UNESCO Heritage Sites in North East India

Located in the Ziro Valley of the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, this valley is a rich area of nature, traditions, and crafts. Though mainly known for its famous practice of paddy-cum-fish cultivation (a sustainable form in which both paddy and fish are farmed in one area) ACL is a spot of unique farming techniques, traditional legends, and handicrafts. It is perfect for all types of tourists- cultural, historic, or ecological.

The Thembang village is a fortified village of the 12th century, the community of this village is known to respect and sustain the ecological richness here. It is consists of several ancient and historical structures and diverted maximum attention for the fortified Dzong, which has been constructed using traditional techniques of the region. The village of Thembang itself is considered a monument due to the richness of the heritage structures that are found in the villages.

Namdapha National Park is one of the largest protected areas in India. It consists of rich biodiversity areas and harbors the northernmost lowland evergreen rainforests in the world at 27°N latitude. It is filled with extensive Dipterocarp forests which are among the last great remote wilderness areas of Asia. It is the only park in India that consists of the four big cat species, like the snow leopard, tiger, clouded leopard, and leopard. The park consists of 96 mammal species of which 29 species are listed on Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The park is known for its one-horned rhinoceros across the world. While this is the main attraction, there is also a lot more to explore. Located on the edge of the Golaghat and Nagaon district, it is a fascinating site for elephants, wild water buffalos, swamp deers, and tigers. It is home not only ⅔ of the one-horned rhinoceros but also to unique vegetation and forests. Some common ones include semi-evergreen forests, Kumbhi trees, Indian gooseberry, and cotton trees.

This river island is a perfect mix of history, culture, and sightseeing. Located on the Brahmaputra river in Assam, Majuli is THE perfect escape from the hustle-bustle of metropolitan life. There also exists a culture of cycling (especially popular among tourists) that encourages visitors to contribute to making Majuli India’s first carbon-neutral district. The river island has a special attraction for spiritual tourists because of the satras, or the monasteries dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The island can be reached through ferries that run only during daylight hours. Even the ride to Majuli is an experience in itself!

The Manas National Park is a tiger, elephant, and biosphere reserve located in Assam. It is home to some really rare species of animals such as Golden Langurs, Red Pandas, and Tigers. It is also one of the "best kept" national parks in the country. Some major interests of tourists who visit the park are the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, safaris, monasteries, and shrines, Jeep safaris being particularly popular.

Upon the migration from china, the Tai-Ahom clan established their capital in different parts of the Brahmaputra. Chau-lung Siu-Ka-Pha the founder of the Ahom kingdom had established the first capital of the Ahoms at the foothill of Patkai hills and named it Che-Rai-Doi or Che-Tam-Doi which means “a dazzling city above the mountain”. Che-Rai-Doi or Choraideo was the sacred place where the departed soul of the royals could transcend into the afterlife. The Moidams are vaulted chambers (chow-chali), where the body was laid to rest they demonstrating a grand royal burial landscape unique to the Tai-Ahoms.

The Keibul Lamjao National Park is no ordinary one. Known to be the world’s only floating wildlife sanctuary, the park is also home to unique flora and fauna. The brow-antlered deer (sangai), also Manipur’s state animal, can be found here. The beautiful brown animal can be found almost everywhere in the state- be it the local newspaper or the cafes- which is also why the park (and its home) is so special. Another unique sight is the world’s only floating school. The elementary school has been constructed using local materials (such as thatch and bamboo) and techniques. The school is funded by a few NGOs and despite its “raw” looks, it is at par with modern schools and contains computers and internet connectivity.

The Garo hills of Meghalaya are a must-visit for trekkers and adventurous tourists. Being hilly and lush green, the region is known for organizing treks and attracting wildlife photographers.

Located on the Tura Range of Meghalaya, the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is home to the highest peak in the West Garo Hills- Nokrek, with a height of 1412 meters. Major Rivers and streams such as Ganol, Daring, and Samsung. The general climate of the region is tropical and humid. It is also home to some extremely unique flora and fauna. One example is a rare species of citrus indica, or what the locals refer to as memang Narang. Translated, this refers to the ‘orange of the spirits.’ This wild orange is sour, with a pleasant smell, and is available fresh only once a year. Some other commonly available flora in the region includes Cotton trees, Golden Shower Tree, and Hairy Sterculia. The region also contains some rare species of animals such as the pig-tailed macaque, Slow Loris, and the giant flying squirrel, a handful of red pandas, and the Hoolock Gibbons.

Located in North Sikkim, the Khangchendzonga National Park is the country’s first “mixed heritage” national park. Being both culturally and naturally rich, it is perfect for going on hikes, treks, witnessing some breathtaking views, and visiting holy monasteries. Tourists may even be able to spot Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, and the Great Tibetan Sheep, and the famous Zemu Glacier as well. Moreover, the park is also home to 17 other glaciers and alpine lakes and of course, magical views of Mount Kanchenjunga.