Rising Stories in the East - September Edition

Dear Readers,

This September begins on a note of pride and gratitude. At the IATO Annual Convention in Puri, Rising Stories in the East was honoured with the Award for the Best Brochure by a Tour Operator in India. This recognition from the country’s apex travel trade body is not just ours - it is shared with you, our readers and partners, whose constant encouragement and insights have helped us shape this platform into a voice for East and Northeast India.

As we carry this momentum forward, the region itself is gearing up for an exciting season. Durga Puja, the grand festival of Bengal, will light up the streets later this month, while the Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal will echo with rhythm and creativity. In this edition, we spotlight the cultural splendour of the Raas Festival in Majuli, Assam’s spiritual and artistic heartland, and the pristine beauty of Havelock Island in the Andamans, a true paradise for travellers.

Our teams have also undertaken extensive familiarisation trips to ensure we bring you the most current, on-ground updates from across the sector. With festive celebrations, cultural milestones, and renewed travel enthusiasm, the East is ready - and so are we.

With Best Regards,

Amit Periwal

Director, Clubside Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd.

Festival Watch: Culture in Full Bloom

Raas Festival -  Majuli, Assam (Mid-November)

Island of Traditions

Majuli, the world’s largest river island, takes on a divine glow every mid-November during the grand Raas Leela Festival of Lord Krishna. Unique to Assam, this centuries-old celebration transforms the island into a sacred cultural stage where devotion and tradition come alive.

Over four magical days, Majuli becomes a living theatre of spirituality and artistry. Colorful dance dramas, vibrant masks of mythological beings, soulful music, and age-old rituals captivate both locals and travelers. It’s not just a festival - it’s an immersive cultural journey.

Adding to the experience, visitors can indulge in a food festival featuring traditional Assamese, tribal, and local delicacies. Handicraft and artifact exhibitions further showcase the timeless heritage of Assam, making the Raas Festival a must-visit celebration for culture seekers.

Nearest Airport

Jorhat Airport – about 35 km from Majuli. It has direct flight connectivity with Kolkata and Delhi, ensuring smooth access for travelers.

Nearest Railway Station

 Mariani Railway Station – about 35 km from Nemati Ghat. Well connected with major cities across India, from where visitors can take a ferry to reach Majuli.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 01: Jorhat

Arrive at Jorhat, the gateway to Majuli. Spend the day exploring the tea gardens and local attractions.

Day 02: Jorhat – Majuli (35 km / 1 hr drive + 1 hr ferry)

Travel to Majuli, crossing the mighty Brahmaputra by ferry. Evening free to soak in the island’s serene atmosphere.

Day 03: Majuli

Full-day experience of the Raas Festival. Witness vibrant dance dramas, traditional mask performances, soulful music, and immerse yourself in the cultural celebrations.

Day 04: Majuli – Jorhat (70 km / 2 hrs) – Departure

Return to Jorhat for your onward journey with unforgettable memories of Majuli’s Raas Festival.

Accommodation & Transport

Guests can choose from a range of comfortable stays, from 3-star to premium 5-star properties. For travel within the region, the most ideal and recommended vehicle is the Innova Crysta, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.

Extension Tours

Enhance your cultural journey with an extension tour to:

Kaziranga National Park – Famous for its one-horned rhinoceros and rich wildlife.

Nagaland – Known for its vibrant tribal culture, traditional villages, and scenic landscapes.

Destination Decode: This Month’s Hidden Gem

Discover Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): The Jewel of the Andamans

Why visit Havelock?

• Known as paradise on earth, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) is blessed with lush jungles, powdery white beaches, and stunning dive sites.
• Its laid-back vibe, friendly locals, and vibrant marine life make it the most popular of the Andaman Islands.
• Stay options range from bamboo cottages to luxury resorts, with seaside cafés, fine dining, and dive schools adding to the charm.
• Enjoy scuba diving, kayaking through mangroves, or snorkeling at Elephant Beach to explore coral reefs.
• Experience game fishing, shop for handicrafts and souvenirs, or take a rare trip to Barren Island, home to India’s only active volcano.

Recommended Duration of Stay

To truly enjoy Havelock’s charm, we recommend at least a 2-night stay, or 3 nights if time permits. This allows ample time to relax and soak in the island’s beauty.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive by ferry, relax at Radhanagar Beach in the evening.

Day 2: Go scuba diving, followed by kayaking.

Day 3: Trek to Elephant Beach, try snorkeling and water sports.

Day 4: Return to Port Blair or continue to Neil Island.

Best Time to Visit

October to Mayis the ideal season, offering calm seas and perfect weather for outdoor activities.

Ferries available to reach Havelock

• Makruzz Ferry
• ITT Majestic Ferry
• Green Ocean Ferry
• Nautika Ferry

Essential Ferry Information:

• Earliest ferry departs Port Blair at 6:00 AM.
• Last ferry departs at 2:00 PM.

Our Recommended Hotels & Resorts:

Taj Exotica (Luxury, Radhanagar Beach)

Barefoot at Radhanagar (Luxury jungle stay)

SeaShell Resort (Upscale, with spa & infinity pool)

Jalakara (Boutique rainforest retreat)

Havelock Island Beach Resort (Beachside comfort)

Other options: Munjoh Ocean Resort, TSG Blue Resort, Silver Sand, Dolphin Resort, Wild Orchid, Symphony Palms

Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) is more than just a holiday destination—it’s an island experience that blends adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Whether you’re diving into crystal-clear waters, dining under the stars, or lounging on pristine beaches, this is one Andaman stop you’ll never forget.

On the Ground: Sector - Wise Travel Buzz

IHCL & Ambuja Neotia to Develop 15 New Hotels in Eastern & Northeastern India

• Agreement signed on July 20, 2025, with ₹2,000 crore investment under a capital-light model.
• Portfolio spans West Bengal, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh, including greenfield, brownfield, and conversion projects.
• Brands include Taj Resorts, SeleQtions, Tree of Life, and Taj-branded villas in destinations like Darjeeling, Siliguri, Lataguri, Raichak, and Rabong.

BRO Inaugurates Sangkhalang Bridge in North Sikkim

• 230-foot modular bridge built in just five months by Border Roads Organisation (Project Swastik).
• Restores vital connectivity to Dzongu, Lachen, and Lachung, serving as an alternate route to the Mangan–Chungthang corridor.
• Currently open only for locals; tourist access to Lachung may resume in September, while Lachen’s status remains uncertain.

Andaman to Launch Commercial Helicopter Services for Tourists and Locals

• EOI invited Indian aviation operators by A&N Administration to start helicopter services.
• Planned routes to cover key islands including Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Baratang, Diglipur, Little Andaman, and more.
• Aims to boost tourism and provide reliable air connectivity for both visitors and local residents.

Travel & Hospitality Updates from Assam

• Guwahati International Airport’s new T2 terminal is expected to be operational by November 2025, adding capacity for 13.1 million passengers annually.
• Rhino and River BluSalzz Collection in Mayang, just 5 km from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, offers 16 log-hut rooms, farm-to-table dining, and event or meeting spaces.

Temporary Gallery Closures – Indian Museum, Kolkata

• Some galleries will be closed for visitors between August 2025 and February 2026 due to scheduled pest control work.
• Each gallery has specific closure dates – please check before planning your visit.
• Regular operations will resume once pest control is completed for each section.