#2) Explore the deep secrets of Northeast India. Get some glimpses of the rich history and culture of the people of  Nagaland during the world renowned Hornbill Festival held at Kisama, Nagaland during the first week of December.

#3) Welcome to the “Meghalayan age”. As per geologic time scale, we all live currently in the “Meghalayan age”. It was named so as a tribute to key data about new age derived from stalagmite growing in Mawmluh Cave in the state of Meghalaya. This was after the end of the last ice age, followed by Greenlandian age & Northgrippian age. Meghalaya also boasts of the world’s longest sandstone cave measuring over 24,000 metres in length, and more than 1,650 caves and caves located across the state. Approximately 1,000 caves have been explored or partially explored.

#4) Nameri National Park Safari, located at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas is the only Safari in India that lets you hike inside the forest along with guides & armed forest guards. A boat ride across the river Jai Bhoroli leads you to the trek. For people who are keen on wildlife, this is a must-see.

#5) Embark on a sacred spiritual journey. Visit Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh, an important seat of Mahayana Buddhism. Urgyelling Monastery, Tawang, also is the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama & is considered very sacred. While in Tawang, do visit the Indo-China border “Bumla Pass”. Another attraction is Shonga-Tser Lake aka Madhuri Lake & Nuranang Falls, Tawang, stunningly beautiful & next to the Nuranang falls a local hydel plant station that supplies electricity locally & can be visited. Historically, Tawang is known for the 1962 Indo-Sino War. One can learn more about it at the Tawang War Memorial.

#6) Learn what it takes for women to be entrepreneurs & yet run households from the only Matrilineal system in India. A visit to Meghalaya will show you its age-old societal tradition where the women inherit from their families as well as carry the family names. Along with this, the state also practices  sustainable architecture and is home to the cleanest village for the whole of Asia. You can unravel some mysteries like Nartiang Monoliths, known to be the tallest in the world & holds similarities with monoliths found in France and other parts of Europe. Also, get to know indigenous cultures and religious beliefs where literally nothing has to be taken out of a forest, not even dead leaves/pebbles.

#7) And with Meghalaya being a major Western music hub, it’s no wonder termed as the Rock Capital of India. Also, the Shad Suk Mynsiem Dance Festival is very significant, where unmarried girls dance, and where it is believed that the man who is considered as the protector of a woman’s honour. A visit to Nohkalikai Falls, India’s tallest plunge waterfall at 1,115 feet (340 metres) is a must-visit when in Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on earth. Shillong was famous during the British era for its beautiful lakes, pine trees, gorges, lush greenery hills and was termed as the “Scotland of the East”.

#8) Meet the “Chief of Lungwa” who holds the most envious position, with his jurisdiction extending to two countries (India, Myanmar) and two states (Nagaland & Arunachal Pradesh). Even better, the “Chief of Lungwa” house is roughly North-South, and half of it is in India, the other half in Myanmar. That means the Chief & his family eat in Myanmar and sleep in India. Lungwa village, one of the biggest villages in the whole of Mon, Nagaland, shares houses on both sides of India & Myanmar. Both sides have their siblings on the other side of the border, and they have been living in harmony since ages. Lungwa village, Nagaland shows that heritage, customs, common history, traditions, etc., should not be separated by imaginary boundaries.

#9) Come face to face with Indian Rhinoceros, distinct from Afro/Javan Rhino for its famous armor skin and being singled out, found only in Assam, India. A safari to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (near Guwahati, Assam) or Kaziranga National Park is a must for all age groups.

#10) The Kamakhya Temple, located in Guwahati, Assam is famous for Mother Goddess Kamakhya, one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas. The yearly Ambubahchi Mela (Kamakhya Devi Puja) is known for tantric beliefs. The temple remains closed during the Ambubahchi Mela, following the belief that the presiding goddess of the temple, Devi Kamakhya, a form of Shakti is in her annual menstruation cycle during that time of the year.

