The Northeast Echoes with the Promise of Magic

The Northeast is a kaleidoscope of a myriad cultures, geographies and myths. Here the mighty Himalayas provide a fitting backdrop to picture postcard landscapes of rolling hills, verdant forest, clear streams and lush meadows. The differences are many and yet a certain je ne ce quoi binds all eight states in a cohesive harmony that is represented holistically as the Northeast. Large parts of the region remain unexplored even today. It is this remoteness of the northeast that makes it all the more alluring for the discerning traveller. There’s so much to do and see here that you’ll be spoilt for choices. Whether you’re on a spiritual journey to find God or an adventure junkie seeking newer thrills, or a musician looking for the best music festival in India, the northeast truly is the best place to travel in India.

 

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Discover the Cultural Kaleidoscope of the Northeast

There are over 220 ethnic groups scattered across the northeast states, each with their own language/dialect and histories. The culture of the region is an eclectic mix of Tibetan, Burmese and East Indian influences. The indigenous people of the northeast take great pride in their ancestral history and have preserved their culture and customs for generations. The Apatanis of Arunachal Pradesh, the Missing and Bodo tribes of Assam, Khasis and Garos of Meghalaya and the Angami of Nagaland are among the biggest tribal communities in the northeast. Some of the best cultural tours in India take you to the heart of these villages where you can get an insight into the agro-rural lives of communities. They practise the same trades and crafts of their ancestors, using age-old methods of weaving and farming. Photograph indigenous tribes, join their colourful festivals and discover their fascinating stories when you visit the northeast.

The Northeast Beckons with Adventure

If the outdoors call out to you, then there’s no better place to visit than the northeast. The eight states stretch over a diverse geography that includes snowy mountains, rugged slopes, dense forest and gushing rivers. One of the most popular Northeast adventure tours is the trek to Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest mountain in the world. Situated between Nepal and north Sikkim, Kanchenjungha (8586 metres) draws hundreds of trekkers and mountain climbers to its icy slopes every year. The Northeast is also a popular destination for white water rafting. The Brahmaputra River offers some of the most challenging rafting stretches in the country with tricky Grade V and V+ rapids. If you’re a biking enthusiast, then the rolling tea plantations of Assam with their winding roads and grassy plains provide the perfect setting for northeast motorcycle expeditions. Thrills are aplenty in these remote parts of country, just waiting to be discovered by those who seek them.

Wildlife Thrives in Pristine Environs

The northeast is home to seven major national parks of India. Of these, Kaziranga and Manas National Park in Assam are UNESCO conferred World Heritage Sites. The region has several endangered species of birds and animals in addition to hundreds of varieties of rare flowers and medicinal plants. The best wildlife tours in India include a trip to the northeast sanctuaries to spot the famous one-horned rhino found exclusively in these parts. Kaziranga is also a recognised Tiger Reserve and houses several species of big cats including leopards, tigers, snow leopards etc. The northeast also has the largest orchid park in India with over 500 varieties of rare and exquisite orchids. Photographers have a field day capturing the many aspects of nature on wildlife photography tours in the northeast. Sacred groves in Meghalaya are home to rare herbs and medicinal plants that tribal people use to make traditional medicine. These plants thrive in their natural environment without any external tending and are of particular interest to botanists around the world.

History meets spirituality  

The cultural diversity of the northeast is most evident in the ancient monasteries and temples that exist here as seats of Buddhist, neo-Vaishnavite and Hindu spirituality. These places of worship draw thousands of devotees every year. Whether it’s the 400 year old Tawang Monastery revered by Buddhists as the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama, or the sacred Kamakhya Temple, integral to Hindu pilgrimage or the satras of Majuli Island, carrying the legacy of neo-Vashnavite teachings, these ancient structures are shrouded by a fascinating mesh of fact and fiction. The architectural wonders of Shivasagar, capital of the ancient Ahom kings reflect the splendour of the dynasty that ruled the northeast for 600 years in the 13th century. Here history is inextricably linked with legend making it the best place to travel in India.

Every corner has a new surprise

The northeast is full of surprises. Every state has something new; something that takes you entirely by surprise. One day you could be visiting Mawlynnong in Meghalaya, touted as the cleanest village in Asia followed by a trip to Mausinram in Cherrapunjee, the rainiest place on earth. You could choose to experience the colonial life at one of the famous tea-tees in Assam and immediately after set off on a luxury cruise on the Brahmaputra. Visit the largest river island in the world at Majuli, climb the snowy slopes of the Kanchenjungha, visit the best music festival in India, camp out under the stars in the remote Ziro valley, try the hottest King Chilli in the world! Come to Northeast and discover an idyllic paradise hidden beneath lofty peaks and azure skies.