Scintillating Shillong: The Reasons You Should Visit It

Whenever monsoon says adieu to India, travelers start to question about Shillong travel guide. Located in the cloudy state of Meghalaya, Shillong is one of the enthralling hill stations of the north-eastern states of India. The misty town is situated well above 1500 meters from the sea level. Even though the climate of this town is comfortable compared to the scorching other parts of India, most travelers choose to visit in the winter months.

Have you ever thought why is that? If not, check the following section that explains why you should also choose winter for visiting this township.

No Weather Tantrums

The temperature of Shillong starts to drop well at the beginning of November. During mid-December, the temperature of the township slips to 2 degrees Celsius. Despite this freezing temperature, this is the best time to visit Meghalaya, as this town looks breathtaking during the chilly months. It is also the best time for planning outdoor activities as there’s a little chance of rain. You just need to carry your favorite woolens to enjoy the fresh winds of chilly Himalayas.

Umiam Lake

Just about half an hour drive away from the hill station lies the breathtaking Umiam lake. This man-made lake is a favorite destination for some migratory bird species. You can pack lunch and visit the lake to enjoy the views for a whole day.

Ward’s Lake

Yet another place where nature resides gleefully in a man-made structure. This lake is the perfect place that depicts the essence of nature. If you want to avoid throngs of tourists for the day, then this is the place that you should choose.

Mawjymbuin Cave

Located about 56 km away from the township, this cave structure is carved by the hands of mother nature. You can walk inside the caves to witness some spectacular natural formations. While visiting the caves, don’t forget to take a peek at the Don Bosco Center for indigenous cultures.

For the Sake of Food

Are you suffering from food frenzy? Shillong is the perfect place to satisfy your urges. You just have to walk through the lonely roads of this old British town to discover different mouth-watering dishes. From gourmet-style restaurant food to lip-smacking street ones, you can find everything that suits your taste and your pocket.

Don’t you think the above points are reasons enough for you to visit the misty hill station? So, why wait? Pack your bags, books your tickets, and start for the cloudy town of Shillong today.  

How to Cut Down Plastics while Visiting Arunachal?

Are you planning Arunachal Pradesh trip for your upcoming vacation? The pristine beauty of the lands has enthralled travelers all over the world. It is a shame that some travelers are staining the pristine condition of nature with plastic litter. If you want to reduce your plastic litter while traveling to Arunachal, the following tips can help you out.

Choose a Responsible Tour Operator

With a responsible tour operator by your side, you will feel more confident about reducing your plastic footprint. The Arunachal Pradesh tour guide will help you with reusable bags and help you to reduce the usage of plastics.

Opt for Eco-friendly Methods

Plastic has infiltrated our lives in so many ways that you have to be always vigilant about its use. Not buying the bottles of mineral water is the first thing that you can do to reduce your plastic footprint. Instead, carry a reusable bottle and water purifying tablets with you. Refill the bottle and use the tablets to purify your water. Also, stop using sachets of shampoos or any other cosmetic product.

Plastic-free Travel Kit

Researchers all over the world are finding newer ways to reduce everyday plastic use. You can keep tabs on these inventions and incorporate them into your life. For example, using bamboo toothbrushes can be a brilliant alternative to the plastic ones. Shunning cotton buds are other useful methods of reducing plastic.

Travel Smart

Airline companies and train companies sometimes unnecessarily use plastics to serve the customers. Be a smart traveler, and refuse these plastic laden services. Don’t accept plastic straws, stirrers, and cups while accepting drinks from the servers. You should also refuse using plastic spoons and forks to eat the served food. It is always better to carry a reusable spoon with you for such situations.

Low-Impact Travel Gear

Most of the technical travel clothes contain plastic microfibers that end up in the ocean after you wash it. Fortunately, some companies are making travel clothes with sustainable fibers. You should keep tabs on such products and purchase only those for your journey.

Invest in Reusable Utensils

If you have the habit of grabbing a cup of coffee or snacks on the go, then you are adding your fair share of plastics to the environment. Think differently, and invest in reusable utensils to cut down on plastics.

You only have to become a little conscious about your activity to reduce your plastic impact on the world. Keep tabs on what you are doing all the while, and slowly you will be able to make your trips without creating much negative impact.

How Mawlynnong Makes Itself Different from Other Villages

It is hard to find Meghalaya tour packages that do not consist of a visit to Mawlynnong; the cleanest village in Asia. Being different from most other villages of India has gained this tiny village of Meghalaya respect in the world stage. While visiting this village, most travellers concentrate on scenic beauty.

Indeed, the village is beautiful, but it did not earn this village the respect it gained all over the world. In the following section of this article, we will try to find out the factors that made this village different from others. Check it out before taking the Meghalaya trip in October.