The post Top 10 things to do in North East India appeared first on I Love North East India.

Northeast people are known to live in harmony with nature, and focused on protecting the environment around them. They hold the highest regards for people, nature and wildlife, and customs which they have inherited from their age-old culture and ancestors. When in Northeast India, do pay your respect, acknowledge, enjoy the culture and natural abundance and spread more love. Use this to learn (unlearn) so you have an enriched experience in pristine Northeast India’s natural habitats.

Sustainable travel is about respecting the local customs and making a positive impact on the local people, nature and the economy, leaving low or no ecological footprints. Let’s ensure that we keep nature clean with environmentally friendly travel, recycle and reuse, and leave minimal waste behind. Always prefer locally available, ethically made food and respect the local customs and traditions.

We introduce you to Northeast India’s way of best practices of ethical and sustainable living. We guide you to make the best choices to enlighten you as a traveller to Northeast India.

SLOW TRAVEL

Original Northeast India, can be explored truly by taking time & slowing down a bit. To get a real feel of the pristine place and wonderful people plan such that you have enough time. Choose local transport over private vehicles and explore the cities on a bike or on foot. Many small town places have bikes for rent. One gets greeted with scenic places, water streams, and with Northeastern state so well connected with nature, there’s always something to learn and get lost while walking, cycling and boating, etc.

GREEN TREND, LOCAL & SLOW SHOPPING

Home-made and ethical fashionable craftsmanship can be found everywhere you go across Northeast India. Made from renewable, sustainable sources, Northeast India is a leader in fashion & craftsmanship.

Natural, Organic, Fair, Green, Ethical, Authentic: Yes, yes, please!!

By choosing your products with an eco-friendly label and travelling with eco-conscious modes, you are protecting our environment & reducing some of the travel burden that’s unnecessarily put on our planet.

To help you while travelling, we have a few important authentic, ethical and green labels and logos. Go & check them out while you are in North East India.

The post Sustainable North East India appeared first on I Love North East India.

People from the Northeast identify themselves as hill people, the plains tribes and the non-tribal populations of the plains.

Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura are the regions where most of the population resides. Majority of them follow the Christian faith, while a smaller percentage, in the plains of Assam, Manipur and Tripura, follow Hinduism and even fewer identify with the Islamic faith.

Physiographically, Northeast India is classified into Eastern Himalaya, the North-eastern hills, and the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys/plains. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim form India’s Northeast region. Its vastly hilly regions account for 70% of the territory.

The states of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Sikkim are all located in the hills. Some portions of Assam, Manipur & Tripura are hilly & plain areas. The region shared its International borders with Burma/Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Tibet (People’s Republic of China) and Nepal.

Ethno-history suggests enormous ethnic-linguistic links with Southeast Asia, with people from the region immigrating to Northeast India as Mongoloid groups. Colonial rule barred the links of Mongoloid ethnic groups of the Northeast with other parts of Southeast Asia. The Tai-Ahom Assam kingdom established & existed for over six centuries.

The Meitei kingdom of Manipur existed for ten Centuries. Some of the other kingdoms from the region include Kachari, Ahom, Jaintia, Koch, Tripuri, and Meitei. The people of Mongoloid origin can be grouped into four major groups: the Kuki-Chin-Mizos, Nagas, Khasi-Jintia-Garos and the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.

Arunachal Pradesh: Formerly the North-East Frontier Agency, Arunachal Pradesh forms the extreme Northeast of India, sharing its borders with Assam, Nagaland, Bhutan, Myanmar & China . The terrain is covered by Himalayas (as high as 7,000 metres/23,000 ft) with many river valleys like Kameng, Subansiri, Siang (Brahmaputra), Dibang, Lohit and Dihing rivers.

