The north eastern part of India is a pristine region filled with unexplored places and rich cultural heritage. The eight states of Northeast India are a haven for those who seek to soak in the bliss of nature.
The region is connected to the rest of mainland India by the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck.”
Northeast India consists of the states of Assam (the gateway to the Northeast), Sikkim, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram.
Each state is unique with its own culture, attire, cuisine, folklore, language, and religion. However, what unites these states is their distinctiveness and their rich natural beauty.
Here are some interesting facts about the northeastern states of India:
- Assam has the world’s largest and smallest river islands. According to the Guinness World Records, Majuli in Assam, with a total area of 352 square kilometres, is the world’s largest river island, attracting tourists from around the world. Umananda Island, located in the heart of the Brahmaputra River, is considered the smallest inhabited river island in the world.
- Arunachal Pradesh is the easternmost state of India and sees the sunrise first, which is why it is known as the “Land of the Rising Sun.” In 2024, the state became home to India’s first integrated Oil Palm Processing Unit, which began operations in Roing.
- Established in the 16th century, Ima Keithel or Ima Market in Manipur is a women-only market run by mothers. It is the only market in the world entirely managed by women, with around 5,000-6,000 women vendors selling daily essentials.
- Nagaland is known as the ‘Amur Falcon Capital of the World.’ Each year, the Amur Falcon, native to eastern Asia, travels up to 22,000 km and stops in Nagaland to rest for three to four weeks during winter, providing a safe passage for these birds.
- Meghalaya is home to Mawsynram, located in the East Khasi Hills, which holds the record as the wettest place on earth.
- Pukzing Cave, nestled at Mizoram’s lush green mountains which according to local lore, was carved by a hairpin.
- Tripura boasts the only floating palace in the Northeast. The Neermahal is also a popular tourist destination with a rich royal history.
- After Goa, Sikkim is the second smallest state in India.
