India North-East India
North East India
Northeast India refers to the easternmost region of India consisting of the contiguous Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura (known as seven sister states), Sikkim, and parts of North Bengal (districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Koch Bihar). Northeast India is ethnically distinct from the other states of India. Linguistically the region is distinguished by a preponderance of Tibeto-Burman languages. Strong ethnic cultures that had escaped Sanskritization effects permeate the region.
The states are heavily forested and have plentiful rainfall and known for beautiful wildlife sanctuaries, tea-estates and mighty rivers like Brahmaputra. The region is home to one-horned rhinoceros, elephants and other endangered wildlife. For security reasons, including inter-tribal tensions, widespread insurgencies, and disputed borders with neighbouring China, there are restrictions on foreigners visiting the area, hampering the development of the potentially profitable tourism industry.
Sikkim: Sikkim, a mountainous landlocked state is a biologically diverse state with many rare plants, around 600 species of orchids and about 600 species of birds. Mt Kunchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world is in Sikkim. The government of Sikkim promotes eco-tourism is has made many efforts to promote wildlife conservation in this state. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is known for its scenic beauty and Buddhist monasteries.
Assam: This state in Eastern India is known for the mighty Brahmaputra River, for tea estates where some of the finest teas are produced, for the Kaziranga wildlife sanctuary where the Great Indian one-horned Rhinoceros can be seen in its natural habitat and the beautiful landscape of paddy fields and teak forest. Guwahati the capital city of Assam was the historic capital of the Ahom kings
Meghalaya: This state in Northeastern India is also called the "Scotland of the East" because of the similarity of its landscape. The beautiful Khasi, Lushai Garo and Jaintia Hills, which are criss-crossed by streams and waterfalls, provide the backdrop for this state. Known for its pleasant climate and friendly people Meghalaya or "Land of the Clouds" is a scenic tourist destination. Shillong the capital of Meghalaya, is a popular tourist destination in Northeast India, known for its slopes covered with pine and fir trees and the nearby Barapani Lake which is a popular picnic spot.
Manipur: This state in Northeastern India is home to the Manipuri people, known for their Hindu culture, their graceful Manipuri dance form, and for the Keibul Lamjao National Park where the rare Sangai or Brow Antlered Deer is found. Imphal, the capital of Manipur, has some historic buildings and is a beautiful hill station. It is famous for its "Mothers Market," where all the shops are owned and operated by women.
Mizoram: This state in Northeastern India is home to the Mizo people. Known for their colorful hand woven traditional clothing, their rhythmic bamboo dance and their love for music, the Mizos are proud of Mizoram, a beautiful state known for its scenic beauty. Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, is known for its beautiful landscape and churches.
Nagaland: This state in Northeastern India is home to many different tribes of the Naga people. Some of the major tribes are Angami, Ao, Chakesang and Zeliang. Each tribe has its own distinctive handwoven shawl, created usually from red balck and white colors. Known for its tropical forest, and beautiful landscape, Nagaland has tremendous tourism potential. The capital Kohima is known for its churches and war cemetery where the British troops, who died fighting the Japanese, during World War II were laid to rest.
Arunachal Pradesh: This state in Northeastern India is known for the Tawang monastery and for its unexplored beauty. The rare orchids found in the state, the arts and crafts of the tribal people and the exotic wildlife, which includes the Snow Leopard make a visit to Arunachal Pradesh an exciting one. There are also many venues for angling and fishing in Arunachal Pradesh. Itanagar the capital is known for its Ganaga Lake and Ita Fort, which are popular tourist attractions.
Tripura: This state in Northeastern India is known for its green landscape, the handwoven silk garments and cane and bamboo handicrafts of its people. There are some splendid palaces in Tripura including the Neermahal Palace seton an island in the middle of the Rudrasagar Lake. There are a number of important Hindu and Buddhist shrines, sculptures and artifacts of historical value to be seen in Tripura. The capital Agartala is known for the Ujjayanta Palace, various temples and handicrafts emporia.