10 Stunningly Offbeat Places in North-east India No One Told You About!

INDIA, a country with astonishing diversity of religions, cultures and languages is undoubtedly unique and unparalleled. A perfect location for intrepid travelers to explore the diverse ethnicity and assimilate.

North India, a popular destination for globetrotters to appease their passion of travelling offbeat. But have you heard about the unexplored paradise in the far east of North India?

North East India, comprises of seven sister states embodied with unique heritage, dawn-lit mountains, green luscious plains, alluring rivers crossing through the forests and the most heart warming people.

Here are the 10 Stunningly Offbeat Places in North-east India No One Told You About!

1) Anini, Arunachal Pradesh

Living in a metropolitan city for most of my life, a place with luminous mountains, green meadows, followed by a stream with horses grazing besides; and no man to be seen around as far as your vision goes; was an unbelievable concept only to be heard in fairy tales.

Anini, a fairy tale come true. Located in the far east of the Dibang valley, this place is still untouched and unknown. Living in a wooden hut next to the river, waking up to the sounds of chirping birds and insects, sitting by the river listening to the melody of the stream is no less than a dream turning into reality.

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2) Dong, Arunachal Pradesh

Another hidden gem in the largest state in North east India. Dong, is a town located in the Anjaw district. What is so different about this town compared to other locations in Arunachal Pradesh? The first sunlight to touch the ground in India happens in Dong village. Locals say the sun rises here as early as 4:30 am IST. Trekking overhill and witnessing the first sun-rise is a feeling beyond words to describe. As the sun rays fall on the landscape beneath the hills the entire village appears to be painted in orange. A view that can get you overwhelmed with tears.

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3) Nongriat Village, Meghalaya.

Lets move a little south, to a state known for its magestic mountain range and enormous waterfalls. Even called as the Scotland of the east, Meghalaya has taken my heart, time and again, in many ways that I can count. Being my most favourite state in North east India, I totally adore this place, people here are more than helpful and kind.

Located deep in the forests of Cherrapunji, lies a tiny village called Nongriat. Absolutely disconnected from urbanization, there are no roads that cross this village. The closest you can go is up-to Tryna village by road after which you need to embark on a trek climbing down a flight of 3600 steps to reach the village. A perfect haven for trekkers, this place has a hidden gem, the "Double decker root bridges." The bridges are made out of living roots of banyan trees and are said to be 600 years old. Also this place has a giant waterfall called "Rainbow waterfall" and many tiny turquoise pools with waterfalls.

A part of heaven, isn't it?

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4) Mawlynnong Village, Meghalaya.

Mawlynnong Village, located in the interiors of East Khasi hills, is the Cleanest village in Asia. Also known as God's own garden, Mawlynnong has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for a single root bridge which is 1000 years old. The tribes of Mawlynnong are very committed to keeping their enviroment clean hence they clear even the dried leaves fallen on the streets. A balancing rock and a sky view of the Indo-Bangladesh border are also the attractions of this village.

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5) Mon Village, Nagaland

Are you fasinated by the Masai Mara tribes of Africa or the Asaro Mudmen tribes of Papua New Guinea? How about I tell you that there is a tribe in India with a history of headhunters and face tattoos? The Konyak tribes from the Mon village in Nagaland are renowned for their fearless culture and distinguished heritage. Once upon a time, head hunting for prosperity was a common tradition amongst these tribes, the skulls of which were hung proudly outside their houses. The practice was banned by the government in 1960. Today, the last generation of the headhunters with face tattoos and large ear plugs reside in the Mon village. The new generation has adapted to the modern age but there are many traditions still embraced by the tribes to keep their heritage unique and undying. Also, this village is at the borders of India and Burma, half of the village is in India while the other half is in Burma. No international border is considered in this place, people can move freely within this Indo-Burmese village. Also, the Konyak tribes have a King, famously known as Angh. Paying homage to the Angh upon visiting the village is a complusion.

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6) Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Talk about tribes of North East India and not mention the tribes of Ziro valley? The Apatani tribe women are famous for their face tattoos and large nose plugs. A not so untouched valley, its famous for the magnificent Ziro Music Festival held every year. Musicians and music fanatics travel from all parts of the world to witness the event. Apart from the fest Ziro is famous for its green lush rice paddy farmland and bare hand fishing in those paddy fields. With a lot to explore in the village, learning about the culture and tradition of the tribes is something you cannot miss. Did you know that the tattoos on the faces of the women were a sign of disfigurement? The tattoos and nose plugs were made in order to protect them from the rival tribes.

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7) Tamenglong, Manipur

Tamenglong is located in the west of Manipur, quite next to the Manipur-Myanmar border. A perfect abode for witnessing rare orchids, unexplored forests, green meadows and majestic waterfalls. Also popular for sighting of rare birds, this location is perfect for an off beat travel addict. The Buning meadow is a treat to the eyes when visited during the rains. The entire meadows turn lush green and the view is eccentric. Also, the Tharon Cave is another popular adventure location. With a length of 655.6m the cave appears like a portal back in time. With a vast forest cover this place is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts as spotting some rare species of birds and the famous tiger is quite certain here.

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8) Unakoti, Tripura

North East India is a place for all kind of travelers, nature lovers, trekkers, wildlife explorers and also the heritage lovers. Unakoti is very close to Agartali in the third smallest state of North east India, Tripura. Unakoti is known for its exquisite giant rock carvings of Shiva and other Hindu deities. Many have heard about the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia for its famous rock carvings and people travel from around the world to witness it. But the lesser known Unakoti rock reliefs of Shiva date back to the 7th-9th Centuries, much before the Angkor Wat temple was built in 12th C.

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9) Pelling, Sikkim

When North East India is mentioned the fist place that pops in our minds is Sikkim. A place so abundantly blessed with natural beauty and culture. Visiting the snow clad mountain range, gigantic rivers, heritage monasteries are popular locations in Sikkim. Pelling, however, is a place missed by many travelers. The closest look that you can get of Mt Kanchenjunga (3rd highest peak in the world) is from Pelling. Just less than 2 hours from Pelling is the Tathagata Tsal, a 130 feet high statue of Buddha.

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10) Champhai, Mizoram

Popularly known as the Rice Bowl of India, Champai is a small town near the India-Myanmar border. The houses in this town give you a French countryside feeling with green paddy farms and gorgeous vineyards. The Ri Dil lake is a popular heart shaped lake just perfect for the couple travelers. For the wildlife enthusiasts, the Murlen National Park close by is a perfect spot to sight the hoolock gibbons (endangered species), tigers and sometimes the Himalayan bears.

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