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Arunachal Pradesh

Capital : Itanagar
Area : 83,743sq km
Population: 8,64,558
Density of population : 10 per sq km (lowest in India)
Growth of population : 24.20%
Administrative language : English
Languages : Apatani, Monpa, Miji, Hilmari, Hindi and Bengali
Birth rate : 23.8 per 1000
Mortality rate : 6 per 1000
Literacy rate : 41.59%
Religion : Tribals and Animists: 38.26%, Hindus 37.04%, Buddhists 12.88%, Christians 10.29%, Muslims 1.38%, Jains: 0.01%,

¤ Location

Located at the farthest point in the northeastern part of India, Arunachal Pradesh occupies a strategic position amongst the northeastern hill states of the country. Known as the Land of the Down-lit Mountains, it shares its borders with Bhutan in the west, China in the north and northeast, and Myanmar (former Burma) in the east and southeast. Assam lies to its south. A sparsely populated state, it does not have railway links with the rest of the country. However, air services connect mainland India to some of the important towns in this state. In terms of area, it is the largest state in the northeast of India.


¤ Tribal Population

Arunachal Pradesh is mainly a tribal society. The tribes make up for nearly 64% of the total population of the state. The tribal population is primarily of the Mongoloid and Tibeto-Burmese stock.
Some of the more important tribes are the Apatanis, the Khamptis, the Padmas and the Miris. Tribal customs bind the tribesmen together into a solid community. Festivals play a big role in their lives. The more important ones are Losar, Khan, Mopin and Mol that are marked by merrymaking and processions, and have all and sundry joining in the celebrations.


¤ History

Though Arunachal Pradesh had been inhabited since the dawn of Indian civilisation, our knowledge of its ancient political, social and cultural history still begs the question. There are fleeting references to the area in the Puranas (sacred Hindu texts). However, it is only in the 16^th century that its history gained in coherence from legend and tradition. At that time, it came under the rule of the Ahom rulers of Assam. The year 1838 saw the establishment of British dominion over the area. Before the Indian independence, the state

was known as the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA). Later, in post-independent India, it was made a Union Territory. In 1971, the name NEFA was changed to Arunachal Pradesh. By the State of Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986, it was elevated from the status of a Union Territory to that of the 24^th state of the Indian Union.


¤ Agriculture and Industries

Being a tribal society,of India Arunachal Pradesh is a rural economy. 88% of the state’s population lives in the rural areas. Agriculture is the mainstay of the people. Apart from rice that is the staple crop of the state, maize, pulses, millets, potatoes, oilseeds and sugarcane are also grown. The physical features of Arunachal Pradesh are very conducive to shifting cultivation. The state offers great potential for tourism besides industrial development as it has far-flung forests, hydroelectric resources and huge deposits of minerals. Apart from Tirap, Upper Subansiri and Dibang Valley are rich in coal deposits. The Namchik-namphak mines in the Tirap district have geologically proven reserves of nearly 90 million tonnes. The pretty little town of Rupa in the West Kameng district is rich in dolomite mines. of late, cottage industry in the state has witnessed a remarkable growth. Weaving is the main handicraft of the state.

Tripura

Location : North-East of India
Area(Provisional) : 10491,69 Sq. Km.
Population : 35,82,000
Altitude : 12.80 meters above sea level
Rainfall : 234.4
Literacy : 60.44 %
Attractions : Agartala (Capital)
Major Languages : Bengali and Kakborak
Telephone code : 0381
Best Time to Visit : September to March

¤ Tripura - A Tribal State

Tripura, located at the south of North-East, is a land of grand palaces, dazzling lakes and magnificent temples. Tripura with its capital has an eclectic mix of people and culture that had been living together for a long time. Though Bengalis(inhabitants of West Bengal) mainly constitute larger portion of the population, tribes of various states and people from other states had also

settled in this state. Some of the travel attractions are the Ujjayanta Palace, Dumboor Lake and Udaipur.


