Tourism in North East India
Tourism in North East India
North East of India is the land of hills and plains where the sun kisses the nature at its best and it is covered with a wide variety of rare flora and fauna. India's North East consists of eight states. It shares borders with countries like Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Tibet. The northeast region of India is blessed with picturesque landscape, wildlife, historical sites. All this offers a great scope for tourism in this region.
North East region of India offers a wide range of attractions such as hills, national parks, lakes, green valleys and mesmerising natural beauty. The northeast region of India is rich in diversity and cultural heritage. It is renowned for its wildlife, hill stations, pilgrimages, adventurous sports, cruises, golf, mountaineering, trekking, historical sites. India's North East consists of eight states which are listed below :
1. Arunachal Pradesh
2. Assam
3. Manipur
4. Meghalaya
5. Mizoram
6. Nagaland
7. Sikkim
8. Tripura
State-Wise Tourist Attractions
1. Arunachal Pradesh
- Tawang Monastery
It is the largest monastery of India situated in the valley of Tawang river. The full name of Tawang monastery is Tawang Galdan Namgye Lhatse which means 'site chosen by the horse is the celestial divine paradise'. The monastery is situated at an elevation of 3,000 metres. It was founded by Merek Lama Lodre Gyamsto in 1680-81.
- Ziro Valley
Ziro Valley is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It is located at an average elevation of 5,500 feet above sea level. It is shortlisted as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- Nuranang Falls
Nuranang Falls is also known as Bong Bong Falls or Jang Falls. It is 100 metres high fall located in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is located at an average altitude of 1,829 meters above sea level. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in India.
- Bomdila
Bomdila is a small town located at an altitude of 2,530 metres above sea level. This town offers a majestic view of Himalayan terrain with its snow-clad mountains. It is also popular for its Apple orchids and Buddhist Monasteries. It also attracts adventure seekers with its numerous trekking and hiking trails.
- Siang River
Siang River offers many adventure sports to the travellers such as river rafting, trekking and angling. It is located in a small town called Pangin. There is a hanging bridge in the Siang river which is made up of bamboo and cane. Pangin is a magnificent place where you can visit its various tourist attractions such as Kekyar Monying, Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Nagula Lake
Nagula Lake is located at an average elevation of 4,300 metres above sea level. The lake is usually frozen all the times apart from the summer months from April to June and during September to October. It is a must visit picturesque spot for nature lovers.
- Gorichen Peak
Gorichen Peak is the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh with a height of 6,858 metres located at a distance of 164 km from the Tawang district. It is also known as Sa-Nga-Phu Peak which means 'Kingdom of Diety'. It offers spectacular views to the travellers. It is one of the great mountaineering and trekking spot.
2. Assam
- Kamakhya Temple
Kamakhya Temple is an ancient Hindu Temple dedicated to goddess Kamakhya. This temple is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Piths. The temple is located on the Nilachal Hill of Assam. It is also known as Kamrup-Kamakhya Temple.
- Kaziranga National Park
- Kaziranga National Park is a sanctuary located in the Nagaon and Golaghat districts of Assam. It is popular for its great one-horned Rhinoceroses. This park is a World Heritage Site. The park is also home for Swamp Deer, Wild Asiatic Water Buffalo, Wild Boar, Hog Deer, Elephants, Bengali Tigers and Leopards.
- Majuli Island
Majuli is the world's largest river island on Brahmaputra river located 20 km from Jorhat in the state of Assam. This island is formed by river Brahmaputra in the South and river Subansiri in the North. Naghmar is the main village of Majuli island where many events and festivals held. Majuli is known to grow 100 different varieties of rice. It is also a perfect destination for Bird watching.
- Dibrugarh
Dibrugarh is a city located in the eastern part of Assam. It is also known as 'Tea City of India'. It is an industrial city located at an average elevation of 108 metres above sea level.
3. Manipur
- Loktak Lake
Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the North-Eastern region of India. It is the world's only floating lake due to its floating phumdis. It is located in Bishnupur district in the state of Manipur. The lake is well known for its circular floating swamps which are also known as 'Phumdis' in the local language. Phumdis is a collection of heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil and organic matter at various stages of decomposition. Loktak Lake is called 'Jewel of Manipur'. The lake is home for various species of birds, aquatic plants and animals.
