Remember the Indian political map lesson we did back in fourth grade? Our country has 26 states and 8 Union Territories, and colour-coding them took algebraic algorithms that put the ones used in Instagram to shame. At the top right corner rested places that needed out-of-the-map thinking to fit their names into the tiny space and required us to write it around the cluster like a halo. These lovely states are termed—the Seven Sister States of India. Cue Geography class deja vu!
Though these contiguous Northeast Indian states, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim, though addressed as —seven sister states, actually consist of eight states, remember that!
This North-East Region of India shares an international border of 5,182 km (3,220 mi) with several neighbouring countries. Sikkim shares an international border with Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west, and China in the north. In contrast, Arunachal Pradesh shares an international border with Myanmar in the east, China in the north, and Bhutan in the west.
Apart from their presence in our social science textbooks, each state has its claim to fame. Having some of India’s most stunning sceneries in these states, the seven sister states are one of India’s most sought after tourist places.
Known for their tranquillity, abundant and untapped nature, biodiversity with abundant flora & fauna, people, incredible culture, architecture, and unique landscapes, they are indeed breathtakingly beautiful.
Ohh, I forgot to mention the mountains, snow-capped beauties that look like they’re stolen from Disney movies.
Table of Contents
Places to Visit in the Seven Sisters States of India
Assam
With acres and acres of tea plantations, Assam is the land tea, the premium variety. Located in the south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys, Assam covers an area of 78,438 km.
It is home to several exotic animals such as the wild water buffalo, pygmy hog, tiger, and different Asiatic birds. Assam also provides one of the last wild habitats for the one-horned rhinoceros and Asian elephant. Apart from the aromatic teas, Assam is also infamous for its gorgeous silks. Shawls, scarves, kerchiefs, and whatnot.
These exquisite materials are popular throughout the country. It is also beloved for archaeological sites and tea gardens. Assam was established on 2 December 1928, and Dispur is the capital of this state.
It is predominantly an agricultural state, with most of this being attributed to tea plantations.
Must see places:
- Kaziranga National Park,
- Majuli which is a freshwater island,
- Guwahati—the biggest city in Assam that is regarded as the gateway to North-East India,
- Dibrugarh-an emerging communication hub,
- Hajo—An ancient pilgrim centre that unites Hindus, Christians, and Muslims, and Dibru Saikhowa National Park.
Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is known for its utterly breathtaking hill ranges and mountains. The Himalayas are the pride and joy of our country, with a pretty huge portion of this glorious mountain range is hosted in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
Romanticized as the Land of Dawn-Lit Mountains, Arunachal Pradesh became a state officially on 20 February 1987. Arunachal Pradesh is the largest of the Seven Sister States of Northeast India in terms of area.
The capital of Arunachal Pradesh is Itanagar. It has many popular trekking passages and pathways, making it popular amongst mountaineers and adventure-seekers.
Arunachal Pradesh is one of the famous spots in our country for many other reasons. It surprises us with its rich heritage with destinations such as Urgyelling Gompa, Golden Pagoda, Chillipam Gompa, Dangoria Baba temple, Akahshiganga, Malinithan, Shivlinga at Kardo Hills, Parasuram Kund, and more.
Namdapha National Park is an incredible place to see and observe the balance of nature. Sela Pass is the perfect passage to rent a bike and just ride it with snow covering both your sides.
The snow-peaked mountains, deep gorges, turbulent rivers cascading down the hills, numerous waterfalls, tranquil lakes and archaeological sites make up Arunachal Pradesh’s essence.
Manipur
Bound by the Indian states of Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south, and Assam to the west, Manipur is as pretty as it sounds. The state covers an area of 22,327 square km (8,621 sq mi) and has a population of almost three million.
Spread in a glorious array of emerald mountains, Manipur is a jewel indeed. Surrounded by the beauty of waterfalls, lakes, streams, evergreen forests that is wrapped between nine sub-Himalayan ranges, all we can say is Manipur is simply jaw-dropping.
Once a princely state of India, Manipur retains its glory and royalty in silent charm. An enigmatic state, known for its ethereal looks, as well as splendid views, Manipur will definitely not disappoint.
Several tribes make up the demographics of Manipur; therefore, it has diverse and unique cultures living together in harmony.
Manipur primarily has an agrarian economy with significant potential for hydroelectric power generation. It is also a place that encourages sports and is the origin of Manipuri dance. This state can also boast of introducing polo to the Europeans.
The capital city of Imphal is a major tourist site winning over people with its beautiful sceneries, history, and landscapes.
The quiet city of Thoubal has its own list of admirers who prefer it for the offered serenity. This hilly region of Tamenglong is an ideal setting for tourists interested in outdoor holidays.
Meghalaya
Meghalaya, a land that is an abode of clouds, looks like a mini haven that God created with great care. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Megha’ meaning clouds, and ā-laya referring to an abode—Meghalaya.
It was once a part of Assam, but on 21 January 1972, the districts of Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia hills joined together to form the new state of Meghalaya.
Considered to be one of the most magnificent states in North-East India, it offers a variety of sights, food, culture, history, nature, and festivals to tourists, thus keeping them curious and entertained.
Cherapunjji in Meghalaya is known as the place that receives the maximum rainfall in the whole world. This state is bound to delight you with its hills, valleys, lakes, caves, and waterfalls.
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is the busiest and most urbanized place in the entire state. It is a place with plentiful British architecture; it is lovely. Often touted as the Scotland of the
East because of the aesthetic places, Shillong is a famous tourist spot.
