tourist map north east india

Your Ultimate Trip to India: The Complete Guide

How to Get an Indian Visa

India's Visa Types, Explained

Applying for an E-Visa

India's Climate & Seasons

Monsoon in India

Your Essential Packing List

Things to Buy Before You Go

What to Pack for Monsoon

The Best India Guidebooks

How to Save on Your India Trip

The Top Destinations in India

The Most Iconic Sights in India

Which Region Is Right for You?

India's Top Historical Destinations

Romantic Indian Destinations

India's Top Hill Stations

India's Top National Parks

The Best Beaches in India

India's Best Backpacker Spots

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The Best Luxury Spas in India

India Off the Beaten Path

India for Adventure Travelers

Where to Experience Rural India

The Top Things to Do in India

Palaces & Forts in India

India's Best Surfing Beaches

Volunteer on a Budget in India

7 Cool Sound & Light Shows

India's Most Popular Festivals

India's Best Bike Tours

See India by Motorcycle

India's Top Tribal Tours

Offbeat Tours to Take in India

India's Best Homestays

Palace Hotels in India

India's Coolest Treehouse Hotels

Top Wildlife & Jungle Lodges

The Best Hostels in India

Best Budget Hotels in India

Transport in India: An Overview

India's Major Airports

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Domestic Airlines in India

Hiring a Car & Driver in India

Your Intro to Indian Railways

Travel Classes on Indian Trains

How to Reserve a Train Ticket

How to Find & Board Your Train

Tips for Train Travel in India

India's Scenic Toy Trains

12 Indian Etiquette Don'ts

The Top 10 Indian Stereotypes

Tipping in India

What Does the Head Shake Mean?

9 Challenges You'll Face in India

How to Avoid Culture Shock

Top 5 Monsoon Health Concerns

Voltage Information for India

How to Use Your Cell Phone

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Often Misunderstood Hindi Terms

Hindi Language Books

Most Common Indian Scams

How to Handle Begging in India

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What to Buy in India

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How to Bargain at Indian Markets

Guide to North East India States and Places to Visit

Northeast India is made up of seven separate but adjoining states, as well as standalone Sikkim, and is the most tribal region of India. Although the mountainous scenery is arresting, the Northeast region remains the least visited part of India. This has been due to its remoteness, and also the permit requirements placed on tourists . Ethnic violence, as well as the northeast's sensitive location bordering Bhutan, China, and Myanmar, remain issues. Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura are regarded as relatively peaceful though. Tourist numbers to the region have been dramatically increasing in recent years. Find out about what to see there in this guide to Northeast India states.

Want to Take a Tour of the Northeast Region?

Going on a guided tour is recommended as a hassle-free way of seeing the Northeast. Kipepeo is involved in sustainable and responsible tourism, and capacity building in local communities. The company offers a wide range of custom and flexible departure trips and homestay accommodations. Root Bridge is a responsible tourism company that endeavors to tell the untold stories of the Northeast. North East Explorers , The Holiday Scout and The Greener Pastures are recommended too.

Arunachal Pradesh

Until recently, travel to Arunachal Pradesh was highly restricted to foreigners due to its proximity to China. The Indian government has relaxed permit requirements somewhat, and added new tourist circuits, bringing the total number to 12. Limitations on independent travel, the places that can be visited, and the high cost of travel does discourage foreign tourism to the state though. However, adventurous young Indian backpackers are starting to flock there. Tawang Monastery is the state's most well-known attraction. Perched at 10,000 feet above sea level, it overlooks the Tawang Valley near the border of Bhutan. The monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery in India. It also has a fascinating collection of thangkas (Tibetan paintings). If you can, visit it during the Torgya Festival in January or Tawang Festival in October. Other attractions include pristine national parks such as Namdapha, and remarkable tribes. In the Ziro district, the annual Dree festival (early July) and Myoko festival (late March) of the Apatani tribe, and Ziro Music Festival (late September) are popular too. The Mopin Festival of the Galo tribe is celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh in early April.

Assam is the largest and most accessible of the northeast India states. It's best known for its tea, and around 60% of India's tea is grown there . The capital and gateway of Assam is the sprawling and rather unattractive Guwahati. Most people spend a few days there though, as it's the best place to organize tours around Assam and the other Northeast India states. There are also several temples of interest in Guwahati. However, the most famous attraction in Assam is Kaziranga National Park , home to the rare Great Indian One-Horned Rhinocerous. Smaller and lesser-known Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is an excellent place to see these animals as well. Also, don't miss visiting beautiful Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island .

