The least explored, most mysterious and arguably the most beautiful region of India, the Northeast, known as the “Seven Sisters”, is connected to the rest of the country by a narrow stretch of land between Bhutan and Bangladesh, and was all but sealed off from the outside world until relatively recently. Arunachal Pradesh shares an extremely sensitive frontier with Chinese-occupied Tibet and, together with Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, a 1600km-long border with Myanmar.
Many insurgencies, caused by a vast ethnic diversity, have fractured the region since Independence, with tribal groups pushing for autonomy as well as fighting each other. A huge influx of Bangladeshis in the last decade and the displacement of many indigenous people has created further tension. Though there has been improvement in security in some areas, others remain disturbed with occasional clashes and armed conflict on the fringes. Permits are required for travel in certain regions, notably Arunachal Pradesh, while some other areas, such as the Manipur Hills and Nagaland’s eastern fringes, have open access but remain highly volatile. Tourists, however, are not a target of violence and the extraordinary diversity of peoples and spectacular landscapes make a visit to the region well worth the effort. One of the world’s wettest monsoon belts, the area also boasts an astounding array of flora and fauna, estimated to represent fifty percent of India’s entire biodiversity.
Tailor-made travel itineraries for India, created by local experts

13 days / from1800 USD
A Trek Through Ladakh's Markha Valley
Trek through the Markha Valley, taking in the jaw-dropping Himalayan landscape, camp in traditional mountain villages, and discover hilltop monasteries. This unique journey combines the culture of the Buddhist faith with the natural beauty of the mountains and the hustle and bustle of Delhi.
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15 days / from2745 USD
Rajasthan: The Land of Kings
Experience the Land of Kings in luxury.This trip around Rajasthan takes you to Jaipur's palaces, sacred pilgrimage sites and deep into the desert hills. Breathe in the excitement of Dehli and visit the Taj Mahal. Then come nightfall, lay your head to rest in former royal palaces and magical forts.
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6 days / from785 USD
The Holy City of Varanasi
The flat, sunburnt plains of the Ganges River are India's breadbasket: a densely populated area, it is home to many of the country's greatest sights. See Delhi and all its treasures, then fly to Varanasi, the most sacred stretch of the Ganges and one of India's most intense and atmospheric places.
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15 days / from3430 USD
Indian Wildlife Safari
Meet Bengals, birds, monkeys, leopards and more on an amazing wildlife extravaganza visiting India's famous national parks. Experience the countryside by rail, soak up some culture at the Taj Mahal and Rantahnbore Fort and finish with some shopping and sightseeing in the bustling capital, Dehli.
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10 days / from1900 USD
India: from the Ganges to the Golden Triangle
From Dehli's bustling dusty streets to 'the pink city' of Jaipur and Agra's Taj Mahal, this trip ensures you experience all of India's Golden Triangle highlights. You'll visit sacred Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges and Khajuraho's famous temples too.
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7 days / from880 USD
Magical Kerala
The intense greens of the Kerala backwaters, overhung by innumerable coconut palms, encapsulate tropical India like nowehere else. Enjoy a lazy cruise on a converted rice barge; visit fragrant spice plantations, explore Cochi and spot local wildlife.
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11 days / from1850 USD
Kerala – God’s Own Country
Southern India is a feast for the senses. The lush greenery of tea plantations, the colourful spice markets and plantations - this itinerary is nothing short of highlights. Take a houseboat trip on the Kerala backwaters before finishing your trip with some leisure beach days.
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9 days / from1450 USD
North India Explored: From Delhi to Shimla
Experience the striking contrasts of Old and New Delhi; visit the Golden Temple at Amritsar, the holiest of Sikh sites. Head up into the cool green Himalayan Foothills, and to Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama, and then to the old British hill station of Shimla, famous for its 'Toy Railway'.
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15 days / from6835 USD
Gems of India & Taj Mahal
Stay in the most beautiful hotels, have a knowledgeable private tour guide by your side all throughout on this unique trip to India. Visit highlights like the Taj Mahal but also unknown areas like the villages in Rajasthan for nature, wildlife and cultural encounters unique to India.
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5 days / from503 USD
The Essential Golden Triangle
Explore India’s dusty capital Delhi, taking in the Qutab Minar, crowded bazaars and opulent temples before venturing forth to Agra to see the venerable Taj Mahal. Then decamp to the pink city, Jaipur, for an intoxicating introduction to Rajasthan.
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8 days / from1550 USD
India's Monuments and Tigers
India’s Golden Triangle is a must-see on any visit to the country. Throw in a game drive around one of the excellent national parks and you’ve got the perfect balance between Indian culture and heritage and an exhilarating wildlife adventure.