Be sure to check out Mawlynnong village; it is the cleanest place in India and around the world. Another wonder of Meghalaya is living root bridges in the jungles, made by Khasi and Jaintia tribes.
They have mastered the art of interweaving thick living roots together to form a bridge-like structure.
A stunning artificial reservoir, Umiam Lake is a popular hotspot. Elephant Falls is yet another hailed place in this state.
The busy bee streets of Police Bazar are one of the most scoured places in all of India. At the height of 6449 ft or 1965 m above sea level, Shillong Peak is the highest point of Shillong. The Don Bosco Museum is a must-add to the wonders that make up Meghalaya.
Mizoram
The etymology of this place is fascinating. The name of the state is derived from ‘Mizo’, the self-described name of the native inhabitants, and ‘Ram’, in the Mizo language meaning ‘land’.
Thus ‘Mizoram’ means ‘land of the Mizos’. About 95% of Mizoram’s population comprises of diverse tribal origins.
One of the smallest states in India, the northeastern state of Mizoram, is known as the Songbird of India, which is pretty appropriate to this ethereal land of beauty.
It is known for its distinctive culture, dense greenery, the 21 hill ranges that stretch throughout the territory of Mizoram, and grand festivals. They can leave you reeling and wondering whether you’ve been teleported to an alien planet as it knocks you off your feet with its wonderous sights.
Preferred by introverts and extroverts alike, it offers a quiet peace and tranquillity that is savoured by those looking for a calm stay and people who like to have their boundaries tested and expanded.
Mizoram offers a lot of traditions, heritage, and rich cultural backgrounds.
The capital of Mizoram, Aizwal, lies at 1132 m above sea level. Lunglei is the ‘the bridge of rock’, yet another beautiful town that falls under Mizoram.
Nagaland
I have to confess, I’ve always liked how Nagaland sounded. I imagined it to be a land of snakes, slithering creatures of majesty that stalk the Earth.
I was so wrong! Nagaland is a vibrant state and is also called the Land of Festivals as it hosts numerous tribes, each carrying its own vibe and history. That also makes it a dazzling place because of the colourful costumes, spicy cuisines, pleasant weather, traditional villages, beautiful dance forms, and lyrical songs.
It is bordered by Arunachal Pradesh to the north, Assam to the west, Manipur to the south, and the Sagaing Region of Myanmar to the east, Kohima’s capital city.
With an area span of 16,579 square km (6,401 sq mi) and a population of 1,980,602, Nagaland is a well-loved by tourists, with plenty of untapped potential. Japfu Peak, Dzukou Valley, and Shilloi Lake are some of the few places located in Nagaland that would leave you astonished by their sheer beauty.
With people greeting you anywhere you go, Nagaland is a fresh breath of air that you did not know you were missing until you reach there. Home of the Konyaks nagas, Mon is an incredible place to visit along with the biologically diverse Phek. Add Triple Falls, Kachari Ruins, Dimapur, Kohima, Ao Naga, and Mokokchung to your list of to-be visited places. Lastly, do not forget to check out as many restaurants as possible. Nagaland-ians aren’t afraid to experiment with their food.
Tripura
The third-smallest state in our country, what Tripura lacks in size, it makes up for it with its sheer natural bounty. It covers 10,491.69 km (4,050.86 sq m) and is bordered by Bangladesh to the north, south, and west, and the Indian states of Assam and Mizoram to the east.
With sparkling waterfalls, spectacular landscapes, forests that seem to go on forever, as well as mountain ranges, Tripura is a tiny have-it-all for tourists. Once home to the famous Manikya tribe, Tripura lies at the far end of the Himalayan mountain range.
Tripura doesn’t let you forget that it is home to five incredible mountain ranges: Boromura, Atharamura, Longtharai, Shakhan, and Jampui Hills.
A highly literate state with a diverse population, it is one of the most culturally enriching and beautiful places you could have picked to visit. It is steeped in art, history, and traditions to create a harmonious cultural ambience.
The wonderful lip-smacking food, varied festivals, vivid costumes, people from different histories and cultures, their bamboo products, and the places of interest keep Tripura at the top of the tourist destinations of our country.
The scenery, peacefulness, and activities offered here add to its attraction.
Unakoti is a district in Tripura that is famous for its timeless ruins. The Baramura Eco Park, Dumboor Lake, Jampui Hills, Neer Mahal, Kamalasagar Picnic Spot, Sipahijola Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahamuni Buddha Mandir are just a few of the places you would have to check out.
Sikkim
Sikkim is renowned for its biodiversity. And anytime you see the term biodiversity, you know it translates to spectacular scenery, flora, and fauna. Sikkim offers you all of that and more.
The least populous and second smallest among the Indian states is part of the Eastern Himalayas.
Bordering China’s Tibet Autonomous Region in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the south, Sikkim is the last of the north-eastern state in this list.
Biodiversity and Himalayas, what more could you want? Host to Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and the third highest on Earth, Sikkim is, without doubt, every climber’s dream spot.
Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, namely, the Khangchendzonga National Park, covers 25% of the State of Sikkim.
Sikkim’s multiethnic and multilingual Indian state offers magnificent treks, snow activities, as well as scenic views.
Must-Visit Places:
In a Nutshell
Unarguably, among India’s most beautiful travel destinations, the Seven Sister States of India, have to feature on your list of must-visit places.
Coalesced with incredible culture, people, festivals, history, and places, they offer superabundant natural beauty, sounds, smells, and emotions that satiate every sensorial being.
Oh, and did you know Aertrip offers amazing holiday packages to visit these places? Check them out by clicking on the links interspersed in this blog or by exploring the Aertrip Holidays page.