The economy is built on agriculture, shifting cultivation, forest produce and hydroelectric potential. The population is known as Tibeto-Burman consisting of Apatani, Monpa, Tani and Mishmi people, in addition to Jingpo, Naga and Lisu populations found in the area bordering Myanmar to the East and Naga people in the area bordering Nagaland in the South.

Assam: Assam covers the plains of the Brahmaputra River, which flows from East to West before entering Bangladesh and turning South. The main ethnic group of the region is Hindu-Assamese with a sizable population of Bengalis and other tribes from the plains (Bodo), hill tribes (Karbi Anglong) from Mizoram.

Manipur: Manipur shares its borders with Myanmar, Nagaland, Assam and Mizoram. Over 90% of the state’s area is mountainous and is covered with forests. The population of Manipur depends primarily on agriculture as their source of livelihood. They are also known for their Handloom weaving cottage industry. The hill tribes of Manipur included Naga tribes, Kuki/Thadou tribe & Mizo tribes. The Meiteis form the major ethnic group.

Meghalaya: Meghalaya used to be a part of Assam till the year 1972, when Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hill districts were formed into the current state of Meghalaya. Meghalaya is the only state formed of more than one district.

Meghalaya shares its borders with Bangladesh & Assam. It receives an average of 12,000 mm (470 in) of rain a year and is counted as the wettest region of India as well as the world. It’s also called the “Scotland of the East”, with abundant subtropical eco forests covering 70% of the state. While English is the official language, other languages spoken here include Khasi, Garo, etc.

Meghalaya is the only state to adhere to the matrilineal system (women inherit property & carry their mother’s name). The economy is mainly dependent on agriculture and the state is geologically rich in minerals.

Mizoram: Mizoram lies between Bangladesh, Myanmar, Tripura , Assam and Manipur. It is a mountainous region. Majority of the population consists of people of diverse tribal origins from Southeast Asia. The state consists of the highest concentration of tribals among all states of India. The term Mizo covers Sinlung, Hmar, Ralte, Lai, Lusei etc.

Nagaland: Nagaland shares its borders with Myanmar, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Nagaland is mostly a mountainous region and its population consists primarily of Christians (other two are Meghalaya and Mizoram).

The Nagas are  made of 16 different tribes with mutually incomprehensible languages. The tribes are Angami Naga, Ao Naga, Chakhesang Naga, Chang Naga, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha Naga, Phom, Pochury, Rengma Naga, Sangtam Naga, Sumi Naga, Yimchunger, Zeme-Liangmai (Zeliang), Dimasa Kachari and Kuki.

Nagaland is thought to have significant oil resources, however the state agrees to oil extraction under the reassurance that it will not damage the state’s abundant environment.

Sikkim: The Namgyal dynasty was ruled by the first Bhutia King of Sikkim before  joining the Indian province in the year 1975. The population here comprises of Nepali, Sikkimes Lepcha, Buddhists, and Bhutias who speak English, Nepali, Sikkimese and Lepcha.

The main religion is Hinduism & Buddhism. Sikkim’s economy is based on agriculture & tourism and the scenic mountains attract a lot of tourists. The state has the highest per-capita income among the Northeastern states.

Tripura: Tripura is a princely state, inhabited by indigenous people. However, Hindus and Bengalis outnumber the local populace, which has led to earlier conflicts between the people of Tripura.

The post Indegenious People of North East India appeared first on I Love North East India.

Though a lot of dishes are non-vegetarian, there are light and also lip-smackingly pleasurable fresh vegetarian recipes made from Bamboo Shoot, Bhut Jolokia & regional greens.

Northeast India is known for its natural resources and bamboo is quite famously used in the kitchen. With widespread availability of bamboo in the Southeast Asian region, the plant forms a way of life and the people’s culture, where it is used in almost every dish, bamboo shoots being the most popular.

The top dishes to be savoured come from the frontier states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura and are even more diverse than the region itself.

