North East-The Guide
The most potent eco destination of entire South Asia –the North East comprising of the Seven Sisters a Brother and some parts of North Bengal are one of the least explored tourist destinations of India. The Seven Sisters namely Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh with their brother Sikkim as well as Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kooch Bihar with their rich natural as well as cultural heritage can be called a traveler’s Paradise. The most striking about these areas is their unique natural beauty comprising of the lofty Himalayan Mountains, the green and beautiful valleys, the dense forests, gurgling waterfalls , the knotted rivers etc.
In the North-east the traveler can explore the wilderness, indulge into adventure sports, bask in beautiful hill stations as well as enjoy the different cultures, in short there is something for everybody in this beautiful region. The weather of the region makes you fall in love, it’s a relief from the strong heat and terrible chill of Northern India, here is a climate which compliments the natural and ethnic beauty of the surroundings. In scientific terms the sub tropical climate prevails in these areas with hot and humid summers, severe monsoons and mild winters.
The best Tourist Attractions of the North East can be summed up under different categories offering a something for all kinds of travelers:
The Tawang Monastry
It stands 10,000 ft above sea level and offers an exhilarating, imposing and picturesque view of the Tawang-Chu valley, the monastery appears like a fort from a distance. The Tawang Monastry proves an ideal gate away for travelers who want some relief from their busy lives.
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Assam Tea Gardens
The exquisite and incredibly silent tea gardens are a blessing for the eyes, the silent action of the tea leaves plucking away by the localities potray their strong bonding with the fields. The serene atmosphere of the gardens prove to be a worthy tourist attraction.
Kaziranga National Park
This much famous wild life sanctuary is located in the heart of Assam and on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra. It is the only national park in India where the One Horned Rhino can be seen in the wilderness. It is a great experience for nature lovers. The park is densely covered with tall elephant grasses and travelers are taken in jeeps around the areas to get a view of the animals in their natural habitats.
Best Time to Visit: November to April
The Hill Stations
Apart from the wilderness there a hill stations with their scenic beauty which creates a sense of ecstasy in the travelers:
Gangtok
The capital city of Sikkim ideally located in the enchanting Himalayas among the snow covered streets amidst the whipping breeze is a heavenly destination for tourists. The beauty of the place is so mesmerizing that it gives the feeling of being in the world of angels. This is an ideal place for travelers who can appreciate golden beauty.
Pasighat
The oldest town of Arunachal Pradesh, fondly known as the “gateway of the Arunachal Pradesh” is a beautiful hill-station providing several attractions which are the favorite of local as well as tourists from abroad.
Shillong
The “Scotland of the East” is a natural paradise of Pine trees, waterfalls, mountain streams, lakes and gorges all coming together to make the capital city of Meghalaya a great hook up place for tourists.
Ziro
The beautiful pine-clad low hilled valley is the best form nature can provide to its lovers. The rivers namely Apatani, Subansiri, Miri, Dafla, and Nishi add perfectly to the overall beauty of the scenic hill station.
Pelling
Located 2,085 meters above the sea level, Pelling is famous for the splendid views of the snow-clad Khangchendzonga Mountains. The exotic natural beauty and traditions pull the travelers at all times of the year.
Darjeeling
The Queen of Hills is located in the lower Shivalik Hill region of the Himalayas. Like most other hill stations in India, the British developed Darjeeling as a respite from the oppressing summer heat in the Gangetic plains. The first ropeway in India and the longest in Asia, Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway offer spectacular views for the tourists.
Best Time to Visit: April to mid June, and September to November
Sikkim Trekking
There is no dearth of trekking adventures to be taken in Sikkim for adventure lovers. The surroundings of the trekking routes are dotted with beautiful Gompas, Hamlets and alpine forest. The forest is a home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Some of the best points for trekking are Yuksam, Bakhim and Dzongri.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-February- May end & Mid-September-December
Temples
North East offers a religious shrine for the respite of the travelers as well, most of the well known temples are:
Asvakranta Temple at Guwahati in Assam
Da Parbatiya Temple at Tezpur in Assam
Devi Temple at Sibsagar in Assam
Govindaji Temple at Imphal in Manipur
Kamakhya Temple at Guwahati in Assam
Navagraha Temple at Guwahati in Assam
Sukreswara Temple at Guwahati in Assam
Ugra Tara Temple at Guwahati in Assam
Umananda Temple at Guwahati in Assam
How to reach North East
Siliguri and Guwahati are the two main points that join the whole region of North-East India to rest of the India. Though almost each of the states have their own airport, yet it is not very well connected to other parts of the country. Reaching Guwahati, which has very good Air, Road and Rail link with other parts of India, assures you that you will easily be heading to other North-East states.
Some Travel agents who can be contacted for North East Tour Packages
- Tourist Helpline- 51, Connaught Place, New Delhi Ph- 09999233233
- E’Land Travels- Rama Krishna Puram, New Delhi Ph- 011 4603 3981
- Tour Operators in India- 373, Pocket-4, Sector-2, Rohini, New Delhi Ph- 09289609527
- Adventure Tour India
- Alpine North Sikkim Tours