Meghalaya used to be part of Assam. Known as the Abode of the Clouds, it's one of the wettest places on earth . So, do choose the time when you visit wisely! Capital Shillong was a popular hill station during colonial times, with leftover features being a championship golf course and polo ground, Victorian bungalows, and churches. Concrete buildings have sprouted since then, but the charm hasn't been completely lost. The abundant natural attractions in Meghalaya include caves, waterfalls, lakes, and ancient living root bridges . In fact, Meghalaya has the largest number of known caves in India. Check out these top places to visit in Meghalaya for nature lovers and Shillong hotels with a difference.

There are 16 major tribes in untamed Nagaland, which shares a border with Myanmar. Relatively new to tourism, the people are curious, warm, informal -- and open to attracting visitors. You'll never feel alone when visiting villages in Nagaland. Plus, there are tourist lodges with cultural programs in almost every location in the state to accommodate you. However, what's really placed Nagaland on the tourist map is the vibrant tribal Hornbill Festival (first week of December), Moatsu Festival (first week of May), and Aoling Festival of the Konyak tribe (first week of April). Read more about Nagaland's tourist districts and exploring Nagaland.

Manipur, located on the far northeast border below Nagaland, has been described as the Jewel of the East because of its picturesque hills and valleys. The capital, Imphal, is surrounded by wooded hills and lakes. Loktak Lake, with its multitude of floating swampy islands, is remarkable for being the only floating lake in the world. Stay at Sendra Park and Resort for the best experience of it. Manipur has recently begun taking steps to develop its tourist potential, which is essential as the state struggles to overcome poverty in rural areas and rebellions between ethnic groups. A Lemon Festival is held every January in Kachai and the Kang Chingba Festival is also a big event.

Mizoram juts out at the bottom of the Northeast region, finger-like in its form. Its landscape is stunning and varied, with dense bamboo jungles, plunging gorges, rivers, and lush paddy fields. Mizoram will hold a great deal of appeal for those who enjoy the great outdoors. The state's festivals provide a good dose of culture as well, with the Chapchar Kut being one of the most popular.

Tiny Tripura, almost surrounded by Bangladesh, is the second smallest state in India. Heavily forested, it's renowned for its vast array of bamboo products. Handloom weaving is also a significant industry there. The mixed European-Mughal style Ujjayanta Palace is of interest in Tripura's capital, Agartala. However, as it's occupied by the State Legislative Assembly, only the grounds can be explored. Tripura's star attraction, however, is the lake place of Neermahal. It was constructed as a summer resort in 1930 by late Maharaja Birbikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur. There's a boating facility on the lake. Tripura also has a number of Buddhist temples, giving it appeal as a Buddhist pilgrimage place. Unakoti, a Shiva pilgrimage site, is notable for the largest rock-cut images and stone idols of Lord Shiva in India.

The ​Himalayan state of Sikkim was recognized as part of Northeast India in the 1990s. Bordered by China, Nepal and Bhutan, Sikkim has long been regarded as one of the last Himalayan Shangri-las. There's something very soothing to the soul about the mountainous beauty and ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture in Sikkim. Find out more about Sikkim's top places to visit.

Permits for North East India and What You Need to Know

India Travel: Issues to Know at Top Tourist Places

15 Ways and Places to Experience Rural India

Top 5 Places to Tour Tribal India

13 Popular North East India Festivals

10 Mindblowing Buddhist Monasteries in India

16 Best Tourist Destinations in India

20 Top Things to Do in Diverse India

Guide to Popular Tourist Sites in India by Region

10 Places to Visit in Meghalaya for Nature Lovers

12 Major Mountain Ranges in India

12 Top Things to Do in Sikkim, India

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14 Famous Forts and Palaces in India that You Must See

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The Top 15 Hiking Destinations in India

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Tourist Places in North East India

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Must Visit Places in North East India

Kaziranga national park, assam.

This undisturbed acres long stretch of forests and marshlands is located in the heart of Assam and is visited by hordes of tourists every year and it is one of the famous places to visit in North East India. The notable one-horned Rhino is a major attraction in Kaziranga which is an endangered species in the world. 

