A Boost for Tourism in North East

The eight North Eastern states have one thing in common: breathtaking beauty. Amazing, in fact, is a word too less said. Tucked away amidst foreign nations, this part of India has a specially designed security system in place – a system so strict that even Indian nationals cannot enter most of North East without permits. Obtaining tourist permits is no easy task either; providing shrewd tourist companies an excuse to charge incredible fees for just an entry permit, that too for pre-determined sizes of groups and limited duration of stay. Add a guide to your team, and your tour budget shall sky rocket instantly. Thankfully, not any more.

As a step to boost tourism to North Eastern States, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has relaxed the need of a permit to visit Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland since January 01, 2011 for all Indian nationals and foreigners, except those of Pakistani and Chinese origin. However, all foreigners visiting these states are required to register themselves with Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) of the destination district within 24 hours of their arrival. This relief has been enforced for an initial trial period of one year only.

Need for a permit had been waived for Assam, Meghalaya and Sikkim previously. Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh, being located along sensitive inter-country borders, are now the only states left in the north-east where foreigners are required to take prior permission before arrival.

This effort is envisaged to bring about a paradigm shift in the economy of this region banking mainly on tourism, especially from residents of other countries, especially Japan. This would also curb unsocial activities such as political insurgencies and bring about welfare for the local people, including tribals. The market for indigenous craft and cottage industries would widen up immensely.

The paradise carries a sobriquet of Eight Sisters which includes the famous eight states – Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram,Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh

As the limelight slides on the North Eastern states, it opens up a myriad of opportunities. Cultural tourism, tribe visits, festivals and wildlife tourism could showcase the mystery held back by rich history and culture, excitement of wildlife and beauty of nature to the visitor.

The list of places to visit is endless, in capital letters and to the tee. There are a number of religious centres, temples and monasteries, cottage industries, parks and lakes.Kaziranga National Park is also a major attraction. There is no particular tourist season; and the beauty of nature has distinct dimensions of its own round the year.

So what are you thinking of? Plan your visit to this region right away!! You might be wondering where to put up during your stay. We (The Other Home) offer you a comfortable accommodation in Khonoma Homestay in Kohima, Nagaland. You can easily organize various short trips to the rest of the region from here.

Swagatam to the North East..

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Discover the taste of India: North East Indian Food

The north eastern part of India is perhaps the most under estimated region when it comes to food. In reality, the seven sisters, Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya and Manipur, along with Sikkim, have a wide assortment of culinary styles influenced greatly by topography, climate, geographic location, and neighbouring regions.

The items are comparatively less spicy than the other parts of the country, but no less tasty. Food is prepared with minimum oil or ghee. Smoked and boiled preparations are also in vogue. Dishes prepared with duck meat, bamboo shoots etc are very much popular in North-East Zone. Smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages are common in both men and women in the hilly states.

Tripura is a state that enjoys close proximity to the Bay of Bengal and shares boundaries with Bangladesh. The resident community is mostly Bengali and panache of cooking styles from East India and Bangladesh as well as their love for fish can be found in Tripura, especially Agartala. The dialect of Tripura and Assam is also Bengali, with some minor variations. Rice is the staple food in the North East, and is almost part of every meal. The home made sweets made out of rice are a specialty of Assam. The Assamese also consume a huge variety of rice-based breakfast cereals with milk or yoghurt or thick cream­. Normally jaggery or sugar is added used. Quite contrary to the preference for non vegetarian food in the North East, vegetarian delicacies are found abundantly in Assam.

People from Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland are hard core non vegetarians, and love fish and meat. The people love tea, called “Zu”. Iromba, an eclectic combination of fish, vegetables and fermented bamboo shoots is popular. Also famous is Kabok, a traditional speciality from Manipur, made of fried rice with a world of vegetables added in.

Chinese influence can be seen in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. In fact, Shillong is often referred to as the “Mecca of Chinese Food”. The meat preference is tilted in favour of pork. Jadoh – a spicy dish of rice and pork is eaten almost any time. Besides, the local pork delicacies cooked Khasi-style. Some popular drinks made out of either rice or millet are Kyat, Apong, and Tchang. Sikkim also encases Tibetan food preferences. Momos, Thukpas, Ningro with Churpi, Gundruk, Phagshapa, Sael Roti are popular in Sikkim. Beef consumption is also common among the local people.

If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us, visit The Other Home.