NAGALAND

Khonoma: Knonoma, the first Green Village in Asia, is located about 20 km from the state capital, Kohima. It is a beautiful village brimming with history, culture and nature. The 700 year old village has a fascinating history as it was here that the Angami Naga Warriors made their last stand against the British in 1879. Khonoma houses nature’s pristine beauty in the form of its Alder trees, terraces carved out of its hilly slopes and the Khonoma Nature Conservation Tragopan Sanctuary. It conserves a large and rare variety of plants and animals within its 25 sq. km. area. There are several simple but lovely home stays in Khonoma.
Dzukou Valley: Behind the village of Khonoma is the scenic Dzukou Valley, part of the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary. Dzukou is known as one of the charming valleys of Nagaland, this valley is a visual treat of emerald green hills, lush forests, serpentine streams that freeze in winter, and myriad colorful blooms that dot the vast caldera of the valley and its meadows.
Dzukou is also the best known trekking area in Nagaland. The topography indicates that the valley is the bottom of a large caldera of a long extinct volcano and one can look down upon it from the rim.
Tuophema: Tuophema Tourist Village, set up in 2001 as a community effort by the people of Tuophema. Located 41 km. from Kohima, this village is modeled around ethnic tourism and visitors are offered modern and hygienic accommodation in the traditional Angami huts. Served everything from rice beer to local food, tourists experience fine local culture in these pretty settings.
Mokokchung: Mokokchung, the land of Aao Nagas, is located 160 km north of Kohima. Altghough almost all Aaos have converted to Christianity, they still maintain their old customs and traditions. The main festivals amongst the Aao are the Moatsu and the Tsungremong. Moatsu, is celebrated in the beginning of May in honour of ‘Lijaba’ – the creator of the world and the Tsungremong festival is a harvest festival held during the first week of August. The most fascinating Aao villages in Mokokchung’s vicinity are Longkhum, Ungma (the second largest village in Nagaland), Chuchuyimlang and Suteplenden.
Mon: Mon is the land of captivating Konyak Naga, one of the largest tribes of Nagaland. Konyaks are known for their tattooed faces, blackened teeth and head hunting prowess, the last thankfully being in the past. When they appear in the markets to sell their agricultural produce, the Konyaks cut an impressive figure among the uninitiated. The village head, Angh, enjoys considerable power over his people, his house is a reflection of tribal power and glory and flashes both human and animal skulls alike on the porch.
There are many tribal villages in the area, but the most popular one is Longwa. The
‘trans boundary village’ of Longwa is an interesting sight to behold – it shraddles the international boundary of India and Myanmmar, one half of the house of the powerful Angh falls within India whereas the other half lies in Myanmmar. There are both Indian and Myanmmarese schools in the village. Other villages worth visiting include Old Mon and Singha Chingnyu, the latter with a huge longhouse decorated with animal skulls, shuffed tigers and a storehouse of old human trophies.

MEGHALAYA

Cherrapunjee (Sohra): Once the wettest place on earth, Sohra or Cherrapunjee as it popularly known, still remains a most visited destination in Meghalaya. It is about 55 km away from the Shillong city.
Since Cherrapunjee was the place where the British arrived and made their first capital, there are many old British monuments found in this region. Civil and military Station of Cherrapunjee was established by David Scott in 1829. Later it was shifted to Shillong around 1865-66 for administrative convenience. Sohra is a great destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. The village is situated on a 1400m high plateau in the Khasi Hills. The villagers grow varieties of seasonal flowers in every household. Owing to the heavy monsoon showers that the area receives, the village boasts some of the most majestic waterfalls in India.
Mawsamai Cave: A half hour drive from Sohra lies the immensely popular Mawsami Cave. This cave holds the distinction of being the only fully lit cave in Meghalaya. Although the cave system is quite extensive, only a stretch of 150m is open to the public. Mawsami is famous for its fascinating limestone formations that can be seen along the cave trail.

