A place still exists that hasn’t been touched by the towering building or the smoky sky, the busy roads and the busier lives, the north east with its seven states is one such untainted soil. People are living the lives happy, content and in no greed of the city life or its influences. Here is where you can find that time with yourself and completely for yourself.
Shillong (Meghalaya)
Easiest way to get there: Fly to Shillong airport at Umroi OR drive down through the hills of Guwahati (99 km)
TO DO: Nesting the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia tribe is the capital city of Meghalaya, better known as the ‘Scotland of the East”. The education hub among the other seven sisters, Shillong is a happening city for most international rock bands perform here after Mumbai and Delhi.
For the love and fascination of hills, it’s a must to visit the Shillong Peak, at 6433ft the highest point in the entire state of Meghalaya. The view from up above is breathtaking with the entire countryside visible to you amongst the clouds that pass you by as you stand to click pictures. Do not miss to visit the Butterfly Museum which is a privately owned establishment that works to preserve the species of butterflies and moths. Housing about 1600 species of insects, butterflies and moths, the museum is one of a kind and exclusive only to this part of the country.
While every tour guide would want you to visit the numerous waterfalls here, here is a tip to miss it for another exciting sport that you can get to see here and nowhere else. The sport of “teer” or as we know it, archery, is the most popular form of gambling in the city. While most just place their bets at the counters around town, you have to venture out and watch the action live. It’s a game of archery that determines a number which then decides the fate of the various people who bid their money on it.
If you are the one for scenic beauties, landscapes and the quiet, there are two distinctive places for you to visit. First the Wards Lake, an artificial lake shaped in the form of a horse shoe is a quiet little place for you to relax, and boat and just be. The other is the Shillong golf course which is one of the most pristine golf courses in the country, open to tourists when there are no games on the course. For shopping, hit the roads to Police Bazaar for you will find the most current fashion trends here that come here directly from the fashion streets of Bangkok and Thailand. A shopper’s paradise isn’t it. While you’re about to drop after the shopping bonanza, treat yourself to a scrumptious Chinese meal at the Bamboo Hut, the best in the city.
One last stop: A lesser known fact about the state of Meghalaya is that it resides in itself the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong. So, while you’re already there, make sure you pay a visit to this monumental place in the country known for its beauty and clean surroundings.
Kohima (Nagaland)
Easiest way to get there: Fly to Dimapur Airport and then drive down 74 kms to Kohima OR Shillong to Kohima, by road.
TO DO: Does bhut jolokia ring a bell? Well, the world’s spiciest chilli hails from the state of Nagaland. Hence our next pick on our trip to the north east is Kohima,the capital of Nagaland. To begin your adventures in this hilly town, one must visit the Japanese cathedral, known to have the tallest crucifix (at 16ft) of Asia, the cathedral of reconciliation which is the church of the bishop of diocese of Kohima. An architectural wonder, it’s a reminder of the Japanese soldiers who lost their lives fighting the Kohima battle during World War II.
The town is also known to have Asia’s second largest village ‘Bara Basti’ which literally translates into the big village where you can get your local food fix. Nagaland is known for its pineapples from a place called Ghaspani, the sweetest you will ever taste. Unexplored uptil now, the place has a lot to offer and to contribute to your experiences as a traveler.
Other than the aforementioned, do not miss the War Cemetery of the 2nd British Division of Allied Forces situated on the beautiful Garisson hills and the Keeda(Insect) Bazaar, where you could shop a pocketful of creepy crawlies for your dinner later that night.
The Hornbill Festival: If you’re venturing into city during the colder months of the year, you’ll be lucky to witness the Hornbill festival of Nagaland that takes place during the first week of December. The Naga heritage village, where the festival is celebrated is an initiative that brings together 16 officially recognized Naga tribes. The complex makes up for houses of each tribe, representing the design, the history and culture of each. This is further elaborately glorified when songs and dances of those tribes make up for the festivities, with stalls offering the various cuisines and food from the tribes.
One last stop: For the beer lovers, do not miss this opportunity to try Zutho, the traditional rice beer from the state.
Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh)
Easiest way to get there: The Tezpur airport is the nearest to fly to, after which a 6 hour drive to the city of Tawang.
TO DO: The splendid valley of Tawang is surrounded by the beauties of Tibet and Bhutan on to the north and west borders respectively. With the Gudpi and Chong-Chugmi ranges, Tawang chu River, Sela lake, Sangetser lake among other scenic destinations in this district, the valley is a sight for sore eyes. The frozen lakes here are home to the numerous migratory birds that fetch out, something that any city dweller would love to pay heed to. Hence, this one is the place for your rejuvenation along the bumpy hilly trip to the north eastern land of India.
