The Seven Sister States of Northeast India
'Seven Sisters' as they are popularly known have been a major tourist attraction for those visiting the North-Eastern part of India.
Situated in between Myanmar and Bangladesh, these states play a vital role in connecting people from both countries as well as other parts of the world to the region. With its cultural, ethnic diversity and stunning landscapes; the Seven Sister States has fascinated many generation travellers.
The seven sisters – Arunachal Pradesh (Lower), Assam (Upper), Meghalaya, Mizoram (North), Manipur (Middle), Tripura (Left) and Nagaland (Right) – is strategically located along India's border with China, Tibet and Southeast Asia. This location also makes it ideal for the large number of tourists who flock to this region every year.
It's not just tourist attractions that are attracting attention to these sister states, it's also their rich history and culture which have been well preserved for centuries. Mizoram was declared as India's most literate state recently while Manipur is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, the Maipureans. The capital city Shillong in Meghalaya has its own charm being one of the cleanest cities in India while Arunachal Pradesh offers some stunning landscapes with captivating rivers, hills, trees and flowers forming a wonderful setting for photographers around the globe.
India has always given special importance to its North Eastern part due to its strategic importance. The North East region is endowed with abundant natural resources that are needed for India's development process which include minerals, forests, land and water bodies. Furthermore, the region provides a connection to many countries in South-East Asia including China, Bangladesh, Myanmar etc.
However, there are no well-maintained roads or proper infrastructure to reach out to these Seven Sister states which hamper its accessibility by tourists or security forces during times of emergency. This has become one of the major hurdles to exploit the region's potentials to its full extent. If this problem is addressed early, it can bring immense benefits not only for locals but also for India as a whole.
Here are the Seven Sister States of Northeast India that you must visit:
Meghalaya is often referred to as the 'Scotland of the East because its geographical landscape resembles that of Scotland while its climate is similar to that in Mediterranean countries. Meghalaya is also known for its rich culture with roots reaching back into antiquity which has been preserved throughout decades making it one of a kind cultural gem of India. It was once ruled by various tribal groups before being conquered by the British who later wrote the state's story through its tales of bravery, heroism and romance. Meghalaya comprises hilly areas along with beautiful waterfalls like the Elephant Falls (Shnongpdeng Waterfall), Double Phe waterfall, Nohkalikai Falls etc.
Meghalaya is known as the land of shadows and waters with enchanting hills, waterfalls like Mawsmai caves, Umiam Lake (Barapani) along virgin forests with diverse flora & fauna making this destination worth visiting for nature lovers exploring North East India. Meghalaya was once ruled by 'Wadiyara Kings' before coming under British rule after independence giving birth to a new state known as Meghalaya within Indian Union in 1972 which borders Bangladesh on one side and Assam on another.
Assam is called the 'Garden State of India' with lush green tea plantations covered in the morning mist, waterfalls like Pulaki Waterfall, moving hills covered in Buddhist Monasteries and colourful flowers growing along sides along with slow-paced lifestyle makes it truly a different experience when in North East India. Assam was once ruled by the 'Koch Dynasty' which had close ties to neighbouring Bhutan before coming under British rule after independence which ended with the formation of the state of Assam within the Indian Union in 1972.
Trishna (Assam) - The land is on blossom covered in waters of Brahmaputra River along with various wildlife sanctuaries, floating islands of Majuli and Kaziranga National Park making this destination worth visiting for nature lovers exploring North East India. Trishna came into existence during the year 1983 but to date, not much is known about this place.
Arunachal Pradesh is truly a green state with around 70% area covered by forests throughout which can be seen varieties of flora & fauna along with rare species of orchids, animals and birds. It's often called the 'last frontier' because security forces face challenges to reach out in times of emergency due to rough terrain and tough weather. Arunachal Pradesh is also known for its rich tribes including Mishmi, Apatani etc that call this land their home. Mishmi people are known for their unique tradition of celebrating the Baisagu festival which includes the sacrifice of pigs and dogs followed by flower worship.
