Page Banners

OUR LEISURE TRIPS

CONTACT US

ISE BLOG

Enchanted Serenity: The Eastern Seaboard near Bangkok

Land Beneath The Wind - Sabah

Indian Teas: Story of two leaves and a bud
We hope this journey through the rich culture of the Indian Subcontinent was delightful so far. In this edition, we invite you on an interesting journey of &lsquo;Indian Tea and the places worth a visit to get indulged in the Tea experience' as part of our NE Indian adventure.
Tea or Chai as it is called in India has become a part of Indian culture over time. Chai is a drink which is always cherished by the people in India irrespective of the time of the day or occasion. It is simply relished and serves as a perfect welcome drink for the guests.
The existence of tea in India is believed to be historic wherein tribes in Assam used the tea leaves for medicinal purposes and as an ingredient in the food. However, it became known as a recreational drink with the initiative by the Britishers in the 1800s, as they were among the largest consumers of tea during those days. The possibility of growing tea in Assam (assamica seeds) lit the hopes of meeting their tea consumption needs and breaking China's monopoly, which was the largest tea producer at that time. They tried the seeds from Assam to cultivate Tea in Darjeeling that served as one of their favourite hill stations to get some respite from the heat of the plains while they were ruling from Kolkata. But the experiment failed mainly due to the different climatic conditions in both the regions that made way for the seeds brought from China (Camellia sinensis). It worked and soon Darjeeling became famous as one of the finest quality tea producers surpassing China. The success inspired the Britishers to explore more regions in India to increase the tea plantation cover.
Do you know: Assam along with Southern China is the only region in the world where the tea is still grown with the native tea plants?
With time, Tea became an integral part of the Indian culture and today it is one of the most common beverages consumed in the country. In fact, India today is among the largest tea producers in the world. This invited a lot of explorers to come and explore these locales and get indulged in the experience called &ldquo;Tea Tourism&rdquo;. This form of Tourism is also most favoured among the discerning travellers because of the visual treat it gives along with green surroundings amidst nature. Some of these erstwhile Tea estates have been converted into beautiful hotels thus offering accommodation in the middle of tea plantations that is just an out of the world experience. Activities like walking or hiking through these Tea plantations, possibility of getting indulged in the tea plucking takes you closer to nature surrounding the area, where the chirping of birds, cool breeze, streams, and breath-taking views will leave you amazed. The experience is magnified with a possibility to include visit to a tea factory and see how different teas are processed and produced from the same plant. Tea tasting sessions will tell you how different flavours can be achieved. Surroundings of some tea estates or gardens also provide an opportunity to indulge in activities like rafting, camping or golfing.
With time, many tea plantations came into existence. However, Darjeeling and Assam Tea gardens produce the country's best quality of tea. Let us introduce you to these tea destinations:
DARJEELING, WEST BENGAL&nbsp;
Darjeeling tea is the most sought after amongst all the teas found in India because of its quality. Its unique flavour and aroma is attributed to its higher altitude. The teas produced here are believed to be grown at the highest elevation in the world. While the use of machines, modern fertilizers, and pesticides helps in rapid production, it also leads to problems in the hilly region like slope instability, soil erosion, and depletion.&nbsp;
The teas produced here are believed to be grown at the highest elevation in the world. While the use of machines, modern fertilizers, and pesticides helps in rapid production, it also leads to problems in the hilly region like slope instability, soil erosion, and depletion.&nbsp;For these reasons, Darjeeling still follows the old traditional methods.&nbsp;Orthodoxly, over here the Tea is still produced and cultivated with hands completely. While this prevents them from quantity, but it helps achieve quality tea in the world.
Darjeeling teas get three to four flushes (harvest) in a year between mid March and November at defined intervals. Each of the flushes gives a different form of teas like black, oolong, green, and white. It is because of its uniqueness and quality; it is termed as 'Champagne of teas' as well. The tea harvested in the first flush is considered to be best quality over the harvest of the following flushes.
While in Darjeeling, there is an option to stay in a tea estate and explore, as well as there are many estates that allow visitors to have a first-hand experience about Tea, without a need to stay in them. There is also possibility of going on short hikes or treks through the tea plantations and hilly terrains along with picnic lunches beside the streams and explore the beautiful small habitation around it. A joy ride on the narrow-gauge heritage train - Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a part of the UNESCO listed Mountain Railways of India is another way to admire the natural beauty around Darjeeling.
FUN FACT: You might have heard about four different colours of Tea (Black, Oolong, white and Green). But do you know that all these four are a produce of the same plant. It is just the way of their processing which brings distinction in their colour, aroma and flavour.
JORHAT, ASSAM:
Popular as a breakfast tea, Assam tea is well-known for its malty taste. While green teas and white teas are also produced here, it is famous for the black tea produced in higher quantities. Having an advantage of lowlands, it is one of the world's largest tea-growing regions. The leaves of Assam tea are almost double the size of Darjeeling tea. A unique system that is still followed in Assam tea gardens is its work time. Considering the early sunrise in this region, the British formed a system wherein they set the local time one hour ahead of IST (Indian Standard Time) and called it &ldquo;Tea Garden Time&rdquo; or Bagan time. Unlike Darjeeling tea, Assam Tea is harvested in two flushes only, between March and November. Another characteristic of Assam tea is that the final flush gives the superior quality tea here.
In contrast to it, Darjeeling tea received in the first flush is considered superior. Assam tea is believed to boost energy and mental alertness. Some studies also link Assam tea's consumption to reduce cancer risks.
Jorhat is not only famous for the world's oldest and largest tea research center- Tocklai Experimental Station (that later became Tocklai Tea Research Association), but it is also well known for the country's only wildlife sanctuary to spot the Hoolock Gibbons - Hoollongapar Wildlife Sanctuary. It can also be combined with a visit to the tribal villages around it to know about their culture, and surprisingly, some of them are still practicing traditional methods of making tea. Another major attraction of the town is the Annual Tea Festival, which is celebrated between November and January and attracts visitors from all over the world.
FUN FACT: Today, Tea is like a part of every home&rsquo;s routine in India but do you know it was not accepted by the locals in India, initially? It was only after many years of promotion, they got used to it.
Come and explore these beautiful tea gardens surrounded by adventure, nature, and divine flavours. At ISE Travel, the itinerary is not just a travel route or a trip. We design, conceptualise and handcraft every journey for you. Our special customised itineraries and curated experiences in different destinations are what make for those memorable travel moments.

