North East India is a beautiful part of the country replete with incredible places for tourists to explore. However, it is not all about the travel destinations here but the secrets the North East part of the country preserves in its fold. This is what makes it one of the must-visit regions of India and before you make any plans elsewhere; we have got some of the top secrets of North India unveiled for you!
You might get lost in the secret tunnels of Talatal Ghar
Constructed by the Ahom Kings of Assam, Talatal Ghar was an army base in the formerly called ‘Rongpur’, now Sibsagar. There are three underground floors and two secret tunnels, the tunnels being used as emergency exits during the battles in history. Talatal Ghar consist of total seven floors and the secret tunnels that are now restricted to visitors. Why? Reports say a few people who went inside never returned. Want to give it a try?
Assam has got the hottest chilies
Mostly found in Nagaland and Assam, Bhut Jolokia is found to be the world’s hottest chili with almost 1,001,200 Scoville heat units. Feeling the spice already? To your surprise, there have been instances when some people have been admitted to hospital on consuming it. But still, it is one of the significant items in the North East kitchens and having it added with bamboo shoot will definitely make you fall in love with it.
Sikkim is also home to a wish fulfilling lake
Khecheopalri is a wish fulfilling lake sacred to the Buddhists, Lepcha and Hindus. Located 34 kilometers from the Northwest region of Pelling, the lake is at an elevation of 6561ft. The locals believe that the lake is blessed by Guru Padmanasambhava and devotees from various parts of the country float lit diyas on bamboo barks making a silent wish. A surprising fact attached to the story of the lake goes like this – despite being amid dense forests, not a single leaf settles on the surface of the lake. All thanks to the attentive birds!
The list of local brews in the North East India is endless
From the alcoholic benverage Zou of Bodo, Xaz of Assam, Apong of Arunachal Pradesh, the Chuwarak of Tripura to Mishing Tribe’s Apong, Kiaad of Meghalaya, Zawlaidi of Mizoram, Nagamese’s Zutho, Dimasa folks’ Judima, Kodo ko Jannr (hot Sikkimese beer) of Sikkim and Manipur’s Sekmai Yu, the list of locally brewed liquor of different endemic tribes of the North East is endless. If you have an urge to taste different kinds of liquor, missing out North East is no less than a crime for you.
Ever seen a shop without shopkeeper? Go to Mizoram!
Situated almost 65 kilometers from Aizwal, the capital city of Mizoram, you can see tiny vegetable stalls along the Seling highway, Nghah lou dawr. Literally meaning ‘shops without shopkeepers’, you will see vessels of vegetables lined with price tag on them and a deposit box for you to leave the amount. Pay the amount and get the stiff you want. It is often considered one of the mysteries of North East India. Surprisingly, people do leave the right amount showing an act of trust rare in the world.
Meghalaya is home to the only matriarchal society in India
Meghalaya’s Khasi tribe is among the few matriarchal societies in the world and the only one in India. In this tribe, women act as head of the household and the bread earner of the family. Too much different from the actual scene of Indian society, isn’t it? There’s more – when a girl is born, there’s cheers and celebration and on a boy’s birth, they humbly accept it as a gift of god.
The last surviving headhunters are in the North East
Don’t worry, they don’t do it anymore, unless you piss them off bad! Okay, no more jokes. Even though the act of Naga headhunting have been stopped since the 1940s, many elderly men of the Konyak tribe can still be found with their tattooed faces in some areas of Meghalaya. Their tattooed faces are a sign of them being from the headhunting group. To kill and severe the head of an enemy was regarded as the rite passage for young-aged boys. The triumph is celebrated by rewarding the boy with a facial tattoo, considered prestigious.
The shrine of an Indian soldier is quite unheard of
Also famous as hero of Nathula Pass, Baba Harbhajan Singh was a dedicated Indian Army soldier who martyred in Sikkim’s eastern border. In his honor, the Indian Army has built a shrine as it is believed that his spirit still protects the Indian army men at the Eastern Himalayan border. Now, this is a place you must visit. It is a matter of pride indeed.
If these facts and stories about North East India excite you to take a trip to this lovely region, book your flights at Indian Eagle at the earliest.