Overview
Arunachal Pradesh, India
Home to picturesque mountains, unexplored passes, tranquil lakes and famous monasteries, Arunachal Pradesh is an amazing destination for an amazing holiday. Arunachal Pradesh is the perfect state for you if you wish to explore the tribal culture and the simplicity of their exquisite beauty. Its amazing array of flora and fauna, in a unique habitat with glaciers, high altitude meadows and sub-tropical forests add to the charm of the beautiful state.
Arunachal Pradesh, bordered on the south by Assam, on the west by Bhutan, on the north and northeast by China, and on the east by Myanmar is also known as the "Orchid State of India" or the "Paradise of the Botanists". More than 500 species of birds have been recorded to be found in this state, many of which are highly endangered and restricted to this state. For the most part, Arunachal Pradesh is covered with serene mountains that offer one a breathtaking view during the winters. As the snow covers the peaks of these mountains, flora and fauna display a state of calmness and freshness in the region. The crafty, yet traditional people of the state welcome one and all with a smile on their faces and love and warmth in their hearts.
Assam, India
Assam, a treasure trove of natural beauty and diverse history, is one of the least explored regions in the country, lending it an immaculate, untouched aura that is sure to allure you. A land of wild forests, mighty rivers, and acres and acres of tea plantations, Assam, located in North East India, has a breath-taking landscape and is known to be one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the entire world. A veritable paradise, Assam shares international borders with both Bangladesh and Bhutan and boasts of its vibrant culture and scenic beauty, as well as its historical significance. One of the most beautiful states of India, Assam is the gateway to the enchanting and unexploited northeastern part of the country. With the majestic Brahmaputra river, magnificent hills, its rich flora and fauna, the state is every tourist's paradise.
Spread over an area of 1250 kilometres, Majuli is the largest river island of Asia and is famous for its traditions and its vibrant culture. Home to the 'Mising' or 'Mishing' tribe, Majuli is a great place to sit back and take in the beauty of the village which is surrounded by water. The Misings have a unique lifestyle, and they celebrate various festivals with a lot of pomp and show. Dibrugarh, a city in Assam, is known as the Tea City of India.
Hajo, an extremely ancient pilgrimage centre for not one or two, but three different religions, stands as a beautiful example of the secular diversity that exists in India. The area is dotted with numerous temples, mosques and churches, as well as other religious and sacred artefacts. Haflong, Assam?s only hill station, is a stunningly beautiful place, marked with rolling mountains and lush green valleys. It is also known as 'The Land of the Blue Hills'.
Mizoram, India
Known as the 'Songbird of India', the northeastern state of Mizoram is one of the smallest states in India. The moderate climate of Mizoram, which is comfortable even in during summer makes it an attractive destination for all the tourists. The vast culture and grand festivals of the state have a unique, irresistible charm which can not be explained or read; it can only be felt once you are in the peaceful, serene land of Mizoram. The dense greenery and the 21 hill ranges that stretch throughout the territory of Mizoram is sure to take you surrounded to a different world. An Inner Line Pass is required to enter Mizoram.
Mizoram offers you a calm, serene atmosphere with exciting outdoor activities in the beautiful lush green surroundings which keeps you close to the peaceful nature. With grand festivals, happy people wearing colourful traditional costumes, Mizoram welcomes you to explore its beauty and richness. Don't forget to stop by the tribal artisans and get amazed by their unique talent and pick a traditional shawl for yourself as a souvenir. For non-vegetarian people, the food of the state will be a real treat while vegetarians will have to choose carefully from the dishes. If you love to be in nature's arms, then Mizoram is the place for you!
Meghalaya, the abode of clouds, is one of the most beautiful states in North-East India offering a variety of sights, activities, food and festivals to the tourists. Well known for Cherapunjji, the place which receives one of the maximum rainfall in the world, Meghalaya can mesmerise you with its hills, valleys, lakes, caves and waterfalls which when combined with the beautiful clouds, give it a very serene, beautiful look.
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, and it?s the most urbanised area you will see in the entire state. Shillong has a lot of leftover British colonial influence that is evident from the plentiful British architecture. Owing to the magnificent lakes all around the town, and the hills surrounding it, Shillong has often been called the Scotland of the East. Cherrapunji is famous for its rainfall, and it used to be the wettest place on Earth before the title was taken over by Mawsynram, which is less than 100 kilometres away from Cherrapunji. The Living Double-decker Root Bridge is a famous attraction in Cherrapunji, where trekking and hiking activities are offered for tourists.
If you want to take a look at Asia?s cleanest village, don?t forget to visit Mawlynnong. Lying on the border separating India from Bangladesh, Mawlynnong is an amazingly clean village in Meghalaya where every street corner has a bamboo dustbin to ensure nature-friendly disposal of trash. The focal point of attraction of this village is the Sky Watch, which is a bamboo structure that offers sweeping views of the Bangladeshi plains from the top. Meghalaya has a history of rich craftsmanship, and wood-carving and artistic weaving are famous crafts here, especially in the Jaintia and Khasi districts.
