North East India Travel Information
Climate & Geography
The region features a dramatic range of landscapes - from the mighty Brahmaputra plains in Assam to the snow-laden mountains of Arunachal, the wettest places on earth in Meghalaya, and the emerald forests of Mizoram and Nagaland. The climate varies by altitude and location:
- Spring (March to May): Best for trekking, sightseeing, and experiencing local festivals amidst blooming flora.
- Monsoon (June to September): The forests and waterfalls come alive, but travel can be challenging due to heavy rains.
- Autumn-Winter (October to February): Clear skies, crisp air, and stunning mountain views, perfect for wildlife safaris, cultural tours, and festivals.
History & Culture
The North East is a tapestry of over 200 tribes and ethnic groups, each with its own language, art forms, attire, and customs. Historically, the region was shaped by ancient tribal kingdoms, trade along the Silk Route, and colonial encounters. Unlike any other part of India, the North East offers a rare glimpse into living traditions - from bamboo crafts and handloom weaving to martial arts and animistic rituals. Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and indigenous faiths coexist harmoniously here.
Festivals
The festivals of North East India are vibrant celebrations of its cultural mosaic, deeply rooted in ancient traditions and tribal heritage. These events are filled with lively music, spirited dances, traditional sports, colorful costumes, and heartfelt community gatherings:
- Hornbill Festival (Nagaland): Held every December at Kisama Heritage Village, this “Festival of Festivals” brings together all Naga tribes in a spectacular display of their rich culture. Expect traditional dances, bamboo crafts, archery contests, indigenous games, and a feast of local delicacies. It’s an unmissable event that celebrates the unity and diversity of Nagaland.
- Bihu (Assam): The soul of Assamese culture, Bihu is actually three festivals in one: Rongali Bihu (spring planting), Bhogali Bihu (harvest), and Kongali Bihu (prayers for a good crop). With graceful dances, lilting songs, community feasts, and games, Bihu reflects the close bond between people and the land.
- Wangala (Meghalaya): Known as the “100 Drums Festival,” Wangala marks the end of the sowing season among the Garo tribe. It features vibrant dances, rhythmic beating of huge drums, and warriors dressed in traditional attire with feathered headgear. The festival is both a thanksgiving to the sun god and a joyous celebration of life.
- Losar (Arunachal Pradesh): Celebrated as the Tibetan New Year, Losar fills the valleys with prayer chants, colorful Cham dances, and the fluttering of vibrant prayer flags. Monasteries come alive with rituals seeking blessings for peace and prosperity in the coming year.
- Chapchar Kut (Mizoram): A festival of joy marking the completion of jungle clearing (jhum cultivation), Chapchar Kut showcases Mizoram’s love for music and dance. Communities gather for traditional bamboo dances (cheraw), folk songs, and feasts that bring people together.
- Kharchi Puja (Tripura): An ancient royal festival that pays homage to the earth and its guardian deities. The celebrations include elaborate rituals, processions, fairs, and vibrant cultural programs that reflect Tripura’s deep spiritual heritage.
Cuisines
The cuisine of North East India is as diverse as its landscapes, shaped by local ingredients, tribal traditions, and the region’s abundant natural resources. The food is simple yet deeply flavorful, with dishes that nourish the body and soul:
- Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoot (Nagaland): A signature Naga dish where pork is slow-cooked over firewood with tender bamboo shoots and local herbs. The smoky aroma and earthy flavor make it a beloved delicacy.
- Assamese Fish Tenga: A light and tangy fish curry made with fresh river fish, tomatoes, or the unique elephant apple (ou tenga). This refreshing dish is often served with steamed rice and is perfect for warm afternoons.
- Jadoh (Meghalaya): A traditional Khasi rice dish cooked with pork, aromatic spices, and sometimes chicken liver for extra richness. It’s a favorite at family gatherings and festivals.
- Ngatok (Arunachal Pradesh): A traditional fish stew made with local herbs, spices, and minimal oil, simmered gently to preserve the delicate flavors. Usually served with sticky rice, it’s comfort food at its best.
- Momos & Thukpa (Sikkim, Arunachal): Soft dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, served with spicy chutney, and paired with a warming noodle soup full of mountain herbs - a staple across the region.
- Chikhvi (Tripura): Stir-fried bamboo shoots cooked with pork or prawns, flavored with mild spices and served hot with rice - a simple, hearty dish that highlights the use of local produce.
