A Tourist Guide To Northeast India

Own Wild West of India is actually in the opposite direction, the region known as the Northeast, or every geography book will tell you, the Seven Sisters - Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur. Apart from these contiguous states, the Northeast also includes the northern districts of Sikkim and West Bengal - Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Koch Bihar.

How to Get ... Is it safe?

A flight from the bustle of Calcutta takes you to another world of green mountain ridges, wildlife sanctuaries, tea plantations and a colorful mosaic of tribal cultures and serene monasteries.

Complex political and insurgent movements have been concerned about this beautiful region for years. However, it is as if the whole Northeast is a war zone. Keep an ear to the ground support, if local newsletters are worrying out of safe places like Sikkim and Darjeeling.

Assam

Guwahati, the state capital is where travelers often begin their meeting with the Northeast. Flanked by the great river Brahmaputra on one side and lush green hills, on the other, Guwahati is a curious blend of spirituality and commerce. It is the business center for the Northeast and services of the region's oil industry, in addition to hosting the world's largest tea auctions.

The Kamakhya Temple is famous for its ancient traditions and worship Hindu Tantric Shakti. Century 16 Umananda temple, sacred to Lord Shiva, is the Peacock Hill, an island in the Brahmaputra. In 1977, archaeologists came upon the ruins of a century temple complex of 11 or 12 in the Kamrup district, about 40 km from Guwahati are the ruins of the 11th century or 12 Kamdev Madan Temple, named after the Hindu god love with its erotic sculptures. A lush garden full of medicinal plants adds to its charm.

Arguably the best reason to visit Assam's Kaziranga National Park. Top-ranked Kaziranga population is the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, followed by elephants, tigers, panthers and a huge bird population. Its lush and unspoiled 430 square kilometers, covered with dense forests, elephant grass and swamps is best viewed in an elephant safari. Other options - safari boat on the Brahmaputra or jeep in the park.

Arunachal Pradesh

How terribly unfair that Arunachal Pradesh is invariably in the news for the wrong reasons! Among the icy peaks of the Himalayas to the north and the Brahmaputra plains in the south are five, emerald valleys watered by snow fed rivers. Arunachal wild beauty is complemented by its rich mosaic of culture and ancient tribal traditions of music, dance and crafts.

The road to Tawang - the largest Buddhist monastery in India - winds past oak pine and rhododendron forests, crossing the Sela Pass at 4250 m, an album worth the price of your holiday. On the way to Tawang, the Monastery Bomdila offers beautiful views of apple orchards and snowcapped mountains. There are orchids growing centers to visit, plus a well stocked craft center.

In Itanagar, capital of Arunachal green and pretty, it's hard to tell where the city ends and the forest begins. Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the langurs, black bear, musk deer and gibbons hoolock - lucky visitors may spot a red panda.

Meghalaya

Capital of Meghalaya, Shillong was the place favored by the British for their resemblance to the Scottish moors. Outdoor activities are abundant in the "Abode of the Clouds" - carp fishing and in Ranikor mahseer, or Kynshi Umngot (prohibited during the monsoons), boating on the beautiful lake Umiam, trekking, caving in the hills limestone and golf Jowai Shillong natural golf course. October / November is the time of harvest festival when you can catch the Khasi Nongkrem Dance.

Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram

These little "sisters" can maintain a surprisingly busy camping / trekking through dense green hills, visiting ancient temples and exquisite tribal handicraft shops. Spring Festival of Manipur Haraoba Lai in April / May and the party's agrarian Mizoram, Kut was filled with music, color and dance.

Nagaland

Famous for its fiercely independent culture, Nagaland has a history of heroism. Dzoukou Valley, 2470 m above sea level is a painting of wild flowers and rhododendrons from November to March, ideal for trekking and camping. Go fishing in rivers or explore Intaki abundant Wildlife Sanctuary. Nagaland offers excellent shopping Naga shawls feature a lot of bamboo handicrafts.

Anywhere in the Northeast, the infrastructure is essential for travelers - just do not expect to be pampered. Against this are the positives - an unspoilt environment, fauna fabulous, lots of adventure and genuinely friendly people who do not cheat unwary travelers. If internal browser in you waiting to get on the road, the Northeast where it belongs.