The ‘ Northeast‘Is a collective name for the easternmost part of India, consisting of the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. Assam and Sikkim are sometimes included in this formulation but in this post they are discussed separately. The people of this region traditionally have close ethnic and cultural ties with neighboring Myanmar (Burma), Tibet, China, Bangladesh and Bhutan. Many languages of the Tibeto-Burmese family are spoken here.
During the British period, several separate kingdoms and tribal communities of the region were brought over to India; they mainly functioned as a buffer for the borders. After independence, the relative isolation of these areas continued. These states have seen and continue to see secessionist and ethnic movements, many involving violence and military domination. In 1947, the region was divided into Assam, Manipur and Tripura. Over the years, the other states were formed, by dividing the larger state of Assam. Most of the northeast is not well connected to mainland India. There is a lack of tourist infrastructure and many travel restrictions. This and the turbulent environment means that traveling here is tough and requires a lot of planning.
Arunachal Pradesh
The lowest population density in India, a staggering 82 percent of the area under forest cover, almost all of it a biodiversity hotspot; hardly a hotel in sight, often not much by road, and no visits without permits. The beautiful Siang, Subansiri, Kameng and Lohit rivers (of which more than 300 are planned) divide Arunachal Pradesh into valleys that are difficult to cross. This state is exciting, demanding and virtually the last unspoiled frontier.
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Manipur
A beautiful oval valley surrounded by low hills of Manipur, it came under the British in 1891. Imphal, the capital, is located in the valley and is distinguished by its feisty women weavers, potters and traders. Meities are the main ethnic group and practice an interesting form of Vaishnavism. Loktak Lake, the largest lake in the North East, is home to floating islands and Sangai deer. Moirang, Bishnupur and Ukhrul are interesting places.
Meghalaya
The ‘abode of clouds’ is famous for Cherrapunjee-Mawsynram, which records the highest annual rainfall in the world. It is a planet of waterfalls, gorges, residential root bridges. The capital Shillong is a cosmopolitan tourist destination in the northeast. Meghalaya is populated by Khasi, Garo and Jaintia tribes. The Khasis are a matriarchal community with a number of unique traditions.
Mizoram
A state blessed with as many as 21 hill ranges – Mizoram. The main ethnic group is the Mizos, which are predominantly Christian. The capital, beautifully situated on a mountain ridge, is Aizawl. Mt Phawngpui, Champai and Vantawang are the other attractions.
Nagaland
‘Land of Nagas’-Nagaland is a place of ease and beauty. The kind of ease with which the Ao Nagas celebrate their tribal festivals as well as their Christian beliefs. The beauty of colorful weaving traditions and dances. And the beautiful atmosphere of the capital Kohima (although Dimapur is the largest city).
Tripura
The most populous, least hilly state here was a palatial state until it became part of India. Tripura’s capital Agartala has a beautiful palace. Udaipur, the historic capital, is known for its lakes.
Assam
Assam is the gateway to the rest of the seven sister states. The mighty river Brahmaputra flows through the state and defines why it is the land of untouched natural beauty.
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