Bhubaneshwar - the capital of Odisha

Overview

Renowned for its connection with the Great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, Bhubaneswar or Bhubaneshwar is the capital city of the eastern Indian state of Orissa. Literally meaning the ‘Lord of the Universe’, Bhubaneswar is dotted with numerous historic temples known for their exquisite architectural styles, related legends or other interesting facts. Often referred to as the ‘Temple City of India’, Bhubaneswar makes the ‘Golden Triangle’ of holy temple cities with Konark (Sun Temple) and Puri (Jagannath Temple). Historically the capital of ancient Kalinga state, Bhubaneswar is now a modern city and a thriving hub for commerce and business in East India. Designed by the German architect Otto Kongisberger in 1946, the modern Bhubaneswar harmoniously blends with the old. The beautifully managed gardens, fun & amusement parks, and world class museums add more charm to the historic city. Traces of Bhubaneswar’s rich cultural heritage can be found in the traditional handicrafts like appliqué work of Pipli, world famous Odissi dance, local delicacies, and colorful festivals and events. Besides these, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves take you on an amazing journey of rock cut structures dating back to around 1st century B.C.

Bhubaneshwar

Getting There

Air: Biju Patnaik Airport is about 5 km away from the city center. The airport is linked to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bangalore with daily flights. A taxi from the airport to the city costs around Rs. 100.

Rail: Bhubaneswar Railway Station is a major railhead of the East Coast Railway and connected to all major cities by a number of trains.

Road: The OSRTC runs frequent buses between Bhubaneswar and other places of the state such as Konark and Puri. Private operators also offer bus services to and from Bhubaneswar. 

Driving directions: From Kolkata - Start from Jawaharlal Nehru Road and reach NH 6 after crossing Rashmoni Avenue, Dufferin Road, Pranabananda Sarani and Vidyasagar Setu. Further take a left on NH 60 and later on drive onto NH 5 to reach Bhubaneswar (12 hours, 450 km).

Info Zone (When, What, ‘Wear’)

Best time to visit (When to go) – Bhubaneswar boasts of a tropical climate with hot summers (April to June) and cold winters (November to March). The south-east monsoon appears in late June and ends by September. The ideal time to visit Bhubaneswar is from October to March.

Knapsack (What to carry) –

Dress up / down (Wear what) -

Recommended for:

Singles / Friends / Single woman / Senior travellers / Family with children / Couples

Getting Around

Various modes of local transport are available in Bhubaneswar. The government-run city buses are the most convenient and cheap mode of transport. You can hire car or taxis for exploring the major spots of the city. Auto-rickshaws are also available on shared as well as individual basis in Bhubaneswar.

Must See

With a fine collection of old and new attractions, Bhubaneswar offers plenty of sightseeing options. Temples are the major highlight of Bhubaneswar and thronged by devotees in large numbers. Begin you sightseeing trip from Lingaraj Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and dates back to the 10th century. Described as ‘the truest fusion of dream and reality’ by Ferguson – the noted art critic and historian, Lingaraj Temple is a rare masterpiece and known for its excellent sculpture and architecture. Close to Lingaraj Temple is Bindu Sarovara, a large lake, which is believed to have the drop of every holy river. Considered the gem of the Oriyan architecture, Mukteshwara Temple dating back to the 10th century is another important temple of Bhubaneswar. One of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, Parasurameswar Mandir (650 AD) is dedicated to Lord Shiva and also deserves a visit. Vaital Mandir (8th century) dedicated to goddess Chamundi (Kali), Rajarani Mandir, Siddheswar Mandir and Kedaragauri Mandir are other noted old temples in Bhubaneswar, known for their architecture, sculptures or related legends. In addition to these, ISKON temple and Ram Mandir, though comparatively new, have many visitors. Remember, entry to non Hindus is not allowed in all temples, so enquire before you proceed inside any temple. Once you cover all the temples, move further to visit the museums of the city, namely Orissa State Museum and Tribal Museum. While Orissa State Museum has a vast collection of archaeological objects, art and objects, and sculptures, the Tribal Museum houses interesting items of the tribes. You can pass a good time with your family or friends in the beautiful parks of the city like Biju Patanaik Park, Buddha Jayanti Park, Gandhi Park, Ekamra Kanan (Cactus Park) and Forest Park. Also visit the Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC), which is known for maintaining the biggest Rose garden in India.

Must Do

When talked about leisure, Bhubaneswar offers plenty of options to do. From well laid-out parks to adrenaline rushing treks, Bhubaneswar has everything to please all types of travelers. An amusement park, BDA Nicco Park offers a variety of thrilling activities for all age groups. If you are an art lover, then step inside Rabindra Mandap or Soochana Bhavan on Sachivajaya Marg where dance and music programmes are organised almost every day. Visit the Regional Science Centre to watch the ‘Lost World series’ that takes you to the ancient world. At the Science Centre the common principles of Physics are demonstrated through simple experiments from 10.30am to 5.30pm. Get a better understanding about the celestial bodies and see the stars closely at Pathani Samanta Planetarium. The celestial shows are organised in Oriya and English alternatively. If you wish to make your trip more adventurous, then explore the rock cut temples in and around the city on foot. Adventure freaks can explore famous rock cut caves like Udayagiri, Khandagiri, Swagpuri and Hathi (elephant) Gupha.

Eat

From exotic seafood to lip-smacking sweets, Bhubaneswar offers a lot to satisfy the taste buds of die-hard food lovers. Despite being a temple town, Bhubaneswar offers plenty of options for non-vegetarians as well. The local markets in Bhubaneswar sell freshly caught lobsters and crabs each morning. Most restaurants in Bhubaneswar offer fresh seafood along with vegetarian dishes. ‘Dalma’ and ‘pakhal’ are the most famous traditional delicacy of Bhubaneswar and a must try. After spicy fast food like ‘chaat’, ‘dahi bara’, ‘aloo dum’, ‘gol gappas’ and ‘rolls’, try some sweets such as ‘rasagolla’, ‘chennajhilli’ and ‘rasabali’. In addition to traditional Oriyan cuisine, you can find delectable North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Thai and Continental cuisines in the eating joints of Bhubaneswar. Also enjoy the ‘prasad’ offered by the major temples on daily basis to devotees.

