A Travel Blog

At a Glance:— capital—Itanagar, Area:— 83743 square Kilometers, Population— 1091117, only 0.11% of total population of India. Male— 573951, Female: — 517166. 13 persons live per square kilometre. Female 901 against each 1000 male. In area it is 14^th and in population it is 26^th in India. Rate of literacy 54.74%, 29% Hindus, 14% Buddhists, 4% Christians, 1% Muslim and other 52% have no religion. Growth of population from 1991-2001—26.21%. Main language — Manpa, Aka, Mizi, Khamti. Apart from these there are hundreds of tribal languages. In all Government departments English is used. Side by side, Bangla, Asomia and Hindi is in vogue. Rice is their staple food.

Weather is different in winter, summer and in rainy season. Rainfall at Kameng 33, Subansiri 266, Siang 229, Lohit 393 and in Tirap 370 inches. Temperature at Kameng 0.5 degree – 23.3 degree, Subasiri-2.2 degree- 28.5 degree, Siang 3.1 degree – 33.0 degree, Lohit 4.7degree—37.3 degree celseus Tirap 9.1 degree—31.2 degree. The state has 5 aerodrams, but no air service is permitted.

For foreigners—To obtain Restricted area permit is mandatory. Application to be submitted to the Secretary, ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India(F.1) Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi—110001, Ph—011-22619709.

Domestic tourists are required to obtain ILP by applying to joint Secretary ( Political) Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar or Resident Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Kautilya Marg, New Delhi ph—23013956.

Description of the state in details: — It is the land of dawn-lit mountains; in other words it may be called the land of the rising sun. In the long past, it was called by the name of Udaigiri and Udayachal. It is the biggest state in North East India. Though the density of population is the lowest. It is bounded by Myanmar in the East, by Tibet and China in the north and in the west it is bounded by Bhutan. The river Brahmaputra originating from China and entered Arunachal Pradesh and started flowing the north to south direction.

The River Brahmaputra is known as Sang Po in Tibet. In Arunachal Pradesh three rivers namely Siang, Diang and Lohit have joined with one another and become Brahmaputra. The river Brahmaputra in Bangladesh has become Jamuna. Kameng, subansiri, Siang, Lohit and Tirap. These rivers, water of which is as white as crystal, have been flowing in Arunachal Pradesh. In National interest the state is not open to all. It is a hidden land. Different episodes of the Mahabharata are heard in the state. Arunachal is state of Skyscraper Himalayas; state covered with aborigin forests, a state of wild animals of rare species, a state of purely tribal, the state is called a paradise of orchids also. In 1948 the present Geographical area was given the name of North East Frontier Agency (NEFA). NEFA took a new name Arunachal Pradesh in 1972. In 1987 it became a full fledged state of Indian Union. Itanagar is its headquarters

The whole of state is mountainous, covered with deep green forests. Herbs and shrubs of rare variety are in plenty in the state. 62% of the land is covered with forests. The main source of income is forest wealth and agriculture. In summer, a large numbers of flowers and more than 500 varieties of orchids are found in the state. Tipi, a place is famous in the world for its garden of orchids. Thousands of kinds of Birds are found in the state. Manpa – Nokte – Aka – Apatani – Adi – Miri – Wangchu – Mismi – Tansa – Khampati – tribes of Mongolian origin live in the state. There are 20 prominent communities of tribes in the state and non- prominent is not less than 62. 79% of the population belongs to schedule tribe group. They use more than 60 tribal languages. Hindi is used as the bridge among them. Attire, religious rituals are different. They treat the visitors very sincerely. Their complexion is beautiful. Arunachal may be called as heaven of tourism. They worship nature. They are vaishabs and Buddhists. Till now no influence of the Christianity is perceptible in the state. Mithun, a cross breed of cow and buffalo, is their God. The most important thing is to note that they are free from terrorism and conflict. The state is also famous for handicrafts. Furniture and other things made of cane and bamboo fetch a lot of money to the state. The state has no railway network. There are several airports but no aircraft lands. Road connectivity is progressing rapidly. 7401 kilometres carpeted rods are the main system of communication. Read the rest of this entry »

