Hidden Gems: Secret Places in North East India

Avid travelers might find it surprising that North East India hides many gems. In Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Manipur, there are places unknown to most. These spots are full of nature and rich culture, different from usual tourist areas. For example, one can see beautiful orchid farms in Bomdila, exciting river rapids in Bhalukpong, and peaceful Kalachakra Gompa.

This region is nature at its best, with kiwi and apple farms and top-notch oranges from Dambuk. Dambuk also hosts a lively festival every year. In Hajo, Assam, ancient paths meet modern travelers. Haflong offers charm, beauty, and adventure. These places are just the start of what’s available in North East India. More wonders include the unique Loktak Lake and the lively Ima Market run by women.

Key Takeaways

• The landscape of North East India is a collage of hidden gems, each offering unique natural and cultural experiences for the intrepid explorer.
• With five distinctive finds each in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, and three in Manipur, the sense of adventure in discovering these spots is truly enticing.
• The states boast a variety of unique attractions, including ancient pilgrimage sites, wildlife sanctuaries, and music festivals.
• Ecotourism thrives here, with sustainable practices in places like the Mawphlang Sacred Forest emphasizing the importance of environmental preservation.
• The diversity of flora and fauna in these regions underlines the need for their recognition as paramount sanctuaries for some of the world’s most threatened species.
• Cultural festivals like the Dambuk Orange Festival and religious congregations such as the Ambubachi Mela offer windows into the richness of local customs and traditions.
• These best kept secrets in North East India serve not only as tourist spots but also as landmarks of historical, ecological, and socio-cultural significance.

Exploring Mawlynnong: Asia’s Cleanest Village

In the heart of Meghalaya, Mawlynnong shines as a clean and united community. Given the title of Asia’s cleanest village by Discover India in 2003, it is a place of green living. It draws visitors who wish to see its beauty and the Khasi tribe’s way of life.

After the BBC highlighted it in 2005, the village gained worldwide fame. It is known for having all its residents able to read and write. Mawlynnong cares a lot about learning and keeping the land clean, making it a leader for other villages.

The Living Root Bridges of Mawlynnong

The villagers created the amazing Living Root Bridges from Rubber Fig Trees. These bridges show the Khasi people’s close bond with nature. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lovely to see and practical for crossing rivers.

Mawlynnong’s Impressive Literacy Achievement

Learning is key in Mawlynnong, leading to everyone being able to read and write. The villagers speak English well, showing they value education. This helps them talk to visitors, keeping Mawlynnong a leading example of education.

Experiencing Local Khasi Lifestyle

Visitors to Mawlynnong can stay in homestays and guesthouses made of bamboo. These places give a peek into the Khasi way of life. They let guests experience Khasi traditions and food, making any visit more special.

Mawlynnong uses rainwater harvesting and solar energy, showing it cares for the environment. It’s not just an ordinary place. It offers unique experiences closer to nature and community unlike usual tourist spots.

The Enigmatic Beauty of Dzukou Valley

Dzukou Valley is a hidden gem in Nagaland, North East India. It’s wrapped in mist and peacefulness. It’s perfect for those wanting to explore new places.

The valley is high up, at about 8000 feet. It has a challenging but beautiful trek. The trek shows off flowers like the Dzukou Lily, found only here.

A Floral Paradise Amongst Nagaland’s Hills

Visit from April to July to see the valley bloom. It turns into a colorful landscape. This time is great for those who love plants or taking photos.

Dzukou Valley’s Unique Trekking Experience

There are two main treks in Dzukou Valley: the Viswema and the Jakhama. Each offers a view of the wide, wild landscapes. The paths are narrow and winding, leading to amazing views.

The valley has simple places to stay, like a guest house. For more comfort, Kohima has hotels. Prices start from INR 5,500 and INR 5,000.

Exploring Dzukou Valley connects you with its mysterious lands and Nagaland’s culture. It’s more than a trek. It’s a deep dive into the area’s stories and spirituality.

Jatinga: The Mysterious Case of Avian Suicides

Jatinga is a little village in Assam’s Dima Hasao district. It’s known for a very peculiar natural phenomenon that affects birds. Between September and November, an odd event takes place here. On dark, moonless nights, birds dive toward the village lights and die, from 7 PM to 10 PM. This confuses both the people living there and scientists.

