There’s an enchanting feel to the number seven. Wonders of the world, days of the week, marriage vows, colours of the rainbow – are all spoken of in sevens! In keeping with the number’s mystical quality, we shift our focus to India’s Northeastern states or the Seven Sisters that are also bewitching in their beauty. Largely unexplored, the states take pride in the tribal way of life, and its people are deeply reverent and respectful of the environment.
The Northeast is also a storehouse of folk music and dance. Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur have somehow not been on the radar of the Indian tourist. It’s time now to change that. Imposing mountains, raging rivers, ethnic customs and traditions beckon you to explore.
Tripura
Tripura is the third smallest state amongst the Seven Sisters. Its stature however is large in architectural grandeur and medieval history.
For a taste of opulence, we suggest the Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala. Standing proud on the banks of a river, the palace is spread over a mammoth 800 acres, and was built by King Radha Kishore Manikya in the 19th century. Converted to a museum, the high-domed white structure is a treasure trove of priceless art. Several temples dedicated to Hindu deities also exist within the compound. The exterior of the palace is no less spectacular. Immaculate Mughal gardens with water fountains accentuate the setting and offer a peaceful respite. Floodlit by evening, the monument looks nothing short of magical.
If mythology interests you then 135 kms from Agartala lies Unakoti, a delightful getaway from the hustle-bustle. Life-size rocks embedded in the hills are carved with images of Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Ganesha. A gushing waterfall surrounded by thick foliage completes the picture, and a sumptuous picnic lunch is all that is needed to make the day perfect.
Mizoram
Mizoram is the place to come to if you’re looking for an idyllic, languorous, laid-back holiday. Its unhurried pace of life is just the right antidote for a city dweller. Once you land in the capital city Aizawl or the “Home of Highlanders” as it’s also known, you’ll need to get yourself a tourist permit. Eleven thousand feet above sea level, the city sits on a hilly ridge, with the entire valley lying below like a glittering jewel. You can well imagine the view that awaits you. Do take back a few cane or bamboo artifacts from here.
A few hours drive from Aizawl, and you arrive at a charming hamlet called Champhai. Hill slopes alive with rhododendron flowers, orchids and butterflies will greet you on arrival.The visual is sure to inspire many a painter’s brush. Laze around in grassy meadows, sit by the Rih Dil Lake or just gaze at the Blue Mountains said to be the abode of Gods. Sounds divine doesn’t it?
Arunachal Pradesh
The state’s secluded and remote location has helped to create an aura of mystery. Well it’s time now to reveal some of its secrets! Arunachal is a fascinating tableau of rivers, ravines, virgin forests and nature parks. For adventure junkies there’s trekking, mountaineering and river rafting.
In keeping with the peaceful and serene landscape we suggest a visit to the Tawang Monastery located in the Tawang Valley. An important seat of Buddhist learning, the 17th century monastery seated atop a mountain, is the largest in India and the second largest in the world. Home to almost five hundred resident monks, the three-storey building also houses several valuable scriptures. The ceiling and walls of the monastery have been painted with frescoes that depict celestial beings. It’s best to visit in autumn, when the valley is bathed in fall colours and blooming flowers. The central market is also an extension of Buddhist culture, with religious murals and prayer wheels occupying place of importance. If you are in pursuit of meditative silence, look no further.
Meghalaya
‘The Abode of Clouds’, is such an accurate description for Meghalaya. It rains here torrentially, and as a result the terrain is pockmarked with waterfalls, ponds and brooks. Fed by abundant water one third of the state is covered by dense jungle.
Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya has the distinction of being the wettest place on earth! It is for another unique reason however that we recommend coming here. Deep in the forests, the Khasi tribe has mastered the art of training roots of the rubber tree into forming a bridge over streams! It takes almost 15 years for this man-assisted natural wonder to become strong enough to bear load. A root bridge doesn’t decay as quickly as a wooden one, and miraculously seems to get stronger with time! The structure can take the load of up to fifty people at a time.
If you are up to the challenge, a steep and difficult hike will take you to Umshiang, where you can see the Double Decker Root Bridge. Be prepared to be stunned not once, but twice. This one is right out of an Indiana Jones movie! Meghalaya will have you on cloud nine; that much is guaranteed.
Assam
Surrounded by six other states, Assam is the gateway to the Seven Sisters. Blessed with rich fertile soil of the Brahmaputra river valley, the view is heavily tinged with green. Our visit suggestion is the Kaziranga National Park. Assam has the highest density of tigers in the world, and Kaziranga is the lair of the Royal Bengal Tiger as well as the endangered one-horned rhino.
Safari through tall elephant grass to discover a world that seems right out of Jungle Book! Amongst the fauna, leopards, wild boars, water buffaloes, deer, are just some that will make your foray into the forest unforgettable. The park, a UN World Heritage Site is crisscrossed by four big rivers, and the Himalaya’s stoic, resolute presence can be seen in the far distance.
A stay in one of the colonial bungalows will transport you to the days of the Raj. Wake up to the sound of melodious chirping and rouse your senses with an aromatic cup of Assam Tea!
Nagaland
Nagaland is the polar opposite of an urban metropolis. Although modern amenities have crept into its towns, the state’s topography is still mostly rugged and wild. About sixteen Naga tribes reside here on a permanent basis, and a few continue to sustain themselves through primitive methods of hunting.
Some 20 km ahead of the capital city Kohima, is the village of Khonoma. This is home of the Angami tribe, whose ancestors migrated here from Myanmar several years ago. What’s particularly alluring about this village is that visitors can lodge in homestays with the tribals, eat with them and learn about their traditional way of life. The hillside is embedded with rustic cottages all the way down to the valley, and the surrounding wilderness is soothing as well as invigorating. Coincide your visit with the Hornbill Festival held every December. Warrior tribes from all over Nagaland congregate not far from Khonoma, for this ten-days festival of music and dance. Don’t forget to buy yourself a bright Naga shawl woven by a deft local weaver!
Manipur
Legend has it that this erstwhile royal kingdom was created out of God’s love for dancing. It is only fitting then that one of the most lyrical and graceful Indian classical dance forms, Manipuri, originated from this state. Rich in culture and evergreen beauty Manipur has a few surprises up its sleeve.
Loktak Lake, some 48 kilometres away from Imphal is the Northeast’s largest freshwater lake. It is also the only lake with floating islands of its kind in the world. Clumps of organic matter, soil and vegetation have fused to form floating islands. The islands are dotted with little huts, home to fishermen folk who seem quite content with their drifting life! Imagine waking up to a new scene outside your window every few days!
Loktak is a bird lover’s paradise. Keep your binoculars ready for migratory and resident birds that can be spotted at the Keibul Lamjao National Park, located on the lake’s end. A floating lake that supports human, aerial and aquatic life; you’ll have to look hard to find something as unusual as this!
As we said earlier, these seven states are brimming with unspoiled beauty, and there’s much more to see than we can possibly list out here. We would like to know your favorite ones that we missed out on. Please leave your comments below.
