Rising Stories in the East

Dear Travel Partners,

The East is not just a direction - it’s a destination of meaning. And this May, we bring you its stories in a new rhythm.

With a refreshed format, Rising Stories of the East becomes more than a newsletter — it becomes your seasonal compass. From weather windows that shape the journey to on-ground insights from Kaziranga, Ziro, What makes the East remarkable isn’t just its landscapes — it’s the quiet confidence of it's culture, the depth of its heritage, and the dignity of its people. This month, we place a spotlight on Bishnupur — where terracotta walls speak of royal legacies — and track the pulse of festivals, border linkages, and policy shifts that will shape the months ahead.

As we move forward, our commitment is simple: to connect travellers to the East not as tourists, but as witnesses to it's unfolding narrative.

Here’s to journeys that go beyond the itinerary.

Warmly,
Amit Periwal
Director, Clubside Tours & Travels Pvt.Ltd.

Skies Ahead: Your Travel Weather Guide

Northeast

Min Temperature: 23° Celsius
Max Temperature: 30° Celsius
Prediction/Rainfall moderate to maximum

Darjeeling–Sikkim Sector

Min Temperature: 12° Celsius
Max Temperature: 24° Celsius
Prediction/Rainfall : moderate to maximum.

West Bengal Sector (Kolkata and surrounding plains)

Min Temperature: 26° Celsius
Max Temperature: 34° Celsius
Prediction/Rainfall : moderate to heavy

Andaman Sector

Min Temperature: 25° Celsius
Max Temperature: 31° Celsius
Prediction/Rainfall : moderate to heavy

Bhutan

Min Temperature: 10° Celsius
Max Temperature: 22° Celsius
Prediction/Rainfall: Moderate to heavy rainfall

Upcoming festival you can’t miss

The Dree Festival, celebrated by the Apatani tribe in the picturesque Ziro Valley, is one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most important cultural events. Held every year on July 5th, the festivities begin a few days earlier, bringing the community together to pray for a bountiful harvest, protection from pests, and the well-being of the people.

Rituals include offerings of rice or millet beer and sacrificial animals to deities such as Tamu, Metii, Danyi, and Piilo. After the ceremonies, the valley fills with energy through traditional dances, folk music, sports competitions, and feasts. The Apatani people, dressed in their vibrant traditional attire, create an unforgettable cultural atmosphere.

Suggested Travel Itinerary:

Day 01: Itanagar Airport ➔ Ziro (100 km/3 hrs). Hotel stay and exploration of nearby pine yards.
Day 02: Full day at the Dree Festival celebrations.
Day 03: Continue experiencing the Dree Festival ➔ Visit a local winery ➔ Taste authentic Apatani cuisine at a local restaurant.
Day 04: Ziro ➔ Tezpur (270 km/5 hrs).
Day 05: Tezpur ➔ Kaziranga National Park (80 km/2 hrs) ➔ Optional visit to Kaziranga Orchid Center ➔ Opportunity to purchase Assam tea at garden outlets ➔ Guwahati (250 km/4 hrs).
Day 06:Departure from Guwahati Airport

Accommodation and Transportation:

Hotels range from 3-star to 5-star properties, ensuring comfortable stays. Travel is best suited with Innova Crysta vehicles for a smooth journey across the scenic landscapes.

Entry Requirements:

Indian Nationals: Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for Arunachal Pradesh.
Foreign Nationals:Protected Area Permit (PAP) is mandatory.

The Dree Festival offers a unique opportunity to witness an ancient culture come alive through prayer, music, dance, and community spirit in one of India's most beautiful valleys.

Spotlight: Hidden Treasure of the East

Discover Bishnupur: A Journey Through History and Art

Nestled in the heart of West Bengal, Bishnupur is a town that offers a captivating blend of history, art, and culture. Once the capital of the Mallabhumi dynasty, Bishnupur flourished under King Birhan Bir in the 16th century, with stunning temples and terracotta craftsmanship that still stand today.

Architectural Marvels

Bishnupur’s 17th–18th century terracotta temples are true masterpieces. Must-visitsinclude:

Bishnupur’s 17th–18th century terracotta temples are true masterpieces. Must-visitsinclude:
Rasmancha – the oldest brick temple with striking architecture.
Shyam Rai Temple – known for its five towers and intricate carvings.
Madan Mohan Temple – dedicated to Lord Krishna, rich in terracotta art.
Jor Bangla Temple – styled like Bengali huts with detailed carvings.

Musical Heritage

Bishnupur is also home to the Bishnupur Gharana, a classical music tradition blending dhrupad and khayal. The town continues to honor its musical legacy through annual festivals.

Handicrafts and Souvenirs

Bishnupur is known for terracotta art, especially the iconic long-necked horse, and tribal Dokra metalwork. Visit Panchmura village for live demos and local crafts.
Don’t miss the Baluchari sarees—elegantly woven with mythological tales, perfect as cultural keepsakes.

Festivals and Celebrations

Bishnupur comes alive during Durga Puja and the Bishnupur Mela, showcasing vibrant local culture through music, dance, and art.

Places to Stay

Hotel Annapurna: The only 3-star hotel in Bishnupur, offering modern amenities and a memorable stay.
Bishnupur Tourism Property: A comfortable and well-maintained lodge located near Rashmancha, offering spacious rooms and beautiful gardens.
Sonar Bangla, Joypur: A serene retreat 8 km from Bishnupur, nestled in a dense sal forest with luxury accommodations and a range of amenities.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bishnupur is from September to April when the weather is pleasant for exploring the town’s rich history and art.

Whether you're a history buff, art lover, or music enthusiast, Bishnupur offers a fascinating journey through time, culture, and craftsmanship.

Travel Pulse: Sector to Sector

Kaziranga Closes Elephant Safaris from May 1 Due to Weather Concerns

Elephant safaris in Kaziranga National Park will be suspended from May 1, 2025, due to the onset of monsoon-related weather risks.
Jeep safaris may continue in select zones based on forest department advisories—check updates before visiting.

Yangang Tourism Festival 2025: Culture & Adventure in South Sikkim

Celebrate Sikkim's rich heritage at the Yangang Tourism Festival with local crafts, music, and cuisine.
Adventure lovers can enjoy paragliding, village tours, and nature walks in the scenic Himalayan landscape.
The International Youth Conclave 2025 will also be hosted here, fostering global youth connections through culture. This fusion of tradition and thrill makes it a must-attend event in South Sikkim.

PAP for Arunachal Now Fully Online for International Travelers

Protected Area Permits (PAP) for Arunachal Pradesh are now available exclusively online.
International tourists must upload all required documents as soft copies.
Processing takes around 10 working days—plan ahead for a smooth experience.

India-Bhutan Railway Link

India and Bhutan are set to build their first railway link from Kokrajhar (Assam) to Gelephu (Bhutan).
The INR 3,500 crore project includes 6 new stations, bridges, and viaducts.
The detailed project report is complete, awaiting final approval.

Discover Nature’s Hidden Gem in Kurseong!

A new addition to the region’s tourism map – Hornbill Park at Rongtong, Tindharia.
Explore lush trails, vibrant hornbills, and the serene beauty of Kurseong hills.