India’s North East, called the land of the seven sisters, is a region which can be best described as virgin, wild and untouched from the modernizations taking elsewhere in the world. It is a region guarded by mountains, the only passage being a narrow stretch of land some 40 km wide, called the Siliguri Corridor. Beyond this corridor lies the seven sister states of North-Eastern India, each state more beautiful than the other, each with its own cultures and beliefs, each having its own charm. Because of the regions inaccessibility from the rest of world, it has been lucky enough to maintain most of its natural diversity.

There is great religious and ethnic diversity within the seven states. The people of the North-East live a very simple life, all the various tribes and cultures still live in accordance to the environment, and nature plays a very big role in their survival. Around 60 – 70 percent of the population is predominantly tribal, and they carry a lot of resemblance to many Tibeto-Burman, Mongolian and Austro-Asiatic cultures. Christianity and Hinduism are the other dominant beliefs. A trip to North-East remains incomplete if one doesn’t witnesses these many distinct tribes.

The sub-tropical climate along with a lot of monsoon rains has helped create one of the last remaining great wildernesses of India in this region. The forests of Northeast are a treasure trove bio-diversity and is one of the most important ecological hotspot of the world. The flora and fauna count is astounding, with a list of hundreds of mammals, thousand of birds, thousands of plant species. And yet, there are many species that are waiting to be discovered from the very unexplored region.

The great valleys of the mighty Brahmaputra River never fails to mesmerize a passing soul, taking a person back in time, allowing him to shed all his burdens and instead just relax and connect with nature. The rapids of this mighty river upstream in the Himalayan Landscape are supposedly one of the very best spots in the world to test your mettle in white water rafting. The Tea-Gardens of Assam gives the region a certain laid back Colonial-era charm, where one can sip on one of the best tea’s of the world, and do nothing else but gaze out at all the surrounding greenery.

Assam-Dibrugarh-Tea-GardensRapids and rivers, Himalayan mountains on 3 sides, forests echoing with the voices of the creatures that live inside, tribal people living in perfect harmony with nature, hunting and fishing, sweet aroma of tea in the air, Golden Mahseer to river Dolphins - North East is indeed a paradise waiting to be explored.where to begin from. And then, there is always a chance of discovering a new species of mammal, or a plant or insect, and getting a chance to name them according to your wishes.

Places to Visit in Northeast

Kaziranga National Park

The famed one-horned rhinoceros, one of India’s best-known tourism mascots, calls the expansive grasslands of the Kaziranga National Park its native place. The park’s population of 1800-odd rhinos represents more than two-thirds of the world’s total; in 1904 there were just 200.

The park consists of western, central and eastern ranges, the central range doubling as the venue for the thoroughly enjoyable early-morning elephant safari , a must-do for anyone visiting Kaziranga. Lasting an hour each, these rides offer unparalleled opportunities to get close to rhinos, which don’t seem phased by the elephants, even when surrounded by several safari groups.

Tawang Valley

Tawang is a popular tourist destination thanks to the well-preserved Tawang Monastery. The Sela Pass rises steeply and is covered with snow for most of the year. Jang waterfall is a big tourist attraction.

Tawang district has a handicrafts centre that promotes the small-scale industries for local handicrafts.

Visitors to Tawang district require a special Inner Line Permit from the government which are available in Kolkata, Guwahati, Tezpur, and New Delhi. Most of the travel from the plains is on a steep hill road journey, crossing Sela Pass at 4,176 metres (13,701 ft). Tourists can travel to Tawang from Tezpur, Assam by road. Tezpur has direct flights from Kolkata. Guwahati, Assam, is 16 hours by road. In June 2008, a daily helicopter service from Guwahati was started by the Arunachal Pradesh government.

Sivasagar

Sivasagar Literally meaning The Ocean of Lord Shiva, Sivasagar is one of the popular tourist attractions in Assam. This Upper Assam city has served as the seat of the Ahom for over 6 centuries, so you can expect a lot of Ahom influence in the architecture and culture here. Sivasagar was reckoned as the Golden Land by the Ahoms, who by chance reached this gorgeous place and found it worthy enough to be their power seat. At present, the city is amongst the most important tea and oil trading centres in Assam. Sivasagar is a great place for history lovers. Also, since the city has a fabulous backdrop, photographers are likely to get attracted to it as well. Shivadol, Gaurisagar Tank, Joysagar Tank and Temples, Rang Ghar, Charaideo, Ahom Museum, Talatal Ghar and Gargaon Palace are the tourist attractions in Sivasagar.

Barak Valley

Barak Valley Assam got it rolling and Barak Valley leads the march. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions that one can come across in Assam, Barak Valley covers the regions of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi. Silchar is the major town of this region, which lies on the bank of Barak River. The whole of Barak Valley is a dreamland with undulating lush green hills, tea gardens, meandering rivers (Barak and Kushiara) and impeccable peace; it is indeed the best place for sightseeing tour in Assam. The main attractions of Barak Valley are Khaspur, Bhuban Temple, Salganga, Karimganj, Badarpur Fort, Hailakandi, Pirbadi, Siddeshwar Temple, Adi Kali Mandir and Kachakanti Temple. Winter is the best season to visit Barak Valley but if you want to taste the famous Lakhipur pineapple, monsoon is the best time to be here.

Itanagar

Itanagar Your tour of Arunachal Pradesh is not complete without visiting Itanagar, the state capital. Itanagar has various attractions to offer which include Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Ita Fort, The State Museum, Ganga Lake, Polo Park and a lot more. Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is a sprawling sanctuary that houses various species including langur, antelopes, Himalayan black bear, porcupines, goral and many more. The bird species exceed 400 in number and hence this place is great for birdwatching. Ita Fort is an ancient monument belonging to the 14th and 15th centuries. The gallery in State Museum has great collections that speak of the rich heritage of the tribes in the state. Ganga Lake offers scenic views with the green forest and orchids around. Polo Park is a botanical garden and it soothes your mind.

Ziro

Ziro is famously known as Apatani Plateau. Declared as a World Heritage Site, Ziro offers some of the best attractions in Arunachal Pradesh. While you are here, ensure that you visit Talley Valley, fish farm and Wild Life Sanctuary. Pine Bamboo groves found here looks enchanting.

Namdapha National Park

Namdapha National Park You will experience the rush of adrenaline while you are here. The park is covers varying altitudes from 200 meters to more than 4500 meters. Hence, you will find it beautiful, interesting and challenging. A number of wild animals are found here. Situated in the district of Changlang, this place offers thrilling moments.

Kohima

Kohima is gotten from "Kew Hi Ma" which signifies 'the men of the area where the blossom Kew Hi develops'. Arranged at an elevation of 1444 m. above ocean level, Kohima is the Capital of Nagaland. Like other Naga settlements, Kohima remains on top of a mountain range. In an undeniable manner, a combination of various societies, added to a mix of innovation, makes Kohima a quickly developing and exceptionally fluctuated city.

Dimapur

The financial capital of Nagaland , Dimapur was at one time the capital of the Kachari kingdom. The name itself got from the Kachari tongue; "di" which means waterway, "mama" which means incredible and "pur" which means city.The History of Dimapur dated back to the period of Mahabharata, where the second Pandava, Bheema while in a state of banishment, tied the wedding tie with the Kachari princess Hidimba. Consequently the spot got to be known as Hidimbapur. It was under the British that it got the present name Dimapur. It is a cosmopolitan town including Nagas, Assamese, Bengalis, Biharis and others, and is gradually creating along the banks of the Dhansiri stream. Dimapur has the main airplane terminal in Nagaland and is all around associated with whatever is left of the nation.