Indian Teas: Story of two leaves and a bud [a journey of tea to Assam & Darjeeling]

Bhutan

We are gradually seeing the opening up of South Asia and easing of travel restrictions for the visitors. Nepal has just opened its doors for the tourists, Sri Lanka is already open (except for the South American and South African countries) and the Government of India is contemplating opening up for the tourists as well. With these positive developments on ground, we are once again ready to welcome your esteemed clients into the Indian Subcontinent.
take you on an amazing journey through the &lsquo;Land of the Thunder Dragon &ndash; Bhutan&rsquo;. Undeniably, it is one of the world's most beautiful yet mysterious places. Peace, calmness, and satisfaction are the virtue of people living here, making one wonder if it is really a part of the world we live in. When one thinks about Bhutan, generally the more famed places like Paro, Thimpu or Punakha, in western Bhutan, comes to mind.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/eddd3618/IMG_2139.jpg" alt="" width="540" height="359" />
But there is much more to explore in Bhutan that constitutes the untrodden areas of &lsquo;Central and Eastern Bhutan&rsquo;. Home to some of the most picturesque landscape, remote and isolated valleys, lofty mountains and meandering rivers, and many local ethnic groups, this area is least developed with rugged roads and fewer visitors. But due to its old world charm and with the natives still following the good old means as their ancestors, it is definitely worth to explore.
TAKE A PEEP INTO THE MESMERIZING REGION OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN BHUTAN:
TRONGSA
Bhutan was unified by a man named Shabdrung Ngawang Namgeyl. It was in Trongsa that Shabdrung's great grandfather built the first monastery of Bhutan in 1543. The historically significant town of Trongsa is located in Central Bhutan and was the seat of rulers of the Wangchuk Dynasty who have ruled over Central and Eastern Bhutan. This dynasty is still in power as they started ruling as Kings of Bhutan from 1907 onwards.&nbsp;
Trongsa Dzong, the seat of Wangchuk Dynasty rulers, will reward one with stunning views due to its enviable position. Do visit the watchtower of the Dzong, now converted into a beautiful museum dedicated to the Wangchuk Dynasty, to know more about the history of Bhutan.
BUMTHANG
&nbsp;
Bumthang is where Buddhism was first introduced in Bhutan and consists of four central valleys &ndash; Ura, Chumey, Tang and Chokhor.&nbsp; Chokhar is referred to as Bumthang valley. Known as the religious hub of the kingdom, Bumthang valley has a lot to offer in terms of Buddhism.&nbsp;It is believed that in Bumthang, Guru Rimpoche cured the local king who was under the influence of an evil spirit. On seeing their king being healed by the holy man, the local people, including the king, embraced Buddhism.
&nbsp;
Along with some of the most revered monasteries, this region is rich in nature and offers numerous opportunities for avid hikers and trekkers around its valleys. While here, one should not miss a visit to Jambay Lhakhang.
&nbsp;
Jambay Lhakhang
The legend has it that the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo built a chain of 108 temples simultaneously to subdue an evil demoness that lay over the Himalayan region. Jambay Lhakhang temple is one of those 108 temples and it is one of the oldest Lhakhang in the entire kingdom of Bhutan.&nbsp; The main attraction here is the relic of the future Buddha, Jowa Jampa. The visit to Bumthang can be planned with Jambay Lhakhang drup (festival) as one will be able to witness spectacular dances and monastic ceremonies. The festival is celebrated in honour of Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan and to commemorate the establishment of the temple in the 8th century
&nbsp;
TRASHIGANG
Perched on a cliff overlooking Dangme Chuu (river), it is amongst the most important eastern town of the kingdom of Bhutan. It serves as a base for exploring nearby places like Trashiyangtse, Merak and Sakteng. &nbsp; Visit the Trashigang Dzong or 'The Fortress of the Auspicious Hill', the idea of which was conceived by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Enjoy an excursion to Gom Kora temple. It is one of the most famous places where Guru Rinpoche meditated to subdue a demon that dwelt in a vast black rock here. &nbsp; Visit the "Rice Bowl of the East" in the kingdom of Bhutan, 'Radhi Village'. The village, with its fertile land, produces rice and supplies it to the entire eastern Bhutan.&nbsp; The village is also famous for its delicate raw silk fabrics, or bura textiles weaved using traditional looms. Ranjung Woesel Choeling monastery, which is home to Buddhist nuns engaged in religious practices, is also worth visiting here.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
VISIT MERAK AND SAKTENG VILLAGES &ndash; THE LAND OF BROKPAS
&nbsp;
Take an excursion to the villages of Merak and Sakteng to experience the semi-nomadic lifestyle of the local people known as 'The Brokpas'. Their houses are mainly one-storied and built of stones with tiny windows. They keep on migrating along with their yaks with the change in seasons. Believed to have migrated from Tibet to Bhutan, the Brokpas still engage in the barter system, trading cheese, butter and dried meat for grains and other goods that are not readily available to them.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/81122f8e/20190722_104756.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="356" />
&nbsp;
Both Merak and Sakteng valleys fall within the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, which was primarily set up to protect the elusive Migoi, or yeti, which is historically rooted in the belief system of the Brokpas and an intrinsic part of their worship and ritual practices. The wildlife in Merak-Sakteng forests includes snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, Himalayan red fox and the hoary-bellied Himalayan squirrel. The Merak and Sakteng highlands also possess a wide variety of bird species.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/24b1ce81/20190723_131516.jpg" alt="" width="737" height="359" />
&nbsp;
Lying deep in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is an otherworldly experience. Come and unravel the secrets of mysterious land with us! We, at ISE Travel, are all about the handcrafted tours, memories, and moments you take out of your trip, and believe us, this escapade will be a life-changing one!&nbsp;

