YouSeeIndia.Com - a unique VIDEO Travel Guide of incredible India!: india

Showing posts with label india. Show all posts

Imphal

Famous for:
Capital of Manpiur known for handicraft, handlooms and Ladies garment Also has the world's only floating National Park.

Video: Imphal city

Background:
Known as the 'Land of Jewels', Imphal is the capital of Manipur.
It is a mini-metropolis and the center of all cultural, commercial and political activities.
A beautiful land of green hills, it has palaces, temples and ceremonial houses.
Manipuri, the famous classical dance is from this region. Manipur is also known as a center for Martial Arts and Thang-ta is the famous local martial art form.
Yet another special feature of Imphal is the Archery Stakes that are held everyday on various low-lying stretches of ground. It has evolved from an ancient tribal sport. Archers shoot as many as 500 arrows within a span of a few minutes!

Video: Evening drive through Imphal

What to see:
Manipur Zoological Gardens
Location: 8 km from Imphal, on the Imphal-Kangchup Road.
It houses many rare species of birds, animals and reptiles. It also has the brow-antlered thamin deer, one of the rarest species of deer in the world.

Khonghampat Orchidarium
Location: 7 km from Imphal
Spread over 200 acres, it showcases around 110 varieties of Orchids. The best time to visit is between March and April.

Khwairamband Bazaar
Location: Imphal city
It is a unique bazaar run by women. They sell everything from fish to woven shawls, farm products, groveries, handloom items and local artifacts.

Shri Govindajee Temple
Location: Located close to the Royal Palace, Imphal
The 18th century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is an important centre for Vaishnavite. There are also idols of Balarama and Krishna and Jagannath. During Holi, local boys and girls perform the Thaba Changba folk dance all night.

Manipur State Museum
Location: Near the Polo grounds
Displays wide range of items depicting the history and tribal heritage of the state.
Timings: 1000 to 1630 hours. Closed on Sundays and holidays.

Shahid Minar
Location: In the heart of the city, at Bir Tirkendrajit Park
Shahid Minar was raised in memory of martyrs who sacrificed their lives fighting against British for India's independence in 1891. There is also cemeteries maintained by the Commonwealth Grave Commissions of the British and Indian soldiers, who died during the Second World War.

Video: Beautiful Manipur

Sites nearby
Moirang
Location: 45 km from Imphal
A historical place where, on 14th April 1944, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose hoisted the flag of Indian National Army (INA) for the first time. There is an INA museum that houses the letters, photographs, badges and other articles related to the historical event.

Keibul Lamjao National Park
Location: 53 km from Imphal on Southern part of Loktak Lake
It is the world's only floating National Park and the last natural habitat of the thamin deer.

Ukhrul
Location: 83 km from Imphal
It is the highest hill station of the state.

Moreh
Location: 100 km from Imphal, close to the Burma border
It is a commercial center.

Loktak Lake and Sendra Island
Location: 45 km from Imphal
Loktak Lake is one of the biggest freshwater Lakes in the Northeast. The Sendra Island has a tourist bungalow with cafe right in the middle of the lake. There is also boating facility. The World's only floating National Park, the Keibul Lamjao National Park, is on the southern part of lake.

Video: Loktak Lake

Reaching there:
Air:
Imphal Airport is well connected with the major cities like Delhi (via Guwahati), Kolkata (via Silchar) etc.

Rail:
Dimapur Railway station (219 km) is the nearest railway station.

Road:
NH 39 (Numaligarh - Imphal - Palel - Indo Burma Border), NH 53 (Junction with NH - 44 Near Badarpur - Jirighat - Silchar - Imphal) and NH 150 (Aizawal - Churachandpur - Imphal - Ukhrul - Jessami - Kohima) are the National Highways passing through Imphal connecting it to the major cities.
BLUE HILLS TRAVEL, run by the Manipur State Transport, operates luxury buses connecting all the state capitals of the North Eastern region. Nagaland State Transport also runs a semi-luxury bus daily from Dimapur to Imphal (9-hrs journey).

Home

Welcome to YouSeeIndia.com!

YouSeeIndia.com is a unique Video Travel Guide of India. Here you will find videos and details of tourist destinations across the country.

Take virtual tour of places and experience the sights and sounds of this incredible country!
Know the places firsthand, as you plan your next trip in India!

More destinations are getting added even as you read this, so visit www.youseeindia.com everyday!

Copyright @ Data Online. All rights reserved. Unauthorized copying/use of content from this website, either in part or full is strictly is prohibited.

Guwahati

Famous for:
The birthplace of Kamdeva, the God of Love

Video: Guwahati street

Background:
Situated at a height of 55 meters, on the banks of Brahmaputra, it was formerly known as Pragjyotishpur (the city of Eastern Light).
Its name is derived from two Assamese words; 'Guwa' meaning areca nut and 'Haat' meaning market.
Dispur, the Capital of Assam is situated just 7 km from here. Guwahati is a important tourist link point to the seven other northeastern states. It is believed that the Demon king Narkasura has built the city. It is also known as the birth place of Kamdeva, the God of Love.

