They are called the seven sisters. They are the seven beautiful states of Northeast India. These states have not come up as tourist destination on the tourist map. But they have emmence potential for travel and tourism. The small but densely covered hills of these states are a mystery which await to be discovered and explored. The tradition, culture, festivals everything has remained covered and is slowly opening up.
The Buddhist pilgraimages of Bihar or the temples of Konark, Bhubaneswar, Puri in Orissa are visited by pilgrims as well as the tourists. The Chillika lake is the largest lagoon and watching sunset over the lake has its own pleasure. Visit the beaches of Digha in West Bengal and Puri in Orissa, their beauty is sure to hang in your mind for years to come.
One of the major tourist destination in East has been the Calcutta. Calcutta came up as a major city of the region when it was made the capital city by the East India company. Calcutta has retained the historical splendour which is reflected in the buildings of the place. Today Calcutta is the capital of West Bengal and one of the major port in east.
UTTAR PRADESH Uttar Pradesh has been the most dominant state in Indian politics and culture since Independence. The Ganges which forms the backbone of the state, is considered sacred by Hindus, and has seven holy towns including Varansi, the holiest of the holies. Uttar Pradesh is also of importance to Buddhists; it was at Sarnath that Buddha first preached his message.
Most of Uttar Pradesh consists of the vast Ganges plain, an area which often floods during the monsoons. In stark contrast to the plains, the scenic north-western corner has hill stations which offers some of the best trekking opportunities. The main languages spoken here are Hindi, Urdu and English.
ORISSA Each morning the sun breaks over the Konark temple, bringing to life one of the most beautiful states of India- Orissa. The Sun Temple, also known as the black pagoda, was constructed in the 13th century AD. It was conceived as a celestial chariot of the Sun God, drawn on 12 pairs of elaborately ornated wheels, driven by seven spirited horses.
The temple, in its exceptional sense of proportion and its near perfect execution of postures of the icons, reflects the aesthetic and architectural vision of the people of the land. Blessed with the creativity of thousands of artists who have given expression to the miles of unspoilt coastline, lakes, ancient monuments, temples through their artisanship, Orissa is a land of plenty.
The beauty of Orissa unravels like a story through its monuments, landscape and the history. Kalinga, as Orissa was known in ancient times, remained unconquered till King Ashoka captured this state. Shattered by the bloodshed, he denounced the world to follow the path of Buddhism. Today, a sense of calmness and peace winds through the air, like the notes of a flute, filling one with joy.
|