“Are you from Philippines?” “No,India?” “India! where”, “Assam”……that’s where the twist lies. Where on earth is this place? I can very well understand when an Arabic or Filipino reacts in such a way. But an Indian reacting in such a way is unacceptable.
For most of us, the North East is an unknown territory. In the vociferous battle between the south and the north, one section of India remained out of the limelight as usual…North East India. The north eastern states - Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura – are a veritable biodiversity hotspot. But they hardly ever figure in the mainstream print media and when they do, it is mostly for the wrong reasons.
Many of us know about the flood devastation in Kashmir few months back, but how many of us are aware of the flood that effected Assam and Meghalaya? When Jammu & Kashmir was flooded, there was a huge national emergency response and became national breaking news, making headlines in every major newspapers and television channels and even social media buzzing with the scene of flood and rescue team fervently trying to save people and volunteers distributing reliefs. While the country responded to the natural disaster with much concern the scene is quite contrasting when it comes to northeastern region. Similar floods in Assam and Meghalaya few weeks after mostly went unnoticed.
In the recently concluded Asian Games, Manipuri boxer Sarita appeared to be a clear winner in the bout, dominating the proceedings with such ferocity that her opponent Park barely managed to stand the assault. But much to the shock of the Indian contingent and the spectators, the judges awarded the bout to Park. A sobbing Sarita later told reporters that she had to do what she did at the medal ceremony to continue with her boxing career or else it would have stayed in her mind. “I am prepared for any consequences. Not one Indian official came to us and consoled or even spoke to us.” Would that be the reaction of the officials if it was a player from north or south India?
Most of India knows Arnab Goswami, the Editor-in-Chief and News anchor of the Indian news channel Times Now. But do you know he is from Assam? World Boxing Champion Mary Kom (thanks to the movie) entire India knows her, is from Manipur. Then there is senior Indian politician, P.A.Sangma, Speaker of Lok Sabha (1996-1998) and Chief Minister of Meghalaya from (1988-1990) .The list is endless. Here in Kuwait, we all know the popular and top perfume brand Ajmal. But do you know that their roots are in Assam?
The idea that if you haven’t been to north east, you haven’t been to paradise is very true. The region has all that a tourist would look for. The breathtaking grassy valleys, hilly streams, lush green forests, snow-capped mountain peaks and mighty rivers are definitely worth seeing. Besides, travelers can have a glance at diverse tribal cultures, vibrant fairs and festivals of the region. The indigenous foods served in varieties are sure enough to make your taste buds diluted. Further, the local cuisines are not just delicious but are also extremely healthy.
I wonder why Indians chose foreign lands over this travelers’ paradise where one can enjoy the real taste of greenery and much more.
Perhaps, choosing any particular destination in North-East India is quite tough, but there are a few ‘must-see places’ for vacationers. They are:
-Assam tea gardens, Kaziranga National Park (known for famous one horned rhino) in Assam.
- Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, the only place in India where there’s just one season- the monsoon. This faultless land with ever-lasting beauty had earned the coveted place in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the wettest place on the earth in the past. And don’t forget to walk across the living root bridge .
-Admire cleanest village in India, Mawlynnong in Meghalaya
- Nohkalikai falls in Meghalaya (Tallest plunge waterfall in India (335m). It has an interesting tragic legend and is pristine beauty. Also look out for numerous other waterfalls like the Seven Sisters falls, Elephant falls etc
- Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur - the only floating national park in the world where you can catch a glimpse of the endangered ‘Sangai’, also called the ‘Dancing Deer’ in this wetland.
- Loktak Lake in Manipur - the largest freshwater lake in North-East India, is also called the only floating lake in the world due to the floating phumdis (heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matters at various stages of decomposition) on it.
- The Dzükou Valley, located at the border of Nagaland and Manipur, is a romantic valley known for its natural beauty, seasonal flowers and the overall flora and fauna. Situated at an altitude of 2438 m above sea level, the rare Dzükou lily is found only in this valley. The valley offers excellent trekking spots and is extensively known as the trekker’s paradise. Trekkers can see the budding flowers of Dziikou lily in the spring season. Both the states have been staking claim to this ‘Valley of Flowers’ of the North-East for long.
- The Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary and very rich for both flora and fauna along with rare and endangered ground orchids and red panda. The most beautiful and frozen lake of India, Lake Tsongmo and the famous Nathu La passes is located near the Kyongnosla from 31 km (19 mi) east of Gangtok, Sikkim
- Trekking tours in Sikkim can be a lifetime memory for trekkers with so many enchanting and alluring treks to find out. The Dzongri-Goecha La Trek is the most popular trek. Other popular treks of Sikkim include Monastic Trek, Rhododendron Trek, Khangchendzonga Trek, Coronation Trek, Khedi Trek, Singalila Trek, Kosturi Orar Trek, Samartek Trek, Rinchenpong/Soreng Trek, Himalayan Trek and many more.
- Kohima War Cemetery, Khonoma Green Village (It is the first green village in India where no one hunts or cuts trees)
- Japfu Peak (the highlight of the peak is a Rhododendron tree, which stands 130 feet tall and finds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records)
-Ghosu Bird Sanctuary etc are some of the amazing places to visit in Nagaland.
-The Menchukha or Mechuka is a small town nestled in the amazing valley of Mechuka and home to Memba tribe. Mechuka is the most popular tourist destination in Arunachal Pradesh and known for its scenic beauty, exotic tribes, gentle hills and snow-capped mountains and River Siyom. A 400-year-old Buddhist Monastery is located at hilltop in the western most part of Mechuka valley.
- Tawang Monastery, also known as ‘Galden Namgyal Lhatse’ is famous Buddhist monastery which was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyamtso in the year 1860-61 AD. Itanagar, Bomdila Monastery, Talley Valley, Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the other tourist attractions in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Phawangpui (also known as the Blue Mountain) in Mizoram is famous for orchids and rhododendrons where travellers can see a perfect view of blue hazed hills and vales. Other interesting places include Aizwal, Tamdil Lake, Pukzing Cave, Dampa Sanctuary etc.
- The Kamalasagar Lake, Rudrasagar Lake, Trishna Wild Life Sanctuary, Ujjayanta Palace, Kunjaban Palace, Kamalasagar Kali Temple, Jampui Hill,Agartala etc are some beautiful places in Tripura.
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