Bangladesh Mission in Agartala as on 16-02-2012 and same day in afternoon we have got visa for 15 days. Usually we have planned to go Dhaka by bus either Samoli Paribhan (B.R.T.C, Bangladesh Bus) or Maitre (T.R.T.C, Indian Bus) as on 17-02-2012. Unfortunately both the buses are already booked as on 17-02-2012. Finally we have got Samoli Paribhan tickets (B.R.T.C) as on 21-02-2012. We have started from International Bus Terminal at Krishnagar in Agartala at 12.30pm and reached at Akhoura Land Custom Station at 12.40pm. We have completed immigration and customs clearance within 30 minutes as well as other passengers of buses. The bus is comparatively good as compare to Indian Bus. Bus is full pact of air-conditioned. I am always tense because of my child sometimes feels bomiting.Window of bus is completely blocked. We have to wait sometime in the border due to celebration of “Matri Vasha Divas” which is organized by traders of both Bangladesh and India in “No Men’s Land’. Anyhow, we crossed the border after 45 minutes. In Bangladesh side, immigration and customs clearance had completed within 20 minutes. On way to Dhaka, the bus is rested for 20 minutes of the restaurant near “Visha Road” where we had finished lunch. Later we started for Dhaka, it is very extraordinary experience. However, we could reach in Dhaka at 9 pm which was too late. The scheduled arrival time is 7pm. We received by one of my relative at Kamalapur Bus Station in Dhaka. We spent just 2 hours in Dhaka. Due to short time we could not stay in Dhaka. Again, we had reserved bus ticket for Khagrachari; it is a district headquarters of Khagrachari district. It is a wonderful experience that whole night we traveled from Dhaka to Khagachari. Any how we could reach at Khagrachari at 7 am in the morning. My child and wife was very tired due to heavy rush journey. The road is not well, most of the road in hill areas and many turning.

Khagrachari:  Khagrachari is a district town in South- Eastern part of Bangladesh under Chittagong Hill Tracts. Its local name is “Chengmi. Khagrachari is also known as the Mong Circle. It also is the administrative Khagrachari is a valley. It has three rivers namely Chengi, Kasalong and Maini. Chengi is the longest river in Khagrachari. Most of the land of Khagrachari is hilly areas of Khagrachari district. Most of peoples are belonging  to Chakmas community.

Tourist’s spots in Khagrachari: Alutila Tourists spot: Khagrachari – Chittagong Road, 5 Km away from the Parjatan motel. Alutila Mysterious Cave: East of the Alutila Tourists’ spot under the mountain 150 meter long flowing natural waterfall in Chittagong Road, It is about 5 Km away from the Parjatan Motel near Khagrachari bridge.

We have participated weeding ceremonies one of my relatives as 23-02-2012. Both bride and groom are belonging to Chakmas community. It is a wonderful experience which I never to explain in details. Such a colouful weeding ceremonies I ever had seen in my life. We are felicitated by this party as we are from India. There are varies menus in this special party such as Mutton Curry, Fish Curry, Chicken Curry, cold drinks etc and some Chakmas special foods which made of dry fish. We had stayed 3 days in Khagrachari and  visited most of places and relatives  houses in Khagrachari  and other places in Chittagong Hills Tracts.  It was a great experience to us and we are never forgetting such a wonderful tour.

I have planned to bring my family in Udaipur during summer vacation. My wife and child both are excited when I have told my plan to travel in Udaipur in summer vacation. The summer vacation started as on 24th, April 2012. My child Master Navarup is studying in Holy Cross School in Agartala. He appeared 1st terminal examination in KG-2 and finished his exam as on 5th, of May, 2012. My wife is Graduate Teacher of high school; usually she is very busy for his job and family work at home in Agartala. She is also very careful for maintaining households and child care. It is hardly possible to workout tour plan along with my family. Because of my child school, his private tuition, homework, foodings, and my wife busy engagement with school and family matters. However, she managed everything. At the last moment, my wife along with my child arrived in Udaipur for spending summer vacations in few days. Now, my wife and master child is very happy for visiting in Udaipur. They are sightseeing some tourist spots in Udaipur, like Tripura Sundari Mandir, Bhubaneswari Mandir, and Tepania Eco-Park etc. They are very interested to visit in Dumboor Lake. It is one of the biggest lakes in Tripura. It is far way from Udaipur. My wife finished some local marketing in Udaipur city. They planned to visits in Neermahal, it’s a wonderful lake palace situated in Melaghar and Buddhists tourist spots like Pilak, Mahamoni Buddha Mandir and Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary in Belonia, which is located in South Tripura.