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12 days / from1590 USD
Unmissable India
A visit to India lives long in the memory. Experience the country’s exquisite forts and temples, fabulous food and dusty atmospheric cities as you journey through the Golden Triangle and onwards to the lush southern backwaters of lovely Kerala.
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17 days / from3284 USD
Treasures of India - South and North
Begin in the coastal charm of Cochin. Travel to the lush tea plantations of Munnar and experience the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Explore the palaces of Udaipur, the vibrant streets of Jaipur, and the wildlife of Ranthambore. Marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal and conclude your adventure in Delhi.
customize ⤍Places to visit in Northeast India
Until the 1960s the region comprised just two states, the North East Frontier Agency – now Arunachal Pradesh – and Assam, but separatist pressures further divided it into the seven states, now officially joined by an eighth – Sikkim. Assam consists of the flat Brahmaputra valley. Its capital, Guwahati, has two of India’s most important ancient temples and is the gateway to the region, while an encounter with a one-horned rhino in the magnificent Kaziranga National Park is a highlight of any trip to the Northeast.
The other six states occupy the surrounding hills, and are quite distinct from the rest of India in landscape, climate and peoples. Meghalaya has beautiful lakes and includes the wettest places on earth, Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram. Its capital, Shillong, retains some of the colonial atmosphere from its days as east India’s summer capital. Majestic Arunachal Pradesh, one of India’s most remote states, is inhabited by a fascinating range of peoples, many of Tibetan origin. In the state’s northwestern corner, close to Bhutan, lies the Buddhist monastery of Tawang, in sight of the mountainous border with Tibet, while in the far northeast is the remote wilderness of Namdapha National Park. To the south, the lush mountains of Nagaland are home to fourteen distinctive tribal groups. Mizoram, in the Lushai Hills, is predominantly Christian and has one of the highest literacy rates in India.
Manipur is perhaps the most fractured of all the Northeast states and unsafe for travel off the beaten track, wracked by numerous insurgencies and inter-factional disputes. Tripura, on the other hand, with its long history of insurgency, is far more settled today, with plans for a major rail link and an improved road system; that said, you are still advised to exercise caution if travelling in the eastern hills. The people of Manipur are closely related to the neighbouring Burmese population. Tripura, bordered by Bangladesh on three sides (having been cut off from the Bangladeshi plains during the 1947 Partition), is distinctly Bengali to the west, while hill tribes make up the majority in the east.
- Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Spot the rare one-horned rhino on a dawn jeep safari deep into the jungle where, with luck, you can see wild elephant or even tigers.
- Living root bridges, Meghalaya
In India’s wettest state, entwined roots of the rubber tree form magnificent natural bridges, some centuries old, across waterways.
- Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
In a remote corner that was once Tibet, the largest Buddhist monastery in India maintains an ancient, unbroken tradition. The quiet chapel commemorating the sixth Dalai Lama lies close by.
- Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh
A beautiful, remote wildlife park, bordering Burma, with habitat from steamy foothills up to the snow line, and home to a huge variety of wildlife including the Hoolock gibbon and elusive big cats.
- Hornbill Festival, Nagaland
An unmissable occasion and the highlight of the Northeast calendar, bringing together all the Naga tribes in their finery with music, dance and martial art displays.
- Dzükou Valley, Nagaland
Trek to a remote plateau of rolling green hills that is carpeted with flowers in the wet season.
Northeast India’s top cultural attractions
Best time to visit Northeast India
Weather conditions are best from November to April, although the high-altitude areas of Arunachal, Meghalaya and Nagaland are extremely cold by December, and winter fog can disrupt road journeys. It rains heavily from May to the end of September, particularly in Meghalaya, but travel during this period has its own charm. In major cities such as Guwahati, Tezpur and Shillong, accommodation rates are not affected by the low season, but Kaziranga, Manas and the remote parts of Arunachal, Nagaland and Assam do offer off-season discounts.
- Yaoshang (March)
Manipur’s version of Holi is celebrated with the thabal chongba folk dance.
- Aoling Monyu (April)
Konyak festival in the Mon region of Nagaland marking the arrival of spring.
- Bihu (mid-April)
The major festival of Assam, celebrated with singing, dancing and feasts in the villages, to mark the New Year and the onset of spring.
- Chapchar Kut (March)
In spring before the new sowing season begins, this is the biggest harvest festival in Mizoram.
- Moatsu (May)
Celebrated by the Ao tribe in Nagaland after the sowing season.
- Dree (July)
The Apatanis of Ziro in Arunachal observe this agrarian festival in which animal sacrifices are common.
- Nongkrem (first week Nov)
In Meghalaya, the Khasi tribe give thanks for the harvest over five days. Young men and women in traditional attire and heavy ornaments perform songs and dances at Smit, near Shillong.
