Northeast India is a verdant patch of land dotted with blue mountains and a warren of fast flowing rivers. The region is home to a number of endangered flora and fauna; anchors most of India’s international borders.
Over 250 tribes and non-tribes cohabit this geographical span that comprises of eight picturesque states – Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
A colourful bouquet that complements Incredible India’s vibrant diversity, Northeast is the veritable backbone of the country’s socio-cultural distinctiveness as a nation.
Each community that calls the Northeast its home is unique. Their dissimilar weaves, food, drinks, language, jewellery, music, history, crafts, edifices, socio- religious beliefs are what make them stand out from each other, while adding to the richness of Indian culture. Together with the pristine nature and rich biodiversity of the region, the region can offer to a traveller a rather exhilarating peep in to a unique ecosphere.
Here are top 20 reasons why Northeast India must interest you as a traveller.
*Northeast is India’s land of the rising sun; enjoy the first rays of the restorative sun amidst nature!
*India’s only male river, the Mahabahu Brahmaputra, flows by the Northeast. This trans-country river is the resorvior of stories from the Tibetan peninsula to Arunachal Pradesh to Assam to Bangladesh. Experience a cruise on a houseboat!
*Northeast is home to the world’s third largest peak, Kanchenjunga. Stop and stare at its grandness!
*Asia’s largest riverine island, Majuli, lies in Northeast India. Take a ferry to this nature’s marvel!
*India’s third largest freshwater lake, the exhilarating Loktak, belongs to the region. Gape at its unique phumdis!
*Northeast flaunts over 30 national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries and tiger reserves which are home to the one-horned rhino; the endangered Sangai deer; India’s only ape the Hoolock Gibbon, hundreds of elephants, big cats and several endangered species. Wonder at it at leisure!
*The largest number of India’s tribes call the Northeast their abode. Know their food, music, weaves!
*Northeast is home to 800 endangered floral species including the breathtaking Siroi Lily. Give your naked eye a thrilling experience of this nature’s bounty!
*Northeast kitchens hold India’s fifth taste — Khaar/Kharwi/Ooti. Taste it!
*The region holds the key to India’s largest variety of rice. Enjoy a mouthful of the super food — aromatic, green, black and sticky rice!
*Northeast is the proud owner of the Ahom era madams, India’s equivalent to the Egyptian pyramids, the only cultural site to be included from the region in UNESCO’s world heritage site list.
*The region nurtures the world famous Assam tea. Take a sip while staring at the verdant tea bushes; don an apron to become a tea taster; bring home the best of the variety!
*Northeast India is the land of colourful festivals; Take part in it!
*The region is the abode of music; sway in it!
*Northeastern communities are the keepers of India’s exotic headgears; bring one home!
*The region is the land of a confluence of religions; home to Ma Kamakhya; Guru Sankardev; Pua Mecca; flaunts one of Asia’s largest churches!
*Northeast nourishes the living root bridge system of India; take a walk on this unique offering of nature!
*The region is home to some of the oldest caves and tallest waterfalls. Wake up the explorer in you!
*Northeast India has the country’s longest bridge; owns India’s longest rail cum road bridge. Marvel at these edifices while the orange sun sets into the horizon bordering the waters of the Brahmaputra!
*Unakoti, India’s Angkor Wat, lies in Northeast India.