6 northeast India experiences that will leave a first-timer speechless

Northeast India is a place unlike any other in the country. Enveloped in a mystique of misty mountains, dense forests, vibrant traditions, and spiritual landscapes, the region is at once raw and poetic. While it may be overwhelming in the best possible way for first-timers, vibrant festivals, floating lakes, hidden valleys, and wild animal sightings seem to be plucked straight out of a travel documentary. If you are planning your first trip to this magical part of India, here are six experiences guaranteed to leave you speechless.

Held in the state of Nagaland every December, near the Kisama Heritage Village, the Hornbill Festival is called the ‘Festival of Festivals.’ It’s the grandest gathering of all the Naga tribes, celebrating their culture, dances, music, art, and food. You can enjoy traditional warrior dances, games, songs, log drums, and tribal costumes, as if taken straight out of the pages of history. The festival also gives you a peek into the ancient practices and oral traditions of the people.

Held annually near the town of Morigaon in the state of Assam, Jonbeel Mela is one of the few Indian festivals where the ancient tradition of bartering or the barter system survives. Tribal people gather here to exchange goods, vegetables, fish, spices, and other handicraft items without the use of money. In addition, there is community fishing in Jonbeel, a wetland, and a royal ceremonial meet presided over by local Tiwa community leaders. It is indeed interesting and even a bit humbling to see people practicing a tradition older than the advent of money.

Held at the sacred Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Ambubachi Mela is one of the most potent spiritual events in India. It commemorates the menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya, the embodiment of fertility and the creative force of nature. For three days, the temple remains closed, and thousands of sadhus, ascetics, and pilgrims assemble at Nilachal Hill. On the opening of the temple, the environment is charged with spiritual energy. It’s an event that’s not only spiritually uplifting but also very moving.

Imagine cruising across a lake with numerous round-shaped islands floating in the water, called “Phumdis” by the locals. That’s what you can expect at the Loktak Lake in Manipur, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. It’s like cruising across a surreal environment. The floating biomass changes shape, and the fishermen sit precariously on small boats. In addition, the lake also houses the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world and the home of the endangered Sangai dee

The Dzukou Valley, situated on the border of Nagaland and Manipur, is a haven for trekking enthusiasts. In the monsoon season, the Dzukou Valley is covered with wildflowers, including the rare Dzukou Lily. The trek to Dzukou Valley is moderately difficult and is definitely worth the effort. Once you have reached the top, the view of rolling green hills stretching out to the horizon is almost surreal. Watching the sunset here, with the sky painted in beautiful hues, is a unique experience. In fact, for many people, it is the moment they fall in love with the Northeast.

The Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the heart of Arunachal Pradesh, is a birdwatcher’s paradise. This biodiversity hotspot came into the spotlight after the discovery of the Bugun liocichla, a species of bird unknown to the world until 2006. In fact, the sanctuary is home to hundreds of bird species, including hornbills, laughingthrushes, and Himalayan birds.