This strange event was noticed around the world in the 1960s. People came to Jatinga, curious about the bird deaths. The villagers once thought evil spirits were to blame. Now, thanks to scientists, they look for real reasons. Stormy winds, heavy rain, and odd land and magnetic features might confuse the birds, causing them to crash.

The death rate of birds in Jatinga has fallen by 40%. This is thanks to NGOs and experts who helped. They taught the villagers and dimmed the lights. Dr. Sudhir Sengupta has a theory that the earth’s magnetism changes here, confusing the birds. Jatinga continues to be a mystery, fascinating all who learn about it.

Secret places in North East India: Krem Puri Caves’ Underground Maze

The Krem Puri Caves in Meghalaya are a hidden gem. They are known for their large underground networks. These caves are perfect for those who love to explore caves. Found in 2016 near Laitsohum in Mawsynram, Krem Puri stretches over 24.5 kilometers. It’s the world’s longest sandstone cave.

This huge cave system is an adventurous escape. It is also a home for unique species like blind fish. The cave stays at a comfortable 16-17°C, making it easier for explorers.

A Spelunker’s Dream in Meghalaya

Krem Puri is full of beautiful formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. This attracts both geology fans and adventure seekers. The caves have a unique structure that offers lots for photographs and nature love.

Discovering Ancient Fossils in Krem Puri

Krem Puri is also important for finding old fossils. This makes it not just a place to explore, but a trip back in time too.

To keep these caves safe, we must take care. They are at risk from mining and quarrying. The community and conservationists work hard to protect them. Visitors should follow cave rules to help save this special place for others.

Visit Krem Puri from November to March. This is the best time, away from the rainy season. Then, you can fully enjoy this amazing adventure spot.

Buddhist Wonder: The Grandeur of Tawang Monastery

In Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang Monastery is a sight to behold. It shows the depth of Buddhist spirituality. Not only is it the biggest Buddhist monastery in India, but it’s also the world’s second largest. It reminds many of Tibet’s Potala Palace. Tawang is a secret treasure in North East India. It lets visitors dive into the area’s religious and cultural life.

The monastery sits nearly 70 kilometers from Sela Pass. It’s placed about 1000 feet above sea level. Around it, there are 101 sacred lakes loved by Buddhists. Tawang mixes nature and faith. It’s important for those seeking spiritual growth within Buddhism.

Exploring India’s Largest Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh

About 400 to 450 monks live in Tawang Monastery. It can hold up to 700 monks for learning and practice. The monastery is decorated with beautiful art and carvings. It faces Gorichen Peak. This setting enhances the spiritual trip for visitors.

Wartime Remembrance: Jaswantgarh’s Solemn Tribute

Close to the monastery is the Jaswantgarh War Memorial. It honors soldiers from the Indo-China war. Jaswant Singh and others are remembered here. Tawang is known for Buddhist spirituality and as a war memorial. It’s a special place for both spiritual people and history lovers.

The peaceful spiritual spot and the war memorial at Jaswantgarh show Tawang’s two sides. It’s both a quiet refuge and a place remembering bravery. Tawang is full of history and faith. It’s indeed a captivating hidden gem in North East India.

Unakoti: Tripura’s Abandoned Masterpiece

In the green lands of Tripura, Unakoti shines as a top secret of North East India. This old heritage place has roots in the 7th to 9th centuries. It is home to nearly a crore of sculptures and carvings from long ago. They capture our imagination.

Unakoti‘s main draw are stone sculptures. One is a 30-feet bust of Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava with a huge crown. Together with figures of Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha, Ravana, and goddesses Ganga and Durga, they tell an ancient story of faith and art.

A tale about Kallu Kumhar sets Unakoti apart. He wanted to make a crore sculptures in one night. But he fell short by one. This story makes the place more special and fascinating. It adds to its mystery and importance.

Every year, at the Ashokashtami festival, Unakoti becomes full of life. Thousands come for ancient stories and stunning sculptures. It’s a key time for culture and faith in Tripura.

