The infinite variety of its geographic setting, its topography, its varied flora and fauna and avian life, the history of its people and the variety of its ethnic communities and their rich heritage of ancient traditions and life styles ,its festivals and crafts make it a holiday wonderland that?s just begging to be discovered afresh. For centuries, the passes and valleys of the North Eastern region were the great crossroad of the movement of people, commerce and culture that linked overland to east and southeast Asia. This great ethno-cultural frontier is a rich complex transition point of racial, religious and linguistic streams.
The North Eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur ,Meghalaya ,Mizoram. Nagaland ,Tripura and Sikkim offers visitors a rare feast. The North east?s amazing diversity makes it a holiday-destination for all seasons. But because of the torrential monsoon it?s best to avoid the period between August and mid of September. Mid ?September to March are the finest months to explore this diversity at leisure.
Entry formalities
Restricted Area Permit
Restrictions are in place for entry of Foreign Tourist to visit some places in the following states:
Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim
Restricted area permits for Foreign Tourists Can be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners? Regional Registration Offices and Immigration Officer, Chennai apart from All Indian Missions overseas, I.G. Police Or Home Commissioners of all the above-mentioned states. Incase of Nagaland, the same can be also be obtained from the Office of the Resident Commissioner at New Delhi.
Inner Line Permits- Which can be easily obtained from the Resident Commissioner/Deputy Resident Commissioner at Delhi, Kolkata, Shillong, Guwahati or the Deputy Commissioners of Districts.
Arunachal Pradesh -
?The Land of the Rising sun.?-Arunachal?s mysterious, unspoiled loveliness entices the adventurer with its verdant valleys, misty mountain peaks, swift rivers and the finest sanctuary for some of India?s most endangered flora and fauna. Its virgin isolation, due to restricted entry Regulations, has been a blessing disguise as Arunachal still retain intact its centuries old pristine vistas, diverse tribal heritage and exotic geographical features. Living in isolated splendour this exciting, new holiday destination shares its remote borderlines with Myanmar, Bhutan and China(Tibet).Plunging down from Rugged peaks are emerald valleys fed by the intricate cobweb of rivers and streams that criss-cross this vast land. The mighty Siang River(starting as the Tsangpo in the Mansarovar in Tibet )fed by thousands of rivers and streams en route through Assam. Hidden amongst its verdant valleys are Arunachal?s tribal village offering a dynamic insight into the fashioning of this land and its people .Discover the intriguing traditions of ancient lifestyles lived out against one of the most diverse ecological setting in the country .Uncover the myths and legends of this land and its people. Marvel at its cultural and religious wealth and antiquity. Experience the wild beauty at its very best.
Itinerary:
1.Bomdila-Sela-Tawang
2.Itanagar-Ziro-Along-Pasighat
Best time to visit: From October to May
Temperature: In summer ,ranges from 23.C to 35.C and in winter, from 1.C to 16.C
Assam -
The stunning grandeur of its dense tracts of tropical forest, paddy field, lush tea gardens, mighty River Brahmaputra that dominates the world of this land and its people. Its rich bio-diversity supports an immense range of rare and endangered creatures such as the one-horned rhinoceros, the golden langur, the Gangetic dolphin and the clouded leopard.
Guwahati the capital of Assam-known as ?The Light of the East? is the gateway of Assam and to the entire North East region. Straddling the banks of the Brahmaputra, this former capital of the Kamrup kings is crowded ,busy river-town and a major commercial hub for the region. Surrounded by paddy fields and ancient rain-forest. Guwahati is home to many temples that date back to Vedic and Puranic times.
Itinerary:
1.Guwahati-Phulbari-Kaziranga-Sibsagar
2.Guwahati-Barpeta-Baroma-Manas
Best time to visit :From October to May
Temperature: In summer ,varies between 17.C to 36.C, and in winter, from 8.C to 25.C
Meghalaya-
Meghalaya?s natural beauty ,the intriguing phenomenon-the traditional Sacred Forest that are steeped in spiritual belief and held in great veneration, preserving the ancient eco-systems. The Mawphlang Sacred Forest in all its pristine wonder. Meghalaya is also home to that unique carnivorus plant ,the Pitcher Plant. Varieties of orchids are found in the state which also rich in wildlife and some rare species of flora and fauna. The gentle hill of Meghalaya are interspersed with rich meadows and pine forest.