Shop

Bhubaneswar is a mainly known for locally manufactured handicrafts including stone and wood carvings, silver filigree work, tie and dye textiles, bamboo basketry, horn work, paper mache mask, brass and bell metal work. Appliqué craft of Pipli and Patta paintings are other must buys of Bhubaneswar. Also buy colourful wooden icons of Lord Jagannath to keep as a souvenir of the trip. Utkalika (a government owned shop run by the Department of Handicrafts) as well as many privately run shops offer the local handicrafts at reasonable rates. Besides the handicrafts, you can buy other interesting items in the local markets of Bhubaneswar. Ekamra Haat, Boyanika, Kalamandir, Sambalpuri Bastralaya, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Bazar Kolkata, Priyadarshani and Vishal Garments are the popular shops in Bhubaneswar. Haggling is common in local markets, but don’t try in fixed-price shops.

Nightlife

Usually temple towns in India offer nothing special in the name of nightlife. However, Bhubaneswar differs from other temple towns and doesn’t disappoint nightlife lovers. You can visit the bars attached to the major hotels and enjoy exhilarating drinks till midnight on the beats of thumping music. Some hotels also offer interesting options and organise special programmes to make the nights happening.  

  

Events

A culturally rich city, Bhubaneswar celebrates a number of festivals every year that showcase the art, artifacts, culture, music and rich tradition. Most of the festivals in Bhubaneswar are connected to the temples. Ashokashtami Festival is an annual temple festival celebrated at Lingaraj Temple in March / April. During the festival the deity is taken out in a massive procession on a huge ‘Ratha’ (chariot) for a ceremonial dip at Bindu Sagar Lake. Bhubaneswar is an abode of Shivite belief of Hinduism, hence Shivaratri (February / March) is an important festival for the temples and people of the city. Ramanavami (March / April), Jhamuyatra (April / May), Anla Navami (October / November), Makal Mela (January), Megha Mela (January / February), Khandagiri Mela (January / February) and Taratarini Mela (March / April) are other noted festivals and events of Bhubaneswar. Besides regional and temples festivals, Bhubaneswar also celebrates religious festivals like Dussehra (Durga Puja), Deepawali, Lakshmi Puja, Christmas and Eid-ul-Fitr.

Excursions

After exploring the temples and other tourist spots of Bhubaneswar, you can take short excursions to nearby places. Just 2 km from Lingaraj Temple lie the ruins of Sisupalgarh dating back to the around 3rd century B.C. The ruins of Sisupalgarh indicate that the Orissan civilization has ancient roots and there was a well-fortified city at the site. Situated 8 km from Bhubaneswar, Dhauli hill is a quaint place and reminds about the historic ‘Kalinga War’ that was fought here between the Mauryan emperor Ashoka and the state of Kalinga. You can see the rock edicts of Ashoka on the foot of Dhauli hill. Shanti Stupa and the old temple of Lord Dhavaleswar are other attractions of Dhauli. Hirapur, approximately 15 km away from Bhubaneswar is known for the 11th century Hypaethral Temple of 64 Yoginis, only second of its type in Orissa and one of the four such temples in India. Further move towards Nandankanan (20 km) Park to see a wide variety of floral and faunal species. Carved out of the Chandaka forest, the biological park houses tigers, bears, crocodiles and varieties of indigenous plants. Renowned for its hot Sulphur water spring, Atri (42) is a holy place and home to the shrine of Hatakeswar. Devotees take a dip in the water of the spring, which is believed to have the potential to cure skin diseases.

Top 5 Must See

• Lingaraj Temple - an ancient temple dating back to 7th century AD
• Bindu Sarovara - a sacred lake located close to Lingaraj Temple
• Mukteswara Temple – a real and rare specimen of Kalinga School of architecture
• Dhauli Hill – the historic site of Kalinga War
• Khandagir & Udaygiri hills – home to rock cut caves carved out around 1st and 2nd century B.C.

Top 5 To Do

• Watch celestial show in Pathani Samanta Planetarium
• Attend demonstrations at the Science Centre
• An excursion to Dhauli, Hirapur, Sisupalgarh, Atri and Nandankanan Park
• Attend tribal fairs (mela) especially Adivasi Mela in January / February
• Attend a show of world famous Odissi dance

Agartala - the capital of Tripura

Overview

Tucked in north-eastern part of India, Agartala is the capital of Tripura state. With its strategic location close to the neighbouring country of Bangladesh, Agartala enjoys a special place in India’s political map. A historic place, Agartala rose to prominence in the 19th century, when Maharaja Krishna Manikya declared the city his capital. The magnificent palaces, architectural masterpieces, temples and churches altogether display the rich past of the city. Nature has blessed the charming city with rich and varied flora & fauna, lush hills, picturesque lakes, pleasant atmosphere and unmatched beauty. Agartala is a major commercial centre of the region and serves a major market for rice, tea, oilseed and other ingredients. Agartala is a cultural melting pot of the region and home to people of diverse cultures. Experience the unique culture of the region in the lifestyle of locals including eating habits and dress senses. Fairs and festivals also provide a fine glimpse of the varied culture and traditions. The rich heritage of cane and bamboo handicrafts also adds more charm to the city of Agartala. Get ready for a holiday in Agartala, where many hidden jewells are waiting for you.

Agartala

Fast Facts

Main languages: Bengali is widely spoken and used in Agartala by locals along with Tripuri language ‘Kokborok’. Manipuri, Chakma, Nepali and basic Hindi are also spoken.

When to go: Agartala experiences a moderate climate all round the year that makes it ideal to visit any time. Summers (April to July) are pleasant with maximum temperature touches a high of 35 degree Celsius, while monsoons (July to September) bring heavy rains. Winter season (October to March) is also pleasant with temperature dips to a low of 5 degree Celsius. October to March is the best time to visit Agartala. 

Local Transport: Cycle rickshaws are main mode of local transport in Agartala. Auto-rickshaws locally called ‘tempu’ also ply in specific routes of the city. Buses are also available for long routes and day trips to nearby places. 

