Seven Sisters — The North-East of India
Most Unexplored parts of India, but yet the most fascinating ones.
The 7 Sister States also known as “Paradise Unexplored” is a name given to the neighboring states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura in northeastern India.
North-East India consists of Sikkim too with the other seven states. It’s called seven sisters because it is attached to each other, and they are interdependent on each other.
The magnificence of the North Eastern States of India has consistently been discussed and has been held under the fronts of nature. Most all the seven sisters have International boundaries and are a gateway to ‘South-East Asia’.
Sikkim shares an international border with Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west, and China in the north while Arunachal Pradesh shares an international border with Myanmar in the east, China in the north, and Bhutan in the west.
March is a common month for all the states when we consider the best time to visit the Seven Sisters of India.
History
Originally, after Independence, NE India has only three states, with Assam being the large one and Manipur and Tripura were the Union Territory.
- Nagaland was formed in 1963,
- Manipur in 1971 (Earlier a Union Territory),
- Tripura in 1971(Earlier a Union Territory).
- Meghalaya in 1972,
- Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh in 1987,
Shillong was the capital of Assam during British Raj. Later in the year 1972, Meghalaya was formed and Shillong became the state capital. Finally, Assam’s capital was shifted to Dispur.
1. Arunachal Pradesh — Land of ‘Rising-Sun’ of India:
- Historical Name: North-East Frontier Agency
- Capital: Itanagar
- Statehood: 20 February 1987.
- International Borders: Bhutan in the west, Myanmar in the east, and a disputed border with China in the north at the McMahon Line.
- National Border: states of Assam and Nagaland to the south.
- The North-East Frontier Agency was renamed as Arunachal Pradesh by Sri Bibhabasu Das Shastri, the Director of Research, and K.A.A. Raja, the Chief Commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh on 20 January 1972, and it became a union territory.
- Largest State in the seven Sisters.
- A major part of the state is claimed by both the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan) as part of the region of South Tibet.
- During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, most of Arunachal Pradesh was captured and temporarily controlled by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
Travel Places of Arunachal Pradesh
- Tawang Monastery: India’s Largest Monastery
Situated by the shimmering Tawang Chu River, this magnificent spot is famous for a vintage monastery by a similar name and Taktsang Gompa.
Tawang Monastery is supposed to be the most seasoned in India and exhibits qualities and customs of Tibetan culture and ethos. Tawang is ostensibly quite possibly the most lovely place in India, each solo voyager should visit.
- Namdapha National Park — Home To The Wild
Red Pandas are charming, right? Probably the best thing you can discover in Arunachal Pradesh is a red panda.
They are the main types of the Ailurus variety and the Ailuridae family which are above.
India has around 20 regions where you can recognize the Red Pandas and these spots attempt and intend to save and secure the Red Panda populace.
Consequently, one of the preservation puts in Namdapha National Park which additionally turns out to be perhaps the best spot to visit in Arunachal Pradesh.
Festival:
- Ziro Music Festival:
You can totally visit here if you’re into music. It’s a heaven for music buffs and culture enthusiasts.
This is a four-day-long music carnival celebrated in the Ziro region of Arunachal, where music stalwarts from different corners of the world perform.
Besides the music fest, there are numerous other activities that enable one to explore the region and the tribe.
2. Assam — The Tea State of India:
- Historical Name: Kamrupa
- Capital: Dispur
- Statehood: 26 January 1950
- The state is bordered by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh toward the north;
- Nagaland and Manipur toward the east;
- Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and Bangladesh toward the south; and
- West Bengal toward the west by means of the Siliguri Corridor, 22 kilometers (14 mi) wide segment of land that associates the state to the remainder of India.
- The mighty Brahmaputra River originating from the gigantic Himalayas passes through Assam.
- The Garo, the Mikir, Khasi, the Lushai, and the Kachari tribes are some of the tribes which live in Assam.
- The Brahmaputra river with its 1000 km length is also known as the ‘lifeline of Assam’ as its water quenches the thirst of thirty-four districts, five national parks, and eighteen wildlife sanctuaries.
- Assam is known for conserving many extinct species like the one-horned Indian rhinoceros from near extinction, along with the wild water buffalo, pygmy hog, tiger, the Asian elephant, and various Asiatic birds.
- World heritage sites Kaziranga National Park and the Manas National Park are the two prominent spots of Assam.
For more information on the UNESCO Natural World Heritage site of India, visit here:
Travel Places of Assam:
- Kaziranga National Park:
The Kaziranga National Park is home to two-thirds of the planet’s population of the one-horned rhinoceros. Apart from that, this national park is also a World Heritage Site and a major highlight on the Assam tourist places map.
It’s also a tiger reserve since it houses an enormous population of the royal Bengal Tigers, making it one of the most important Assam points of interest.