Shillong, the capital- popular hill station for tourist-Today, Shillong?s popular 18-hole golf course, the town is dotted with fine old churches .
Itinerary:
1.Shillong ?Cherrapunjee ?Shillong
2.Shillong-Mawphalang-Weilloi-Mawsynram-Shillong
3.Tura
Best time to visit: From September to May
Temperature: In summer, ranges from 14.C to 24.C and in winter, from 4.C to 17.C
Nagaland-
This verdant homeland of the Nagas was formally inaugurated as the state of Nagaland in 1963,the 16th state of the Indian Union. Nagaland?s blue ?hued mountains and emerald expanses comprise an intriguing world of ancient rituals and a proud people.
Kohima,its capital, Dimapur and Mokokchung are its most important towns.Nagas have evolved into a generic term for many trible communities in the North East.Of the 32 such tribes ,16 major and numerous sub-tribes spread over Nagaland,s.The Nagas were also exposed to western culture when the English recruited them as a labour corps to serve in France during the Second World war. They were highly commended for their loyalty and bravery .Naga society is a well ?knit and cohesive unit living by ancient tenets that play an important role in contemporary life.
Itinerary:
1.Dimapur-Kohima-Wokha-Mokochung-Zuheboto-Kohima
Best time to visit: From October to April
Temperature: In summer, ranges from 16.C to 32.C and in winter, from 4.C to 23.C
Manipur-
The erstwhile princely state of Manipur is a jewel of a land with its bounteous vistas of untrammelled beauty and ancient tradition. The serenity of these pristine and isolated environs has permeated the lifestyle of these people with a lavish hand, allowing them to live for centuries in harmony. The Manipuri?s inspiration arises from the wondrous balance of the flora and fauna that abound in its environs. Also known as the land of Radha and Krishna, Manipur, in the best of tradition-Ras Leela dance. Imphal, its capital, the pretty township is the heart of the official, commercial and cultural activities if the state.
Itinerary:
1.Imphal-Loktak Lake-Keibul Lamjao National park-Imphal.
2.imphal-Ukhrul-Imphal
Best time to visit: From October to April
Temperature: In summer, ranges from 13.C to 32.C and in winter, from 1.C to 26.C
Mizoram-
Songbird of the North East-Mizos-it means everyone should be unselfish ,hospitable and helpful to each other. The joyous movements of their dances and the spirited songs are a deep reflection of their passion for this cultural heritage. it is evident in the rich Varied of their coloured costumes. Mizoram?s crafts such as those in bamboo and cane are ingeniously varied to meer modern needs-but remain rooted to its tradition. Some of the most colourful aspects of this revival is witnessed amongst the folk and community dances that have handed down from one generation to the next. It is reflected in the important festivals that are an intrinsic part of Mizo Culture.
Aizawl ,its capital-Aizawl is also a great base to explore the enchanting offerings of the abode of the highlanders, Tamdil, a natural lake is 84km from Aizawl.
Itinerary:
1.ful day excursion in Aizawl.
Best time to visit: From October to April
Temperature: In summer, ranges from 19.C to 32.C and in winter, from 11.C to 22.C
Tripura-
Tripura stems from the splendour of its natural setting and its dazzling heritage. Rich forestlands have been a great attraction to people down the centuries ,it offers a plethora of delightful attractions in its cavalcade of historic palaces, rock cut carving ,stone sculptures, Buddhist and Hindu holy places, wildlife sanctuaries and tribal people. Eco-friendly environment, pleasant climate and blending into the hills and valleys, the village are a tapestry of rich ethnic tradition.
Agartala, the state capital of Tripura, is set amidst vast expanses of tranquil beauty making it an ideal base for exploring the ancient palaces, temples, lakes and wildlife sanctuaries of this erstwhile princely state.
Itinerary:
1.Agartala-Sapahijala-Neermahal-Udaipur-Matabari pilak- Mahamuni
2.Agartala-Dumboor lake-Unakoti-Jampui Hill
Best time to visit: From October to April
Temperature: In summer, ranges from 24.C to 36.C and in winter, from 14.C to 26.C |