Places to visit in ‘the abode of clouds’ Meghalaya

Meghalaya is one of the eight northeastern states of India, and it literally translates to ‘the abode of clouds’. This state is famous for its subtropical forests, biodiversity, rich culture, mysterious caves, and the highest rainfall. Meghalaya offers exotic places to visit and extreme adventure activities as well, like rock climbing, caving, trekking, etc.

Some of the best places to visit in Meghalaya are Shillong – the capital city, Elephant Falls, Mawlynnong, Mawsynram, Umiam Lake, etc. Shillong is considered as the music capital of India and has numerous places of attractions. The Elephant Falls is a 3-tiered waterfall; an elephant shaped like rock at the foot of the falls gave it the name. Around 90 km from Shillong, is the cleanest village in Asia – Mawlynnong which is also a popular place to visit in the state. Similarly Mawsynram is a place in Meghalaya that has made its name in the entire world. It is the wettest place on earth and is a nature lover’s delight. Umiam Lake is encircled with lush green hills, has an adjoining park, picnic spots, and the sunrise at the lake is a feast to the eyes.

Another place to visit in Meghalaya is Cherrapunjee which holds the record of the highest recorded rainfall in the state. Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Dwaki, Nohkalilai Waterfalls, and Mawsami Cave are the must visit places here. The living root bridge is a suspension bridge made of living tree roots and is hidden in a lush green thick forest. Dwaki is the perfect place to go for boating in Umngot River. Nohkalikai Waterfalls is the fourth highest falls in the world and it portrays the immense beauty of nature. Another place is the Mawsmai Cave that fairly reflects the wonders of nature.

These are just few of the popular places to visit in Meghalaya but there are more. Meghalaya has many romantic and exotic spots and view points, trekking spots, and more. It is a perfect holiday destination.

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Northeast India: Best places to visit for the Discerning Tourist

Northeast India is the least reached and least explored place in the country which makes this region one of the best places to travel to. It consists of 8 states in total and called as the ‘seven sisters and a brother’. However, let us talk about these seven sisters (Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland) for now and talk about the best places to visit here.

Manipur is rich in culture, traditions, ecological system, and wildlife. The only floating National Park in the world – Keibul Lamjao National Park, also is situated in Manipur at Loktak Lake which is a must visit place. Similarly, Assam has places that are well-recognized like Kaziranga National Park which is also the home to one-horned rhinoceros. Other places to visit in Assam are Majuli, Sulakuchi, Kamakhya Mandir etc.

Popular places to visit in Meghalaya are Shillong, Cherapunjee – one of the wettest places on earth, Mawylong village, Mawsmai cave etc. Northeast India is rich in culture and tradition and it can be seen in Tripura – the third smallest state in India. Popular places to visit here are Neer Mahal on Lake Rudrasagar, Ujjayanta Palace, Unakoti, Jagannath Temple etc.

Mizoram translates to ‘the land of hill people’ and is also as beautiful as any other northeastern states. Popular places to visit in Mizoram are Vantawang Falls, Dampa Tiger Reserve, Khuangchera Puk cave, Mizo Hlakungpui Mual etc. Arunachal Pradesh is also a popular tourist destination and the best places to visit here are Itanagar, Tawang (one of the oldest villages), Ziro valley, Sela Pass etc. The land of festivals, Nagaland also offers amazing places to visit in northeast India like Dzukou valley, Dimapur, Kohima, Mokukchung etc.

This is just the tip of the iceberg and we have tried to cover a few gems in the name of the best places to visit in Northeast India, but there are many more. We believe the best opinion is formed from actually travelling, and we hope this entices you to pack your bags and head for the hills.

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Preservation of the past must visit places in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh – one of the northeastern states of India is rich in socio cultural heritage with many tribal groups; with unique ethics that have been followed from time immemorial and are continued till now. The old traditions are respected immensely by the locals and the visitors as well. However, some very old traditions that people do not find necessary today are not followed. They are not forgotten but preserved; like wearing large nose plugs and tattoos on face by Apatani women are not followed by the women of new generation. But these tribal customs are still given importance and are preserved. Arunachal Pradesh has many museums where ancient materials, customs and traditions are kept safe for visitors and new generations to visit, see and understand them.

