Magnificent Sikkim

The North-Eastern side of the country is blessed with virgin beauty. These parts of the mesmerizing India are yet to be exploited fully. North-eastern states are also known as Seven Sisters. One of the most peaceful, tranquil and beautiful state in this region is Sikkim. It is also one of the smallest states of the country. The place has amazing natural beauty, soaring mountains, bewitching locales and wonderful lakes that will surely appease your senses. Visitors from many parts of the country visit Sikkim to experience the heart-warming feelings. For a travel enthusiast, the place offers everything that he can imagine like, steep gorges, snow-capped peaks, exotic flora, gushing river and green valleys. What else one could ask from the Mother Nature? The place is enriched with elements of spirituality as well because of presence of number of monasteries.

The most fascinating aspect about Sikkim is the fact that despite lack of size it packs a punch with numerous tourist attractions in the state. Sikkim has several beautiful lakes that will offer you mental peace and serenity. Most famous lakes are, Tsomgo lake, Lakshmi Pokhari, Khecheopraj Lake, Samiti Lake and Cholamu lake. The capital of the state is Gangtok that is a hill station as well. One can visit monastaries like Pemayangtse, Rumtek, Labrang and Tasuk - la-khang (Palace Monastery) etc to sooth his soul. One must remember to explore the flora and fauna of the state. It is just amazing. Other popular attractions are Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kyongnosia Alpine Sanctuary etc.

Dalhousie

One of the popular tourist destinations in north India is Dalhousie. Situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie is a quiet and serene hill station. It attracts thousands of visitors every year who flock to Dalhousie to get relief from the hustle-bustle of city life. This beautiful place is spread over five hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range of mountains. The five hills are, Potreyn, Kathlog, Bakrots, Balun and Tehra. Apart from the magnificent scenic beauty offered by the place it is also a major attraction for its architecture of the colonial era. British Governor General Lord Dalhousie established this place in 1854. The famous Chamba valley of Himachal Pradesh is entered through Dalhousie only.

Dalhousie will mesmerize you with its scenic beauty, pine covered slopes, enchanting views and snow capped mountains. This place is a deadly combination of colonial architecture beauty and nature’s best views. The architectural beauty is well manifested in forms of beautiful buildings and low roofed stalls. Spread over an area of over 14 sq.kms, this hill station has several amazing tourist attractions.

Some popular tourist attractions in Dalhousie are, Khajjar, Bakrota Hills, the St. Francis Church and Dainkund. Apart from these names, one can also visit Kalatope, a wildlife sanctuary and number of temples and churches spread over the hill station. Dalhousie will give you that old world charm that is very fascinating. If you are seeking peace and calmness then Dalhousie is the place you should visit.

Amazing India

India gave birth to several religions including Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism etc. consequently these religions spread to all over the world. Buddhism is a major religion in many parts of Asia. Islam made entry into India with the arrival of kings like Mohammad Ghazani and Mohammad Gori. Mughal soon followed and that was beginning of spread of Islam all over India. India is one of the largest countries in world with maximum population of Muslims. If one looks at different archeological and architectural monuments of ancient India, amalgamation of diverse religions has been distinctly demonstrated in them. Confluence of diverse religions is one of the greatest hallmarks of Indian culture. Ancient Indian art and monuments are wonderful mixture of all the religions.

Indian art first surfaced during prehistoric Stone Age. Many caves and historical places bear testimony to artistic inclinations of Indians. Paintings and drawings of animals can be found in numerous caves. With the passage of time, drawing and painting also got refined. Many ancient households used to adorn the front deck of the house. This particular things has not changed as we can see Indians often decorate their houses. South Indians in particular, are more apt at making beautiful designs in their homes. Other arts including music and dance also got refined. India is home to wonderful classical dances and music like Hindustani and Carnatic music. In fact, different parts of the country have separate dance forms and all of them are still followed with utmost sincerity. People tend to forget themselves in dance like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi etc.