BHUTAN – THE ROADS LESS TRAVELLED

<div>
<h1>UNSEEN THAILAND - Palace of Emerald Water</h1>
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has fascinated many travellers with the country's sights of amazing scenery, landmarks and traditions.&nbsp; I have been a regular traveller to Thailand for the past 40 years and it has never fails to fascinate me with its endless list of "Unseen" places.&nbsp; &nbsp;But there is one very special place in that list, one I called the palace of emerald water - "Wang Nam Kaew".
</div>
<h2>Wang Nam Kaew</h2>
<div>
Here is a place I would call "Home" - a mystical place amidst Nature blessed with virgin jungles and a rich combination of rare flora and fauna.&nbsp; &nbsp;Some called it the "Switzerland of Thailand" perhaps due to its high altitude offering almost a year round cool weather.&nbsp; Funny place where one can grow both temperate and tropical fruits in a single place.&nbsp;&nbsp;
This is the place that I would escape to from the heat and dust of Bangkok - a mere 3.5 hrs' drive on highway road in the direction to Isan.&nbsp; Once you get out from the industrial belt of Cha Choeng Sao, you enter the province of Prachinburi, popular with adventure and nature lovers.&nbsp; Here you find famous national parks such as Khao Yai, Thap Lan and Khao Paeng Ma.&nbsp; In the midst of it all is Wang Nam Kaew.
As a township, Wang Nam Kaew can easily be passed by any driver enroute to the city of Nakorn Ratchasima (or also known as Korat).&nbsp; With widening of the highway, the most popular market has become quite an insignificant sight.&nbsp; But if one were to slow down, the richness of the agricultural activity becomes obvious.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/77ff488e/WNK3.jpg" alt="" width="682" height="454" />
<h2>Of Strawberry, Wine, Sunflower and Sheep</h2>
Most travellers would usually take the Friendship Highway from Bangkok to visit the more developed and commercialised Khao Yai over the long weekend or term breaks.&nbsp; In about 3 hrs' drive, you are welcomed by premium factory outlets, generaous range of 4 &amp; 5-star resorts and private condominiums, some with grand European theme that you sometimes think you were transported to Europe.&nbsp; Khao Yai even boasts&nbsp; several international schools and world class golf courses.&nbsp; Sprinkling over these are the seasonal strawberry farms where you can pick fruits for a token sum, pat sheep in a manicured farm of your choice and enjoy a great home grown steak accompanied by award-winning locally produced wine in a ranch or vineyard setting.&nbsp; Nothing too hard for the imagination!
But if you seek an experience that is more authentic, then take the backroad east to Wang Nam Kaew where life is simpler and more relaxed.&nbsp; Folks here are less sophisticated and home stays are the norms here.&nbsp; Take your time to explore and enjoy the scenery.&nbsp; And don't forget to enjoy the sunset here at Wang Nam Kaew!
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/9057aa1e/WNK2.jpg" alt="" width="688" height="516" />
<h2>Bring your bicycle along!</h2>
With the huge followings of the cycing community in Singapore, I can only imagine fellow Singaporeans scratching their heads in search for the next cycling adventure when borders are fully opened.&nbsp; Personally I think Singaporeans are just 'dying' to visit Thailand again and if cycling is in the menu, why not bring your bicycle along to explore one of the most ideal places where you can safely and easily explore attractions that will make your next trip worth 'dying' for?&nbsp; With folding bicycles getting into the light weight category, you can just bag one and check in with your luggage (in place of your golf bag for a change) and then dump it into the boot of your self drive car at the airport and head straight to Wang Nam Kaew!&nbsp; And if you plan to indulge in some shopping to replace your tired wardrobe in Bangkok, store your bikes at the airport before heading into the city.&nbsp; How convenient is that!
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/19f9bb1c/WNK1.jpg" alt="" width="608" height="491" />
<h3>Here praying borders will be opening safely soon!&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>
</div>
<div>
&nbsp;
</div>

Wang Nam Kaew - My Unseen Thailand [Switzerland of Thailand]

