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Author: Nilakshi Barooah
MMMANAT—no this is not some Bollywood flick! It is the abbreviation for Northeast India’s seven sisters—aka Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Assam, and Tripura. Known as the paradise unexplored, this part of India is better known for its Himalayan foothills, breathtaking valleys, and exotic flora and fauna. A visit to the Northeast ideally begins with Guwahati, the gateway to the exotic region. It is connected through all major airports in the country as well as the Indian Railways.
Mighty Valley
Upon reaching Guwahati the options are numerous. A trip to Manas National Park should be a good start for the wildlife escapade and the colorful culture of the region. Situated on the foothills of the Himalayas and designated a World Heritage, the park is home to a great variety of wildlife, including tiger, golden langur, hispid hare to name a few. Stay in the government run guest house and it should be a nature’s delight with the sound of the river flowing and the nocturnal sounds of animals.
Kaziranga National Park is another delight for nature lovers. A river cruise starting from Guwahati can be taken to Kaziranga where one can spot the one horned rhinoceros as well as other endangered species. Assam is also home to the world’s largest river island—Majuli. Staying in the bamboo huts on the island, can be an absolute break away from the city life. Other places of interest in the state are tea gardens, the Kamakhya Devi temple, Rang Ghar and Kareng Ghar in the Sibsagar district.
Scotland of the East
On a three hour’s drive from Guwahati, one reaches Shillong a hill station in Meghalaya. Called the Scotland of the East, the place has a unique missionary culture in its air. The Shillong Peak is the highest point of Shillong. Other major tourist destinations in Meghalaya include the Elephant Falls located in upper Shillong, golf course, Catherdal, etc. Barapani located on the Guwahati-Shillong road is ideal for all those who are keen on adventure and try some water sports. The Nehru Park near the lake offers an aviary and a collection of orchids and butterflies. While one can enjoy some boating in the huge lake flanked by hills on all sides, nature lovers can also opt to laze around and read books and stay at the nice cottages beside the lake.
Mawsynram is a small village in the Khasi hills about 56 km from Shillong. It reports the highest rainfall in the world. The hilly terrain, umpteen streams, gushing waterfalls will surely leave wanderlusts speechless. Apart from enjoying long walks, breathing some fresh air, one can visit the Mawjymbuin cave that has some of the fabulous stalagmites. A walk inside the cave is an immemorial experience as one comes across a massive Shivalinga and a dome shaped rock with a flat top called the Symper Rock.
Land of Dalai Lama
The Arunachal Pradesh has some of the most breathtaking places in the region. Thronged by hot springs, monasteries and nunneries, the place is ideal for all nature lovers. A visit to Tawang, home to a 400 year old Buddhist Monastery and the birth place of the 6th Dalai Lama is memorable experience. The famous Torgva festival, the largest of its kind in the country is also held here. One can also visit the other Gonpas in the hill town to get a taste of the Buddhist culture and chant some Nam Hun Yoh Ko. AP is also home to the first orchid sanctuary in the country located 24 Km from a town called Tipi. Known as the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, it houses more than 183 species of varied orchids.
Situated at a height of 2530 mts, Changlong, Doparijo provides a panoramic view of the Himalayan landscapes and snow clad ranges. The other places of tourist interest in the state are the archaeological sites—Along, Annini, Bhismaknagar, Bomdila. The capital city of Itanagar has excavated ruins of historical Ita Fort and attractive Ganga lake. To get a bird’s eye view of the mighty Brahmaputra, one can visit Akashiganga. The Sela Pass about 100 Km from Bomdila is also a popular destination ice skating during winters. And for those who want to experience the rich culture of the tribals can participate in the numerous fairs and festivals of the Monpas.
Blue Mountains
Known as the land of Blue Mountains, Mizoram is the next place one must visit. Like its sisters, Mizoram has also some of the best scenic landscapes. Be it Vantawang , the highest waterfall (750 ft) one can enjoy the gushing water and the bamboo forests that surrounds it, at a distance of about 152 Km from Aizwal. Tamdil (Tam Lake), has fishes and prawns and a boat ride on its tranquil waters is the best kind of relaxation one can find. Pick your picnic baskets and spend the entire day in the vicinity of this lake with friends and family. A drive into the nearby jungles will bring you close to the fascinating flora and fauna. A stay at the resort village of Saituai which is 10 km away is a great delight too.