¤ Festival

Though the state has all the major festivals of the country like the Durga Puja, Doljatra(Holi), Buddha Jayanti and Diwali, traditional festival namely Garia and Gajan Festival, Manasi Mangal are also popular in all parts of the state.

¤ Arts and Culture

All the tribal communities in Tripura together form the culture of Tripura. The main features of the respective communities and tribes can be explained through their folk dances. Garia, Jhum, Maimita, Masak Sumani and Lebang Boomani dances of Tripuri community, Bizu dance of Chakma community, Cheraw and Welcome dances of Lusai community, Padisha and Abhangma dances of Mog community and Gajan, Dhamail, Sari, Rabindra dances of Bengali community are some of the popular folk dances of Tripura.

Mizoram 

 Location : On the North-East part of India
Altitude : 3715 feet
Area : 21,087 Sq Kms
Attractions : Aizawl, Tamdil, Mizoram State Museum
Temperature : 11o to 21o C in winter 20o to 30o C in summer
Best time to Visit : September to May

¤ Mizoram (Land of the Blue Mountains)

Mizoram, located at the southernmost of the northeastern region, is a place brimming with variety of tribal culture, forested hills, plunging gorges and sparkling waterfalls. Mizoram is a recent formed state, it got its new status in 1972 as the 23rd state of Indian Union. Formerly known as Lushai Hills, Mizoram treasures the green plains of Assam, ranges of Mizoram hills with blooms of exotic flora and dense bamboo jungles rise drastically. Aizawl (Capital), Tamdil (Lake) and Phawngpui ( Mizoram's highest peak) are some of the main travel attractions of the state. Its literacy rate is 88.4% and is the second highest in the country. Like other sister states of the region, Mizoram also offers a large variety in folk culture with unique festivals and handicrafts.

¤ Places of Attraction

Mizoram which has a montane landscape, dense bamboo forest, unexploited streams and a mild climate throughout the year is a travel place where anyone would love to explore. Aizawl perched on a altitude, about 4000ft.high ridge surrounded by the lush valleys of the rivers Tuirual on the east and Tiawng in the west. Palak Lake with its water lilies, Mizoram State Museum and Falklawn Mizo Village are the ideal places where the adventure-seeking people looking for greener pastures literally can find. Aizawal of today has grown into an important commercial and recreational centre attracting many tourist all the year round.

¤ Fairs and Festivals

Mizoram is a land of vibrant culture and their ethnicity is seen to the fullest during the time of their festivals. These festivals are all associated with the agriculture practiced in the state. The reason is that most of the Mizos (people of Mizoram) are agriculturists in occupation. Though there are many festivals in Mizoram, mention can be made of the liveliest and colourful Chapchar Kut, Mim Kut, Pawl Kut and Thalfavang Kut.

¤ Dance and Music

The state has also a variety of folk dances depicting the way of life of the people. The most widely seen and popular among them are the Cheraw and Khuallum Dance. The people dance and enjoy the festivals in much enthusiasm, which is the indication of their rich tradition and vibrant people. The male performer usually wears shirt that are sleeveless and wrap-around-traditional clothes. The female wears a longer wrap-around and shirt with sleeves. But depending upon the dance they may or may not wear a headgear.


¤ Arts and Crafts

From time immemorial, the Mizos' craftsmanship had been recognised by their work in bamboo and cane craft. The best artistry of Mizoram craft can be depicted in weaving, pipes, jewellery, musical instruments, bamboo and cane craft. Weaving has become an integral part of Mizos' life.
The peculiarity of their craftsmanship is a continuous improvement and inventions that well fits into the changing time.

Manipur

Location : Northeast part of India.
Area : 29.57 sq. km.
Attractions : Khwairamband bazar, Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Altitude : 790 meters above sea level.
Temperature : max. 32°C min 0° C.
Rainfall : 1980.8 mm ( May to October).
Ideal time to visit : October to February.