Video: Brahmaputra River from North Guwahati Side

What to see:
Kamakhya temple
Location: On nilachal hill, 8 km from the railway station
Built in the 10th century by the Koch king, Naranarayan, it the most sacred among the tantrik shrines of Shakti worship in the World. Even today animal sacrifices are made to calm down the Goddess.
The temple was rebuilt in 1665, after the Muslim invaders destroyed it. Giant turtles can be found here in the nearby ponds.
Pilgrims from all over the world visit the temple, especially during the Ambuchi festival.

Shiva temple
Location: on the Peacock island, in the middle of Bramhaputra
Situated on Peacock Island, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It can be reached via public ferries and motor boats from the Umananda ghat. Ferries usually leave the ghat from 7 am to 5 pm.

Navagraha temple
Location: on Citracala hill, in the east of Guwahati town
Being an ancient seat of astronomy and astrology, it is also referred to as the 'Temple of Nine Planets'. Housed in a red beehive-shaped dome, it consists of nine linga, representing the nine planets. It contains nine phallic emblems of Shiva covered with cloths of different colors sacred to the nine planetary gods, namely, Surya (Sun), Candra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Sukra (Venus), Sani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu.

Vashistha Ashram
Location: 12 km from the railway station, on Sandhyachal Hill
An abode of sage Vashistha, it charm is bestowed by three rivulets namely Lalita, Kanta and Sandhya.

Guwahati Zoo
Location: 5 km east of railway station, in Japarigog area
Spread over an area of 4 sq km, it is the largest natural zoo of the country. It is well managed with a variety of rare species like the Royal Bengal Tiger, African Lions, Rhino, Zebra, cheetas and a number of snake species. The major attraction is the African two-horned Rhinos and the Assam's famous ones.
Timing: Opening hours: 07:00 hrs. - 17:00 hrs. in Summer and 08:00 hrs. - 16:30 hrs. in Winter (Friday closed)

State Museum
Location: 10 minutes walk from Railway station
The museum has a large collection of archeological artifacts made of stone, wood, metal and terracotta dating back to the 7th century. The museum also houses a library and holds lectures and film shows on occasions. The library has important historical documents relating to Ahom dynasty which ruled Assam for almost six hundred years
Timings: 1000 to 1630 hrs (Tue to Sat), 0800 to 1200 hrs (Sun)

Places Nearby:
Manas wildlife sanctuary
Location: 176 km from Guwahati
Situated on the banks of river Manas, and 176 km from Guwahati, this sanctuary is the only one from 'tiger project' in Assam. It has its own peculiar species of fauna, the rarest of which are the hispid hare and the pigmy hog. Commonly seen animals are the rhino, elephant, water buffalo and the swamp deer. Hundreds of birds migrate to Manas during winter.

Pabitora
Location: 60 km from Guwahati
It is a small wildlife sanctuary, famous for the inhabitation of Rhinos and various rare species of deer.

Hajo
Location: 25 km from Guwahati
It is a sacred place for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists. The main spots in the town are the Pua-Mecca mosque and the Hayagriba Madhava temple. An Iraqi prince-turned preacher, spreading the teachings of the Prophet established the Pua-Mecca mosque while travelling Assam in the 12th century.
Also there exists the Hayagriba Madhava Temple, which is accessible through a long stone stairway. One of the oldest resident, a giant turtle, lives in a pond at the foot of the stairway. Hajo is also renowned for its bell metal work

Chandubi
Location: 64 km from Guwahati
It is a perfect fishing spot. Being a natural lagoon, it has abundance of fishes and one can even enjoy rowing in its waters.

Madan Kamdev
Location: 35 km from Guwahati
Madan Kamdev is famous for archeological ruins that can be found here. Another attraction here is the Durga temple, whose history and making dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries.

Sualkuchi
Location: 32 km from Guwahati
Famous for the golden silk thread of Assam, this town has almost all the inhabitants in the occupation of silk weaving. The complete procedure of making the traditional Mekhala Chador (the two piece saris) from the cocoon can be seen here.

Tezpur
Location: 181 km east of Guwahati
Tezpur, lying on the north bank of Brahmaputra River, is a town of both historic importance and adventure sports. It is the centre of the Indian tea industry. The ruins of the stone temple, Da Parbatia, lie at a distance of 5 km from Tezpur.
Other architectural remains include that of Agnigarh, Bamuni Hills, Bhairavi and Mahabhairab temples and the twin tanks of Bar Pukhuri and Padum Pukhuri.

