Northeast India

After the Sundarbans, Shanti's family travels to the Northeast of India. Appa reminds Shanti that seven states called the 'Seven Sisters', together with the state of Sikkim, make up Northeast India. So the Northeast has eight states in all.

The Northeast is a land full of colour, creativity and life. It has lush forests, flowing rivers, and amazing animals and birds, and people there live closely with nature. Their weaving and crafts, music, dance and festivals are all connected to the hills, forests and wildlife around them. Culture and nature grow together.

The Bhut Jolokia, or ghost pepper, grows in the Northeast. It is one of the hottest chillies in the world! People use it in pickles and chutneys — and even to keep elephants away from their crops.

Their new guide, Chandan, shows them living root bridges. The roots of trees grew across the streams until they became strong enough to walk on. Now, Chandan says, the people just have to look after them.