East India Cultural Tours

Exploring East India: A journey through rich culture and heritage

East India Cultural Tours, East India, with its lush landscapes, diverse tribes, unique art forms and historical monuments, offers a travel experience rich in cultural depth. Comprising of states like West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and the north-eastern states, the region is a blend of ancient traditions, cuisine, art and spirituality.

Here is a guide to some of the best cultural tours in East India, taking a closer look at this less explored part of the country.

Kolkata Cultural Tour, West Bengal

East India Cultural Tours, Often called the “cultural capital of India”, Kolkata is a city where art, literature and history are deeply intertwined. A Kolkata cultural tour often begins with iconic landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral. A walk through neighbourhoods like College Street and Kumartuli gives an insight into the city’s intellectual and artistic heritage.

College Street is famous for its collection of bookstores and houses the famous Indian Coffee House, a hub of intellectual discussions.

Kumartuli, the potters’ quarter, is famous for crafting intricate clay idols, especially those used in Durga Puja. Visiting here in the months before Durga Puja is a wonderful experience as artisans make idols of Goddess Durga. Don’t forget to try Bengali cuisine in Kolkata, dishes like Kosha Mangsho, Mishti Doi and Puchka (Bengali-style Panipuri) represent the essence of local flavours.

Odisha Tribal Tour

East India Cultural Tours, The rich tribal culture of Odisha is one of the most unique aspects of eastern India. Home to over 62 tribal communities, Odisha offers travelers the opportunity to understand and connect with the indigenous lifestyle. A popular cultural tour here includes visits to remote villages in areas such as Koraput, Rayagada and Jaipur. Each tribal community has its own distinct customs, dance forms and handicrafts.

For example, the Bonda tribe, known for their distinctive jewellery and vibrant clothing, holds weekly markets that are a great place to see their way of life. The Dongria Kondh tribe is known for their skills in sustainable agriculture on the Niyamgiri Hills. Local guides can help navigate these sensitive tours, ensuring respectful and authentic interactions with communities.

Additionally, tribal tourism in Odisha is often complemented with visits to sites like the Sun Temple at Konark and the Jagannath Temple at Puri, as these sites showcase the ancient architecture and religious traditions of Odisha.

Bodh Gaya Buddhist Circuit Bihar

East India Cultural Tours, Bodh Gaya, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites, is where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. A cultural tour to Bodh Gaya is a deeply spiritual experience, drawing pilgrims from all over the world.

The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the main attraction, surrounded by monasteries built by countries like Thailand, Japan, and Bhutan, each adding its cultural aesthetics to this pilgrimage town.

The annual Buddha Jayanti Festival, celebrated with prayers, chanting, and meditation, brings thousands of monks, devotees, and tourists to Bodh Gaya. Visitors can also explore other parts of the Buddhist circuit, including Rajgir, where Lord Buddha spent several years, and Nalanda, home to the ruins of one of the world’s oldest universities. This tour provides a peaceful ambiance and a deep dive into Buddhist culture.

Majuli Island Cultural Tour, Assam

East India Cultural Tours, Majuli, the world’s largest river island located on the Brahmaputra River in Assam, is an attractive destination for those interested in Assamese culture. Known for its natural beauty, Majuli is home to a neo-Vaishnavite Satra (monastic center), where the art of Sattriya dance and drama flourishes.

Visitors to Majuli can witness monks practicing Sattriya dance and observe mask-making and pottery—two art forms integral to the island’s culture. This tour provides an intimate look at Assam’s spiritual heritage and serene rural life.

Darjeeling and Sikkim Cultural Tour

East India Cultural Tours, While not strictly part of East India, Sikkim and Darjeeling (in West Bengal) often form part of an Eastern cultural itinerary, offering a blend of Tibetan, Nepali, and Indian cultures. Darjeeling, known for its tea estates and panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, also holds a colonial charm and hosts the famous Ghoom Monastery, which houses a 15-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha.

East India Cultural Tours, Sikkim and Darjeeling (in West Bengal). Known for its tea plantations and panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling also has a colonial charm and is home to the famous Ghoom Monastery, which houses a 15-foot-high statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Tribal and Heritage Tour Jharkhand

East India Cultural Tours, Jharkhand, known as “The Land of Forests,” is another culturally rich state in East India. Jharkhand’s cultural tours often focus on its indigenous tribes, such as the Santhals, Mundas, and Oraons, who have preserved their traditional way of life and art forms.

Villages in Ranchi and Dumka allow visitors to experience tribal festivals, like the Sarhul Festival, which celebrates the flowering season and is marked by dance, music, and rituals.

Jharkhand is also known for its ancient temples, such as the Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar, a major Hindu pilgrimage site. For a more adventurous experience, the Netarhat Plateau offers scenic drives that allow visitors to experience nature while connecting with local communities.

Conclusion

East India Cultural Tours, offers a rich blend of cultural experiences that satisfy history buffs, nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike. Whether it is the art and literature of Kolkata, the tribal heritage of Odisha and Jharkhand, the Buddhist serenity of Bodh Gaya or the Himalayan charm of Sikkim, the region is full of unique experiences.

East India Cultural Tour offers an in-depth journey into the historical depth, natural beauty and spiritual essence of India, making it an ideal destination for those looking to go beyond the usual tourist routes.