Unakoti’s mystery draws people interested in nature, history, and spirit. Close to Agartala, the best time to visit is from October to April. Unakoti is easy to reach but peaceful. It’s ideal for stepping back into the past and seeing the 7th-century artifacts key to the region’s heritage.

Loktak Lake: Manipur’s Phumdi Wonders

Loktak Lake is known as one of the most beautiful natural areas in India. It is the biggest freshwater lake in the Northeast. Located in the Bishnupur district, it’s not far from the state capital, just 48 km away. The lake is home to many endangered animals and plants. It has floating phumdis which are made from plants, soil, and other natural stuff. These phumdis help the lake support many different life forms and help the people who live there.

Part of Loktak Lake is Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating park. It protects the endangered Sangai deer. This park shows how we can save unique plants and animals. It started in 1977 to help the Sangai deer. This deer is very important to the lake’s natural balance.

Loktak Lake is a Ramsar Site, which means it’s very important to the whole world. It is the home of many plants and animals. It also helps people make money from fishing. People fish using phumdis, which are special floating structures.

People are working to keep Loktak Lake beautiful and healthy. They are doing things like making parts of the lake protected. This helps plants, animals, and people live well together. It shows we can use old ways and new ideas to look after nature.

Lesser known spots North East India: Discover Lunglei’s Wild Charm

Offbeat destinations in North East India include the hidden gem of Lunglei. This town is peaceful, with lots of nature and culture. It is surrounded by beautiful hills and landscapes, making it a great place for quiet and adventure.

Lunglei offers more than just a tourist spot. It lets you see Mizoram’s wild side. Here, quiet churches and the sounds of birds make nature feel close. It’s special.

Lunglei’s Quiet Churches and Rich Birdlife

The churches in Lunglei offer peace for travelers. They show the town’s cultural history. Bird watchers will love it here. Many bird types live in the green areas. It’s a perfect place for watching birds.

A Journey Through Mizoram’s Untouched Wilderness

The areas around Lunglei are full of serene sanctuaries. They let you see nature untouched. Walking through the forests, you find many plants and animals only found here. It’s a place where nature fans learn and get inspired.

Lunglei is a must-see for those who love simple beauty. It is truly an offbeat destination in North East India.

Majuli Island: Assam’s Disappearing Treasure

Majuli Island is in Assam’s heart. It is known for its culture and changing landscapes. You can get there by budget-friendly ferries. This place shows the bright culture and fleeting beauty of India’s northeast.

Once, Majuli was over 1,300 km² in size. Now, it’s around 352 km² because of erosion. Yet, it’s still the biggest river island in the world. The Mising and Ahom people call it home.

Exploring Majuli’s Vibrant Cultural Landscape

The island is famous for the Satras—monasteries from the 15th century. Now, only 22 remain of the original 65. They’re not just for worship. They’re places where art, dance, and music live. The Kamalabari and Auniati Satras are famous for their traditional performances.

Majuli’s Ephemeral Beauty: Between River and Sky

Majuli might vanish in 20 years due to erosion. But it’s still a beautiful place. It shows how culture and nature can live together. The island’s wildlife and festivals attract people from all over, especially in winter.

Majuli is important for its culture and history in Assam. It shows the beauty and heritage of Assam, inviting those who love history and culture.

Conclusion

Our journey through North East India’s secret spots and bright areas is ending. We now understand the area’s beauty and culture more. From Meghalaya’s rainy hills to enigmatic root bridges, every place told us amazing stories.

Arunachal Pradesh showed us its mountains and Stilwell Road, full of history and ancient tribes. In Assam, Kaziranga’s forests are alive with the sound of tigers. These stories from the ‘Seven Sisters’ show a hidden India. It’s a special view saved for adventurous travelers.

Traveling means finding new things and making connections. North East India is perfect for this. From Majuli’s forests touching the sky to Jatinga’s bird mysteries, every place touches our hearts. Whether walking Dong Plateau or relaxing in Lohit River’s waters, it’s a journey through both land and time. Each step tells a tale, turning every path into a chapter of adventure. Here, ancient wonders of India’s northeast come to life, far from the modern world.