North East India: Explore the Unexplored Shining 8 Sisters ! Things You Should Know before You Go !!

Image Courtesy: https://www.myindiamyglory.com/northeast-india/

Abstract:

There are many places to visit in North East India, including national parks, lakes, and hill stations:

Kaziranga National Park: Home to nearly 2,000 one-horned rhinos, an endangered species

Tsomgo Lake: A lake in Sikkim

Gangtok: A hill station in Sikkim with views of Mount Kanchenjunga, Tsomgo Lake, and the Teesta River

Mawlynnong Village: A village in Meghalaya

Ziro Valley: A valley in Arunachal Pradesh

Majuli Island: An island in Assam

Dzukou Valley: A valley in Nagaland

Aizawl: A city in Mizoram

Shillong: A city in Meghalaya

Goechala: A place in Sikkim

Yumthang Valley: A valley in North East India

Cherrapunji: A place in North East India

Tawang Monastery: A monastery in North East India

Nathula Pass: A pass in North East India

Gurudongmar Lake: A lake in North East India

Teesta River: A river in North East India

Loktak Lake: A lake in North East India

Gorichen Peak: A peak in North East India

Sela Pass: A pass in North East India

If you want to visit all the states in North East India in one trip, you'll need about 15 days. If you want to visit each state individually, 5–7 days is enough for each state.

Keywords:

India Tourism, North East India, 8 Sisters, Popular Tourist Places in North East, Art and Culture

Learning Outcomes

After undergoing this article you will be able to understand the following

1. Brief description about North East India

2. Why to visit North East India?

3. Places to visit

4. Cultural identities of North East India

5. Educational institution in North East India

6. Opportunities in North East India

7. Tourism Department and Development initiatives

8. Accomodation and Hotels availability

9. How to reach North East India

10. Precautions and safety measures to be taken in different places

11. Conclusions

1. Brief description about North East India

The North East Region (NER) of India is a region in the easternmost part of the country. It is made up of eight states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. The region is also known as the "Seven Sister States" plus Sikkim, the "brother state".

Here are some things to know about the North East Region:

Size

The region is about 8% of India's land and is home to 4% of the country's population.

Borders

The region shares borders with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Connectivity

The region is connected to the rest of India by the Siliguri corridor, a narrow strip of land in West Bengal.

Culture

The region has a rich history, culture, and heritage, with over 220 languages spoken.

Natural beauty

The region is known for its picturesque charm, dense forests, and pristine valleys.

National parks

The region includes Kaziranga National Park, which is famous for its one-horned rhinoceros.

History

Historians believe that Chinese explorer Zhang Qian wrote about an early trade route through the region in 100 BCE.

British Raj

The northeastern states were established during the British Raj in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Festivals

Some festivals in the region promote a sense of community and harmony between tribes by trading goods and services without using money.

2. Why to visit North East India?

There are many reasons to visit North East India, including its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unique attractions:

Landscape

The region has a variety of landscapes, including the Meghalaya Hills, glacial mountains in Sikkim, and the Indo-Burma border.

Culture

The Northeast is home to many ethnic groups and tribal communities, each with their own culture, cuisine, language, and attire.

Tawang Monastery

The largest monastery in India and the second largest in Asia, with a tall gold-painted statue of Buddha.

Kaziranga National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for being home to the highest population of the Indian One Horned Rhinoceros.

Shillong

Known as the Scotland of the East, this city is a sought-after tourist destination for a peaceful vacation.

Cherrapunji

A favorite holiday spot for its living root bridges, which are formed due to ceaseless rain.

Gangtok

The capital of Sikkim, this popular hill station offers spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Majuli

The world's largest river island, located in the northeastern state of Assam.

Ziro Valley

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its lush green landscapes, unique tribal culture, and the famous Ziro Music Festival.

Manipur

A breathtaking place to see that displays nature, culture, and modernity.