Capital – Shillong – Area—22429 square kms. Population – 2306069. It is 0.22% of the total population of India. Male— 1167840, Female—1138229. From 1991-2000 growth of population 29.94%. Density of population per square km is 103. 975 female against 1000 male. This state is 22^nd in area and in population it is 23^rd in India. Rate of literacy is 63.31%. Major language is Khasi, Jayantia and Garo. Bangle is spoken throughout the state. like Bangla Hindi and English are also spoken. Meghalaya is situated in between 25 degree-26.15 degree latitude and 89.45 degree-92.87 degree in longitude. Temperature – 23.3 degree – 15 degree Celsius in summer and in winter it is between 15.6 degree -3.9 degree Celsius. Average rainfall is 100-1270 centimeter annually. Duration of rainy season is from May to September. In winter heavy woolen garments are necessary. Touring season is from March to July and again from September to November. One can tour Meghalaya by seven days. It is better to club Meghalaya with Assom for tour.

The word Meghalaya means the abode of the clouds. It is the paradise of the clouds. It is the 21^st state of India. The whole of the state is hilly. It is situated 1200 to 1965 meters from sea level. It has two national parks- Nokrek and Balpakram and two wild life sanctuaries—Nongkhyllem and Siju. Meghalaya is a combination of mountains, forests, wavy mountains, beautiful cascades; pearl-green lakes and variety of orchids made the state a paradise on Earth.

The state is rich in fruits and flowers. Forest is dense in Meghalaya. There is diversity of flora and fauna. Thousands of different species of Moth and butterfly along with different kinds of orchids are seen in the state. 300 kinds of orchids are available in Meghalaya.

The state of Meghalaya comprises three parts—namely Khasi, Jayantia and Garo. Their dialects are different from one another. But they use Roman scripts. In the past before the advent of the British, they had separate kingdoms. After the coming of the British, three parts were amalgamated in the 19^th century. The Garos were originally inhabitants of Tibet. Later on, they settled in Garo hills. Man sacrifice was in vogue in Garo society, even the human sculls lay hung in their houses. The Khasis came from the southern part of China and settled in central Meghalaya that is in Shillong and CherraPunji, their creation—Monolithic Pillars—in memoriam of the dead – is still found on way to Cherrapunji in central Meghalaya. In east Meghalaya in the Jayantia hills the Jayantia tribes reside. They are the off springs of the Mongolians. They resemble Shaan tribes of Myanmar. They are fond of flowers. At every household there are flower gardens in Meghalaya. They love songs very much. People of Meghalaya use guitars with songs. They are of robust health. They are very much friendly. Their society is matriarchal till today. Domestic system is run by matriarch. The youngest daughter is the leader of the home. She is also the heir to the property. Sons and daughters adopt the surname of their mother.

Shilong is the main center of Khasi culture. Smit village is 15 kms away from Shilong where a grand carnival is held from November to October every year in memory of their ancient Kingdom—Hima for the 5 days on NH 44. The festival is called is Nongkrem dance which greatly attracts tourists. In April, Seng Khasi holds their 2 day festival called Shad Suk Mynsiem dance in Shilong. The object of this festival is to rouse nationalism. The Garos celebrate their festival of harvest by beating 100 drums called Wangala in November. The Jayantias observe festival of harvest in July by dancing the dances of Laho and Behdeinhlam. They are fond of Jado- fried rice mixed with meat of pigs. They prefer cakes made of boiled rice called pumlay, a variety of idli which is largely eaten in south India.

The only road connecting the rest of India Goes via Guwahati, Shilong was once the capital of undivided Assam. Meghalaya is bounded by Mymensingh and Sylhet districts of Bangaladesh on the southern side, on the west it borders with Bangladesh too. On the east it is bounded by Cachar district of Assam and on the north it is bounded by Goalpara and Kamrup district of Assam.

Shilong:— Umray is the Airport of Shilong. Guwahati Airport is 127 kms away from Shilong. Tourists from Delhi have to reach Guwahati enroot Shillong. From Guwahati Airport one can go to Shillong by boarding the buses of Meghalaya State Transport Corporation. Cabs are also available from Guwahati city. There is also helicopter service from Guwahati. Nearest RLY station is Guwahati also.