Other than that Elephants, wild water buffaloes and Swamp Deers can also be seen on a safari. You can either book an Elephant Safari or Jeep safari to explore the park. It is declared  UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the pride of Assam.

Best time to visit: November to April, the park is closed during monsoon months.

Distance: It is located about 193 KM from Guwahati

Timings: Jeep and Elephant safaris can be enjoyed from 7:30 in the morning till 10 AM and 1:30 or 3 PM till sunset. 

Price: The entry fee for Indian is INR 100, there is a toll for road or river cruise which is 300 and Elephant safari can be enjoyed at around  INR 380 to 580 per person. 

Location: Kanchanjuri, Assam 784177 Planning A Trip To Assam Checkout    Best Assam tour packages Also Checkout & Book:  Colosseum Tickets

Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim

The winding roads which make a 37 km long journey from Gangtok to reach an altitude of 12,400 ft are ethereally beautiful and it is one of the best places to visit in North East India the lake at such an elevation flaunts its stillness in the most surreal settings of Himalayan peaks encircling it. 

The snow-clad mountains are the main source for the water in Lake as it melts from the mountains. In winters, this placid lake can also be snow-covered and while you travel to Tsomgo, do not forget to learn the stories which are linked to this lake. It is a different experience altogether.

Best time to visit: Best to visit in winter for enjoying a Yak safari on the frozen lake, from October to March. 

Distance: Around 37 KM from Gangtok.

Timings: There is no particular time to visit however, ropeway cable car operations can only enjoy from  8 AM to 3 PM

Price: A shared taxi from Gangtok to Tsomgo will cost INR 400 per person.

Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Tathangchen Area, Gangtok 737101, India Have a Soulful Experience Checkout:  Best of North East India Tour Click Here To Book Now:  Jack The Ripper Tour

Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh

This monastery is located in Tawang, a mountain town situated at an elevation of 10,000 feet. Tawang Monastery is a significant monument in Arunachal Pradesh, popular as the birthplace of Dalai Lama and the largest Buddhist monastery in the entire country.  

Perched at a height of 3048 meters above sea level, the picturesque and scenic town of Tawang is also known as Dawang and is populated with monks. The monastery is recognized as the second largest in the world after Lhasa and is 400 years old. It is the first place in North East India tourist places that are hit by the travelers who enter the town of Tawang.

Best time to visit: Anytime between November to March.

Distance: Around 7.2 KM from Tawang.

Timings: Open from 7 AM to 7 PM, mostly closed on Wednesdays.

Price: No entry fee.

Location: Cona, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh 790104

Nathula Pass, Sikkim

The old silk road that once used by merchants and traders is at an elevation of 14450 ft. above sea level on the Indo-Tibetan border. The temperature at Nathula is always freezing regardless of the season and the entire region is rich in Himalayan flora and fauna. It is one of the famous places to visit in North East India can be easily travelled from the capital city Gangtok.

Best time to visit: March to October is the time when the temperature would be high compared to any of the winter months. But if you like snow, winter is the best season. 

Distance: Around 58 Km from Gangtok, can take a shared cab. 

Timings: The cabs stop running after 1 PM mostly so morning is when you can leave for the pass. 

Price: The shared taxi may cost between INR 400 to INR 700 per person.

Also Check:   Best places to visit in Sikkim , that will make your trip a lifetime remembering the experience. Also Checkout & Book:  Stonehenge Tickets

Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Ziro Valley is the flat land amidst the sky jutted mountains with around five villages where the highest population is of the Apatani tribe. This tribe is friendly and Ziro serves as a perfect ground for celebrating the music fest every year. The verdant rice field, the in-line tribal huts, the vibrant and colourful attires and accessories of the Tribal people and it is one of the best places to visit in North East India.

If you have time, go shopping for handmade crafts by Apatani people, clothes and Bamboo items like bamboo baskets etc. It is a place where you can go and stay for days in complete solace. Hence making it one of the must-visit tourist sights in Arunachal Pradesh.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year. Ziro Music festival is celebrated mostly in the month of September and October.

Distance: It is around 110 KM from Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.

Timings: Traveling in the mountains are best done during the day. At least 2 days are required to explore Ziro Valley.

Price: Depends on your mode of transport. Also Checkout And Book :   8 Days Arunachal Pradesh Sightseeing Tour                                               North East Family Tour Packages

Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya

It takes a plunge from a height of 1100 ft. and is known as the fourth highest waterfall in the world. It is just a 5 KM drive away from Cherrapunji and a short trekking trail to reach the ultramarine pool. 