Video: Kamakhya Temple

Reaching there:
Air: Indian Airlines as well as private airlines connect Guwahati with regular flights to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Patna, and Agartala.

Rail: Guwahati is the headquarter of North-East Frontier Railway and is well connected with other states and parts of Assam. Many trains originate or pass through Guwahati. The important trains connecting the city are Assam Avadh Express, Guwahati Trivandrum Express, etc

Road: NH 31 (Junction with NH 2 Near Barhi - Bhaktiarpur - Mokameh - Purnea - -Dalkola - Silliguri-Sivok-Cooch-Behar- North Salmara - Nalbari-Charali-AminGaon Junction with NH-37), NH 37 (Junction with NH 31B Near Goalpara - Guwahati - Jorabat - Kamargaon - Makum - Saikhoaghat), NH 40 (Jorbat - Shillong - Indo Bangladesh Border Near Dawki - Jowai) are the National Highways passing through Guwahati.

There are bus-services operated to almost all-important centers in and outside the state. Guwahati is connected by regular bus services with Shillong, Silchar, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Tezpur, Siliguri, Sibsagar, Dimapur, Kohima, Imphal, Aizawal, Itanagar, Barpetta Road and Cooch Bihar.

Gangtok - Sikkim

Famous for:
Capital of Sikkim, known for natural beauty, scenic mountains, Buddhist monasteries, tribal Handicrafts, and local delicacy called "Momos"

Video: Journey to Sikkim

Background:
Gangtok, meaning lofty hills is the capital of Sikkim, the least populated state of the India.
Sikkim is a mountainous region with many high peaks and is the base for the worlds third highest peak, Kanchenjunga (8585 m).
Gangtok is known for its natural beauty, pagodas, houses with painted roofs and colorful bazaars.
The population consists of three ethnic groups Napalese, Lepchas and Bhutias.

Video: Helicopter ride from Bagdogra to Gangtok

What to see:
Ridge Garden
Location: Above Gangtok town, 15 mins from the main market.
A flat road lined with trees and colourful flowers. On one end is official residence of the Chief Minister and on the other end is the beautifully designed Palace Gate with Pagoda roof top. The famous Sikkim flower show is held just below the ridge

Institute of Cottage Industries
The Institute of Cottage Industries is a government institute where one can see women weaving woolen shawls, blankets, carpets and craftsmen making colorful tables called Choktse.

Orchid Sanctuary
Location: Below the Namgyal Institute
The garden is known to have 500 species of exotic orchids, making a beautiful sight when in full bloom.

Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa)
Built by Trulshi Rimpoche in 1945, the stupa houses holy books, relics, mantras and is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels.

Enchey Monastery
Location: 3 km from Gangtok
It is 200-year-old monastery housing icons related to Nylingmapas Buddhist sector.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
The institute houses rare collection of Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscrpits.

Tashi View Point
Location: 8 km from Gangtok
Tashi View Point provides a fine view of the Kanchenjunga range and Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most graceful peaks in the world.

Video: View of Gangtok market in evening

Sites nearby
Rumket Dharma Chakra Centre
Location: 24 km from Gangtok
The seat of the Kagyu order, one of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist sects. Its traditional in design and is almost an identical replica of the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet.

Tsomgo Lake / Changu Lake
Location: 40 km from Gangtok on Gangtok Nathu La Highway
Meaning "Source of Lake" in Bhutia language, the 1 km long oval shaped Changu Lake is situated amidst beautiful surroundings at an altitude of 12,000 ft. This serene lake is frozen from winter till mid-May.

Kanchenjunga National Park
Established in 1977, Kanchenjunga National Park is spread over an area of 850 sq. km and houses almost 500 species of birds, over 600 species of butterflies and 500 species of orchids.

Video: View of Gangtok from Ropeway

Reaching there:
Air: Bagdogra Airport (124 km) is the nearest airport. It has regular flights from Kolkata.

Rail: New Jalpaiguri (127 km) is the nearest broad guage railway station. It is well connected to Kolkata by over night train.

Road: NH 31A (Sivok - Gangtok) is the National Highway passing through Gangtok.
Excellent roads passing through scenic mountains, jungles and along the river Tista are maintained by the Indian Army and Border Roads connect Sikkim to gateway city of Darjeeling.

