Traveling North East India

By Author: Nilutpal Gogoi
Total Articles: 115
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Traveling NE India



Traveling in North East India is an experience in itself. You have the varied options of feeling the whiff of fresh air as your eyes are riveted at the wonderful scenery †whose beauty is simply enchanting. The north-eastern portion of India is made up of the six sister states of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Tripura besides the only brother state of Sikkim. Each of these eight North East States is gifted with huge resources.



NATURE AT ITS BEST

There are waterfalls, deep gorges, Himalayan rivers and streams where gurgling crystal clear waters flow across the valleys and through verdant hills and mountains. Tropical and deciduous forests merge with the grapes and apple orchards besides the green carpets of tea estates as well as the colorful rice and mustard fields.



CONNECTIVITY TO NORTH EAST

You can move to any of the capital cities of the seven sister states from Guwahati †the gateway to the North-East. Guwahati has rail connectivity with the other ...
... urban centres of the country. The road communication and air connection network are also quite good. However, many of the interior places of the north-eastern states are accessible only through land routes. And this fact has made the North East even more romantic.



THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

The hospitality industry is also well developed. Besides the local delicious cuisines of the different tribes and sub-tribes you can also savor the other Continental, Chinese and Indian dishes. You will be able to taste the indigenous food items once you opt for the tour packages which include cultural tourism. An attractive aspect of cultural tourism in NE is that you will be enjoying a first-hand experience of living amidst the communities in their typical lifestyle.



ADVENTURE TOURISM

These paths are through dense and wet forests, across rivers of rocks and also tracks frequented by pachyderms like the elephants, and rhinoceros besides tigers, lions and other wild cats. You will also have company from the monkey family. These areas are ideal for adventurous trekkers and hikers. Go for angling, wind surfing, rafting, kayaking, camping, elephant and jeep safaris.



THE HANGING BRIDGES, CAVES & SACRED FORESTS

You can further savor the experience of crossing ravines via vine bridges that have withstood the test of time. In fact, these typical bridges made from the twisted twigs of an exotic bamboo species. The gaps on the floors of these ivy hanging bridges are bridged with natural stone slabs. The most interesting part of these hanging bridges is that they gain in strength as they become older. This is in sharp contrast with the concrete bridges that wear out as time goes by. This is the special attraction of Meghalaya. There are natural caves with fabulous formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The longest natural cave of Asia is in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. The wettest places of the world †Mawsynram and Cherrapunjee †are also in this land of the clouds. Meghalaya also has a rich deposit of uranium. Besides, this hill state known as a health resort is the habitat of exotic flora and fauna. It is worth mentioning that the people of Meghalaya zealously protect the forest resources which they deem as sacrosanct. Their folklores are deeply linked with these plants and trees. Their leaves, barks and trunks have medicinal properties.



RICH CULTURAL CAULDRON

In fact, each of the north-eastern states commonly referred to as the seven sisters and one brother has its own typical characteristics. There are the religious and linguistic diversities and also rich heritages of the hundreds of tribes, sub-tribes and communities residing in the region.

The North East mirrors modernity wedded to ancient mores. The North East is unique particularly because of its colorful and varied backdrop. The discerning tourists can have a view of the cultural cauldron of the region. Each state is a gallery of rich heritage. It is reflected in their myths, folklores, songs, dances, dresses and the food habits of the tribes and sub-tribes. The dialects and languages differ after every kilometer. Nonetheless, there is unity in diversity.



WELL-DEVELOPED TOURISM SECTOR

The well developed tourism sector in the North East has modern facilities for the tourists. The packages vary from the economy range to the quite expensive ones. The varied fare includes eco-tourism, cultural tourism, adventure tourism and a combo pack.

So, why not give the exotic North East a try during this vacation?