My daily menu is preferably vegetables and cooked with dry fish which I like very much. Some of the dry fishes like hilsas dry fish, poti chedool, Pachey chedool, prawn dry fish, Plain chedool. Plain chedool which made of small sea fishes and prawns and its original made from Myanmar (formerly Burma).We bring this particular chedool from Mynmar through Bangladesh. This particular dry fish is also available in Bangladesh. I am not interested spicy and junk foods. My child is very much fonds of potatoes fry and boiled eggs. Sometimes we used to have fish boil and fish fry and sometimes chicken curry made of less spicy.

How to reach in Udaipur: Udaipur is a District Headquarter of newly created Gomati District. Formerly, it was a South District Headquater. It is popularly known as lake and Temple city. Udaipur is about 55 km from Agartala; one can catch the private buses from Nagerjola Motor stand in Agartala. Buses are frequently available from Agartala and private car is also available on hiring basis for getting in Udaipur.

* Workout tour plan at least 2 month ago.

* Plan to take advance leaves if he/she is works in Govt service or Private Company.

*Whether advance leaves available or not from the concerned departments/ company/ private firm.

*If there is school going children, then children leaves available or not, it is depending upon the exams and vacations, it is fact that, there is no problem during winter and summer vacation. It is kept in mind that, do not plan if it is exams of children near to door. Otherwise, it will hamper the children to concentrate of their studies after tour.

* Next to plan of destination or place of visit. The place of weather, it will suitable or not. Do not plan if places very hot/ cold. Temperature should be normal and moderate.

* To booked advance air ticket if you want to go by air. If you plan to go by train, then booked the ticket immediately. Earlier booking of air ticket, you will get some special packages and subsidies.

*Next to hotel booking. It is depending upon the availability of rooms. There are two seasons, one is peak season and another one is off- season. During season, it is hardly available hotel room but it is depending upon the place and availability of hotels in that place. So that, completes you advance hotels booking. Make sure that, rooms should be spacious and view of sightseeing from the hotels balcony.

*Next to ready bag and baggage’s and hand bag, it is advisable to take light baggage’s, unnecessary baggage’s and cloths may hamper to your to tour programmes.

*It is advisable to all of you that, do not take more cash / money. It is better to take Debit/ Credit Cards. If you need money, withdraw cash nearest ATM counter if any banks. It is very much secured while you journey with Debit/ Credit Cards.

These travels formula should kept in mind while you planning tour, Advance Tour Planning-> Advance leaves>Destinations >Places of visit >Advance Air/Train ticket > Advance hotel booking > Bag & Baggage’s > Cash > Debit& Credit Cards.

Cherrapunjee is a sub-divisional town in east khasi hills district in the state of Meghalaya. The Cherrapunjee historial name is Sohra. It is the second wettest place in the World. Mawsynram village is the highest record in rain fall in Cherrapunjee. It is traditional capital of popularly known as Sohra means a place of  hard rock. The word Cherrapunjee meant land of orange, despite perennial rainfall, Cherrapujee faces an acute water shortage and the residents after have to trek for miles for obtain water. The history of khasis- the residents of Cherapunjee may be traced from the early part of the 16 Th centuries. Cherrapunjee has a mild subtropical highland climate with monsoonal influences of India. Cherrapunjee receives both the southeast and northeast monsoonal winds giving are its high monsoon season. It is located on the windward side of khasi hills. In the winter season it receives northeast monsoon that travel down the Brahmaputra valley. One can enjoy to seeing the view of Bangladesh plain from Cherrapunjee. Cherrapunjee received two Guinese Book of World record for receiving maximum amount of rainfall.

Culture: – The local residents are known as khasis. It is matrilineal culture after the weeding the husband of youngest daughter goes to live with his wife family who owns the property of the family. The children take on the surname of the mother. Cherrapunjee is very famous fot its wonderful bridges.

Places to visit in Cherrapunjee:

*Mawkdok Valley.
*Sohra Market.
*Pillar Rock
*Rama Krishna Mission Museum
*Nohkalikai Waterfalls
*Dainthlen Waterfall
*The Grand Canyon of Cherrapunjee
*First Presbyterian Church, Tombs of Welsh Missionaries, Anglican Cemetery
*David Scott Memorial
*Eco-Park
*Mawsmai Lighted Cave
*Nohsngithiang Waterfalls
*Thangkharang Park
*Living Root Bridge – Exclusive to Meghalaya.
*Cherrapunjee Meteorological Observatory.

