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North-East India refers to the easternmost region of India
consisting of the contiguous Seven Sister States, Assam, Sikkim
(Darjeeling), Nagaland, Mizoram , Meghalaya,
Manipur and Tripura.
Assam
Assam ,
the second largest state of the North East is also known as the land
home of the mighty rivers Brahmaputra . It is one of the most
developed states in the North East as it is been blessed with one of
the main sources of its revenue . It is known for its highest
timbers producers of the country. Digboi town is known for its
oldest and Asia’s first oil refinery. Her tea estates produce over
half of the country’s production.
A
“Peerless” land, as that is what Assam means owing its derivation
from a Sanskrit word 'ASOMA', is an entryway to the North East
India. It is a region where nature herself has painted the vibrant
landscape, hillocks, woods , brooks and streams, flora and fauna and
above all the affectionate people. Crafted with much special care,
the state of Assam cast a spell on the travelers exploring the
treasures of pleasure. An abode of one horned rhino, blue rivers and
red mountains, aromatic tea gardens make Tourism in Assam a special
experience. Assam bears a testimony of rich cultural heritage
through its temples, monuments, and torrential Brahmaputra River. It
is legendary state in terms of traditions and civilization.
How to Reach Assam
Rail: Assam is well connected with rest of India. Rajdhani Express
from Delhi will take you to Guwahati in about 24 to 36 hours.
Air: Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Lakimpur, Silchar are the
Airports that provide Air Connectivity to Assam.
Road: A web of bus network operates around the by private
transporters and Assam State Transport Corporation.
Best time to visit: Assam is in the months of October to March
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world.
This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. The flaming
red rhododendrons, the sparkling white magnolias, the miles of
undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the
exotic forests of silver fir - all under the blanket of a brilliant
azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds
Darjeeling as the Queen of Hill Station.
Darjeeling - the name is derived from the Tibetian word 'Dorje'
which means the precious stone or ecclesiastical sceptre, which is
emblematic of the thunderbolt of Indra, and 'ling' - a place, hence
the land of the thunderbolt. The sceptre of Indra is believed to
have fallen at a place where now stands the Observatory Hill.
Darjeeling is a fascinating place, where the tourist can see
Buddhist monasteries, visit a tea plantation, see how the tea is
processed, go for a ride on the chairlift, go shopping in the
colourful markets or go trekking to high altitude spots, near the
border with Sikkim. Darjeeling has the unique feature of a toy
train, which takes you from Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling through the
steep mountainsides .
Sikkim
Sikkim
is a wonderland in the bosom of Eastern Himalayas with its avant
garde surroundings and spectacular tableau. The Shangrila, the Mt.
Kanchenjunga makes Sikkim a charming land representing a concoction
of Buddhism and Tibetology. With Buddhism predominant in the state
you will see many monasteries and ruby clad monks here. For you, the
nature lovers, the state has eminent orchids sanctuary where 500
indigenous species of orchids are found. An adventure tour in Sikkim
has many druthers for adventurers. On your way to trekking you will
witness many quaint dales and mountain lakes. A base for
mountaineering expeditions the rivers of Teesta and Rangeet are
superb for river rafting.
How to Reach Sikkim
By Air : The nearest airport Bagdogra, near Siliguri in West Bengal,
is connected by air to New Delhi, Kolkata and Guawahati. You can
also commute by helicopter to Sikkim.
By Rail: Siliguri (114 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (125 kms) are the two
closest railway stations connecting Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai,
Guwahati and other important cities in India with Sikkim.
By Road: The state is connected by road to Darjeeling, Kalimpong,
Siliguri and also to all the District Headquarters within Sikkim.
Also a bus service is offered by The Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT)
from all major cities and towns in North Bengal to Gangtok.
Nagaland
The
undulating state of Nagaland is extremely charming and lovingly
beautiful. A home to as many as sixteen tribes, the state has much
to explore. The virgin terrains of the state are breathtakingly
enchanting. You must visit Naga City to experience the panorama of
nature, the warmth and hospitality of people, lavish blossoms and
coy rivers making their way through the rugged terrains. If you are
the victim of hectic monotonous lifestyle and then a tour to
Nagaland is for you.
How to Reach
By Air: Dimapur is the only airport in Nagaland and it is well
connected by flights from Delhi and Calcutta and the rest of the
country.
By Rail: The important railhead in Nagaland is Dimapur on the North
Eastern Railway Track.
