Hidden Gems of Northeast India

From ancient temples to its diverse flora and fauna, the seven sister states of India will leave anyone breathless with their natural beauty and rich cultural heritage

MEGHALAYA 
Meghalaya is a tropical paradise overflowing with nature's beauty and has a large variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects.
With 70 per cent of its area covered with thick forest, its abundant rainfall has allowed it to flourish, leaving much to discover and explore.
Other than the variety of plant and animal life found in the state, the Meghalaya village in the East Khasi Hills also has the reputation of being the cleanest village in Asia.
Upon visiting, guests can enjoy the picturesque beauty of the village and go on a trek through the living root bridge.
Another popular site to see is the tallest waterfall in India called the Nohkalikai Falls, located near Cherrapunji with a staggering height of 1,115 feet.
MIZORAM
Known to have the highest concentration of tribes in comparison to the rest of the northeastern states of India, Mizoram is a great place to visit for its breathtaking national parks and grand festivals.
Two of the most celebrated festivals in the state are the Anthurium Festival, and a spring festival called Chapchar Kut.
During these festivals, Mizoram is bustling with life as tribes from neighbouring villages gather together in their traditional clothes to take part in folk dances, games and feasts.
Additionally, visitors can also enjoy exploring the many natural wonders Mizoram has to offer by touring in one of their massive national parks such as the Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, where they can catch a glimpse of the clouded leopard and the Rhesus macaque.
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
Located in the northeastern-most part of India, Arunachal Pradesh, also known as 'The Land of The Dawn-lit Mountains', is brimming with cultural beauty and rich biodiversity from its scenic lands to its ancient temples.
Mostly inhabited by a major ethnic group called the Monpa people, Arunachal Pradesh is filled with historical landmarks, including the biggest Buddhist monastery in the world, called Tawang Monastery that was founded in 1681.
Other than its natural beauty, Arunachal Pradesh is also home to a range of species and has the third largest national park in India, called Namdapha National Park.
Creatures like snow leopards, Asiatic black bears and the Assam macaques inhabit the lands and roam freely.
ASSAM
Also known as 'The Land of Red Rivers and Blue Hills', Assam is a state located in northeast India that is popularly known for its rich flora and fauna, archeological sites, and tea plantation.
Other than being dominated by one of the major rivers in Asia known as the Brahmaputra River, the state is also surrounded by tropical rainforests, bamboo orchards and wetlands.
Overall, the state has five national parks including two UNESCO World Heritage sites called the Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, inhabited by a number of endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, Ganges river dolphin and the white-winged wood duck.
MANIPUR
Manipur is home to a number of historical landmarks, magnificent temples, vibrant festivals and ancient tribes such as the Meiteis, Nagas and the Gorkhas.
Throughout the year, the state is always overflowing with colour and life from numerous festivals that are held in honour of their culture and religion.
Festivals such as Gang Ngai Festival Of Kabui Nagas and Kut Festival Of Kuki-Chin-Mizo are always looked forward to by the locals.
Imphal, the capital city of the state of Manipur, is also a popular destination for tourists as it is filled with a lot of historical significance and religious structures such as the Shri Shri Govindajee Temple.
TRIPURA
Tripura is a state with countless of archeological sites to visit, historical landmarks and ancient temples.
Located amidst forests in Unakoti, Debtamura and Pilak, these spots are popular for their ancient rock carvings, murals and majestic waterfalls.
Said to have been carved during the 15th and 16 century, the ancient carvings of Hindu Gods and Goddess are a famous tourist destination along with their temples like the Tripura Sundari Temple and the Jagannath Temple.
NAGALAND 
Bordering the state of Assam, Nagaland is a mountainous region inhabited by 16 major tribes, with some of them being Angami, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Sumi and Chakhesang.
Like many of the other northeastern states, Nagaland is also famous for its thick forests and diverse range of species including the great Indian hornbill, which plays a significant symbol in the state's culture for its magnificent size and colour.
Every year, the locals organise the Hornbill Festival where people can witness extravagant displays of cultural dances, traditional music, food, games and ceremonies - This makes it a great way for visitors to better understand and explore Nagaland's culture.

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