Accommodation: Cherrapunji has several comfortable private hotels. Prior permission is requires for staying at the Circuit House and the Dak Bungalow.

How to reach in Cherrapunjee:
By Road: Cherrapunji is about 58 km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. Buses and taxis on hiring basis are available from Shillong to Cherrapunjee.

Cane/Bamboo handicrafts of Tripura are acknowledged to be among the best in the country, due to their beauty, elegance and exquisite designs. A vast range of items is produced, including Furniture, Panels, and Partitions, Table mats and other mat products, Lamp shades etc. Tripura handicrafts are also being exported to various countries. Today the magnificent skill of artisans has been directed to produce a wide range of more than 200 exquisite products. Presently, about 10,000 skilled artisans are engaged in production of various handicrafts in the state.
For interior decoration, Tripura handicrafts offer a wide range of false ceilings, paneling, plaques, pot containers (planters) etc. made of gossamer thin bamboo mattress, Ornated with wood inlay and cane and bamboo. The household items have blended utility with artistic beauty.
As i am in tourism department, in Tripura, most of the tourists are fascinated the handicrafts of Tripura because its beauty elegance and exquisite designs. The products made by local skilled artisans. It is very famous in Tripura as well as in India and abroad.

Sikkim is a multicultural tiny state of India. The majority of Sikkim’s residents are of Nepalis. The original Sikkimese consists of the Bhutias, Lepchas and Tibetan; some of the migrant resident communities which are include Biharis, Bengalis and Marwaris, who are prominent in trade in South Sikkim and Gangtok. The state has mixed cultures of traditions of Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India etc. So it has a different kind’s foods and cuisine. The combination of multicultural cuisine is called Sikkim cuisine. Sikkim has developed dietary culture which comprises of different food habits and special recipes. Present day traditional food of Sikkim has gained popularity among the peoples and thus Sikkimese cuisine has recognized in India and around the world. Now a day’s peoples would like have less spicy food instead of spicy foods. This is because of continue capturing of varies diseases like blood pressure, diabetes etc.

Rice is the staple food of the Sikkimese, depending on availability, the Sikkimese are like to have meat and dairy products. There are two types of traditional of foods in Sikkim, where one is fermented foods and alcoholic beverages and another one is non-fermented foods. Kiinema and maseura are the two important fermented vegetables. The fermented milk products are like Dahi, mohi, gheu, chhurpi both hard and soft, somar and philu are fermented milk products, sukharo, maacha, gnunchi, sidra and sukurti are fermented fish products. Marcha chyang, abhaati jaanr and rakshi are most popular alcoholic beverages. Like Momo, Thukpa, Pakku kodo Ko roti, phapar ko roti, Chambery, achar (pickle), suzom, alum, folding, falki, chatamari are of the most traditional non-fermented foods of Sikkim.

Alcoholic drinks are very much popular amongst men and women. Bhutias are like very much of beef. They are like to have poris and dosas. Most of the Sikkimese is diet consists of dal bhat with meat in the morning and light lucnh for momo and early dinner consists of noodles. Marwari are like to have momo and thukpa.

Some of the traditional local cuisines which are as follows:-

Momo: Momo is very much popular in Sikkim. Momo are taken alongwith soup and local made chilly sauce. Most of restaurant momo is available in Sikkim.

Thukpa: - It is one of most popular soup in Sikkim. It is made of noodle and vegetable. Thukpa is available in most of the local restaurant and hotels in Sikkim

Phagshapa: Phagshapa is strips of pork fat stewed with radishes and dried chilies.

Sael Roti: This Nepali cuisine is prepared by grinding a mixture of rice and water into a paste. The paste is then poured into hot oil and deep fried. It is normally eaten with potato curry.

Gundruk: This is a dried leaves preparation. Before cooking the leaves, it is dired in the sun in a few days and then cooked along with onions and tomatoes.

Chang (Thomba): This is very popular in Sikkim. Chang is a local traditional beer which made by fermenting of millet using yeast. Chang can sometimes be strong and very intoxicating indeed.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tavesh12/5339031730/

The main block covers 800 acres, comprising public halls such as the Throne room, the Durbar, Library and the Reception hall. The palace was designed by Sir Alexander Martin of Messrs Martin & Co. The Chinese Room is particularly notable, the ceiling of which was crafted by artisans brought from China. The palace has tiled floors and carved front doors. For the attractions of tourists the musical fountain installed in front of the main entrance, and the night-time floodlights. The grounds are laid out as formal Mughal garden with fountains. There are two large artificial ponds on either side of the garden.