Poultry (duck, geese, chicken), beef, pork and freshwater fish supplement the necessary protein needs, and are paired with a steaming platter of rice and various green vegetables. The usage of spice is kept to a minimum, 1-2 hot chillies are enough, with an occasional use of  ginger, garlic, sesame, local herbs which are aromatic and healthy but might be a bit pungent for some.

Dishes are served on fresh banana leaves. The locally made wine is their favourite beverage.

Few of the iconic foods to be tried are listed below (in no particular order):

Momos: You get the best momos you’ll ever taste in your life. Thought to be of Tibetan origin, Momos are made with dough of white flour & filled with modifications of ground meat, tofu/paneer/cheese fillings.

Dawlrep Bai (Mizoram): Mizos love eating boiled vegetables along with rice. A popular dish is Bai, made from boiling vegetables (spinach, eggplant, beans, and other leafy vegetables) with bekang fermented soya beans or Sa-um, a fermented pork, which is served with rice.

Jadoh (Meghalaya): Most of the Khasi food involves some or the other form of meat. Vegetables are consumed as salads. Jodoh can be equated to Biryani, a popular dish across India, and consists of red rice, cooked with generous amounts of pork meat. Sufficient green chillies, onions, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, bay leaves with pork chops are added and fried, after which the red rice is added and cooked with the mixture.

Bamboo Shoots fry (Nagaland): Bamboo shoots are a versatile ingredient from Northeast India and have high nutritional value, are low in fat, rich in vitamins, cellulose and amino acid, and can be enjoyed as fermented form or pickle, raw, fresh or even dried. Bamboo shoots are used along with non-vegetarian ingredients especially pork, chicken and small freshwater fish. Most popular dish is smoked pork with bamboo shoots from Nagaland.

Iromba (Manipur): Iromba is a healthy Manipuri dish made originally from fermented fish and assorted fish sauce, which is served with rice. The fish is cooked along with a variety of boiled vegetables. String beans, potatoes and yams are usually used in the vegetable stew, however some choose to add mushrooms and vegetables of their choice to the combo. Sometimes, the soured dried fish in Iromba is replaced by prawns.

Gundruk and Sinki (Sikkim): Sikkimese are traditionally rice eaters. Nepalese cooking is incredibly standard in Sikkim as Sikkim is the state in India with a majority of ethnic Nepali residents. Gundruk and Sinki are two famous vegetarian dishes of Sikkim. These are soups savoured during winters when vegetables are in abundance. Gundruk is prepared using leaves of mustard or spinach, while Sinki is just made with radish. Radish is made to ferment, keeping or burying it inside the soil and keeping it for a week or two, which is wrapped inside a plastic bag till it builds a sour taste.

Sikkim’s own traditional drink, Chaang, is most popular and has a significant ritual importance within the local tribes. It is made by fermenting rice, maize, millet etc.

Thukpa (Arunachal Pradesh): Thukpa is a Tibetan noodle soup with origins in the Eastern part of Tibet & its variants famous among Himalayan people and states of Sikkim, Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, as well as Ladakh. It’s a type of porridge made from flat noodles along with locally sourced vegetables (occasionally meat). It helps the locals to stay warm and cozy during the freezing winters of Arunachal Pradesh. The vegetarian Thukpa is hearty, refreshing, filling and nutritious. Similar to Thukpa (made from flat noodles), another similar variety is the Thenthuk , made from hand-pulled or bite sized pieces of flat noodles.

Kosoi Bwtwi (Tripura): A vegetarian delicacy made with protein rich tofu and lots of green beans stir-fried with simple spices. The large Bengali community largely contributes to the cuisines recipes of Tripura.

Although Tripura’s cuisine is predominantly non-vegetarian, there are a few Tripuri (people of Tripura) who follow vegetarianism. Regular vegetables that are popularly used are pumpkin, bamboo shoots, brinjals, corn and chilies. Kosoi Bwtwi is made from beans, along with dry fish and very little spices.

