The Reasons why we should visit Northeastern States of India in July

 

The North Eastern parts of India are a treasure trove of natural beauty, tribal culture and also biodiversity locked away in the eastern wing of Indian sub continent.

The region of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim is a patchwork of rain-soaked hills, undulating valleys, gushing waterfalls, and unmarked trails.

Many avoid going to travel in monsoon, but it is in July when Northeast opens its finest and lyric beauty.

This is how July is the best month to visit all of the eight Northeastern states:

1. Arunachal Pradesh: Mists and Monasteries

Arunachal Pradesh was an untouched masterpiece of nature and July covers its green mountains and valleys with the mist of monsoon.

The ancient monastery located in Tawang makes this place even more calm when its low-flying clouds move along the mountains of the Himalayas. Ziro Valley, which is known as the place with Apatani tribal culture is happening with green picturesque paddy fields and pine blanket hills.

Rivers such as Siang and Lohit bursts, and makes the terrain looks like a beautiful water-colour painting. Roads are occasionally blocked off by heavy rains but the interiors valleys that are still accessible offer a secluded yet spectacular scenery which is beyond compare.

2. Assam: Rhinos, Tea Estates & River Charm

July turns Assam into a lush green paradise. The mighty Brahmaputra River flows gracefully, and Kaziranga National Park, though closed for core safaris, can still be admired from peripheral zones or nearby areas where rhinos roam freely.

The Jorhat and Dibrugarh tea gardens shine in the grey sky and drinking hot Assamese tea in the sprinkling rain is a desirable moment.

The world-largest river island, Majuli can be called an ethereal place in a sense of monsoon scenery, tribal monastical establishments (satras, i.e., monasteries), and exciting culture.

July is also the Bihu post harvest period and you will get a peep into rural Assamese culture.

3. Manipur: Rain Whispering Valleys

Manipur is something that is mostly side-stepped in typical tourism; however, it is the most romantic of all during July.

The capital, Imphal, including the Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in India northeast, becomes an island of float dreams, its phumdis (floating biomass).

Even the grey skies are badly in need of a visit to the Ima Keithel (Mother Market, the only all-ladies market in Asia) with all its colour and cheer.

The hilly surroundings, those around Ukhrul and Tamenglong are the botanist supreme with the rich monsoon flora and exotic orchids being abundant.

4. Meghalaya: The State of Waterfalls

So in case of any one state in the Northeast that prospers in the July month it is Meghalaya. Also referred to as the “Abode of Clouds”, the region harbors the wettest spots on earth including, Cherrapunji and Mawsynram.

The waterfalls of Meghalaya are at their thunderous best, in July. Nohkalikai falls, dainthlen falls, and wei sawdong are made up of breathtaking views that are fogged with mist with the splashing of the water against rock.

Living Root Bridges particularly in Mawlynnong and Nongriat are more compelling when washed by rain.

The mystical feeling of monsoon also gives lakes, pine forests and cafe of Shillong a certain mystical feeling.

5. Mizoram: Mountain Paradise and Tribe music

Mizoram is clad serene green with Lushai hills getting clouds and rain-hugged trees in July. The capital, Aizawl, provides panoramic sceneries through churches and markets located on a hilltop.

Monsoon gives life to such under-radar treasures as the highest waterfall of the state Vantawng Falls and the Tam Dil Lake that is also encircled by dense bamboo forests.

Mizoram is a state of songs and festivals as well and even though there may not be a major event going on in the month of July you could at least listen to the beat of the local folk songs and stories in each village.

The state has smooth roads and travelling inside is relatively easy even when rains occur.

6. Mystic Hills and Monsoon Markets- Nagaland

Nagaland. There are numerous tribes being united in Nagaland enhancing their tribal roots and thus in July it becomes a mystic getaway. July is a quiet, bare beauty although the popular Hornbill festival happens in December.

The Dzukou Valley on the Manipur border is covered with wildflowers and fresh grass and the monsoon trek is spectacular as it clears up momentarily.

The capital Kohima is inclement and drizzling, which makes the World War II Cemetery and Naga Heritage Village seem dull and mystical at the same time.

Towns such as Dimapur have markets which provide local textiles, rain gear and hand made artefacts that are the talk of cultural resistance.

7. Tripura: Concealed Temples and Hills

Tripura is the least visited state in the Northeast, yet it continues to wow tourists in July.

The Unakoti carvings in the rock, buried too deep in the jungle near Kailashahar, seem strange in the rain, with moss growing over millennia of artistic relics in stone.

Not only is the water palace known as Neermahal located in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake, but the reflections dancing on the horizon highlight the beauty of the monsoon season.

The beautiful green Jampui Hills, located in Mizoram, provide pure air, orange orchards, and breathtaking views. It is also the peak season for local village life, therefore you may experience true rural culture in Tripura.

8. Sikkim: Monsoon in the Eastern Himalayas

Sikkim should be discussed individually, while being officially part of the broader Northeast.

The Gangtok rains in July expose the city’s brilliant palette, while the Rumtek Monastery rests in the awful quiet of the passing clouds.

The north of Sikkim, such as Lachung and Yumthang, may be closed due to weather, but the remainder, including South Sikkim, such as Pelling, Namchi, and Ravangla, will be open and brimming with orchids and greenery.

This time of year creates tea gardens in Temi, a postcard-worthy scene on Sikkim’s sole tea estate. This increased stillness is like a rainstorm, and it is ideal for moving at a slow and deliberate pace.

Last thoughts: Why July is Magical in the Northeast

Whereas travelling in the monsoon can be a cause of concern to some, July brings in the door to a more poetic and soulful Northeast.

There is a deeply soothing value in seeing clouds smooch mountains, rivers swell with life and how local populaces can dance in the same rhythm of the season.

It is cooler, more green, and all of the area is beating with the sense of authenticity.

In case you are the type of person who loves a foggy morning, nature in full bloom, cultural experience, and quiet reflection off-season, then July is your best ticket into the heart of the Northeast.