Some more surprises are Swamp Deer, Elephants, Wild Buffalo, Chinese Pangolins, Bengal Foxes, Gibbons, Leopards, and Flying Squirrels. That makes it must visit a place of Assam.
- Manas National Park: Biosphere Reserve
Apart from, Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh, here too you can find Red panda and also the rare Golden Langur.
Just like Kaziranga, it is also a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.
It is home to India’s second-largest tiger population.
It also harbors the maximum population of endangered Indian species, as listed in the IUCN Red Book.
Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur, and pygmy hog are some animals that will surprise you with their extraordinary beauty.
- Guwahati Planetarium: A Space Odyssey!
It is a great place for people who are interested in Space Expedition.
(Really want Elon Musk to visit here.)
It’s a great place for young minds that want to learn surprising facts about the universe in a fun and interactive way.
The astronomical research center also hosts a number of seminars and exhibitions to let people witness rare phenomenons like solar eclipses and meteor showers.
This is definitely going to be an adventure and if it's Space, Humans have a lot of interest in it.
(Seriously, Where is Jeff Bezos?)
Festivals:
- Bihu:
Bihu is one of the most legendary harvest festivals of India, celebrated in Assam three times a year.
- Magh Bihu is celebrated in January.
- Rongali Bihu in April.
- Kati Bihu in October.
Women wear colorful mekhlas — the traditional dress of Assam and dance to the tunes of drums while menfolk play drums and sing together.
3. Manipur — The Jeweled Land:
- Historical Name: Kangleipak
- Capital: Imphal
- Statehood: 1971
- International Borders: Myanmar, Sagaing Region to the east and Chin State to the south.
- State Borders: It is bounded by the Indian states of Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south, and Assam to the west.
- During the 1930s Manipur was being cut off from the Indian region. The Britishers wanted Manipur to be part of Myanmar.
- But, after many negotiations, on the 11th of August 1947, Maharaja Budhachandra signed an Instrument of Accession, and hence, Manipur became a permanent part of India.
- Manipur is home to the Meitei tribe that occupies the majority of the state. Apart from them, the Naga and Kuki-Zo tribe are also found.
- Surrounded by the Naga hills in the north, the Mizo and Chin hills in the south, the Manipur hills in the west, and the green valleys (Rice Bowl of Manipur) hold a prestigious spot in the eyes.
Travel Places of Manipur
- Keibul Lamjao National Park:
This is World’s only floating Sanctuary.
Encircling the Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park is best known for floating flora of phumdis and endangered brow-antlered deer or sangai.
It is quite popular amongst nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and ornithologists.
East Himalayan pied kingfisher, spotbill duck, ruddy shell-duck, Burmese Pied Myna, and Indian white-breasted waterhen are some other species that you will find here.
- Kangla Fort:
Kangla Fort was the administrative seat of various Manipur kings from Nongda Lairen Pakhangba to Maharaja Kulachandra.
Comprising of temples, citadel, and coronation halls, Kangla Fort is a hot favorite tourist site in Manipur among history buffs, photographers, and architectural enthusiasts.
- Jorebangla Temple:
Jorebangla Temple is an ancient temple in Bishnupur. Also known as Yorubangala, it was built by Malla King, Raghunath Singha Dev in the year 1655.
Although not a famous tourist place in the outer world, but is a famous tourist attraction in Manipur.
Festivals:
- Cheiroaba:
It is the new Year of the Manipuri people.
Local people clean their houses, wear new clothes, exchange greetings and sweets on the occasion of New Year.
It’s an age-old tradition of Manipur, and it’s still celebrated with full Enthusiasm in Manipur.
4. Meghalaya — The Abode of Clouds:
- Historical Name: Khasi hills, Jaintia hills, and Garo hills
- Capital: Shillong
- Statehood: 21st January 1972
- International Borders: South by the Bangladeshi divisions of Mymensingh and Sylhet, to the west by the Bangladeshi division of Rangpur.
- State Borders: North and East by the India’s State of Assam.
- Meghalaya is known to be the wettest place on Earth.
- The average rainfall of some places of the state can reach up to 12,000 mm.
- Cherrapunji in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya holds the world record for most rain in a month. Whereas the Mawsynram village near Cherrapunji holds the record of the maximum rainfall in a year.
- Shillong is often called the ‘ Scotland of the East ’.
Travel Places in Meghalaya:
- Umiam Lake:
It is a beautiful man-made reservoir is situated 15 kilometers north of Shillong. The lake was shaped after a dam was developed to produce hydroelectric power.
Tourists can take a long boat ride in the lake, and adventure junkies can appreciate drifting and different water sports.
- Cherrapunji:
Cherrapunji is regarded as one of the wettest places on earth as the highest rainfall is foreseen during the year.