Fish Tenga (Assam): The most popular dish of Assam is ‘Tenga’ which is prepared using tomatoes, kaji lime, thekera and other vegetables. Fish Tenga/Masor Tenga is a fish curry prepared with Elephant Apple which gives it a sour taste, and spices which enhance its aroma.

The post North East Food appeared first on I Love North East India.

Are you ready for some picturesque natural beauty and a visual treat for your eyes? Welcome to Arunachal Pradesh, the state that witnesses India’s first sunrise!

My love affair began in 2016. That first time I arrived to NorthEast with family. It was in March and the stalls enroute were an astonishing sea of colours, with mountains of pineapples, fruits. It was a display that was not only a celebration of food but hinted at people who saw beauty in nature’s bounty.

About Arunachal Pradesh

As the sun comes first very early, the night also starts much earlier than other states of India. Expect sunset around 4 pm. Tourists believe they have a better start of the new year, when they see the rising sun here.

Earlier to 1962, Arunachal was known as North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) which later became a Union Territory in 1972 and got the name Arunachal Pradesh. And on 20th February 1987, its name was recorded as the 24th state in the Indian Constitution.

Situated in Northeast India, this state is known across the world for its beautiful landscapes and adventure sports. High mountains and lush green forests serve to enhance its beauty. More than 500 types of orchids are found in the forests of Arunachal Pradesh.

Arunachal which translates to ‘mountain of rising sun’ is mostly covered by the Himalayan range. Arunachal shares international borders with China, Bhutan and Burma.

As per legends, Arunachal Pradesh is mentioned in Kalika Purana and Mahabharata. It is believed that in this very place, Saint Parashuram atoned for his sin and sage Vyasa had meditated and Lord Krishna married Rukmani. Along with spirituality, this place is also very special from a historical point of view.

What’s special about Arunachal Pradesh:

Though uncontested for its natural beauty, Arunachal Pradesh is known for its adventure sports & music festivals making it very special, attracting tourists from all over the country and abroad. Some of the experience one can look forward to are rafting and kayaking in the clear Lohit, Siang and Subansiri rivers. One can also do motorbike adventures from Bhalukpong to Tawang and Bomdila or plan for trekking on the mountains. Birdwatching is another top thing to check out. The local Monpa, Zan, Khura and Gyapa Khazi cuisines are some authentic cuisines to be tried out.

Places of interest in Arunachal Pradesh

Ziro valley: Ziro valley is termed as the ‘rice bowl’ of Arunachal Pradesh. It is home to the Apatani tribes. Talley Valley is known for its diverse flora & fauna, along with silver fir trees, bamboo & rhododendron. There are huge paddy fields far away from the hustle and bustle of cities, with lots of cover of tall pine-cedar trees, and glittering peaks of snow-capped mountains. People are welcomed by the leaves rustling in the dense forest, running currents of water, the sacred sound of prayers of Buddhist monks and the hospitality of the local easy-going crowds here. Other nearby places are the 5,000 years old ‘Meghna Cave Temple’, ‘Siddheshwar Nath Shivling’, and ‘Tarin Fish Farm’.

Tawang:

The Tawang Monastery is the second largest in the world (and the largest in India). Tawang is wrapped in spirituality and is famous as the birthplace of the Dalai Lama. Brahma-dung-chung Ani Gompa is another popular monastery at Tawang operated entirely by nuns & is considered as one of the oldest Ani Gompas of this region. Tawang lies on the western side of Arunachal Pradesh. With an elevation of approximately 8,757 feet. The weather here is mostly cold. The local Monpa tribe live here whose customs are quite interesting to learn. Bumla Pass is a place from where you can admire the beauty of the entire Tawang, and from the monastery one can admire the lovely view of the Tawang-chu valley. Along with this, there are beautiful places to see around Tawang like Sela Pass, Gorichen Peak, Madhuri Lake, Nooranang Falls, Tawang Monastery and Jang Waterfalls.

