About North East India

North-East India Explorer’s Tour

Photographs by Nassif Ahmed

Photographs by Nassif Ahmed

Northeast India refers to the easternmost region of India consisting of the contiguous Seven Sisters States, Sikkim, and parts of North Bengal (districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Koch Bihar). In the far northeast, the Chin Hills and Kachin Hills, deeply forested mountainous regions, separate India from Myanmar. The Bangladesh-India border is defined by the Khasi Hills and Mizo Hills, and the watershed region of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The Patkai, or Purvanchal, are situated near India's eastern border with Myanmar, made up of the Patkai–Bum, the Garo–Khasi–Jaintia and the Lushai hills. The Garo–Khasi range lies in Meghalaya. Mawsynram, a village near Cherrapunji , located on the windward side of these hills, has the distinction of being the wettest place in the world. This is the most tribal region of India. Although the mountainous scenery is arresting, the north east region remains the least visited part of India. This is due to its remoteness, and also the permit requirements placed on tourists.

1. Arunachal Pradesh

Until recently, travel to Arunachal Pradesh was highly restricted to foreigners due to its proximity to China Perhaps the most superb tourist attraction in Arunachal Pradesh is Tawang Monastery, glacier covered mountains & white water Rivers. Perched at 10,000 feet above sea level, it overlooks the Tawang Valley near the border of Bhutan. The monastery is the largest Buddhist monasteries in India. It also has a fascinating collection of thangkas (Tibetan paintings). If you can, visit it during the Torgya Festival. Those who like white water rafting should try the stretch along the Kameng which passes through the Kameng Gorge. Himalayan River Runners has a November trip.

2. Assam

Assam is the largest and most accessible of the north east India states. Its best known for tea and around 60% of India's tea is grown there. The capital and gateway of Assam is the sprawling and rather attractive Guwahati. Most people spend a few days there, as it's the best place to organize tours around Assam and the other north-east Indian states. There are also a number of temples and places of interest including the Pobitora wildlife sanctuary with highest density of one horned Rhinocerous in the world. However, the most famous attraction in Assam is Kaziranga National Park, home to the rare Great Indian One-Horned Rhinocerous and many endangered species of wild animal. You won't find this kind of natural habitat in many other places other than Assam, so a visit to this park is something special.

3. Nagaland

There are 16 major tribes in untamed Nagaland, which shares a border with Myanmar. Relatively new to tourism, the people are curious, warm, informal -- and open to attracting visitors. You'll never feel alone when visiting villages in Nagaland. And there are tourist lodges, with cultural programs, in almost every location in the state to accommodate you. However, what's really placed Nagaland on the tourist map is the fascinating tribes & Hornbill Festival (first week of December) and Moatsu Festival (first week of May).

4. Manipur

Manipur, located on the far north east border below Nagaland, has been described as the Jewel of the East due to its picturesque hills, valleys and culture. Its capital, Imphal, is surrounded by wooded hills and lakes. Manipur is also home Loktak Lake, the largest fresh water lake in the north-east region. Much of it falls within Keibuk Lamjao National Park, which would be a treasure to many bird specialists. Manipur has recently begun taking steps to develop its tourist potential, which is essential as the state struggles to overcome poverty in rural areas and rebellions between ethnic groups. A Lemon Festival is held every January in Kachai and the Kang Chingba Festival is also a huge event.

5. Meghalaya

Meghalaya used to be part of Assam. Known as the Abode of the Clouds, it's one of the wettest places on earth. Capital Shillong was a popular hill station during colonial times, with leftover features being a championship golf course and polo ground, Victorian bungalows, and churches. Concrete buildings have sprouted since then, but the charm hasn't been completely lost. The abundant natural attractions in Meghalaya include peaks, caves, waterfalls, lakes, and ancient root bridges. In fact, Meghalaya has the largest number of known caves in India -- currently 1,284. One cave is an incredible 39 kilometers long! Meghalaya Adventure Tours conduct week-long caving expeditions from Shillong. There are three tribes (Khasi, Garo, and Pnars or Jaintias) living in Meghalaya, and they have their own festivals. Garo Hills area is still a place to rediscover with its mysterious encounters with Mandeburung(Ape Man, like Yeti in Himalayas) & night emitting Trees, Rivers as well as Animals. 

6. Mizoram

Mizoram juts out at the bottom of the north east region, finger-like in its form. Its landscape is stunning and varied, with dense bamboo jungles, plunging gorges, rivers and lush paddy fields. Mizoram will hold a great deal of appeal for nature lovers. The state's festivals provide a good dose of culture as well, with the Chapchar Kut being one of the most popular. The most peaceful state of the North-east India with the second highest literacy rate in the country.

