Why Northeast India Finally Started Receiving Proper Attention?
Traditionally, travel plans across India used to include such places as Goa, Rajasthan, Kerala, or Himachal Pradesh. At the same time, Northeast India has always remained one of the most underrated gems in the whole country. However, this story is changing now as the development of infrastructure, improvement of air connections, increase of popularity on social media, and people’s growing desire to see some authentic places start making this fabulous region shine. Thanks to government initiatives and tourism investments, remote places in the region become easily accessible to visitors. According to the recent reports on tourism, travel bookings to the Northeast increased dramatically in recent years. Several states set the records on the number of tourists in the past years.
The main advantage of this region is its ability to offer something that many popular destinations lack nowadays, namely, authenticity. In the Northeast, tourists have a chance to see untouched forests, clear rivers, colorful tribal culture, and mountain landscapes far away from crowds. Unlike overcrowded tourist spots, many places in the region allow enjoying nature and experiencing local traditions undisturbed by others. It is amazing how rare this feeling becomes these days. It resembles the opening of some kind of treasure chest that was unknown to the world for generations. This region is starting to get popular, but it is still one of the most underrated places to visit in Asia.
Growing Trends of Tourism in the Region
Statistics show that the number of tourists grows in almost all states of the Northeast. For example, Meghalaya sets a record on the number of tourists, and Mizoram proves to be one of the fastest-growing destinations in the region. Reports claim that Northeast still remains mostly untapped despite the growing number of tourists, which gives immense chances to adventurous travelers.
Overview of the Eight States of Northeast India
In total, there are eight states in the Northeast of India, namely, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim. All these states are completely unique, possessing their languages, traditions, festivals, cuisine, and landscapes. To explore the Northeast, it is necessary to visit different countries because traveling through this region resembles the journey to several states.
The Northeastern region borders with Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Nepal, which adds to its uniqueness and contributes to the incredible diversity that is observed in this area. It allows encountering Buddhist monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh, Christian tribal groups in Nagaland and Mizoram, ancient Hindu temples in Tripura, and unique indigenous traditions in all states of the Northeast. The diversity is rarely observed in other regions of India.
The Seven Sisters and Sikkim
In the old times, this region was called the Seven Sisters and included seven states, namely, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. Later Sikkim was added to the group of Northeastern states.
The Natural Beauty That Leaves Travelers Speechless
Certainly, nature is the most amazing thing that can be seen in the Northeast of India. The region can surprise travelers with some of the most picturesque landscapes that exist in India: snow-covered Himalayas, rainforests, and tea gardens. Everywhere you look, there is a picture to take.
The diversity of landscapes of Northeast India is its amazing feature. The journey through this region allows enjoying alpine terrains, subtropical forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Low density of population helps preserve the ecosystems, and the traveler often feels that he or she sees the untouched world.
Mountains, Valleys, Rivers, and Waterfalls
Brahmaputra River forms the most part of the landscape of Assam, while Meghalaya boasts with the territories that are among the wettest regions in the world. Arunachal Pradesh surprises with the amazing Himalayas, while Sikkim impresses with the majestic mountains. Rivers, caves, lakes, and waterfalls give the traveler endless possibilities for discoveries.
Secret Landscapes of Northeast India
Some of the places in the region remain unknown even for professional travelers. There are many villages located in the mountain valleys, unexplored trekking paths, and nature reserves that need to be discovered.
Assam – The Entry Point of the Region
Assam is usually used as the entry point of Northeast India. The region is famous for its tea plantations and can surprise visitors with the perfect combination of nature, wildlife, and culture.
The greatest attraction of Assam for the fans of wildlife is Kaziranga National Park that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the protector of one-horned rhinoceros that is critically endangered. Besides, tourists can enjoy river islands, ancient temples, and local markets. The city of Guwahati is often used as the base to discover the rest of the region.
Tea Gardens, Wildlife, and Culture
Tourists interested in nature and culture should definitely visit the tea gardens of Assam that shaped the history and the economy of the region. Visiting the tea estates gives an idea of how one of the most popular beverages in the world is produced.
Meghalaya – The Abode of Clouds
Nowadays, Meghalaya can boast with its high popularity among travelers. It is called “the Abode of Clouds” because it is characterized by amazing waterfalls, lush forests, and one of the cleanest rivers in Asia. Shillong is known for its pleasant climate and rich cultural heritage.
The most famous sights of the region include the living root bridges that are made by locals through the years. These amazing engineering monuments prove the traditions that still exist in some parts of Northeast India.
Living Root Bridges and Crystal-Clear Rivers
Arunachal Pradesh – India’s Last Frontier
This region is often called India’s last frontier because it is one of the least explored parts of the country. Mountains, Buddhist monasteries, and remote tribal villages are the main components of its landscape.
The most popular destination of Arunachal Pradesh is the town of Tawang that is surrounded by snow-covered peaks and is the home of one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the world.