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) 1 USD is approximately 48 INR

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)

Location: North-East India, along the banks of Haora River

Nearest Metropolis: Guwahati - 510 km away, Kolkata – 1680 km away

Eating

Like the normal lifestyle, the cuisine of Agartala is also highly influenced from the Bengali culture. Fish dominates in almost all the meals and served with boiled rice. Despite the strong influence of Bengali cuisine, Tripuri cuisine also flourishes in Agartala. Like Bengali cuisine, fish and rice are the main components of Tripuri cuisine. Locally called as ‘Berma’, the dried ‘puthi’ fish is used as a spice in most of the Tripuri dishes. Bamboo shoots, ginger, green chili and other natural ingredients are also used for the preparation of local dishes. Generally the Tripuri dishes are prepared without the use of oil. Some of the popular Tripuri dishes are Awandru, Bwtwi, Chakhwi, Chakhwtwi, Chatang, Deng, Gudok, Mosodeng, Peng, Rabra, Ser, Sok and Yohk. Many restaurants in Agartala serve traditional Tripuri dishes along with Bengali dishes.

Shopping

If you are a discerning shopper and wish to buy something for yourself or near and dear ones, then Agartala is a perfect place for you. In fact, Agartala is a paradise for avid shoppers and offers a vast collection of traditional handicrafts along with other interesting objects. The forestland of Tripura produces bamboo and wood in large quantity that have been used as the raw material for manufacturing of the handicrafts. Besides these, clay and palm leaves are also used by the local craftsmen for making exquisite artifacts. The bamboo and cane handicrafts of Agartala can be used to decorate the home interiors. Explore the markets of Agartala to buy the bamboo or cane made objects like floor mats, tablemats, room dividers, decorated lampshades, wall panels and furniture (sofa sets, baby chairs garden chairs, tables, morah and apple morah). You may also pick up hand-woven fabrics available in a variety of designs and colors. ‘Travel Agartala’ – a government run shop is a perfect place to buy authentic artifacts at reasonable prices. You may also visit the private shops in the main market area that offer a wide array of items including traditional handicrafts.

Sightseeing

The city of Agartala houses plenty of attractions in its small area that include magnificent palaces, important Hindu and Buddhist temples, massive churches, wonderful museums, picturesque natural lakes, and beautifully managed parks and gardens. Built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya in 1901, Ujjayanta Palace is a two storied building and now operational as the state legislative assembly. Just one km from Ujjayanta Palace is Kunjaban Palace also called Pushbanta Palace, which is perched atop a hillock called ‘Kunjaban’. The palace is now the official residence of Governor of Tripura and houses well laid gardens. The southern side of the garden is named as ‘Rabindra Kanan’ and is open for public. Malancha Niwas is another attraction close to Kunjaban Palace and deserves a visit. After covering the palaces, move towards the temples situated in the Palace Compound. Laxmi Narayan Bari Temple and Durga Bari Temple are the main temples of the Palace Compound. Jagannath Temple, Venuban Vihar, Buddha Mandir and Umamaheswar Temple are other noted temples of Agartala. Next, visit the churches of Agartala such as Agartala Baptist Church and Agartala City Baptist Church. After visiting the temples and churches, visit Tripura Government Museum to see an excellent collection of rare images, sculptures and other interesting objects. Located in the heart of city, Sukanta Academy is a science museum and houses a small planetarium. Puratan Agartala, Tripura University, Maharaja Bir Bikram College, New Capital Complex, Akhaura Checkpost, Nazrul Kalakshetra, Agartala Railway Station and Gedu Miar Masjid are other places of tourist interest in Agartala.

Activities

Usually the visitors to Agartala spend relaxing moments amidst tranquil natural surroundings. However, if you are looking for some leisure options then take a stroll and cover the major spots of the city. With leisurely walks, you can burn extra calories from your body and easily explore the city. Rose Valley Amusement Park is a famous leisure spot in Agartala and thronged by tourists as well as locals in large numbers. You can indulge in a variety of leisure activities in the amusement park. Nehru Park and Children’s Park are also ideal spots to spend relaxing moments with family members and friends. Enjoy boating in the lakes of Agartala along with magnificent view of the surroundings. If you wish to experience some high adrenaline adventure activities, then undertake short to long treks to the hills around Agartala. Wildlife safari in nearby wildlife sanctuaries is also a good leisure option.

Events

Agartala is a happening city and celebrates many festivals round the year that draw a large number of tourists as well as pilgrims. Hindu population predominates in Agartala and most the festivals revolve around Hindu traditions. Agartala is dominated by the Bengalis and Bengali culture flourishes in the city. Like West Bengal, in Agartala too the festival of Durga Puja (October / November) is celebrated at a large scale with great fanfare. Along with Durga Puja, the Bengali culture can also be observed in the celebration of Saraswati Puja. Holi also called ‘Rong Khela’ and Kali Puja (Diwali) are other famous Hindu festival of Agartala. The city of Agartala also has a fair population of the native Tripuri people, who celebrates several regional as well as religious festivals that display rich culture and traditions. Kharchi Festival (July), Garia and Gajan Festival (April), Charak Puja (April), Ashokastami Festival (April), Ratha Jatra (June), Manasa Mangal (August) and Rasha Festival (November) are some of the famous ethnic Tripuri festivals celebrated in Agartala. Eid-ul-Fitr and Christmas are other important religious festivals celebrated in Agartala by Muslims and Christians respectively. The state tourism department organizes several special events in Agartala every year. The year begins with the annual Book Fair in Agartala that provides a good opportunity to buy books at discounted rates. The birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (January 23) is also celebrated at a grand level in Agartala with colourful processions and parades in the morning hours on the streets. Rabindra / Nazrul Jayanti (May) is another important day celebrated in Agartala.  

Nightlife

Nightlife options are not available in Agartala and you have to remain stuck inside your hotel in the nights. But you can make your nights happening by attending special programmes organised across the city. During winters ‘Kirtans’ (special religious musical programmes) are organised at the major spots of the city that go till the early hours of the morning. You can pass the night by attending a Kirtan Party and enjoy the re-mix of the filmi songs in religious themes sung by the chorus. A classical dance form, ‘Raas’ is also performed at Radha Madhav Temple in Agartala each year during the full moon night of the Hindu month ‘Aghrayan’ to mark the love of Lord Krishna for his consort Radha. During the festival, the local artists dressed up in traditional attire dance around the idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha all through the night.