The museums in Arunachal Pradesh are ethnographic and the first one was established in 1956. They have altogether a little over seven thousand specimens that include pottery, woodcarving, textiles, basketry, headgears etc. Currently the state has twelve ethnographic museums; out of these one is yet to be functional. Apart from these places, is one more museum named as Arunachal Pavilion located in Guwahati Assam, which was set up by the Directorate of Research, Government of Arunachal Pradesh in January 2009.

Some of the museums to visit in Arunachal Pradesh are: Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum in Papum Pare District, The District Museum in Ziro, The Tezu Distrcit Museum in Lohit Distrcit, Bomdila District Museum in West Kameng, Tawang District Museum in Tawang, The Daporijo District Museum at Upper Subansiri, Seppa District Museum in East Kameng, The Changlang District Museum in Changlang District, Aalo District Museum at East Siang, Pasighat District Museum at West Siang, The Khonsa District Museum at Tirap District and the Roing District Museum at Lower Dibang in Arunachal Pradesh.

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Amazing tourist places in Northeast India

The 8 states of Northeast India namely Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Tripura are blessed with natural wonders, mountains, rich culture, traditions, wildlife and more. There are numerous tourist places in Northeast India that attract travelers from all around the world.

Tripura has a rich history and culture and many popular places to visit. One such place is Ujjayanta Palace. This beautiful white palace situated in the city of Agartala reminds us of the age of the Tripura maharajas. This palace is a perfect classic example with elegant floors, curved ceilings, and huge doors and a must visit place in Tripura. Similarly, Neermahal Palace made of marbles and exquisite stone balconies, bridges and pavilions is another tourist place to visit in Tripura. Another tourist place in Tripura is the Jagannath Temple. It is not only a tourist place but a pilgrim as well and the best time to visit is between Oct-May.

A famous place to visit in Assam is Kaziranga National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the centre of Assam. It is home to the two-third world’s population of one-horned rhinoceros and offers elephant and jeep safari experiences to visitors. If you ever visit Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake is a place you cannot miss visiting. This ethereal beauty at an elevation of 12,400ft gives any tourist the most peaceful and surreal experience in Sikkim. Another place to visit in Northeast India is the Tawang Monastery located in the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh. It is also believed to be the largest in India and the second largest in the world. Umiam Lake is another lake in Northeast India located in Meghalaya that offers mesmerizing views of nature and the visitors can also go for boating. Umiam Lake is one of the most popular destinations in Shillong and also in India.

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India’s Eastern Reach: The 8 Spectacular States of Northeast India

The states of Northeast India represent a totally different stream of cultures and languages and it may seem like visiting a whole different country. Northeast India comprises of Sikkim, Tripura, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.

Tripura borders Bangladesh, Mizoram and Assam and has beautiful landscapes. It is one of the nation’s most underrated tourist destinations. There is a great variety of what it has to offer both in culture and in nature. Some of the popular tourist destinations in Tripura are Neermahal, Ujjayanta Palace, Unakoti and Heritage Park. Mizoram is another state that borders Bangladesh but also borders Myanmar in the east. The best time to visit Mizoram is between November-March.

Visit Manipur, if you love rich culture, dances, food and want to see floating islands. There are plenty of ways to have rich ethnic experiences in Manipur. Nagaland is a state in Northeast India famous for its Hornbill Festival around December- the perfect festival to witness cultures, handicrafts and handlooms and dances of different tribes.

Assam is not only known for its tea production but it is also home to two-third of world’s population of one-horned rhinoceros. Arunachal Pradesh is a state in Northeast India that borders Myanmar, China and Bhutan. This state has a diverse climate ranging from subtropical climates to highland and alpine climates, depending on your elevation and location in the state. Meghalaya translates to “the abode of clouds” and is the wettest region in India. Under British rule, it was nicknamed as the Scotland of the East and is one of India’s prized hill stations. Like Meghalaya, Sikkim is a beautiful hill station and is famous for the world’s third highest mountain, Mt Khangchendzonga. It is also the second smallest state in India.