7. Tripura

Tiny Tripura, almost surrounded by Bangladesh, is the second smallest state in India. Heavily forested, it's renowned for its vast array of bamboo products. Handloom weaving is also a significant industry there. The mixed European-Mughal style Ujjayanta Palace provides interest at Tripura's capital, Agartala. However, as it's occupied by the State Legislative Assembly, only the grounds can be explored. Tripura's star attraction, however, is the lake place of Neermahal. It was constructed as a summer resort in 1930 by late Maharaja Birbikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur. There's a boating facility on the lake. Tripura also has a number of Buddhist temples, giving it appeal as a Buddhist pilgrimage place.

8. Sikkim

The newest addition the region with the most beautiful Himalayan range, Rives, Flora & Fauna. Capital city Gangtok is one of the most tourist friendly places one can come across. Gangtok is the venue for the International Flower Festival. The flower festival begins with the Orchid Show in March during which competitions are held in different sections. Sikkim is one of the examples for community based tourism, where one can enjoy the natural atmosphere with the community culture & foods. Sikkim has a lot of places of interest for tourists like tracking, rafting, jungle trailing, paragliding, skiing, boating as well as Buddhist tourism. It is the place where tourists can enjoy Mountain Biking, Yak Riding, water Rafting etc. adventure sports. December is the month for the annual Gangtok Food and Culture Festival organized by the Sikkim Tourism department. The first day usually begins with a carnival that moves across town.

     

North East Indian festivals, which highlights the region's rich indigenous sports, culture with folk songs, dances, foods and crafts.

 Discover 11 of the most popular ones :

1. Hornbill Festival, Nagaland

Nagaland, which shares a border with Myanmar, has really embraced the concept of tourism. The Hornbill Festival is perhaps the most renowned and largest of the North East India festivals, and it's certainly Nagaland's huge draw card. Named after the state's most admired bird, the festival showcases the heritage of the 16 tribes there, which in addition to dancing show off their hunting and warring skills. Over the years, the Hornbill Festival has grown to encompass the Hornbill National Rock Concert, which attracts bands from all over India to compete, and a night market.

When: December 1-7 every year.

Where: Kisama Heritage Village, in Kohima district.

2. Bihu Festival, Assam

Most famous for its tea gardens and rare Great Indian One-Horned Rhinocerous, Assam also has three cultural festivals a year, all known as Bihu, that mark a particular period on the agricultural calendar. The biggest and most colorful of the three is Bohaag Bihu (also known as Rongali Bihu), which is celebrated at seeding time in spring with plenty of singing and dancing. Kaati Bihu, at the completion of paddy transplanting, is a relatively solemn occasion involving the lighting of lamps to guide souls to heaven and with some scientific reasons. The end of the harvest season is marked by Maagh Bihu (also known as Bhogali Bihu), with bonfires feasting, buffalo fights, Bird Fights, pot breaking and many more of the traditional games & psorts.

When: Bohaag/Rongali Bihu (mid April each year), Kaati Bihu (mid October each year), and Maagh/Bhogali Bihu (mid January each year).

Where: All over the state and the Assam Tourism Department organizes a special Rongali Utsav at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati to showcase the cultural events.

3. International Flower Festival, Gangtok.

Gangtok is the venue for the Flower Festival. The flower festival begins with the Orchid Show in March during which competitions are held in different sections. The imaginative display of flowers in a large glass house at the Flower Exhibition Centre near the White Hall Complex is popular with both tourists as well as locals and attracts a large number of visitors daily. A similar festival is also held at Namchi, South Sikkim every year.

When: March every year.

Where: Flower Exhibition Centre near the White Hall Complex, Gangtok.

4. Dehing Patkai Festival, Assam

Another Assamese festival, organized by the Tourism Department around the time of Maagh/Bhogali Bihu, that's worth catching is the Dehing Patkai Festival. Named after the Dehing river and Patkai range in eastern Assam, it offers something for everyone. Attractions include fairs, tea heritage tours, golfing, adventure sports, hiking and wildlife, and trips to Stilwell Road and World War II cemeteries.

When: January each year.

Where: Lekhapani, in the Tinsukia district of Assam.

5. Torgya Monastery Festival, Arunachal Pradesh

A three day monastery festival, Torgya is observed by the Monpa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The rituals, including the performance of sacred dances by brightly costumed monks in the monastery's courtyard, are supposed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity to the tribe.

When: January each year. The celebrations are the grandest every third year, known as Dungyur Chenmo (the last one was in 2010).

Where: Tawang Monastery.