Excursions

Agartala itself has plenty of natural and man-made attractions to enthrall the visitors. But a short trip to nearby places increases the excitement of the trip many folds. A calm and serene lake, Damboor Lake is thronged by nature lovers, adventure seekers as well as leisure travelers from Agartala. Damboor Lake offers a wonderful opportunity to indulge in water sports activities along with other entertainment options. Known as the ‘mother of the tribals of Tripura’, Raima Valley is a famous tourist spot and abounds with well laid-out gardens and plantations.  Situated at a distance of 35 km from Agartala, Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary provides shelter to a wide range of wildlife, avian species as well as primates. Spread over an area of 18.5 sq km, the Wildlife Sanctuary has five distinct sections, namely Carnivores Section, Primate Section, Reptile Section, Ungulate Section and Aviary Section. The wildlife sanctuary also has Abasarika and Amrit Sagar lakes that offer boating facilities. Close to Agartala, Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary is another famous wildlife sanctuary and home to interesting animal, plant and birds species. Also pay a visit to Gondacherra Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can completely surrender yourself to unspoiled atmosphere and experience the nature at its best. Explore the wildlife sanctuary and see the animals in their natural habitat. Constructed in 1930 as the summer resort for the King Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya, Neermahal or Water Palace (50 km away from Agartala) is an Engineering marvel and presents a fine blend of Hindu and Islamic architectures. Located 175 km from Agartala, Unakoti is known for housing exquisite rock cut carvings and stone images. Although located at a distance of 240 km from Agartala, but Jampui Hill deserves a visit due to treasure trove of a variety of Orchids, oranges and unmatched natural beauty. Jampui Hill is the highest hill range in the state bordering Mizoram. The rock cut carvings and stone images at Deotamura (75), Pilak (100 km) and Unakoti (175) are also considered among must visit places around Agartala.

Getting There

Air: Agartala Airport is connected to Kolkata and Guwahati by daily flight. The airport also has flights from Delhi and Chennai via Kolkata. Auto-rickshaws are available from the airport to various places of the city.

Rail: Agartala Railway Station is linked with a metro gauge line with Assam. Lumding Agartala Express plies everyday between Lumding (a railway station on Guwahati – Dibrugarh route) and Agartala. The train journey between Lumding and Agartala takes around 16 hours. Kumarghat (160 km) and Dharmanagar (200 km) are the nearest railway stations from Agartala. You can hire a taxi from these railway stations that costs about Rs 2500 – 3000.

Road: NH 44 connects Agartala with other parts of Tripura and neighbouring state of Assam and Meghalaya. Direct bus services are available from Guwahati (510 km), Silchar (279 km) and Shillong (475 km) to Agartala.

Driving directions: From Guwahati – drive South on Assam Trunk Road (NH 37) till you reach NH 40. After crossing Shillong and Jaintia Hills proceed onto Agartala – Assam Highway (NH 44) that takes you to Agartala (15 hours, 510 km).

Recommended for:

Agartala is an ideal place for all types of travelers such as singles / couples / friends / single woman / senior travellers and family with children

Top 5 Must See

• Ujjayanta Palace: the palace of erstwhile Tripura Kings and now the state legislative assembly
• Kunjaban Palace: a marvelous monument providing a glimpse of the bygone era
• Jagannath Temple:  a Hindu temple of Vaishnava school of thought
• Tripura State Museum: to see a rich collection of rare artifacts
• Jampui Hill: home to a variety of orchids and oranges

Incredible India! Assam - The Gateway to Sever Sister States

Fast Facts About Assam

Situated in: North Eastern part of India

Established in: August 15, 1947

Capital City: Dispur

Biggest City: Guwahati

Districts: 27

Area: 78,550 sq. km

Population: 31,169,272

Literacy: 76.3 percent

Official Languages: Assamese, Bodo

Best Time to Visit: The climate of Assam is characterized by a high humidity, the most distinguishing feature is the copious rainfall between the month of March and May when most parts of Indian territory remain dry. Climatically, the year in Assam can be divided into two main seasons namely winter season and the rainy season. The south-west monsoon starts in the state from mid-June and continues till September. The winter season begins from October and ends by February. In between monsoon and winter seasons, the summer comes for a short duration. Best time to visit Assam is between October to April.

Official Website of Assam: http://www.assam.gov.in/

One of the seven north-eastern states (together called as ‘seven sisters’), Assam is the gateway to the north-eastern part of India. Set just below the eastern Himalayan foothills, the state of Assam is bordered by the Kingdom of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to its north-east. The states of Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram lie in the south, while Meghalaya lies to the south-west. West Bengal and Bangladesh are to its west. Blessed with several natural gifts, Assam is dominated by the massive Brahmaputra River which has its origins in Tibet.

Fact is that, after Africa, Assam is perhaps the only part of the world where a wide variety of wildlife exists. The state is bestowed with vast alluvial plains and dense forests, tracts of paddy and tea and oil from the deep depths of the earth. In Assam, you can see a variety of flora and fauna including the world famous one Horned Rhinoceros and other rare species. Besides, Assam’s colourful fairs and festivals, rich art and culture and cuisine will surely leave you spellbound.

History of Assam

Assam has an old history dating back to the ancient times, which is based in various literatures like Tantaric literature, Buddhist literature, Vedic literature and Assamese folklore. Reference of Assam is also found in the epics and the religious legends. From 350 AD to 12th century, Assam was mainly ruled by the Varman Dynasty and several other dynasties such as the Kacharis, the Chitias etc. During the rule of the famous Varman king, Bhaskarvarman (600 AD-650 AD), the Chinese traveller Xuan Zang visited the Assam region and recorded his trips. The Ahoms ventured into Assam in around 1228 AD and ruled till 1826 AD. Other noted kingdom during that period was the Koch, which arrived in the region in 1510 AD. In the latter part of the 18th century, Ahom Kingdom weakened due to internal conflicts. Later in 1821, the Burmese invaded Assam and installed a puppet king. Between 1905-12, Assam was separated with some parts of Bengal and separate provinces of Eastern Bengal and Assam were established. At the time of India’s independence in 1947, Assam consisted of the original Ahom kingdom and the present-day Arunachal Pradesh. Further, Assam was divided into four more states to become one of the seven sister states in the 1960s and 1970s.

Tourist Destinations of Assam

A land of pleasant contrast and excitement, Assam offers a wide array of attractions. A journey through this picturesque land is bound to cheer up your mind and body and stimulate you to explore more as well as learn more. Important tourist destinations of the state are Guwahati, Dispur and Tezpur.