<h1>SIKKIM - A FAIRY TALE KINGDOM</h1>
Sikkim is not an easy destination to reach.&nbsp; With a seldom operational airport at Pakyong, near the capital city of Gangtok due to its high-altitude, table-top runway that has for long struggled with visibility concern, the best and most guaranteed way to get to Sikkim is still via the winding highway from Bagdogra in the northern part of West Bengal.
After landing at the civil enclave of the Indian Air Force base station of Bagdogra, our adventure to the hill stations of NE India begins.&nbsp; Leaving the lowland tea plantations at Siliguri, our uphill climb starts.&nbsp; After a five hours' drive and clearing the border controls (an Inner Line permit is required for entering Sikkim), we enter into Gangtok, a hill station located in the eastern part of the state that is incredibly alluring, pleasantly boisterous and wreathed in clouds.&nbsp; This is the only busiest part of the whole 'kingdom,' state.&nbsp; The people of Sikkim is made up of a number of ethnic groups, mainly Bhutia, Lepcha and Nepali, the latter who were brought in by the British to work on the tea plantations and remained.&nbsp; The Lepchas claim to be the original inhabitants of Sikkim while the Bhutias emigrated from neighboring Tibet and form the majority here.
Sikkim was an independent kingdom in a remote part of the Himalayas ruled by a hereditary line of kings (Chogyal) from the 17th century until it became a British protectorate, then an Indian protectorate in 1950.&nbsp; Straddled between the sensitive borders of Indian and China, it is also the home of the 3rd highest mountain in the world - Kanchenjunga.&nbsp; To appreciate the fairy tale beauty and essence of Sikkim, one must read about the book called "Sikkim - A Requiem for a Himalayan Kingdom" where the last Chogyal married Hope Cooke, an American student, who then became the Queen of Sikkim and lived with the king and their children during the final years of the kingdom. Due to this fairy-tale romance, Sikkim became well known in America and the world over through major magazines and newspapers.
<img src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/daae1d4a/IMG_1307.jpg" alt="" width="777" height="519" />
To explore Sikkim, normally the first timer would cover the Eastern and Western parts of Sikkim.&nbsp; The capital is located in the east but there is always a chance to explore the north to a place called Tsomgo Lake where one reaches the altitude just above 4 000 msl and where yaks inhabit.&nbsp; Scores of Indian tourists (mainly from West Bengal) would have a thrilling time playing in the snow during the cold season or enjoying a yak safari around the lake.&nbsp; Along the way to the lake, one will not forget the sights of Indian army camps that are stand by to guard the Indian-China border.&nbsp; &nbsp;Then to the west, the highlight is to catch sight of&nbsp; Mount Kanchenjunga at 8 586 msl.&nbsp; Enroute one will not fail to realise that mostly perched atop mountains, Buddhist monasteries are scattered across the length and width of Sikkim, the famous of which is the Pemayangtse Monastery near Pelling where good class tourist hotels can be found.
To the repeat traveller, Sikkim has much more to offer.&nbsp; One highlight is Lachung, a mountain village close to the Tibetan border, in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. It's divided by the Lachung River. The village is home to the 19th-century Buddhist Lachung Monastery, surrounded by apple orchards. Nearby, the Yumthang Valley's Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary protects many species of rhododendron. The valley is also known for its waterfalls, pine forests and hot springs.&nbsp; Getting there is an adventure itself as one will be tempted to make unplanned endless stops to admire and photograph the striking scenery.&nbsp; With hardly any traffic, such temptation becomes an invitation.&nbsp; And soon you reach one of the most beautiful villages right at the foothill of the Himalayas!&nbsp;&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/50475bce/Sadam Village.jpg" alt="" width="763" height="429" />
TBC

SIKKIM - A Fairy Tale Kingdom [A land visited only by the most intrepid travellers now welcomes you]