Taking Responsibility

Even though the cleanliness of the village has come into attention in recent decades, villagers are continuing this tradition for centuries. The villagers of this 100+ years old village are worshipers of nature. So, they feel it is their responsibility to keep the nature devoid of any litter. It is a responsibility that every member of the village share across the age barriers.

Dustbins

Most villagers of Mawlynnong believe that the lack of dustbins is the primary reason for littering. While visiting the village, this is the first thing that you will notice. The villagers have placed bamboo dustbins in every nook and corner of the village. No one, not even the residents of the village, is allowed to throw any litter on the ground. The villagers even collect the fallen leaves and dump it into the dustbins. 

Composting

This is another striking factor that makes Mawlynnong different from other villages. The villagers here actively participate in separating and composting the garbage. They collect the degradable waste and keep them in a pit in the forest. In this way, the villagers produce their organic manure which they use in farming.

Plastic and Smoking Not Allowed

While the rest of the country is only discussing the plastic problem, Mawlynnong has taken steps to ban it. You can’t enter the village with a plastic bag with you. It helps the villagers to keep their village clean and free of non-degradable plastic waste. The villagers have also banned smoking in the village premises. So, there’s no chance that you would see a cigarette stub here.

Apart from the consciousness of the common villagers, the village authorities also stay on its toes when it comes to cleanliness. They host awareness programs to spread awareness of global warming and trains the villagers to protect the forests and wild animals. The village is teaching us that a little consciousness can go a long way. The question is, when will we learn?   

Top Things You Can Do While Visiting Guwahati

Sprawling on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra, there are many tourist places near Guwahati that you should not miss. Being the capital town of the states Assam, Guwahati strikes the perfect balance between ancient history and modernization. With its age-old temples and thriving nightlife, Guwahati has something for every traveller. Here are some things that you should do to take in the flavour of the city that has been shaped by time.

Embrace the Local Culture

Whenever you think of Assam, the tales of silk pops into your mind. So, if you are visiting Guwahati, you have to visit Sualkuchi, a traditional Assam travelling place of the weavers of Assam silk. Your visit to the town will not only enlighten you about the history of the silk products but will compel you to fall in love with the woven arts.

Shrimanta Shankaradeva Kalakshetra

Are you an art lover? Then you must not shun this place from your itinerary. The platform is known for its patronage for extraordinary artists in different fields. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing dance, drama, and music performances under the open sky, and check the artefacts and paintings in the museum.

Find the Root of Assamese Culture in the State Museum

Are you interested in knowing about the culture and folklore of Assam? You should head straight to the state museum. It will offer you a unique insight into the Assamese culture.

Star Gazing at Guwahati Planetarium

When is the last time you looked at the sky full of stars and wondered about their positions and wondered about the true nature of the stars? If you can’t remember, it is time for you to visit the Guwahati Planetarium for an enthralling evening. The shows are available for the Astro-lovers at a regular interval. You can choose the show depending on the language of your comfort.

Cruising on the Brahmaputra

You have not completed the visit to Assam if you have not cruised through the river. Cruising through the river is indeed an experience that you must try. You can see the sunset and have a candle-lit dinner on the deck of the cruise is an experience that you cannot forget in your lifetime.

There are many fascinating places in Assam that you should visit if you want to know the culture and traditions of the land by heart. If you have already explored the above places, then conduct some research on your own and find some awesome places to explore.  

Insights for a Hassle Free Arunachal Pradesh Tour

With its sky-high mountains, snow-clad peaks, untamed forests, and mighty rivers; Arunachal Pradesh tour is a must one for every avid traveler. Nestled in the bosom of mighty Himalayas, Arunachal is the last stronghold of the untouched nature. That is one of the reasons why this stunning state is still under-explored by travelers.

If you can sustain with only basic amenities throughout your journey, you will be able to explore the true soul of Arunachal. With its stunning offerings and its humble peace-loving people, Arunachal will soothe most of the wounds that the gruelling journey inflicts on you. Do you still hear the call of Arunachal? Then read the following insights to plan your journey better.

Making the Plan

Due to lack of infrastructure, there are hardly any hotels in Arunachal Pradesh. This limits the accommodation options to the homestays, and the number of those are not that high as well. So, booking your accommodation should be the first step you need to take after checking the Arunachal Pradesh tourist package.

Also, keep in mind that vehicles in this state are severely limited. So, if you are traveling in a group, it is always better to hire an off-road vehicle for the entire journey. The solo travelers should keep tabs on the jeep and bus schedules. This is the most pocket-friendly options for them.