Arts and Culture of Assam

A perfect fusion of heritage of several old races has made Assam the home of a rich art & culture. Art and culture of Assam reflect the true spirit, tradition and lifestyle of the people of the state. Music, Dance and several other art forms make important part of the people of Assam. Since time immemorial, the people of Assam have traditionally been master craftsmen. Though the state is known mainly for its fine silk fabric and the bamboo and cane products, but you will find several other excellent pieces of crafts here. Some of the popular arts and crafts include Cane and Bamboo, Metal Crafts, Woodcraft, Handlooms, Toys, Pottery, Masks, Jewellery, Terracotta and Traditional Paintings.

Cuisine of Assam

Assamese love traditional as well as Indian and continental cuisine. A fusion of indigenous as well external influences, Assamese cuisine will definitely pamper your taste-buds. Assamese cuisine is characterized by the use of simple ingredients which are very delicious. Rice is principle component of Assamese cuisine, besides, fermented food is also used widely which has a distinct flavour. Fish and Meat are the favourite food of the Assamese. Vegetable dishes are also liked by large number of people. Amongst the vegetable dishes ‘Aloo Pitika’ is very popular.

Fairs and Festivals of Assam

A land of varied culture and traditions, Assam witnesses a number of fairs and festivals all through the year. Most of the festivals in Assam have their roots linked to the diverse faith and belief of its inhabitants. Important fairs and festivals are Bihu, Baishagu, Rongker, Ali-ai-liang, Rongali Utsav, Jonbeel Mela, Majuli Festival, Elephant Festival, Brahamaputra Beach Festival, Dehing Patkai Festival, Baikho, Rajini Gabra & Harni Gabra, Ambhbashi Mela, Bohaggiyo Bishu and Tea Festival.

Wildlife in Assam

Blessed with nature’s scenic grandeur, Assam has a wealth of rarest and near-extinct wildlife species. Some of the wild species which you can spot in the wildlife sanctuaries and parks are Tigers, Clouded Leopard, Hoolock Gibbon, Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog, Hispid Hare, Swamp Deer, Gangetic Dolphins, White-Winged Wood-duck etc. In addition to these, a number of resident and migratory birds make Assam their habitats in winter and other seasons. Most popular wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of Assam include Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Nameri National Park, Orang (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park and Pabitora Sanctuary.

Shopping in Assam

Rich in traditional handicrafts and locally made items, Assam provides you a wonderful shopping experience. While you visit Assam, you can shop a wide range of handicrafts available everywhere from Government Emporia to private shops. In addition to handicrafts, Assam is renowned for its traditional handloom products. Amongst the variety of handlooms, Assam silk is one of the exclusive souvenirs to take back home. Must buy items in Assam include Tea, Silk fabric like - Muga and Paat, Hand made toys, Eri Handloom products, Cane and Bamboo work, Decorative items, Furniture, Bell metal products.

How to Reach Assam

By Air: Guwahati Airport also called Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is the only international airport in the state of Assam. Jet Airways, Kingfisher, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Air India operate flights from Delhi, Kolkata to Guwahati. International weekly flights also operate between Guwahati and Bangkok. Besides Guwahati airport, the state has other airports in Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur and Silchar.

By Rail: The network of Indian Railways connect Assam with rest of the country. Rajdhani Express and several Super-fast and Express trains run between Delhi and Guwahati. A number of trains also run to Guwahati from cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and rest of the country.

By Road: National Highways, State Highway and other roads connect Assam with neighbouring states and towns. All the important towns and destinations in Assam are well-connected by road network and served by buses and other modes of road transport.

Where to Stay in Assam

Guwahati, Dispur, Silchar, Tezpur, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and other popular destinations of Assam is dotted with many star categories hotels and resorts. You can also find guest houses and tourist lodges in tourist destinations across Assam at a reasonable price. It is always advised to book a hotel in advance while you visit Assam.

Book the hotels or accommodation online in Assam by clicking the link.

http://www.makemytrip.com

Incredible India! Arunachal Pradesh - The Land of Rising Sun

Fast Facts about Arunachal Pradesh

Situated in: North Eastern Part of India (One of the Seven Sister States)

Established in: February 20, 1987

Capital City: Itanagar

Biggest City: Itanagar

Districts: 16

Area: 83,743 sq. km

Population: 1,382, 611

Literacy: 66.95 percent

Official Language: English

Languages Spoken: English, Hindi and Assamese

Best Time to Visit: Climate of Arunachal varies with the elevation. The climate varies from hot and humid in the lower altitude to heavy rainfall in the Shivalik range. It becomes cold as one moves northwards to higher altitudes. Summers are not very hot, temperature ranges from 25C to 35C. Winters are cold, the temperature remains between 0C to 15C. Best Time to visit is October to May.

Official Website of Arunachal Pradesh: http://www.arunachalpradesh.nic.in/

‘One of the seven sisters of North Eastern India’, Arunachal Pradesh is a picturesque land tucked into the North Eastern tip of India. The charming state of Arunachal Pradesh greets you to relax in its beautiful hills and dales, to enjoy its salubrious climate and to meet its simple and hospitable people. Whatever is your choice of holiday, Arunachal Pradesh will surely mesmerize you with its centuries old spectacular vistas and diverse tribal heritage. Arunachal Pradesh is bordered by the Indian states of Assam in the south and Nagaland in the south-east. Bhutan lies to the west of the state, Myanmar lies to the west and the Line of Actual Control separates it from the People’s Republic of China to the north.

With its verdant valleys, lofty mountain peaks, shimmering rivers and some of India’s rare and endangered flora and fauna, Arunachal Pradesh offers plethora of attractions for you. Hence suggesting you to plan your next trip to the mysterious land of Arunachal Pradesh and discover the interesting traditions of ancient lifestyles, lived out against one of the most diversified ecological settings of the country.

