East India Travel Guide

Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Orissa, once had more than a thousand temples. This temple city, capital of an ancient kingdom and modern state, still reverberates with echoes of the past amidst

Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya is a very important centre for Buddhists, being the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightment. The Mahabodhi temple marks the spot and a sapling from the original Bodhi tree

Darjeeling

Darjeeling, at about 7000ft. above sea level, is a beautiful hill station on a mountain ridge amidst delightful forest scenery. It is built on a long spur projecting northwards like a letter "Y" from the Senchal-Singalila range

Gangtok

Gangtok (1500m) meaning "Hilltop" is the capital of Sikkim and, set amidst spectacular scenery, retains its charming architectural style with pagoda like wooden houses, painted turquoise roofs and colourful bazaars.

Kaziranga

The Kaziranga National Park in the north-eastern state of Assam, is one of the last refuges of the famous one horned Asiatic Rhino. Spread over an area of 430 sq. kms.

Kolkata

Once the capital of British India, Calcutta (now Kolkata) remains the cultural capital of India with a strong tradition in literature and fine arts. A mere village about 300 yrs. ago, it is today one of India's biggest cities

Nalanda

Nalanda was an intellectual centre for Buddhism for about 700 years, the University here once housing 10,000 monks and students. There is an array of monasteries on the east and a row of temples in the west.

Patna

Patna is the capital city of the state of Bihar and, as Patliputra, was Kings Ashok's capital more then 25 centuries ago. The city stretches 8 miles along the holy river Ganges.

Puri

Puri is the abode of Lord Jagannath, literally 'lord of the world', and is one of the four holiest of holy places of India. There are colourful festivals year round, of which the most celebrated, the "Rath Yatra" or chariot festival

Rajgir

Rajgir, with its hot springs, is an important pilgrim site, Buddha having spent 12 years here, the Jain Tirtankar Mahavir also having spent time here, and being mentioned in the Mahabharata.