TOUR TO GUWAHATI_1

ME AT GUWAHATI ON 25/4/2009.

Situated beside the impressively wide and muddy Brahamputra River, Guwahati is Assam's sleepy capital. Once known as Pragjyotishpura (the Eastern City of Light) and mentioned in Mahabharta, it has long been the most important town in the region. It's now the service centre for the oil industry and tea plantations; the world's largest tea auctions are held here. Guwahati is pleasant, relaxed place. There are numerous anacient Hindu temples in and around the town, but its main importance is as the gateway to the whole of the north-eastern region. The name (Guwahati) is a combination of two words: "Guwa" meaning areca nut and "Hat" meaning market. Guwahati is the commercial nerve centre of the North-East. The places to shop for handicrafts and handloom items include the State Government's department store, Pragjyotika at Ambari as well as several private shops in Pan Bazar and Fancy Bazar, two of the main commercial markets .

TOUR TO GANGTOK (SIKKIM)_1

Sikkim is a land of mystic culture and colorful tradition

That is exactly how I felt last weekend on my trip to eastern Sikkim. Usually bad weather never fails to accompany me when I go on vacation, and this time it was no different. The mountains were shrouded in mist and were soaked by occasional spells of rain.

I missed out on the a sight that is worth dying for - a view of the majestic Kangchenzongha. Added to the trouble caused by the rain gods was further trouble in Siliguri (the major rail head for North Bengal & Sikkim) when we landed from Kolkata.

But in spite of the hiccups and the irritants, overall the trip turned out to be fantastic in the end.