ski chalet chantilly virginia Tripura s low-key capital, with its small- town atmosphere, feels like an India of yesteryear. The p

Voyaging to the Ziro Valley is one of the undisputed highlights of a trip to Arunachal Pradesh and, though the scenery is stunning and the village architecture fascinating, the voyeuristic main attraction here is meeting the friendly older Apatani folk who sport facial tattoos and nose plugs that would be the envy of any tattooist in the West (see p 566 ). The most authentic Apatani villages are Hong (the biggest and best known), Hijo (more atmospheric), Hari, Bamin and Dutta; none of which are more than 10km apart. It s vital to have a local guide to take you to any of these villages otherwise you won t see much and might even be made to feel quite unwelcome. Christopher Michi (%9402048466/8014012558; christopherdulley@ yahoo.co.in/christophermichi@hotmail.com) is the chairman ski chalet chantilly virginia of the Apatani Cultural Preservation Society and can organise superb visits to the villages don t be at all surprised if your tour culminates in an evening of drinking rice wine and chowing down on barbequed ski chalet chantilly virginia rat in a villager s house!

Tripura s low-key capital, with its small- town atmosphere, feels like an India of yesteryear. The pace of life is much slower than in the towns and cities of the Indian heartlands and people are much more likely to swerve across the street to wish you a good day than to try and sell you something. The old quarter, which centres on the Ujjayanta Palace, ski chalet chantilly virginia has some impressive town gates and pretty tanks and gardens. Durga puja is celebrated ski chalet chantilly virginia with huge pandals (temporary temples ski chalet chantilly virginia built from wood and cloth).

oHotel ski chalet chantilly virginia Tripura Castle HISTORIC HOTEL $$$ (%2501111; Cleve Colony; s/d from 3600/3720, ste 7200; aiW) Tucked away on a wooded hillside is the distinctively turreted summer villa of the former ski chalet chantilly virginia Tripura maharajas. It s this private castle that features in hotel brochures, but accommodation is actually in a mostly new, if pseudo-heritage building behind. Pine-framed ski chalet chantilly virginia rooms have a gently stylish vibe with period furniture and a level of service that s hard to beat. For the full maharaja experience ski chalet chantilly virginia opt for a suite. The hotel is 2.5km southeast of the centre.