Nokhalikai Falls: Situated around 5km from Sohra, Nokhalikai is amongst the highest waterfalls in India. The drive to the falls is scenic one, winding through elevated tableland and culminating at a cliff. During summers, it is mostly covered with fog. The best time to visit Nokhalikai is around evening, when the golden rays of the setting sun seem to accentuate the ethereal beauty of the falls.
Danthlen Falls: On the way to Sohra, a road to the right leads to these spectacular 80-90m high falls, around 2 km before the village begins. The waterfall derives its name from the legend of a thlen (Khasi word for snake). Spread across in the shape of a semicircle, this mythladen waterfall is frequented by crowds of tourists. Like most other waterfalls in Meghalaya, the force of Danthlen reduces during the winter months. But during monsoon, the falls appears akin to a smaller version of the roaring Niagara Falls.
Mawllynnong: Mawllynnong made an appearance on the travel itineraries of people for the first time in 2003, when travel magazine Discover India declared it the “Cleanest Village” in Asia. It is about 110 km from the Shillong city. The road from Shillong to Mawllynnong passes through such diverse terrain. Located in the Pynursla block of East Khasi Hills, the picturesque village of Mawllynnong stretches along the India Bangladesh border. Boasting a 100 percent literacy rate and being extremely environment conscious, villagers are devoted to protecting the surrounding forests. The concrete road cutting through the village will take you past small wooden houses with colourful gardens, unraveling why Mawllynnong is known as the cleanest village not only in India, but also in Asia.
Living Root Bridges: There are a number of living root bridges across the state, most of which can be reached by undertaking a long trek. These formations are unique to the state of Meghalaya. The most easily accessible of these is the Living Root Bridge, located in the neighboring village of Riwai. Set in verdant environs, this single Decker bridge spans over a gushing stream peppered with rocks. The living bridge was fashioned by the roots of the rubber fig tree by the Khasi Villagers in order to cross over the stream. Such root bridges become stronger with time and take 10 to 15 years to become fully functional.
Dawki: Located on Southeast of Sohra, Dawki sits on the India-Bangladesh border. This small and beautiful border town is blessed with the best of both worlds – the rolling hills of Meghalaya and the tranquill riverbeds of Bangladesh. As move towards the international border, the road will take past ddep gorgeous and ravines, which makes for an exciting drive. On reaching Dawki, tourist can greeted by a single span suspension bridge, built in 1932 by the British to connect the banks of the Umngot River. The river also serves as the venue of the annual boat race held in March or April. People can also do boating on a wooden man made boat in Unngot River. Another attraction in Dawki is Rupasor Bathing Ghat, a beautiful bathing pool that was constructed for the Jayantia Royality.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest: Also known as Law Lyngdoh, the Mawphlang Sacred Forest is a lush forest considered holy by the locals in keeping with their religious belief, and has been preserved in the same fashion since the ancient times. Having rightly earned the moniker of ‘Nature’s Own Museum’, it is filled with exotic species of orchids and ferns. A thick carpet of humus, which has accumulated over the centuries, carpets the forest floor. Local people worship this forest as their protector and never cut or break even a twig from this forest.
Balpakram National Forest: Situated around 127 km northeast of Williamnagar, Balpakram is famous for its unique canyon-cum-gorge land formation. The terrain of the national park resembles that of the Grand Cannyon, in the United States, on a clear winter morning. Declared a national park in 1987, Balpakram is a tableand of dense forest, harbouring a rich diversity of exotic fauna and flora. The park’s vegetation is made up of sub-tropical and deciduous plants and trees, which provide the ideal habitat foe elephants, water buffaloes, Indian bison, black bears, langurs, cheetal and various species of felines, including leopards. The biggest attraction here is the Red Panda, which is one of the rarest animal of the world.

Balpakram is a great religious significance to the local population. The locals consider this
park as a sacred place where departed souls take refuge before embarking on their final journey. Balpakram also boasts of a great variety of exotic orchids.

Siju Cave: Located 52 km south of Williamnagar, in Naphak lane. Also called Dobakkol (bat cave), it lies on the banks of the Simsang river. Currently the third longest cave in India, Siju is said to have some of the river passages in the world. The cave is made up of several chambers and labyrinths, and has a somewhat grim and ominous ambience. It is particularly famous for its stalagmites and stalactites. The cave has some of the most magnificent limestone rock formations that can be seen deeper inside. One of the formations, christened as the Princess Di’s Chamber, can be easily described as one of nature’s best masterpieces.