How to reach in Agartala:

By Air: Agartala is connected all over city in India. One can go to Agartala from Kolkata, Guwahati, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi. Many private airlines are available in Agartala. You’ll get the direct flights and some of the connecting flight from Agartala and other city in India.

By Rail: The nearest rail station is Badharghat rail station in Agartala. One can go Silchar and Guwahati from Agartala rail station.

It is stated that, one can go by buses to Kolkata via Dhaka from Agartala. Bangladesh Misssion is in Agartala. One can apply for visa in Bangladesh Misssion. Visa is easily available.

Accommodation: Many private hotels are available in Agartala. Such as Ginger Hotel, a Tata Enterprise, Rajdhani Hotel is good and Hotel Welcome Palace etc. The Gitanjali Tousim Guest House, under T.T.D.C.Ltd is very good.

There are some best tourist places that include your itinerary:-

Buddhist Monasteries: There are atlest 200 of old Buddhist Monasteries. Most of the monasteries are located sloppy top hill areas. It is one of the best places for meditation. The most visited monasteries are Rumtek Monasteries which is located on other side valley of Gangtok and Pemayangtse Monasteries which situated in West Sikkhim near Pelling and Tashiding Monasteries located East Sikkhim. There are other Buddhist Monasteries that are visiting like Karma Kagyu Monastery with its 200 year old murals situated in Phodong in North Sikkhim, the Enchey Monastery in Gangtok. The Monasteries has organized varies fair and festivals especially in Losar. The festival held in the February/ March every year. The Tse Chu festival in month of July and wonderful features Buddhist dancing in Rumtek Monasteries. Besides, Enchey Monastery also organized charm festival in month of December/ January.

Teesta River Rafting: River rafting is the latest activity to arrive in Sikkhim. It offers world best opportunity for river rafting. The best route is Makha-Sirwani-Bardang- Rongpo. One of the best times for river rafting in Sikkhim is from March to May and October to December.

Nathu La Pass and Old Silk Route: One can go to Nathu-La-Pass through old Silk Route. From Gangtok its take three hour to India-China border. The border consists of lone barbed wire fencing and gets the strange experience to seeing the Chinese soldiers on the other side. Unfortunately, only Indians are allowed to travel this far though, and only on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. A permit is also required, obtainable through a registered travel agency. Foreigners can go up to Tsomgo Lake, also called Changu Lake, 27 kilometers short of Nathu La Pass. This spectacular high-altitude 12,400 feet glacier lake remains frozen until May.

Flora and Fauna Sanctuaries: Sikkim is renowned for its variety of birds, animals, and flowers. Two of the best places to see them are the Deorali Orchid Sanctuary in south Gangtok and best time to visit from March to early May and the end of September to early December, and Kyongnosia Alpine Sanctuary around an hour from Gangtok on the way to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La. Best time to visit from June until October.

Saramsa Garden: It is the home of Sikkhim’s exotic orchids and other rare tropical plants. It is about 14 km away from Gangtok. Saramsa garden is perfect place for recreation and picnic spot.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, after the late Chogyal of Sikkhim, Palden Thondup Namgyal whose brain child it was has since become one of the most prestigious Tibetan Literature, a rare manuscripts, paintings, thankas, statues and religious objects and other work of art and history. Now, it is a renowned worldwide centre for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion.

Gnangtok’s is situated in the Shivalik hills of eastern Himalayan ranges at an altitude of 1437 meters. Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkhim.The city is tidy and beautiful. The hospitality industry is the largest industry in Gangtok as the city is the main base for Sikkhim tourism. People are simple and hospitable. They are rich cultural heritage and dedicated to welcome the visiting tourists. That’s why; tourism has developed in comparison to other state of India. Some of world renowned old Buddhist Monasteries/ Buddha Mandir has built in Gangtok’s and around the Sikkhim. The tourist has enjoyed seeing old architectural monasteries and Buddha Mandir. One of best seasons is summer and spring season. Other seasons like monsoon and autumn are also popular. But in monsoon season from June to September has heavy rainfall which often causing landslides that block main road. Many of Gangtok’s residents directly and indirectly are engaged in the tourism industry. Many of residents has own hotels and many of working in hotels and restaurants in Gangtok’s.