Itanagar: Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, is located at an altitude of 1,050 ft above sea level, is the most populous district of Arunachal Pradesh . Tourists can see the high peaks as well as the rivers and forests from here.

Along: Along is a small village situated on the banks of Yomgo and Seepu, two special rivers of the Siang River. The Scenery of the Assam sky kissing the mountains and deep valleys near to the border make this place beautiful and adventurous. Mechuka Valley, Donio Temple, Puvak Ghat, Malinithan, Kamaki Hydropower Dam, and Patum Bridge are the places to visit nearby.

Roing: Roing is one of the most important tourist attractions in Arunachal Pradesh and it is situated in Lower Dibang Valley. This place is not only visited for its picturesque beautiful setting but also very engaging, educative and interesting. Mayudia being at a height of 8,000 feet, is surrounded with a view of stunning landscape with snow-clad mountains which is the artwork of nature. Mehao Lake is situated at an altitude of 3,000 feet. Set amidst dense green forest with beautiful flowers and plants. Boating and trekking facilities are available here. Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary is home to various wild animals including tiger, leopard, jackal, Himalayan black bear, Indian porcupine, wild dog and many more. Some of the snakes seen here include Himalayan cat snake, cobra and python. Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in flora & fauna.

Another tourist attraction here is Bhismaknagar Fort, which is a sacred heritage of Idu Mishmis. Hunil is  famous for trekking and it is also frequented for the cave temple at Kupuna. Other places to see in Roing includes Nijomaghat, Nehru Van Udyan, Rukmini Nati, Sally Lake, and Iphi-Panighat.

Mechuka: Me-chu-kha translates to medicinal water of snow, where the River Siom flows through the Mechuka Valley, justifying the name. It’s a heavenly abode with scenic views. Pleasant weather and cool wind make it even better.

There is a 400-year-old Samsen Yongcha Monastery located at the hilltop covered by pine trees. This ancient monastery has statues of Guru Padmasambhava with many masks of mythological figures used during the Chaam dances. The Gallin village and its local way of living, culture, food, and habitat is a must to explore. The people are of the Memba tribe. One can plan for a hike from the Tado Gitu village to Siko Dido waterfall which is well hidden in the dense forest valley. Mechuka is also famous for river rafting and swaying narrow bamboo bridges over large rivers.

Dirang: Dirang is covered by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery and located in West Kameng district. Being mainly a tribal area, Dirang’s Dzong fort comprises settlement and is known for its architecture influenced by Buddhist kingdoms, depicting the excellence of the olden days. The houses are built such that they can sustain the hostile weather of Dirang. The Hot Water Spring is another attraction for visitors, and is known to be rich in sulphur content and praised for its curative powers, a must during winters and is rejuvenating. Sangti Valley is covered by Eastern Himalayan ranges and is rich in dense forests and rivers. Migrating birds (locals refer to them as ‘tung tung ka uk’) from China arrive in the months of November and December & return to their homes during April and May. Other places of interest include Regional Apple Nursery, Kalachakra Gompa, Progeny Orchard and Kiwi Farms and National Research Centre on Yak.

Bomdila: Bomdila is a small yet very beautiful city in Arunachal Pradesh. Bomdila is located at an altitude of 8,000 to 8,300 feet above sea level. Bomdila is also famous for its stunning view of snow-clad Himalayan mountain ranges.

This is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts and is dotted with many Buddhist monasteries. This is a heaven for photographers. Surrounded with apple orchards, this place is a must visit for its cool enjoyable climate, and the beautiful surroundings. One can plan a visit during the winters to enjoy fresh apples. Bomdila Monastery speaks volume of its spiritual essence and Buddhism. The monastery shares similar resemblance to Tsona Gontse Monastery in South Tibet.

Other nearby places of interest are Eagle-nest Wildlife Sanctuary, Dirang Valley, Bomdila View Point, R.R. Hill, Craft Centre and Ethnographic Museum.

