Rising Stories in the East

Dear Travel Partners,

As the monsoon breathes freshness into the East, it’s the right time to plan journeys that go beyond sightseeing - into experiences that are cultural, soulful, and truly unforgettable.

Durga Puja may be in September, but now is the time to start curating.Recognized by UNESCO, this is Kolkata’s grandest celebration - a spectacular blend of art, tradition, and devotion. From heritage walks to creative pandals and community rituals, it’s a festival every traveller must experience at least once in their lifetime.

Further north, Tawang calls for a deeper kind of discovery. Set in the high Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh, it offers spiritual calm, dramatic beauty, and rich Monpa culture. It’s still off the radar - and that’s exactly what makes it magical.

This edition also brings updates that are shaping travel across the region. Bhutan leads with a national crypto tourism system; eco-resorts are being developed in the Andamans; and Radisson Blu is set to open in Siliguri at the upcoming Crossroads Mall. Meanwhile, the RBI Museum in Kolkata remains a hidden gem for culture and learning.

The East continues to rise - and together, let’s take our travellers deeper into its story.

Best wishes,

Amit Periwal

Director, Clubside Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd

Weather Watch: Know Before You Go

Northeast India

Min Temperature: 24° Celsius
Max Temperature: 31° Celsius
Prediction/Rainfall: Expect moderate to heavy rainfall across most regions

Darjeeling–Sikkim Sector

Min Temperature: 14° Celsius
Max Temperature: 25° Celsius
Prediction/Rainfall: Rainfall likely to range from moderate to heavy, especially in hilly areas

West Bengal Sector (Kolkata & Surrounding Plains)

Min Temperature: 27° Celsius
Max Temperature: 35° Celsius
Prediction/Rainfall: Hot and humid with frequent moderate to heavy showers

Andaman Sector

Min Temperature: 26° Celsius
Max Temperature: 32° Celsius
Prediction/Rainfall: Consistent moderate to heavy rainfall; expect short breaks in between

Bhutan

Min Temperature: 12° Celsius
Max Temperature: 23° Celsius
Prediction/Rainfall: Widespread rainfall expected; moderate to heavy showers common

Festival Watch: Culture in Full Bloom

Durga Puja – A Celebration of Heritage, Culture and Creativity
Recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava, is West Bengal’s most vibrant and cherished festival. Celebrated with grand fervor in Kolkata, it honors Goddess Durga’s victory over evil and highlights the creative and spiritual spirit of the city. In 2021, UNESCO inscribed Durga Puja in Kolkata on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

A 2019 British Council study valued the creative economy of Durga Puja in West Bengal at ₹32,377 crores, reflecting its cultural and economic impact. Beyond devotion, the festival showcases art, community participation, culinary excellence, and heritage.

Festival Dates: 28 September – 2 October 2025
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata.
Nearest Railway Stations: Howrah, Sealdah, Kolkata (Chitpur)

Tour Highlights

Pandal Hopping Extravaganza
Cultural Performances
Immersion Ceremony
Traditional Rituals
Gastronomic Delights
Guided Heritage Walk

Suggested Itinerary

29 September 2025 – Maha Saptami: Arrival in Kolkata

Arrival at Kolkata airport. Meet & greet, followed by hotel transfer. Day at leisure.

30 September 2025 – Maha Ashtami: Traditional Puja & City Tour

Morning: Explore traditional household pujas in North Kolkata. Interact with locals and witness age-old rituals. Afternoon: Visit the Indian Museum and Victoria Memorial.

Highlights: Cultural immersion, rituals, and colonial-era heritage.

1 October 2025 Maha Nabami: Pandal Hopping & Heritage Walk

Morning: Guided tour of South Kolkata’s iconic and creative theme-based pandals. Afternoon: Heritage Walk at Dalhousie Square – covering Raj Bhavan, St. John’s Church, High Court, and more.

Highlights: Artistic pandals and colonial history.

2 October 2025 – Vijaya Dashami: Belur Math & Sindur Khela

Morning: Spiritual visit to Belur Math. Afternoon: Witness Sindur Khela and the emotional farewell of the Goddess during idol immersion at the riverfront.

Highlights: Spiritual serenity and traditional farewell customs.

3 October 2025 – Departure

Timely transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Accommodation Options in Kolkata

Kolkata offers a wide range of stays suitable for all budgets and preferences:

Luxury Hotels:ITC Royal Bengal, Taj Bengal, JW Marriott, Hyatt Regency, Lalit Great Eastern, The Oberoi Grand (under renovation).
Business Hotels:Novotel, Westin, Fairfield by Marriott, Holiday Inn.
Mid-Range Hotels:Peerless Hotel, Taj Raajkutir, Taj City Centre New Town.
Boutique Hotels:The Elgin Fairlawn, Calcutta Bungalow, Glenburn Penthouse, The Astor.

Resorts:Vedic Village Spa Resort.

