Top 10 Unknown Facts about Northeast India | Seven Sisters States | English

Top 10 Unknown Facts about Northeast India | Seven Sisters

Northeast is probably one of the most wondrous, gorgeous, naturally rich and least explored regions in India. It seems like the fascinating land of Northeast is blessed by Mother Nature as even a tiny stream here resembles spectacular. The ‘Seven Sisters States’ as the region is fondly named comprises of Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Lets understand some of the Top 10 Unknown Facts about Northeast India.

10. Orchid State of India
Out of about 900 species of orchids in India, around 660 are found in the easternmost state of Arunachal Pradesh. , Amongst them, around 150 are ornamentally and commercially important. Did you know that, about 70% of total orchids found in world actually find home in these seven sister states.

9. World’s oldest (working) refinery...
Digboi, a town in the Tinsukia district of Assam has the oldest working oil refinery in the world. The first oil well in Assam was drilled here and the refinery was started in 1901, hence it is known as the Oil City of Assam.

8. Only root bridge in the world...
Meghalaya is the only state in the world to have living root tree bridges. These are hand made from aerial roots of Rubber trees by the Khasi people. Stick, stones and other objects are used to stabilize the bridge. The lifespan of a living root bridge is uncertain, but under ideal conditions, they last for many hundreds of years. These astounding bridges look absolutely pretty and magical, and walking on these is an experience of a lifetime!

7. Only floating lake in the world
Loktak Lake, the only floating lake in the world and the largest freshwater lake in northeast India is located near Moirang in Manipur. The lake is covered in a heterogeneous mass of vegetation and organic mass known as Phumdis. It also houses worlds only floating national park. It measures around 40 km sq (approx) and is only home to the brow-antlered deer or Sangai, also known as the dancing beer.

6. Longest bridge in India
The Dhola–Sadiya Bridge, also referred to as the Bhupen Hazarika Setu is the longest bridge in india, which is opened in 2017, measuring 9.15 kilometers. The bridge spans the Lohit River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River, connecting the states of Assam and Arunachal.

5. Largest monastery in India...
Tawang, best known for its exquisite scenic beauty, houses the largest Buddhist monastery in India and the second largest in the world, after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Tawang is a 17th century monastery nestled on top of a hill. The views from here are so relaxing that it will wash away all your tiredness. Displaying rich culture and traditions of the state, this three-storied building has several monks living inside and a big library.

4. World’s smallest (inhabited) river island...
That’s right. Even the smallest (inhabited) river island in the world, Umananda is located in Assam. Also known as the “Peacock Island”, Umanada is a 20 minute ride from Guwahati. This island has historical as well as religious significance and comprises several ethnocultural groups.
The island is hugely popular as it inhabits golden langurs, one of the most endangered primate species.

3. Cleanest
The title for India’s cleanest region goes to Northeast. You will be surprised to see the level of cleanliness even on the roads. It is not that the governments there made such a rule. It is the locals who thrive for such cleanliness. did you know that the cleanest village in whole of Asia is located in Northeastern state of Meghalaya? That village goes by the name Mawlynnong. Roads in major cities are squeaky clean and people take extra care to keep the surroundings neat and tidy.

2. Worlds Wettest Place
Mawsynram in Meghalaya is the wettest place on the planet and it experiences an average annual rainfall of 11,871 millimetres. Earlier the same record was in the name of Cherrapunjee which is also situated in the state of Meghalaya.

1. World’s largest river island
The largest river island in the world, Majuli is located in the Jorhat district of Assam in the mighty Brahmaputra. You definitely need to visit this one or else this world's biggest river island in Assam will disappear in coming years. This wonder of Assam is thick with vegetation, and is home to diverse wildlife. Covering an area of about 350 sq km, Majuli Island is among those places that add to your experience and remain in your memory forever.