Seven Sister States of Northeast India: Names, Capitals, Map & Facts
The Seven Sister States of Northeast India are Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. They are seven neighbouring states in India’s northeast. Sikkim is part of Northeast India but is not one of the Seven Sisters. The map and table below show the seven states, their capitals, areas and well-known features.
Important: Sikkim is geographically part of Northeast India, but it is not one of the Seven Sister States. It is commonly described as the “brother state” of the Seven Sisters.
On this page: Names and capitals · Map · Sikkim explained · Geography · Travel guide · FAQs
What Are the Seven Sister States of India?
The Seven Sister States are seven contiguous states located in the northeastern part of India:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Meghalaya
- Manipur
- Mizoram
- Nagaland
- Tripura
Together, these states form the traditional Seven Sisters of Northeast India.
Seven Sister States: Names, Capitals, Areas and Facts
| State | Capital | Approximate area | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar | 83,743 km² | Eastern Himalaya and Tawang |
| Assam | Dispur | 78,438 km² | Brahmaputra and Kaziranga |
| Meghalaya | Shillong | 22,429 km² | Khasi Hills and living root bridges |
| Manipur | Imphal | 22,327 km² | Loktak Lake and Sangai |
| Mizoram | Aizawl | 21,081 km² | Mizo Hills and bamboo forests |
| Nagaland | Kohima | 16,579 km² | Naga Hills and Hornbill Festival |
| Tripura | Agartala | 10,486 km² | Neermahal and Unakoti |
Arunachal Pradesh is the largest of the Seven Sister States by area, while Tripura is the smallest.
Origin of the Name “Land of the Seven Sisters”
The expression “Land of the Seven Sisters” became popular in connection with the formation of the northeastern states in the early 1970s. The term is widely associated with Jyoti Prasad Saikia, a journalist from Tripura, who reportedly used the expression during a radio programme.
The name became an appropriate description of the seven neighbouring states because of their geographical proximity, shared historical connections and cultural interactions, while also recognizing their distinct identities.
Why Is Sikkim Not Included in the Seven Sisters?
Sikkim is an integral part of Northeast India, but it is not traditionally counted among the Seven Sister States.
The original Seven Sisters refers specifically to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.
Sikkim became part of the Northeastern Region administered through the North Eastern Council later than the original seven states. Because of this historical distinction, Sikkim is often referred to informally as the “brother state” of the Seven Sisters.
Today, the broader Northeast India region consists of eight states, including Sikkim.
Why Are the Seven Sister States Geographically Important?
The Seven Sister States occupy a strategically important position in India's northeast.
The region shares international boundaries with several countries, including:
- Bhutan
- China
- Myanmar
- Bangladesh
The northeastern region is connected with the rest of India through a relatively narrow land corridor in northern West Bengal, commonly known as the Siliguri Corridor.
Its geographical position makes Northeast India important for trade, connectivity, tourism, biodiversity conservation and regional cooperation.
Rivers and Landscapes of Northeast India
The physical geography of the Seven Sisters is dominated by mountains, hills, valleys and river systems.
Important rivers include:
- Brahmaputra
- Barak
- Subansiri
- Lohit
- Dibang
- Dihang
- Manas
- Dhansiri
- Kopili
- Teesta in the wider Northeast region
Tourism in the Seven Sister States
From the snow-covered mountains of Arunachal Pradesh and the mighty Brahmaputra River to the living root bridges of Meghalaya, the floating landscapes of Manipur, the bamboo-covered hills of Mizoram, the tribal traditions of Nagaland and the historic monuments of Tripura, the Seven Sister States offer an extraordinary combination of nature, culture, history, wildlife and adventure tourism.
The region is particularly attractive to travellers looking for less-commercialized destinations, spectacular landscapes, indigenous cultures, wildlife experiences and unique traditions.
1. Arunachal Pradesh – The Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains
Capital: Itanagar
Area: 83,743 km²
Arunachal Pradesh is the largest of the Seven Sister States and one of India's most spectacular mountain destinations.
