North-East India is the easternmost region of India consisting of the bordering Seven Sister States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. They form part of the East Himalayan region and lie deep in the lap of easternmost Himalayan hills of India. The location of the region is strategically important as it has international borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Tibet.  The north-eastern states are untamed and unexplored. They’re full of lush green valleys, lofty mountains and tumultuous rivers and home to an extraordinary range of flora and fauna.

The northeastern states are home to many ethnic groups that are engaged in self-preservation. Each tribe have their own distinct culture which gives them a unique cultural identity. Numerous  art forms and festivals of the region are intrinsic part of its rich culture and tradition.

The North eastern states are very different in many ways from the other parts of India. These States have the maximum number of Tribes living within. This region is officially recognized as a special category of states. The Languages Spoken are: Hindi, English, Assamese, Garo, Jaintia, Khasi, Bengali, Mizo, Manipuri, Nagamese, Lepcha, Limboo, Bhutia (Sikkimese), Bhutia (Tibetan), and several other local dialects.

The North-east is endowed with forest wealth and is ideally suited to produce a whole range of plantation crops, spices, fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs. The rich natural beauty, serenity and exotic flora and fauna of the area are invaluable resources for the development of eco-tourism The North-east is best known for its orchids blooming on the hillside, the tea growing plains of Assam and for petroleum.

The Climatic conditions of north-east Indian states vary from sub-tropical to tropical depending upon the topography and altitude of the area. The lower foothills are hot and humid in summer while in the middle belt cooler climate is experienced. The high altitude upper belt resembles the alpine climate with large areas experiencing snowfalls during winter.

All foreign visitors are required to carry a passport valid at least for 6 months. Special restrictions apply to Pakistani and Afghan nationals. It is always advisable to make photocopies of important documents such as passport, visa and air tickets. They will be required in case the originals are lost.

Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura are states do not require permits to enter. Permits are needed to enter Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur.

Possibilities are at some places tourists require to register upon arrival and departure. Due to strategic geographical location, tourists need to acquire Restricted Area Permit while entering states like Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland.

A minimum of four people can travel together to states like Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, where travel permission is required to visit. The group has to be sponsored by a government approved travel agency. The permits can be issued between 2 days to 2 months, and  valid only for 15 days.

For foreign travelers visiting Sikkim (bordering China), permits are readily available free of cost. But, while touring north Sikkim, an Inner Line Permit is required which is issued only to group of four travelers, that too through tour operators.

The north-eastern states are all well connected to Kolkatta, via Air, Rail and Road services; which is a prime metro of the country. From there, tourists can move forward depending on the region they would like to visit by others means of transport.

Local Transport:

The most common mode of local transport are taxis and auto-rickshaws.

Auto rickshaws are an important and frequently used mode of transport throughout. It is a convenient and comfortable way of traveling.

Taxis are another popular means of transport. One can book the taxis for the required  period of time from Private as well as govt. recommended operators.

Buses are one of the most popular public transports in the country with Govt. as well as private operators running and providing good services.

Most striking point about North-East India lies in its unique natural beauty. The Presence of lofty Himalayan mountains, green and beautiful valleys, dense forests, gurgling waterfalls and knotted rivers make it unmatched in its natural beauty.

As the north-East consists of many states, it gives tourists a plethora of places to choose from.

Arunachal Pradesh is a major tourist attraction due to its Buddhist influence. It is nestled in the densely forested and sparsely populated foothills of the Himalayas.

Meghalaya, with its pine clad hills and lakes, is famous as the wettest region of the world.

Nagaland has a rich war and tribal history that attracts tourists.

The other three states -Manipur, known as the ‘land of jewels’, Mizoram and Tripura make up a fascinating area consisting of green valleys, lush hills with variety of flora and fauna.

For tourists, discovering its large number of tribal festivals, languages, cuisine and art forms is wonderful delight.

The National parks like Manas National Park and Kaziranga National Park have been designated as World Heritage Site, and are among the best wildlife parks of the country. The wildlife parks are natural abode to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. It's a paradise for birdwatchers and also offers excellent angling opportunities.

Pervasive Himalayan hills, rivers and dense forest are full of opportunities to enjoy a number of adventure sports. Adventurous sports like trekking, river rafting, mountaineering, Para-gliding, white water rafting and forest exploration lure nature lovers from all over to experience the exciting thrill.

Numerous beautiful hill stations nestle in the lap of Himalayan hills. Rich in offering wonderful natural views along with pleasant climate, several of hill stations have become favourite holiday vacation for tourists. The fact that the region is very less populated makes it an ideal romantic getaway in the wonderful waterfalls and caves there.

North East India Cuisine is very rich in its food culture but it differs vastly from rest of the country in its taste as well as flavours. Each state has almost same food behaviour. Normally, inhabitants of the region are non-vegetarian, and fond of spice. Bamboo Shoots and other non-vegetarian dishes are highly consumed in the region.

The states border Nepal, Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh. However they share only a 21 km common border with the rest of India via the Chicken's Neck.

If one enjoys touring the untapped little rustic but the beautiful unexplored part of India, North-East is the places to visit.