Northeast Indian States

This least visited part of India is one of the most beautiful areas you will find in India. The seven northeastern states are connected by only a narrow strip of land to the rest of India. These seven states used to be only one state, Assam, until 1963. The hilly area is mainly populated by adivasis (tribal people), who have a vastly different culture than the rest of India.

It is believed that many of the people who live in the northeast states originally came from Burma, Tibet, China and Thailand, so they often look distinctly different than other people in India. A good percentage of the people here are Christians, especially in the remote tribal areas. In Arunachal Pradesh over 50 different languages are spoken.

There is often a considerable amount of tension in the states of this area. Often different minorities, or tribal groups want their own state, want independence from India, or are just criminals under the guise of a political situation. Therefore some areas in the northeast can be dangerous to visit, which is one of the main reasons why there are restricted permits to visit some areas. It is highly advised before visiting places in this area to check the present situation with the Home Affairs Office in Delhi or with the state tourist offices.

Permits
Foreigners do not need a permit to visit Assam, Tripura or Meghalaya, but still it is a good idea to check the present situation before leaving for these places. If you arrive in these states by air the police will sign you in. When you check into a hotel you have to fill in the ‘C’ form and they are supposed to make photocopies of the pertinent pages in your passport.
To visit Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, foreigners have to get a permit, travel in a group of four tourists, and be on a tour arranged by an authorized travel agency. Even with a permit, you may be restricted to only certain areas. The situations in these states may change, so you should check on it. It is possible to go to these states without these requirements, but you must have a really good reason or know someone in high places who can help you.
Permits can be issued from any overseas Indian consular office; at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market, New Delhi 110003; and at the Foreigners’ Registration Offices in Delhi, Calcutta or Mumbai. You are supposed to apply at least one month in advance. You most likely will need a couple of photos. Permits can usually be extended in the state capitals.
It is a good idea to contact the tourist office of the state where you plan to visit to find out the present situation. They can often arrange tours of the state or issue permits.
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Arunachal Pradesh
–Arunachal Bhawan, Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, Delhi (011 301-3915)
–Roxi Cinema Hall, Chowringee Rd, Calcutta (033 248-6500)
–Arunachal Bhawan, Bhaskar Nagar, off Rd Baruah Rd, near Commerce College, Guwahati (0361 562-859)
Manipur
–Manipur Bhawan, Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakyapuri, Delhi (011 301-3311)
–Manipur Bhawan, 25 Ashutosh Shastri Rd, Calcutta (033 365-012)
–Manipur Bhawan, Rajgarh Rd, Chandmari, Guwahati (0361 540-707)
Mizoram
–Mizoram Bhawan, Circular Rd, near the Sri Lankan Embassy, Chanakyapuri, Delhi (011 301-5951)
–Mizoram House, 24 Old Ballygunge Rd, Calcutta (033 757-034)
–Mizoram House, GS Rd, near the intersection with RG Baruah Rd, Bhangagarh, Guwahati (0361 564-626)
Nagaland
–29 Aurangzeb Rd, Delhi (011 379-3019)
–Nagaland House, 13 Shakespeare Sarani, Calcutta (033 225-247)
–Nagaland House, Nongrim Hill, Shillong (0364 230-083)

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides