If you have ever imagined traveling in Northeast India but not sure about it then this article may help you a lot; why you should travel in northeast India. Northeast India is known for its natural beauty, diversity, rare and unique wildlife, people and culture. In 2007 approximately 60% of the northeast region was covered with forest, about twice the national average. Our northeast India has 8 states which are- Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura these are the 7 sisters and Sikkim which is called as the brother of these 7 sisters.
There are some must see places in this unexplored paradise where we should visit once in our life time-
1. SIKKIM ( capital:- Gangtok )
Sikkim is one of the popular tourist destinations in India, and this place is famous for its natural beauty, culture and temples. The best time to visit here is either between March and may or October and mid-December. There are number of beautiful lakes like Tsomgo Lake. Gangtok is best mix of traditional culture and modern lifestyle, this city offer most breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains. Beautiful Pelling is a small town where the giant statue of Gautama Buddha is situated in- the Buddha Park. Yumthang valley will leave you mesmerised with its flashing beauty the Yumthang valley of flowers is covered in numerous variety of flowers. There are other beautiful places like Rumtek Monastery, Lachung, Ravangla all these places which are super unique in its own way.
2. ASSAM ( Capital:- Gawahati )
Assam one of the most compelling reasons to include Assam in bucket list is its estates. It has beautiful scenic tea gardens that are the produce finest tea in the world and provide India’s biggest tea export; it has the largest river island in the world and has 70% of the earth’s endangered species of One-horned rhino population. The best time to visit Assam is in winter or in summer; avoid visiting during monsoon, as the region is flooded with heavy rainfall. This place is rich in its versatile biodiversity is what contributes to keep this place on the top of tourist list. Some popular places like Kaziranga National park, Manas National Park, Kamakhya Temple, Majuli Island, Kakochang Waterfalls, Umananda Island and many more the list is never going to end.
3. ARUNACHAL PRADESH (Capital:- Tawang )
Arunachal Pradesh is well known for its precious beauty and the lush green forests. Arunachal Pradesh is also called as the Land of the Rising Sun. the best time to travel here is between March to June for summer and October to February for winter. This place is flooded with its natural beauty throughout the year. Tawang is a high altitude town located in the lap of the Himalayas which has the perfect combination of nature and culture. Tawang has the largest monastery in India. And don’t forget to add Ziro Valley in your travel list; it is a picturesque valley tucked away in the Himalayas foothills. Ziro Valley is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure lovers and culture vultures. There is a lot more to explore in Arunachal Pradesh like Namdapa National park, most famous Sela Pass, Tezu, Nuranang Falls and etc.
4. NAGALAND ( Capital:- Kohima)
Nagaland is a mountainous state in northeast India,
You will be mesmerised by this place’s beautiful religious monuments, museums and colourful villages. Apart from these, other attractions like War Cemetery, Cathedral and Zoological Park. A variety of different tribes and cultural diversity live here each tribe follow their own ritual and tradition that’s why Nagaland is also called ‘Land of Festivals’. Best time to visit in Nagaland is in summer (March to June) and winter (November to February). The Naga Heritage Village also called the Kisama Heritage Village, it is a famous for its Hornbill Festival held every year to showcase the distinctiveness of the 16 Naga tribes. This place is heaven for people who are interested in
art, history, culture and folk songs. The Kohima War Cemetery is the must visit tourist place in Nagaland, you will find the graves of Indian, British, and soldiers who gave their lives in the World War II (year 1944) during their fight against Japanese in India. There are other beautiful places in Nagaland which will inspire you to explore more in places like Dimapur, Khonoma Village, and Home of the Ao Naga- Mokokchung.
5. MANIPUR (Capital:- Imphal)
The word Manipur itself means a 'jewelled town', a name that truly justifies the small and picturesque land. With eye catching sites like the Loktak Lake, Waterfall and the Khonghampat Orchidarium, Manipur is also famous for its natural beauty. Best time to visit is between Octobers to April. Places like Loktak lake is the only floating lake in the world. Eibul Lamjao National Park is best known for floating flora of phumdis and endangered brow-antlered deer or sangai, it is also the floating sanctuary in the World. Tharon Cave or The Uluan Cave, located near Tamenglong, this 650 m long cave tunnel consists of carvings and excavations of Hovnanian Culture of North Vietnam, including 5 exits and 34 joints. This state is truly a gem of northeast India.
6. MIZORAM (capital:- Aizwal)
The word Mizoram means “land of Mizo”; Mizo means the native inhabitants. Serchhip in Mizoram has the highest literacy rate in India. This heavenly state nested along the mountains that run through the states, known for its hills and caves. The best time to visit Mizoram is between Novembers to march. Mizoram is also known for its traditional dances such as Cheraw, Chai, khuallam and Chheihlam. Pukzing cave in Marpara, is the largest cave of Mizorum. According to the legenda, it was carved out just by using a hairpin by a man called Mualzavata. There is one more cave Milu Puk also called as Cave of the Dead, it is a cave discovered some years ago. It was found to be full of heaps of human skeleton. Lunglei literally means ‘the bridge of rock’, this place is famous for its scenic beauty and natural settings; it is ideal for offbeat destinations.
7. TRIPURA (Capital:- Agartala)
Tripura is a hilly state famous for its natural beauty and monuments. Tripura is the mix of tribal culture and religious groups. Best time to visit Tripura is during the Grand festivals and cool climate is best enjoyed in the month of October to March while April to July is the best time for sightseeing. One of the most important reasons, Tripura is famous for Orange Gardens, Pineapple Gardens, Rubber Gardens, Rubber Nursery, Bamboo plantation, Tea Plantation, Jute Cultivation, Paddy Fields. 15. Tripura is famous for T.P.S. Potato Seeds cultivations. In the capital Agartala, Ujjayanta Palace is set among Mughal gardens, and
Gedu Mia’s Mosque has white marble domes and towers is a popular tourist destination. South of the city, Neermahal summer palace sits in the middle of Lake Rudrasagar and blends Hindu and Islamic architectural styles.
8. MEGHALAYA (Capital:- Shillong)
Meghalaya is one of the most famous tourist destinations in India. It is the most number One beautiful state in northeast India. The name Meghalaya means "the abode of clouds" in Sanskrit.
There are Travel Seasons to visit Meghalaya; April to June (Pleasantly warm), July to September (Moderate to heavy rainfall) October to November (Cool and humid) December to February (winter - Cold winds and misty mornings). It is totally our choice in which season we prefer to travel. The much famous Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya that are spread across the dense valleys of Khasi Hills region, place is really nature’s wonder. Nohkalikai Waterfall, 1115 feet tall, this tallest waterfall in India, is a wonder of nature in itself. Umiam Lake is the man-made lake shows the limitless man power and nature’s beauty. One cannot leave Meghalaya without visiting Mawlynnong Village, this village has won the status of being the cleanest village in 2003, not just in India, but in entire Asia. There are many countless jaw dropping places and views in Meghalaya like Laitlum Canyon, Dawki - Umngot River, Cherrapunji, and the count still goes on.