The frontier region of Northeast India is unrivalled in its allurements and offers journeys of rare cultural and natural heritage discoveries. The astonishing ethnic, linguistic, religious, and cultural traditions of its communities offer some of the most fantastic opportunities for deeply immersive travel experiences in India.
For too long has its appeal as a tourist hot spot been underestimated and its unconventional destinations ignored. Though the Northeast has been on the radar of travellers, now more than ever its remote, uncrowded spaces, its unique culture, and unspoiled dramatic natural beauty are attracting discerning travel buffs.
Sharing its over 4,500-km border with neighbours China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, the Northeast is linked to the rest of India by the vital, but pretty slim 22-km-wide, 60-km-long Siliguri Corridor, also known as Chicken’s Neck, in West Bengal. Spread over 2.55 lakh sq. km, drained by the Brahmaputra and Meghna river systems, the Northeast is home to a population of approximately 46 million, which represents about 3.8% of the total population of India. Comprising the legendary contiguous ‘Seven Sister States’—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura, and ‘brother’, the Himalayan state of Sikkim, Northeast India has over 200 ethnic groups distinguished by languages, dialects and socio-cultural identities.
The varied geographies of the region, marked by the ranks of centuries-old mountains and pelt of impenetrable jungles, dense bamboo groves, and swathes of emerald paddy fields, are shaped by the hot, humid summers, months of incessant rain, and mild winters.
Being such a remote part of the country, the region has remained a bit of a mystery for many Indians; neither was this unfamiliar land a popular holiday destination with the travelling community. It’s easy to forget that for centuries on end the region was the mighty crossroad that connected India with East and Southeast Asia through the overland movement of people, culture, and commerce. What is a great marvel too is that being a critical bio-geographic frontier, the region is an amazing treasure trove of botanical, faunal, and avian biodiversity.
Intrepid travellers have been the first to tap into this richly complex transition point of racial, religious, and linguistic streams, further empowered by the heritage of ancient traditions and lifestyles, festivals, and crafts. They have paved the way for other visitors to experience the distinctive charms of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya Sikkim, and Tripura. Travellers can look forward to dipping into the variety of tourism products, centered around untouched and unexplored attractions, that have been curated and promoted by the different states which include: Wildlife Tourism, Tea & Golf Tourism, River Tourism, Religious & Spiritual Tourism, Heritage Tourism, Cultural & Culinary Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Agro & Rural Tourism and Offbeat Destinations.
Great steps are now being taken to unravel the unique offerings of this fantastic ethno-cultural frontier through boundless travel experiences. The Northeast is a holiday destination for all seasons, except during the monsoon between June and September.
A major thrust in infrastructure development, including connectivity by road, rail, air, telecom, power, and waterways, is set to play a pivotal role in the growth and opening up of this fantastic region for exceptional tourism experiences in the eight states. With 17 airports in operation and better rail and road connectivity to tourist hubs, it’s much easier than earlier to travel to the Northeast. There are plenty of good hotels for all budgets as well as homestay options and forest rest houses in most places.
There are some permit requirements to visit parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland. These can be issued from the Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati tourist offices or by the local administration as well as online. It’s undeniable that travels in the Northeastern states can still be a challenge—but the rewards are plentiful for the adventurous of heart. Embrace the spirit of travel in its purest traditions of discovery and delight and go forth unfettered by prejudice and pre-conceived notions—and be prepared to have the time of your life. You will love it because you will get to do and see things which you would only in the Northeast.
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