Seven Sisters of North East India: A Complete Guide
North East India, often referred to as the Seven Sisters, comprises seven beautiful states: Arunachal Pradesh & Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland & Tripura.
In North East India Every state is a cultural and historical state, a state with a unique history and beautiful nature that will attract tourists. They indicate when is the best time to visit them and what famous attractions and scenic areas there are in each state.
Whether you build your vacation around a North East trip or are interested in enjoying an north east extensive seven sisters tour package, this guide will be of immense help to explore the beauty of the region.
Arunachal Pradesh Itanagar
Arunachal Pradesh also known as the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ is much popular for its natural beauty and flora and fauna. Due to this, the capital of the state is Itanagar which offers a perfect starting point to discovering this unspoilt area. Located in the eastern Himalaya, Arunachal Pradesh is inhabited by many tribes with unique colour, culture and tradition. Beautiful green hills, clear water, monasteries situated in the state have made it an ideal tourist destination for people loving nature and adventures.
Top Highlights:
- Tawang Monastery: Tawang Monastery is among the largest Buddhist monasteries in India where the monastery is located at the height of 10,000 feet and has a view of the mountain. Which used to be a famous Buddhist shrine, it is more or less in terms of architectural design and has a rather peaceful surrounding.
- Ziro Valley: Well known for its spectacular rice bowl landscape and the last village of the Apa Tani tribe, Ziro valley is listed as a tentative list for world heritage site. It also hosts an open air music festival every year with participation of different artists within the country.
Scenic Spots:
- Sela Pass: Sela Pass is a beautiful mountain pass situated in Arunachal Pradesh, India at an altitude of 4,178 meters One passes through beautiful snow-clad mountains and many beautiful lakes at Sela Pass. During winter it normally snows, hence the common sighting of photographers and filmmakers.
- Bum La Pass: Bum La Pass, near the Indo-China border is historically very important and is known for the clear view of Himalayan mountains. It also has picturesque lakes and a variety of flowers and plants.
Things To Do:
- Trekking in the Himalayas: The trekking in Arunachal Pradesh is unexplored and provides many treks which are easily accessible for beginners as well as thrilling ones for the professional trekkers. Some of the most famous treks conducted are Gorichen Peak Trek and Tawang Trek.
- White-water rafting on the Kameng River: Any adventure loving tourist would consider the Kameng river for the most thrilling experience especially while rafting.
Major Attractions:
- Nuranang Falls: Nuranang Falls also called Bong Bong Falls is perhaps one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Tawang. The gently falling water makes the site a major attraction for visitors in all four seasons of the year.
- Dirang Valley: Famous for having colourful meadows, hot springs and great for landscape lovers, Dirang valley-bum is simply fabulous.
Culinary Delights:
Make sure you taste local foods and drinks; some of these include thukpa – noodle soup – and Apong – rice beer. Rice is frequently used in combination with a variety of meat preparations cooked with local herbs.
Peak Season:
The ideal time to come for this place can be anytime between October to March when the climate of the region is harmonious.
Assam Dispur
About the State:
In general, people refer to Assam as the gateway to the seven sisters of North East India. Tea gardens and impressive history make nature lovers happy in Dispur , which is the capital city of the state. There are beautiful regions of Assam that have green hills, fertile valleys and interesting rivers which forms part of its beauty.
Top Highlights:
- Kaziranga National Park: A World Heritage site best known for housing the one-horned rhino. Some of the wildlife includes elephants, tigers, birds among others, the park is very developed.
- Majuli Island: The land of magnificent orchid, colourful festivals and mascot called Rhino and the world’s largest river island on the Brahmaputra River. Due to its culture, traditions and ethnic groups, the island also has a special interest in the traditional Assamese folk dance forms.
Scenic Spots:
- Brahmaputra River: Doesn’t this majestic river present picturesque scenery and possibility to take a boat ride where one may get even closer to the experience?
- Tea Gardens of Jorhat: Tea tasting exercise and estate visits are part of the north east tour when you are in Assam; the beautiful large tea plantation units are a natural sightseeing attraction.
Things To Do:
- Wildlife safaris in Kaziranga: Visit the adventures touring in the Kaziranga National Park the only park where one can enjoy sighting rhinoceros in its natural environment.
- Explore local markets in Guwahati: You may buy local souvenirs & accessories, textile products, & taste local Assamese food at area markets such as Fancy Bazaar.
