The Seven Sisters of India; Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Tripura, Assam, Manipur, and Mizoram cover a huge area of 255,511 square kilometers. Sikkim shares an international border with Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west, and China in the north while Arunachal Pradesh shares an international border with Myanmar in the east, China in the north, and Bhutan in the west. These states have been attracting young travelers and explorers from all over the world with different tribal and ethnic groups, religions, festivals, and fabulous landscapes. Read on to know more about the gorgeous states of northeast India and all the names of seven sisters of India.
Table Of Content
1. History
2. Interesting Facts
3. Festivals
4. Places To Visit
5. Culture
6. FAQs
History Of The Seven Sisters Of India
The history of Seven Sisters of India is interesting and deep-rooted. There were initially three major states during independence. As you can see the above map of seven sisters of India, Assam was a huge state and Manipur and Tripura were princely states. Gradually rest of the 4 states were formed. Nagaland was formed in 1963, Meghalaya in 1972, and Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh in 1987. The Seven Sisters of India have religious, ethnic and cultural diversities and have rich, assorted and interesting tribal cultures and traditions. We hope that this list of seven sisters of India has helped you know more about them.
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Interesting Facts About The Seven Sisters Of India
For Indians, it is quite important to celebrate the local festivals near the seven sisters. There is massive gathering and even though these celebrations relate to different cultures, almost everyone takes an active part in them. All these celebrations tend to reunite people from different cultural backgrounds. Starting from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam, these festivals have always been important for Indian people. The tribal communities have been celebrating these festivals for quite some time now and all these rituals form an important part of the individual communities that strengthen and define their culture.
Here are some facts about seven sisters of India:
- The seven sisters of India majorly have international boundaries (Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, and Bhutan).
- Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh is the largest in India.
- Loktak Lake, located in Manipur is India’s largest freshwater lake.
- Mawsynram claims to have the highest average rainfall on Earth.
- Mawlynnong in Meghalaya is the cleanest village in Asia.
- India’s oldest oil refinery is located in Digboi, Assam.
- Ahom Dynasty of northeast India is the biggest undivided dynasty of India, ruled the Ahom kingdom for nearly 600 years.
Festivals Celebrated In The Seven Sisters Of India
The Seven Sisters of India have a very rich and captivating tribal history. All the states are inhabited by different native tribes and each one has its own traditions, rituals and festivals practiced by the tribal communities for years and years. Have a look at some of the most popular festivals of seven sisters of India. seven sisters of India.
1. Bihu – Assam
Bihu is one of the most legendary harvest festivals of India, celebrated in Assam three times in a year. Magh Bihu is celebrated in January, Rongali Bihu in April, and Kati Bihu in October. Women wear colourful mekhlas—the traditional dress of Assam and dance to the tunes of drums while menfolk play drums and sing together.
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2. Moatsu Festival – Nagaland
Moatsu Festival is one of the significant and famous festivals of India, celebrated by Ao Naga tribe. The major reason to celebrate this festival is to invoke God’s blessings and provide entertainment to the tribe after hectic activities like sowing seeds, clearing the wells, repairing houses etc.
3. Ziro Music Festival – Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro Music Festival is heaven for music buffs and culture enthusiasts. This is a four-day long music carnival celebrated in Ziro region of Arunachal, where music stalwarts from different corners of the world perform. Here you get to listen to music maestros like Sulk Station, Sky Rabbit as well as new musicians.
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4. Cheiraoba – Manipur
The importance of seven sisters is, to a great extent, attributed to their age-old traditions and culture. These traditions are reflected through their festivals celebrations. Cheiraoba is one of the major festivals of seven sisters of India and takes place in the month of April. Local people clean their houses, wear new clothes, exchange greetings and sweets on the occasion of New Year.
5. Chapchar Kut – Mizoram
To showcase the harvest, cultivation, and drying up process of bamboo shoots, the local Mizoram people celebrate Chapchar Kut. It is one of the most significant festivals in March celebrated by the people of Mizoram. Not just Mizo, March is a common month for all the states when we consider the best time to visit Seven Sisters of India.
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6. Ashokastami Festival – Tripura
In Tripura, Ashokastami is one of the most popular festivals celebrated with immense glory and devotion. Local people worship their god and goddesses and take holy dip in the consecrated river of the Astami Kunda. This festival is usually celebrated in the month of March or April. The celebrations feature huge melas (fairs) where people gather in large numbers to worship, enjoy and celebrate.
7. Ka Pomblang Nongkrem – Meghalaya
Ka Pomblang Nongkrem, also known as Shad Nonhkrem is one of the liveliest festivals in November in India.The native tribes of Meghalaya show respect to Goddesses Ka Blei Synshar for a prosperous and good harvest. The festival is celebrated majorly by by the Khasis trbe of Meghalaya.
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7 Places To Visit In The Seven Sisters Of India
The northeastern states of India boast of many scenic, surreal, and spectacular places featuring lofty hills, gorgeous valleys, sparkling lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and dense forests. Take a look at these places that are perfect for an impeccable Seven Sisters Of India tour.