6. Shillong Autumn Festival, Meghalaya

October-November is the best time to visit the state of Meghalaya, kicking off with the renowned three day Autumm Festival. This festival is the premier event put on by the Meghalaya Tourism Department, and it has both regional and international performers. It includes a street carnival, fashion shows, beauty pageants, food and wine, flower shows, kite flying, traditional and rock music, golf, fishing, and art. Shillong is now in the world music map as it held a lot of musical events with almost all the world renowned musicians & groups.  

When: October-November each year.

Where: Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya.

7. Nongkrem Dance Festival, Meghalaya

The annual Nongkrem Dance Festival is a five day harvest thanksgiving festival of the Khasi tribe. The traditional dance is performed by young men and women dressed up in exquisite attire. If you're a vegetarian or animal lover, be aware that an important feature of the festival is the 'Pomblang' or goat sacrifice, which you will most likely want to avoid.

When: November each year.

Where: Smit, around 15 kilometers from Shillong.

8. Wangala Festival, Meghalaya

Another harvest festival, the Wangala Festival runs for two days and is dedicated to the sun god of fertility. It's marked by community celebrations, including dancing. However, the highlight is the sound of 100 drums (nagaras) being beaten. Hence, the alternative name for the festival -- the Hundred Drums Wangala.

When: Second week of November each year.

Where: Asanang village near Tura in the Garo Hills.

9. Chapchar Kut, Mizoram

Chapchar Kut (named after bamboo that has been cut and is drying) is an agricultural festival celebrated before planting begins. The bamboo dance, called Cheraw, is a big part of the festival. Different styles of dance performances take place amidst symbol clashes and beats of drums. There's art, handicrafts, concerts, flower shows, and food as well.

When: March each year.

Where: Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. Also Lunglei and Saiha.

10. Kang Chingba, Manipur

The Kang Chingba is to Manipur what the Puri Rath Yatra is to Orissa. It's an eight day religious festival that celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra. Thousands of devotees help pull the massive chariots that carry them. Feasting and dancing continue into the night.

When: July each year.

Where: Sri Sri Govindajee Temple, Imphal, the capital of Manipur.

11. Kharchi Puja, Tripura

Once a puja (worship ritual) exclusively for the royal family, Kharchi Puja is now one of the most popular festivals in the tiny state of Tripura. It's a week-long event that attracts people by the thousands. There are many legends associated with it that are of tribal origin, including the cleansing of Mother Earth and the worship of 14 gods as prescribed by Lord Shiva. Animal sacrifice is also part of this festival, so those who have an aversion towards such things should be aware to avoid it. However, there are plenty of other attractions such as a fair and cultural programs.

When: July each year.

Where: Old Agartala (Puran Haveli), at the temple of the 14 deities, not far from the capital city Agartala.

An Invitation

Travel North East India with the Musings of Colour & Culture Travel Packages. We at Colour Musings cordially invite you to travel with us and discover one of the least discovered part on the globe. North East India, the least discovered part of the sub continent is truly a paradise for the Tourists. Many centuries old cultural assimilation & social practice  has kept a tight leash on Natural practice; this has helped us to preserve its cultural from outer influence and its natural heritage.

We at Colour Musings have designed a number of Tour packages to give you an idea of what to expect. To experience the true essence of Traditional way of living, a village homestay plan can also be incorporated into your itinerary. North East village homestay is once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of a very rare culture intimately. We are very hospitable people and will readily take you as a part of our extended family. 

North East Tour with Colour Musings Travel Packages and embark on journey of a lifetime. Your North East travel experience starts mid-air at least 20 min prior to your landing at the Bagdogra Airport. Through your aircraft window and absorb the breathtakingly beautiful view of the highest Himalayan snow covered peaks showing their defiance of gravity, in all likelihood this is your first experience of directly staring at the majestic mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other star grazing peaks in real time. As the aircraft twist and turns between mountains on its final approach you see down below, on your sides and also sometimes above your eye level the beautiful Sikkim & Darjeeling countryside, with its sparsely populated villages picturesque terrace farms, virgin forest, serpentine rivers and roads. After you land and clear formalities you will be received by our registered guide outside arrival hall, welcoming you to the wonderful land.

North East is a unique travel destination for visitors to explore ancient and historical monuments, temples, fortresses and even an alternate life style. North East presents to its visitors a real Tribal culture and philosophy, unique flora and fauna, most exclusive trekking and mountaineering experience. North East is one of the most exciting destinations in terms of bio-diversity, wild life, culture, sparingly touched by modernization and provides stunning views of the Blue Hills. A North East tour is considered a once in a lifetime experience. Colour Musings welcomes you to explore this fascinating and mysterious land.