The Seven Wonders Of The North Eastern States Of India

NDTV had unveiled 7 wonders of The North Eastern States Of India in 2009 based on the user polls. Here's the list of these wonders:

7. Mount Kangchenjunga 

The world’s third tallest mountain, Mount Kangchenjunga, straddles the international border between Nepal and India. The mountain was voted the seventh wonder of the North Eastern States of India. The mountain has an elevation of 28,169 ft above sea-level. The snow-capped mountain is held sacred by the local people living in the area. Locals discourage mountaineers to climb to the summit of this mountain and leave it unconquered as it believes it will displease the deities residing on it. Thus, climbers attempting to scale Mount Kangchenjunga always stop a short way before the peak to pay respects to the local beliefs. 

6. Naga Gateways

According to NDTV’s list of seven wonders of the North Eastern States of India, the sixth wonder is the Naga Gateways. However, no information regarding this wonder was found online. If any of you reading this article have any idea about this wonder, please leave your comments below.

5. Mājuli 

The sixth wonder in the list is the biggest river island in the world, the Majuli Island. It is located on the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It is India’s first island to be declared a district. Majuli occupies had an area of 880 square km at the turn of the 19th century but its area has been constantly shrinking due to erosional forces. Majuli is an inhabited island with agriculture and fishing being important sources of livelihood for the people living here. The wetland ecosystem of the island attracts many species of birds. The island also has a rich culture and several places of tourist interest.

4. Kamakhya Temple

The fifth wonder of the North Eastern States of India is an ancient Hindu temple named the Kamakhya Temple. It is one of the 51 Shakti Pithas of Hinduism. It is dedicated to goddess Kamakhya. The temple is located on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati’s western part. The temple provides an insight into the culture and rituals of Hindus who believe in the Tantric sect of the religion. It is claimed that at one time, human sacrificial rituals were held at this temple where humans were sacrificed in the belief that it would please the Goddess. Although such sacrifice is now illegal in the country, animal sacrifices are still held at the temple. So, this wonder will definitely not be a favorite one of the kind-hearted people.

3. Tawang Monastery

The Tawang Monastery, the world’s second-biggest monastery after Lhasa’s Potala Palace, is a well-deserving candidate on this list. The monastery is located in the city of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. It was established between 1680 and 1681 and is affiliated to the Mahayana Buddhism’s Gelug school. The three-storied monastery is surrounded by a 925 ft high wall. 65 buildings including the main center of worship, the monks’ quarters, etc., are part of the complex. A number of ceremonies are held here. The monastery is showcases art and artifacts of ancient times. It also stores ancient Buddhist scriptures of great value. It is a popular tourist destination in Arunachal Pradesh.

2. Kaziranga National Park

One of India’s most famous national parks, the Kaziranga is famed for hosting a significant population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. The park is located in Assam and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The national park is also home to tigers, elephants, wild water buffaloes, swamp deer, hundreds of species of birds, and several other species of wildlife. Thus, the Kaziranga National Park was voted the second wonder of the North Eastern States of India.

1. The Brahmaputra River

One of Asia’s major rivers, the Brahmaputra serves as the lifeline of the people of the Northeast. The river begins as the Yarlung Tsangpo from the Angsi glacier in Tibet and flows for about 3,848 km before draining into the Bay of Bengal. The river’s waters are used to irrigate vast stretches of cultivable land in its basin. Long stretches of the river are also navigable. The Brahmaputra River is, however, prone to catastrophic floods that cause great loss of lives and property every year. Its great power over the Northeast region, unpredictable flow, and usefulness make the Brahmaputra the biggest wonder of the North Eastern States of India.