History of Arunachal Pradesh

The history of Arunachal Pradesh is little known, although the Apatani tribe had some legendary knowledge about the history of the region, but recorded history was only available in the Ahom chronicles of the 16th century. According to historic records of Monpa and Sherdukpen tribal, the northwestern parts of the state came under the control of the Monpa kingdom of Monyul, between 500 B.C and 600 A.D. Arunachal came under the loose control of Tibet and Bhutan, especially in the northern parts, while the remaining parts came under the control of the Ahom and the Assamese until the accession of India by the British in 1858. However, in late 1947, Tibet altered its position on the McMahon Line, the Tibetan government wrote to the newly independent Indian Ministry of External Affairs laying claims to Tibetan districts south of the McMahon Line. In 1950, India unilaterally declared the McMahon Line to be the boundary and forced the Tibetan administration out of the Tawang area in 1951 despite PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) protests.

Tourist Destinations of Arunachal Pradesh

Literally meaning “the land of the rising sun”, Arunachal is home to many picturesque townships, villages and hamlets. Consisting of 16 districts, Arunachal Pradesh offers everything that a tourist expects from such type of wonderful destination. Itanagar is the state capital, other important destinations are Tawang, Tezpur, Bomdila, Ziro, Pasighat, Parasuram Kunda and Tezu. Apart from these, the tribal villages of the state offer a dynamic insight into the fashioning of this enchanting land and its lively people. Must include the tribal villages into your itinerary to Arunachal Pradesh.

Monasteries of Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh has been a major centre for Buddhist Pilgrimage since long, all over the state, you will come across large number of Buddhist monasteries. Tawang monastery is the most popular monastery of Arunachal Pradesh which catches the attention of the visitors with its magical background. The Taktsang Monastery or the 'Tiger's Den' is another noted monastery which is located at a distance of 45 kms from Tawang. Some other important monasteries are Urgelling Monastery at Tawang and the Rigyalling monastery. Brahma dungchung Ani Gompa is one of the oldest Ani Gompa (nunneries) of Arunachal Pradesh, situated 12 kms away from Tawang. The Gyanganga Ani Gompa is just 5 kms away from the town and it is home to about 50 nuns. The Singsur Ani Gompa was constructed by Gonpaste Rimpoche and is 28 kms away from Tawang. The 12th century Gorsam Chorten at Zemithang is 92 kms away from Tawang.

Tawang Monastery

People & Culture Arunachal Pradesh

People of Arunachal are known for deep sense of beauty which finds wonderful expression in their songs, dances and crafts. Arunachal Pradesh is a treasure-trove of ethnic diversity and old traditions moulded by its geographic boundaries. Around 65% of the state population belongs to 20 major-collective tribes and 82 minor-tribes, most of them are either of Tai-Burmese origin or of Tibetan origin. Notable tribes found in Arunachal Pradesh include the Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Mijis, Monpas, Mishis and Nyishis.

People of Arunachal Pradesh practice three kinds of religion, namely the Buddhist faith, Mahayana Buddhism and Hinduism. Arunachal Pradesh encompasses a tradition of artistic craftmanship manifested through a variety of crafts such as weaving, painting, pottery, wood carving, basket making, smithy work etc. Monpas are skilled weavers, known for their artistry in carpet weaving and making painted wooden vessels. Apatanis, Hills Miris and Adis are famous for making attractive articles in cane and bamboos. Wanchos are known for wood and bamboo carved figurines and also for intricate necklaces of colourful beads.

Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh

Numerous fairs and festivals are celebrated all through the year. Most of the festivals of Arunachal Pradesh are connected with agriculture and are celebrated with ritualistic gaiety either to thank God for his providence or to pray for good harvest. The festivals celebrated by the people of the state reflect the culture, their artistic genius and skill in music and dance. Popular festivals are Losar Festival, Torgya Festival, Saka Dawa, Dupka Tse-Shi, Lhabab Duechen, Ganden Ngamchoe, Nyukom Yullow, Mopin, Solun, Reh, Oriah and Dree.

Adventure in Arunachal Pradesh

The state of Arunachal is bestowed with lush green forests, several streams, rivers, gorges and thousand of species of flora and fauna covering an area of more than 60%. Kameng, Subansiri, Lohit, Siang and Tirap are five major rivers of the state that wind their way through the sylvan green of the hills. Rivers of Arunachal Pradesh are ideal for adventure sports like angling, boating and rafting. On the other hand, its terrain is suitable for trekking, hiking and holidaying amidst a serene atmosphere. Arunachal Pradesh government has identified four major trekking routes namely – Pashighat-Jenggin-Yinkiong, Bhalukpung-Bomdila-Tawang, Roing-Mayodia-Anini and Tezy-Hayliang. The upper reaches of the state offer an ideal landscape for adventure sports of almost all kinds and it is best suited for tourists looking for plenty of adventure opportunities.

Wildlife in Arunachal Pradesh

Bestowed with altitude and climatic conditions, Arunachal Pradesh has four type of forests that provide shelter to a range of flora and fauna. In fact, Arunachal Pradesh is the only state which is home to four major cats namely Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard and the lesser feline species like the Golden Cat and the Marbled Cat. You can spot more than 500 avian species in Arunachal Pradesh, many of which are highly endangered and restricted only to this state. Some of the popular bird species which you can see here include White Winged Duck, Sclater Mongal Bangal Florian etc.

Apart from these, you will also see seven species of Primates that include Takin, which is found only in Arunachal Pradesh. A large mammal called ‘Mithun’ (a cross between the Wild Gaur and Domestic Buffalo) is a major attraction of Arunachal Pradesh. Each district and region of Arunachal Pradesh has its own special and rare variety of orchid. Arunachal Pradesh also houses one of the biggest orchidarium (located in Tipi) in Asia. One of the most significant wildlife sanctuaries in India, Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh is home to a fabulous range of endangered flora, fauna and avian life.

Shopping in Arunachal Pradesh

Shopping is must in Arunachal Pradesh and the state offers some of the most brilliant carpets and shawls in the north east, skillfully weaved by the Monpas. You can buy these hand-woven wonders in the Bomdila and Tawang craft centres. The Apatanis are famous for their weaving, you can pick their shawls and jackets which make great souvenirs to take home. Arunachal Pradesh is also known for its colourful masks, leather goods and agarbatti (incense sticks). You can also purchase Tangkha paintings, a lovely religious art-form that make for wonderful gifts for friends and family members.

How to Reach Arunachal Pradesh

By Air: Nearest airport is located at Lilabari (North Lakhimpur) in Assam, at a distance of 60 kms from Itanagar. Flights of Alliance Air connect Guwahati with Lilabari airport. Frequent bus services are available from Lilabari to Itanagar.

Helicopters: Arunachal Pradesh Helicopter Service (APSC) operates helicopters between Guwahati and Naharlagun. Helicopter services are also available for other centres within Arunachal Pradesh. Services are available from Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Itanagar to Tawang, Ziro, Along, Deporijo, Pasighat, Roing, Anini, Tezu and Khonsa.

By Rail: Harmuty (33 kms) in Assam is the nearest railhead from Itanagar. Arunachal Express connects Harmuty with Guwahati. Another convenient railhead is North Lakhimpur in Assam which is 60 kms away from Itanagar and 407 kms from Guwahati. For onward journey, bus services are available from Harmuty and North Lakhimpur to Itanagar.

By Road: National Highway (NH) No. 52 connects Itanagar with Guwahati (429 kms). Direct buses to Itanagar are available from Guwahati, the journey time is about 11 hours. Direct buses to Itanagar are also available from Shillong (482 kms), Tezpur and other destinations in Assam such as Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. Within Arunachal Pradesh, buses operate between various places at a regular interval.

Accommodation in Arunachal Pradesh

Don’t expect for luxury or ultra-modern five star hotels in Arunachal Pradesh. However, the state offers decent accommodation options to all types of visitors at a reasonable price. You can choose from star category hotels to budget hotels, or a guest house or tourist lodge as per your needs and budget.

Hotels in Itanagar: Some of the popular Hotels are Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok and Hotel Blue Pine

Hotels in Tezpur: K F Hotel

Hotels in Bomdila: Hotel Siphiyanga Phong, Tsepal Yongjam

Hotels in Pemaling: Welcom Heritage Pemaling

You can book a hotel at Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) on line through http://www.makemytrip.com/

For reviews about Itanagar hotels and Arunachal Pradesh visit: http://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotels-g297589-Arunachal_Pradesh-Hotels.html

Incredible India! Andhra Pradesh - The Rice Bowl of India

Fast Facts of Andhra Pradesh

Situated in: Southern Part of India

Established on: November 1, 1956

Capital City: Hyderabad

Biggest City: Hyderabad

Districts: 23

Area: 275, 045 sq. km

Population: 84,655, 533

Literacy: 67.77 percent

Official Languages: Telugu, Urdu

Best Time to Visit: October to March.

Official Website of Andhra Pradesh: http://www.ap.gov.in/

One of the southern states of India, Andhra Pradesh was created by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad and the Telugu speaking portions of the former Madras state. Andhra Pradesh is bordered by the states of Maharashtra, Orissa, Chhattisgarh in the north, Tamil Nadu in the south, Karnataka in the west and the Bay of Bengal in the East. Andhra Pradesh is the fourth largest state of India by area and fifth largest by population. Andhraites are colourful people proud of their sonorous language, Telugu and love music, dance, stage play and cinema.

Andhra Pradesh is a treasure trove of lush landscape, stalagmite and stalactite caves, fragrant and fruit-laden groves, dense forests teeming with varied wildlife, rich traditional and cultural heritage, old and new temples and magnificent forts and monuments. Besides, the state is criss-crossed by 34 big and small rivers, among them Godavari and Krishna are the largest peninsular rivers. The Godavari and Krishna rivers form large web-shaped deltas in the Andhra region, which make Andhra Pradesh’s reputation as the ‘Rice bowl of India.’

History of Andhra Pradesh

The history can be traced back to thousand years before the birth of Jesus Christ. Since its origin, Andhra Pradesh has seen a succession of dynasties such as Mauryas, Satavahanas, Ikshavakas, Pallavas, Eastern Chalukyas, Cholas, Kakatiyas, Vijaynagar Kings, Qutab Shahi Kings, the Mughals and finally the Asaf Jahi Nizams.

Tourist Destinations - Andhra Pradesh

A perfect blend of old and new, Andhra Pradesh was ruled by several rulers, who built a number of temples, shrines, churches and mosques in the state. Today, people with a keen interest in architecture or archaeology visit the excavations or old sites of Andhra Pradesh. River and valleys, mystic wildlife and unexplored caves, delectable food and invigorating drinks, excellent architecture and exotic handicrafts, rich arts, crafts and culture, colourful fair and festival, together draw large number of tourists every year to the state. Popular tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh include Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Warangal, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Nagarjuna Sagar, Khammam, Kurnool and Karim Nagar.

Temples of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh was ruled by a number of dynasties and rulers who built several temples in this region. The architecture, sculpture and the intricate construction patterns unique to several royal dynasties are reflected in the temples of Andhra Pradesh. Although, some of the old temples are in ruins, but many of them still stand as a witness to the centuries of history and the patronage of various kingdoms such as the Cholas, the Pallavas, the Chalukyas, the Eastern Gangas and the Vijayanagar Kings. Must visit temples are Tirupati Temple, Vijayeswara Swami Temple, Vemulawada Shiva Temple, Veerabhadraswami Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple, Birla Mandir and Kanakadurga Temple.

Forts & Monuments of Andhra Pradesh

Forts and historical monuments of Andhra Pradesh attract tourists from all parts of the country and abroad. Built several centuries ago by the Hindu and Muslim rulers, the forts and monuments of Andhra Pradesh retain their original charm even today. Some of the important forts and monuments are Charminar, Golconda Fort, Falaknuma Palace, Purani Haveli, Asmangarh Palace, Bhongir Fort, Bobili Fort, Chandragiri Fort, Elgandal Qila, Gandhi Hill, Khammam Fort, Kush Mahal, Kondapalli Fort, Kurnool Fort, Manthani Temples, Warangal Fort and Udayagiri Fort.

Arts & Culture of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is bestowed with a rich and varied heritage of arts and culture. Fine arts and traditional arts forms and handicrafts have been revered and treasured in the region for a very long time now. Some of the popular handicrafts of Andhra Pradesh are Kalamkari, Bidri, Himroo, Nirmal and Filigree. The beautiful state is also known for other art forms like stone-carving, wood-carving, metalware, nirmal painting and leather puppet-making. The land of Telugu speaking people is home to prominent poets of Telugu including Nannaya, Tikkana, Sri Krishna Devarayulu and several other poets. Dance and music are also an important part of Andhra’s life. Kuchipudi, a fine combination of music and abhinaya, is Andhra’s unique contribution to dance forms of India as well as world.

Cuisine of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra is known for its hot and spicy cuisine, which include both the traditional Andhra cuisine and the famous Hyderabadi cuisine, with a influence of Mughlai delicacies Spices are prominently used in the traditional dishes of the state and every meal has its own specialty. Eating habits of Andhraites are quite different, majority of people prefer vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, while seafood is popular only in the coastal areas.

Fairs and Festivals of Andhra Pradesh

A land of varied people, religions, languages, culture and tradition, celebrates several festivals all through the year. Most of the Andhra’s festivals are religious, while some are exclusive to certain temples and regions. Apart from these, the Andhra Pradesh state government organizes some festivals every year. Be it the Hindu festivals of Dusshera, Deepawali, or the Muslim festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, or the Christian festival of Christmas, all festivals are celebrated by people of all religions with equal excitement and enthusiasm. Fairs and Festivals in Andhra Pradesh are characterized by colour, gaiety, feasts and various kinds of prayers and rituals. In fact, fairs and festivals in Andhra Pradesh populate the cultural scene of this state and draw large number of tourists from both far and near.

Natural Attractions of Andhra Pradesh

Lakes and Rivers - There are several lakes and rivers in the state which offer excellent boat cruising options. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation runs cruises on Hussain Sagar Lake and also in Godavari and Krishna rivers. Most important lakes and rivers include Alisagar, Ashok Sagar, Durgam Cheruvu, Hussain Sagar Lake, Osman Sagar Lake, Ramappa Lake, Krishna river and Godavari river.

Hills and Valleys - The captivating landscape of Andhra is ringed with rugged hills and mysteriously deep valleys. Some of the popular hills and valleys are Ananthagiri Hills, Araku Valley, Horsley Hills, Kailasagiri, Papi Kondalu and Talakona.

Caves - Dating back to million years Belum and Borra are most popular caves of Andhra Pradesh. Other important caves are Guthokonda Caves, Mogalrajapuram Caves, Undavalli Caves and Yaganti Caves.

Beaches - With gentle waves, miles of golden sand and a peaceful ambience, Andhra Pradesh has everything for making a perfect beach holiday. Most popular Andhra Beaches are Ramakrishna Beach, Rishikonda Beach and Lawson’s Bay. Besides, Andhra has many other beaches such as Bapatla Beach, Bheemunipatnam Beach, Kalingapatnam Beach, Koduru Beach, Kothapatnam Beach, Maipadu Beach, Manginapudi, Perupalem, Ramapuram Beach and Vodarevu Beach.

Wildlife – Andhra’s thick vegetation, moist ever green forests, dry deciduous forests of the Nallamalais and the mangrove stretch at Coringa are home to most of the wildlife sanctuaries and parks. While you visit wildlife sanctuaries of Andhra Pradesh you can see a variety of wild animals like the Tiger, Wild Boar, Gaur, Wild Dog, Jackal, Fox, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear etc. Apart from these, you can also see several birds species and a lot of reptiles such as Salt-water crocodile and Fishing cats. Noted wildlife sanctuaries include Alisagar Deer Park, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Kolleru Lake Bird Sanctuary, Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Rolapadu Bird Sanctuary, Sri Lanka Malleswara Wildlife Sanctuary, Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary and Srisailam Nagarjuna Sagar Tiger Reserve.

Shopping in Andhra Pradesh

A trip to Andhra is incomplete without doing some shopping at the colourful shopping joints along the streets or the big shopping malls, or Art & Crafts village or the Governments Emporium. Andhra Pradesh offers a striking range of items, popular among them are Pearls, Silver Filigiri, Banjara Mirror work, Atar, Fabric, Kalamkari, Bidri and Nirmal toys.

How to Reach Andhra Pradesh

By Air: Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh has good air connections with major cities in India and the state. A number of airlines connect Hyderabad with Vishakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Warangal, Tirupati, Ramagundam and Rajamundry. From Hyderabad flights are available for other countries too.

By Rail: The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad are the main railway stations of the state. A number of express and super fast trains connect these cities with major cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. Other cities like Vishakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Warangal have also trains from all parts of the country.

By Road: National and State Highways connect cities and town of Andhra Pradesh with each other and neighbouring states. All places of tourist interest are connected by good roads with regular bus services. The Andhra Pradesh Travel and Tourism Development Corporation organizes conducted tours to the tourist destinations of the state and also outside the state.

Accommodation in Andhra Pradesh

All the major cities including state capital Hyderabad and tourist destinations are dotted with hotels, resorts, guest houses, tourist lodges. You can stay in star categories hotels or a budget category hotel as per your requirements and budget. It is suggested to book the hotel in advance through an authorized agent to avoid the last minute hassle.

You can book a Hotel in Andhra Pradesh or tour package online through: www.makemytrip.com

States & Union Territories (UT) of India

Names of States - Capital City

1. Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

2. Arunachal Pradesh - Itanagar

3. Assam - Dispur

4. Bihar - Patna

5. Chhattisgarh - Raipur

6. Goa - Panaji

7. Gujarat - Gandhinagar

8. Haryana - Chandigarh (shared)

9. Himachal Pradesh - Shimla

10. Jammu and Kashmir - Srinagar (summer), Jammu (winter)

11. Jharkhand - Ranchi

12. Karnataka - Bengaluru

13. Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

14. Madhya Pradesh - Bhopal

15. Maharashtra - Mumbai

16. Manipur - Imphal

17. Meghalaya - Shillong

18. Mizoram - Mizo Aizawl

19. Nagaland - Kohima

20 Orissa - Bhubaneswar

21. Punjab - Chandigarh (shared)

22. Rajasthan - Jaipur

23. Sikkim - Gangtok

24. Tamil Nadu - Chennai

25. Tripura - Agartala

26. Uttar Pradesh - Lucknow

27. Uttarakhand - Dehradun (interim)

28. West Bengal - Kolkata

Union Territories of India

Names of UT - Capital City

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands - Port Blair


2. Chandigarh - Chandigarh

3. Dadra and Nagar Haveli - Silvassa

4. Daman and Diu - Daman

5. Lakshadweep - Kavaratti

6. National Capital Territory - New Delhi

7. Puducherry - Puducherry