The Tale Of The Seven Sisters and Sikkim
The beauty of the North Eastern States of India have always been talked about and has been kept under the covers of nature. The states have a lot to offer, from having the cleanest village in Asia to India’s oldest oil refinery in Assam, and you know where the fun lies? mostly all the seven sisters have International boundaries. The largest monastery in India also happens to be in Arunachal Pradesh known as the Tawang Monastery, the highest average rainfall on Earth happens to be in Mawsynram, Meghalaya and do you know about the undivided dynasty of India, which ruled for nearly 600 years!! Well, this is just a gist, and here’s a welcome to know more about what the Seven Sisters and their Only Brother have to offer.
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Why is the north-eastern region called the seven sisters and Sikkim their only brother?
The North-Eastern state consists of the seven sisters. This includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. all the seven states are hugely dependent on each other and share great similarities in its biodiversity, religions, political, economy and culture. But, sadly Sikkim is not part of the seven sisters a sit is separated by a chicken neck corridor or Siliguri corridor. A tiny strip of land in the northern region of Bengal joins the North East with the rest of India.
ASSAM
The tea state, Assam sits pretty between the grand kingdom of Bhutan, the land of the rising sun Arunachal Pradesh to its north, the abode of clouds Meghalaya, the Land of Festivals Nagaland, the Jeweled land Manipur, the songbird of India Mizoram and Tripura in the southern region of this part of the country. The mighty Brahmaputra River originating from the gigantic Himalayas passes through Assam. The Brahmaputra river with its 1000 km length is also known as the ‘lifeline of Assam’ as its water quenches the thirst of twenty-two districts, five national parks and twenty wildlife sanctuaries. Land of approximately nine hundred breeds and birds. The thriving greenery grasslands, forests, wetlands, rainforests help in the sustainment of the flora and fauna of the region. Assam is known for conserving many extinct species like the one-horned Indian rhinoceros from near extinction, along with the wild water buffalo, pygmy hog, tiger the Asian elephant and various Asiatic birds. World heritage sites Kaziranga National Park and the Manas National Park are the two prominent spots of Assam. Assam is also home to many tribes such as the Garo, the Mikir, Khasi, the Lushai and the Kachari tribes. Also, the popular Bihu state festival is celebrated thrice a year in January, April and December.
MUST VISITS
- Kaziranga wildlife sanctuary to witness the extinct one-horned Rhinoceros and various other wildlife species.
- The Majuli is the largest river island in the world. It is surrounded by the trans-boundary river Brahmaputra.
- Digboi is an old city of Assam that is home to the first oil refinery in India.
- The ‘Ant Hill Town’ or the ‘Switzerland of the East’, Haflong is the only hill station in Assam.
- Sualkuchi or the ‘Manchester of Assam’ is famous for the finest silk in the country.
- To experience the finest quality of teas in the world, visit Dibrugarh in Assam.
How to reach?
By Air: Assam comprises of the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Dibrugarh Airport, Jorhat Airport, Silchar Airport, Lilabari Airport and Tezpur Airport.
By Train: The nearest railway station is the Guwahati Railway Station.
MANIPUR
Manipur was once regarded as one of the princely states of the British Empire. The state shares an international border with Myanmar. During the 1930’s Manipur was being cut off from the Indian region. The Britishers wanted Manipur to be part of Myanmar. But, after many negotiations, on the 11th of August 1947, Maharaja Budhachandra signed an Instrument of Accession and hence, Manipur became a permanent part of India. Manipur is home to the Meitei tribe that occupies the majority of the state. Apart from them, the Naga and Kuki-Zo tribe are also found. Manipur is rich in its flora. The state’s economy and the people of Manipur are hugely depended on the cultivation of a varied variety of plantations. Surrounded by the Naga hills in the north, the Mizo and Chin hills in the south, the Manipur hills in the west and the green valleys (Rice Bowl of Manipur) hold a prestigious spot in the eyes as rice is the staple food of Manipur.
Adding vividness and richness to the state are tall teak, pine, oak and uningthou trees, waterfalls, lakes, and streams in abundance. Manipur is also famous for the farming of tea, coffee, orange and cardamom. The official language of Manipur is Meiteilon or Manipuri.
MUST VISITS
- Just 53 km away from the capital of Manipur, Imphal, the Loktak Lake is the only floating lake in the World.
