To air every Saturday at 10 PM this December
North East, the seven sister states of India remain the least explored, undeniably mystical and undoubtedly the most beautiful region of the country. It is a land teeming with life and vitality, rich in animal life, and rival to any other part of the country. Discovery takes its viewers on an unforgettable road trip to discover the vigorous beauty of these magnificent states in its new series #GONORTHEAST airing every Saturday at 10 PM.
The journey to Northern region also covers the Himalayan state – Sikkim and the crown of India – Jammu & Kashmir. The nine-part series #GONORTHEAST explores places, customs, diverse landscape and the multitude of life that live here. In each episode, popular television actors Varun Mitra and Aalekh Kapoor take a stop-over to meet some of the most charismatic characters, relish authentic cuisines, experience myriad cultures and indulge in raw adventures that these lands have to offer.
The exploration begins from Assam, the land brimming with colours, mystique and flavours. Presenter Varun Mitra visits the venerated Kamakhya Temple, goes tiger spotting at Manas National Park, and experiences authentic Assamese cuisine with master chef Atul Lakhar. He halts at Sualkuchi, ‘also known as Manchester of Assam’ to find about indigenous material used for the production of some of the finest silks in the country; and ends his journey with a simmering tea tasting session.
Varun’s next destination is Meghalaya, an abode of the clouds, because of highest amount of rainfall it receives. Varun drives through the hills of East Khasi district to marvel at the natural beauty of a small village Mawlynnong which has earned the reputation of ‘Asia’s Cleanest Village’. Further in his journey, Varun jams to the catchy beats of the famous Shillong Chamber Choir; travels deep in the dense tropical forests to see Living Root Bridges, the astonishing man-made natural wonders grown from the roots of ancient rubber trees; relishes authentic Khasi cuisine; and enjoys the hypnotic Wangala dance.
Further in his journey, Varun travels to Tripura to take a trip back in time. He gets a taste of the Reang way of life that includes learning the art of brewing rice beer and eating fresh snails! He uncovers the legend behind the lost hill of Unnakoti, meaning one less than a crore, or 99,99,999, a pilgrimage that boasts of thousands of Shiva scriptures. He also experiences the royalty at the NeerMahal Palace – eastern India’s lone lake palace. He caps off the journey with the beautiful Hojagiri folk dance.
In Mizoram, the land of the hills, presenter Aalekh Kapoor goes parasailing at Serchhip, that’s about 100 kms away from the capital, Aizawl. He visits the Thenzawl deer park which is home to Sambar deers; learns the art of handloom weaving; and tries authentic dishes. The trip ends with a walk around a Heritage Village that offers a view of traditional Mizo life.
Varun visits Manipur to try his hand at Thang Ta, a Manipuri marital art. He experiences the love of Radha and Krishna through the Manipuri rendition of the Raasleela. Further he visits the Loktak Lake and experiences life on a moving island! He also challenges himself to learn mountaineering skills.
Further in the episodes, Varun visits Nagaland to attend the age old Tuluni Festival and experiences the various dance forms of the state. In Arunachal Pradesh, he stops at the quaint Thembang fort to try some local food and then heads towards Sela pass on his way to Tawang Monestary. Peace gives way to an adrenaline rush as he goes rafting.
After visiting the seven sister states, viewers travel to Sikkim to visit the age-old Rumtek Monestary, where peaceful monks take part in lively debates. Viewers also learn the age old art of archery; head bang to some rock music and try some local dishes.
The last leg of the journey takes Varun to northern most state Jammu & Kashmir, followed by Ladakh. Viewers join him to attend the Ladakh Festival and watch different cultures of this cold desert come together in celebration and later set up a camp at the picturesque and the very cold Pangong Lake. At the Nubra Valley, he goes Dune Bashing and Camel riding. The journey culminates at Jammu’s famous Raghunath Temple.
Supported by Incredible India, #GONORTHEAST will air every Saturday at 10 pm on Discovery Channel.