11 km from Darjeeling, by Hamro Party leader Ajoy Edwards.
- The 145-feet long bridge was built using local labor and materials, with significant funding from Edwards. It improves connectivity to Chungthung, Bijanbari, and Soom Tea Garden.
- A 30-feet long British-era hanging bridge was repaired and turned into a tourist attraction with a skywalk featuring glass panels for view- ing the river.
- The 22-year-old pillars of the hanging bridge will soon be converted into a cafe, symbolizing hope and progress.
Sunderban Tiger Reserve Entry Fee increase
- Starting September 1, 2024, visiting the Sunderban Tiger Reserve, the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage site, will become more expensive as the West Bengal Forest Depart- ment announces a significant hike in tourism fees.
- The entry fee for Indian tourists will increase from the current 100 to 180 per day. Foreign tourists, who currently pay 500, will see their entry fee double to ₹1,000 per day.
- Additionally, the fee for visiting the popular Netidhopani area within the reserve will rise from 150 to 300 per day.
AirAsia Unveils New Port Blair to Kuala Lumpur Route from Nov 16,2024
- AirAsia has announced the launch of a new route connecting Port Blair to Kuala Lumpur. This new service aims to enhance connectivity between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Malaysia's vibrant capi- tal.
- To celebrate the launch, AirAsia is offering promotional fares starting at just Rs 4,999. This limited-time offer provides an excellent opportu- nity for tourists and business travellers alike to explore Kuala Lumpur's rich culture and dynamic cityscape at a budget-friendly price.
Essential Sector News
Tezpur airport is set for a major transformation with an 18-month closure scheduled from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026. Air- port Director G Shiva Kumar announced this extended shutdown to facilitate crucial maintenance work and facility upgrades.
Arunachal Makes Inner Line Permit Mandatory For Non-Residents To Enter State Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu reinforced the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, making it mandatory for non-residents to obtain a permit to enter the state. In a meeting with officials and AAPSU leaders, the CM stressed strengthening ILP to prevent illegal entry and prolonged stays of non-local migrants.
De-Coding Paradise Unexplored!
Nongkhnum River Island
- Nongkhnum River Island, the largest river island in Meghalaya and the second largest in Asia, is a true gem of natural beauty.
- The island boasts a picturesque sandy beach, offering a serene escape for those who visit. A variety of activities await visitors, in- cluding camping, boating, fishing, and simply relaxing on the sun-kissed beach.
- The area surrounding the island is dotted with numerous water- falls, adding to its charm. Among the most famous are Weinia Falls and Thum Falls, but there are also lesser-known, equally enchanting waterfalls like Lyngshiang and Weispi Falls.
Bungee jumping at singshore bridge
- Singshore Bridge is the most popular bungee jumping spot in Sikkim. It offers an exhilarating jump into a deep gorge surrounded by lush green mountains and flowing rivers.
- This spot is famous for its stunning natural backdrop, making the thrill of the jump even more exciting. Before jumping, participants get a safety briefing and are equipped with high-quality gear by trained instructors.
- The experience of free-falling and rebounding against the majestic Himalayas is unforgettable. Bungee jumping in Sikkim at Singshore Bridge is available all year, making it a top destination for adventure seekers.
Calcutta in World War II Walk
- The Second World War came to Calcutta slowly but surely in the winter of 1942. Japanese bombers were flying regular scouting mis- sions to destroy Calcutta's industrial sector in an effort to harm the Allied war effort in the China-Burma-India Theatre.
- Air-raid sirens were becoming an everyday reality, and finally bombs started to be hurled on the city. War also brought worker strikes, food shortages, heightened surveillance, oppression, and terrible famine.
- The experience will explore this contested "inbound" space through eyewitness accounts and forgotten tales from a city divided.
Step into Luxury: Beyond Blu, Port Blair's Newest Hotel Jewel
- Beyond Blu's prime location in Port Blair's city center places you at the doorstep of the area's top attractions. From the historic Cellular Jail to the rich local cuisine and thrilling island-hopping adventures, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore and enjoy all that this beautiful region has to offer.
- Each room and suite is thoughtfully designed to offer plush furnish- ings, cutting-edge amenities, and breathtaking city views.
NEWS & UPDATES
Enhanced Safety Measures on NH-10 for Smoother Travel: To ensure public safety and facilitate essential repairs, the Kalimpong Dis- trict Magistrate has issued new guidelines for vehicle movement on NH-10, effective from 23rd August 2024. Small vehicles and minibuses (up to 32 seats) can travel on NH-10 from 06:00 to 20:00 hrs. For journeys between Kalimpong and Darjeeling, small vehi- cles may use SH-12. Goods vehicles and larger buses headed to Sikkim are advised to take the Reshi-Pedong-Algarah-La- va-Gorubathan route. Meanwhile, heavy vehicles (up to 8 tonnes) traveling to Kalimpong Town are permitted from Algarah to Ka- limpong between 21:00 and 06:00 hrs. These measures aim to improve road conditions and enhance travel safety for all.
The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata will be closing for 18 months for extensive restoration and conservation from Aug 15 to help restore the hotel's former glory while incorporating modern amenities and ensuring the highest standards of luxury and comfort for the guests.
Flavours Of the East
Curried Prawns
One must-try dish in the Andamans is the Curried Prawns, a true highlight of the local cuisine. These prawns, caught fresh from the Bay of Bengal, offer a delicate and succulent taste. Enhanced with a rich blend of red and yellow curry, this dish delivers a depth of flavor that's both hearty and satisfying.
Methods of Preparation:
1. Wash and de-vein the prawns, then salt them and set them aside for 15 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add chopped onions, garlic, and peppercorns.
Fry until the onions and garlic are soft, then add mustard and cumin
seeds.
3. Stir in tamarind pulp, coconut milk, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and slit green chili.
4. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, then add the prawns and simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the prawns are cooked.
5. Serve hot.
Annual Branch Meet 2024-2025
On the 16th and 17th of August, we held our annual branch meet, where we reviewed the year's progress and discussed future goals. The event commenced with a cultural performance, followed by sessions led by our directors, who shared insights on the company's vision and strategic ob- jectives. Each sector presented its achievements and plans for the coming year. The meet concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing out- standing contributions, followed by an interactive and enjoyable gaming session.
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