3. Places to visit in North East India

Tourist Attractions & Circuits In North East India

The eight states of North East India are blessed with scenic natural beauty, salubrious weather, rich biodiversity, rare wild life, historical sites, distinct cultural and ethnic heritage and warm and welcoming people. The region offers unforgettable visits for tourists interested in wild life, religious, cultural and ethnic tourism, river cruises, golf and a host of others. There is also great scope for mountaineering, trekking and adventure tourism in the region.

Northeast of India is home to many wildlife sanctuaries like Kaziranga National Park famous for the one horned rhinoceros, Manas National Park, Nameri, Orang, Dibru Saikhowa in Assam, Namdhapha in Arunachal Pradesh, Balpakram in Meghalaya, Keibul Namjao in Manipur, Intanki in Nagaland, Khangchendzonga in Sikkim. The mighty Brahmaputra flows through the length of Assam where tourists can enjoy memorable river cruises and the flowing rivers of Arunachal Pradesh which feed the Brahmaputra offering incredible white water rafting experiences.

Arunachal Pradesh(Must Visit Places)

Tourist Circuits
Arunachal Pradesh Tourism has identified 12 tourist circuits which are distinctive in character with different ethnic culture, topography and vegetation.
The tourist circuits are:

Tezpur – Bhalukpong – Bomdila - Tawang
Itanagar – Ziro – Daporijo – Aalo – Pasighat
Pasighat – Jengging – Yingkiong – Tuting
Tinsukia – Tezu – Hayuliang
Margherita – Miao – Namdhapha – Vijoynagar
Roing – Mayudia – Anini
Tezpur – Seijosa – Bhalukpong
Ziro – Palin – Nyapin – Sangram – Koloriang
Doimukh – Sagalee – Pake Kessang – Seppa
Aalo – Mechuka
Daporijo – Taliha – Siyum – Nacho
Jairampur - Manmao- Nampong – Pangsau Pass

Assam (Must Visit Places)

Tourist Circuits

Assam Tourism has identified six circuits based on different themes:

Guwahati – Kaziranga – Nameri – Dirang – Tawang – Bomdial – Texpur – Guwahati (8 nights/9 days);
Guwahati – Cherrapunji – Shillong – Mawlynnong – Guwahati (5 nights/6 days);
Jorhat – Kaziranga National Park – Majuli – Sivasagar – Jorhat (4 nights/5 days);
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park – Dehing Patkai – Dibrugarh (4 nights/5 days);
Guwahati – Hajo – Sualkuchi – Borduwa – Sivasagar – Majuli – Jorhat (5 nights/6 days);
Guwahati – Hajo – Sualkuchi – Manas – Dhubri – Guwahati (6 nights/7 days).

Manipur(Must Visit Places)

Loktak Lake – 48 Kms. from Imphal, it is the largest fresh water lake in the North East Region. Small islands that are actually floating weeds on which the Lake-dwellers live in the backdrop of the shimmering blue water of the Lake, labyrinthine boat routes and colourful water plants.
Moirang - Situated near the Loktak Lake, this town is one of the main centres of early Meitei folk culture and has a special place in the history of the Indian Freedom struggle as it was at Moirang that the flag of the Indian National Army was first unfurled on April 14, 1944 and has an INA Museum containing letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other memorabilia of the sacrifices made by the INA under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Khwairamband Bazar/ Ima Market- A unique all women's market, having 3,000 or more "Imas" or mothers who run the stalls. It is split into two sections on either side of a road. Vegetables, fruits, fishes and household groceries are sold on one side and exquisite handlooms and household tools on the other.

Meghalaya(Must Visit Places)