The town encompasses some of the best waterfalls in Meghalaya.
- Shillong:
The Capital of Meghalaya, Scotland of the East, Shillong is one of the most popular Meghalaya tourist places in the northeast that is on everybody’s checklist.
Far from the busy life, it has forested hills, a pleasant climate, scenic beauty which attracts many tourists from around the world.
It has a mixture of both city life and natural life.
Shillong is also considered the gateway to Meghalaya as the main airport of Meghalaya is in Shillong.
Some of the famous tourist spots in Shillong include Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Lady Hydari Park, Wards, Lake, and Don Bosco Museum.
- Mawlynnong Village — The Cleanest Village in Asia:
From beautiful waterfalls and root bridges to a clean environment and a scenic view, this town invites you with everything that is basic to make your Meghalaya excursion pivotal.
Apart from this, there are numerous bamboo houses where you’ll need to have a stay to adapt more to the location.
Festivals:
- Ka Pomblang Nongkrem:
Ka Pomblang Nongkrem, also known as Shad Nonhkrem is one of the liveliest festivals in November in India.
The native tribes of Meghalaya show respect to Goddesses Ka Blei Synshar for a prosperous and good harvest.
5. Mizoram — Land of Mizo:
- Historical Name: Lushai hills
- Capital: Aizawl
- Union Territory: 21 January 1972
- Statehood: 20 February 1987
- International Borders: The border with the neighboring countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar.
- State Borders: The southernmost landlocked state, sharing borders with three of the Seven Sister States, namely Tripura, Assam, and Manipur.
- It is the 2nd least populous state in the country.
- Mizoram is one of three states of India with a Christian majority.
Travel Places in Mizoram:
- Aizawl:
This is one of the oldest cities of Mizoram and attracts a lot of tourists because of the picturesque views it offers.
The Lengpui Airport is a domestic airport in Aizawl, Mizoram. The airport is well connected to cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal.
- Phwangpui Peak:
The Phawngpui Hills is known to be the ‘House of Gods’. It is the highest mountain peak in Mizoram.
The Phawngpui Peak is known as the home of the Mizo tribe’s Goddess. It is located in the Phawngpui National Park
- Saiha Town:
It is located in the southernmost part of the state. Some of the most popular Mizoram tourist places in Saiha are Palak Wildlife Sanctuary and Palak Dil.
Saiha was earlier known as Siaha. The name is made from two words Sia and Ha which translates to the elephant’s tooth.
Festivals:
- Chapchar Kut:
To showcase the harvest, cultivation, and drying up the process of bamboo shoots, the local Mizoram people celebrate Chapchar Kut.
It is one of the most significant festivals in March celebrated by the people of Mizoram.
6. Nagaland — Land of Festivals:
- Historical Name: Naga Hills District
- Capital: Kohima
- Statehood: 1st December 1963
- International Borders: The Sagaing Region of Myanmar to the east.
- State Borders: It is bordered by the state of Arunachal Pradesh to the north, Assam to the west, Manipur to the south.
- Nagaland is known as the ‘land of festivals’ for the rich, lively, and vibrant celebration of its numerous tribal festivals.
- As agriculture is the major source of employment for the people of Nagaland, all their festivals revolve around the celebration and gratitude for the harvest that they experience and seek blessings for a prosperous harvest in the future months.
- An abundant and diverse range of trees like the palm trees, bamboo trees, rattan trees and the mahogany tree, the sambar deer, wild oxen, buffalo, bears, leopards, tigers, elephants, foxes, five cats, mongooses, and monkeys are just some of the species that are found in a large number.
- Agriculture is its most important economic activity, accounting for over 70% of its economy. Other significant activities include forestry, tourism, insurance, real estate, and miscellaneous cottage industries.
Travel Places of Nagaland:
- Kohima:
Kohima is one of the most tranquil & mesmeric places in the seven sisters of northeast India.
The thick forests, luxuriant valleys, and misty weather overwhelm travelers.
One can trek to Dzuko valley, visit Kohima war cemetery, Ntangki Wildlife sanctuary, and Mokokchung.
- Mokokchung:
This is the liveliest district of Nagaland owing to the beautiful traditions and festivals and hospitality of the vibrant Ao tribe who calls this place their home.
- Dimapur:
The main entry point to the state is through Dimapur.
It is the largest city in the state.
The glorious ruins of the fortress Kachari Rajbari are a national heritage site, and a must-visit.
Festivals:
- Hornbill Festival — Festival of Festivals
The Hornbill Festival is a celebration held every year from 1 to 10 December, in Nagaland, Northeast India.
It is also called the ‘Festival of Festivals’.
All the tribes of Nagaland take part in this festival.
