North East India had a sketchy past when it comes to safety. A past riddled with the news of multiple incidences of violence. While that has long become a thing of the past, the impression of the North East being an unsafe place has not fully gone. That is the reason the first concern that most of the people who wish t0 travel to North East India destinations have. We at North East Explorers have taken it to ourselves to do our bit in letting the facts out. To help people from outside the region about the actual safety situation in North East India.
Is it safe to travel to North East India?
While of course, the old times had issues, but they were, almost always, internal. The infighting between groups and sometimes between various fringe groups and the government forces. Tourists had never been bothered and tourist circuits of North East India have never been at risk in the region. On the contrary, tourists have always been welcome.
Things to know before visiting North East India
North East India is completely safe, as safe as any other part of the country. In fact, it much safer than many parts of the rest of India. Almost all the insurgent groups that were active in the past, don’t exist anymore or at least are no more active. The far and few things that happen once in a blue-moon, happen in the border areas. North East India region shares boundaries with 3 different countries, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China, and international boundaries in this part of the world are known for not being quiet for long.
However, the good thing is, none of these are anywhere near any tourist circuit. So, safety is not any concern here.
Things to keep in mind when traveling in the North East to be safe
- Just like you will do anywhere else in the world, don’t attract unnecessary attention.
- Just like you won’t venture into any shoddy area/lane when in your city, don’t do that when a new place either.
- Always listen to your gut feeling when you are alone and are trying to do something you are not sure about.
- Always listen to the locals. They are almost always very friendly and ready to help.
- When in a market/crowded area, don’t show-off. Try to mix with the crowd.
- When at a place of adventure (mountain/jungle/lake/river, etc.), always ALWAYS listen to your guide.
How to enjoy when in North East India?
North East India is a big region and is blessed with diverse cultures. When in the North East, the best way to enjoy and make the most out of your time here is to be one with nature and the people. The region is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country and the people are equally warm and welcoming. All you need is an open mind and you will be delighted to see what this part of the country has to offer.
Post-COVID travel in North East India.
Please read our detailed post here, for the latest updates about SOPs and post COVID travel in North East India.
Do you think you have more questions or doubts about safety in the North East? Please feel free to go through our FAQs & Myths section or drop us a line here and we will do our best to answer you in the best possible way.