ASSAM

Majuli: Declared as the biggest river island in the world Majuli is located in the Brahmaputra river, this island covers an area of 422 sq. km. and is accessible by ferry from Nimati Ghat, Jorhat. Majuli is the center of Vaishnavite religion founded by Saint Srimanta Sankardeva in 16th century. Almost all major Vashnavite centers (locally called the Satras) are located in Majuli. Auniati, Dakshinpat, Kamalabari and Garmur are the most prominent among them. Apart from preaching Vaishnavism, these Satras undertake various cultural activities throughout the year. Bhaona, a unique type of dance drama similar to Kathakali is very famous. During Autumn, Lord Krishna’s ‘Rassjatra’ is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Kamakhya Temple: Kamakhya, the temple of the mother goddess is situated in the Nilachal hill and has great importance in Indian pilgrimage. It is one of the most sacred temples of the Hindus where it is believed that while Mahadev (Lord Shiva) was carrying the dead body of his beloved wife ‘Sati’ her ‘Yoni’ (private part) had fallen at this place. People now go to see the Yonipith from where sacred water flows continuously. In the first week of July, a big festival known as ‘Ambubachi Mela’ takes place during which thousands of pilgrims throng from different places of the country. Koch King Naranarayana built the present temple in 1490. There are four footpaths for climbing to the Nilachal Hill, built by Narakasura, the great king of Asur (demon).
Jatinga (Halflong): Jatinga is almost 10km drive south of Halflong and is famous or rather infamous for the mysterious “bird suicide” that happen at this village. In the moonless night of September and October, hundreds of birds gather at this village and come down following illumination of some search light shown by the villagers. The villagers then catch them or kill them. A study conducted by the State Forest Department revealed that the “bird Suicide” is a misnomer. The fact is that Jatinga is located in between two hill ranges of Boral Mountain. On moonless night, when wind blows from south to north, it perhaps disturb the sleeping birds and begins to fly against the direction of the wind. At this time, if slight rain or drizzle occurs and the villagers put some strong light, the scattered light from the tiny droplets of drizzle forms a weird environment in which the birds get perturbed and come down from their route.
Mulai Kathoni Forest: The Mulai Kathani a man made forest, is located in Kokilamukh, 13 km from Jorhat town. Jadav Payeng, also known as the “Forest Man” of India is credited with this wondrous and surreal venture. Over the course of many years he planted trees, one at a time, transforming the area into a reserved forest that today encompasses an area of 1,360 acres. The forest is currently a home for Rhinoceroses, Bengal Tigers, Deer, Rabbits, Elephants and several species of birds.
Sri Surya Pahar: Located about 12 km southeast of Goalpara town Sri Surya Pahar significant but relatively unknown archaeological site in Assam. The Surya Pahar Temple is an ancient sun worship centre. According to legend, this hill is where sage Vyasa attempted to create the second Kashi. In his endeavour to do so, he filled the hill of Sri Surya with 99,999 Shivlings, many of which have been unearthed from here. Believed to have been one of the greatest pilgrimage sites of the region, relics from Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism still stand here.
Digboi: An oil town in the Upper Assam region, Digboi’s history can be traced as far back as the late 19th century, when oil was first discovered here. In 1901 Digboi had its first oil refinery and was firmly positioned on the World Petroleum Industry’s map. The oil field, which is over a 100 years old is still extant and the refinery is the world’s oldest oil facility still in operation.
Since the Assam Railways and Trading Company employed many British nationals, Digboi developed as a town with major British influences. That trend continues till today, the town has a distinctly Colonial feel as evinced by its British Bunglows, well laid out streets, churches, club as well as the golf course and war cemetery.

ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Tawang: Tawang is both historically and naturally endowed. It is located at a distance of 183 Kms from Bomdila and is situated at an altitude of 3500 metres above sea level. The natural beauty and solitude of Gudpi and Chong-Chugmi ranges, Tawang Chu River and Tawang valley are very mesmerizing. The inhabitants of the districts are all of Monpa .

