TRAVEL TO THE NORTHEAST OF INDIA
Mumbai couple Saajan and his wife Visha set out on their very first trip to Northeast India – and chose Meghalaya as their destination. Highlights were the living root bridges, Nohkalikai Falls and Cherrapunji Cafe. They share their honest experience navigating Meghalaya during the monsoon season. A must-read for anyone planning their maiden trip to the Northeast!
It’s that time again! Brace yourself for an extraordinary cultural immersion as Nagaland invites you to their annual Hornbill Festival, taking place from December 1 to December 10, 2023, at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, near Kohima. This much awaited festival provides a kaleidoscopic view into the rich tapestry of Naga culture, offering a feast for the senses. Here are some highlights that make the Hornbill Festival an unmissable experience: Cultural Kaleidoscope: At the core of the Hornbill Festival lies the breathtaking showcase of traditional Naga huts, referred to as ‘Morungs.’ Here, every tribe unfolds its unique way of life, providing visitors with a rare and immersive experience into the rich tapestry of Naga customs, artistry, and gastronomic delights. The festival, in essence, acts as a living museum, transforming every nook of the Naga Heritage Village into a gateway to the captivating world of the Nagas, seamlessly weaving together their traditional roots and contemporary lifestyle. Grand Opening Ceremony: The festivities kick off with a spirited opening ceremony on December 1st, marking the beginning of …
It’s that time of the year again we’ve all been waiting for. Nagaland is once again all set to host the famous hornbill festival. A festival that celebrates music, culture, food, and arts & tradition. It only gets better and brighter every year. This year we will get to witness an array of attractions around the state starting from 1st Dec to 10th Dec. Throughout the festival, there will be a medley of folk songs and dances, a musical night with artists from across the country and beyond, the display of traditional arts and crafts being displayed at the morungs. There is surely something for everyone here at this festival. So whether you’re a local or a traveler, fuzzy up with your warmest jacket and enjoy the cozy festival with high spirits! Also, don’t miss out on the night carnivals and enjoy the local brews and delicacies. “For all of our music enthusiasts, the music festival – brought to you by LIVENOW, starts from 2nd December till the 10th. We have an exciting lineup of artists …
Interview by Deno Dolie Exploring the mystical Northeast of India is on the top of the bucket list for many, and with the region becoming increasingly accessible, a growing number of local and foreign tourists have been visiting the region in recent years. That said, I personally believe that the real joy of traveling to the Northeast lies in exploring the local gems – in the unknowns. This is where I would like to introduce Samuel Duia from Shillong, a passionate traveler, and founder of ‘Duia Trailblazers‘ – a Govt. recognized tour operator based in Meghalaya whose unique offerings include expert local tours, village stays, local food & culture exploration – and more. Most notably, Samuel and a team from Bangalore Adventure School (BASCOOL) recently discovered an unexplored canyon in Syntung village – now named (by Samuel’s ‘first descend’ team!) as ‘Upper Shonghang Canyon.’ I chat with Samuel about his venture, responsible tourism, canyoning, and of course, their recent canyon discovery – in detail! Samuel Duia – Founder of ‘Duia Trailblazers‘ Meghalaya posing in front of …
‘Mu Kimchi’ is a super popular restaurant in Sikkim – serving authentic Korean cuisine. With its cozy welcoming ambiance, this place is a must-visit for all Korean food lovers for a fun night out with family and friends. Customers from all over the world – including Koreans, have been spotted in this happening spot in Gangtok. We recently chatted with the owner – Nitesh Chamling, a young entrepreneur from Gangtok, who has been running this restaurant for the past 6 years. A Civil engineering grad from Bangalore, he left his job in the city to pursue his dream of opening a restaurant in his hometown. Over a quick chat, Nitesh gives us a run-through of the top 5 Korean cuisines to try, his favorite leisure activities, and more. Nitesh Chamling – Owner of ‘Mu Kimchi’ restaurant, Sikkim Hi Nitesh, welcome to R&L! Please introduce yourself to our readers. Nitesh: My name is Nitesh Chamling, I come from a small town called Temi in South Sikkim now I reside in Gangtok. I did my schooling …
To add to this festive time of the year, Nagaland hosts its famous Hornbill Festival to celebrate music, art, food, and culture. Started 8 years ago, every year the festival brings with it a different experience for attendees. The vibrance and the energy only increase with every new edition of the festival, and 2019 was no exception! Today, we bring to you some of our favorite moments and sights from the festival. Brew your tea, sit back and take a look at these beautiful shots that sum up Hornbill ’19. The festival wraps up tomorrow, make sure you drop by! You can find different varieties of handicrafts to choose from. Morungs (Naga traditional huts) from different tribes of Nagaland. In case you’ve missed the fun, don’t worry. There’s still a day left, so hurry up and get to Kisama before you get a case of FOMO! More from Hornbill Festival across the years HERE.