Major Tourist Attractions
- Tawang Monastery
- Sela Pass
- Ziro Valley
- Bomdila
- Dirang
- Namdapha National Park
- Mechuka
- Itanagar
- Pasighat
- Bhalukpong
2. Assam – Gateway to Northeast India
Capital: Dispur
Area: 78,438 km²
Assam is often regarded as the gateway to Northeast India. The state is dominated by the mighty Brahmaputra Valley and is famous for tea gardens, wildlife, river landscapes, temples and cultural heritage.
Major Tourist Attractions
- Kaziranga National Park
- Manas National Park
- Majuli
- Kamakhya Temple
- Sivasagar
- Rang Ghar
- Talatal Ghar
- Sualkuchi
- Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
- Umananda Island
- Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
3. Meghalaya – Land of Clouds
Capital: Shillong
Area: 22,429 km²
The name Meghalaya means “abode of clouds.” The state is famous for dramatic hills, waterfalls, caves, forests, living root bridges and heavy rainfall.
Major Tourist Attractions
- Shillong
- Sohra (Cherrapunji)
- Mawsynram
- Dawki
- Nongriat Living Root Bridge
- Mawphlang Sacred Forest
- Nohkalikai Falls
- Mawsmai Cave
- Krem Liat Prah
- Umiam Lake
4. Manipur – The Jewel of India
Capital: Imphal
Area: 22,327 km²
Manipur is famous for its scenic valleys, hills, lakes, indigenous traditions, handloom and rich sporting heritage.
Major Tourist Attractions
- Loktak Lake
- Keibul Lamjao National Park
- Kangla Fort
- Imphal
- Shirui Hills
- Andro
- INA Memorial Complex
5. Mizoram – Land of Blue Mountains
Capital: Aizawl
Area: 21,081 km²
Mizoram is a mountainous state characterized by forested hills, valleys, bamboo groves and vibrant cultural traditions.
Major Tourist Attractions
- Aizawl
- Reiek
- Phawngpui National Park
- Vantawng Falls
- Tam Dil
- Hmuifang
- Lunglei
- Dampa Tiger Reserve
6. Nagaland – Land of Festivals
Capital: Kohima
Area: 16,579 km²
Nagaland is renowned for its colourful indigenous cultures, traditional villages, handloom, handicrafts, music and festivals.
Major Tourist Attractions
- Kohima
- Hornbill Festival
- Kisama Heritage Village
- Khonoma
- Dzukou Valley
- Mokokchung
- Mon
- Longwa
7. Tripura – Land of Palaces and Heritage
Capital: Agartala
Area: about 10,486 km²
Tripura is the smallest of the Seven Sister States by area and is known for its palaces, temples, archaeological sites, forests and cultural heritage.
Major Tourist Attractions
- Ujjayanta Palace
- Neermahal Palace
- Unakoti
- Tripura Sundari Temple
- Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary
- Jampui Hills
- Pilak
- Dumboor Lake
Festivals of the Seven Sister States
| State | Important festivals |
|---|---|
| Arunachal Pradesh | Losar, Solung, Nyokum, Mopin |
| Assam | Bihu, Ambubachi Mela |
| Meghalaya | Wangala, Nongkrem Dance Festival, Shad Suk Mynsiem |
| Manipur | Yaoshang, Lai Haraoba |
| Mizoram | Chapchar Kut, Mim Kut, Pawl Kut |
| Nagaland | Hornbill Festival, Moatsu, Sekrenyi |
| Tripura | Kharchi Puja, Garia Puja, Ker Puja |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Seven Sister States
How many Seven Sister States are there in India?
There are seven Seven Sister States: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.
Which is the largest Seven Sister State?
Arunachal Pradesh is the largest of the Seven Sister States by area.
Which is the smallest Seven Sister State?
Tripura is the smallest of the Seven Sister States by area.
Is Sikkim one of the Seven Sisters?
No. Sikkim is part of Northeast India, but it is not traditionally included among the Seven Sister States.
Which state is known as the Land of Clouds?
Meghalaya is known as the “Abode of Clouds.”
Which Seven Sister State is famous for Kaziranga National Park?
Assam is home to Kaziranga National Park.