¤ Manipur, Land of Jewels

Manipur tourism offers a picturesque tourist destination, situated at the easternmost part of India, with Myanmar in the east, Cachar district of Assam, Nagaland in the north and Mizoram in the south, was described by Jawaharlal Nehru as Land of Jewels. It is famous for its Keibul Lamjao National Park which is habitat to the Brow antlered deer found nowhere else. With the fresh water lake (Loktak lake) situated in one of the districts and the lush green hills makes it an abode for tourists coming to Manipur.

Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur, organises a tour on luxurious coaches for visiting places like Govindajee Temple, Bishnupur, Phubala, Moirang, Keibul Lamjao National Park and Sendra Tourist Home.


¤ History

The royal chronicle, known as Cheitharol Kumbaba, had established the existence of a former kingdom in the first century A.D., a kingdom supposed to be formed by the unification of the ten clans under the Ningthouja(royal) clan. It has also been the historical place where the Japanese armies of the Axis was defeated by the British armies of the Allies in the Second World II.


¤ Main Attractions in Manipur

Manipur also called land of jewels is famous for its rich culture, rare wild life, flowers and sportsmanship. The unpolluted and unexploited greenery of the region is also a solace for the holiday seekers. Imphal (the capital city of Manipur) which has markets like Paona Bazar and Khwairanbam Bazar, Keibul Lamjao (the sanctuary for the Brow Antlered Deer) and the fresh water lake, Loktak is worth visiting.

Manipuri Dance
The world famous Manipur Dance enthralls its viewers throughout the show. The fine movement of the Ras Lila (Manipuri Dance), the extravagance of Thang-ta (martial arts) can make it an all-together different experience. Ras Lila is among the five most acclaimed classical dance of India. The gentle motion of the dance coupled with the elegance of the hand-embroidered dress can impress all the audience.

Nagaland

Location : On the North-East part of India.
State Capital : Kohima (1444.12 mts above sea level).
Official Language : English.
Places of Attraction : Kohima, the Catholic Cathedral and the Aradura Hills.
Temperature : Summer 16° C - 31° C; Winter 4° C - 24° C.
Best Time To Visit : October to May.

¤ Nagaland, A Land of Vibrant Cultures

Nagaland, which is bounded by Assam on the east and south, Manipur on the north and Myanmar on the west is a nature's bounty on a narrow strip of mountainous territory. The streams that flow in the land, high mountains, deep gorges and the various flora and fauna all bring out the magic of the place. The Nagas (the people) belong to mongoloid family and is inhabited by 16 groups of the Tibeto-Burman tribes who have a unique language and culture of their own. Multicoloured spears, bracelets, chest plates and head dress of coloured bamboo are some of the things that makes their culture ethnic and vibrant.


¤ Places of Attraction

The multi-cultural aspects of this region is what draws most of the tourist to its land. Kohima (capital of Nagaland) carefully spread over the face of the hillocks is a clear indication of the nurture of homes with the nature. The Catholic Cathedral at the Aradura hill with its magnificent Cross, Dimapur as the melting pot of North-East and the Nagaland State Museum promises a wide range of interesting and varied discovery. Besides, the state travel attractions also lies in its tribal population, Nagaland has the highest number of tribes in the North-East.


¤ Tribes of Nagaland

The names of the tribes in Nagaland were earlier known by the recognition of the group of villages. But gradually they have settled down to the names of the tribes - Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Kuki, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sumi, Sangtam, Yimchungru and Zeliang.

¤ Festivals

As there are number of tribes in Nagaland, each tribe celebrate its own distinctive seasonal festival. Their festivals are sacrosanct to them and participation is considered compulsory. All the festivals held by the Naga tribes have song and dance and the festivals seem to exude splendour of colour and the extravagance of Naga life. Almost all of the festivals are related to the harvest of their crops and the sacrifices made by their respective village Shaman either before the harvest or on the eve of sowing.