- Torgya (Nov/Dec/Jan) and Losar (Tibetan New Year; Feb)
Arunachal Pradesh festival of the Monpa people in Bomdila and Tawang, with colourful chaam (masked monastic dances) and religious ceremonies.
Festivals in Northeast India
Religious festivals
- Ziro Festival of Music (Sept)
Four-day Central Arunachal outdoor music festival with apong (rice beer) and indie music, camping under the stars in the Ziro Valley.
- NH7 Weekender (Oct)
This popular multiday urban music festival held its first Shillong edition in 2015 and is now slated to be an annual feature. Indian indie and global artists spanning genres of rock, funk, electro and more perform on various stages.
- Hornbill Festival (first week Dec)
Held annually in Nagaland at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, this is among the Northeast’s largest occasion, showcasing the dance, music, food, games and intriguing culture of different local tribes.
Music and cultural festivals
Food and drink of Northeast India
Meat-based dishes, smoked, dried and pungent flavours, a liberal use of chilli and the distinct lack of typical Indian masala defines cuisine in the Northeast. The food is mostly mild, owing to the lack of spices that grow in the region, aside from some local herbs. Rice is a staple and the Tibetan momos and thukpa are ubiquitous. For drinks, salty yak-butter tea and local brews (known by various names including raksi, chang and apong) made of millet, maize or rice are recommended to keep off the chill.
In Assam, try the xaag (leaf vegetables), fish tenga (a souring agent), pitika (a pungent vegetable mash) and khorika (meat on a skewer). Meghalaya tends to go heavy on the pork, with dishes such as doh neiiong (pork with black sesame seeds) and the staple jadoh (rice cooked in meat stock with pork). Meghalayan cooking also features liberal use of seasonal mustard leaves and mushrooms. At local markets in Arunachal you’ll find strings of churpi (fermented rock-hard yak’s cheese), lai patta (mustard spinach) and dried river fish. Churpa, popular in Arunachal kitchens, is a pungent cheese stew with meat and vegetables. Naga cuisine consists of smoked, dried meats, bamboo shoot, anishi (dry yam leaves) and akhuni (fermented soy bean); wild herbs are used as flavouring agents. The star, of course, is the bhut jolokia or the king chilli, among the hottest in the world. Thalis are common in Manipur, with side dishes such as singju (raw papaya and chickpea salad) and iromba (fish and veg chutney) accompanying rice and fish or meat curries.
Mizo cuisine is fairly bland, consisting of forest vegetables and smoked meats; bai (vegetable stew with dry soy bean) is a staple.
Fish is abundant in Tripura, and berma, a pungent fermented fish paste, is used as flavouring.
Access, permits and tour operators
The Indian Government is currently investing to boost both local and international tourism to the region, and regulations have become quite relaxed. However, check the latest information with the Indian Embassy, Consulate, tourist office or visa agency before travelling. It is best to get permits while in India through a tour operator or by yourself in Guwahati.
Permits
Currently Arunachal Pradesh is the only one of the seven states that requires foreign visitors to obtain Restricted or Protected Area Permits (US$50 for a maximum of thirty days) prior to entry. Parties should theoretically consist of a minimum of two, accompanied by a travel agent, though in practice you can get away with saying the second person was “delayed”. Allow up to five working days to obtain the permit. Mizoram and Manipur currently only require registration on arrival at the entry point at the border. Indian nationals do require Inner Line Permits for Nagaland if travelling beyond Dimapur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh prior to entry. Those Indians travelling to Mizoram by road will also need an ILP, but for those arriving by air, permits are issued on arrival. ILPs for Arunachal can be obtained online.
Make several photocopies of your passport and permits while travelling through the region. To obtain Inner Line Permits, Indian citizens should apply with two passport photographs to representatives of the state governments concerned. Applications should only take a day to process, and can be extended for up to six months in the relevant state capital. Passes are valid for the full period they are allocated for, no matter how many times you enter and exit a state.
- Explore NagalandWell-organized tour operator whose services range from arranging local guides to entire itineraries.
- Greener PasturesExperienced tour operator with fixed and tailor-made eco-friendly tours that focus on wildlife, tribes, Buddhism and trekking.
- The Holiday ScoutArunachal-based tour operator organising a range of excellent customised tours, from rural homestays to photography tours and women-only adventures.
- Himalayan HolidaysThey focus on western Arunachal and Tawang but have a good network throughout the Northeast and offer a number of treks.
- Jungle Travels IndiaOffering wildlife and tailor-made tours, including luxury river cruises through its sister outfit, Assam Bengal Navigation.
- Purvi DiscoveryUpmarket operator that specializes in tea tours as well as wildlife, birding, golf, riding and tribal culture.
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