December is here, and Christmas is right around the corner! The air is crisp and cold with the temperature dropping steadily to welcome the season . . . and what better way to start the celebrations than with the pomp and grandeur of the much-awaited Hornbill Festival! This annual festival that happens every year in Nagaland from December 1 to 10, is something that you should not miss if you are looking to experience the Naga culture in all of 1 week! The festival formula is essentially the same with a heady mix of traditional customs and modern pop culture coming together in one big celebration – but what sets it apart every year is the eclectic mix of performers and festival goers that gets even more colorful each year! Hornbill Festival has something for everyone – for the young, the old, the local, the tourist, the artist, the performer, and the audience… So come one and come all, and be a part of the most happening festival in the North East region to …
Summer is almost ending and most of the monsoon rain has ceased. This means that the perfect season for travel has begun and our readers are certainly giving us vacation feels with their social media posts! The great weather makes for the perfect time to get away from the hustle and bustle for a trip! Khliehshnong Village located on the way to Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya. One of our readers, Angule Mero from Nagaland, recently went on a small trip to Sohra, a small town in Meghalaya, only a few kilometres away from Shillong. Also known as Cherrapunji, this is one of the wettest places on earth. It is truly a paradise with its scenic natural landscapes, clean and pristine surroundings, and warm people. From adventurous activities to quiet spots to relax, this place has got everything. The place is dotted with waterfalls and offers opportunities for trekking, zip-lining, and exploring caves. It has also got some beautiful resorts and homestays that will make your time there even better. Pack and hit the road! Happy adventures!
Hello folks! We found an interesting getaway for folks looking for some rustic adventure – in some faraway village in the mountains! Today we are at Sungratsu village in Mokokchung district, Nagaland. Nestled in the hills of Mokokchung, this place is known for its beautiful landscapes, warm people, and traditional handicrafts. Blue sky and the distant mountains of Sungratsu Village Nagaland. Sungratsu village is located in the Asetkong Range of Mokokchung* district, Nagaland. It is famous for making anishi/moyasu (dried yam leaf cakes) — a stable spice used in Ao Naga cuisines {*Mokochung is the home district of the Ao Naga tribe}. It is about 20 to 30-minute drive from Mokokchung town. Make sure you don’t doze off on the way as the ride to the village offers some breathtaking views adorned by scenic landscapes and lovely seasonal flowers. Flowers in full bloom in Sungratsu Village, Nagaland More flowers from Sungratsu, Nagaland Red beans fresh from Sungratsu’s farms What makes the place even more special are the warm and welcoming locals. Once you take the …
First of all, a very happy Independence Day! To celebrate this day, Roots & Leisure has curated a very special list of places that you must visit in India. Not just that – this list has been curated by the R&L community. We got responses from Kochi to Spiti and were amazed to learn about the places from locals. Scroll down to find out what our friends have to say about their hometowns, and why you should plan your next holiday to these places! (Stand a chance to be featured by submitting your own Top 5 on any subject that you love and are passionate about. Heading over to this link; Fill it out and hit submit!) Fort Kochi, Kerala Hello, my name is Nijil and I’m from Kannur, Kerala. Although I’m not from Kochi, I’ve visited it more times than I can count. It is a place that has my heart and is a must travel spot for anyone visiting Kerala! Fort Kochi is a beautiful island a few kilometers away from Ernakulam. It is …
