The ruling ground of many ancient empires, East India has a strong ethnic culture and religious roots. It is a land of undulating hills and plains with luxuriant green cover and a wide variety or rare and exotic flora and fauna. The East of India is a mostly rural region stretching from Jharkhand to the coast of the bay of Bengal. Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta) is the largest city in the region, also the temple cities of Puri of Lord Jagannath fame and Bhubaneswar are both in Odisha (formerly known as Orissa). It is connected to the Seven Sister States of Northeast India by the narrow Siliguri Corridor in the north east of West Bengal.

More About North India

History

The region was the historical centre of the Nanda, Maurya, Shunga, Gupta and Pala empires that ruled much of the Indian sub-continent at their prime. In medieval India, it was incorporated into the Mughal, Maratha and then the British empire. Islamic invasions in the 13th century resulted in the collapse of Hindu kings and most Buddhists, especially in East Bengal, converted to Islam. East India including Bihar and West Bengal was part of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries. Odisha remained a powerful Hindu dynasty under the rule of Soma/Keshari Dynasty, Eastern Ganga Dynasty, Surya Dynasty till the end of the 16th century.

India's independence movement had strong roots in East India. The feudal land system, established through the Permanent Settlement of Bengal, was unpopular among the peasant cultivators and the numerous agricultural labourers found all over Bihar and Bengal.

 

Climate

The region lies in the humid-subtropical zone, and experiences hot summers from March to June, the monsoon from July to October and mild winters from November to February which is also the best time to visit. The interior states have a drier climate and slightly more extreme climate, especially during the winters and summers, but the whole region receives heavy, sustained rainfall during the monsoon months. Snowfall occurs in the extreme northern regions of West Bengal.

Culture

Kolkata, known as the Cultural Capital of India, is the largest city of East Indian region. Located in the state of West Bengal, it boasts 19th-century architectural marvels such as Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge. The tea gardens and toy train bring an old-world charm to Darjeeling, whereas Siliguri has wildlife sanctuaries and rivers for a perfect getaway. Adventure thirsty tourists are often seen trekking the trails of Kalimpong or enjoying rafting in its cold river waters.

In East India, Odisha is a state that displays innate architectural prowess. The Sun Temple in Konark and the ancient Jagannath Temple in Puri are fine examples of it. Various unspoiled beaches and caves are also found here.

 

Religions

The majority of the population of East India is Hindu with significant Muslim, and small Christian, Buddhist and Sikh minorities. Durga, Jagannath, Shiva and Rama are particularly popular Hindu deities in this region. Among tribals of the region Hinduism is the dominant religion. Some tribals also follow their indigenous religions (Sarana).

Languages

Bengali is the dominant language of West Bengal. Hindi along with Urdu, Maithili, Magahi and Bhojpuri are the dominant languages of Bihar. Hindi, Santali, Khortha and Nagpuri are the dominant languages of Jharkhand; however, some tribals speak their own tribal languages. Jharkhand has accorded second language status to Angika, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Ho, Kharia, Kurukh, Khortha, Kurmali, Magahi, Maithili, Mundari, Nagpuri, Odia, Santali and Urdu.Odia is the dominant language of Odisha.

 

Cuisine and Clothing

In terms of food, each state of Eastern India has its rich delicacies soaked in traditional herbs and spices. Bengali fish and Rasagola lure you in Kolkata while Chhena Gaja and Rasmalai are lip-smacking dishes of Odisha. The Tibetan food in Darjeeling and Arunachal Pradesh is infused with local herbs lending it a distinct flavour.

Saree is a common dress for women in eastern states of India. Salwar Kameez is also popular among females in Bengal. Women of Odisha wear different types of saris to show their special look. Famous saris include Kataki Sari, Bomkai Sari and Sambalpuri Sari. Similar to females, men also like to wear their traditional outfits. They attire Dhoti, kurta with a Gamucha.

 

Explore the Destinations

Savor the excitement and adventure!

Suggested trips for East

Handcrafted tours by experts.

Sikkim: Splendid North East

8 Days
  • An 8 days cultural tour to Kalimpong, Gangtok, Pemayangtse & Darjeeling with views of Mt. Kanchenjunga from Pelling & other locations in Darjeeling-Sikkim.
  • Transport in vehicles as per group size ranging from cars to mini coaches
  • Accommodation in twin sharing room as per the above mentioned hotels or similar in the room category specified.
  • Season is from October till May.
  • Grade is Easy Touring
Explore
Dzongri_La by Rizimd / CC BY

Sikkim: Goecha La Trek

15 Days
  • A 15 days adventure with views of Mt Kangchenjunga & many mountains in 7 days of trekking Yoksum-Dzongri-Goecha La-Yoksum, touching 4,940 meters.
  • Visit to historical monasteries in Darjeeling and Gangtok.
  • Camping in tents while on trek & stay in hotels in Darjeeling & Gangtok.
  • Transport is in SUVs through the mountains.
  • Grade is Moderate Trek
  • Season is March, April, October November
Explore

The Ultimate Wildlife Tour

15 Days

This program combines the amazing living jungles of India with the bird sanctuary of Keolado Bird Sanctuary at Bharatpur. Going deeper into the wilderness of the Jungle Book of Rudyard Kipling where stories of Mowgli's jungle adventures abound. Mowgli's Trails of the Jungle Book takes you through the Panna National Park, the Bandhavgarh National Park and the Kanha National Park where the fierce Royal Bengal Tiger - Sher Khan roars and Bhalu, the Sloth Bear protects Mughli.

Explore

Sikkim: The Round Uttarey Trek

13 Days
  • A 13 days adventure with 6 days trek, great views of Mounts Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Tolung, Makalu, Nuptse, Lhotse & Everest at Poktey Danra (3,657 mtrs)
  • Trekking guide with personal porterage of 20 kgs
  • Hotels in Darjeeling & Kalimpong & lodge at Uttarey
  • Visit Delhi, Darjeeling & Kalimpong with English speaking guide
  • Season is March, April, October & November
  • Grade is Easy Trek
Explore

Two River Cruising - Brahmaputra with Kerala

19 Days

Starting the journey in Kolkata a city seeped in history of the colonial period of India, we fly into the North Eastern parts of India across to Assam: The land that gave the world the English Breakfast Tea, where the world’s largest population of rhinos share the forests with tigers, elephants, wild buffaloes, leopards and deers. Set along the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River and under the shadows of the towering Himalayan mountains, this paradise of nature and cultures takes your breath away!

Explore

Experiences !!

Be not just a Spectator but a Participant
Chowk Bazaar Darjeeling

Chalk / Chowk Bazaar

Darjeeling

If you want to experience the place where most of the locals in Darjeeling come for shopping and marketing, then try out the lower market area known as the Chowk Bazaar. Chowk means a junction and Bazaar is a market in local language. This place is always jam packed with shoppers and vendors. However it's a crowded place to be in a sea of people.

Explore

What would you like to see?

Let us explore!

Dhirdham Temple

Darjeeling
Temple of Lord Shiva, it was constructed in the year 1939. The roof of Dhirdham Temple shows influences by the Tibetan style of architecture. There is an idol of Lord Shiva outside the premises of the main temple. It depicts the third eye of Lord Shiva, along with His five different...
Explore
Indian Museum

Indian Museum

Kolkata
and dinosaur remains in person. Welcome to the Indian museum, the house of various wonderful and awe inspiring discoveries and excavations undertaken by mankind. Considered one of the oldest and largest museums in the country, the Indian museum and its 60...
Explore

Enquiry Form

Indicates required field