1. Kaziranga National Forest – Assam
Home to one-horned rhinos, Kaziranga National Park is one of the most popular and beautiful places of seven sisters of India in Assam. Surrounded by aromatic plush green tea gardens, Kaziranga is a declared World Heritage Site and also one of the best places to visit in Assam. One can enjoy jeep safaris in the forest and spot elephants, rhinos, tigers, deer, and numerous birds.
Location: Kaziranga National Park, Kanchanjuri, Assam 784177
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Average Temperature: 15°C
How To Reach: One can take a cab or taxi from the nearest airport which is in Guwahati.
Places To Stay: Summit Green Village Resort and Spa, Kaziranga
Things To Do: Bird watching, touring the national park
Average Budget: INR 10,000 – 15,000
2. Kohima – Nagaland
With gorgeous Japfu range in the background, Kohima is one of the most tranquil & mesmeric places in seven sisters of northeast India. The thick forests, luxuriant valleys, and misty weather overwhelm travelers. One can trek to Dzuko valley, visit Kohima war cemetery, Ntangki Wildlife sanctuary, and Mokokchung.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Average Temperature: 30°C
How To Reach: The nearest Domestic Airport is Dimapur Airport from Kohima.
Places To Stay: Niraamaya resorts
Things To Do: Visit the war cemetery
Average Budget: INR 5,500 – 6,000
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3. Tawang – Arunachal Pradesh
Located by the sparkling Tawang Chu River, this awesome place is popular for a vintage monastery by the same name and Taktsang Gompa. Tawang monastery is said to be the oldest in India and showcases traits and traditions of Tibetan culture and ethos. Tawang is arguably one of the most beautiful places in India every solo traveler must visit.
Best Time To Visit: March to October
Average Temperature: 15°C
How To Reach: Best way to reach Tawang is by taking a cab
Places To Stay: Hotel Tawang Heights
Things To Do: Adventure touring
Average Budget: INR 6,500 – 7,000
4. Imphal – Manipur
Imphal, the capital of Manipur is one of the top educational hubs among all the capitals of Seven Sisters of India. One of the most gorgeous places of the Seven Sisters States, Imphal is a place of meandering rivers, lush green valleys, lakes and misty mountains. Loktak Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in India offers captivating beauty while the heritage Kangla Fort showcases rich culture and history of the bygone days. Unquestionably, this metropolitan city in the northeast is one of the best best places to visit in Manipur.
Best Time To Visit: September to April
Average Temperature: Varies with the season
How To Reach: The best way to reach here is by an airplane. Airport is only 8 kilometers away.
Places To Stay: Manipur House
Things To Do: Kangla fort visit
Average Budget: INR 7,000
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5. Champhai – Mizoram
An offbeat and serene town, Champhai in Mizoram is a delight for all. Also known as the Rice Bowl of Mizoram, Champhai has lush green fields of rice done in step – farming. Boasting of Tiau Lui River, Rih Dil Lake, and Kungawrhi National Park, this scenic and quaint hill station is one of the most beautiful places in the northeast.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Average Temperature: 20°C
How To Reach: It is best to take a cab from Aizwal Airport.
Places To Stay: Blueberry Inn
Things To Do: Visit Umiam lake
Average Budget: INR 2,300
6. Agartala – Tripura
Tripura is the smallest state in the Seven Sisters of India map and Agartala is the capital of this state. Rich in natural wonders and home to many native tribes, heritage monuments and temples—Agartala is one of the most fascinating places of Tripura. People exploring Agartala can also make plans to visit Ujjayanta Palace, Kamalasagar, Neermahal Palace, Gandacherra Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kalapania Nature Park.
Best Time To Visit: December to March
Average Temperature: 15°C
How To Reach: The best way to reach Agartala is by railway. There is a railway station just a few kilometers to the south from the center of the city.
Places To Stay: Hotel Polo Towers Agartala, Ginger Agartala
Things To Do: Visit Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal Palace, Heritage Park
Average Budget: INR 7,000-10,000
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7. Shillong – Meghalaya
Rightly described as ‘Scotland of East’—Shillong is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and relaxation. With Umiam Lake at the heart of the city, Shillong has lush green hills, winding roads, cascading waterfalls and yummy Tibetan food. You can also visit Cherrapunji and relish the stunning view from Shillong Peak.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Average Temperature: 20°C
How To Reach: One can take a cab/taxi from Umroi Airport which is 25 kilometers away.
Places To Stay: The Loft- Executive Inn, Hotel Polo Towers Shillong
Things To Do: Visit Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak & View Point, Laitlum Canyons
Average Budget: INR 8,000-10,000
Culture Of Seven Sisters Of India
Seven Sisters might combine to form the North Eastern Region of the country, however, the cultural diversity in those regions is impeccable. While one might think that each of these states have the same language, in reality, it completely varies. Find below how the cultures are truly different in different states.