<h1>NAGALAND</h1>
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/e98ec744/20191202_135233.jpg" alt="" width="718" height="349" />
&nbsp;
It started enticingly when we were visiting the North Eastern part of India - a distancely remote and one of the most fascinating places of India and of the world.&nbsp; The Wikipaedia shares that much of the region has been left unexplored till date, owning to the regions formidable terrain consisting of mountains, hills, rainforests, river, jungles and predators, and deficiency of infrastructure. The small sized region has one of the highest biodiversity density found anywhere in the world. For that all my fellow travellers couldn't fail but agree.&nbsp; &nbsp;
<h1>Land of the Tattooed Headhunters</h1>
Amongst the seven states of the Northeast, perhaps the most intriguing one is a state called Nagaland.&nbsp; Almost inaccessible forest hills and mountains and inhabited by the Naga tribes which amongst them is the Konyaks, an isolated ethnic group defined culturally by their headhunting practice and elaborate facial tattoos, residing in the forest interiors of Nagaland.&nbsp; When they used to attack the villages of rival tribes, it was tradition to rip off their victims&rsquo; heads. Those who returned home with the heads would be revered as warriors. It was believed that human heads exuded a mystical force that would bring prosperity and benefit local crops.
<h2>Our Adventure</h2>
It was the winter of 2019 when a group of us, intoxicated by earlier adventures into the Northeastern part of India, landed in Dimapur - known as the business capital of Nagaland - and continued over a dusty 60 km road trek to the capital city of Kohima.&nbsp; Those who are WW2 buffs would know that Kohima was the bloody site of the Japanese offence into India from Myanmar in 1942.&nbsp;
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/5069478f/20191202_101353.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="737" />
The weather was just picture perfect when we spent the morning visiting the historic Kohima War Cemetery,&nbsp; a memorial dedicated to the 10,000 Allied soldiers who lost their lives in the Japanese invasion during World War II. The cemetery, which nestles in the heart of the city, is a hauntingly beautiful spot and present a 360-degree view of the city. It is believed that the most savage and intense hand-to-hand combat that saw the Japanese vanquished and driven back from the borders of India took place across the tennis court. The residence court presented a ghastly sight with dead bodies strewn all over and drenched in pools of blood. The white marker lines are still in place.
We had a great time enjoying picture-taking with some of the WW2 buffs in their restored costumes and vintage vehicles.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/45749c88/20191202_093059.jpg" alt="" width="708" height="344" />
<h1>Festival of the Hornhills</h1>
The main site for the festival is at the fair ground located at the Kisama Heritage Village, about 12 km from the capital.&nbsp; Each day we received a different coloured wristband as our entry ticket.&nbsp; Here we would encounter all the tribes in one single venue - a rare treat which happens only once in a year (unfortunately it did not happen in 2020 and likely 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic).&nbsp; The sights were mind blowing as we could and were practically standing and mingling shoulder to shoulder with every tribe in such short period.&nbsp; Indeed a rare spectacle.&nbsp; And we seemed to be the only group from Singapore while the majority of tourists were mostly Indians from outside the state.&nbsp;
The first festival was started in 2000 so I would say it was a brave experiment bringing the tribes, many whom are considered as rivals, to promote closer understanding of the people and culture of Nagaland, and an opportunity to experience the food, songs, colourful performances, crafts, sports, games and ceremonies. Traditional arts which include paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures are also on display.&nbsp; For the tribes, many would travel from their remote villages to Kohima just to attend this festival and meet people from other villages from Nagaland that they haven&rsquo;t met before, hence leading to cultural assimilation.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/b7d4ee99/20191202_152227.jpg" alt="" width="337" height="164" /><img src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/75ddbaca/20191202_152922.jpg" alt="" width="337" height="164" /></h4>