After driving 45 km from Aizwal is the popular Lake Palak, the largest in Mizoram and it’s famous for its varied wild duck, crabs and large fish. Tiger, bear, deer, and wild pig populate the forests of the wildlife sanctuary around the lake. If you want to visit a hill station Lunglei is the answer here. It’s located in the Southern parts of Mizoram. It’s a popular hill station offering fascinating vignettes of Mizoram’s legendary natural beauty. And the reason for which Mizoram should be in every traveler’s wish list is Phawngpui. It is one of the highest peak, which is extremely popular with trekkers and it’s every adventure enthusiasts’ paradise. Close to the Myanmar border it’s often called the Blue Mountain and is 300 km from Aizawl. Fragrant herbs and rare species of orchids and rhododendrons are found here.
Land of Mysticism
Nagaland has some of the very good peaks. The Japfu peak, Mt. Saramati and Mt. Tempu to name a few. Watching the sun rise from Mt. Saramati is breathtaking as it’s the highest peak in Nagaland and gives the best view. From Mt. Tempu peak, one can have an eye view of the Dzukou valley. The valley is a favorite haunt of young trekkers and meditation groups. Whether it’s experiencing the ruins of the Kachari Kingdom or enjoying the Fusen kei and Mongzu Ki caves in Longkhum, the escapade is truly breathtaking. One can pack some fresh vegetables and take it home as well. Drinking the healing waters of Tangkum Marok in Mokokchung surely would leave one refreshed. A trip to Phek which is about 70 Km from the state capital Kohima would be truly enchanting too. It is the coldest and highest town in the state and situated on the Patkai range, the longest mountain range in the state.
Floating Flora & Fauna
One can reach Manipur through the Tulihal Airport and reach the capital city of Imphal. Manipur’s Keibul Lamjao National Park is the only floating national park in India. About 48 km from Imphal the park is the abode of endangered species of Brow Antlered deer. It houses seventeen rare species of mammals. The greenery of the place and the moderate temperature makes its a pleasant experience. Loktak Lake is known for the floating islands popularly known as Phumdi, made of the tangle of water weeds and other plants in the freshwater lake. This is a rare treat to watch.
About 69 km from Imphal is the highest point on the Indo-Myanmar Road. One can have a complete view of the valley of Myanmar from here. Other places of travel interest are Moirang, a centre for knowing the Meitei folk culture; Kaina, hillock considered sacred by the Manipuri Hindus. Lohtak lake is the largest fresh water lake in Northeast India.
The Seventh Sister
The last but not the least is the seventh sister—Tripura. The state has a rich history and culture. Upon reaching Agaratala, the capital city, one can explore the Ujjayanta Palace, in the heart of the city. A visit to the Sepahijala Wild life Sanctuary and one finds the endangered species like spectacle monkey (Chasma Badar) that is found in this state only. A 53 Km away from Agartala is Neer Mahal, a palace in water. It looks like a fantasy castle straight out of your kindergarten fantasy stories. One can explore Deatamura, a hill range 75 Km from Agartala. It has a panel of crude images engraved on the face of hills facing the river Gumati. Unakoti is another destination worth a visit. There are rock cut images, belonging to the 11-12th centuries AD. This is as such an open-air gallery. The Jampui Hills, an orange producing zone, besides the enthralling landscapes, one’s eyes and mind will be glued to the lifestyle of aboriginals mainly at Lushai with their traditional customs and hospitality.
And this is only a few of the several other travel destinations located in the region. A visit to Northeast India is not at all a weekend getaway. One needs to plan in advance and can spend months in each of these states. Even a short visit would mean at least spending about a week there. Some of the places here needs government permits and can be procured through the government tourist offices located mostly in Guwahati. Some of the places which are difficult to access via road can be reached using the Helicopter service. So, get your bags packed and get going for this extravagant natural retreat and your Mannat for refreshing your soul would surely come true!
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