There are two major religious festivals of the Monpas ‘Losar’ and ‘Torgya’. Both festivals are celebrated once annually. The Losar is celebrated to the commencement of New year. Every third year of Torgya, the festival of Dungyur is celebrated. Both "Dungyur and Torgya" festivals are celebrated at the premises of the Tawang Monastery (the largest Monastery in India and second largest in Asia) with traditional gaiety and enthusiasm.

There are many beautiful glacier lakes in and around Tawang with crystal blue waters such as Sela lake, P.T.So lake, Sangetser lake, Banggachang lake and many more. These remain frozen in winter while in summer they become haven for migratory birds.
Sela Pass: At 4,048m, Sela Pass is the highest motorable pass in the Northeast. The road to Sela involves a step ascent, and is usually marked by fog and traces of landslides. Abou0t 20 km down the road from Sela Pass is the Jaswantgarh War Memorial, named after Jaswant Singh, who played a crucial role in the defence against Chinese Forces in the 1962 Indo-Chinese War.

Sangti Valley: A birdwatcher’s paradise, Sangti Valley is located about 7 km from Dirang. Surrounded by the lofty peaks of Eastern Himalayas, orchards laden with apples, kiwis and oranges, the valley is the epitome of beauty. Small villages line the road, and wild horses and domesticated cows can be seen. The Black Necked Crane, one of the many attractions of the place.

Ziro: Ziro is located in the lower Subansiri District, at an elevation of 1688m above sea level and 164km drive from Itanagar (capital of Arunachal Pradesh). Ziro is home to the Apatani people, a non-nomadic, agrarian tribe.
The Apatani people are environmentally conscious community who practice wetland cultivation, instead of the dry land one, which involves the burning of the forest. The paddy farms here double as fish cultivations, with farmers using traditional irrigation techniques to rear fish in knee deep water. The UNESCO has even proposed for the Apatani culture landscape’s inclusion to the list of World Heritage site for the tribe’s high agricultural productivity and unique conservation practices.

Mechuka: Located 180km drive from Aalo (district headquarter of Arunachal Pradesh) and also 29 km away from Indo-China border. The hamlet of Mechuka lies at an altitude of 1,828m in a forested valley, in West Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh. The Siyom River flows through the valley and offers river rafting and angling opportunities. The village is inhabited by the Memba, Rambo, Bokar and Limbo tribes. The prime tourist attraction here is the 400 year old Samtem yongcha Monastery, on the western edge of the Menchuka Valley.
Pasighat: Pasighat is the headquarter of East Siang district in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Situated at 155 meters, Pasighat is Arunachal's oldest town. Stretching along the banks of the Siang River, Pasighat was established by the British in 1911, as an administrative gateway to the Abor hills and the northern parts of the state. Pasighat is mostly inhabited by the Adi Tribe. The scenic sunrise over the Siang river is the biggest attraction here.
Mayodia: Mayodia Pass is located about 56 km away from Roing in Arunachal Pradesh, at the Indo-China border above 2,655 m above sea level. Mayodia got its name from a Nepali girl, Maya, who vanished in the snow and could not be traced. It witnesses heavy snowfall in January and February, snowfall starts in November and continues till April. So, it is fast becoming the most-favoured destination of those who want to experience the magic of snowfall.

TRIPURA

Ujjayanta Palace: In the heart of Agartala city lies the Ujjayanya Palace. Built in 1901 by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya Bahadur, this gleaming white structure is set in the middle of Mughal style gardens with a lake in the front. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, the place is topped by three domes, the most striking of which is the 26m high central dome. The palace now serves as the Assembly House of Tripura’s state government and one wing that have been converted into a museum with impressive collections of royal and cultural artifacts.
Neermahal: Northeastern India’s only water palace, Neermahal is located south of Agartala, at Melaghar. This royal mansion is located right in the centre of the Rudrasagar Lake. The palace was constructed by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya in 1930. It took nine years to build this iconic structure, which served as the King’s summer residence. Neermahal’s architecture is a mélange of the Mughal and Hindu styles, and reflects the Maharaja’s sense of aesthetics and luxury. The 122m tall edifice consists of 24 rooms and is surrounded by charming gardens with colourful flowerbeds. The Rudrasagar Lake covers an area of about 5sq. km. and comes alive with the chirruping of various resident and migratory birds. Boating facilities are available at the lake.
Udaipur: Udaipur, Tripura’s historic capital, is situated on the banks of the Gomati River. About 53km from Agartala. Referred to as the ‘Lake City’, the town serves as the headquarters of the Gomati District. Udaipur was the capital of the Manikya Kings, till Maharaja Krishna Chandra Manikya Bahadur moved the capital to Agartal.