- Keibul Lamjao National Park is the World’s only floating sanctuary. The endangered brow-antlered deer or sangai, wild boar, sambar and hog deer can be seen here.
- The Singda Dam is the highest mud dam in the World and is an ideal spot for a trek, hike or a relaxed day in the park.
- The INA Memorial Complex is famous for the bronze statue of Subhash Chandra Bose. It was inaugurated in 1969 by the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi.
- The Ima Keithel Woman’s Market is a five-hundred-year-old market. thousands of women traders sell a variety of textiles, jewellery and food items.
How to reach?
By Air: The Bir Tikendrajit International Airport is the second-largest and second busiest airport in the northeast after Guwahati Airport. Manipur is 31 mins away.
By Train: There isn’t any direct train service to Imphal. You can travel up to Guwahati or Dimapur and then travel to Manipur.
MEGHALAYA
Sharing its border with the country of Bangladesh and the only state Assam is the north-eastern state Meghalaya. Meghalaya is known to be the wettest place on Earth. The average rainfall of some places of the state can reach up to 12,000 mm. Cherrapunji in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya holds the world record for most rain in a month. Whereas the Mawsynram village near Cherrapunji holds the record of the maximum rainfall in a year. Meghalaya is home to the Sacred Grove forests that have a rich and rare flora. The Asiatic elephants, mongoose, red panda, wild boar and the Great Indian Hornbill ( largest found bird of Meghalaya) are a few of the species found in abundance.
The majority of the state of Meghalaya is bestowed in hills and thick forests that are found drenched most of the year due to frequent showers that are responsible for the recurring pleasing nip in the air. English is the official language of Meghalaya. Khasi, Garo, Bengali, Nepali, Hindi and Assamese are also spoken. Meghalaya is famous for celebrating the Wangala festival in the month of November every year. The Autumnal Festival, Strawberry Festival and the Ranikor Festival are a few other festivals celebrated in Meghalaya.
The capital of Meghalaya is the hill station Shillong. The buildings and monuments of Shilong are hugely influenced by British Architecture. Surrounded by clear turquoise lakes and falls, Shillong is often called the ‘Scotland of the East’.
MUST VISITS
- The Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunji is a 3 km long and 2400 feet high man-made bridge.
- The Mawlynnong Village in Meghalaya was voted as Asia’s cleanest village in 2013. Natural wonders like the Mawlynnong waterfall and live root bridge are famous tourist spots. It is also popularly called God’s own Garden.
- A perfect nature spot, the Elephant falls are three levels of the most famous falls of the north-east.
- Found in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, the Nohkalikai falls are the fourth highest waterfalls in the world.
- The Balpakram National Park in Garo Hills was created in 1986 by the government of Meghalaya for the conversation of its flora and fauna.
How to reach?
By Air: The nearest airport is the Shillong or Umroi Airport that is 30 km away from Shillong.
By Train: Meghalaya has no railway stations. The nearest railway station to Meghalaya is the Guwahati railway station that is 104 km away from Shillong.
MIZORAM
The state of Mizoram translates into the ‘Land of the Mizos’. It is a landlocked state that shares its borders with Indian states Tripura, Assam and Manipur and the international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. Mizoram was earlier part of Assam but in 1972 was converted into a union territory. Mizoram with a mere population of 22,000 people is the least populated state of the country. the state is known for a vibrant amalgamation of various tribes such as the Dulien, Ralte, Poi, Jahao, Pankhup, Mar and nine more tribes. Mizoram is known for its natural beauty. The Phawngpui Tlang also known as the Blue Mountain is the highest peak in Mizoram at 2,210 metres. The state is covered by thick forests as but the state frequently follows the Slash and burn cultivation method. Also known as the fire fallow cultivation, it involves cutting and burning of plants to create a swidden or a filed. Even though the Slash and burn method is banned in Mizoram, many people still practice this method. Hence, this has been a huge cause for affecting its terrain. The Mim Kut, Pawl Kut and Chapchar Kut are some of the famous festivals of Mizoram.
MUST VISITS
- The Phawngpui Hills is known to be the ‘House of Gods’. It is the highest mountain peak in Mizoram.
- The Memorial of Chhingpui was built as a symbol of the love of Chhingpuii and Kaptluanga
- Thenzawl is a small town. Travel here to a peaceful and quaint time on top of the slopes.
