North East India
The North East India comprises of the seven sister states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.
They form part of the East Himalayan region which extends from Sikkim eastwards and embraces the Darjeeling Hills of West Bengal. The location of the region is strategically important as it has international borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Tibet. The area is characterised by rich bio-diversity, heavy precipitation and high seismicity. It is endowed with forest wealth and is ideally suited to produce a whole range of plantation crops, spices, fruits and vegetables and flowers and herbs. The rich natural beauty, serenity and exotic flora and fauna of the area are invaluable resources for the development of eco-tourism.
The region has a high concentration of tribal population. The states of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland are mostly inhabited by a number of native tribes. Each tribe has its own distinct tradition of art, culture, dance, music and life styles. The numerous fairs and festivals celebrated by these communities and their friendly nature are irresistible attractions for the visitors.
Assam
The word Assam is derived from the Sanskrit word "Asom" meaning 'peerless'. The ancient history refers to Assam as Pragjyotishpur, until in 1228, the Ahoms from North Thailand invaded this land and established a kingdom, which came to be known as Assam.
The stunning grandeur of it's dense tracts of topical forests, interspersed with emerald patchwork quilts of paddy and lush tea gardens, showcase the life-giving largesse of the mighty River Brahmaputra that dominates this land and its people, as it wends its way from the Manasarovar Lake in the higher reaches of the Tibetan plateau (as the Tsangpo) through Arunachal Pradesh (as the Siang), on to the plains of Assam, the second largest state in the Northeast.
The rich alluvial plains of the Assam valley (100 km at its widest) enjoy an abundance of natural riches. The state is the largest producer of timber in the country and has the oldest oil refinery in India. Its rich bio-diversity supports an immense range of rare and endangered creatures such as the one-horned rhinocerous, the golden langur, the Gangetic dolphin and the clouded leopard.
Arunachal Predesh
Located on the easternmost Himalayas Arunachal is one of the most sparsely populated states of India. It borders Tibet, China, Bhutan and Myanmar. Arunachal is home to more than 60 aboriginal tribal groups and sub-groups. There are five major rivers - Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Lohit and Tirap, which go on to form one of the biggest river systems in the world, the mighty Brahmaputra. The snow peaked mountain ranges of Arunachal is home to some of the tallest peaks of the world. The most famous being Gorichen, Kangto and Takpa Shri.
Arunachal is huge and travelling around its vast and mountainous tracts can be arduous. But for many this has been a challenge. The tough terrain is a trekker's delight and its amazing range of flora and fauna a naturalist's dream. Itineraries can be customised to enjoy the full range of Arunanchal's glorious assets to ones own needs and the limitations of the Inner Line Permits.
Hidden amongst its verdant valleys are Arunachal's tribal villages 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 settings in the country. Uncover the myths and legends ofthis land and its people. Marvel at its cultural and religious wealth and antiquity. The stunning combination of its haunting beauty, the treasure house of exotic flora and fauna and its rich tribal heritage make Arunachal a fascinating journey for the discerning traveller.
Meghalaya
Meghalaya is literally the 'Abode of the Clouds'. The name describes the climatic phenomenon that brings torrents of rain to this region. Meghalaya is a region of great scenic beauty; a panorama of lush, undulating hills, fertile valleys, 250 species of orchids, meandering rivers, waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams and lakes. It was declared the 21st State of India on 21 January 1972. It united the areas of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills. The state approximately 22,429 square kms in area lies between the latitudes 25.10-26.50 N and the longitudes of 85.49 0 - 92.52 E. It is bounded by Assam in the north and the east and the plains of Bangladesh in the south and west. The State is divided into three hilly regions - the Garo Hills (Western Meghalaya), the Khasi Hills (Central Meghalaya) and the Jaintia Hills (Eastern Meghalaya).
Megalaya's natural beauty is most conducive for extended holidays with the hill station of Shillong continuing to be a hot favourite. Three hundred varieties of orchids are found in the state which is also rich in wildlife. Its' two national parks are home to some rare species of flora and fauna, and its' gentle hills are interspersed with rich meadows and pine forests. Just 20 km from Shillong are The Mawphlang Sacred Forest. From the Jaintia Hills, renowned botanist Sir Joseph Hooker took the blue vanda (vanda coerulea) to London's Kew Gardens. You will find the blue vanda, lady's slipper, other rare orchid varieties and unique carnivorus Pitcher Plant in the gardens of Shillong.