<h1><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/88abcfcf/20191204_120544.jpg" alt="" width="679" height="330" /></h1>
<h2>NAGALAND CHILLIES</h2>
Chillies have always been a fascinating subject as often, we will get curious to find out who and which country have the hottest chillies ever.&nbsp; So during our visit to the festival at Nagaland, we were amused to learn that a chilli eating contest would be held to determine the champion of the Annual Nagaland Chilli Eating Competition.&nbsp; It was interesting to note that chillies are measured by their pungency level in a scale called the Scoville Heat Units.&nbsp; These chillies are so hot that once it was used as a weapon in warfare.
All said, the competition attracted a good number of contestants and we learnt that it was won by an Australian tourist.&nbsp; While the Nagaland chillies ceratinly ranked amongst the most hottest in the world (easily beaten the Thai chillies), we later learnt it was not the world's most hottest.&nbsp; In fact it ranked probably the 6th or 7th most hottest but we are staying out of it.&nbsp;
Anyway Nagaland Chillies have made it to the international market and there is even a chocolate version with Nagaland chilli flavour....ouch!
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/589b3a12/chilli.jpg" alt="" width="669" height="444" />
<h2>COUNTRYSIDE EXCURSIONS</h2>
Imagine encountering hundreds of men, young and old, in traditional attire religiously pulling vines, dragging a stone monolith that weighed ten tonnes over a kilometre distance, at most times either on a flat plain or inclining slope.&nbsp; So when we were told of this spectacular stone pulling ceremony happening in the village of Mima, about 16 km away from the capital, we made sure we got there in time.
The ceremony was organized to commemorate the 75 years of embracing Chirstianity by the Angami Nagas and it symbolised forgiveness, friendship, peace and reconciliation among the warring groups as the village was marred by enmity among them prior to the arrival of the gospel.&nbsp; There was merriment amongst the crowd and it was an unforgettable moment.
<a href="https://1drv.ms/v/s!Au7pTmAkjkGPidcXMW2TtNvpmm71aw?e=rAL5BG">https://1drv.ms/v/s!Au7pTmAkjkGPidcXMW2TtNvpmm71aw?e=rAL5BG</a>
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/8feb0f28/20191204_125255.jpg" alt="" width="727" height="353" />
<h2>LOCAL CULTURE, FOLKLORE &amp; COMMUNITY SERVICE</h2>
Our 10-day trip was just full of highlights to share here but if one was to pick the top three - it would be the colourful culture, mystifying folklore amd a heart warming opportunity to serve the less privileged!
<img src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/b5242bb4/20191202_145508.jpg" alt="" width="353" height="172" /><img src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/bbbd8144/20191202_145709.jpg" alt="" width="349" height="170" />
Coloured beads seems to be a favourite amongst female gender of the tribal communities and here, the ladies must surely know how to bead up necklaces with exciting vibrant designs that even our modern ladies decided to go tribal. And the folklore relates to family of living stones was just a bit hard to believe!&nbsp;&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/e700878b/20191207_111425.jpg" alt="" width="740" height="360" />
With Christmas around the corner, we could not help but to enjoy a lovely chance to serve a group of orphans with candies and school stationery!&nbsp; But instead we received the most glorious gift of all!&nbsp; Listen to the children.....<a href="https://1drv.ms/v/s!Au7pTmAkjkGPidcYp96uN6IWweYCXg?e=43eWXt">https://1drv.ms/v/s!Au7pTmAkjkGPidcYp96uN6IWweYCXg?e=43eWXt</a>
<img src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/3d182cd0/20191205_094202.jpg" alt="" width="747" height="363" />
Finally looking back, it turned out to be the most memorable Christmas trip.&nbsp; Maybe one day I will be back!
<img src="https://cdn.net.in/isetravel/files/d9275128/20191202_064824.jpg" alt="KOHIMA" width="747" height="363" />