7. Tripura — Land Of Cane Handicrafts And Bamboo:
- Historical Name: Tipperah
- Capital: Agartala
- International Borders: It is bordered by Bangladesh to the north, south, and west.
- State Borders: It is bordered by Assam and Mizoram to the east.
- It is the third-smallest state in the country.
- Tripura was ruled for several centuries by the Tripuri dynasty.
- Tripura is heavily guarded by mighty mountain ranges like the Shakhan, Jampui Boromura, Atharamurat, and the Longtharai hills.
- The region is majorly covered in forests in which the bamboo and perennial grasses can be seen conveniently leaving only a small portion of land available for cultivation.
- Tripura is the most popular place in India for Cane and Bamboo crafts, because of their beauty and attractive designs.
- In the eastern frontiers of India, this state adorns five mountain ranges, Boromura, Shakhan, Atharamura, Longtharai, and Jampui Hills.
Travel places of Tripura:
- Agartala:
It is one of the largest cities in that state and one of the most popular places to visit in Tripura.
The place is famous for its terrains which are full of green pastures, hills, and beautiful valleys.
The main attraction of this place is Ujjayanta Palace.
- Udaipur a.k.a Rangmati:
It’s not the Rajasthan Udaipur, though will talk about that marvelous city some other day.
Udaipur was earlier known as Rangamati and is a town in Tripura and is famous for its Sundari Temple which is one of the religious places to visit in Tripura.
- Unakoti:
Translating to ‘one less than a crore’ in English, Unakoti is one of the most intriguing places to see in Tripura for those who seek something unique.
This spot is home to numerous scattered ruins of the temples, making Unakoti a unique place with an ancient aura encircling the atmosphere.
Festivals:
- Ashokastami Festival:
Local people worship their god and goddesses and take a holy dip in the consecrated river of the Ashtami Kunda. This festival is usually celebrated in the month of March or April.
It is believed that on that day, a section of Gange's meet Brahmaputra. It is a mythological faith that a holy dip in sacred rivers during the Ashokastami takes humans out of the circle of life and death.
8. Sikkim — Paradise of Botanists:
- Historical Name: Sukhim
- Capital: Gangtok
- International Border: It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, and Nepal in the west.
- State Border: West Bengal in the south. Sikkim is also close to India’s Siliguri Corridor near Bangladesh.
- Statehood: 16 May 1975
- It’s called the “Paradise of Botanists” because of the wide variety of plants species found there.
- Sikkim is the second smallest state of India after Goa. Sikkim is famous for having the highest peak in India, the Kangchenjunga that is also the third highest mountain in the world.
- Sikkim was founded by the Namgyal dynasty and ruled by a Buddhist priest. It was included as a princely state under British rule.
- In the year 1975, the monarchy form of government was abolished and led the state of Sikkim to become the 22nd state of India.
- Sikkim is one of the fast-growing states of India. Sikkim is hugely dependent on agriculture as its source of economy.
- It is the second-largest producer of cardamom after Guatemala.
- It has also been successful in banning the use of plastic bottles and polystyrene products making it one of India’s environmentally conscious and responsible states.
- Sikkim is a multilingual state.
Travel Places of Sikkim:
- Nathu La Pass:
Nathula pass, located in the Himalayas, connects India with Tibet is considered to be amongst the best places to visit in Sikkim Gangtok.
The pass, at 4,310 m above sea level forms a part of a side-shoot of the prehistoric Silk Road.
- Tsomgo Lake — Changu Lake:
It is located just 38 km away from the capital city of Sikkim is among the most popular tourist places in Sikkim.
A snaky road through rocky mountain topography and strident mountains which takes you to Tsomgo Lake is a lot of adventure in itself.
- Zuluk Village:
It is a small village located at a high altitude and has a very empowering history due to its connection with the Silk Route.
It promises great views of the snowcapped mountain ranges especially during winter and is a fabulous place to see for those looking for snowfall in Sikkim.
- Pelling Sky Walk:
India’s first glass skywalk is located at a height of 7,200 feet, right opposite the world’s tallest 137-feet statue of Chenrezig.
This place is 2.5 kilometers from Pelling.
The skywalk is surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayas.
Festivals:
- Annual Sikkim Paragliding Festival:
One should visit Sikkim during the Annual Sikkim Paragliding Festival held in Gangtok during the month of October and November when the weather is favorable, for the best paragliding experience.
Conclusion:
North-East India can possibly turn into a tourist spot actually like different spots of India.
It is as yet a neglected space of the Indian Sub-continent. In the event that you at any point need to visit Europe, or South America, recall our India has got everything that different areas of the planet can give.
Explore India, since it’s actually got particularly neglected. If you want to write about India then Incredible Bharat welcomes you.