Transportation

For smooth travel during Durga Puja, Toyota Innova Crysta is highly recommended due to traffic congestion and road closures during festival days. Options range from compact sedans to luxury coaches and tempo travelers for group movement.

Experience the soul of Bengal through its grandest celebration. Witness a festival that blends devotion, art, food, and culture into one unforgettable journey.

Destination Decode: This Month’s Hidden Gem

TAWANG – A JOURNEY INTO THE SOUL OF THE HIMALAYAS

Explore Arunachal Pradesh’s Crown Jewel

Altitude:10,000 ft above sea level.

Best Time to Visit: March–May (Spring bloom) and October–November (Clear skies, post-monsoon views).

Climate: Cold and windy; temperatures often drop below 10°C even in October.

Location & Access

Tawang is located in western Arunachal Pradesh, bordered by Bhutan to the west and Tibet (China) to the north. Despite its remoteness, its ethereal beauty and spiritual aura make it one of the most captivating Himalayan destinations in India.

Nearest Airport:Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati.

Permit Requirements:

Indian Citizens: ILP (Inner Line Permit

Foreign Nationals: PAP (Protected Area Permit)

For First-Time Travelers

Acclimatization is Key: Plan a stopover at Dirang or Bomdila to adapt to high altitudes.
Clothing: Carry layered warm clothes, windproof jackets, woollens.
Essentials to Pack: Medicines for altitude and cold, energy bars/snacks, torchlight.
Connectivity:Mobile signal is patchy; BSNL, Airtel, and Jio offer limited coverage; Wi-Fi access is minimal.

TAWANG – Where Spirituality Meets the Sky

Cradled in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, Tawang offers a breathtaking mix of dramatic landscapes, deep-rooted Tibetan Buddhist culture, and warm local hospitality. A peaceful Buddhist community coexists with a significant military presence, reflecting both the spiritual soul and strategic relevance of the region.

The Legend of Tawang:

The name “Tawang” comes from a 17th-century tale of Lama Mera, a Tibetan monk, who discovered the site while searching for his lost horse. “Ta” means horse, and “Wang” means chosen—thus, ‘the place chosen by the horse’.

Key Highlights:

Tawang Monastery: One of the largest and most influential monasteries outside Lhasa.

Bumla Pass: A serene, high-altitude pass on the Indo-China border.
Local Life: Discover the rich traditions of the Monpa tribe, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism.

Historical Background

Originally under Tibetan control, Tawang became part of British India after the 1914 McMahon Line Agreement. After India’s independence, the region became part of the North Eastern Frontier Agency (NEFA) and was later declared a full state—Arunachal Pradesh—in 1987. The name means “Land of the Rising Sun,” reflecting its easternmost location.

Suggested Route Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Guwahati – Travel to Tezpur
Day 02: Tezpur – Dirang
Day 03: Dirang – Tawang
Day 04: Explore Tawang – Monastery, Bumla Pass
Day 05: Tawang – Bomdila
Day 06: Bomdila – Bhalukpong
Day 07: Bhalukpong – Guwahati – Departure

Optional Extensions:

Kaziranga National Park:UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the one-horned rhinoceros.
Meghalaya:Discover the living root bridges, waterfalls, and caves of this scenic state.

Why Visit Tawang?

For those seeking more than just scenic views, Tawang offers a profound experience—where snowy peaks, silent monasteries, and untouched valleys tell stories of devotion, resilience, and timeless heritage. It’s not just a destination; it’s a soulful retreat.

On the Ground: Sector-Wise Travel Buzz

Bhutan Launches World's First National Crypto Tourism Payment System

Travelers can now pay for flights, visas, stays, and tours using crypto via Binance Pay.
100+ local merchants onboard, enabling a fully cashless, card-free travel experience.
A global first in integrating cryptocurrency into national tourism infrastructure.

Discover Rhino and River BluSalzz Collection – A Peaceful Retreat Near Pobitora

Located in Mayang village, just 5 km from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
Nestled by the Brahmaputra River amidst lush farmlands.
Combines comfort and adventure for a serene nature escape.

Andaman & Nicobar Unveils 3 New Eco-Tourism Projects

Eco-resorts coming up at Aves Island, Smith Island, and Megapode Resort.
₹367 crore total investment to boost sustainable tourism.
Long-term leases (50–75 years) with 3–4 year construction timelines.

Radisson Blu to Open First Luxury Hotel in Siliguri

105-room hotel with dining, spa, pool, and event spaces at Crossroads Mall, Uttorayon.
Part of SKA Lumina Developers’ premium lifestyle project.
Aims to redefine luxury hospitality in Siliguri.

Explore Money’s Journey at the RBI Museum, Kolkata

Interactive exhibits on money, RBI’s role, and your economic impact.
Highlights include a 7-ft Yap Stone, gold mining display, and more - all free.
Visit the souvenir shop with shredded currency items and enjoy the on-site café.