North East India Tourism

The north-eastern region of India is the most varied, but also the least visited by the foreign travelers. Before independence, the entire north-east was known as Assam Province. The North East is a frontier region in every sense. It has over 800 km of border with Burma and at least that distance again with China and Bhutan. But although the northern border runs through the easternmost extension of the Himalayas and the border to the south east with Burma also runs through mountain ranges, the north eastern hill states are a region of transition. Even Assam, now confined largely to the Brahmaputra Valley, is highly distinct.

Various factors including ethnic and linguistic divides led to the formation of seven separate States, now popularly called the seven sisters. These seven states are of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura. These states are situated in the north-eastern part of India. In many ways, north-east is very much unlike the rest of India. It is an area inhabited by a great number of tribes who speak a hundred different dialects and languages. In Arunachal Pradesh alone, over 50 distinct languages are spoken. In some ways, these hill tribes are similar to tribes found in other parts of the Himalayas. The tribal people here have more similarity with those found in Burma, Thailand and Laos. During the British period, the Christian missionaries found the tribesmen an easy prey for conversion under the State patronage. The missionaries were the only people to get Inner Line Permits to enter the tribal areas. Although predominantly Christians, these hill men still follow their old customs and traditions akin to Hindus. The partition in 1947 was greatly responsible for the region’s separation from India, but the tourism has been recently promoted in the north-eastern states of India. Since 1972, Parliament of India has set up a North Eastern Council marking a new chapter of planned development of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. Recently Sikkim has been added to the list.

The infinite variety of its geographic setting, topography, varied flora and fauna and avian life, rare orchids and butterflies, brightly painted monasteries, challenging rivers, the history of ancient traditions and lifestyles, its festivals and crafts make it a wonderful holiday destination. We look forward to welcome you in North East India !

Tribal festivals dates of Nagaland & Arunachal Pradesh