A world unseen: Why India should be on your travel bucket list
<p><a href="http://www.incredibleindia.org/"><span data-contrast="none">India</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> is not only a country bursting with rich culture, divine cuisines and an abundance of invigorating experiences</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">–</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">travelling there</span><span data-contrast="auto"> is an opportunity to learn about one of the world’s oldest civilisations and why it is the ultimate bucket list destination. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Those looking to fulfil their appetite for a country jampacked with adventure and curiosity will be </span><span data-contrast="auto">thrilled</span><span data-contrast="auto"> to learn about India with its breathtaking landscapes, picturesque monoliths at every turn and historical roots </span><span data-contrast="auto">dating back </span><span data-contrast="auto">to the </span><span data-contrast="auto">1</span><span data-contrast="auto">st</span><span data-contrast="auto"> century.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">A home to almost 1.3 billion</span><span data-contrast="auto"> people</span><span data-contrast="auto">, India is one of the most ethnically diverse and colourful places </span><span data-contrast="auto">you can imagine</span><span data-contrast="auto">. With a spirituality so enthralling, curious travellers have made it their mission to </span><span data-contrast="auto">visit</span><span data-contrast="auto"> the aged country to learn what makes India an encounter unlike any other. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">A feature that makes India particularly unique is </span><span data-contrast="auto">the fact that </span><span data-contrast="auto">it is home to one of the </span><span data-contrast="auto">world’s </span><span data-contrast="auto">largest wildlife sanctuaries.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">The Dampa Tiger reserve spans an area of </span><span data-contrast="auto">more than </span><span data-contrast="auto">500 </span><span data-contrast="auto">square kilometres </span><span data-contrast="auto">and exists as a respite for Bengal tigers on the verge of extinction. Dampa’s project aims to ensure a viable population of the ferocious creatures continues on and gives the </span><span data-contrast="auto">species</span><span data-contrast="auto"> a habitat to exist in peacefully. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Whether you fully enwrap yourself in the lifestyle changes that </span><span data-contrast="auto">captivating</span><span data-contrast="auto"> India has to offer</span><span data-contrast="auto"> or simply breeze through the wonderous cities like a true tourist, there is something for everyone to see and </span><span data-contrast="auto">experience</span><span data-contrast="auto">. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Here is why India </span><span data-contrast="auto">is your ultimate travel bucket list destination</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><strong>The ancient city of Dimapur </strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/dimapur.html"><span data-contrast="none">Dimapur</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, </span><span data-contrast="auto">meaning “the city of the great river”</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="auto"> holds a lush landscape and the promise of a holiday captured by intriguing history, incredible monoliths and a mellow serenity </span><span data-contrast="auto">unlike anything else throughout the</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">tumultuous</span><span data-contrast="auto"> cities of stunning India. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">While parts of the historic city are bound by bustling centres and </span><span data-contrast="auto">other hallmarks of </span><span data-contrast="auto">modernisation, there is a special solace found in its </span><span data-contrast="auto">n</span><span data-contrast="auto">orth-east region</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="auto"> as it is a place </span><span data-contrast="auto">that </span><span data-contrast="auto">remains thronged by its ancient past and natural wonders. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Adventures should take the trek and wander through the untampered tropical jungle known as Triple Falls, located near the village of Chumukedima on the outskirts of Dimapur. Its most enchanting feature is the three glistening streams </span><span data-contrast="auto">that </span><span data-contrast="auto">cascade from a height of </span><span data-contrast="auto">85 metres</span><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The falls </span><span data-contrast="auto">are renowned as </span><span data-contrast="auto">a tranquil </span><span data-contrast="auto">destination </span><span data-contrast="auto">for its pin</span><span data-contrast="auto">-</span><span data-contrast="auto">drop silence that has remained unchanged centur</span><span data-contrast="auto">y upon century</span><span data-contrast="auto">. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Solace seekers hoping to adopt a new sense of enlightenment will find Dimapur to be a captivating city, holding roots to the 13</span><span data-contrast="auto">th</span><span data-contrast="auto"> century AD. </span><span data-contrast="auto">One of the their more well-known attractions include</span><span data-contrast="auto">s</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><a href="https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/dimapur/intanki-national-park.html"><span data-contrast="none">Intanki</span><span data-contrast="none"> National Park in Nagaland</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, an equatorial forest </span><span data-contrast="auto">in which</span><span data-contrast="auto"> travellers may have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the cit</span><span data-contrast="auto">y’s</span><span data-contrast="auto"> unique feature</span><span data-contrast="auto">:</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">h</span><span data-contrast="auto">oolock gibbons. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The mighty little ape is a unique part of </span><span data-contrast="auto">n</span><span data-contrast="auto">ortheast India and can hold a swing at a speed of 55km per hour. It is not the only distinctive creature that w</span><span data-contrast="auto">a</span><span data-contrast="auto">nders through the dense</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="auto"> lush greenery of Intanki, which includes other rare species like the great hornbill, clouded leopard, barking deer, sambar and sloth bear. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The entire forest is covered in semi</span><span data-contrast="auto">-</span><span data-contrast="auto">tropical trees, and</span><span data-contrast="auto"> has </span><span data-contrast="auto">a thick, dense </span><span data-contrast="auto">selection</span><span data-contrast="auto"> of greenery and flora including mahogany, bamboo and rattan. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The stunning</span><span data-contrast="auto"> site</span><span data-contrast="auto"> was declared a national park in 1993, and in 2005 it went further to be listed as an elephant reserve. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Keep in mind, if</span><span data-contrast="auto"> you do travel to the </span><span data-contrast="auto">national park</span><span data-contrast="auto"> to spot its exotic creatures for yourself, remember it’s</span><span data-contrast="auto"> unique wonders </span><span data-contrast="auto">may</span><span data-contrast="auto"> elude you</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">–</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">so</span><span data-contrast="auto"> stay sharp. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><strong>The untouched paradise of Lachung </strong></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">A Himalayan village nestled perfectly into the </span><span data-contrast="auto">n</span><span data-contrast="auto">ortheast region of India, </span><a href="https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/lachung.html"><span data-contrast="none">Lachung</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> is the epitome of a secret best kept hidden.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">At the confluence of the quaint town rests the Lachen Chu rivers and is just one of the </span><span data-contrast="auto">many </span><span data-contrast="auto">glorious experiences available for curious travellers looking to add a spiritually enlightening pitstop to their trip. The rock </span><span data-contrast="auto">that </span><span data-contrast="auto">spills out the mineral water that flows into the river is believed to be blessed by the patron saint of Sikkim, Guru Padmasambhava. Holy devotees will tell any listening ear about the visible imprints of his palm and foot implanted on the </span><span data-contrast="auto">l</span><span data-contrast="auto">iving rock. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The rivers are both tributaries of the River Teesta and translates to “small pass”</span><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Not too far away </span><span data-contrast="auto">is</span><span data-contrast="auto"> a peaceful retreat by the water,</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">the hallowed </span><a href="https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/lachung/lachung-monastery.html"><span data-contrast="none">Lachung Monastery</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> foun</span><span data-contrast="auto">d at a height of about 2,750m. Forming at the base of the Green Lake trek, the colourful and bright structure has become a symbol of cultural and religious heritage. While it is small in size, it is mighty in its significance to the small town. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Nowadays, travellers may be lucky to find stray sightseers or locals touring around the mostly closed monastery, which remains as a small tribute to history for the Himalayan village. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><strong>A city to marvel in, Jorhat </strong></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The breathtaking</span><span data-contrast="auto"> artistic</span><span data-contrast="auto"> city of </span><a href="https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/jorhat.html"><span data-contrast="none">Jorhat</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">is beloved among veteran travellers for its cultural excellence, numerous tombs and mosques, expansive gardens and most of all, its tea plantations. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The tea capital of India attracts </span><span data-contrast="auto">significant visitor numbers </span><span data-contrast="auto">with its natural charm and has </span><span data-contrast="auto">more than </span><span data-contrast="auto">135 tea gardens in the agricultural town. Spread across a profuse green landscape, Jorhat is the major hub for not only tea but a number of experienced craftsmen </span><span data-contrast="auto">whose</span><span data-contrast="auto"> art has taken generations to perfect. The city is not just a major resource for the country, it has become a powerhouse as one of the oldest and most influential centres of commerce and trade in Assam. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Built around two major markets, </span><span data-contrast="auto">Chowkihat</span><span data-contrast="auto"> and </span><span data-contrast="auto">Macharhat</span><span data-contrast="auto">, Jorhat was the capital of the Ahom </span><span data-contrast="auto">kingdom</span><span data-contrast="auto"> – a tai</span><span data-contrast="auto">-</span><span data-contrast="auto">speaking province which migrated from China around the 1</span><span data-contrast="auto">st</span><span data-contrast="auto"> century CE. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The modern-day district of Jorhat was created in 1983 when it was split from </span><span data-contrast="auto">Sibsagar</span><span data-contrast="auto"> district</span><span data-contrast="auto">. It has since </span><span data-contrast="auto">developed a distinctive mark of its own that has become a beloved fixture of the city almost 40 years later. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Just 140km away from Jorhat is the quaint but bustling </span><span data-contrast="auto">city</span><span data-contrast="auto"> of </span><a href="https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/jorhat/dibrugarh.html"><span data-contrast="none">Dibrugarh</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> that will touch the spiritual and cultural itch of every traveller. Filled with opportunities to explore breathtaking rainforests, </span><span data-contrast="auto">w</span><span data-contrast="auto">ildlife sanctuaries and temples</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="auto"> it</span><span data-contrast="auto">’</span><span data-contrast="auto">s no wonder </span><span data-contrast="auto">adventurers </span><span data-contrast="auto">have flocked to this popular travel destination for decades upon decades. </span><span data-contrast="auto">Renowned as the “Tea City of India”</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="auto"> the major city has become a booming enterprise for its tea, oil and tourism. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The city’s most popular temple is the </span><a href="https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/agartala/jagannath-temple.html"><span data-contrast="none">Jagannath Temple</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, which is a replica of the famous temple of </span><span data-contrast="auto">Jagannath</span><span data-contrast="auto"> in </span><span data-contrast="auto">Puri</span><span data-contrast="auto">. The mesmerising dagoba took over three generations to assemble and interestingly enough is reported to have no shadow at all – at any time of the day from any direction possible. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">A marvel to behold, the architectural genius has been interpreted by holy devotees and visitors as Lord Jagannath’s message to humanity. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Now travelling to </span><a href="http://www.incredibleindia.org/"><span data-contrast="none">India</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> is a definite no-brainer. Come experience the lush greenery, kindness of locals and immersive culture for yourself. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><em>This article was written in partnership with India Tourism. </em></p>
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