A Boost for Tourism in North East

The eight North Eastern states have one thing in common:

breathtaking beauty. Amazing, in fact, is a word too less

said. Tucked away amidst foreign nations, this part of India

has a specially designed security system in place – a system

so strict that even Indian nationals cannot enter most of

North East without permits. Obtaining tourist permits is no

easy task either; providing shrewd tourist companies an

excuse to charge incredible fees for just an entry permit,

that too for pre-determined sizes of groups and limited

duration of stay. Add a guide to your team, and your tour budget shall sky rocket instantly. Thankfully,

not any more.

As a step to boost tourism to North Eastern States, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has

relaxed the need of a permit to visit Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland since January 01, 2011 for all

Indian nationals and foreigners, except those of Pakistani and Chinese origin. However, all foreigners

visiting these states are required to register themselves with Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) of the

destination district within 24 hours of their arrival. This relief has been enforced for an initial trial period

of one year only.

Need for a permit had been waived for Assam, Meghalaya

and Sikkim previously. Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh, being

located along sensitive inter-country borders, are now the

only states left in the north-east where foreigners are

required to take prior permission before arrival.

This effort is envisaged to bring about a paradigm shift in the

economy of this region banking mainly on tourism, especially

from residents of other countries, especially Japan. This

would also curb unsocial activities such as political

insurgencies and bring about welfare for the local people, including tribals. The market for indigenous

craft and cottage industries would widen up immensely.

As the limelight slides on the North Eastern states, it opens up a myriad of opportunities. Cultural

tourism, tribe visits, festivals and wildlife tourism could showcase the mystery held back by rich history

and culture, excitement of wildlife and beauty of nature to the visitor.

The list of places to visit is endless, in capital letters and to the tee. There are a number of religious

centres, temples and monasteries, cottage industries, parks and lakes. Kaziranga National Park is also a

major attraction. There is no particular tourist season; and the beauty of nature has distinct dimensions

of its own round the year.

So what are you thinking of? Plan your visit to this

region right away!! You might be wondering where to

put up during your stay. We (The Other Home) offer you

a comfortable accommodation in Khonoma Homestay in

Kohima, Nagaland. You can easily organize various short

trips to the rest of the region from here.

Swagatam to the North East.. .