By Road: The towns and villages of Nagaland are connected by the
Nagaland State Transport Association. Buses are frequent from
Dimapur to Guwahati, Shillong, Mokokchung.
Manipur
The
Manipur's inspiration arise from the wondrous balance of the floa
and fauna that abound in its environs. Almost 70 percent of ther is
under forest cover. The stunning cobination of wet forests temperate
forest sand pine forests sustain a host of rare and endemic plant
and animal life. Some of the world's rarest orchids spring from the
fertile soil.
Denizens of the forest include the rare hoolock gibbon the snow
leopard and slow loris amongst a glaxy of othere rate fauna.
Indigenous to Manipur's rich natural heritage is the sangal - the
dancing deer, ther rarest of creatures that is facing extinction.
Manipur has a varied and proud history from the earliest times. It
came under the British rule after the First Anglo Manipuri war of
1891. In this war, many great heroes of Manipur laid down their
lives. Major General Paona Brajabashi died fighting the British Army
in the battle of Khongjom. The British then captured Imphal and had
General Thangal and Yuvraj(Prince) Tekendrajit hanged.
After India became independent on August 15, 1947; the Manipur
Constitution Act, 1947 established a democratic form of Government
with the Maharaja as the Executive Head and a legislature
constituted by election on adult franchise. This legislative
assembly functioned till it was dissolved on the integration of the
state with the Dominion of India in October, 1949. Manipur achieved
full statehood on January 21, 1972.
Mizoram
The
beautiful northeastern state of India, Mizoram, slices its borders
with Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Assam and Manipur. The word Mizo
means highlander and Mizoram means “the land of mizos” , the
hedonists, who are very particular about their ethics and
deontology. The cities of Mizoram are cocooned by the mighty mystic
mountains, rare flora and fauna and thick bamboo forests. On the
contrary of these woods are the precipitous hills with lavish green
fields. The meandering river with a graceful gait and shimmering
waterfalls make up the exorbitant atmosphere of the state. The
capital city Aizwal along with many others has potential of exciting
tourism in Mizoram.
How to Reach Mizoram
By Air: Aizwal is thoroughly connected by flights from major cities
like Kolkata, Imphal and Guwahati.
By Rail: the closest railway stataion for Aizwal is Silchar in
Assam. There are many trains from Guwahati also which take 19 hours
to reach Aizwal.
By Road: Aizwal is accessible from Shillong and Guwahati by road.
Aizwal is connected by buses and taxies with Silchar through NH 54.
Meghalaya
Meghalaya is an embodiment of eternal bliss and tranquility wrapped
in utter beauty. The “Abode of Clouds” acquires its charm from the
picturesque locales, bountiful nature, fresh and sedating
surroundings and yes the adventure sports. The exposition of
exuberant emerald hills and glens often bathing in frequent drizzles
will resuscitate your spirits. Trip to Meghalaya promises a
rendezvous with the exclusive flora and fauna, the amicable tribal
folks and their cultural heritage. Tour to Meghalaya can be for
adventure, for sightseeing, for resurrection or simply to relax and
enjoy.
How to Reach Meghalaya
By Air: The state has no airport. Guwahati is the nearest aiprport
from Shillong (128Kms). But a helicopter services is operated by
Guwahati and Tura for Shillong.
By Rail: The state has no railway station. Guwahati is the closest
railway station.
By Road: The state has a good Road Network which encompasses the
state conveniently. NH 40 connects the state with Guwahati and other
cities of the country.
Entry Formalities: Foreign tourists need a valid visa which can be
further extended and Indian tourists need not obtain any permit for
entry.
Tripura
One of
the seven states in the North East, Tripura is believed to be
originated from "Tripura Sundari" - the supreme deity of the state
remarkable in Hindus as one of the fifty one peeths of Hindu
Pilgrims. In addition to this it is also maintained that primarily
the land was called “Tuipra” which connotes “A land adjoining the
water.” Tour to Tripura will be very exciting for you because of its
ethnic cultural diversity, its bountiful natural purlieus, its
temples, museums and palaces. Tourist attractions of Tripura
inveigle flocks of tourists.
How to Reach Tripura
By Air: Agartala, the state capital has the main airport where many
public and private airlines operate regular flights. The state has 3
more airports in Khowai, Kamalpur and Kailashahar where small
chartered-planes can land easily.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kumarghat at a distance of
140 km. from Agartala. This railway station is connected to Guwahati
which is well connected by other cities.
By Road: NH 44 connects Agartala to Guwahati via Shillong. But
because of location reaching Tripura is easier from Bangladesh by
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