Calculating Driving Times  

Driving through the winding mountainous path should not be compared to the driving times in the plain land. Traveling through the hilly terrain takes way more time. The unpredictable weather of Arunachal makes it even more difficult. Factor in all this while scheduling your trip. Also, make sure that you use the daylight hours to the most. Keep your bags full of snacks, water, medicines, and flasks of tea/coffee. As there are hardly any snack shops in Arunachal, these will come in handy while you are traveling for long hours.

A Place for Early Sleepers and Early risers

Being the eastern-most state of the nation, Arunachal runs not by the ticking clock but by the sunlight. It is the most crucial thing that you should keep in mind while traveling to Arunachal. Wake up early, strike the places you want to see and get an early dinner. It is better not to venture in the streets after the shops close.

Even this state is a part of the Indian subcontinent, you can feel the difference in its ambience when you are here. Enjoy the ethereal views, the lovely people, and their intriguing traditions during your travel. It will give you life-changing perspectives for sure.

Some Must- Do Things If You Are visiting Assam

Are you checking Assam trip cost for the upcoming vacation? Assam is indeed one of the most beautiful places in India. The mighty Brahmaputra has divided this state into two different segments; the upper and lower Assam. It does not matter which half of the state you visit, the pristine beauty and the heart-warming ambience of the state is enough to win you over. Check the following list of activities you should not miss while visiting this mystique state.

Spot the Rhinos

Assam is known to be the home for the one-horned rhinos. So, when you plan a trip to Assam, you must not miss the opportunity of spotting one-horned rhino in any of the wildlife sanctuaries of the state. Even though rhinos are the star of attraction, there are wild elephants, buffaloes, deer, tiger, and hundreds of different bird species to catch your attention. Don’t miss this chance to have a tête-à-tête with wild Assam.

Majuli River Island

Located in the middle of the mighty Brahmaputra, Majuli is known as the largest river island in the world. However, the geographical tag is not the only thing that makes Majuli special, it is the people who reside in it. The tribal people who live on the island is called Mising. The vibrant tradition and culture of the tribe are worth your time and attention. Plus, due to global warming, Brahmaputra is gulping up Majuli pretty fast. So, it is essential to check this wonder before it vanishes.

Colourful Bihu Festival

Celebrated throughout the state thrice each year, Bihu is a festival that welcomes the changing season. This festival also stands for universal peace, brotherhood, and love. The folk dance, music, joy and merriment should be the reason enough for you to attend this celebration.

Into the Digs of Digboi

Also known as the oil city of Assam, Digboi is located in the Tinsukia district. The small town is not only the home to the oldest oil refinery of the country, as well as of Asia, but also a timeless testimony of the British rule in Assam.

Angling and River Rafting in Nameri National Park

Are you an adventure maniac? Then you mustn’t miss the thrill that Nameri National Park offers. The Jia Bhoreli river that flows through the sanctuary is the haven for the adventure enthusiastic sports, like Golden Mansheer fishing and river rafting.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to the amazing Assam today. If you don’t like the above things, you can do your research to find out the activities that appeal to your taste.

North East Holiday Packages: Things to Know Before You Avail It

For the last few years, The demands of northeast holiday packages are rising rapidly. The wild beauty of untouched nature and the heartwarming hospitality of the locals might be the reason behind this rising demands. Indeed, the northeastern states of India can offer a travel experience that is hard to come by. However, there are some challenges that you need to withstand while you are here. If you are considering to take a vacation over here, better check the following tips first. These tips will lessen the number of hassles and will make your journey smoother and more comfortable.

Permits

Most of the northeastern states of India share their borders with the neighbouring nations. The security over these states is tighter than the states of mainland India. That is why you have to acquire either ILP or PAP for visiting the best places to visit in northeast India. Make sure to acquire all the right documents before you start your journey. Otherwise, things might get complicated.

Researches and Tour Operator

You should conduct thorough research before visiting the north-eastern states of India. This research will help you to know about the little things about the place you are about to visit. This information will help you to plan your trip better on one hand and understand the culture and tradition of the place on the other.

Also, if you have no experience of solo travel, it is better to hire a tour agent for a smoother journey. Make sure to check the registration number of the travel agency before taking their help. Check their website and read all the reviews of the previous customers to ensure that they are suitable for your requirements.

Proper Planning

If you think that you can travel through the north-eastern states of India without any planning, you are wrong. These states are far different from the rest of the states of the country. Transportation is one of the most prevalent problems that you have to deal with. Also, nothing is easily accessible here. Without a solid plan, you have to deal with lots of mismanagement.

The above tips can save you from facing lots of problems while travelling through the northeastern states of India. Follow these tips and use your common sense, and your journey will become smooth. Plus, the local people of these states are really friendly and helpful. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help if you face any problem.