A bus stand opposite to Guwahati RLY station is used by Meghalaya Road Transport Corporation and Assam state Transport Corporation from where buses to ply to Shillong which is 103 kms away from Guwahati. At regular intervals buses ply. It takes near about 4 hours to reach Shillong. A decent hilly road is with pine and far trees on either side of national Highway 44. Clouds float in the sky and at any moment fog may enter the bus through the windows. Taxi without meter carries passengers from point to point. There is city bus service in Shillong. But it is nice to see the city on foot and enjoy the natural sights and sounds.

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At a glance—State Capital – Dispur. Area – 78438 square kms. Population — 26638407. 2.59% of total population of India. Male 13787799, female—12850608. Females 932 against each 1000 males. 340 persons live per square km. From 1991-2001 rate of growth of population 18.85%. Assom occupies 16^th place in India in terms of population and 14^th place in terms of area. Rate of literacy 64.28% Major Language Asamiya, Bengali, Hindi, and English is spoken all over the state. Per capita annual income is Rs 3179 (1989-90). Season of Tours: — October to April.

Places worthy to be toured: —- Guwahati, Manas, Kaziranga, Jorhat, Shibsagar, Dibrugarh, along with Assom, Meghalaya and Arunachal states should be clubbed together while one desirous of visiting Assom.

Assom is an old province in India. It comprises mountains, hills, rivers and forests. The existence of the province is found in many ancient books including kalipuran and Joginitantra. Then it was Pragjyotishpur—the light of east. This province was founded by Giant king Narakasur. Bhagadatta, son of king Narakasur took part in the war of the Mahabharata for the Kaurabs with his Elephant force. Era after Era, different kings ruled this province of the Terai of the Himalayas. This province was a fragmented state. It was divided into many parts and was ruled by different dynasties. In the 1228 A.D. the Shan Buddhist from Thailand conquered this province and United different parts and made it a Unified state. The Assom was a variation of the word Ahom who were Shan Buddhist from Thailand. Shibsagar was their capital town. In another opinion the word ‘Assom’ has been derived from the Sanskrit word ‘O-SAMA’ which means uneven land. However, in 18^th century the Shan Buddhist king had converted to Hiduism. Upto the year 1826 the Assom remained under the rule of Ahoms.For better administration of the state, the Ahom king appointed viceroy. Badan Chandra, the last viceroy, was a power greedy person. He sought help from the Burmese. The Burmese came in and dethroned him instead of helping him. Being undone, the inept viceroy prayed help from the British. The Burmese were defeated by the British in one after another war and finally they signed a treaty with the British before leaving Assom for good in 1826. The British east India Company took the administration of Assom in their hands. The British incorporated Cachar in 1832 and jayantia hills in 1835 into Assom. In 1839 upper Assom was merged with Bengal. In 1874 under the rule of Chief Commissioner, Assom became a full fledged province. In 1905 the whole of Assom was incorporated into East Bengal with Dhaka as its capital town. However in 1911 Assom was detached from East Bangal. At the same time two parts of Bengal became unified. Even in independent India Assom was cut into pieces. In 1948 NEFA was born out of Assom. In the year 1972 NEFA became Arunachal Pradesh. Dewangiri of Assom was attached to Bhutan in 1951. In 1963 Nagaland was carved out of Assom. In 1972 Meghalaya and Mizoram states came into existence having been separated from Assom.

There are two big rivers in Assom, Brahmaputra and Barak. The Brahmaputra has come down from the Manas Sorovar in Tibet. It has 800 kms long stretch in Assom. In south Assom the Barak is the main river. By its name whole of south Assom is known as Barak valley. The river Barak has come down from the high mountain of Manipur- a province adjacent to Assom.

