Best travel destinations in the Indian North East
The Indian North East is the hidden gem of diversity in India. Travelling the North East India is a serendipitous discovery of the cultural mélange of India. More often than not, visitors to the North East destinations are pleasantly surprised to come across kindness and hospitality that the people of this part of the country extend, even to strangers. This feeling of being welcomed is further augmented by the mesmerizing landscapes, and distinctive natural beauty the region has to offer.
The mountains, forests, rivers, forgotten tribes, flora and fauna, cultural history, and all these experiences while crisscrossing multiple ethnic regions make for a blockbuster travel escapade!
However, the North East is not all fun and soiree. Due to its proximity to the borders of China, Bangladesh, and politically unstable parts of Myanmar, there are certain travel protocols for the safety of visitors. Travel permits like Protected Area Permit (PAP), and Inner Line Permit (ILP) are widely required by the governments of many border states to visit NE.
I have selected the following regions of the Indian North East, considering the ease of connectivity, accommodation facilities available, current political situation, and relevance to both domestic and international visitors.
1. Nagaland
Nagaland is the epitome of North East India. I remember over two decades ago, while still in college, the most vivid pictures of North East were of the Naga tribes with their colourful shawls. Most of us, then, couldn’t really differentiate between a Mizo, Manipuri, or Khasi. However, young Nagas were starkly unique in their disposition. Leather jacket-loving, long-haired, rugged-looking boys, and extremely lively and boisterous girls. Though it wasn’t a tourist place then because of political disturbances in the area.
Fast forward 20 years, Nagaland still has all the uniqueness, and has fortunately grown up to being one of the most beautiful and visitable regions in the North East. The first thing that comes to mind when making a tour program for Nagaland is the Hornbill Festival. Held in the first week of December at the Heritage Village of Kisama, the Hornbill Festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland, as presented by its 18 officially recognized tribes.
Presentation of tribal dances, displaying their colourful traditional dresses and ornaments, exhibition of their traditional dwellings called “morungs”, arts and crafts, food, and music, form the highlights of the 10-day festival.
While you are in Nagaland, a visit to Longwa Village to experience the Headhunters’ history of Nagaland is a “must do” activity. For the adventurers, a hike to Dzukou Valley is the icing on the cake!
2. Assam
Guwahati, in Assam, is the historical Constantinople of North-East India. It is a major trading port and the center of all land and air connectivity to the rest of the region. Therefore, when planning for a tour of North East India, Assam becomes the pivot destination.
Due to its strategic importance in the past, Assam continues to play its role of strategic importance in North East tourism sector as well. It has an international airport, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kaziranga National Park – home to the world’s largest population of One-Horned Rhinos, India’s most favourite brew of Assam CTC Tea, river cruises on the Brahmaputra, world’s largest river island of Majuli, also located in the middle of river Brahmaputra, and a historical distinction of being a home of the great Ahom tribe.
When you plan to visit Assam, these are the “must do” activities:
✓ Spend a night at the Kaziranga National Park
✓ Overnight at Majuli Island
✓ Experience boating or cruising on the Brahmaputra
3. Meghalaya
As we cautiously stepped into the 2000s, relieved to have escaped the apocalyptic rumors of Y2K, one village in North East India made news of being Asia’s cleanest village, giving us something to cheer about in the fresh new world. That was Meghalaya’s village of Mawlynnong, and still holds the title to this day.
Meghalaya is home to some of the most innovative natural heritages. The living roots bridge is one such marvel. A natural architectural art perfected by the Khasi people of the Khasi and Jaintia hills of the region. Dawki Lake is another natural wonder, being the cleanest lake in India.
All these also reflect the conscientious role the inhabitants play in the conservation of their natural heritage. Meghalaya, indeed, could teach the rest of the country in nature preservation and co-existing in natural harmony.
4. Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is dear to India in many aspects. It is the land where the first rays of the sun shines in India. It is also the land which opened the gates of India to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and his entourage in exile, during the mass exodus of Tibetans from their homeland in 1959.
Blessed with unique and rich biodiversity, it is home to over 500 species of wild Orchids, found in the forests adorned in its high mountains and deep valleys. Arunachalis consist of different ethnic tribes, each having its distinct cultures, traditions, and festivals.
“Must do” activities in Arunachal Pradesh include visits to Tawang Monastery, a Buddhist monastery established around the 17th Century AD, a Hindu pilgrimage site of Parshuram Kund, and experiencing the local faith of “Donyi-Polo”, a belief system deeply rooted in Animism. For melomaniacs, Ziro Music Festival is the Woodstock of the North East.
Arunachal Pradesh is also a haven for adventure lovers and trekkers. It is an excellent destination for both high-altitude trekking and cultural treks.
Vishal Eli Chamling
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