- Imphal Valley
Imphal Valley is an oval-shaped canyon which is formed by the drainage of small rivers which originate from the neighbouring hills. The rivers which flow down to the valley are Khuga, Iril, Thoubal, Sekami and Imphal river. It covers an area of 1,843 sq km. Imphal Valley has several tourist attractions such as Loktak Lake, Kangla Fort, Polo Ground and Manipur State Museum.
- Kangla Fort
Kangla Fort is situated at the banks of Imphal river. It has the archaeological, religious, cultural and historical significance which makes it a great tourist attraction. Kangla was the ancient capital of Manipur.
4. Meghalaya
- Shillong
Shillong is a beautiful hill station located in the state of Meghalaya. It is surrounded by beautiful pine trees. Due to its natural beauty, Shillong is called 'Scotland of the East'. Shillong offers crystal clear lakes, snow-clad mountains, museums, zoo, golf courses, waterfalls which makes it a great tourist attraction. It is also popular as 'Music Capital of India'.
- Umiam Lake
Umiam Lake is a scenic reservoir located. This lake is a part of a dam which is constructed as the first hydel power project of North-East India. It offers various water sports such as Kayaking, Scooting and Water Cycling. Travellers can also enjoy riding Paddle Boats, Cruise Boats, Row Boats and Speed Boats. The lake is surrounded by the Khasi Hills and offers a mesmerising view of nature to the tourists.
- Mawlynnong Village
Mawlynnong is a village located in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. It is located at a distance of 90 km from Shillong and well known as 'God's own Garden. The village is renowned for its cleanliness. It has also won the acclaim of being the cleanest village of Asia in the year 2003 and the cleanest village of India in 2005. This village offers spectacular natural beauty, lush greenery all around. The village is located on Indo-Tibet Border so it offers a mesmerising view of Bangladesh plains.
- Laitlum Canyon
Laitlum Canyon is a magnificent destination which is located at the top of the East Khasi Hills of Shillong, Meghalaya. Laitlum Canyon means 'End of Hills'. It is a less crowded and less commercialised secluded spot where one can spend some time in a peaceful environment. The ascent to the site is a long and rocky trail which attracts trekkers and adventure enthusiasts the most.
- Umngot river
Umngot river is situated in Dawki village in the state of Meghalaya. It is considered as the cleanest river of India. Umngot river has crystal clear water. The water of the river is so clear that when seen from a distance it seems as the boat is floating in mid-air. This river is a natural boundary between Ri Pnar of Jaintia Hills with Hima Khyrim of Khasi Hills. A single span suspension bridge hangs over it. It is the gateway to Bangladesh. Dawki is a trade route between India and Bangladesh.
- Jaintia Hills
Jaintia Hills is a land of hills rich in its natural vegetation and mineral deposits. It offers lush greenery, beautiful waterfalls, pristine lakes to the tourists. The place generally receives heavy rainfall and is surrounded by dense forests. On 31 July 2012 the Jaintia Hills district is bifurcated in two districts - East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills.
5. Mizoram
- Vantawng Falls
Vantawng Falls is located in Serchip district in the state of Mizoram. Vantawng fall is 230 metres in height and originates from Vanva river. This fall is the highest fall of Mizoram and 13th highest fall of India. It is surrounded by lush greenery and rocky terrain. It is located at a distance of 137 km from Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram.
- Durtlang Hills
Situated to the north of Aizawl, Durtang Hills offers a great scenic view along a steep slope. The rocky hills provide a spectacular view of the entire Aizawl city. The peaks of Durtlang Hills are popular as a trekking destination among tourists. The view of the city from the top of the Durtang Hills is breathtaking.
- Reiek heritage village
Reiek is a village which consists of various traditional huts of various Mizo sub-tribes. These huts contain several entities such as a fireplace, bamboo baskets, grinding machine, a wooden tool for spinning yarn from cotton and mortars which are an essential part of daily Mizo life. Anthurium Festival is held every year at the tourist resort in Reiek village. It is a three days festival which represents Mizo culture and traditions.
6. Nagaland
- Dimapur
Dimapur is a popular tourist destination of Nagaland with Dhansiri river on one side and wooden meadow flanking on the other side. The word 'Dimapur' in Naga means 'The city near a river'. It offers panoramic natural beauty which attracts nature lovers the most. It has several tourist destinations such as Medziphema, Zoological Park, Nagaland Science Centre and Nichuguard Village.
