The North-East of India comprises the seven contiguous States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya, famously called the ‘Seven Sisters.’ The people here are simple but sturdy and the geography is mostly unexplored by the travellers. Like other States, they too have their share of ethnic and linguistic diversities, with a predominantly tribal population in several pockets. The region has been in the news elsewhere in recent times over discrimination against people coming to other regions for jobs and higher education. Although, the migration has been a result of the increasing pace of national integration and development. Till recently, for many countrymen, this region did not even exist, for some others it evoked images of just backwardness.
The North-East has much more to offer to the visitors. The region abounds with beautiful flora and fauna, lush green forests, wildlife sanctuaries, majestic mountains, the beautiful Brahmaputra. It has its own charm and anyone who visits this region wants to come here again and again. We present below some of the best, unexplored destinations of North-East India:
Majuli Island in Assam
Majuli island is the largest river island of the world. Yes, that is how we can introduce this island on the mighty river Brahmaputra. The natural scenic beauty, the beautiful landscape surrounding this island, a birds’ sanctuary – all these make it a tourist’s paradise. The island is noted for its Assamese Vaisnavite culture. One should visit the Vaishnab satras (monasteries) like Vaishnava Satra, Dakhinpat Satra, Garamurh Satra, Kamalabari Satra etc. You can explore the rich cultural traditions of Assam here. Enjoy Borgeet and other varied types of Satriya dances. They were historically started by Sankardeva, the 15th century saint. The island has abundant natural beauty.
Ziro Hill Station in Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro is one of the most beautiful hill stations in North-East India. Located in Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro is also known as Apatani Plateau, as it is the home to the Apatani tribe, the only tribe that has permanently settled here, unlike the other tribes of India, who are nomadic in nature. Ziro has beautiful hills abounding with pine trees all around it. The paddy fields also make this place look awesome during the harvesting time. There are Taley wildlife sanctuary, Kile Pakho ridge and Bamboo grooves worth seeing. Ziro is a World Heritage site.
Dawki Town in Meghalaya
Cherrapunji and Mawsynram in Meghalaya are well-known. But Dawki is quite different. It is a beautiful small town in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. It lies on the border of India and Bangladesh. The drive around Dawki is just about 95 km and you can enjoy the beauty of the gorges and ravines while driving. The two rivers, Dawki and Umngot, with its natural surroundings, make this place look splendid. The annual boat race on Umngot river during March–April is not to be missed if you visit this place during this time. The suspension bridge, Dawki Bridge, built by the Britishers is, another beauty to admire. Driving in Dawki is a thrilling experience indeed.
Mokokchung District Town in Nagaland
Mokokchung is a district town in the north-eastern State of Nagaland and an important urban hub after Kohima and Dimapur. It is the abode of the Ao Nagas, a land full of caves, springs and villages, a splendid place known for its age-old customs and traditions and interesting folklores. Mokokchung’s excursion destinations are Fusen kei and Mongzu Ki caves, Longkhum, which provides an astounding sight of the Rhododendrons in the hills, Longritzu Lenden river valley and Ungma village of Ao people.
Moirang in Manipur
The largest district town of Manipur, and known for the famous fresh water lake of India, the Lohtak lake, Moirang is worth visiting. Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is the last natural refuge of the endangered Manipur brow-antlered deer or sangai is located in this place. The district is also known for the INA War Memorial located here. Moirang also has the ancient temple of Lord Thangjing, a pre-Hindu God.
Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary in Mizoram
Dampa is a well-known wildlife sanctuary in Mizoram which was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1994. There are plenty of hills and forests and luxuriant rainforests. There are many wildlife species like tiger, leopard, elephant, bison, bear, swamp deer and hoolock gibbon. Dampa has become the safest tiger reserve in the country.
Unakoti Hills in Tripura
The beautiful hills with rock carved images of Gods, this is the premier tourist attraction of the State of Tripura. Unakoti has a picturesque view of stone images of various gods and goddesses – Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Maa Durga, Nandi Bull and others. Ashokastami Mela, a big fair, is held in the month of April every year. Thousands of pilgrims visit the fair. The place is an archaeological wonder with marvellous rock carvings and even today the place has a mystery to unfold.
Visit North-East India, explore this unexplored nature’s paradise. It will sweep you off your feet and make you love and respect this region.