Tourism in Arunachal Pradesh, India:

Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most beautiful states in India. The state has some of the most picturesque views, with snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and dense forests. Add to that the vibrant culture and amazing cuisine, and you have a state that has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday destination.

The Land of Rising Sun Arunachal Pradesh is home to some of the best tours in Asia. From trekking through forests to exploring Buddhist monasteries, there are so many things to do here!

What are some of the Best tours in Arunachal Pradesh to choose and book now:

Arunachal Pradesh is a beautiful state in the North East of India. The state is famous for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. It is home to many rare species of flora and fauna.
The state has been attracting tourists from all over the world for a long time now. It offers a wide range of activities for tourists to enjoy, such as trekking, rafting, fishing, and bird watching among others. Tourists can also visit historical sites in the region like Nameri National Park, Sela Pass and Roing which are popular attractions in Arunachal Pradesh.

Tourism in Arunachal Pradesh has been growing steadily over the years with more than 2 million tourists visiting the region annually. This number is expected to grow even further in the coming years.

How to reach:

By Air : Nearest airports are in Guwahati & Dibrugarh and one needs to connect flights from Kolkata , Delhi, Mumbai, etc. From Guwahati one can hire taxis and buses.

By Rail: Harmuti railway station of Assam is the nearest railway station here. Outside the station, you will find taxis and buses to reach the city comfortably.

By Road: Shared taxis and cabs can be hired. Also, Meghalaya, Assam and Nagaland can be reached by road from everywhere.

Best time to visit: Summers (April to June) with temperatures (20°c to 35°c) are perfect. In Monsoons (July to September, 18°c to 29°c), the road conditions can go bad, and in Winters (Oct to March, 8°c to 14°c) the temperature can go down.

Important: Indian tourists require ILP (Inner Line Permit) & Foreign tourists require a Restricted Area Permit which needs to be presented at official checkpoints/hotel/lodge. ILP can now be obtained online for self/group.

The post Land of Rising Sun Arunachal Pradesh-Best tours to choose and book appeared first on I Love North East India.

#2) Northeast India region’s people identify themselves as ‘hill people’, the plains tribes and the non-tribal populations of the plains.

#3) As per Guinness World records 2007, the Nagaland Chilli has the record for being the hottest chilli in the world. It’s termed as the ghost pepper or locally called “Bhut Jolokia”. Surprisingly, there’s a bizarre hot Chilli eating competition held annually in Nagaland during the famous Hornbill Festival in December.

#4) Come face-to-face with the last surviving Headhunters of Nagaland. The intriguing and exotic tribal state of Nagaland in North East India is home to a tribe that until recently severed off the heads of enemies and intruders and proudly displayed them outside their houses. Though the practise was  stopped long back, the tribe lives on to tell the stories of Nagaland’s Headhunters.

#5) Sikkim’s Kanchenjunga National Park is the only ‘Mixed World Heritage Site’ on UNESCO World Heritage List, by fulfilling the nomination criteria under both natural and cultural heritage.

#6) Barter system still in vogue in Assam. At Assam’s Jonbeel Mela, near Morigaon, Guwahati is where the locals from nearby plains and hills come over & the market comes alive with the barter system. The exchange of goods takes place as per one’s need. The three-day long mela (fair) gets the name from the nearby lake Jonbeel.

#7) Asia’s first oil refinery: Digboi is known as the Oil City of Assam. When crude oil was discovered in the late 19th Century,  Asia’s very first oil refinery was established here in 1901.

#8) Arunachal Pradesh: Formerly the North-East Frontier Agency, Arunachal Pradesh is situated at the extreme end of Northeast India, and shares its border with Assam, Nagaland, Bhutan, Myanmar & China . The terrain is situated on the Himalayan range (upto 7,000 metres/23,000 ft) with many river valleys like Kameng, Subansiri, Siang (Brahmaputra), Dibang, Lohit and Dihing rivers.