Shillong – The State Capital of Meghalaya is also known as the “Scotland of the East” because of the rolling hills around the town. Shillong has steadily grown in size since it was made the civil station of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in 1864 by the British. Shillong remained the capital of undivided Assam until the creation of the new state of Meghalaya on 21 January 1972. In 2016 it was voted "India's Favourite Hill Station" by HolidayIQ.com.
Cherrapunji - The historic name Sohra is now more commonly used. It is credited as being the wettest place on Earth, but nearby Mawsynram currently holds that record. Cherrapunji still holds the all-time record for the most rainfall in a calendar month and in a year.
Mawlynnong - Is a village in the East Khasi Hills district about 90 kms from Shillong and is famous for its cleanliness and natural attraction. Mawlynnong was awarded the prestigious tag of 'Cleanest Village in Asia' in 2703 by Discover India Magazine.
Dawki – A border town with Bangladesh, it has the beautiful Umngot River as a major tourist attraction.
Mawphlang Sacred Grove – One of the most famous sacred forests preserved by traditional religious sanction about 25 kilometres from Shillong . The sacred grove has an amazing life form of plants, flowering trees, orchids and butterflies. An ideal destination for nature lovers.

Mizoram(Must Visit Places)

Aizawl – The state capital, is situated at about 1132 mts. above sea level and is a bustling city set on ridges of steep hills. It is air linked by daily flights from Kolkata and Guwahati. It is also connected to Imphal by air and is accessible from Shillong, Guwahati and Silchar by road.
Thenzawl- A village located at a distance of 43 kms from Aizawl. The Tropic of Cancer runs through this picturesque village. It is an important centre of traditional Mizo handloom industry and produce rich and colorful varieties of handlooms.
Hmuifang - With an elevation of 1619 metres, is covered with virgin forests reserved since the days of the Mizo chiefs..
Vantawng Falls - located at a distance of about 137 kms from Aizawl, it is the highest and most spectacular of all the waterfalls in Mizoram.

Nagaland(Must Visit Places)

Khonoma – A historic village located about 20 km from the state capital Kohima it is recordede to have resisted British rule in the region from 1830s to 1880 and etched its name into the history of Indian resistance to the colonial invasion.
Wokha – Home of the Lotha tribes is a land of beautiful mountain ranges and rivers and is known for its vibrant dances and folk songs. Wokha literally means Census in Lotha. It was a place where Lothas counted heads before spreading out into the villages during their waves of migration.
Pfutsero – A picturesque town in Phek district is the highest altitude town and the coldest inhabited place in Nagaland with temperatures dropping to below zero in winters. The Baptist Theological College in Pfutsero is one of the oldest in Nagaland. The best time to visit is from mid-October (harvesting time) to April. One can also take a day trip to Khezhakeno Village, a very important village in the context of the Naga history. It is said that the first Nagas stayed at this village before moving on to other parts of Nagaland.
Mokokchung – Home of the Ao tribe and is the culturally nerve centre of the Ao people. Tourist attractions in Mokokchung, which are great places to visit, are Longkhum, Mopungchuket, and Ungma.

Sikkim(Must Visit Places)

Gangtok- The capital city of Sikkim is located on a ridge at a height of 5500 feet. With a spectacular view of the Khangchendzonga, the town provides the perfect base for travel through the state. Gangtok is a cosmopolitan town which offers the tourists all possible amenities.
Changu Lake - 38 km from Gangtok and at an altitude of 12,400 ft, the ethereally beautiful Tsomgo (Changu) lake is a must on every visitors itinerary. A winding road through rugged mountain terrain and sharp cliffs takes you to Tsomgo, which means source of the water in Bhutia language. The lake derives its water from the melting snows of the mountains surrounding the lake. Of legendary beauty, the lake looks different at different seasons. In winter the placid lake remains frozen with the area around it covered in snow while in late spring the profusion of flowers in bloom adds a riot of colours around the lake.
Rumtek- Situated around 23 kms from Gangtok, it is a quiet getaway and home to the Rumtek Monastery which is the largest monastery in Sikkim and demonstrates the best of Tibetan architecture.
Aritar - located in east Sikkim, Aritar is steeped in history and natural beauty. A breathtaking view of Khangchendzonga only adds to the many natural riches that Aritar is blessed with lush green forests, sweeping hills of paddy fields and placid lakes hidden inside deep forests makes it a perfect destination for those in search of nature trails and a serene holiday. The Aritar Gumpa is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim belonging to the Karma Kagyu lineage order of Tibetan Buddhism.

