Lucius R. Herring 
If you are looking for a different travel experience, North East India is the perfect place. It has beautiful nature, a rich culture, and exciting activities like river cruises and jeep safaris. Unlike crowded tourist places, North East India is peaceful and full of hidden gems.
1. A Unique Destination
This region is not as crowded as other parts of India. Many places protect their traditions by not allowing outsiders to buy land. This has helped preserve local culture and way of life. The area has beautiful wildlife, tea gardens, and peaceful surroundings, making it different from the busy Golden Triangle of India, as reported in various Northeast News articles.
2. Famous for Tea
A visit to North East India is incomplete without tasting Assam tea. You can walk through tea gardens, watch workers pluck tea leaves, and see how tea is made in factories. Jorhat, known as the ‘City of Tea,’ has amazing tea estates. You can also visit Dibrugarh, which has green tea plantations and peaceful surroundings.
3. River Cruises
One of the best ways to explore Assam is by taking a cruise on the Brahmaputra River. The river flows through Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Burma. On a cruise, you can see village life, wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. You may even spot animals from Kaziranga National Park or visit Majuli Island, the world’s largest river island.
4. Rare Wildlife
The region is home to amazing wildlife. Kaziranga National Park has over 2,400 one-horned rhinos, two-thirds of the world’s population. You can also see elephants, red pandas, clouded leopards, and Bengal tigers in different national parks.
5. Delicious Food
Every state in North East India has its special food. Some popular dishes include Laksa (noodle soup), Kelli chana (spicy chickpeas), and Aloo-muri (boiled potatoes with puffed rice). Pork with bamboo shoots and bhut jolokia (one of the hottest chilies) is a favorite. For desserts, try black rice kheer or Awan Bangwi, a rice cake wrapped in leaves.
6. Colorful Festivals
North East India is called the ‘Land of Festivals.’ The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland celebrates tribal culture. Saga Dawa in Sikkim honors Lord Buddha’s life. Arunachal Pradesh’s Dree Festival celebrates farming, and Bihu in Assam marks the New Year with music and dance.
7. Beautiful Architecture
The region has ancient temples, monasteries, and unique buildings. Sivasagar has old temples and the Sivasagar Water Tank. Rang Ghar in Assam is one of Asia’s oldest amphitheaters.
8. Eco-Friendly and Clean
In 2016, Sikkim became the first fully organic state in the world. Mawlynnong, a village in Meghalaya, is recognized as the cleanest village in Asia. The region promotes eco-friendly living.
9. Traditional Arts and Crafts
Majuli Island is famous for handmade masks, musical instruments, and shawls. Sualkuchi in Assam is known for its silk weaving and textile industry.
10. Amazing Sightseeing
From national parks to monasteries, there is so much to see. In Kolkata, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Indian Museum, and the beautiful Mullik Ghat Flower Market.
