Guide 101: Ever Travel to Northeast India?

India’s northeast is a stunning and diverse region with a distinctive culture and landscapes. Northeast India is renowned for its generous hospitality, with inhabitants gladly sharing their culture and traditions with visitors. Every person who has a wanderlust in their soul needs to travel to Northeast India at least once in their life to discover the mysteries of India’s North East, bringing you one step closer to heaven!

With several festivals and events showcasing Northeast India’s cultural richness, the region has a distinctive fusion of modern and traditional culture. Some of the region’s most important cultural festivals are the Ambubachi Mela in Assam and the Sangai Festival in Manipur.

Organizing your North East Tour can be made easier by using the travel guidance below. But first, let me tell you some interesting facts and information about the region.

States of Northeast India

Seven states make up northeast India, each with its own distinct culture, traditions, and scenic beauty. Also, Sikkim is a part of the Northeast even though it is not one of the seven sisters. Additionally, you’ll learn on your travel to Northeast India that the territory also includes the North Eastern portion of West Bengal, which just so happens to include the well-known Darjeeling.

The seven states of the region are:

1. Arunachal Pradesh: Often known as the “Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains,” is the most northeastern state of India, bordering China, Myanmar, and Bhutan. The state is well-known for its picturesque scenery, thriving culture, and long traditions. Some of the state’s most well-known tourist attractions include Tawang, Ziro, and Namdapha National Park. Despite being one of the less visited states in the area, it is necessary to visit if you want your travel to Northeast India to be successful.
2. Assam: The biggest state in Northeast India, Assam is renowned for its tea plantations, wildlife, and culture. Several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that are included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, are located in the state. Fish curry, bamboo stalk pickle, and pitha are just a few of the state’s delectable culinary creations that will amaze you while traveling to Northeast India.
3. Manipur: Also referred to as the “Land of Jewels,” Manipur is a small state in northeastern India that borders Myanmar. The state is renowned for its beautiful scenery, enduring crafts, rich cultural legacy, handicrafts and handlooms, and martial arts. Some of the well-known tourist attractions in the state are Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park, and Kangla Fort.
4. Meghalaya: The northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya, also referred to as the “Abode of Clouds,” is situated in the country. The state is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, lush jungles, and distinct culture. Several natural wonders, such as the Double-Decker Living Root Bridge, Cherrapunji, and the Mawlynnong Village, which is regarded as the cleanest village in Asia, are located in the state. It is unquestionably essential to see this location, especially if you have a killer camera. Meghalaya is a must-see location and needs to be on your itinerary for your trip to the North East.
5. Mizoram: A tiny state bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh, Mizoram is found in the southernmost region of Northeast India. Natural splendor, distinct culture, and handicrafts are the state’s claims to fame. The state is also well-known for its music, with many regional music styles—including Zeliang—being well-liked by the populace. Adventure seekers will find various ways to sate their wanderlust in Mizoram, must visit on your travel to Northeast India.
6. Nagaland: The state of Nagaland, also referred to as the “Land of Festivals,” is situated in northeastern India and borders Myanmar. The state is well-known for its thriving culture, age-old crafts, and stunning natural scenery. Numerous indigenous groups with diverse cultures and customs call the state home. The Hornbill Festival, which takes place every December, is a significant cultural occasion in the region. This destination would leave you in amazement and is ideal for a nice trip to Northeast India with its sister gems.
7. Tripura: A little state bordering Bangladesh in northeastern India is called Tripura. The state is renowned for its thriving culture, stunning scenery, and handmade goods. Several wildlife sanctuaries, notably the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary and the Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary, are located in the state. Additionally, the state is also known for its bamboo and cane handicrafts. Tripura is undoubtedly a refuge for lovers of art, architecture, and history and a terrific spot to go if you enjoy discovering undiscovered treasures during your travel to Northeast India. Tripura would undoubtedly surprise you with its beauty, which you may have never seen before.

Moreover, Sikkim is a state in northeastern India that is bordered by West Bengal to the south, Tibet to the north, Bhutan to the east, and Nepal to the west. Its population is the lowest and it is the second-smallest state in India.