Monasteries and Himalayan Adventures
The region attracts trekkers, photographers, and spiritual seekers.
Nagaland – A Cultural Treasure
Nagaland is characterized by one of the richest cultures of India. Numerous Naga tribes live here and celebrate the traditions that were kept for centuries. Colorful clothes, music, dances, and unique architecture represent the culture of the region.
The Famous Hornbill Festival
The Hornbill Festival has become one of the most important tourism events in the Northeast India. Every year, the number of visitors grows as the festival offers authentic cultural experience and unique opportunity to learn about the heritage of Naga people.
Manipur – The Jewel of India
Manipur is a wonderful mix of beautiful landscapes and rich culture. The most famous attraction of the region is Loktak Lake, which is the largest lake of the Northeast India. The lake is famous for its floating islands, which is known as phumdis.
Loktak Lake and Floating Islands
The trips on this lake offer amazing views while giving an opportunity to observe fishing communities that live nearby.
Mizoram – The Emerging Tourism Star
According to the recent tourism data, Mizoram is developing rapidly and becoming one of the fastest-growing regions of Northeast India. Increased number of tourists comes to the region thanks to developed infrastructure, ecotourism initiatives, and rising popularity among travelers.
Scenic hills, bamboo forests, and clean cities create the environment that is perfect for leisure and active travel. Unlike many popular destinations, this region still preserves its peace and calmness.
Scenic Hills and Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable tourism plays a vital role in the development strategy of the region. The local communities contribute to the preservation of natural and cultural resources of the region thanks to the growing tourist attention.
Tripura and Sikkim – Unique Places to Discover
Tripura and Sikkim are often overlooked by other Northeastern regions. However, both these places have much to offer to the travelers. Tripura is characterized by magnificent palaces, archaeological and cultural sites that testify to long history of the region, while Sikkim fascinates tourists with its amazing mountainous scenery, Buddhist monasteries, and environmentally friendly approach.
The charm of these places consists in the fact that they do not belong to mainstream destinations. Travelers who do not follow the most common routes can get unforgettable impressions here. Watching the sunrise on the mountain peaks or visiting ancient temples, travelers will definitely get the chance to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the region.
Unique Food Experience in the Region
Food lovers can spend weeks tasting the cuisine of Northeast India. It does not resemble what people imagine as Indian cuisine. Fresh produce, fermented products, smoked meat, bamboo shoots, and herbs are the main ingredients of the meals.
Every state of the region offers unique cuisine, which was formed due to specific geographical and climatic features of the place. Enjoying local dishes, the traveler will have an opportunity to understand the peculiarities of local life and culture. Those who love trying the cuisine of other regions will get a totally new perspective on Indian food.
Opportunities for Adventure Tourism in the Region
Adventure tourism is becoming one of the strongest advantages of the Northeast of India. Trekking, cycling, river rafting, camping, cave exploration, wildlife safari – this is only a small part of the list of possibilities that await the travelers in the region. Different terrains offer plenty of opportunities to both beginners and experienced adventurers.
Unusually for the popular adventure tourism destinations, in this region the traveler can enjoy the pure wilderness while being in touch with amazing nature.
Northeast India as the Hotspot for Wildlife
Northeast India is the hotspot of the biodiversity. Dense forests, wetlands, grasslands, and mountain ecosystems serve as home to an impressive variety of species. The rare animals, colorful birds, and unique plants attract researchers from all over the world.
Wildlife Destinations of the Region
Destination State Main Attraction
Kaziranga National Park Assam One-horned rhinoceros
Namdapha National Park Arunachal Pradesh High biodiversity
Keibul Lamjao National Park Manipur The floating national park
Balpakram National Park Meghalaya The unique ecosystem
These reserves are extremely important not only for the conservation but also for the eco-tourism of the region.
When to Visit Northeast India
Depending on the chosen destination and activities, the best season to visit the region is considered to be the period from October to April. Pleasant weather, clear sky, and colorful holidays make this time ideal for traveling.
However, the monsoon season is able to amaze travelers with the green landscapes and waterfalls. Although heavy rain may interfere with traveling, this season can be interesting for those who are interested in dramatic landscapes.
Travel Tips for the First-time Visitors
Preparing the trip in advance, the traveler can improve his or her experience in the region. First of all, it is necessary to learn the information about permits. Moreover, it is necessary to pack the warm clothes because of the variable temperatures. One should also respect the local traditions when visiting some sacred sites.
Improvement of Connectivity
Thanks to the investments into road and airport infrastructure, the connectivity of the region is constantly improving.
Conclusion
Certainly, Northeast India is the unique and the most underrated destination of the world. Thanks to breathtaking landscapes, cultural diversity, authentic atmosphere, and accessibility, there are numerous opportunities for traveling here. Despite the increasing tourism, this region still remains mostly untapped. Recent reports indicate that Northeast India occupies the small part of the market of India.