Major Attractions:
- Kamakhya Temple: A religious shrine of Sati’s limbs that is placed on the summit of Nilachal, the Kamakhya temple. It draws tourists from different parts of India, especially Christians, Muslims and others who are on pilgrimage.
- Sualkuchi (the silk village): Which is more famous for its weaves of Muga silk sarees besides having exclusive Muga silk products.
Culinary Delights:
Taste fresh seafood with flavorsome recipes and traditional favourites like masor tenga, a sour fish curry, or pitha, a type of rice cake. The people of Assam broadly used their food ingredients in fresh form, and not much extensive use of spices are loaded into their foods.
Peak Season:
The best time to visit Assam is from October to April because the weather favors traveling when on a tour in Assam.
Meghalaya Shillong
About the State:
Pronounced ‘Meghalaya’, this state means ‘The Abode of Clouds’ and this is as true when one looks at the natural geography of the state, as it is replete with rolling hills and deep green pine forests..
Top Highlights:
- Living Root Bridges: Special bridges designed out of tree roots, specifically Khasi culture’s traditional work. These being bridges, they not only have haulage functions, but are also among the most beautiful landmarks.
- Cherrapunji: The amusement park is also an acknowledged title holder to one of the wettest places on the globe boasting waterfalls like Nohkalikai that fall gracefully from dizzying heights into deep cliffs.
Scenic Spots:
- Nohkalikai Falls: The tallest plunge waterfall in India gives magnificent scenery with high trees around the place.
- Dawki River: Famed for its waters that look so clear they depict and reflect the boats that sail on this sea; it’s the ideal place to go boating.
Things To Do:
- Trekking in Khasi hills: Experience many beautiful trails for trekking that take delta through the woods and give u great views.
- Caving adventures in Siju caves: Visit peculiar limestone caves that house unusual shaping of rocks.
Major Attractions:
- Shillong Peak: It provides a vantage point of Shillong city and the hills; the preferred sunrise watching area.
- Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures: An exhibition centre of tribal lifestyle of Meghalaya which is one of the states of India with an injected cultural bloodline.
Culinary Delights:
Try Jadoh – meat cooked with rice, and pork with bamboo shoots which proves that local cuisine of Meghalaya is very diverse in relation to the influence of tribes.
Peak Season:
Tourism should be done between September and May as the climate is cool for adventures throughout the park.
Nagaland Kohima
About the State:
The state of Nagaland is popular in the north-eastern region of India for its fantastic tradition of tribes and bountiful festivals. The state’s capital is Kohima and people can view this vibrant culture through various festivities held throughout the year.
Top Highlights:
- Hornbill Festival: Also known as “festival of festivals”, this particular cultural Naga festival entails music as well as dance drama, Naga craft bazaar, and food fiesta.
- Kohima War Cemetery: A memorial dedicated to the soldiers that campaigned in World War II; established in the name of peace with a beautifully crafted hatchery garden.
Scenic Spots:
- Dzukou Valley: It has the reputation of summer flowers which bloom during the time; it is the best trekking place which provides beautiful vistas.
- Japfu Peak: The second tallest peak in Nagaland, offers a very vantage point to view the Kohima town and other neighbouring terrains.
Things To Do:
- Participate in local festivals: Interact with native people during events such as the Hornbill Festival or Moatsu Festival in order to witness their cultures working alive.
- Explore traditional Naga villages: For the purpose of learning about the tribal culture and their way of living visit places such as Khonoma or Kigwema.
Major Attractions:
- Khonoma Village: Bhattiography: blessed with a rich flora and fauna; it is also called India's first green village where locals practice sustainable living.
- Kisama Heritage Village: A cultural village where people can come interact with Naga people through their traditional houses which are district displays.
Culinary Delights:
Try meals like smoked pork with bamboo shoot which is among the specialty of Nagaland or Naga chili chutney that makes the meals hot.
Peak Season:
Nagaland has a healthier climate for tourism from November to March, a period which coincides with the festivals.
Manipur Imphal
About the State:
Manipur is therefore known as the Jewel of India because of its beautiful sceneries such as the hills surrounding lakes. Its capital is Imphal where history has embraced culture and manifested itself through such monuments and structures.
Top Highlights:
- Loktak Lake: The largest freshwater lake of northeast India famous for the phumdis, the floating islands and the fishermen who use traditional fishing methods.
- Kangla Fort: The historical place with traditional relevance; was a palace used later as a fort and presently an archaeological park of Manipuri.
