Northeast India is a region of seven states: Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. It is a land of diverse cultures, landscapes, and wildlife. The region is also home to some of the most beautiful and untouched places in India.
However, Northeast India is also one of the most remote regions in the country. It is located in the far eastern corner of India, bordering China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. This can make it difficult to reach Northeast India, especially from other parts of India.
This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide on how to reach Northeast India by air, train, and road. We will also cover some of the challenges of traveling to Northeast India and how to overcome them.
Getting to Northeast India by air
The best way to reach Northeast India is by air. There are direct flights to Guwahati, the capital of Assam, from all major cities in India. There are also direct flights to other major cities in Northeast India, such as Imphal (Manipur), Agartala (Tripura), and Dibrugarh (Assam), from some major cities in India.
Once you arrive in Guwahati, you can take a connecting flight to other parts of Northeast India. There are also frequent helicopter services to some of the more remote areas of Northeast India.
Getting to Northeast India by train
There are also trains to Northeast India from all major cities in India. The trains to Northeast India are typically slower than the flights, but they are also cheaper.
The main railway station in Northeast India is Guwahati Railway Station. There are also other major railway stations in Northeast India, such as Dibrugarh Railway Station (Assam), Silchar Railway Station (Assam), and Lumding Railway Station (Assam).
Getting to Northeast India by road
There are also roads to Northeast India from all major cities in India. However, the roads to Northeast India are typically in poor condition and the journey can be long and arduous.
The main road to Northeast India is National Highway 31. This highway connects Guwahati to Kolkata and then to the rest of India. There are also other national highways to Northeast India, such as National Highway 37 and National Highway 40.
Challenges of Traveling to Northeast India
There are a few challenges that you may face when traveling to Northeast India. These include:
Remote location: Northeast India is located in the far eastern corner of India, bordering China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. This can make it difficult to reach Northeast India, especially from other parts of India.
Poor infrastructure: The infrastructure in Northeast India is not as good as in other parts of India. The roads are typically in poor condition and the public transportation system is not as well-developed.
Security concerns: There have been some security concerns in Northeast India in the past. However, the situation has improved in recent years.
How to overcome the challenges of traveling to Northeast India
There are a few things that you can do to overcome the challenges of traveling to Northeast India:
Plan your trip in advance: It is important to plan your trip to Northeast India in advance. This will help you to avoid any surprises and to make the most of your trip.
Book your flights and accommodation in advance: It is also important to book your flights and accommodation to Northeast India in advance. This is especially important if you are traveling during peak season.
Be prepared for delays: Due to the remote location and poor infrastructure, delays are common when traveling to Northeast India. Be prepared for delays and be patient.
Be aware of your surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to Northeast India and take precautions to stay safe.
How to plan your trip to Northeast India
When planning your trip to Northeast India, it is important to consider the following factors:
Time of year: The best time to visit Northeast India is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is mild and sunny. The summer months (April to June) can be very hot and humid, and the monsoon season (July to September) can bring heavy rainfall.
Length of trip: The length of your trip will depend on your interests and budget. If you have limited time, you can focus on visiting one or two of the more popular destinations, such as Assam, Meghalaya, or Nagaland. If you have more time, you can explore some of the more remote areas of Northeast India, such as Arunachal Pradesh or Mizoram.
Mode of transportation: The best way to get around Northeast India depends on where you are going and how much time you have. If you are short on time, you can fly between the major cities. If you have more time, you can take the train or bus, or even rent a car and drive yourself.
Accommodation: There are a variety of accommodation options available in Northeast India, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. It is important to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
Activities: There are a variety of activities to enjoy in Northeast India, such as trekking, hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and visiting cultural attractions. It is important to research the activities that are available in the areas you plan to visit and to book your tours and activities in advance.
Here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Northeast India:
Get an Inner Line Permit (ILP): If you are not an Indian citizen, you will need to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Northeast India. ILPs can be obtained from the Indian embassies or consulates in your home country.
Be prepared for delays: Due to the remote location and poor infrastructure, delays are common when traveling to Northeast India. Be prepared for delays and be patient.
Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe: Northeast India is generally a safe place to travel, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions to stay safe. Avoid walking alone at night and be careful with your belongings.
Respect the local culture: Northeast India is home to a variety of cultures. It is important to respect the local culture and traditions. Dress modestly and avoid using offensive language.
Conclusion
Northeast India is a beautiful and diverse region with a lot to offer visitors. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges of traveling to Northeast India and to be prepared to overcome them.
By following the tips above, you can plan a safe and enjoyable trip to Northeast India.
Summary of key points
The best way to reach Northeast India is by air. There are direct flights to Guwahati, the capital of Assam, from all major cities in India.
There are also trains to Northeast India from all major cities in India. However, the trains to Northeast India are typically slower than the flights, but they are also cheaper.
There are also roads to Northeast India from all major cities in India. However, the roads to Northeast India are typically in poor condition and the journey can be long and arduous.
There are a few challenges that you may face when traveling to Northeast India, including its remote location, poor infrastructure, and security concerns.
However, there are a few things that you can do to overcome the challenges of traveling to Northeast India, such as planning your trip.