1. Dress
- Assam – Mekhela Chador (hand loomed dress) for women; Suria (Dhoti) and Seleng (Chadar) for men
- Nagaland – Both men and women wear plain blue skirt with white cloth that has black marginal bands of varied breadths
- Arunachal Pradesh – Petticoat/skirt, full sleeved embroidered jacket, sleeveless chemise, Mushaiks, Gurdam for women; sleeveless shirt, green lungi with white, yellow, red yarns for men
- Manipur – Phanek, Innaphi (shawl), wrap around skirt for women; Dhoti, Jacket, White Turban for men
- Mizoram – Handmade blouse made of cotton with Puanchei for women; Red and white colored coat with wrap around for men
- Tripura – Khakloo (knee length cloth), Risa, Petticoat for women; Rikutu Gamcha, Kubai (shirt) for men
- Meghalaya – Jainsen, Endi Shawl for women; Dhoti, jacket, turban for men
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2. Food
- Assam – Khaar, Duck Meat Curry, Masor Tenga, Aloo Pitika, Ou Khatta
- Nagaland – Rice, Pork With Bamboo Shoots, Boiled Vegetables, Spicy Chili Sauces
- Arunachal Pradesh – Rice, Bamboo Shoot, Pika Pila, Marua, Chura Sabji, Pehak
- Manipur – Leafy Vegetables (Aquatic And Terrestrial both), Fish Curry, Chamthong, Ooti
- Mizoram – Chicken, Pork, Beef, Fish, Bai, Koat Pitha, Panch Phoran Tadka
- Tripura – Mui Borok, Berma, Bangui Rice, Meat Roasts, Bamboo Shoots, Chakhwi
- Meghalaya – Pumaloi, Pudoh, Jah, Minil Songa, Doh-Neiiong, Nakham Bitchi
3. Dance Form
- Assam – Bihu
- Nagaland – Modse, Agurshikukula, Sadal Kekai, Kuki Dance
- Arunachal Pradesh – Chalo, Ponung, Pasi Kongki, Roppi
- Manipur – Jagoi
- Mizoram – Cheraw Dance
- Tripura – Bizu, Hai Hak, Hozagiri, Garia
- Meghalaya – Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Ka PomBlang Nongkrem
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4. Official Language
- Assam – Assamese
- Nagaland – English
- Arunachal Pradesh – English
- Manipur – Manipuri
- Mizoram – Mizo Tawng
- Tripura – Kokborok
- Meghalaya – Khasi
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These seven sisters of India are some of the most spectacular destinations to travel with family and friends. Blessed with dense forests, lush and rocky hills, hidden waterfalls and fabulous climatic conditions, their untouched beauty is beyond words. If you want to explore the heart of these ‘Seven – Sisters,’ then you can plan a trip to Sikkim-Darjeeling-Gangtok and set out to experience the essence of these states.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Seven Sisters Of India
Which is the largest state among seven sisters?
Arunachal Pradesh, one of the most enchanting states of the northeastern region in India is the largest state among the seven sisters. The state shares international borders with Bhutan and Myanmar.
What are facts about seven sisters of India?
The interdependence of the states and its geographical features between Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura has given an origin to the name “Seven Sisters of India”.
Which is the most beautiful place in North East India?
Some of the must-visit places in the northeast that are worth exploring are:
1. Majuli- The River Island in Assam
2. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya- The Wettest Place on Earth
3. Krem Liat Prah- The Longest Natural Cave in Meghalaya
4. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
5. Loktak Lake, Manipur- The Floating Lake
6. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh- The Hidden Paradise
Why are the northeastern states called “seven sisters of India”?
The interdependence of the states and its geographical features between Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura has given an origin to the name “Seven Sisters of India”.
What is the best time to visit Seven Sisters Of India?
The ideal time to visit seven sisters is considered to be between November and May. However, monsoon is also a great time to visit northeast and enjoy the beauty of nature in all its glory.
Why is Sikkim not a part of seven sisters?
Sikkim is not a part of the seven sisters because it is not a contiguous part of the peripheral northeast region.
Which language is spoken in North East India?
According to a survey done in 1971, there are more than 220 languages that are spoken in the northeastern states, belonging to mainly three language families, namely Indo Aryan, Sino-Tibetan, and Austric.
Is North East good for honeymoon?
Yes! The alluring nature, the serene landscape, vibrant markets, and comfort and luxury makes the northeast an ideal place for a romantic escapade. With a variety of activities and places to explore, the northeast will leave you spoilt for choices.
Does it snow in North East India?
Yes. Sikkim experiences annual snowfall during the winters whereas other northeastern states do not get any snow. It does not snow in North East Indian all the time. It mostly experiences snowfall during winters and most of the place remains closed during heavy snowfall.
What type of climate does North East India have?
The Northeastern states of India have a subtropical climate that is influenced by the Himalayas in the north, the Meghalaya plateau in the south, and capitals of Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur in the east. The climate is very pleasant all throughout the year.
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