Nagaland - Festival of the Hornbills

<h4>SPIRIT OF ENTERPRISE</h4>
Before we present an ongoing series of blogs to share with our readers, let me first share excerpts from a book published in 2004 called &ldquo;More inspiring stories from Singapore&rsquo;s Entrepreneurs&rdquo;. It was published in honour of the 2004 nominees of the Spirit of Enterprise in which ISE Travel was a winner.
The Spirit of Enterprise is a non-profit, privately funded Institute of Public Character that has created a variety of programmes to &ldquo;honour and inspire&rdquo; the entrepreneurial spirit. Thus it was an honour for ISE Travel, not that it will inspire the company to be big but to tell the world of the personal &lsquo;grit&rsquo; gathering little capital, finding a place to do business, and carrying on in all weather.
<h4>DREAMS TO REALITY</h4>
"My dream has always been to travel and help educate people to make the world a better place to live in. &nbsp;I think I could have been a good diplomat but I guess fate took me on another charted course. I find that there is so much in common learning from both the tourism and education industries. The only difference is that education traditionally confines learning mainly within the four walls of a classroom, while tourism brings the learning process out into the real world. After all, people travel to new destinations to learn about new things, gain new experience and explore new opportunities. Armed with a textbook or travel magazine, new knowledge, new experience and new opportunities are encountered through travel. &nbsp;It is the desire to bridge the gap between tourism and education which inspires me to start this venture" &ndash; page 13.
<h4>ON THE BIG EDUCATION DEBATE</h4>
When you learn through formal education, you use your head. Once you have acquired the knowledge, you need to use your heart to communicate. So I would say education only helps you to open the first door. &nbsp;It is the foundation of any business opportunity. Education gives you a good mind. It broadens your communications skills; the lack of those skills creates communications breakdowns, misunderstanding and bitterness." &ndash; page 97.
<h4>FOOD FOR THOUGHT</h4>
"One should be willing to share with people. Like a lighted candle, if we were to light another, the world will be a brighter place to live. When you are willing to share yourself with others, it will only inspire more people. &nbsp;But if you keep everything to yourself, your candle will burn out eventually. If you don&rsquo;t share, how do you expand the world of entrepreneurship?"
With that, let us continue writing and sharing travel blogs, interesting or otherwise and at the same time, we encourage you to share yours
&ndash; Jimmy Ooi

Bridging Education and Travel Through Entrepreneurship [In launching our new blog, founder Jimmy Ooi shares his thoughts on education, travel, and the adventure of entrepreneurship]

ISE BLOG

Get inspired for your next journey

Enchanted Serenity: The Eastern Seaboard near Bangkok

Land Beneath The Wind - Sabah

Indian Teas: Story of two leaves and a bud

BHUTAN – THE ROADS LESS TRAVELLED

Wang Nam Kaew - My Unseen Thailand

SIKKIM - A Fairy Tale Kingdom

Nagaland - Festival of the Hornbills

Bridging Education and Travel Through Entrepreneurship