- The Vantawang Falls near Thenzawl is the highest and most spectacular waterfall of Mizoram.
- The Phawngpui or Blue Mountain National Park is considered as one of the top trails for trekking and camping in Mizoram.
- The caves of Mizoram, Khuangchera Puk are known for being the longest cave in Mizoram. It stretches to a length of 162m.
How to reach?
By Air: The Lengpui Airport is a domestic airport in Aizawl, Mizoram. The airport is well-connected to cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal.
By Train: The nearest Railway station is located at a distance of 145 km in Agartala.
NAGALAND
Sharing its borders with Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Myanmar in the southeastern part of Nagaland. The capital of Nagaland is Kohima. A vital area of Nagaland is covered in evergreen forests. An abundant and diverse range of trees like palm trees, bamboo trees, rattan trees, and the mahogany tree, the sambar deer, wild oxen, buffalo, bears, leopards, tigers, elephants, foxes, five cats, mongooses, and monkeys are just some of the species that are found in a large number.
Nagaland is highly dependent on agriculture for food and employment. Ninety percent of the Nagaland population is employed in the agriculture sector. It was only in the early 1970s, only cottage industries existed in the state.
Rice, maize, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane, potato, and tobacco are the principal crops of the state.
The people of Nagaland belong to the Indo-Mongoloid group. Nagaland is known for its zillion tribes. The major tribes of Nagaland are Chakhesang, Chang, Angami, Ao, Khiamniungan, Rengma, SangtamKuki, Konyak, Sumi, YimchungruLotha, Phom, Pochury, and Zeliang. Nagaland is known as the ‘land of festivals’ for the rich, lively and vibrant celebration of its numerous tribal festivals. As agriculture is the major source of employment for the people of Nagaland, all their festivals revolve around the celebration and gratitude for the harvest that they experience and seek blessings for a prosperous harvest in the future months.
Here Are Some Recommended Stays in Kohima
MUST VISITS
- The main entry point to the state is through Dimapur. It is the largest city in the state. The glorious ruins of the fortress Kachari Rajbari are a national heritage site, and a must-visit.
- Visit the capital city, Kohima for the Kohima War Cemetery. It is a memorial for the soldiers that fought the Japanese army during World War II. If planning to visit Kohima in the month of December, experience the grand-scale celebration of the Hornbill festival. (For Accommodation during Hornbill festival 2023, Contact us on whatsapp +91 9311447461)
- The land of the Lotha tribe Wokha is famous for its pesticides and fertilizer free oranges and pineapples.
How to reach?
By Air: The Dimapur airport is located at a distance of 75 km from Nagaland. Dimapur is well-connected to Guwahati and Kolkata.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Dimapur.
Also Read:- Hornbill Festival 2023, Kisama Heritage Village, Nagaland
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
The land of the ‘dawn-lit mountains’ shares its borders with the international countries Bhutan, Myanmar and China and the Indian states Assam and Nagaland. Arunachal Pradesh was formerly named the North-East Frontier Agency and was part of the state of Assam. It was in 1972 that it was made the Indian union territory and later in 1987 announced as an Indian state. Arunachal Pradesh is mostly covered by the snow-capped mighty Himalayas. Many rivers such as Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River) flows its tributaries through the Himalayas into the Indian states. The state is rich in its biodiversity. 750 bird species and 200 mammals are found here. Animals species include tigers, snow leopards, elephants, musk deer, red panda, wild buffalo and goral goats. Half of the population of the state is involved in farming but only a tiny piece of land is used for agriculture. The majority tribes of the region are called the Scheduled tribes. The other tribes include the Adi tribe that is the largest tribe of the state, Nissi, Apa Tani, Hill Miri, Sherdukpen, Aka and Monpa. Arunachal Pradesh is one of the diverse linguist regions of Asia. It is home to thirty to fifty distinct languages and dialects. The capital of Arunachal Pradesh is Itanagar.
MUST VISITS
- The Tawang Monastery of Tawang is the oldest and one of the largest monasteries of the country.
- The Ziro valley is known for its Talley Valley Wildlife sanctuary. Every year Ziro hosts the amazing and engrossing Ziro music festival in the month of September.
- Bhalukpong is a delight for wildlife and adventure enthusiasts. Visit the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary and Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary or you could go for a trek on the hills of Bhalukpong.
- Pasighat is the oldest town of Arunachal Pradesh. The grand Brahmaputra River flows through this region from Tibet.