The enchanting sight of Noh Ka Likai falls can be best savoured from the viewing gallery. It is mostly covered in mist during monsoon and winters, best to be visited in the spring.

Best time to visit: Post monsoon is the perfect time to see volumes of water taking a plunge from that height. Mostly, from September to March. 

Distance: Around 55 KM from Shillong.

Timings: 24 hours. 

Price: Entry is free of cost.

Location: Sohra, Meghalaya 793108, India, Cherrapunji Check More:  Sikkim Honeymoon Packages                         Sikkim Family Tour Packages

Gorichen Peak, Arunachal Pradesh

On your way from Bomdila to Tawang, you will enjoy the magnificent vistas of the Gorichen Peak. It is one of the toughest treks in the northeastern part of India as the peak is located at a height of 22,500 feet between Tawang and West Kameng districts. 

Gorichen peak is roughly 164 kilometre from Tawang Town, and it shares its border with China in the North. Another name for Gorichen Peak is Sa-Nga Phu, which according to the native tribe Monpa is a sacred peak that protects them from all the evils.

Best time to visit: Anytime between April to October.

Distance: Around 55.8 KM from Tawang. 

Duration: Around 20 to 22 days climb and trek to the top of the peak. 

Price: Varies from operators to operators. 

Location: Between Tawang and West Kameng districts, 164 kilometres from Tawang Townships, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Have the most memorable experience by booking  6 Days Enthralling Group Tour of Sikkim

Best of Himachal Pradesh

Goechala, Sikkim

This is a ‘must-do’ trek in Sikkim and the fact that you encounter the big mountains of Himalayan range face-to-face keeps the trail flocked throughout the spring season. The Goechala trek enables trekkers to witness the magnanimous Himalayan summits, more than 14 in number. 

The next best part is the orange stricken skyline around Mt. Kanchenjunga and the peak glitters in a golden shade. It is a tough trek but this pass dwells at a height of 16,200 ft. which is worth an experience.   

Best time to visit: Between March and April.

Distance covered on the trek: Approximately 90 KM to and fro.

Duration: It takes around 10 to 12 days to do the entire trek.

Price:  INR 14,500.

Grade level: Moderate to Difficult

Book now: Goechala Trek

Umiam Lake, Meghalaya

This man-made reservoir is situated 5 kilometres north of Shillong and is a mesmerizing spot which is one of the famous places to visit in North East India, that can be visited throughout the year. Spread over 222 square kilometres, it is surrounded by dense stretches of coniferous forests. 

People often indulge in various kinds of boating on this lake and the park nearby serves best to every age. The beauty of the lake is enhanced by the encircling Khasi hills which bestow the travellers with unparalleled landscapes and views making it one of the most popular destinations in Shillong .

Best time to visit: Anytime between October and May.

Distance: It is around 17 KM from Shillong.

Timings: Go between 9 AM to 5 PM for trying various watersport. 

Price: There is no entry cost for the lake, however, different water sports rates are as follows - Pedal Boating/ Canoeing/ Kayaking-  INR 20 per head for 30 minutes. Scooter- INR 50, Skiing- INR 200, Yachting- INR 100, River Bus- INR 50 etc.

Location: Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh, Meghalaya, India Explore the tranquil beauty by booking 4 Days Tour of Mystic Meghalaya Also Check Out: Popular Places to Visit in Kohima

Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, Meghalaya

These are the wettest places in India and both are located within a distance of 16 km. However, Mawsynram is the wettest among both with a recorded annual rainfall of 11,872 millimetres, making Cherrapunji the second wettest place in India that receives an average annual rainfall of 11,777 millimetres and it is one of the best places to visit in North East India.

Both are located on the Southern side of East Khasi hills and is beautiful during and post-monsoon with innumerable waterfalls and mist-laden valleys.

Best time to visit: Each season is beautiful in its own way but it is best visited anytime between September to November.

Distance: Mawsynram is around 60 KM from Shillong and Cherrapunji is 15 KM from Mawsynram.

Timings: Day travelling is always a better option.

Price: Depends on the mode of transport you chose to travel.