Formerly known as Rangamati, Udaipur is dotted with many beautiful lakes and ancient temples. The Tripura Sundari Temple is the holiest shrine for the people of this state, while some of the popular lakes are Kalyan Sagar, Mahadeb Dighi, Jagannath Dighi, Amar Sagar and Dhani Sagar.
Tripura Sundari Temple: Also known as Matabari (mother goddess), the Tripura Sundari Temple is amongst the most revered shrines in India, on account of being one of the 51 Shaktipeeths of the Hindu religion. Constructed by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya Debbarma in 1501, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, who is worshipped here in the form of Soroshi. On the eastern side of the temple lies the vast Kalyan Sagar Lake, which is home to Tortoises.
Unakoti: Located 160km NE of Agartala and about 8km from the sub-divisional headquarters of Kailashar Town, lies Unakoti hill. Unakoti literally means “One less than A Crore”. Home to the largest bas relief sculptures in India, Unakoti is famous for its massive stone and rock cut sculptures that have been carved out from the hillside. Surrounded by lush greenery, this place is also a Shaivite pilgrimage site dating back to the 8th or 9th centuries AD. The most famous amongst these awe-inspiring carvings are the central Shiva head and gigantic Ganesha figures.
Jampu Hill: Situated at an altitude of 915m above sea level, Jampu Hills is the highest hill station in Tripura. The panoramic views of its misty valleys, orange scented hilltops and unique climate have rightly made it more popularly known as ‘Permanent seat of Spring’. Jampu Hill range is situated at an altitude of about 3000 ft. To the east of this hill range lies Mizoram and to the south lies the Chittagong hill tract of Bangladesh. One can visit the indigenous tribal villages of Lushai and Reang Tribes in Jampu Hills who compromise very warm, hospitable and colourful Mizo communities.

MANIPUR

Ima Market: A traditional market that has been around for a few hundred years. Fondly called the Ima Market (Ima means Mother), Khwairamband Bazar is probably the world’s only market where all the shops are owned and run by women. The Imas sell all household items, clothes, footwear, accessories and even food in this market.
Bishnupur: Located 29km from Imphal Town. Home to numerous ancient temples and deers, Bishnupur is a beautiful destination to spend some time in. Situated southeast of Imphal, the city offers plenty of tourist spots such as Keibul Lamjao National Park, Loktak Lake and the Loukoi Pat Ecological Park. The temples reflect the rich culture of the land and the architectural excellence leaves onlookers stunned. The 15th century Vishnu temple here is very famous. The city is also famous for tribal handicrafts.
Andro Village: Nestled in the foothills of the Nongmaiching Hills of Imphal, lies a small village called Andro. The short drive from Imphal is worth undertaking. The Mutua Museum is a much frequented cultural complex inside the village where artifacts from across the Northeast are on display. Pottery, rare coins, manuscripts pertaining to the origin and history of the state, paintings, jewellery, clothing, wood carving and also a miniature replica of tribal homes are showcased here.
Loktak Lake: ‘Lok’ means stream and ‘tak’ the end. The largest freshwater lake of the Northeast. Loktak lake has multiple ring shaped land masses floating on it that are known as phumdis or phumshongs. This phumids are largely made up of weeds and are surrounded by colourful water plants and water chestnuts. A huge flock of migratory birds descends on the lake as winter sets in. The obvious means of transport between these small islands are boats.
Keibul Lamjao National Park: The world’s only ‘floating’ national park. The park spreads across 40sq km and is actually located on a phumdi, on the southeastern part of the lake. The best time to visit this park is between November to April. One can see the endangered brow antlered deer or Sangai, which is indigenous to this area. It is fondly called Manipur’s dancing deer owing to its delicate gait. Rare birds also inhabit the national park and are seen congregating at the lake.
Ukhrul: The highest hill station of Manipur, Ukhrul, is located northeast of Loktak Lake and it offers a panoramic view of surrounding hill. It is home to the colourful warrior tribe called the Tangkhul Nagas, who are one of the major tribes of Manipur. The rare Siroi Lily grows on the hilltop of the Siroi Hills which is nearby Ukhrul town. Other popular visiting places nearby Ukhrul are Khangkui Limestone Cave and Nilai Tea Estate.

