I’ve likely transformed into an attentive Traveller from a happy-go-lucky tourist. Ah! Eight years! It seems that it was last week that I was going to Goa.
In all honesty, the years of travelling had made me realize precisely the thoughts that were going through Aldous’ reviews when he wrote the phrase “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” In my situation, it was about letting go of all my prejudices and understanding diverse cultures and people, which my geography teacher at school did not stress, unfortunately. So I am fortunate enough to travel to several states within the country, including the seven sister states of North-east Asia, which I have been observing with great interest.
My first trip to northeast India took me to the country of the proud Ahoms and Assam. It was pure pleasure from eating local cuisine and taking in the natural beauty of the area to the interactions I had among some of the fantastic people I’ve ever met. Here’s my top pick of the top travel experiences I have had in the northeast region of India. The Travel Experiences are worth the cost of your North East Tour Packages.
1- Assam – Kaziranga Elephant Safari – A Ride to Remember
Being a naturalist, I decided to explore Kaziranga National Park, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The protected area is situated within the Nagaon and Golaghat districts of Assam was established in 1908. It is not just an area with a significant concentration of one-horned rhinoceroses that are magnificent and tigers but also a wide range of varieties of species of birds. The park is irrigated by four rivers, including the majestic Brahmaputra. The Brahmaputra National Park offers fantastic safari opportunities over its 430 square kilometres of land.
Both elephant safaris and vehicles are offered at the park. As I’ve already had an elephant safari in a car on Jim Corbett, I chose the other option this time, and I can assure you that it was a blast. Safaris with elephants (1 one hour duration) within the park are available in the morning, as well as in the late afternoon, in the late afternoon from Kaziranga, Eastern, Western and Burapahar Ranges. The safari group that I was part of starting the journey at Ghorakati, close to Rhino Land Park. We hoped to spot Tigers easily; however, it was not to be, although we did see some pug footprints. The mahout informed us that the high elephant grasses found in the park provide an ideal camouflage for tigers.
The chirping of birds, as well as the sight of a one-horned rhinoceros, are still vividly imprinted in my head from that trip. After a year and a half, I planned another excursion in Northeast India, and this time I decided to go to Meghalaya.
2- Meghalaya – Cherrapunji Root Bridges’ Trek – A journey amid the beauty of Nature
Although Mawsynram holds the title of the most humid area on earth, there was an era when Cherrapunjee held this title. But, it is the only place in the world to be having the most rain in months and years. In many weather reports, I read about this area. It interested me about what it would be like living in a place like this. I always wanted to visit this place to hike. Then, it was a reality.
The first trek I participated in took me towards Umunoi, the Living Root Bridge in Umunoi. This four-kilometre trail consisted of the downhill portion of 2km and 2 km uphill traversing through the village of Sohsarat. Our group took 3 to 4 hours to complete the trek. Around half of the route on this trail was steep stairs, while the other required us to traverse an area of forest leading towards The Living Root Bridge. Because it wasn’t raining at the time, and the lushness of the room was just a stunning beauty to behold.
The following day, I walked to the famed Double Decker Root Bridge and Natural Swimming Pools. It was quite a strenuous trip, as it covered a distance of 20 kilometres, and 10km of it was an idyllic valley and several Khasi villages. It took us around 9 hours to finish the hike; however, it was well worth the effort. The natural beauty and serene environment created a trip that you will cherish for an extended period.
After a hike through two of the more well-known trails in South Australia, it was time for a day hike toward Mawphlang, starting from Lad Mawphlang. The walk is approximately 18 to 20 kilometres and took us about 6 hours to reach Mawphlang. While travelling to Mawphlang, we passed through small villages, streams that gushed, and stunning valleys. As we walked through these landscapes, one idea that stuck in our brain was the idea of being as adventurous and adventurous we might have been; however, what draws us to these places is our strong connection to the natural world.
When I returned to this region of India, I went to Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, but this time I was not alone. My family was with me.
3- Nagaland – Hornbill Festival – Truly Festival of Festivals
Going to Nagaland was conceived after I read about the renowned Hornbill Festival, which is annually held in December. It is held in Kisama, located approximately 12km from the state’s capital city, Kohima, which is managed and is run by departments like State Tourism and Art & Culture. This festival celebrates the rich tradition of Nagaland’s Naga Tribes. The week-long festival features food fairs, sporting ceremonies, events, vibrant performances, and an exhibition of traditional crafts that is a cum-sale. It was an incredible experience to witness a distinct way of life in India. It made me feel more proud as I observed people arriving from across the globe participating in the celebration. We spent time in Nagaland for just three days before travelling to Arunachal Pradesh.
4- Arunachal Pradesh – Jeep Safari
Also known by the name of”the Land of Animists, Arunachal Pradesh is among the most beautiful states in India. There’s plenty to see throughout the country that you need to stay more than ten days there, and we managed to do just this. We went on an excursion in a jeep that led us to the most popular attractions. This included trips to the Buddhist Gompa of Itanagar, Ziro, Daporijo, Pasighat, Roing and Anini, and many more. We needed to get an Inner Line Permit from an Arunachal Pradesh government office located in Kolkata to visit the state.
5- Manipur – To the Floating Lake
When I was last in Manipur, the State of India asked about the most popular places to visit in Manipur, and locals advised me to call it the stunning freshwater lake. Only after I first saw it, I realize that it was a “floating lake.” The lake is believed to be the most extensive freshwater floating lake in India. The floating phumdis that surround the lake makes it even more stunning. The lake is a vital water source for many people as it is a water source for various purposes and fishers depend heavily on it. Drying fish is one of the most loved foods in Manipur and is abundant here. It was a spectacle to behold when I saw the colourful birds that fly over the lake, searching for their meal. Massive grasslands, lush forests, stunning lakes, and diverse cultures made my trip to Manipur unforgettable.
6- Mizoram – Blue Mountains
Deep valleys, the exotic culture, the pleasant weather, and the unique natural fauna and flora of Mizoram attracted me. Phawngpui Peak is the highest mountain in Mizoram and is believed to be the home of Gods! When I was on the hilltop, I couldn’t disagree with this more because it indeed was the home of Gods. The view was breathtaking, and the blue-hazed hills seemed surreal, with vivid blooms all around. When the sun went down, I was amazed by the stunning view of the sky in scarlet! It was indeed an incredible sight to see. I was elated to have put this destination in my travel bucket lists from North East India.
7- Tripura – Unakoti in Agartala
The huge stone idols of rock date back to the 7th-9th century, but their existence remains unsolved! Locals tell various stories, but none can be proven true since there aren’t any documents written down. The look of these huge stone sculptures in the hills of Unakoti was enchanting to me. This is one of the least visited and is undiscovered by the masses. Although I’ve been through Northeast India three times, it’s a feeling that my experience was too tiny. It is time to pack my bag again and get on the road, perhaps Sikkim the next time!