What are the Seven Sisters of Incredible India?

Published in the Sunday Deccan Herald on 11 August, 2024

The term ‘Seven Sisters’ emphasises their cultural and geographical connectedness, resembling a group of siblings

Let’s explore the North East of India today, starting with, ‘Why are they called the Seven Sisters of Incredible India?’

The ‘Seven Sisters of India’ collectively refer to the seven north-eastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. These states share borders with Bhutan, China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, emphasizing the region's cultural, geographical, and historical uniqueness.

Each state has distinct cultures, languages, and traditions. The region is known for its lush green landscapes, rich biodiversity, and diverse ethnic communities. The north-eastern states contribute significantly to India's cultural diversity, known for their festivals, handicrafts, and traditional cuisine. Recently, the region has gained popularity for its natural beauty, wildlife, and adventure tourism.

The Seven Sisters region is sometimes expanded to include Sikkim, often considered the "eighth sister" due to its cultural and geographical similarities with the north-eastern states.

The term ‘Seven Sisters of India’ is colloquial, emphasizing these states' cultural and geographical connectedness, resembling a group of siblings. Coined to highlight the region's distinct features, the term has stuck and is now a popular travel bucket list for many.

Now, let’s explore some fascinating facts about the Seven Sisters:

1. Arunachal Pradesh:

- Arunachal Pradesh is often referred to as the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ because it is one of the easternmost states in India, receiving the first rays of the morning sun.

- The state is known for its breath-taking landscapes, including the Tawang Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in the world.

- It is home to diverse indigenous tribes and boasts a rich cultural heritage.

2. Assam:

- Assam is famous for its tea plantations, and it is one of the largest tea producers in the world. The state is known for its Assam tea, which is renowned for its strong, robust flavour.

- The Kaziranga National Park in Assam is home to the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

- Assam is known for the annual Bihu festival, a series of festivals marking the Assamese New Year and celebrating the state's agricultural cycle.

3. Manipur:

- Manipur is often called the ‘Land of Jewels’ because it is known for producing unique and beautiful varieties of orchids.

- The state is famous for its traditional martial art form called ‘Thang-Ta’ and the classical dance style known as ‘Manipuri dance’.

- Manipur is also home to the Loktak Lake, known for its floating islands called ‘phumdis’.

4. Meghalaya:

- Meghalaya holds the record for being the wettest place on Earth. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, both in Meghalaya, receive some of the highest annual rainfall in the world.

- The state is known for its living root bridges, where the roots of trees are trained to form natural, sturdy bridges across rivers.

- Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is often referred to as the ‘Scotland of the East’ due to its picturesque landscapes.

5. Mizoram:

- Mizoram is known for its lush green hills and dense forests, making it a beautiful destination for nature lovers.

- The state has a majority Christian population and celebrates various Christian festivals with enthusiasm.

- Mizoram is famous for its bamboo and bamboo-related products, which are an integral part of the local culture and economy.

6. Nagaland:

- Nagaland is known for its vibrant tribal culture and is home to numerous indigenous tribes with unique customs and traditions.

- The state is famous for the Hornbill Festival, a colourful celebration of Nagaland's tribal heritage, which features traditional dances, music, and crafts.

- Nagaland is renowned for its spicy cuisine, especially its use of the fiery Naga chili peppers.

7. Tripura:

- Tripura is known for its rich cultural heritage, with influences from Bengali and tribal cultures.

- The state's Ujjayanta Palace, located in the capital city of Agartala, is an architectural marvel and now houses the Tripura State Museum.

- Tripura is famous for its handicrafts, including bamboo and cane products, which are widely sought after.

These facts highlight the cultural diversity, natural beauty, and unique aspects of each state, making the region a fascinating part of India.

Here’s a specialized bucket list for your Seven Sisters travel:

- Assam: Spot the One Horned Rhino.

- Arunachal Pradesh: Visit Kibithoo, India’s easternmost point.

- Meghalaya: Walk across the living root bridges.

- Manipur: Explore Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park.

- Mizoram: Visit Solomon’s Temple, a beautifully crafted marble church.

- Nagaland: Experience the Hornbill Festival.

- Tripura: Witness the Flag Down parade at the India-Bangladesh border.

In conclusion, the Seven Sisters of Incredible India offer a journey rich in diversity and offbeat experiences.

Before you go, consider these travel-related questions: How many states of India have you visited? How many countries have you explored? What’s on your travel bucket list? What are your travel resolutions for this year? These questions often come up at Veena World, where we celebrate life on tour.

We’ve created a fun travel portfolio game for you to find out your Incredible India state score and countries visited score. Thousands of Veena World guests have played it and found it exciting. Scan the QR code below to play:

What was your score? How many countries and states have you visited? When will you complete 25/50/75/100 countries? I’d love to hear about your travel missions, so do write to me at neil@veenaworld.com

Until next time, keep Celebrating Life!