Travel across the Brahmaputra and you reach the land where myth meets magic and wishes are horses. The land better known to the world as the North-Eastern region of India, made up of seven states called the ?Seven Sisters? ? Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram Meghalaya, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

This region will whet the appetite of the traveller, the tourist and the anthropologist for a visit to any one place will have you returning for more. The states provide abundant scope for angling, boating, rafting, trekking and hiking. Besides, there are a number of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks where rare animals, birds and plants fascinate one and all.

Assam

With an abundance of natural beauty, Assam is one of the most fascinating travel destinations in India. Listen to the call of the jungle. Explore the rich wildlife that includes the world-famous Kaziranga National Park and 12 other wildlife sanctuaries.

The Kaziranga National Park, covering an area of 430km, is home to the world-famous Indian one-horned rhinoceros. This apart, sloth bears, leopards, Indian bison, swamp deer, sambhars, pythons, hoolock gibbons, capped langurs and a variety of birds can also be spotted.

Across the magnificent Brahmaputra is Guwahati, the capital, where the famous Kamakahya temple is located on top of a hill.

Another temple that draws attention is the Shiva temple on the Umananda Island. This site is especially busy during the Shivaratri festival. There are also other centres of religious and archaeological interest like the Nabagraha, Basista and Janardhana temples.

Another must-see, is the archaeological ruins of Sibsagar, where the original rulers of Assam lived. The state also houses the world?s largest river island, Manjuli. Day trips to Jorhat, a major tea-producing area are another attraction. With a rich handicraft tradition in ivory, wood, bamboo and cane, Assam is also a good place for the indefatigable shopper.

Arunachal Pradesh

Because of its remoteness, Arunachal has remained relatively untouched. Most of the state consists of jungles, deep gorges and villages in remote areas. Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Changlang district is one of the main attractions here. Spread over an area of 1,850 sq km, this national park climbs several thousand feet. The variation has given rise to the growth of diverse varieties of flora and fauna and for a truly dedicated wilderness and wildlife fan, this is a must-visit.

Arunachal shares its borders with China, Bhutan and Myanmar, therefore, the complex mix of communities. Beautiful Itanagar is the state capital, also known as The Land of the Dawn-lit Mountains. Attractions include the the old brick fort (Itafort), the Buddhist monastery, the Jawaharlal Nehru Museum, Ganga Lake and the state zoo.

Tipi, an orchidarium on the banks of River Bharali is a must-see while Bomdila, the West Kameng district headquarters, offers stunning views of the Himalayas.

A 10km drive from Bomdila takes you to Tawang, a Buddhist pilgrimage site frequented by the Dalai Lama. Its highlight: the tall central monastery, Tawang Gompa.

Nagaland

The distinctive highlight of this largely unexplored state is the Naga Hill that runs through it and the major places of interest include the World War II cemetery, the zoo and the state museum where you can get a glimpse of Naga culture.

The capital, Kohima is a hill station with a lot of scenic and historical attractions. Hotspots near and about include the Khonoma village, Dzakou valley and Japfu peak as also the Intaki sanctuary, home to the hoolok gibbon.

Manipur

Manipur with its gently undulating hills, emerald green valleys, blue lakes and dense forests is a treat for the senses. Places of interest include the hill stations of Mao and Ukhrul, Chandel(home to several tribes),Moirang, Taminglong and Khonggom.

Reputed the world-over for its Manipuri dance style, the state also has a variety of other dance forms like Pung Cholem (Mridanga dance), Mao Naga dance, the priestess dance of Malbe Jagoi and the Thangal Surung. Along with dance forms, various martial arts are practised in Manipur and polo is said to have originated here as well.

The capital city of Imphal itself has a lot to offer ? war cemeteries, Kangla, the Orchidarium and a lot more. One of the more interesting areas to visit is the Ima Market or Mothers? Market, which is run by women only.

The Govindajee Temple is a prominent Vaishnavite centre and a must-see. Shaheed Minar in Tikendrajit Park and the war cemetery are some of the other attractions.