Manipur, India
The jewel city of India, Manipur in the north-eastern part of the country, is listed among one of the most beautiful places of India where Mother Nature has been extra generous in her bounty. Least touched and least discovered, Manipur promises to be a great tourist discovery as the state offers endless enjoyment and pleasure with its exotic landscape, undulating hills, green valleys, blue lakes and dense forests. The Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur is the only floating national park in the world. Manipur is well-known in the whole country for its Rasleelas and Manipuri, which is the classical dance of the state.
Richly endowed with the natural beauty of waterfalls, lakes, streams, evergreen forests surrounded by nine sub-Himalayan ranges that attract tourists from all over the world, Manipur is beautiful, calm and serene with it's most ecstatic simplicity. Its greenery combined with the pleasant climate makes it attractive to tourists. Loktak Lake, Sendra Island, INA Memorial, Keibul Lamjao National Park are some of the major tourist attractions in the state. Shopping in Manipur is all about local handicraft, handloom and jewellery which are all readily available at the Khwairamband Bazar, Tribal Emporium and Sangai Handloom and Handloom House apart from the colourful local shops in the various cities.
Nagaland, India
Nicknamed as the ?Land of Festivals?, Nagaland is a quaint state in the north-east part of the country and is one of the most-loved hill station tourist destinations in India. Nagaland is as much about scenic beauty as it is about carefully preserved history and tradition, and a visit to this mesmerising state will open up a vista of things you can see and do to make your holiday a memorable one. Inhabited by the tribes who are very protective towards their culture and identity, Nagaland is another name for beauty and bounty. Colourful costumes, spicy cuisines, pleasant weather, traditional villages, beautiful dance forms and lyrical songs are all that define the north-eastern state of Nagaland.
Nagaland has many places to offer to nature lovers; Japfu Peak, Dzukou Valley, Shilloi Lake are some of the places where people can find nature in its bounty. Like the other north-eastern states, Nagaland is also rich in culture with a variety of tribes. As all the tribes have their festivals and ceremonies, Nagaland is always ready to welcome a festival with great joy, and gaiety and food remain as much a part of the celebration as the dances and songs. Naga people eat almost anything that they can lay their hands on, be it dog, pork, snails or even an elephant and no part of the animal is wasted be it the skin or intestine. It shows how much they relish food and drinks. These jolly, colourful and crafty people are the soul of the state while nature attracts tourists from all over the world.
Tripura, India
Rich in gorgeous landscapes, crystalline waterfalls, awe-inspiring mountains, dense forests, and a generous sprinkling of history and tradition, Tripura is a popular tourist destination situated in North-East India. This land-locked state nestled at the foot of the Himalayan mountains has a long historical legacy behind it; Tripura was once home to the famous Manikya tribe, which resulted in the conception of a plethora of varied archaeological monuments and structures in the state, all of which attest to the rich cultural and traditional past of Tripura. The state exhibits a unique blend of traditional tribal culture with a little more modern Bengali culture, giving rise to a harmonious cultural ambience that you will not find anywhere else in the country. Tripura is more than just its breathtaking beauty; it is an illustration of a long and varied legacy of history and tradition, thus promising you a holiday you won?t forget anytime soon.
Rich in art and culture, the land of nineteen tribes, Tripura is situated in the lush green hills and blessed with natural beauty and picturesque locations which attract tourists from all over the world. The religious festivals, colourful costumes, artistic cane and bamboo products, multi-linguistic people and delicious food, memorable sightseeing, adventurous trekking and lively shopping experience- There is nothing that Tripura lacks and will regenerate and rejuvenate your soul and spirit.
Sikkim, India
Sikkim, located in the north-eastern region of India, is a small state with a big heart. Travelling across this Himalayan state is particularly highlighted by the dramatic contouring of the scenery from thick woodlands to colourful meadows to few barren patches to the panoramic views of the snowcapped mountains. Occupied by warm-hearted people offering some of the best hospitality and boasting of magnificent treks, snow activities and scenic views, Sikkim is truly a destination people fall in love with!
The third highest peak in the world and jewel of the state, Kanchenjunga is visible from almost anywhere you stand. Characterised by freezing winters and cool summers, the state plays host to a large number of tourists all year round.
Accessible mainly via road from the neighbouring states, the newly inaugurated Pakyong airport near the capital city of Gangtok highlights government efforts towards better connectivity.
Until 1975, when it was merged with India, Sikkim functioned as an autonomous kingdom with its own monarchy. Since then, it has become an integral part of India with a distinctive culture which has evolved into a multifaceted one. Influenced by the peaceful coexistence of the dominant Nepalese community with the native Bhutias and the immigrant Lepchas, one will find many monasteries and Hindu shrines close to each other.