¤ Wildlife

Ghosu Bird Sanctuary
The peculiarity of this bird sanctuary is the maintenance of the sanctuary by the village community itself. Located at a distance for about 8 kms from Zunheboto district headquarters, this is home to more than twenty species of endangered birds. Anyone interested in bird-seeing can watch from the month of June.

Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary
37 kms drive from Dimapur, Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the hoolock baboon which is the only gibbon found in India. The sanctuary has an area of 202 sq. km and is 677 meters above sea level. It is habitat to a number of elephants, tigers, sambhar, wild dog, goral, sloth bear and a quite a number of rare species of bird. It is preserved by the Forest Wildlife Department. Any person caring to stay a night can be provided a forest rest house managed by Government Tourist Department.

Satoi Range
Located in Zunherboto district, this is the only remaining virgin forest in the region. Blythi Tragopan, an endangered species of bird, is also found in this forest. It is an ideal place for camping and trekking. People come to see the rare rhododendrons which adorn the hills during the months of April and May.

Arts and Craft

The tradition of art and culture rooted in the lifestyles of the Nagas is varied. Starting from the objects of everyday use to the objects of decoration, the Nagas have been making a declaration of ethnicity on these objects. Some of the skill workmanship can be found in their basketry, weaving, woodcarving, pottery, metal work, jewellery and bead work.

Meghalaya

Location : On the North-East part of India
Area : 22,429 sq. km.
Attractions : Shillong, Elephant falls, Tura.
Temperature : Average 18° -20° C.
Best time to Visit : April to May and September to November

 ¤ Meghalaya (Abode of Clouds)

Meghalaya was carved out of Assam and got its statehood on 21st January 1972. Naturally blessed with tumbling waterfalls, beautiful lakes, high plateaus, misty heights, luxurious vegetation, virgin forests and abundant rainfalls, Maghalaya is undoubtedly called 'Abode of Clouds'. The state is broadly divided into Khasi hills, Jaintia hills and Garo Hills.

¤ Shillong - The Capital City

The capital has a lot to offer to the people for enjoying the peaceful and scenic beauty of a place. The city has a plethora of waterfalls, excellent excursions and cool-lush green peaks. Its lake known as Ward's Lake is a beautiful place to unwind and also to stroll away for a long walk. Occupation by the British had also resulted in the scatter of various churches and cathedrals in Shillong. For the northeastern people, it served as a prime center for education with its various good colleges and schools.


¤ Places To See

The state has innumerable number of travel attractions but mention can be made of the state capital, Shillong, Elephant Falls, Ward's Lake and Tura. With the constant rainfall, the state seems to be always sparkling and very clean. The swirling road on the face of the hills and the beautiful greenery along are picturesque and serene.

Meghalaya Tribes
There are three types of tribes namely Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes. The common feature of all these tribes is the matriarchal law of inheritance in which the custody to property and succession of family position runs through the female line. The tribes had kingdom of each own until the British annexed them in the 19th century to build a road through the region.

¤ Fairs and Festivals

Due to the existence of three tribes, each tribe has a number of tribes. Some of the few popular festivals are Wangala, Nongkrem dance and Behdienkhlam. These festivals are celebrated by the people of Meghalaya without the bounds of any religious faiths. The ancestral spirits are appeased during the festivals following the sowing and harvesting.

Noh Kalikai Falls
Kalikai Falls are few kilometers to the west of Sohra(Cherrapunnji) is a breath-taking waterfall.

Jakrem Hot Springs
Jakrem Hot Springs situated at an approximate distance of 39 kms, can be reached from Shillong by car or bus.

Dawki
A town by the name of Dawki lies 96 kms away from Shillong and here one can catch a glimpse of the neighbouring country, Bangladesh. The Annual Boat Race held at Umngot is also a must-visit.