Eco-tourism has played an important role in economic development in the region which includes trekking, mountaineering; river rafting and other nature oriented activities. By this activities which generates income of the peoples. Gangtok’s is beautiful city. It has broad roads, flyovers; shooping mall, local handicraft, hospital, reputed educational institutes, fast foods, restaurants, discotheques etc and all other modern amenities are available that one has to desires.

Places of visit in Gangtok:-

Lebrang Monastery:  It is about 1 km away from phodong and it was built 100 year ago. This is belonging to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetian Buddhism. It is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Sikkhim. One can not forget to visit in this monastrary.

Pemayangetse:  It is 6 km away from Gyalsing town. This monastery was originally built as a small temple in the last of 17th century by Latsun Chempo. But, later the temple structure was rebuilt into a monastery.

The Royal Chapel: The Royal Chapel popularly known as Tsuklakhang is located within the palace grounds. Buddhists pilgrims worship in this place and tourists enjoy seeing varies collection of Buddhist scriptures.

Deer Park: Popularly known as Rustomji Park. The name is derived from the Dewans of the Chogyal of Sikkim. The animals like, the red panda and the Himalayan Bear are available in this park. One can enjoy seeing beautiful statue of Lord Buddha in the Deer Park. A lamp continually burns in front of the statue, which is surrounded with flowers. The park gives an excellent view of the hills, in and around the Gangtok’s.

How to reach in Gangtok’s:

By Road: Taxis are available in Gangtok’s. Most of the peoples stay within a few kilometers of the town and many of the residents have their own vehicles.

By Rail: Siliguri is the main rail station. It is about 124 km away from Gangtok’s. One can go to Gangtok’s by hiring private cars like taxis, car etc.

By Air: The main closet airport is Bagdogra airport. Airport is 10 km away from Siliguri. Helicopter service is available from Bagdogra airport to Gangtok’s and operates only once a day and carries only four passengers.

Ooty called Udhagamandalam is the “Queen of hill station’. It is one of the most popular hill stations in Tamilnadu state in south India. Udhagamandalam is the headquarters of Nilgiri districts. Nilgiris means “Blue Mountains”. It is situated at an altitude of 2240 meters above sea level. It is one of most popular tourist destination in India. Covered with lush green tea garden, tall and towering mountains picturesque landscapes, deep forest and good climate condition all are attracted the tourists in this region. It is one of most popular tourist resorts in India and best picnic spot in and around the Ooty. One can not forget to ride Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) journey and it is one of the oldest mountain railways in India and it has been declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005.

Brief History of Ooty:
It is a town, a municipality and the capital of the Nilgiri districts and the State of Tamil Nadu. Octamund is a one of the most popular hill station which is located in the Nillgiri Hills. The regions is originally occupied by the “Todas tribes’, and the area came under the rule of the East India Company in the end of the 18th century. Today the town’s economy is based on tourism and agriculture, with manufacturing of medicines and photographic film also present. Ooty is also known as the Blue Mountains. It is not known whether this name comes from the blue smoky haze given off by the eucalyptus which covers the area and kurinchi flowers which blossom every twelve years. It is said that, Tippu Sultan was the first to extend his border by constructing a hideout cave like structure. It was originally a tribal land and was occupied by the Todas along with other tribes who coexisted through specialization and trade. Frederick price in his book “Octamandu” a history states that, the area which is now called as the ‘Old Ooty’ was originally occupied by the Todas. Later “Todas’ handed over part of the town to John Sullivan, the then Governor of Coimbatore. He later developed the town, and encouraged the establishment of tea, cinchona and teak trees.

Places of interest in Ooty:
*Government Botanical Gardens
*Rose Gardens
*Pine Forests
*Dolphin Nose
*Sims Park
*Hidden Valley
*Boating at Pykara
*Wax Museum and Doddebetta peak
*Ooty Mountain Lake
*Ooty Golf course
*Stone house
*Kamaraj Sagar Dam
*Mudulai National Park
*Mukurti National Park and
*Emerald Lake.

How to reach in Ooty:-
By Air:-Coimbatore Airport is the nearest airport for Ooty and approximately 100km from Ooty. It is well connected with many cities of India.
By Train: – Main rail station connecting with Ooty is Mettupalyam and it approximately 45 km from Ooty. Regular train services from Coimbatore and Chennai.
By Road: – Tamilnadu has good road networks all the major cities across country. One can hire cab, drive your own vehicle or can catch buses from Mysore, Bangaluru, Chennai, Madurai and many more places.