Places That Make North East India An Alluring Place In India

One of the remotest and least visited areas in India, the North East is a land of magnificent physiological beauty and cultural disparity. Protected by WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature), it is home to some of the highest bird diversities and last remaining rain forests in Asia.

The north eastern states are attached to the rest of India by a narrow stretch of land known as the Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s neck), flanked by Bhutan and Bangladesh. The various cultures and beliefs, and the distinct tribes also form part of the North East Indian tourism allure.

# Forest Reserves and National Parks

The area boasts of numerous forest reserves and national parks such as Kaziranga, Keibul, and Namdapha. Kaziranga is a world heritage site located in the Nagaon and Golaghat districts of Assam. Famous for being the natural habitat of two-thirds of the world’s great one horned rhinoceroses, and the highest density of tigers in the world, Kaziranga was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006. Being one of the largest protected areas of the sub-Himalayan belt along with its diverse species, it a popular hotspot for North East Indian trips.

The Keibul National Park in Manipur boasts of being the last refuge of the endangered sangai or Manipur brow-antlered deer, thought to be extinct once. It is the only floating park in the world, so called because of the floating, thickened vegetation, known as phumdis. The multi coloured water plants and intricate boat routes are notable features. Keibul National Park is an important part of Loktak Lake. North East India tours often include Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the region. It is an Endemic Bird Area (EBA) and home to rare animals like the Indian python and barking deer.

Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh, is the largest national parks in the region, and one the largest wildlife protected in the country. Another national park is Balphakram, located 3000 metres above sea level in Meghalaya. A fascinating fact about this park is that it’s known as the “land of spirits” and “abode of perpetual winds”.

# Hills and Hill Stations

Aside from national parks, there are also various hills which are used for trekking and hiking. The most famous is Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Naga Hills are the established homeland of the Naga people. They are part of an elaborate mountain system which allows them to function as a barrier between India and Burma.

Garo Hills in Meghalaya are one of the wettest places in the world. Home to the unique institution of Bachelors Dormitories which allows young people to live together prior to marriage, and attain training in protection of crops, organising festivals, etc. The hills are a major tourist attraction for naturalists and photographers.

There are many hill stations in the states which can be visited to get a feel for the culture of the north east. Cherrapunji, the “land of the oranges”, or Sohra is in Meghalaya. It and the nearby station Mawsynram are the wettest places on earth. The society is matrilineal. The valleys of Cherrapunji are lush with diverse flora. It is also famous for living root bridges. They are a form of tree shaping, handmade from the aerial roots. Conditioned for a long time, the bridges can span around 100 feet, and their lifespan is 500 – 600 years.

# Festivals

Majuli or Majoli is the largest river island in the world, located on the Brahmaputra River in Assam. Trips to North East India are incomplete without the numerous festivals. There is the festival of “Ali aye ligang” in Majoli, a hill station. It is celebrated in mid February for 5 days. People perform a traditional dance Gumrag Soman, which worships the moon and the sun. Another festival is the Raas festival, held in the honour of Lord Krishna. It is a 3 day long celebration, showcasing the rare and famous craft traditions of the area. Majoli is also a bird watching paradise.

The Hornbill festival in Kohima, Nagaland, is the most famous agricultural festival of the region. It is held in December. Some of the main tribes come together in solidarity and participate in it together. There are parades, drinking and eating fairs, dances, games and other activities.

The Bihu festival of Assam is a set of three festivals throughout the year, collectively known as Bihu. The Darjeeling Carnival is held for 10 days. It’s a celebration of music and cultural heritage in the winter season. There is also Dashain (Durga puja), Tihar (Diwali), Losar, and the Brahmaputra Beach festival, among others.

# Monuments and Structures

For architectural enthusiasts, there are many places to visit. The Neermahal in Tripura, is a grand palace built by King Bir Bikram Kishore in 1930. It was made employing various elements of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Another palace is the Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala. Built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya, it was named by Rabindranath Tagore. There is an enchanting fountain show after sundown.

Other must see places are the Tawang Monastery of Arunachal Pradesh, the Darjeeling War Memorial and treks to the Goecha La pass and basin. The Talatal Ghar, located in Rangpur, Assam, is the most majestic example of Tai Ahom architecture. The tea gardens of Assam are the largest tea growing regions. Along with southern China, it’s the only region with native tea plants.

Tours to North East India, despite the isolation of the people from the rest of the country, can be filled with various activities. Boat rafting, trekking, skiing; discovery of north eastern cuisine distinct to each state, visiting the monasteries, national parks, hills and festivals can make for an unforgettable experience steeped in a different and multi-faceted heritage.