Seven Sisters

Discover the vibrant cultures and rich biodiversity of Northeast India.

Heart of North East India

Explore the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of the seven sisters and Sikkim, where tradition meets nature.

A panoramic view of lush green hills and traditional tribal villages nestled in the valleys of North East India.

Landscapes

Vibrant scenes from northeast India and Sikkim

A misty sunrise over the rolling hills of Meghalaya, dotted with traditional Khasi huts.

Colorful tribal dancers in full traditional attire performing at a festival in Nagaland.

The serene waters of Loktak Lake in Manipur with floating phumdis under a clear blue sky.

Snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas viewed from a quiet village in Sikkim.

About North East India

North East India, comprising the "Seven Sister States" and their "Brother" state Sikkim, is a region distinguished by its breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, remarkable biodiversity, and rich cultural diversity. It is connected to the rest of India exclusively through the narrow Siliguri Corridor (commonly referred to as the "Chicken's Neck"), and is home to over 200 ethnic groups, making it one of the most linguistically diverse regions in Asia.

The Eight States

The region is officially administered by the North Eastern Council (NEC).

Arunachal Pradesh: Known as the "Land of the Rising Sun," where India's first sunrise is witnessed in the town of Dong. It is home to the Tawang Monastery, the second largest in the world.

Assam: Renowned for Assam Tea, silk, and the One-Horned Rhinoceros found at Kaziranga National Park. Majuli, located in the Brahmaputra River, holds the title of the world's largest river island.

Manipur: Often referred to as the "Jewel of India," it features the world's only floating national park, Keibul Lamjao, situated on Loktak Lake.

Meghalaya: Dubbed the "Abode of Clouds," it encompasses Mawsynram and Cherrapunji, the wettest places on Earth, and is famous for its Living Root Bridges.

Mizoram: A mountainous state celebrated for its vibrant tribal culture and the impressive Vantawng Falls.

Nagaland: Home to 16 major tribes, it is well-known for the Hornbill Festival, held annually in December to highlight indigenous traditions.

Sikkim: Recognized as India's first 100% organic state, it is dominated by Kangchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world.

Tripura: Famous for its majestic palaces, such as Ujjayanta Palace, and the rock-cut carvings at Unakoti.

Key Highlights

Category Notable Feature/FactGeography70% of the terrain is hilly; characterized by the Brahmaputra and Barak river systems.BiodiversityPart of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot; home to rare species such as the Red Panda and Hoolock Gibbon.CultureOver 220 languages are spoken; multiple states (Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya) are Christian-majority.EconomyFueled by Tea, Oil, and Timber (the "TOT" sectors); the region possesses significant hydroelectric potential.SocialExhibits unique social structures, including the matrilineal society of the Khasi tribe in Meghalaya.

Travel Information

Best Time to Visit: Generally October to May, as the monsoon (June–September) introduces extremely heavy rainfall.
Permits: Indian citizens require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur. Foreigners may require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for specific states.
Connectivity: Major entry points include Guwahati (Assam) and Agartala (Tripura), which are well-connected by air and rail.