NorthEast India

Places it includes

Assam, Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram

Culture & Festival

North East India paints a rainbow of different cultures with most of its population belonging to different tribes living there for generations. Colourful attires, charming jewelry and unique traditions and festivals make this a life-time experience for every tourist. People here are simple, helpful and love to celebrate every thing with a festival right from spring to first harvest to folk songs and dances.

Few popular festivals in North East:

Bihu Festivals (Assam) – As per the customs, there are three Bihu festivals in a year. These are celebrated in April, mid-January and mid-October respectively.
Hornbill Festival (Nagaland) – December first week
Brahmaputra Beach Festival (Assam) – January
Torgya Monastery Festival (Arunachal Pradesh) – January
Nongkrem Dance Festival (Meghalaya) – November
Yaoshang Festival (Manipur) – February-March
Chapchar Kut Festival (Manipur) – February-March

Shopping Attractions

Bamboo craft (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland)
Golden-toned silk (Assam)
Handloom carpets & other products (Nagaland, Assam, Mizoram)
Lew Duh (Popular market in Shillong for all major souvenirs and artifacts)

Highlights

Wildlife sanctuaries, monasteries, hill stations, trekking, tea gardens, cultural festivals, various cuisines

Hornbill Festival in Nagaland is a treat not to be missed for those who are interested in exploring the Naga culture. Held every year in December, it offers you a variety of entertainment and is one of the hot favourites of tourists here.

Best time to visit
October to February

Smart Tip

Although people in main attraction sites generally understand and speak English, most of the North East communicates in their local languages. Hence, it is always a good idea to go there with a multilingual guide who is familiar with the traditions and the language.

Make sure you don’t forget to get hold of a Protected Area Permit (PAP) before you chart out your itinerary for North East as certain states here need this permit for non-Indian travellers for entry.

Description

The charismatic yet unspoiled beauty of North East India has nearly every traveller spellbound. What really makes this travel destination special is that unlike other attractions, this place hasn’t lost its sheen with over exposure or commercialisation.

Seven sisters waterfalls, scenic views, wildlife and a vibrant display of different cultures reflected in temples, monasteries and the festivals are few of the highlights of North East that make it extremely popular for those who want a fresh recluse from the hustle bustle of city life. The hill stations here are a big hit with tourists, especially Gangtok, Phasigat, Tawang and Shillong.

Being extravagantly rich in flora and fauna, North East India has numerous wildlife parks and sanctuaries to conserve and maintain the beauty of wildlife found in abundance here. One can get lucky and see endangered one-horned rhino, red panda, snow leopard, yaks and world’s largest ox, gaur among other rare animals. Kaziranga National Park, Nameri Bird Sanctuary and Manas National Park are few of the popular wildlife parks here.

The place also offers amazing trekking options in Sikkim and other places and if you’re lucky, you can witness some of the most vibrant cultural festivals from different tribes living in eight different states that together form North East.

How to Reach

Assam remains the commonly preferred entry point to North East with several airports, although other states too offer connectivity with airports and well-maintained roads. However, if you decide to travel by trains, then Assam and Nagaland are the only states in North East offering connectivity. Also, certain states in North East require travellers to get a Protected Area Permit (PAP) before they can enter the states.