4. Cultural identities of North East India

North East India is known for its diverse cultural identities, which include a variety of ethnic groups, languages, religions, and festivals:

Ethnic groups

The region is home to over 200 ethnic groups, including the Assamese, Bodos, Nagas, Mizos, Khasis, Garos, and Arunachalis. Most of the people in the region belong to the Indo-Chinese Mongoloid racial group.

Languages

The region has over 220 dialects, including Assamese, Bengali, and Manipuri. English is the most spoken language in Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya.

Religions

Hindus are the most religious category in Assam and Tripura, and in some parts of Manipur. Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya are predominantly Christian.

Festivals

Festivals are a significant part of the cultural identity of the region, celebrating community values, ideologies, and identity. For example, the Apatanis are known for their colorful festivals.

Theatre

The actor's body is central to the performance, representing the ancestral teachings and sensory knowledge of the community.

5. Educational institution in North East India

North-East India, with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is also home to some of the finest educational institutions in the country. From Assam to Arunachal Pradesh, these states offer a diverse range of colleges and universities known for their academic excellence and unique cultural experiences.

Some of the top colleges in this region are

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati), Assam. ...
North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Meghalaya. ...
Tezpur University, Assam.
Gauhati University, Assam.
National Institute of Technology (NIT Silchar), Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura
Tripura University, Tripura.
IIIT, Guwahati, Manipur + other states

6. Opportunities in North East India

North East India

North East India is increasingly becoming a focal point for investors due to its strategic location, rich natural resources, and potential for growth in various sectors. The region's proximity to Southeast Asia and its integration with the Act East Policy have opened up numerous avenues for investment.

North East Region in India has a great entrepreneurial potential in various sectors including, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Sericulture and Fisheries. It was felt that these opportunities are yet to be scouted and harnessed by not only the farmers but the youths as well.

An abundance of oil, gas, coal, minerals, timber, medicinal plants, bamboo, forest products, and an abundance of water for industries to exploit. India's Green Hub: Home to lush forests and rich biodiversity, it is an ideal destination for ecotourism and agro-based industries.

The eight states of North East India are blessed with scenic natural beauty, salubrious weather, rich biodiversity, rare wild life, historical sites, distinct cultural and ethnic heritage and warm and welcoming people.

So the opportunities are diverse.

7. Tourism Department and Development initiatives

The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) and other organizations in India have a number of initiatives to develop tourism, including:

Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi: A national initiative to promote responsible tourism

Travel for LiFE (TFL): A program to raise awareness about sustainable tourism and encourage sustainable practices

Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Certification Program: A digital program to train and certify tourist guides and facilitators

Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) Scheme: A program to train and upgrade manpower to improve service standards

National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI): A technology-driven system to promote ease of doing business for the hospitality and tourism sector

National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism 2022: A strategy to minimize water consumption by the tourism sector

RCS-UDAN Scheme: A collaboration between the MoT and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to improve air connectivity to tourist destinations

The MoT also plays a key role in coordinating and supplementing the efforts of state and union territory governments to develop tourism.

~~NORTH-EAST~~
GUWAHATI OFFICE INDIA TOURISM Amrawati Path, Christian Basti, G.S. Road ,Guwahati-781 005, Assam	Tel : 0361-2341603, Fax:2341598 E-mail : indtour@sancharnet.in
IMPHAL OFFICE INDIA TOURISM Old Lambulane, Jail Road, Imphal-795 001, Manipur	Tel/fax : 03852-221131
SHILLONG OFFICE INDIA TOURISM Tirot Singh Sylem Road, Police Bazar, Shillong-793001, Meghalaya	Tel/fax : 0364-225632 E-mail : indtour@shillong.meg.nic.in
NAHARLAGUN OFFICE INDIA TOURISM C-Sector, Barapani Police Point, Naharlagun-791110, Arunachal Pradesh	Tel : 0360-2244328

8. Accomodation and Hotels availability in North East India

Incredible journey in North East India. Witness the one-horned rhinos at Kaziranga in Assam, explore the living root bridges in Meghalaya, discover the cultural richness of Manipur, experience the serene landscapes of Mizoram, visit the Ujjayanta Palace in Tripura, explore the vibrant markets of Nagaland, and embrace the breathtaking beauty of Arunachal Pradesh.

