North East India
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
Arunachal Pradesh offers picturesque peaks and scenic rivers. Beautiful Buddhist monasteries and almost impenetrable deciduous forests add to the mysticism possessed by this ‘Land of Dawn Lit Mountains’. It also provides excellent opportunities for adventure sports like camping and rafting. While here you can enjoy a sip of the local drink ‘Apong’ or be a part of events like Losar and Saka Dawa.
PLACES TO VISIT: Itanagar (Itafort, Ganga Lake, Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, Buddhist Temple), Tawang (Buddhist monastery, Nuranang Waterfalls, Sela Pass, Sangetser Lake), Tezu (Parshuram Kund), Bhismak Nagar (archaeological ruins), Akashiganga, Namdapha (national park), Bomdila (crafts centre), Ziro (fish-cum-paddy culture)
CAPITAL – Itanagar | WEBSITE – http://www.arunachaltourism.com
ASSAM
A hot-spot for wildlife tourism with over 25 national parks and sanctuaries. Assam is home to the Indian Rhinoceros, Tiger and lush green tropical rainforests. It spans the fertile plains of the mighty Brahmaputra. Fine silks, woven mats, cane and bamboo furniture, and world-class tea are some added attractions. Local events and festivals include Bihu, Baishagu, Ambubachi Mela etc.
PLACES TO VISIT: Guwahati (Kamakhya Temple, Nabagraha Temple, Umananda Temple, Madan Kamdev Ruins, museum, zoo), Sivasagar, Majuli (Vaishnav Temples), Tezpur and wildlife sanctuaries in Kaziranga, Manas, Orang, Nameri and Pobitora.
CAPITAL – Dispur | WEBSITE – http://www.assamtourism.org
MANIPUR
Manipur’s rich culture excels in martial arts, dance (the Ras Leela) and theatre. Apart from breathtakingly beautiful orchids and Sangai, the state is famous for its hand-woven textiles, local pottery and Manipuri dolls. One can savour the Kabok cuisine and enjoy the festivities during Yaoshang, Cheiraoba (New Year), Heikru Hitongba (boat race festival), Ningol Chakouba, KUT (festival of Kuki-Chin-Mizo) etc.
PLACES TO VISIT: Imphal (Ima Market, Sri Govindaji Temple, Lagthabal’s Palace, zoo, war cemeteries, museum), Thoubal, Bishnupur (Keibul Lamjao National Park, INA Memorial, Loktak lake, Loukoipat Ecological Park, Leimaram Falls), Churachandpur, Tamenglong (Tharon Cave, Zeilad Lake, Bunung Meadow, known for Orange Festival), Chandel (Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary), Ukhrul.
CAPITAL – Imphal | WEBSITE – http://manipur.nic.in
MEGHALAYA
With its enchanting hill stations and picturesque landscaping, Meghalaya which means ‘Abode of the Clouds’, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The festivals of the state include Shad Suk Mynsiem, Behdeinkhlam, Nongkrem Dance Festival, Wangala Dance.
PLACES TO VISIT: Shillong (Ward’s Lake, Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Sohpetbneng Peak, Butterfly Museum, Umiam Lake), Sohra, Mawkdok, Nohkalikai Waterfalls, the Grand Canyon of Cherrapunjee, Mawsmai Cave, Nohsngithiang and Dainthlen Waterfalls, Mawphlang, Ranikor, Tura, Balpakram National Park etc.
CAPITAL – Shillong | WEBSITE – http://megtourism.gov.in
MIZORAM
The poetic juxtaposition of mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes seems to be the inspiration behind Mizoram’s beautiful music and dance. Even the traditional handloom shawls, hats and bags live up to its exotic reputation. The state is known for its dances like Cheraw or the Bamboo Dance while the events and festivals include Chapchar Kut, Thalfavang Kut and Anthurium festival.
PLACES TO VISIT: Aizawl (Bara Bazar, Luangmual Handicrafts Centre, State Museum, Durtlang Hill, Mini Zoo, Bung, Paikhai), lakes at Tamdil, Rungdil, Rengdil and Palak, Vantawng (Waterfall), Kolasib, Chaphai, Lunglei, Dampa Tiger Reserve, Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park and wildlife sanctuaries in Ngenpui, Tawi, Thorangtlang.
CAPITAL – Aizawl | WEBSITE – http://mizotourism.nic.in
NAGALAND
Nagaland lies nestled amongst the three mountain ranges of Naga, Patkai and Barail that rise from the Brahmaputra Valley. Unique crafts like colourful woven shawls, mats, bamboo works, decorative spears and tribal song and dance distinguish the various tribes. It has a rich tribal culture with 16 major tribes. The major events of the state are Sekrenyi, Moatsu, Tuluni, Tsukheny, Hornbill Festival, etc.
PLACES TO VISIT: Kohima (World War II Cemetary, Kohima Cathedral, museum, Naga Heritage Village, Intaki Wildlife Sanctuary), Dimapur (medieval ruins of the Kachari Kingdom, Diezephe Craft Village), Kiphire (Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, caves), Longleng, Mokokchung (lakes & springs), Mon, Peren, Phek (Shilloi Lake, waterfalls, caves), Tuensang, Wokha, Zunheboto (Ghosho Bird Sanctuary).
CAPITAL – Kohima | WEBSITE – http://tourismnagaland.com
SIKKIM
Infused with ancient history and Buddhist mysticism, Sikkim’s mountains are a paradise for trekkers and adventurers. Trekking trails lead to hidden lakes and ancient monasteries. The state has some of the world’s wildest rafting spots.
PLACES TO VISIT: East Sikkim (Gangtok – White Hall, Do Drul Chorten, Ridge Garden, Rumtek, Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass), North Sikkim (Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Kanchendzonga National Park, Chungthang, Yumthang, Gurudongmar Lake), South Sikkim (Tendong Hill, Namchi), West Sikkim (Rabdentse Ruins, Pelling, Yuksom).
CAPITAL – Gangtok | WEBSITE – http://www.sikkimtourism.travel
TRIPURA
Tripura has a long historic past. It is delicately beautiful with a legacy of fine palaces, Hindu and Buddhist monuments, protected forests and offers numerous cultural experiences. One can also enjoy festivals and events such as Kharchi, Orange Festival, etc.
PLACES TO VISIT: Agartala (Ujjayanta Palace, State Museum, Tribal Museum, Uma Maheswar Temple, Jagannath Temple, Benuban Bihar, Gedu Mian Mosque, Malanch Niwas, Rabindra Kanan, Fourteen Goddess Temple, Portuguese Church), Unakoti, Pilak, Udaipur, Tripurasundari Temple, Neermahal, Jampui Hill, Bhavaneswari Temple, Sepahijala, Kamalasagar, Deotamura, Dumboor Lake.
CAPITAL – AGARTALA | WEBSITE – HTTP://WWW.TRIPURATOURISM.IN