Location: Mawsynram Village, Cherrapunji, Shillong, India

Top Experiences To Do in Cherrapunji

Loktak Lake, Manipur

This lake is famous for its numerous small floating islands which are locally famous as ‘Phumdis.’ Loktak lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in North East India and is home to the world's only floating National park - Keibul Lamjao National Park and it is one of the best places to visit in North East India.

It is located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur and the floating swamps can be toured on a fisherman's boat. It is a nature lover's paradise where you can indulge in birdwatching, witnessing he endangered Manipuri brow-antlered deer, Sangai and photographing more than 425 species of animals and 100 species of birds. It is one of the must-go places to visit in North East India.

Best time to visit: Anytime between October to March.

Distance: Around 53 KM from Imphal city.

Timings: The most preferred is 9 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.

Price: Free of entry charge.

Location: Loktak Lake, Moirang, Manipur, 795133, India Click Here to Book Now:  North East Tour Package From Mumbai                                             Meghalaya Family Tour Packages

Siang River Rafting, Arunachal Pradesh

From moderate to difficult rapids, river Siang gives you the adventure to row your rafts in grade 3 and 4 level rapids and riffles. The river is wild and the rafts see huge drops with raging speed, thrilling the rafters to the core. 

The river runs through several tribal settlements on its course and for doing the entire Siang river course, you must have an experience as a rafter with such high-level grades. The rivers like Brahmaputra, Siang and Subansiri etc in Arunachal Pradesh are fed with snow throughout the year so the water can be freezing cold.

Mawlynnong Village, Meghalaya

It was acclaimed to be Asia’s cleanest village in 2003, this village is an excellent example of sustainable and eco-friendly living. Even the dustbins are made of Bamboo just like the sky tower which is around 85 ft. 

The trek to the Living Root Bridge starts from Mawlynnong Village and it is one of those North East India tourist places which is in everyone’s itinerary. This pretty village is spotless clean outlined with thatched Khasi huts. The village is very close to Bangladesh and around 100 KM from Shillong and is really the cleanest village in India.

Best time to visit: All around the year.

Distance: Around 100 KM from Shillong city centre.

Timings: Stay for at least a day at the village.

Price: Transport charge from Shillong to Mawlynnong village may vary depending on your mode.

Location: East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001, India. Also Book & Checkout -  Darjeeling Packages From Delhi                                            Darjeeling Tour Packages From Siliguri

Best of Ladakh

Tripura Sundari Temple, Tripura

This old Hindu shrine is situated around 56 km from Agartala town and is said to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and it is one of the best tourist places in North East India. The outer upper edifice is a dome structure where the square type sanctum is worshipped, more like a typical Bengali hut. 

Flocks of tourists and locals visit this temple in lakhs during Diwali every year. It is one of the religious places to visit in North East India and one of the few temples of Goddess Kali in India.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year.

Distance: Almost around 56 KM from Agartala.

Timings: Opens for visitors from 6 AM to 10 PM on all days of the week.

Location: Fulkumari, Udaipur, Tripura 799013 You Can Also Book:  Darjeeling Tour Packages For Couple                                     Shillong Tour Packages

Places to Visit in Sikkim

This cloudy paradise is simply enticing, exuberant and the gateway to Northeast. Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and a trekking hub. The site of Mt. Kanchenjunga is cherished from Gangtok, and mountaineers who are on their expedition to climb the Eastern Himalayas make it a base town. 

Travellers can also spot the pristine site of river Teesta and can travel to many points like the famous Tsomgo Lake, Rumtek monastery, Nathula Pass, Tashi viewpoint and Ban Jhakri falls etc. The view of Kanchenjunga during sunrise or sunset is commendable, it shines like a series of Golden Peaks. and is one of the must visit tourist places in North East India.

Places to visit: Nathula pass, Goechala, Tsomgo lake

Best for: Trekking enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers.

Also Read:  Top Places to Visit in Gangtok                      Kaziranga Tour Package

Top Experiences To Do in Gangtok

Kanchenjunga

Kanchenjunga is one of the famous peaks in the Himalayan belt and trekking to its base camp is equally an adventure. The Kanchenjunga base camp is located at an elevation of 28169 ft. above sea level. 

It is a cherished trek among adventure enthusiasts where you get to witness a range of peaks along with the five great massifs of Kanchenjunga. The other peaks are Frey Peak, Kok Tang, Kabru Peak, Ratong, Chandra Peak and the Kabru Dome.