Manipur is popularly known as the 'Golden Pearl of East India' which indeed is considering its rich history, geography and culture. People from all parts of the world visit this land to experience mesmerizing North East India with full throttle. It has a diverse tribal population and was once ruled by various dynasties like Kanglei and Maurya whose art can be seen in surrounding areas along with historical attractions like Loktak Lake, Phousao Temple etc making Manipur worth visiting destination for travellers exploring North East India.
Manipur is also called the abode of Gods due to its rich history and culture along with enchanting hills covered in green tea plantations making it a worth-visiting destination for nature lovers exploring North East India. Manipur was once ruled by Kanglei dynasty before becoming part of the Indian Union after independence which ended with the formation of a new state within the Indian Union in 1972.
Mizoram has a rich history with its tribal groups practising a way of life that is often reflected in its culture and traditions. Mizos derives its name from the word 'izo' meaning 'hill'. The state was once ruled by feudal chiefs known as Pu-Aizawl who belonged to Lusei tribe but later came under British rule before finally becoming a state in India after independence. Mizoram is also known for its rich flora & fauna along with red sandstone which is exported to other parts of the world.
Mizoram is known as the 'sweet land of mist' due to its rich vegetation that surrounds the place covering it with a blanket of mist throughout the year making it an enchanting destination worth exploring for travellers visiting North East India. This tourist destination was once ruled by various dynasties like many other states in India before becoming part of India after independence. Mizoram comprises hills and mountains along with lush green grasslands & dense forest that you can explore while visiting this place.
Mizoram is known as the land of lush hills covered with dense forests. Various festivals are celebrated and various wildlife sanctuaries making this destination worth visiting for travellers exploring North East India. Mizoram was once ruled by the 'Lushang Dynasty' before becoming part of the Indian Union after independence which ended with the formation of a new state within the Indian Union in 1987.
Nagaland is popularly known as the 'Land of Blue Hills' with rich history, indigenous tribes living side by side with peace-loving people making this state worth visiting for travellers exploring North East India. It was once ruled by the Kohima dynasty before coming under British rule after independence which ended with the formation of a new state within the Indian Union in 1963.
Nagaland is one of the most peaceful states in eastern India and was never ruled by any single dynasty throughout history like many Indian states were. The British created its boundaries and it became a part of independent India after years of 'Naga rebellion' against them; the ongoing insurgency ended with the signing of the ceasefire agreement between underground groups and the Government of India in 1997. Nagaland comprises lush green hills along with enchanting hillsides along with rolling grasslands on top making this destination a perfect getaway from city life.
Tripura is a land of fertile strawberry fields and has a rich history in terms of culture with various festivals being celebrated throughout the year. Tripura was once ruled by the Manikya dynasty which had close ties to Burma before finally becoming part of India after independence. It's also known for its ethnic population with different tribal groups practising unique traditions making this destination an interesting one to explore.
Tripura is also called the land of fine arts and shadows due to its rich history, culture along with various festivals being celebrated throughout the year making it an interesting destination for travellers exploring North East India. Tripura was once ruled by the 'Manikya Dynasty' before becoming part of the Indian Union after independence which ended with the formation of a new state within the Indian Union in 1972.
Sikkim is known as the land of flowers and fruit due to its rich vegetation that you can see throughout your journey while exploring this state. Sikkim was once ruled by the Namgyal dynasty before becoming part of India after independence which ended with the formation of a new state within the Indian Union in 1975. Sikkim has an enchanting history along with culture making it a must-visit destination for travellers exploring North East India.
Sikkim is one of the most peaceful states in India with an interesting mix of culture, traditions making it worth visiting for everyone travelling to North-East India. Sikkim was once ruled by the 'Namgyal Dynasty' before becoming part of the Indian Union after independence which ended with the formation of a new state within the Indian Union in 1975.
North East India is emerging as one of the most popular travel destinations across the world and is slowly becoming a hot spot for tourists exploring India.