Here are nine places you must visit if you are planning for a trip to the northeastern part of India for the first time. Although there are numerous unexplored, untouched places, these nine famous places will give you a glimpse of what you are going to unearth when you are backpacking in the northeast.
01
Loktak Lake, Manipur
Credit: ThinkStock Photos |
The largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, Loktak Lake is quite famous for its floating phumdis; these are masses of soil, vegetation and other decomposing matter. If that does not sound alluring enough, know that the biggest phumdi has Keibul Lamjao National Park on top of it! Also, this is the only floating national park in the world! Reasons enough to visit it now?
02
Majuli Island, Assam
Credit: Kalai Sukanta |
Majuli is believed to be the largest river island in the world. While that claim is seeing more questions, Majuli is nothing like you could have ever imagined. You can take a ferry from Jorhat to reach Majuli; its inhabitants and their way of life will evoke much intrigue and quite some inspiration for the photographers out there.
03
Dzukou Valley, Nagaland-Manipur
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This very scenic valley sprawls on the border of two Indian states - Nagaland and Manipur. At an altitude of 2452 m, Dzukou Valley is home to an enticing variety of flora and fauna, and also house the very rare Dzukou Lily. Other than its picturesque settings, the valley is home to the Angami tribe of Nagaland.
04
Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya
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This scenic waterfall in Meghalaya is also the highest plunge waterfall in India (340 m), and has a charm that is unparalleled. It is gushing in full flow almost all through the year, and is only relatively dry between December to February. There is also a plunge pool at the bottom of the falls, which makes for a great picnic spot; swimming is not advisable though.
05
Unakoti, Tripura
Credit: Tripura Tourism |
One of the most interesting attractions in the Northeast India, Unakoti is a hill in Tripura that is famous as a site of huge rock reliefs. As believed, this is an ancient Shaivite place of worship. The rock carvings and murals here are nothing less than intriguing; one of the stories related to Unakoti says that the carvings were done in a single night and are a miracle. Miracle or not, this is one place for the curious souls out there.
06
River Umngot, Meghalaya
Credit: Sayan Nath |
India is so much more than the regular, away from Ladakh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa and the Andamans. So much more and so much prettier, for there is a treasure trove of attractions in Northeast India. It is the easternmost region of the country, sees a few tourists, and is yet spectacular. If you are done with the regular, it is time to leave for Northeast India. Perhaps starting from a day spent boating in the stunning waters of River Umngot in Meghalaya.
07
Vantawang Falls, Mizoram
Credit: Bodhisattwa |
At some 5 km from Thenzawl in Serchhip, this mammoth waterfall is hailed as the largest uninterrupted waterfall in the state of Mizoram. One look at it and you will be besotted with the natural wonder that is. Not to mention that this one roars down from height of around a whopping 750 ft!
08
Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya
Credit: Jim Ankan Deka |
A natural wonder, the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya are a sight to behold. These are weaved out of fig tree roots by the Khasi and Jaintia people. These natural bridges are sturdy enough to connect wildly-flowing mountain stream, and take decades to grow. Needless to say, these bridges attract fascinated tourists from all over the world and India.
09
Neer Mahal, Tripura
Credit: Abhilash Mallick |
Neer Mahal, also famous as Tripura’s Water Palace, is a former royal house and was once inhabited by King Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur. Unknown to many, it is the largest water palace in the country out of the only two, other being the Jal Mahal of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Apart from the record, it is a fascinating sight to look at, a glowing reminder of the state’s rich history.
Originally published in Times Of India