MIZORAM

Bara Bazaar: Shoping in Aizawl (capital of Mizoram) is more like a leisurely stroll. Bara Bazaar at Bau Tlang, the main shopping centre, overflows with umpteen souvenirs such as the traditional Mizo dress, known as Puan, and other Mizo garments, Chinese toys, Tawainese electronics, cloths from Myanmmar, bamboo items and local hand-made garments. The main bazaar is where people are seen in ethnic costumes selling produces from farm farms and homesteads, including river crabs in little wicker basket.
Thenzawl: Thenzawl was initially a dense forest with numerous wild animals before it was cultivated and inhabited in 1961. Thenzawl is an important centre of traditional Mizo handloom industry. The looms of Thenzawl produce rich and colourful varieties of textiles. One can observe the indigenous weaving techniques of the Mizos here. Other tourist attractions at this town include Vantawng Waterfall.
Vantawng Waterfall: Close to Thenzawl lies Mizoram’s highest and most beautiful waterfall, Vantawng Khawhthla or Vantawng Fall, which fall from a height of 228m. Set beautifully amidst dense bamboo groves and tropical forests, the waterfall is located on the Vanva River near Thenzawl and is named after Vantawnga who was said to be an excellent swimmer, and used to glide in the cascanding waters like a fish.
Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve: Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest in the state, was opened in the year 1976, and declared a Tiger Reserve in 1994. Dampa Tiger Reserve is in western Mizoram. The Reserve straddles the borders of Mizoram, Tripura and Bangladesh. Spread over 572sq. km, in an altitudinal zone of 200-800m, the sanctuary consists of Dampa hills, Pathlawi Lunglen hill and Chhawrpial hills amongst others. The word Dampa came from a nearby village where all the women had died, leaving behind lonely bachelors, hence the name ‘dam pa’ or ‘lonely man’.
Lunglei: Located 165km south of Aizawl. Lunglei, Mizoram’s second largest town and the headquarters of Lunglei District in Southern Mizoram, is an excellenet place to visit. The landscape here looks right out of a fairytale. At an elevation of 1,222m and higher than Aizawl, Lunglei is an ideal base for nature lovers who want to explore the surrounding areas that are rich in flora and fauna, hamlets and landmarks linked with myths and local legends. Some of the places to visit in Lunglei are Serkawn, Theiriat Tlang, Nghasih stream, Lunglei – the stone bridge after which the city is named and Kawmzawl. To Lunglei’s west, at Demmagiri, awaits the ethereal valley of the River Karbafuli.
Champhai: Located 194km southeast of Aizawl, Champhai district is small, yet magically beautiful with its pristine valleys represent in a carpet of Rhododendrons and well maintained vineyards, passion-fruit orchards and kiwi fruit plantations around the settlements soaring over smaller hills. With river Taui flowing nearby and the fabulous view the rolling Letha mountain ranges present, Champhai promises stunning views of the hills in Myanmmar.

Five kilimetres away from Champhai is the Ruantlang village, where glimpses of the ancestral way of life of the Mizos can still be seen. Saitual town, located on the road to Champhai is a good base camp for trekking and camping especially during spring. Some of the main places to visit in Champhai are Zokhawthar town, Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Rih Dil Lake, Hnahlan village and Thuangtea Puk.