North East India
Northeast India represents the true meaning of beauty in diversity. Tucked away amidst the beautiful hills and surrounded by beautiful culture and traditions.
Exhilarating and magnificent are two words that come to mind when describing the Northeastern region of India. This small region tucked in the easternmost part of India shares several international borders and is one of the most ethnically diverse and linguistically rich regions in the country. All states have their own unique culture, customs, festivals, and cuisine. Traditional farming practises, indigenous crafts, handloom weaving, traditional attires, musical instruments, and rich folklores set out to mesmerise the traveller’s heart. This biodiversity rich region is home to some of the cleanest and greenest villages in the country, and is a great ecotourism destination. Winding roads, lush forests, spectacular waterfalls and scenic rivers make for awesome road trips.
NORTH EAST STATES
A kaleidoscope of vibrant communities.
The North Eastern Region of India comprises of eight states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. Every state shares an international boundary, and the people of the region are multi-ethnic and multi-cultural. The states have numerous significant sites that point to its intriguing history, such as: the Ita Fort in Arunachal Pradesh, Talatal Ghar in Assam, Shaheed Minar in Manipur, Nartiang Monoliths in Meghalaya, Mangkhaia Lung in Mizoram, Kohima War Cemetery in Nagaland, Neermahal in Tripura, and the Rabdentse Ruins in Sikkim. Additionally, folklores galore of each state’s communities add to the depth of the history of the people. The geography of Northeast India places the region in the top biodiversity hotspots in the world, and the diverse topographical features make possible a host of activities such as trekking, hiking, rafting, camping, and fishing, not to mention scenic landscapes which allow for memorable road drives and rustic picnic spots. The people of Northeast India proudly hold egalitarian beliefs and the region is recognised as a dowry free zone. People are known for their hospitality, and any visitor is welcome to partake in the abundance of festivals that celebrate food, culture, and community.
NORTH EAST FOOD
From land to pot, hearty meals cooked the most wholesome way.
Northeast Indian cuisine is distinct from the rest of the country. For starters, there is very little use of masalas and added oils. Traditional cooking instead utilises fresh ingredients—varieties of herbs, roots, leaves, mushrooms and produce of the forest. Meat and fish are a part of the standard diet and you’ll find baskets stored with smoked meat and dried fermented fish. Special cooking methods involve baking in banana leaves on an open fire, or cooking in hollow bamboo placed over a steady fire. Be prepared for the heat of chillies and the surprise of fermented foods which are a staple feature in Northeastern cuisine. Whatsmore, the special delicacies of this region include, but are not limited to, the hornet larvae, red ant larvae, termites, grasshoppers, silkworm and other insects. Plus, each state has its own special type of traditionally brewed rice beer and their potency is sure to leave you pleasantly sated.
NORTH FESTIVALS
A land thrumming with songs and festivities.
Northeast India is a hub for festivals. Come any season of the year, the numerous rich ethnic communities ensure that a great number of festivals are taking place in one corner or the other. Take, for example, the Losar festival that happens in February in Arunachal Pradesh, or the Bohag Bihu of Assam in April, or the Nagaland Hornbill festival that takes place in December; each month of the year is guaranteed to offer a festive treat to the eager explorer. Festivals here extend to a number of days and relate to agriculture, religion, and tourism. They feature music, folk songs, folk dances, and feasts. At such events cultural programmes and fairs are organised, rituals are observed, delicacies prepared, and various competitions held. From region to region, festive performances include beating of log drums, sounding of war cry, folk dances depicting victory or war, singing to the sound of gongs and clash of cymbals, and graceful movements to rhythms. These festivals usher in messages of peace, harmony, well being, and a hope for a strengthened bond between communities. Besides these, there are the iconic Ziro Festival of Music, Hornbill International Rock Contest, NH7 Weekender, and Metropolis Asia that’s sure to leave the music lover in you shaking a leg.
PLACES TO VISIT
Be challenged, be mesmerised, be rejuvenated
Rolling hills and fertile plains, enchanting monsoons and crisp cold winters, and the treasures of flora and fauna are a sure remedy to invigorate the searching soul. Take a tour of lush tea estates, see the only floating national park in the world, admire the holy buddhist site of the biggest monastery in India, or climb and conquer the challenge offered by the numerous peaks in the region. Whether it’s a trek up to the village where the sun first rises in India, a visit to the world’s wettest place, a trip to the world’s largest river island, or witnessing for yourself a village chief’s house where an international border runs through, Northeast India is a snug treasure cove waiting to be explored.
SIKKIM
Nathula Pass, Sikkim
Once part of the ancient Silk Road, the 14,450 ft. high Nathula Pass is a popular tourist spot. A few hours’ drive east of Gangtok, Nathula Pass offers tourists a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Hire a cab and drive down the road towards the pass, often called one of the scariest roads in India, to enjoy the beauty of this hillside and catch a glimpse of the Chinese side of the border. Regardless of the time of year you visit, this is one place you’ll always see some snow.
Best Time to Visit: May to October
ASSAM
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
The Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its dense forests, elephant-grass meadows, and swampy lagoons is home to the largest Indian rhinoceros population. The park is one of the best known biodiversity hotspots in India with four pre-defined tourist circuits. Each of these circuits has its own distinguishing feature. This 430 square kilometer national park is also the breeding ground for many other animals and birds.
Best Time to Visit: November to April