Mizoram
Myanmar and Bangladesh border Mizoram, the finger-like projection in the extreme south of the region. This region gained a measure of self government as a state in its own right. The Mizos have the second highest literacy rate in India.
Mizoram, predominantly a Christian populated state, is towards the southern-most tip of the North-Eastern states, sharing borders with Manipur, Assam, Tripura and then jutting between Myanmar and Bangladesh. The word Mizo means highlander, a collective term given by their neighbours to a number of tribes, which settled in this area. They are orginally believed to have come from North-Western China and gradually pushed themselves to their present homeland, less than 300 years ago. A mountainous region, Mizoram became the 23rd state of the Indian Union in February 1987. The hills are steep with an average height of 900 metres. Its green thick forest is rich in flora and fauna. Mizoram has an area of 21081 sq kms.
Manipur
This little corner is a paradise on Earth where Mother Nature has bestowed her bounty extra generously. Manipur`s exotic scenery, mystic atmosphere and salubrious climate are all that fascinate tourists. Abounded with festivals, Manipuris are best introduced by their world famous "Manipuri Dance"- one of the major dance forms of India.
South of Nagaland, Manipur borders Myanmar. The state is inhabited by over two dozens tribes. Manipur claims to have invented the game Polo, the main sport of Manipur.
Manipur is reputed for its tradition of the arts. Weaving (done by the women) is a time-honoured occupation, fine-tuned to an art form with its intricate designs in the dazzling range of sarees, sarongs, shawls and bedspreads. Each home has a loom. Even the state's martial arts are recognised for their almost poetic traditions
Manipur also known as the land of Radha and Krisha, Manipur has gifted to India's classical dance repertoire the lyrical Ras Leela dance that reenacts the love story of Radha and Krishna. The Lai Haraoba (Spring Festival) is also celebrated with the Manipuri's graceful movements in all dance forms. Even its expressive tribal folk dances are performed with traditionally aesthetic movements.
Nagaland
The state of Nagaland, covering an area of 16,488 sq. km. is encircled by Assam in the north and west, by Burma and Arunachal Pradesh in the east, and Manipur in the South. The state is predominantly dominated by Naga communities and hence, it forms a single cultural region generally definable by common cultural and linguistic traditions. This state was carved out of the territories that were earlier known as Naga Hills - Tuesnsang Area(NHTA), through the State of Nagaland Act, 1962. It was inaugurated on 1st December, 1963 by the then President of India, Dr S. Radhakrishnan.
Sharing borderlines with Myanamar in the east, Assam in the west and north, Arunachal Pradesh in the northeast and Manipur in the south, Nagaland's blue-hued mountains and emerald expanses comprise an intriguing world of ancient rituals and a proud people.
Tiger, leopard, elephant, sambar, wild buffalo and bear inhabit its deep jungles, while its vast expanses of paddy fields, fed by an elaborate indigenous irrigation system, are a veritable feast for the eyes. Known for its salubrious climate, Nagaland has considerable rainfall during the monsoons that run from June to September.
Tripura
Tripura, the second smallest state in the country, is almost surrounded by Bangladesh. Inspite of having 19 tribes, the majority of the population of Tripura is Bengali. Situated in one of the remotest corner of the country, Trpura is one of the best potential places that caters the taste of everything from palaces to lakes and hill station.
The beauty of the erstwhile princely state of Tripura is a gentle one, No great peaks punctuate the skies, nor are its major rivers - the Khowai, Manu and Gomti - any match for the mighty Bramhaputra. Yet its verdant expanses and rich forestlands have been a great attraction to people down the centuries. Rabindranath Tagore, an honoured guest is supposed to have compiled some his works its' tranquil environs. Blending into the hills and valleys the villages are a tapestry of rich ethnic traditions.
A series of low ranges running in a northwest to southeast direction dissect the state, with elevations progressing gradually from 100 to 3000 feet from south west to northeast. Bangladesh is tucked around it from three sides.
Of the 19 hill tribes who dominate its terrain, the Tripuri are the largest while the Reangs, who came in from Chittagong, are the second largest. Other tribes include the Jamatia, and Noatia with a sundry mix of Mizos, Kuki, Garos.
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