Sikkim has a lot in common linguistically and culturally with the other states in the region. Sikkim’s population is primarily of Nepali origin, but there are sizable numbers of Bhutias and Lepchas as well. Sikkim is well known for its beautiful scenery, which includes the Himalayan mountain range, and its rich biodiversity, which includes a diverse array of flora and fauna. The famed Bumchu festival and the Chaam dance are just two examples of the state’s distinctive culture and celebrations. As you travel to Northeast India, don’t forget to visit Sikkim as it has a lot to offer.

Best Time to Visit Northeast India

The precise place you intend to visit and the activities you want to engage in will determine the best time to visit Northeast India. It’s critical to make appropriate plans because different sections of India’s Northeast encounter various climate conditions.

Winter, from November to February, is the best time to explore the area because the weather is comfortable and dry. It is also a season when neither intense heat nor heavy rain will interfere with your enjoyment of the area’s stunning scenery. Wildlife and cultural visits can also be enjoyed during the winter.

However, the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, can be a fantastic time to visit if you want to explore the area’s beautiful green forests and appreciate the flowering flora, even though it can be difficult owing to severe rainfall. The region’s numerous waterfalls are at their peak during the monsoon season.

The best time to visit if you intend to travel to the high-altitude areas of Northeast India, such as Sikkim or Arunachal Pradesh, is from March to May when the weather is pleasant and dry and the snow has melted, making it easier to travel over the mountain passes.

In general, it’s necessary to do your research and organize your trip according to the exact area you intend to visit and the activities you want to partake in, taking into account the weather conditions and other elements that may affect your travel plans.

How to Reach Northeast India

Northeast India is easily accessible by road, train, and air and has good connections to the rest of the nation.

By Air: Most significant cities in Northeast India, such as Guwahati, Imphal, Agartala, and Shillong, have airports with good connections to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Regular flights are run by a number of airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, Air Asia, and Vistara.

By Train: Guwahati, Dimapur, and Agartala are three important rail hubs that connect Northeast India to the rest of the nation. From important cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai, a number of trains run to these stations. The availability of seats may be constrained at the busiest travel times, and train travel can be time-consuming.

By Road: Through a network of state and national highways, Northeast India is connected to the rest of the nation by road. However, due to the mountainous terrain and poor condition of the roads, particularly during the monsoon season, driving might be difficult. Many visitors choose to take an airplane or train to Northeast India, and while there, they prefer to explore the area using cabs or buses as local transportation.

Do’s and Don’t Before Visiting Northeast India

• Each state in the Northeast is unique from the others. Depending on who you are, several states demand a permit only to visit. Based on visits, there are various types of permits:

1. To visit Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland, foreign visitors do not require a RAP (Restricted Area Permit) or PAP (Protected Area Permit). They only need to register within 24 hours of arrival at the foreigner’s registration office (FRO) of the specific State. They are required to have a passport, a visa, and other papers. However, a PAP is necessary to go to Arunachal Pradesh.
2. The Ministry of Home Affairs must give permission for citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, and Afghanistan to go to the four northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland.

• Recognize that the inhabitants of the NE are vastly different from those of the rest of India in terms of race and culture. When you see them, don’t act surprised or shocked, and avoid using their language in a mocking way. They will find it to be extremely offensive.
• Before making travel arrangements, check with the local authorities and taxi drivers as strikes are often.
• Remember that Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland are the three states where alcohol is either totally or partially prohibited. As a result, it’s unlikely that you’ll find alcohol there (that readily), and you can’t bring alcohol into any of the three States.
• In the northeast, where the weather is constantly changing, it is always advisable to have a lightweight jacket on hand, even in the summer. Unending rain is undoubtedly welcome and enjoyable in some regions of the Northeast, but it may also bring chilly. Since an umbrella is extremely cumbersome while traveling, it is advised to have waterproof jackets.
• The local culture, traditions, and way of life can always be experienced in a unique way by staying at a homestay. For a complete experience, choose homestays that provide genuine regional cuisine.

Overall, individuals who enjoy the outdoors and those seeking a distinctive cultural experience should travel to Northeast India.