Situated about 10,000 feet above sea level, the Tawang Monastry is one of the largest monasteries of Asia. It houses four hundred and fifty lamas (monks) . Its forms a very essential element of the religion that constitutes people of Tawang. Your next stopover should be the Sela Pass, mostly snow covered for most part of the year. A high-altitude mountain pass connects the city of Tezpur to Tawang Town. A beautiful drive along the Sela pass is highly recommended to admire, wonder and then click a selfie for memories to sought after later.
Famous for its porcelain and chinaware, you can bring back home pretty pieces of jewellery crafted from bamboo. To promote the small scale industries locally, the town also manufactures carpets, shawls, chador-(the traditional wrap around skirts), and the region also hand crafts items made out of wood.
One last stop: Thukpa , soupy noodle dish enriched with the goodness of momos and vegetables should not be missed here. Also try the leaf wrapped boiled rice cakes for your food fix from Arunachal Pradesh.
Gangtok, Sikkim
Easiest way to get there: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri , 115 km from Gangtok and the closest airport is Badgodra airport , approximately 125 km by road.
TO DO: Known to be the only brother among the seven sister states, Sikkim is in an extremely colourful and cultural state counterbalanced with its ethnicities. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is a beauty that mirrors itself in the multi cultural people namely Nepalis, Bhutia and Lepchas making the population more diverse.
A bi-cable Zig-back ropeway is the best way to get the most amazing view of the city from above. You could take in all its beauty while running through the clouds in this one kilometer ride from Deorali to Tashiling Secretariat. A cosmopolitan in itself, Gangtok has a fair share of nightclubs and pool parlors.
Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa is a monumental Tibetan Buddhist monastery that was constructed by Trullshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order. One of the most beautiful monasteries ever, one can see a lot of manuscripts, holy books and religious objects in this place. A 108 Mani Lhakor (Prayer Wheels) around the Chorten is the most amazing thing you’ll see which are turned by Buddhists while they chant ‘Om Mane Padme Hum’ (O Jewel in the Lotus). A true place of peace, this one again is for the lovers of history, calm and serenity.
Nathula Pass, the infamous Indo-China border is a must see not just for its historical value but also for the eponymous beauty it beholds. To see the Chinese soldiers across the border, you will definitely need a special permit; hence just basking in the glory of the heavenly hills should suffice. On the way to Nathula, you fill pass by the Tsomgo Lake, the pride of Sikkim. It’s simply breathtaking, the unending skyline, the forest covered banks, blue and yellow poppies around and of course, the joy ride on the yak. There is something for every member of the family here, hence do not miss it for the world.
The Food and CulturalFestival : In the month of December, the city hosts its popular festival known for the multi-cultural cuisines made even more exciting with the music and dance performances from the state. The event takes place at MG Marg, the first ever litter-free, spit free and zero vehicular traffic zone in the country.
One last stop: Who would have thought that the east would have casinos? Well, yes the city of Gangtok evidently has two very prominent casinos where you can try your luck and you money.
Aizawl, Mizoram
Easiest way to get there: The only place with its own airport, Lengpui with flights operating from Guwahati, Kolkata , Imphal, Delhi etc.
TO DO: Mizoram, the “Land of the Hill People” is also known as the land of the prettiest among the north east. Like the others in this locale, Mizoram also exuberates the richness of culture , handsomness and tranquility.
A city that dates back to its existence to about 112 years ago, Aizawl has a majority population of Christians, hence a visit to the old churches is a must. To know more about the state and its history, take a look at the Mizoram State Museum ,situated in the centre of the town at Zarkawt. You would find all that you need to know about the Mizo clan, their traditions and culture.
For a closer look at the traditional Mizo living, you could visit Reiek Tourist Resort, 29 km from Aizawl. It has in itself a typical Mizo village for your learning and inquisition deeper. After a short relaxation at the resort, you could head out to visit the virgin forests of Hmuifang, about 50 km from Aizawl for its beautiful cliffs and hill tops.
Did you know the world’s largest existing family is here? 70 km from Aizawl is the Baktawng Village, where Pu Ziona resides. With 39 wives, 94 children and 33 grandchildren, this family is 180 in total and still counting. A four storied mansion called “Chhuan That Run” (House of the New Generation ) ,with a guest house for visitors ,’khualbuk’ , a self sustaining family, a school and 39 loving wives, what else could a man ask for.
Your final destination in this town can be the nearby Dampa Tiger Reserve, a home to the family of magnificent cats. Spotting a tiger is definitely not an easy task here, but visible pug marks will give you the chills. The reserve has its share of leopards, jungle cats, monkeys, macaque sloth bear and so many more species from wildlife. Not just the animals, the place has an incredible assortment of pythons, lizards and their famous giant flying squirrel. This is definitely just a trailer of what adventures you could be living in this beautiful tiger reserve.
One last stop: Visit the Khuangchera Puk, a cave that is around 162 m in length much known for its stalagmite formations and the creepy eerie noises. Well, have fun.