Video: Monks at Rumket monastery

INFORMATION OF FOREIGN TOURIST INTEREST
With a view to promote tourism in Sikkim, restrictions on the entry for foreigners into restricted areas of Sikkim have been relaxed.
Foreigners can now visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodong, Pemayangtse and the Yuksom -Zongri trekking route on the basis of restricted area permits which can be obtained from any one of the following offices:
All Indian missions and posts abroad.
F.F.R.O s Delhi, Bombay, Kolkatta and C.T.O. Chennai.
Immigrations officers at the airports at Bombay, Kolkatta, Chennai and New Delhi.
Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok.
Home Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok.
Inspector General of Police, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok.
Assistant Director (Tourism),Government of Sikkim, Siliguri.
Deputy Director (Tourism), Government of Sikkim, New Delhi.
Resident Commissioner, Government of Sikkim, New Sikkim House, 14 Panchseel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
Asst. Resident Commissioner,
Government of Sikkim, 4c, Poonam, 5, Russel Street, Kolkatta.
Deputy Commissioner, Darjeeling.
Deputy Secretary, Home Department, Government of West Bengal, Kolkatta.
After obtaining the restricted area permit, bonafide foreign tourists, individuals as well as groups, can visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodong and Pemayangtse for a period of fifteen days.
For visiting Pemayangtse, Zongri, Changu and Yumthang valley the rules are slightly tight. Organized foreign tourist groups consisting of not less than four persons, sponsored by recognized Indian travel agencies will be issued permits up to fifteen days for trekking in the Zongri area of West Sikkim.
Permits for visiting Zongri will be issued only by the representatives of the Sikkim government in New Delhi.
The foreigners should follow the following routes for Zongri:
Pemayangtse - Yoksum - Zongri
Rangpo - Gangtok - Yoksum - Zongri
The return journey can be performed by either of the above routes. The groups would be accompanied by a liaison officer provided by the government of Sikkim.
Similarly for visiting Changu lake and the Yumthang valley foreigners have to be in a group of four or more.
Areas other than those mentioned above can also be visited, for which a special permit, which is relatively difficult to get, has to be obtained from the ministry of home affairs, New Delhi, the travel agents can help.

Video: The beautiful Tsomgo (Changu) Lake

Video: Yaks on the road

Gangotri - Gaumukh

Famous for:
A very holy center of pilgrimage and one of the Char Dham of Northern India in Himalayas.

Video: Morning Aarti at the Gangotri temple

Background:
Situated high up in the Garwhal Himalayas, on the banks of the Bhagirathi river, Gangotri is one of the 4 most holy pilgrimage center for the Hindus, which are collectively called Char Dhams (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath).
The 18th century temple at Gangotri was built by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Legend says that in the ancient time, King Bhagirath prayed to Ganga from here, asking her to descend on Earth. Hence the river here is called Bhagirathi, which after meeting the river Alaknanda at Devprayag becomes known as the Ganga.
Goumukh, 18 km from Gangotri temple is the source of the Bhagirathi river.
Gangotri is surrounded by forest and Himalayas and has some amazing scenery. It is also the base for many Himalayan treks.

Video: Pilgrims take bath and perform puja at Gangotri

What to see:
Gangotri Mandir
Location: On the banks of the Bhagirathi river
The shrine of Gangotri is one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. It is about 20-feet high and made of white marble and granite. It has a natural rock Shivling of Lord Shiva and is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva received the descending Ganga in his hair locks. The evening prayer held at the temple by the river is an unforgettable experience.

Gaumukh
Location: about 18 km from Gangotri, at 4200 m
Gaumukh (Gau means cow and Mukh means mouth), has the Gangotri glacier, which is believed to be the origin of the holy river Ganges. The river here is called Bhagirathi, which after meeting the river Alaknanda at Devprayag becomes known as the Ganga.

Nandanvan and Tapovan
Location: 6 km from Gaumukh, opposite the Gangotri glacier
It can be reached after trekking from Gaumukh and has amazing view of the Himalayas, the Shivling Peaks, and is the base for many treks to places like Shivling, Meru, Kalindikhal, Vasuki Tal, etc.

Video: Roaring Bhagirathi Waterfall near Gangotri Temple

Sites Nearby:
Mala and Khush Kalyan
Location: Mala is 30 km from Uttarkashi on the way to Gangotri
Mala is base for the 16 km trek through forest and mountains to the 20 km lush green meadows of Khush Kalyan. In winters the place is covered with snow and has good ski slopes.
Mala is also the base for the Gangotri-Kedarnath trek

Uttarkashi
Location: 99 km from Gangotri
Situated at the banks of the river Bhagirathi and surrounded by mountains, Uttarkashi is a very scenic and picturisque town. It is the base to go to the holy shrines of Gangotri and Yamunotri and is also known for its temple dedicated to Bhairavnathji. Trekkers going on the numerous treks in the region can stay here in the tourist bunglow.

Video: Gaumukh glacier the origin of Ganga

Reaching there:
Air:
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (275 km) is the nearest airport. However Delhi (473 km) has airports, which are more convenient with better connection to different places.

Rail:
Haridwar (273 km), is the nearest railway station.

Road:
Gangotri is connected to Haridwar and Rishikesh via Uttarkashi - Tehri Garhwal. Private taxis, Jeeps, buses and tempos are available to reach Gangotri.