About North East India
Historically, North East India was one political entity of Assam. The other seven states were carved out of it subsequently. Nagaland was the first one followed by others and the latest one is Sikkim. The north eastern region finds its earliest mention by the Chinese explorer Chang Kien as far back asin10 B.C.. Later, even Huen Tsang visited this region.
The north east region is extremely rich in natural beauty with mountains,lakes, rivers, wildlife and plants being found in plenty. The people of the region are also extremely distinct and bear very little resemblance to the people of the rest of the country. Their culture, tradition and way of life are completely different from other parts of India. Ironically, its abundance of natural wealth and its different people, have not attracted as many tourists as it should have. The reason for this is that not much is known about the region. The interiors of the region remains largely unexplored by a large number of tourists. However, gradually, this is changing and people from both India and abroad are sitting up and taking notice of this land which, unmistakably can be defined as the favourite of mother nature.
For a tourist visiting the north east region of India, natural beauty is not the only attraction. There are plenty of historical and cultural monuments to see as well. Adventure sports also form a major attraction here.
States of North East India
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Assam
The beauty of Assam is extremely delightful and the visitors to this state of India will be pleasantly surprised by the umpteen attractions that remain hidden in this mystical land of eternal blue hills and beautiful rivers. The mighty river Brahmaputra finds it way all the way from Tibet to pass throught his state. The major attraction of Assam is its cities and villages, wildlife parks, adventure sports and festivals. All these give tourists anin depth knowledge, not to forget entertainment during their vacation. Assam is also famous for its tea gardens and golf courses.
Major Places - Digboi, Guwahati, Kaziranga, Manas,Nameri, Majuli, Sibasagar, Tezpur.
Wildlife Sanctuaries, Pilgrimages, Monuments - Kaziranga National Park,Manas National Park , Nameri.Wildlife Sanctuary, Kamrup Kamakhya Temple,Hajo.
Reaching There» By Air - LGB International Airport (Guwahati)
» By Train - Guwahati Railway station.
Meghalaya
As per its name, Meghalaya (or the ‘Abode of the clouds) receives abundant rainfall. The earliest mention of the place is found in Sankaradeva's 'Bhagavata Purana' in 1500 A.D. The great scenic beauty of the state with hills, valleys, orchids, rivers, waterfalls, streams and lakes is simply indescribable. The climate, the scenic beauty, the people and abundant opportunity to enjoy wildlife and adventure sports make Meghalaya one of the most exotic destinations in the North East region.
Major Places - Shillong, Cherrapunjee, Mawsynram,Jakrem, Monoliths in Khasi, Jowai in Jaintia, Nartiang, Tura in Garo Hills
Reaching There Shillong is connected to Guwahati by helicopter. Guwahati is also the nearest railhead.
Manipur
South of Nagaland is the ‘Jewelled land’ of Manipur. This state occupies a very small portion of the northeast region, but it is remarkable in its natural beauty and elegance with blue green hills, rushing rivers and blooming flowers. The state has popularised the very famous Manipur dance which tourist will definitely enjoy to watch on their vacation. A whole lot of the state remains unexplored by the tourists, hence everything will be new and enchanting.
Major Places - Bishnupur, Kaina, Khongjom, Tengnoupal, Ukhrul, Manipur State Museum, Red Hill, Shree Govindajee Temple,Khwairamband Bazar, Shaheed Minar War Cemeteries, Khonghampat Orchidarium,Manipur Zoological Gardens, Moirang Loktak Lake.
Reaching There» By Air - Imphal Airport
» By Rail - nearest railhead is in Dimapur in Nagaland.
Nagaland
Nagaland is basically a tribal state north of Manipur. The people of this state celebrate one festival per month (total number of festivals is 16).Like all other states of North East, Nagaland is also bestowed with natural beauty that is breath taking. The high mountains, meandering streams and verdant valleys are inspiring. The terrain of the state also provides an opportunity for the tourists to enjoy adventure sports.
Major Places of Interest - Kohima (Kohima War Cemetery,State Museum), Dzukou Valley
Reaching There
» By Air - Nearest Airport is at Dimapur. Besides,the state is well connected to the major cities of Assam and neighbouring states.
Arunachal Pradesh
The land of Arunachal Pradesh is the first state in the country to receive the sun rays in the morning. The picturesque surrounding of the state is a delight for a tourist visiting the state. Brahmaputra, one of the major and longest rivers in the Indian sub continent, flows through Arunachal by the name of Siang. The terrain of the land also provide for adventure sports for tourists . Arunachal Pradesh is home to around 63 tribes. These tribes celebrate numerous festivals that are colourful and hugely entertaining.
Major Places of Interest - Bomdila, Tawang, Dirang, Itanagar, Tipi and Tezu
Reaching There» By Air - Nearest airport Tezpur in Assam
» By Rail - Nearest railhead Harmuty in Assam.
Sikkim
Overlooked by Mt Khanchendzonga, Sikkim is one of the most remote area of the north east region. Sikkim is often referred to as the last Shangrila because of this remoteness. The state boasts of magnificent scenery - a combination of towering mountains and speeding rivers. The majestic mountains beckons tourists to undertake adventure activities in the state.The flora and fauna of the region is also unique and spectacular.
Major Places of Interest - Gangtok (in the eastdistrict), entire north district, west district for adventure activities and south district for monasteries.
Reaching There
» By Air - Bagdogra at a distance of 124 km from Gangtok has the nearest airport.
» By Rail - New Jalpaiguri (125 km) and Siliguri (144 km) connected to Delhi, Calcutta, Guwahati, and other important cities in India.
Tripura
Tripura has a huge number of attraction within its boundaries to draw tourist from all over. Apart from the natural beauty, that is so characteristic of the north east region, there is also plenty of other attractions like palaces, gardens and temples for the tourists to visit. The tribals of the state are also hugely attractive for tourists because of their distinct culture, traditions and festivals.
Major Places of Interest - Agartala, Ujjayanta Palace,Neermahal
Reaching There» By Air - Nearest airport Agartala
» By Rail - Nearest Railhead Kumarhat
Mizoram
The state of Mizoram lies in the southern most area of the north eastregion. Apart from the natural sceneries that make the state exceedinglyattractive, there are other things in store for tourists as well. These include the culture of the tribal people including their festivals and dance. Infact, there are ten dance forms that have developed in the state over the years.
Major Places of Interest - Aizawl, Tamdil Lake, WaterFalls, Champhai, Lunglei Bung and Paikhai.
Reaching There» By Air - Nearest Airport Aizawal
» By Rail - Nearest Railhead: Silchar in Assam.
