Nidhi
Subhash Staff answered 4 months ago
Reaching North East India involves a combination of air, train, and road travel. Here’s a comprehensive guide for first-time visitors:
By Air
Major Airports:
Guwahati (Assam) – Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) is the main gateway.
Imphal (Manipur) – Imphal Airport (IMF).
Agartala (Tripura) – Agartala Airport (IXA).
Dimapur (Nagaland) – Dimapur Airport (DMU).
Shillong (Meghalaya) – Shillong Airport (SHL), though smaller, serves the region.
Domestic Flights: Several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, offer flights connecting major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai to the North East.
By Train
Major Train Stations:
Guwahati – The primary railhead with extensive connections to other parts of India.
Dimapur – A key station for Nagaland.
Agartala – For Tripura.
Silchar – In Assam, with connections to Manipur.
Train Routes: Regular trains connect North East India with major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and other regional centers. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) manages the rail services in the region.
By Road
National Highways: Several National Highways connect North East India with the rest of India, such as NH 27, NH 37, and NH 2.
State Highways: Well-maintained roads link various states within the region. For example, the Guwahati-Shillong Highway connects Assam and Meghalaya.
Private and State Buses: Buses run by both private operators and state transport corporations connect major cities and towns.
Travel Tips
Visa and Permits: Some areas, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, require special permits for foreign tourists. Ensure you check the visa and permit requirements in advance.
Weather Considerations: The region has diverse climates. It’s best to check the weather conditions for your travel dates and pack accordingly.
Local Transport: Within cities, auto-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based ride services like Uber and Ola are commonly available. For inter-city travel, consider renting a car or using state-run and private bus services.
Health Precautions: Carry any necessary medications and check health advisories. Some areas may have specific health recommendations due to their remote nature.
Travel Insurance: It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
Online Resources
Airlines: Check flight availability and book tickets through airline websites or travel aggregators like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip.
Train Tickets: Book train tickets through the Indian Railways website (IRCTC) or mobile apps.
Road Travel: Plan your road trip routes using Google Maps and consult local travel agencies for bus schedules and car rentals.
By combining these travel methods and planning ahead, you can navigate your way to and around North East India smoothly.
raman Staff answered 3 months ago
Reaching Northeast India, known for its diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and serene environment, can be accomplished by air, rail, or road. Here’s how you can reach various parts of the region:
1. By Air
Major Airports:
Guwahati (Assam): Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) is the primary gateway to Northeast India. It is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and others.
Imphal (Manipur): Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF) serves Imphal and has flights from cities like Kolkata and Delhi.
Dibrugarh (Assam): Mohanbari Airport (DIB) is connected to Delhi, Kolkata, and other cities.
Agartala (Tripura): Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (IXA) connects Agartala with Kolkata, Delhi, and other cities.
Bagdogra (West Bengal): Though technically in West Bengal, Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is a common entry point for Sikkim and parts of Northeast India.
Shillong (Meghalaya): Shillong Airport (SHL) has limited flights from Kolkata and other nearby regions.
Connecting Flights: For reaching smaller destinations like Aizawl (Mizoram), Dimapur (Nagaland), or Tezpur (Assam), you may need to take connecting flights from major hubs like Guwahati or Kolkata.
Tips:
Booking in Advance: Flights to Northeast India can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so it’s advisable to book well in advance.
Connecting Flights: If you don’t find a direct flight, consider connecting via Kolkata, Delhi, or Guwahati.
2. By Train
Major Railway Stations:
Guwahati (Assam): The Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) is the largest in the region, connecting to all major cities in India, including Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal): New Jalpaiguri (NJP) serves as a key entry point for those heading to Sikkim or parts of Northeast India. It is well-connected to Kolkata, Delhi, and other major cities.
Dibrugarh (Assam): The Dibrugarh Railway Station (DBRG) is another major station with trains connecting to Delhi, Kolkata, and other cities.
Dimapur (Nagaland): Dimapur Railway Station (DMV) connects to Guwahati and beyond.
Popular Trains:
Rajdhani Express: Several Rajdhani Express trains connect Guwahati to Delhi.
Brahmaputra Mail: Connects Delhi to Dibrugarh via Guwahati.
Kamrup Express: Runs between Howrah (Kolkata) and Dibrugarh.
Tips:
Booking: Indian Railways allows for online bookings, and tickets should be booked well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Travel Time: Train journeys to Northeast India can be long (e.g., around 24-36 hours from Delhi to Guwahati), so plan accordingly.
3. By Road
National Highways: Several national highways connect Northeast India to the rest of the country.
NH 27: Connects Siliguri (West Bengal) to Guwahati and further into Assam.
NH 2: Connects Dimapur (Nagaland) with Imphal (Manipur).
NH 37: Connects Assam with Arunachal Pradesh.
Bus Services:
Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC): Operates buses within Assam and to neighboring states.
Private Buses: Several private operators offer bus services from West Bengal to Northeast India, especially from Siliguri to various destinations in Assam, Sikkim, and beyond.
Self-Drive: You can also rent a car and drive into Northeast India, but be prepared for long distances and varying road conditions.
Tips:
Permits: Some states in Northeast India, like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram, require special permits for entry (Inner Line Permit, or ILP). These can usually be obtained online or from designated offices.
Check Road Conditions: The monsoon season can cause landslides and road closures, so it’s essential to check road conditions before planning a road trip.
4. By Water
Brahmaputra River Cruise: For a unique experience, consider a river cruise on the Brahmaputra River. Cruises usually start from Guwahati and explore different parts of Assam.
Conclusion
Best Routes:
By Air: Most convenient, especially via Guwahati, which serves as a hub for further exploration.
By Train: Ideal for budget travel, but be prepared for long journeys.
By Road: Suitable for those who enjoy road trips, but be mindful of the distance and road conditions.
Plan your trip based on your preferred mode of travel and the specific destinations you want to explore within Northeast India.