Assom occupies an important place in India in terms of natural wealth. Coal, limestone, petroleum, natural gas and cement are abundant in Assom. It is also wealthy in forest products. 30% of total area of Assom is covered by forest. Like that, it is also a paradise of the wild animals. The whole of the state is a natural zoo. Among listed 41 species of wild animals in India, 20 of them are found in Assom. A visitor has to go to either Kaziranga or Manas of national sanctuaries to see Rhinos, Elephants and wild Buffalos. There are paper mills in the state. The state is a land of tea gardens. Tea plantation was started in the year 1823. In the beginning laborers were brought in from China, in a short period of time laborers were brought from Nepal, Bihar, Bengal and Orissa. With the passing of time, 850 tea gardens raised their heads in the state and 55% of total production of tea comes from Assom. Assom supplies ¼ of tea of the globe. Assom tea is famous for its liquor.The biggest tea auction house of India is in Assom. Guwahati is famous in the world for CTC tea. Assom was the first to export tea to London from India. Nature has decorated Assom like an expert artist. Mountains, Rivers and forest have made Assom the paradise of tourists. Assom is rich in different tribal culture. Kamakhya is a famous place of pilgrimage. Assom is a beautiful state of famous handicrafts and handloom.Bihu is the greatest festival of Assom. Ardent worshipper of culture, the legendary king Biswa Sing introduced the agriculture related festival. So the name Bihu has come from his name Biswa. During three days stating from 13^th April sowing Bihu i.g. Bohag Bihu continues, Kati Bihu i.g. harvesting festival starts from October and continues up to the whole month. Bhogali Bihu i.e. collection of crops festival starts in the month of November. But the attraction of Bhohag Bihu is splendid.Men and women of different communications mingle with one another through out cities and villages to celebrate Bohag Bihu. Cakes and other placid dishes are prepared to serve the guests and family members. This Bohag Bihu continues for a month. Bohag Bihu means entertainment and amusement. It increases the charm of touring of Assom. In spite of all these festivities there is a bone in flesh—the terrorism which has engulfed the whole state. Bloodshed is a daily affair in Assom. In lower and upper Assom Bodo Libaration Front and ULFA are active in their operations while in the North Cachar Hills Dimacha Terrorists are beheading innocent people daily. Even the work on Broad Gauge Railway line conversion has come to a stand still due to unchecked gun wielding bys Dimacha groups. Places and cities of Assom: — Guwahati: — Pragjyotishpur of ancient times has become Guwahati. Guwa means betel nut and Hati means market of betel nuts. Theses two words have made a new word – Guwahati. This city is the gate of whole of North East India. It is 55 meters above sea level on the south bank of the river Brahmaputra- the turbulent son of the Hindu God Brahma Narakasur, the king of the Giants got built this city. The scenery of the river Brahmaputra is very beautiful to look at. The highest temperature in summer is 32.2 degree Celsius and in winter it is 10 degree Celsius. The average rainfall is 160 centimeters. From 1874 to 1975 Assom’s capital had been in Shillong. After Meghalaya was born, the capital of Assom had been brought to Dispur. Then an outskirt of Guwahati, now fully amalgamated with the grater Guwahati city. Dispur has a great tourist attraction. Guwahati is the city of tea. Tea auction center is in Dispur. One can have a glance of Dispur on way to Shillong. Guwahati boasts of itself as a center of commerce and culture in the eastern India. It is fast becoming a metro. On the fringes of the city, there are N.F. RLY headquarters at pandu, the Kamakshya temple and two storey bridge over the Brahmaputra river. It is connected with entire east India by Railways, waterways and surface transport. At the heart of the city, opposite to Nehru Park, is the small Island in the middle of the river Brahmaputra which is called vasmakut. It has become the peacock Island. The Umananda Temple is in that Island, built in the year 1664. The legendary is that the Kamdev (God of Sex) was burnt to death by the anger-fire of God Shiva. One can reach the Island by Ferry or Launch. At Sukleswar jetty, Janardhan Temple is situated which was built after the Hindu and Buddhist design of architecture. It was renovated anew in the 17^th century. At sunset the scenery of the Brahmaputra and that of the adjacent park is excellent to look at.

At Ambari, behind the Reserve Bank of India is Assom state Museum where one can see the past achievement of Assom. Read the rest of this entry »