How to reach?
By Air: The Lilabari Airport is the nearest with just 57 kilometres from Itanagar.
By Train: The Harmuti train station is the nearest train station that connects Arunachal Pradesh to other major cities of India.
TRIPURA
Tripura is the third smallest state of India. Tripura was ruled for several centuries by the Tripuri dynasty. It was part of an independent princely state under the British Empire. The independent Tripura became part of Independent India in 1949. Tripura is heavily guarded by mighty mountain ranges like the Shakhan, Jampui Boromura, Atharamurat and the Longtharai hills. The region is majorly covered in forests in which the bamboo and perennial grasses can be seen conveniently leaving only a small portion of land available for cultivation. The agriculture sector is the main sector for Tripura’s economy. Despite Tripura is one of the top literate states of India with 87.75%, the people sadly face poverty and unemployment. The major tribal groups are Reang, Tripura, Noatia, Debbarma, Jamatia, and fourteen more tribes that migrated to Tripura as tea labourers. The state exudes a blend of tribal and Bengali culture that can be prominently witnessed during the colourful and vibrant celebration of their festivals. Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Ashokastami and Dolyatra are some of the important festivals of the state. Bengali is the most widely spoken language in Tripura. Kokborok is a prominent language of the Tripura tribes. Various other languages such as Mog, Halam, Garo Manipuri and Manipuri are spoken here. The capital of Tripura is Agartala.
MUST VISITS
- Not just a wildlife sanctuary, the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is academic and research. Enjoy your day between the diverse flora and fauna by boating in the numerous lakes present.
- The Ujjayanta Palace is a royal palace that comprises of intricate and stunning architecture, artificial lakes, musical fountains and a grassy field.
- Tripura Government Museum was established in 1970 to showcases pieces of culture and tradition of the Tripura culture through carvings and antiques.
- Unakoti showcases one less than a crore number of carvings of Hindu deities.
How to reach?
By Air: Just 5km away from the Agartala is the Agartala airport or the Maharaja Bir Bikram airport. It is well connected to Kolkata and Guwahati.
By Train: The nearest is the Kumarghat railway station that is 140kms away from Tripura.
SIKKIM
Bordered by Bhutan, Nepal and West Bengal Sikkim is the second smallest state of India after Goa. Sikkim is famous for having the highest peak of India, the Kangchenjunga that is also the third highest mountain in the world. Sikkim was founded by the Namgyal dynasty and ruled by a Buddhist priest. It was included as a princely state under the British rule. In the year 1975, the monarchy form of government was abolished and led the state of Sikkim to become the 22nd state of India. Sikkim is one of the fast-growing states of India. Sikkim is hugely dependent on agriculture as its source of economy. In 2014, Sikkim had the third-smallest but fast-growing GDP in India. It is the second-largest producer of cardamom after Guatemala. In 2016, Sikkim achieved the great feat of converting its produce to completely organic. it is the only Indian state to accomplish this achievement. It has also been successful in banning the use of plastic bottles and polystyrene products making it one of India’s environmentally conscious and responsible states. Sikkim is a multilingual state. The official languages of the state include English, Nepali, Sikkimese and Lepcha. The capital of Sikkim is its largest city, Gangtok.
MUST VISITS
- Named after the Kanchenjunga peak, the Khangchendzonga National Park is a National Park and Biosphere Reserve in Sikkim. It was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2016, becoming the first mixed heritage site of India.
- Sitting on top of a Gangtok hill, the Rumtek Monastery is one of the largest and most significant monasteries in Sikkim.
- Nathu La is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks is one of the most important passes that co-joins Sikkim and China.
- The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology consists of ancient Tibetian and Buddhist artefacts that have been preserved for years.
- The beautiful Tsomgo Lake or the Changu Lake is one of the few high-altitude lakes in India. It is situated on the Gangtok – NathuLa highway.
How to reach?
By Air: The nearest airport to Sikkim is the Bagdogra Airport of West Bengal which is only 124 km away from Gangtok.
By Train: Located 114 km away from Gangtok is the Siliguri railway station that is well connected to major cities of India.
Best months to visit
The perfect months for visiting the north-eastern states is from October to March. Avoid the rainy showers and visit the states in the months of winters and summers as roaming on the streets and exploring the beauty in pleasing and refreshing weather is considerably easier.
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