Northeast India: An Offbeat Traveller’s Guide to the Seven Sisters

India's Northeast is its best-kept secret — living-root bridges, the cleanest villages in Asia, tea-carpeted plains and Himalayan borders, all with a fraction of the crowds. Here's where to start.

Meghalaya — the abode of clouds

Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong (Asia's cleanest village), the famous living-root bridges, and waterfalls that roar through the monsoon. A traveller favourite.

Sikkim

Gangtok's ridgeline views of Kanchenjunga, the flower valley of Yumthang, and old monasteries. Clean, easy and welcoming.

Assam

Gateway to the region, plus Kaziranga National Park — your best chance to see the one-horned rhino — and endless tea estates.

Arunachal Pradesh

Remote and spectacular: the high monastery town of Tawang and untouched valleys.

Nagaland

Time a visit for the Hornbill Festival in December, when the state's tribes gather to celebrate.

Best time & permits

October–April is ideal (or the monsoon for Meghalaya at its most dramatic). Some states (Arunachal, parts of Nagaland/Sikkim) need Inner Line Permits — easy to arrange online in advance.

Tips

• Distances are long and roads are slow — don't over-pack the itinerary.
• Carry cash; ATMs thin out in remote areas.

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