If you ever want to travel abroad without leaving the country, head towards Northeast India and live the experience.

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Escape to the 8 states of Northeast India

Northeast region of India is popularly known as the seven sisters and a brother comprising of 8 beautiful states, namely Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura and the brother as Sikkim.

The natural beauty of these states make northeast India one of the must visit places in the country. Tripura is visited for its culture, cuisine, heritage, archaeological sites, handicrafts etc. Some of the popular places of attractions in Tripura are Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal Palace, Unakoti, Jagannath Temple, Sipahijala Wildlife Sanctuary and Jampui Hills. Another northeastern state, Assam is well known for its soothing beauty, Assamese tea, tourist’s attractions, spiritual ambiance, and humble people welcoming visitors. The beautiful state Nagaland ‘wild east’ of India abounds in primeval beauty and tribal culture, offering unending exploration possibilities from heritage villages to wildlife sanctuaries.

Similarly Manipur the jewel city of India is known for its famous classical dance forms, scrumptious cuisine, and traditional aura that fume like a lighted incense stick in sacred shrines. Mizoram the “Songbird of India” and has moderate climate all year round; comfortable even during summers, it makes for a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

“The abode of clouds” Meghalaya is not just famous for its impressive waterfalls, lakes and valleys but also for some of Asia’s longest caves and living root bridges. Mawsynram in Meghalaya is the wettest place on Earth. Arunachal Pradesh is home to picturesque mountains, unexplored passes, tranquil lakes, and famous monasteries. Most part of the state is covered with serene mountains that offer breathtaking views during the winters. And Sikkim is the second smallest state in India, nestled in the beautiful hills of the Northeast region. The third highest peak in the world and jewel of the state, Mt. Khangchendzonga lies in Sikkim and is visible from almost anywhere you stand.

The people of these states of northeast India have historically had close ethnic and cultural bonds with Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Hence, the prevalence of Tibet-Burmese languages in many towns in Northeast states in India can be seen.

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Things to do in Gangtok

There are many places on earth that can keep you bombed for a long time with its spectacular views, and Gangtok in Sikkim is one such place that sits pretty in the lap of the Himalayas and offers surreal sceneries that none can refuse. There are so many things to do in the beautiful small town of Gangtok in Sikkim from chilling at gorgeous hilltops and sitting by the serene and gushing waterfalls sipping coffee to meditating inside the holy monasteries.

One of the top things to do in Gangtok is to stroll around the heart of the town at M G Marg and go for shopping and eat at the best local restaurants and cafes there. You can also ride cable cars in Gangtok and if you love adventures you can try paragliding, helicopter riding and river rafting, trekking or go for camping. Visit some of the famous places like Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Himalayan Zoological Park and more. When you are exploring Gangtok you cannot miss out visiting Rumtek Monastery in Gangtok.

You will also find people selling street foods near the Khangchendzonga Shopping complex or the “Lal Bazar. Try these yummy foods and go for shopping at Lal Bazar. About 36.9km from Gangtok is the popular Changu Lake of Sikkim and visiting the lake is one of the things to do in Gangtok. Yak safari is really popular in Changu Lake and tourists often enjoy this activity. There are so many things you can do in Gangtok and these are just a few of them. The city is wrapped with nature’s wonders and is characterized by a laid back culture. If you wish to enjoy a wholesome vacation with wonderful sights and thrills then head to Gangtok.

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10 places you absolutely must visit in Sikkim

When you are planning to visit Sikkim there are so many places to chose from! Some of the 10 best places to visit in Sikkim are the famous Changu Lake, Pelling, Namchi, Ravangla, Temi Tea Garden, Yuksom, Dentam, Sombaria, Lachen and Lachung.

