Paradise for nature lovers and adventure mongers
Be it spotting the one-horned rhinoceros or exploring the world heritage sites, North East Tourism has its own flavour and charm. Known for countless tribes and cultural heritage, still not deciphered, it has thus become a backpacker’s paradise.
Along with its pristine natural beauty, trip to North East India is known for historical monuments, national parks, tea gardens, lush green valleys and adventure activities.For history buffs and intrepid photographers, witnessing the royal heritage and monuments of North East India is distinctively different from the rest of India.
Additionally, the naming of the various villages and festivals reveals their sacred value, linking it with Hindu mythologies. It is also a religious destination for followers of Buddhism and endows a rare chance to experience the peace at age old monasteries.
Following are the tourist attractions in North East India
Arunachal Pradesh
Flaunting the virgin, unexplored patches of greenery in North East India, it is known for indigenous tribes, steep hills, dense forests, anthropological heritages, craggy mountains and river gorges. The importance of Arunachal Pradesh is even explained in the literature of Hindu epics like Mahabharata. Along with being a popular destination for nature lovers, it is known for its religious importance.
The tourist attractions in Arunachal Pradesh include Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Gorichen Peak, Nuranang Falls, Madhuri Lake, Phodong Monastery and Yumthang Valley. Adventurers can indulge in River Rafting in Siang and Subansiri Rafting to pump up their adrenaline levels.
Assam
One of the most accessible states in North-East India, the very mention of Assam conjures up the importance of Assam tea, the pride of India. Loved by wildlife enthusiasts, the Kaziranga National Park is known for spotting the one-horned rhino.
The tourist attractions in Assam include Kamakhya Temple, Assam State Museum, Umananda Temple, Dipor Bil and Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden. One can also explore Dibru Saikhowa National Park, famous for being one of the largest parks in Assam.
Sikkim
One of the smaller states in North East India, Sikkim is famous for the Sandakfu peak trek, a popular tourist attraction for adventure lovers. One can even get the chance to watch the sunset at Kangchenjunga, the third largest mountain peak in the world. One can also experience the beauty of Buddhist tradition with the Phodong Monastery in Sikkim, which dates way back to the 18th century. The ancient murals embellished on the walls of the monastery reveal the beauty of designing and architectural elements of the bygone era.
For those searching for an adrenaline pumping trekking expedition in Sikkim can opt for Goecha La trek. Famously called as one of the tallest peaks in Sikkim, the trek has its base camp located in Yuksom. Nature lovers also love exploring the beauty of Yumthang Valley, which is covered with beautiful rhododendron flowers during the summer seasons.
Nagaland
With its quite recent advent into tourism, it has become quite famous with its indigenous, colourful and engaging dance performances. For example, the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is known for traditional dances and reveals the solidarity within the tribes. The Shillio Lake located in Phek is famous for its beauty and captivating folklore.
Intrepid travellers also love exploring the Touphema Village known for its engaging culture, bonfire dinners, dances and lip-smacking cuisines. Trekking on the Japfu Peak is also cherished by adventure mongers in Nagaland. And for those looking merely for leisure travel, nothing is as beautiful as overlooking the Dzukou Valley.
Manipur
The breathtakingly beautiful valleys and majestic hills of Manipur have endowed it the name of ‘Jewel of the Earth’. Lakes and wooden hills embracing the capital of Imphal bestow a beautiful sight to behold, adding to the top most tourist attractions in Manipur. Simply do not miss to explore the Polo Grounds in Imphal, few of the oldest ones of the world.
For those searching for religious travel, the Shri Govindajee Temple is a sacred destination which also flaunts the architectural beauty. Tourists searching for priceless shopping souvenirs can check out the bustling Khwairamband Bazar.
Meghalaya
Locally called as the ‘Abode of Clouds’, it is internationally acknowledged as one of the wettest places on earth. One can experience the nostalgic British past especially with the architectural bungalows and monuments in Shillong, the capital and one of the topmost hill-stations in India.
The main tourist attractions in Meghalaya include peaks, caves, lakes, waterfalls and also age-old living root bridges. The countless number of caves in Meghalaya adds to its tourist value.
Tripura
Another small state of India, Tripura Tourism is known for bamboo products and its age old handloom industry. In fact, just like Rajasthan, even it has the presence of age-old royal palaces like the Neermahal. Unakoti Hill, the natural and cultural spot of North East India is also known for its religious importance. The Ashokashtami festival celebrated in the month of April in Tripura is worth a visit to envisage the power of religious festivals in Tripura.
Cuisines of North East India
The popular cuisines include creamakhoi, komal chaul, bamboo shoots, Jadoh, Zu (tea), Thukpa, Gya Thuk and Sael Roti.
Festivals in North East India
The popular festivals include Hornbill Festival (Nagaland), Bihu Festival (Assam), Dehing Patkai Festival (Assam), Torgya Monastery Festival (Arunachal Pradesh), Nongkrem Dance Festival (Meghalaya) and Kharchi Puja (Tripura).
When to Reach
The best season to indulge in North East Travel is from November to April when the weather is very favourable.
How to Reach
Air: The air connectivity connects North East India at airports in Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura.
Rail: Assam is one of the best connected states in North East India, especially in terms of railways. The railheads in Assam include Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Lumding, Bongaigaon and Guwahati.
Road: One can easily opt for bus journeys, especially from West Bengal to mark an advent into the states of North East India.
So, go ahead and get ready to explore the beauty of North East India Travel Guide in an intrinsic manner this season.