Close by is the Sendra Island and the Loktak Lake, which attracts many species of birds. Sendra Island is also a delight and on its fringes lies Keibul Lamjao National Park, home to dancing deers and the brow-antlered deer.

Tripura

The state has a composite culture as the intermingling of several ethnic groups has resulted in a unique mix. One of the main attractions is the temple of Lord Jagannath while the Ujjayant Palace is equally interesting. Old buildings and ruins worth exploring are in plenty like the lake palace, Neer Mahal on Rudrasagar Lake in Udaipur, the ancient capital.

Kunjaban Palace, another historical site was constructed in 1917 and later renamed Pushbanta Palace by the then ruler, Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya. Its southern side is now open to the public while the rest of it is now the official residence of the governor of the state.

For the religious, Mata Tripureshwari Temple or Kurma Pith at Udaipur, 58km from Agartala, is one of the 51 Hindu pithasthans. The Fourteen Goddess Temple also attracts crowds.

The Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, 25km from Agartala, is home to about 150 species of birds and the rare spectacled monkey. Bisons and birds are the main draws at the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, 100km from Agartala.

Meghalaya

Unlike the others, Meghalaya?s terrain consists more of rolling hills and less of steep climbs. There are beautiful meadows fringed by pine forests everywhere. Meghalaya is a unique mixture of the traditional and the modern. People are fiercely proud of their roots and yet British influence is pronounced. Shillong is the busy hub centre of Meghalaya and the capital. The Idew Market or Burra Bazar here is worth exploring for its numerous shops with a mind-boggling array of items. Near Shillong, one can visit the butterfly museum or Ward Lake or even tee off at the golf course.

A few hours away from Shillong is Umiam, also known as Barapani, a popular place for outings.

The capital is full of churches and waterfalls and the most beautiful church here is the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. The Grotto Church and the All-Saints Church are also definitely worth a visit. A 56km drive from Shillong takes you to Cherrapunjee, now known as Sohra, once one of the wettest places in the world ? though the rainfall has dropped now. In the town, waterfalls leap and roar from the edge of the road into deep gorges below and not to be missed among these are the Nohsngithiang Falls.

Mizoram

Mizoram is a land of great natural beauty, which will leave you mesmerised. Aizawl, the scenic state capital is a major tourist destination. This apart, Tamdil and Thenzawl are other popular spots. You can add a few thrills to your expedition and visit Vantawang that has the highest waterfall in Mizoram and Champai, which offers stunning views of the Myanmar hills.

The state capital of Aizawl is located 4,000ft above sea level. It is accessible from Shillong, Guwahati and Silchar by road. Situated on a high ridge surrounded on the east by the deep green valley of River Tlawng, and protected on the north by the beautiful high craggy hills of Durtlang, it stands like a high citadel. An ideal hill station for those looking for some peace and solitude.

Places of interest here include the Mizoram State Museum, the mini Zoological Garden, Durtlang Hillsa and the Dampa Sanctuary, home to swamp deer, tigers, leopards, elephants and the hoolock gibbon.

Region rave

Dipannita Sharma, model

Since I?m from the North-East, I try and visit Guwahati at least once a year. For me, Guwahati and Dulia Jan near Dibrugarh hold a special place in my heart as I was born and brought up there. But of all the places I?ve visited in the North-East, my favourite is Shillong. Another place I recommend is Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya. Hardly any people live there and it?s always raining but its natural beauty makes it a must-visit.

Harsh Neotia, entrepreneur

If you want to be one with nature with the least possible human interference, I feel that there?s no place like the North-East for a getaway. I?ve visited Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh and both are amazingly beautiful, unexplored and rich in flora and fauna. Even the smell in the air there is so refreshingly fresh, one can?t help but get hooked. In fact, the North-East was my inspiration for several festivals at my heritage park, Swabhumi.

Piu Sarkar,artist

I?ve visited Assam, Shillong and Tripura and fell totally in love with these places and their people. The women, especially have such interesting faces that I want to capture in my art. So much so, that I feel like returning again and again.