#9) The world’s seven richest biodiversity areas are to be found in Northeast India. As per Myers 2000 report, Northeast India has been identified as one of the world’s seven richest biodiversity areas.

#10) World’s second largest Buddhist monastery is in Tawang. The 400+ year old Golden Namgyal Lhatse Monastery in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, is the largest monastery in India and second largest in the world after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. It controls over 17 Gompas in the nearby area.

#11) India’s first sunrise happens in Arunachal Pradesh. A remote village named Dong in Arunachal Pradesh is the easternmost place in India and sees the very first sun rays in India. This is a much sought-after scene with people lining up to catch the very first sun rays of the country. A small hike leads to the very spot where one can experience the magical sunrise.

#12) The World’s wettest place (consistently over the years) is found in Meghalaya. Meghalaya, meaning “abode of the clouds”, is home to the top two wettest places on earth, according to Guinness World Records. Also Mawlynnong, the cleanest village of Asia and the country’s highest plunge waterfall can be found here.

#13) Northeast India has the record for the highest literacy rate. The states report literacy rates that are staggeringly higher than the national average of 74. Amongst all the states, Mizoram has the highest literacy rate of 91.3%.

#14) A Guinness World Record was created in Nagaland for the World’s Largest Electric Guitar Ensemble.

#15) The world’s largest bird migration, which is measured by the Amar falcons, occurs between South Africa to Nagaland in Northeast India. The birds cover the world’s longest migratory route by covering upto a staggering 22,000 km a year. They stay in Nagaland, mostly in Wokha district and nearby villages for a couple of months, then head to South Africa. They cover Mongolia, Siberia, Northern China and Japan on their migratory path.

#16) The only all-women market of the world, where only women can set-up shops, can be found in Manipur. At the ‘Ima Market’, women set-up and run shops while men can only participate as customers and make purchases. This shows the importance of gender equality the society places on  the practice which dates back to over 500 years.

#17) It’s legal to gamble in Sikkim. Sikkim is the country’s first state to have onshore/land-based casinos after it legalised gambling in 2009 to lure visitors. Gambling remains a taboo in many communities across India, and is illegal in most states.

#18) Shops without shopkeepers. Mizo people (residents of Mizoram) are renowned for their honesty, hospitality and serene approach to life. In Mizoram, as per their culture, “Tlawmngaihna” meaning ‘one has to help, be kind hearted to fellow beings without any selfish intentions’. The local shopkeepers, peasants believe and manage running their business/shops with high honesty and leave their shops open for customers whom they hardly come face-to-face with. The practice has given Mizoram people high regard in terms of honesty, trust and people respecting each other more than ever.

#19) Surprisingly, The Mughal Empire (1526–1761) couldn’t occupy Northeast India regions, the only part of India left out during their conquests.

#20) Assam is recorded as the world’s largest tea-growing state, collectively Assam’s contribution is around 1,500 million pounds (680,500,000 kg) of tea. Did you know that during the British Raj, there was a separate time-zone for Assam Tea Gardens termed the Tea Garden Time/Bagan Time/Myanmar Time which was an hour ahead of the IST-Indian Standard Time. Assam is ranked second in tea production (after China).

#21) The Brahmaputra river is the only trans boundary international river that flows through 3 countries. It starts at Tibet, China (called Yarlung Tsangpo River) and flows through states of India (called by Brahmaputra/Lohit/Siang/Dihang) and ends at Bangladesh (called Jamuna River). It covers approximately 2,900 km (1,800 mi) and is joined by a couple of other mighty rivers before finally ending its long journey at the Bay of Bengal.

Bonus Point – Asia Cleanest Village – Mawlynnong From Shillong: One can head to Mawlynnong famous for being the ‘Cleanest Village (2003)’ not just in India, but in Asia, as per travel magazine Discover India.

The post Top 21 reasons to fall in love with Northeast India appeared first on I Love North East India.