Discovering North East India
Location
North-East India lie deep in the lap of easternmost Himalayan hills in north-eastern part of India. Connected to rest of India by merely 20 km of wide land (at Siliguri, West Bengal), the North-East India shares over 2,000 km of border with Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
States under North East India.
1. Arunachal Pradesh
2. Assam
3. Meghalaya
4. Mizoram
5. Manipur
6. Nagaland
7. Sikkim
8. Tripura
Area: 2,55168 sq km
Population: 40 million. Brahmaputra valley (Assam) is the most populated, and houses almost half of the population of North-East India.
Religions: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism.
Languages: English, Assamese, Garo, Jaintia, Khasi, Bengali, Mizo, Manipuri, Nagamese, Lepcha, Limboo, Bhutia (Sikkimese), Bhutia (Tibetan), Hindi and several other local dialects.
Cultures and Traditions
The North-East India is home to varied number of tribal groups (almost 166). Each tribes has their own distinct culture, which gives them a unique cultural identity. Numerous of art forms and festivals of the region are intrinsic part of its rich culture and tradition of North-East India.
Cuisine
Though North-East India is very rich in its food culture, yet, it differs vastly from rest of the country in its taste as well as flavours. Each of states have almost same fooding behaviours. Normally, inhabitants of the region are non-vegetarian, and fond of spicy foods.
In most part of North-East India, animals are considered to be good diet. In Nagaland, Green vegetables, birds, animals (Domestic and wild) Bamboo shots and Locally made Rice-beer are some favourite items. In Tripura and Assam, fish are the favourite dish. While in Assam, various forms of rice are consumed. Recipes like Assam Laksa Stock, Koat Pitha, Bamboo Shoot Fry, Fish Fried Rice, Grilled Shrimps and Poora Mach are some of the most famous cuisine of North-East India.
Geographical attractions
Shrouded by mighty Himalayan hills, the entire North-East region is believed to be one of the most beautiful region in South Asia in terms of fetching immense opportunities of eco-tourism. The dense forests lying in foothills of Himalayan hills are stunning in their natural beauty, and are home to many of wildlife parks including Manas National Park and Kaziranga National Park, which are natural World Heritage Site. Besides, numerous of lovely waterfalls and caves are another beautiful attraction of the wonderful land of North-East India.
Termed aptly as hidden treasure of India, North-East India is one of the most significant region of South-Asia in terms of availability of eco tourism opportunities. As the whole region is abode to majestic Himalayan hills, beautiful valleys and dense forests, the opportunity of nature based tourism is immense. Abundance of eco activities like Trekking, Rafting, Nature Walk, Jungle Exploration and Wildlife Viewing indulge tourists predominantly in discovering the exquisite natural heritage of the region.
Problems and issues.
Northeastern region of India is home to many ethnic groups. These ethnic groups spread across India and Myanmar. There are as many as 40 armed groups fighting for Independence, Statehood, Autonomy and districts.The inter Tribal conflicts, boundary disputes, Tribal and non-Tribal issues, lack of developments and Employment problems are some major issues confronting the Region.
The States/Provinces like Sikkim, Mizoram and Nagaland are more peaceful than the other States of the region in terms of external threats, internal conflicts, terror threats and insurgency problems.
Tips for Tourists
While traveling to North-Eastern states like Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura, Tourist doesn’t require any permits for visits except that you need to register upon your arrival and departure. However, due to strategic geographical location, Tourist needs to acquire Restricted Area Permits while entering other North-Eastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland.