Scenic Spots:
- Sendra Island on Loktak Lake: It is an island which is beautiful with very many views, it is an excellent place for those who wish to take a picnic or even a boat ride.
- Sangai National Park: A habitat of many endangered animals including Sangai deer; it is suitable for wildlife tour visitors in search of a quiet and peaceful place surrounded by nature.
Things To Do:
- Boating on Loktak Lake: Choose beautiful boat trips and enjoy the stunning scenery of this distinct type of aquatic habitat connected with this lake.
- Exploring local markets for handicrafts: Ima Keithel (Mother’s Market), is another place where you can purchase almost all types of handmade products made by women of Manipur.
Major Attractions:
Ima Keithel (Mother's Market): Featured here one of the largest women operated markets in Asia where everything right from vegetables to handmade fabric materials can be purchased.
One can learn about the aesthetics of the people as well as find such products as food and other items produced by the native people along with the famous local artefacts which are sold here at reasonable prices.
Culinary Delights:
Sample original Manipuri recipes like Eromba which is mashed vegetables eaten with rice which is a seasonal green salad with spices with flavor you will not find anywhere
Mizoram Aizawl
About the State:
Mizoram is famous for land with rolling hills covered with blooming green forests and has also been called as seven sisters of north east state, besides this, the rich culture imparted by different tribes who dwell in the state collectively are worth celebrating.. Aizawl stands on these hills affording beautiful prospects and is not only the administrative capital of Mizoram but also its cultural centre.
Top Highlights:
- Durtlang Hills is also ideal for a picturesque photographer's point that gives excellent views of the Aizawl city below.
- Mizo cultural fairs such as Chapchar Kut are festivals of spring harvest that incorporate traditional Mizo dance and music.
Scenic Spots:
- Vantawng Waterfalls is one of the tallest waterfalls of Mizoram which produces splendid sights as it plunges from lofty rocks..
- Beautiful open lands ideal for trekking ways calling for every lover of trekking to discover what Mother Nature hid for them.
Things To Do:
- Take time and pay a visit to related villages and have a taste of Mizo culture, including meeting the locals and getting to know more about what they practice and hold as their culture.
- Envision traditional dance styles performed on festivals, social dancing getting fully involved in interesting lively celebrations expressing fellowship among the community members.
Major Attractions:
- There are religious experiences associated with Solomon’s Temple that depict beliefs of residents that resided in the area.
- This place-Mizo National Front Headquarters – represents the political history that is directing the future state of development.
Culinary Delights:
Taste foods such as bai vegetable dish cooked bamboo shoots accompanied rice based foods displaying unique flavours of Mizoram.
Peak Season:
It is always good to travel to Mizoram between October and March because the climate is moderate and pleasant to allow travelling without hardship.
Tripura Agartala
About The State:
Tripura with historical origin, natural beauty still unexplored, Agartala is the capital city which demonstrates the blend of culture which has influenced the region. As one of the Seven Sisters of North East States, Tripura offers a unique cultural and natural experience that remains largely unexplored, making it a hidden gem for travelers.
Top Highlights:
- Ujjayanta Palace, royal heritage of Tripura, beautiful architecture of royal building amidst beautiful lush gardens welcomes visitors to explore.
- Neermahal Palace located on the island of Rudrasagar Lake is a beautiful and perfect backdrop for relaxation.
Scenic Spots:
- Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, places diverse flora fauna providing facilities for wildlife lovers to watch the animals in their natural surroundings.
- Jampui Hills is famous for Orange tree gardens offering excellent views perfect for photographers clicking the moments.
Things To Do:
- Go to religious sites such as Tripura Sundari Temple and find a culture of spirituality ingrained very strongly.
- Visit wonders & local treasures shopping for handicrafts & textiles; discovering Tripura’s hidden gems.
Major Attractions:
- The Unakoti rock carvings are an archaeological wonder which draws historical enthusiasts eager to explore lost human civilization.
- Dumboor Lake tourism, enjoy boating leisure at a beautiful serene, incredibly beautiful setting for relaxation.
Peak Season:
It is best to visit Tripura between the months of October and March as weather conditions make travel easier and a pleasure to explore the region.
The Seven Sisters of Northeast India include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. This region is known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant festivals. You can explore beautiful waterfalls, wildlife, and unique villages. TourTravelWorld.com offers customized travel packages to help you plan your trip easily. Whether you want to experience local traditions or enjoy nature, these states provide unforgettable adventures. Start your journey today to discover the hidden gems of Northeast India and immerse yourself in its enchanting beauty!