- Mokokchung
Mokochung is an ancient village of AoNaga tribe of Nagaland. The people of Mokochung village celebrate festivals to honour their culture and traditions. Moatsu and Tsungremong are the main festivals celebrated by the villagers. There are several other tourist destinations around Mokochung village such as Langpangkong Caves, Baptist Mother Church and Dikhu river.
Doyang river is one of the largest rivers of Nagaland which is surrounded by dense forests. The river is also known as Dzulu. The river flows through the Wokha district. The main tributaries of the Doyang river are Tsui, Tullo and Toshi. You can also enjoy fishing here. There are many water sports options available in the Doyang river for the travellers.
- Doyang River
Doyang river is one of the largest rivers of Nagaland which is surrounded by dense forests. The river is also known as Dzulu. The river flows through the Wokha district. The main tributaries of the Doyang river are Tsui, Tullo and Toshi. You can also enjoy fishing here. There are many water sports options available in the Doyang river for the travellers.
- Mon
Mon is the place which is located near the Indo Myanmar Border. Mon is one of the best places for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is the land of Konyak Nagas whose traditions and culture attracts the tourists. Mon is known as the 'Land of Anghs'. The Konyak Nagas are well known for their tattooed faces and blackened teeth. Some other tourist destinations around Mon are - Longwa and Veda Peak.
- Shilloi Lake
Shilloi Lake is a beautiful natural lake located in Lutsam village of Nagaland. The place is popular as a fishing spot. It is a perfect place for bird watching. The shape of the lake looks like a human footprint from the top. The lake is surrounded by the lovely hills along with the pine forests and has a wide variety of flora and fauna.
7. Sikkim
- Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. It is a hill station that provides the majestic view of Kanchenjunga peak which is the third highest mountain peak in the world. Gangtok is opulent in natural beauty. There are many other attractions around Gangtok such as Lal Bazaar, Rumtek Monastery, White river rafting in Teesta river, Tashi view-point, Yumthang Valley and Zero Point.
- Pelling
Pelling is a hilly town which is located 131 km away from Gangtok. Pelling is located at an elevation of 2,150 metres. It offers spectacular views of Kanchenjunga peak and Himalayas. It is also a base from where trekkers and adventure seekers undertake the treks in West Sikkim. The tourist attractions nearby Pelling are Kanchenjunga Falls, Rock Garden, Khecheopalri Lake and Enchey Monastery.
- Kanchenjunga
Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain peak in the world which lies between Nepal and Sikkim, India. Kanchenjunga mountain is a part of the Great Himalayan Range. Some viewpoints of Kanchenjunga which provides an amazing view of snow-clad peaks are Tashi viewpoint, Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok.
- Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake is an oval-shaped lake that is located at an elevation of 3,753 metres in East Sikkim. It is also known as Changu Lake. The lake is located at a distance of 40 km from Gangtok and it remains frozen during the winter season. The lake is surrounded by snow-covered peaks. This lake is situated in a restricted area so it is essential for all the visitors to obtain permits.
- Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 4,310 metres. It is located in the Himalayas in the East Sikkim district of Sikkim. On the Indian side, Nathula Pass is 54 km to the east of Gangtok. Only Indians can visit the pass after obtaining a permit in Gangtok. Nathu La Pass is one among the three open trading border post between India and China. The two other trading border post between India and China are Lipulekh in Uttarakhand and Shipkila in Himachal Pradesh.
- Dzongri
Dzongri peak is perched at an altitude of 4,000 metres in West Sikkim. The Dzongri trek starts from Kanchenjunga National Park which is in Yuksom village. The trek to Dzongri is for five days. Trekking permits are mandatory for foreigners which are available at tourism offices of Gangtok.
8. Tripura
- Ujjayanta Palace
Ujjayanta Palace is a royal palace located in Agartala the capital of Tripura. The palace stands at the banks of a small lake and is surrounded by lush greenery of Mughal Gardens. The palace was built in the year 1901 and it includes Public halls, Reception halls, library, Durbar Hall. Throne Room and the Chinese Room. The musical fountain is also installed in the front of the main entrance of the palace. 'Ujjayanta Palace' name was given by Rabindranath Tagore.
- Tripura Sundari Temple
Tripura Sundari Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Tripura Sundari who is also known as Devi Tripureshwari. The temple is also known as Matabari. This temple is located in Udaipur which is 55 km away from Agartala. The temple is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. It is said that this is the place where the right toe of goddess Sati fell. The temple is considered to be one of the holiest Hindu shrines of India.
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