Changu Lake is one place in Sikkim that will always show up on Google images whenever you search for places to visit in Sikkim. If you visit Changu Lake in winter, you will witness a thick layer of snow covering the landscape and a frozen lake. During other seasons, the lake is not frozen but the views are still mesmerizing. However if you want to catch an excellent view of Mt. Khangchendzonga then Pelling is the place you must visit in Sikkim. Pelling is home to India’s first glass Skywalk and is 200ft long and 55ft tall. Namchi is another great place to visit in Sikkim with many places of attractions in Namchi the tourism has drastically increased in this part of the state. Some of the places to visit in Namchi are Chardham, Samdruptse, Namchi ropeway, Shirdi Baba Mandir etc. Not very far from Namchi is Ravangla in South Sikkim. Buddha Park is the famous place you can visit in Ravangla and also see the view of Mt Khangchendzonga from Ravangla. Temi Tea garden is located in South Sikkim and it is a stunning area to drive through. You can also pluck tea leaves, visit tea factory and taste the tea. If you love trekking then Yuksom is a place you must visit. It is also the oldest village in Sikkim and base camp for Khangchendzonga trek or the Dzongri Goechela trek.

Some of other places to visit in Sikkim are Dentam, Sombaria, Lachen and Lachung. Whether you come to Sikkim for peaceful holidays or for adventures these are the places you cannot avoid visiting.

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Best time to visit Sikkim

Sikkim is a state in northeast India with a very strategic location bordering Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and West Bengal. Today Sikkim has become a popular tourist destination. It is also the first organic state of India and has strong commitment to protect ecology. The uses of plastics in Sikkim are totally banned and smoking in public areas is strictly prohibited.

You can visit Sikkim any time of the year and the state will always have something to offer. The summer in Sikkim ranges from April-June and the temperature normally vary from 10⁰ C–28⁰ C. Summer is the best time to visit Sikkim if you want to see beautiful orchids, rhododendrons in full bloom and if you are seeking for some adventures. During summer there is no snowfall in Sikkim and if cannot cope with extremely cold weather, summer is the best time to visit Sikkim for you. The winter starts from October and lasts up to March. The temperature in winter in Sikkim vary from -1⁰ C- 7⁰ C. Winter is the best time to visit Sikkim if you want to enjoy some snowfall and feel the chills of the hills. Snowfall does not occur in all the places of Sikkim but in the north, parts of East and West. Even if you are visiting Sikkim in summer do not forget to carry a pair of warm clothes. Sometimes it may get chilly even in the summers. The monsoon starts in July and ends around August to the start of September and the temperature ranges from 4⁰ C to 15⁰ C. Some people do visit Sikkim during monsoon but if you don’t like getting wet or want to avoid any unpredictable weather it is advised not to visit Sikkim in monsoon. The best time to visit Sikkim is subject to change with respect to the nature of traveler that you are.

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Customs and lifestyle of Apatani tribe of Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India is one beautiful treasure house that is not only famous for its natural beauty but also for its rich culture and tribal heritage. This state has around 26 tribal groups and one of the interesting groups is the Apatani tribe.

Residing in the mesmerizing valleys of Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh, the Apatanis have distinct civilization. The population in Ziro is very less compared to other places in the state and the population is formed by the Apatani tribal group in Ziro. The culture and appearance of the tribe are quite interesting and they have rich traditional ecological knowledge of natural resources management and conservation acquired over the centuries. These people not only make the valleys of Ziro rich with rice cultivation but also celebrate many colorful festivals and are skilled in designing intricate handlooms and make handicrafts out of cane and bamboos. Unlike many other tribes, this tribe is non nomadic and are permanently settled in Ziro; they practice wetland cultivation in terrain by slicing hills whereas other tribes in this state practice cultivation in dry land by cutting down forests. The Apatanis of Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh do not use any farm animals or machines for cultivation. However they are popular for extremely high productivity and unique traditional ways of preserving ecology which led UNESCO to propose the Apatanis in Ziro valley for including as a World Heritage Site.

The Apatanis stand out from others also due to their appearance. The older women wear facial tattoos and large nose rings. However these traditions are non-existent now but you may still see some older women with such features. Ziro is also one of the oldest villages in Arunachal Pradesh and it is recommended to visit Ziro either in summer or the winter.

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