Reasons why you should never travel to the Northeast

Now, when Northeast is creating more waves in matters of tourism, it will be in the best of your interest to better avoid it if you are keen for a very touristy experience. This region is still in its nascent stage, away from the tourism flux. Internet will be of little help if you want an itinerary for your visit to this place. This part of country is away from the mainstream; so when you get there, you might feel like you have travelled through time.

Forget about time travelling, there are things that you need to keep in mind before planning a trip to that region. Take notes, if you feel that it’s your cup of tea, Northeast India definitely needs to be visited.
This part gets the first rays of sun

Arunachal Pradesh is the eastern most state of the country, thereby welcoming the first sunrise. This might come as a shock to many as your daily clock will get twisted there.
If being an early bird is not your cup of tea, this place is not for you.

Peeing in the open is a big NO
While this is a normal scenario is most parts of our country, you might need to keep a check on your pressure there. You never know when you tumble upon a sacred tree or holy tomb. Better not get into trouble!
If you think peeing in open is a leisure activity, just tick it off from your travel list.

Credit cards! Errr
Leave your credit card at home, as you would seldom need it there. ATMs are available, just that getting out cash might depend on your luck.
If credit cards are your lifeline, think again.

Mind your language
Having a sense of humour is good, it helps breaking the ice. If you have been calling your north-eastern friend ‘chinki’ all this while, get off the idea while there. Remember you are just visiting a different place, but that different place is still in India. People of Northeast are polite and well-behaved than most people in India, but try not to offend them.Either avoid the Delhi-way of speaking there (where bad mouthing is, in a way, considered cool), or avoid going to this place.

Develop taste; be prepared to experiment
You will be introduced to unique and different cuisines, which will rarely be found anywhere else. Also, note the eating time and frequency that the people maintain there. Places in Mizoram and Nagaland don’t have the concept of ‘lunch’. They only eat two meals a day, i.e., breakfast and dinner.
You will need to brace yourself up not only for different type of cuisine, but also for timings. Think again!

No time for booze

There is partial or total alcohol prohibition in three North-eastern states, i.e., Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur. If you intend to add these states to your itinerary, bear in mind that you won’t be allowed to carry booze or find alcohol in these states very easily. And if you do, and get caught, the situation won’t be very pleasant.
If your idea of fun vacation means indulging in booze, you should skip Northeast.

Time difference
Since this region lies on the eastern side of Bangladesh, which is 30 min ahead of Indian time, Northeast is at least 1 hour ahead of IST. Therefore, the sun rises and sets very early here. Don’t be surprised if you find people going to bed by 8 PM and barely or no nightlife option.
If you are a party animal or suffer from insomnia, you know what I will suggest.

Don’t try too hard

Yes, there is a vast cultural and racial difference of people living there from that of the rest of India. Don’t be surprised or act smart by trying to mimic their language (by downloading any kind of stupid app); you will fail to impress anybody there. In fact, they will find it insulting. Also, every person living there will not have Mongoloid features, as many of them are not from the Mongoloid race. So try not to pop up questions like, “Why don’t you look like Chinese?”
If you think you can’t get over the cultural shock, better go somewhere else.
Cleanest village in Asia
Long before PM Modi started the ‘Swach Bharat’ mission, Northeast already attained the fame of having the cleanest village in Asia. The region will surprise you with its cleanliness too.
If you have been spitting and throwing wrappers intentionally all this while, you will be having a difficult time there.

No-honking city

Aizawl is the first city in India to adopt the no-honking policy. You might be stuck in a traffic jam, but that will be a peaceful jam with no honking.
If driving and abusing is part of your personality, you might return more well-behaved from there.

Being travellers, the first important thing to learn is how to adapt. But if you love visiting places like a tourist, and carry the burden of your tantrums everywhere, then ‘all the best’ on your trip to the Northeast.