Tourists and visitors are advised to contact respective State tourism departments before going for a trip to understand the availability of accomodation and tariffs. However there are plenty of private good hotels are also available.

You may visit their website and decide.

9. How to reach North East India

There are a few ways to visit North East India, including by air, train, and road:

Air

The main airports in the region are in Guwahati, Imphal, Bagdogra, Dibrugarh, and Silchar. Guwahati is a good entry point because it's centrally located and has road access to other places.

Train

The North East is well connected by train to most major Indian cities, especially Assam.

Road

You can travel around the region by bus or shared taxi. For a trip that connects all three states of Meghalaya, Arunachal, and Assam, you can hire a private taxi from Guwahati.

Time of year

The best time to visit is from March to June, when the days are full of bloom and ideal for exploring the region.

Length of trip

If you want to cover all the states in one trip, you'll need around 15 days. If you want to cover each state one by one, 5-7 days are enough for each state.

10. Precautions and safety measures to be taken in different places in North East India

Here are some safety precautions to take when traveling in Northeast India:

Stay informed: Check the news and other sources for information, and stay updated on current events and potential travel advisories.

Respect local customs: Dress modestly and follow local habits to avoid unwanted attention.

Stay connected: Share your travel itinerary with a trusted person and stay reachable via phone or social media.

Avoid solo travel at night: Stick to group travel during late hours if possible.

Avoid demonstrations: Avoid political events, rallies, processions, and large public gatherings.

Follow local rules: Many places in the northeast have local rules and regulations put in place by the local village authorities.

Interact cautiously with locals: While locals are friendly, it is necessary to interact cautiously and never share your travel information with them.

Go with a local guide: When exploring the forested areas, always go with a local guide and take prior permission from the forest department and village authority.

Northeast India is a high-risk seismic zone and has suffered from two great earthquakes in the past. The region also faces severe climate change impacts, including erratic rainfall, flooding, and landslides.

11. Conclusions

Here are some conclusions about exploring North East India:

Biodiversity hotspot

The region is a biodiversity hotspot and faces challenges such as population growth and dependence on the forest sector.

Diverse regions

North East India has many diverse regions, including:

Assam: Home to the world's largest river island, Majuli, and the "Tea Town of India", Dibrugarh. Assam is also home to the Assamese Neo Vaishnavite culture, a form of Hinduism that promotes equality and ethnic integration.

Arunachal Pradesh: A lesser explored region with scenic natural beauty and home to several tribes with different beliefs. Tawang Monastery, India's largest monastery, is located in Arunachal Pradesh.

Nagaland: A colorful region that borders Myanmar to the east and is home to the Hornbill Festival.

Sikkim: The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, is a blend of natural beauty and urban charm. Attractions include Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, and Nathula Pass.

Manipur: A state with a pleasant climate and salubrious landscapes. Loktak Lake is the main tourist attraction in Manipur and is the only floating lake in the world.

Mizoram: The capital city of Mizoram, Aizawl, is known for its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and elevated setting.

References:

https://necouncil.gov.in/north-east-india/tourism-attractions

https://www.visitnortheast.com/tourist-offices-of-govt-of-india.html

Other References

Here are some resources for North East India:

Journal of North East India Studies: An open access journal that publishes research papers on the region.

Bibliography: North East India | Indian Council of Social: A bibliography and literature search service for the region.

North-East India; The Environment :A Bibliography: A bibliography on the environment of North East India.

Environmental Resistance in India: Special Reference to Northeast: An article that discusses environmental resistance and movements in the region.

Here are some other resources for North East India:

History of North-East India - Indian Culture: An article on the history of the region.

North East India | Far Horizon Tours India: A resource on the region's geography and attractions.

North-East India - Drishti IAS: An article on the region's integration into India and the challenges it faces.

Wildlife: A resource on the region's wildlife, including the Eastern Himalayas, rice germplasm, and endemic bird area.

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