EXPLORE THE EAST :- 

CALCUTTA is a good starting point for travels in the eastern region of India.

The Capital of West Bengal, Calcutta is the major entry point. A good time to visit Calcutta is during the Durga Puja in October / November when Calcutta is decked and decorated and is alive with good cheer and celebration. Sightseeing in this fascinating city includes Raj Bhawan, the residence of the Governor of Bengal; Victoria Memorial, the city's landmark; Botanical Gardens, which are notable for the oldest banyan tree, and orchard house; Armenian Church ; Marble Palace, one family collection of memorabilia; and the Birla planetarium. 

Darjeeling, the state's most popular hill resort, is a slice of England 2,134 metres above sea level. Surrounded by tea Gardens growing the prized leaf known as Darjeeling, the little town faces some of the Himalaya's highest peaks. Take a toy train to the magnificent hill station of Darjeeling for an unusual travel experience. Buddhism, being the major faith here, Darjeeling and the nearby town of Kalimpong have, between them, several Buddhist monasteries, chiefly of the Yellow Hat sect. 

Orissa : culture, crafts, fine beaches, bird and wildlife sanctuaries are what this state has in plenty, but it is for its multitude of Hindu stone temples that Orissa is famous for . 

The capital, Bhubaneswar, once had over a thousand temples, of which a large number remain, many being still in use. The temple towns of Bhuaneswar and Puri with Konark noted for its unusual Sun Temple, make a marvelous circuit close to Calcutta.  

The largest of the states in the north-east of India is Assam whose capital is Guwahati, has an inspired location on the banks of River Brahmaputra. Amidst Assam's verdant lushness are two important game sanctuaries, Manas and Kaziranga, both best know for their population of one horned Indian rhinoceros, a species that faced extinction. Much of the rest of the state is devoted to tea plantation which yield the strong Assam leaf popular all over the world. Shillong, a pretty hill station in Meghalaya with its grassy downs and lakes are special destinations.

From Calcutta you can wander off in the south eastern direction for a fantastic break to the spectacular Andaman Islands - 300 odd islands in the Bay of Bengal with their lush rain forests and sparkling beaches. Go onwards to Gangtok, the attractive capital of Sikkim. Sikkim offers several treks that lead through pine forests, through picturesque valleys, monasteries and to mountain lakes. It is also the base for mountaineering expeditions and the rivers Teesta and Rangeet offer excellent river rafting.

Off all the India's states, Bihar is the one most intimately linked to the Buddha's life , resulting in a trail of pilgrimages which have come to be known as the Buddhist circuit. Ancient settlements - Bodhgaya, the remains of the university town of Nalanda, Rajgir, Vaishali and Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh evoke the life of the Enlightened One.