Popular Places to Visit in North East India
Assam
Assam, the gateway to North East India, is known for its lush tea gardens, fertile plains, and the mighty Brahmaputra River weaving through its heart. No visit is complete without exploring Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its one-horned rhinoceroses, tigers, elephants, and rich birdlife. The river island of Majuli captivates with its ancient satras, mask-making traditions, and peaceful tribal communities. In Guwahati, the sacred Kamakhya Temple draws pilgrims, while lively markets reflect the city’s vibrant culture. Sivasagar, once the Ahom dynasty’s capital, offers glimpses of Assam’s royal past through its old temples, palaces, and tanks.
Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh, the “Land of Dawn-lit Mountains,” is a land of soaring peaks, serene valleys, and vibrant traditions. Tawang, high in the Himalayas, is home to the grand Tawang Monastery, where prayer flags flutter and ancient chants fill the air. The lush Ziro Valley enchants with its rice terraces and Apatani tribe’s rich heritage. Bomdila offers apple orchards, lively markets, and sweeping mountain views. In Namdapha National Park, nature lovers find a vast wilderness where clouded leopards, red pandas, and hornbills thrive.
Nagaland
Nagaland, the land of festivals, is a tapestry of vibrant tribes, forested hills, and age-old traditions. The capital, Kohima, reflects the state’s rich history at the World War II Cemetery and comes alive during the colorful Hornbill Festival. The stunning Dzükou Valley, on the Nagaland-Manipur border, offers trekkers rolling meadows, wildflowers, and peaceful streams. In Mokokchung, visitors discover the proud heritage of the Ao Naga tribe, while the remote district of Mon reveals the fascinating warrior culture of the Konyak people, famed for their facial tattoos and unique customs.
Manipur
Manipur, often called the "Jewel of India," is a land of classical dance, emerald hills, and cultural depth. The shimmering Loktak Lake, dotted with circular floating islands called phumdis, is a sight to behold. This unique ecosystem is also home to Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating wildlife sanctuary, where the rare Sangai deer can be seen grazing on the floating vegetation. The state capital Imphal is rich in history, with landmarks like Kangla Fort, once the seat of Manipur’s royalty, and the vibrant Ima Keithel, Asia’s largest all-women market. Further south, the border town of Moreh provides a fascinating blend of cultures and trade on the edge of Myanmar.
Mizoram
Mizoram, the "Land of Blue Mountains," captivates visitors with its rolling hills, bamboo forests, and friendly people. The capital Aizawl offers panoramic views of misty valleys and distant peaks, while its bustling markets and cultural centers give insights into Mizo life. The nearby village of Reiek provides a perfect mix of natural beauty and heritage, with scenic trails, caves, and a model Mizo village that lets visitors step back in time. Nature lovers are drawn to Vantawng Falls, Mizoram’s tallest waterfall, where water cascades in a silvery stream down forested cliffs, creating a scene of untouched splendor.
Meghalaya
Meghalaya, or the "Abode of Clouds," is a wonderland of rain-drenched hills, deep caves, and living root bridges. The hill station of Shillong charms visitors with its colonial-era architecture, lively music scene, and scenic spots like Umiam Lake and Shillong Peak. The town of Cherrapunji (Sohra), famed for being one of the wettest places on earth, astonishes with its thundering waterfalls, misty cliffs, and intricate living root bridges crafted over generations by the Khasi people. Not far away lies Mawlynnong, often hailed as Asia’s cleanest village, where cobbled paths, neat bamboo houses, and skywalks through treetops leave a lasting impression of harmony with nature.
Tripura
Tripura, though small in size, is rich in royal legacy, ancient temples, and unspoiled landscapes. The capital Agartala is home to the splendid Ujjayanta Palace, an architectural marvel set amidst gardens and fountains, now housing a fascinating museum that chronicles the state’s history. Floating serenely on Rudrasagar Lake is the fairytale-like Neermahal, a water palace blending Hindu and Mughal styles, once the summer retreat of Tripura’s maharajas. In the forested hills near Kailashahar lies Unakoti, a sacred site famed for its massive rock-cut carvings of deities, which tell stories of devotion and mystery as old as time.
How to Reach North East India
- By Air: The region’s main airports include Guwahati (Assam), Imphal (Manipur), Agartala (Tripura), Dibrugarh (Assam), Aizawl (Mizoram), and Shillong (Meghalaya). These have good connectivity with major Indian cities.
- By Train: Guwahati is the principal railway hub, linking the North East with the rest of India.
- By Road: Well-maintained national highways connect major cities and towns. Long drives reward visitors with unforgettable landscapes.
Best Time to Visit
- October to May: The ideal season for most destinations, offering clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and festival celebrations.
- Monsoon (June to September): A time of lush greenery and dramatic waterfalls - great for nature lovers, though travel may be challenging in remote areas.