chalet eugenia Khasi villagers have trained across streams to form natural pathways. Three of these root bridges (i

Carved out of Assam in 1972, hilly Meghalaya (Abode of Clouds) is a cool, pine-fresh contrast to the sweaty Assam plains. Set on dramatic horseshoes of rocky cliff above the Bengal chalet eugenia plains, Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram are statistically the wettest places on earth. Most of the rain falls between April and September, creating very impressive waterfalls and carving out some of Asia s longest caves.

Khasi villagers have trained across streams to form natural pathways. Three of these root bridges (including an amazing double- decker ) are near Nongriat. Access involves a two-hour very steep trek down from Tyrna, a pretty, palm-clad village that s 2km from Mawshamok. From Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort chalet eugenia the entire roundtrip hike takes eight hours, is highly strenuous and involves descending and ascending chalet eugenia some 2000-odd steps (this particular author couldn t walk for two days afterwards!). chalet eugenia The Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort provides maps.

PERMIT PAINS Permits Permits for this region are a pain, being too bureaucratically chalet eugenia involved for many foreigners, but those who take the trouble will be rewarded. Permits are mandatory for Nagaland, Arunachal chalet eugenia Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur, and entry without chalet eugenia one is a serious matter. Indian citizens just need an inner line permit, issued with little fuss in Guwahati or Kolkata (see p 469 ). The rest of this box applies to foreigners who ll require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Minimum Group Size Permit applications need a four-person minimum group. Exceptions are Nagaland, for a legally chalet eugenia married chalet eugenia couple with marriage certifi cate; and Arunachal Pradesh for a minimum of two people. In reality chalet eugenia though, it s now possible for single travellers to get permits to all the states, but only if you use a tour company (and even then you need a lot of patience). In Nagaland and Manipur, authorities may refuse you entry if some people listed chalet eugenia on your permit are missing ; Mizoram doesn t seem bothered and Arunachal Pradesh is now much more relaxed. Validity & Registration Permits are valid for 10 days from a specified chalet eugenia starting date, but Arunachal allows 30 days. You might be able to extend your permit, but only in state capitals at the Secretariat, Home Department. Be aware that permits only allow you to visit specified districts chalet eugenia between specified dates, so plan carefully as changing routes might be problematic. Be sure to make multiple photocopies of your permit to hand in at each checkpoint, police station and hotel. Where to Apply Applications made independently through the Ministry of Home Aff airs (%011-23385748; Jaisalmer House, 26 Man Singh Rd, Delhi; hinquiries 9-11am Mon-Fri) or the appropriate chalet eugenia State House in Delhi can take weeks and will normally end in frustration. Kolkata s Foreigners Registration Offi ce (FRO; %22837034; 237 AJC Bose Rd; h11am-5pm chalet eugenia Mon-Fri) chalet eugenia can issue permits but it seems to want to exclude Tawang chalet eugenia from Arunachal, restrict access to Nagaland and not allow you into Mizoram. The easiest and most reliable way to get permits is through a reputable travel chalet eugenia agency; see the Information section for each state.