Best time to visit: Mid March to May and mid-September to October.

Duration: It takes around 11 Day to do the entire trek.

Price: The prices may differ from operator to operator, approximately under INR 15,000. 

Grade level: Moderate Checkout More:  Sikkim Tour Packages From Kolkata                              Sikkim Tour Packages From Ahmedabad

Pelling is gaining popularity with each passing year and the next big attraction after Gangtok. Pelling is a town in the West district of Sikkim at an elevation of 2000 meters and is a paradise for peace-seekers. You can indulge in activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, village walks etc. 

It is becoming one of the places to visit in North East India to enjoy some of the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. There are various places in Pelling that you should definitely visit when you go to North East.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year, while winters are freezing, summers are pleasant.

Distance: It is around 120 Km from Gangtok.

Timings: It will take 5 to 6 hours to reach from Gangtok. Two nights are enough to explore the place but you can stay there for 4 or 5 days as well.

Price: Taxi fares depends on your bargaining skills. Expected cost can be around INR 3000 for hiring a private taxi.

Location: West district, Sikkim, India. Must Book:  Sikkim Tour Packages From Delhi                       Sikkim Tour Packages From Mumbai

Top Experiences To Do in Pelling

This small village is situated near Kanchenjunga National Park and boasts of matchless natural beauty. It is in the western Sikkim region which serves as a hotspot to adventurous souls as it enables easy access to the base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga. 

It is home to some of the offbeat North East India tourists places like Dubdi and Sangachoeling monasteries, Khecheopalri Lake, Tendong Hill and the Menam Hill etc. Other attractions in Yuksom are Kathok Wodsallin Gompa, Tashi Tenka, Dubdi Gompa, and Norbugang Park etc.

Best time to visit: From March to June.

Distance: Around 125 KM from Gangtok.

Location: Yuksom, West-Sikkim, Sikkim, India Checkout & Book:  North Sikkim Tour Package From Gangtok                                 Sikkim Tour Packages From Bangalore

Top Experiences To Do in Yuksom

Singalila National Park

This alluring National Park is situated at a height of 7000 feet above the sea level, covering an area of 79 sq km of land and it is one of the best places to visit in North East India. The Rhododendron forests, rare species of Orchids and Alpine trees are home to a plethora of species in plants and animals like Himalayan Leopard, Elephant, Pangolin, Chinkara along with Primula, Bamboo, Magnolia,  Oak, Rhododendron etc.

It is a famous trekking destination as it makes a major part of the Singalila range and can be best traversed on a Jeep Safari.

Best time to visit: From March to May and mid-September to October.

Distance: It is around 35 KM from Darjeeling and around 122 KM from Gangtok.

Timings: The park remains closed from June to September, besides, can visit the rest of the year.

Price: A state bus from Darjeeling will cost under INR 50 and Taxi can cost around INR 1000. 

Location: Singalila National Park 734101, India You Should Also Check:  Sikkim Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Package from Pune                                            Sikkim Tour Packages From Chennai

Best of Sikkim

Places to Visit in Meghalaya

Double decker living root bridge.

It is a speciality of Khasi tribe to fasten the roots of Banyan trees to create bridges over rivers and streams. Double Decker Living Root Bridge is a perfect example of their skills of braiding the roots where two single bridges where one is stacked over another and it is one of the famous places to visit in North East India.

The bridge is a man-made cum natural wonder where the entanglement of roots is taking place for centuries and it is grown in the form of decks.

Best time to visit: Avoid monsoon, post-monsoon starting from September is the perfect time to go.

Distance:  Around 68 KM from Shillong

Timings: Visitors can visit it any time of the day.

Price: INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children.

Location: Nongriat Village, Cherrapunjee, India Also Book:  Sikkim Tour Packages From Surat                     Sikkim Tour Packages From Guwahati

Laitlum Canyon

The name Laitlum literally stands for “The end of hills,” or “the end of the world.” Laitlum Canyon is situated in the East Khasi hills enabling a vast and panoramic view of the entire valley of canyons. These picturesque rocky formations are a delight to trekkers, nature lovers, photographer, and adventurers. 

The place is quite secluded and is not accessed by the mundane but the beauty of Laitlum Canyon is unique, unparalleled and incomparable. The place is mostly visited in morning hours and carrying your camera is ‘must.’

Best time to visit: Sunset, around 4 to 5 PM. 

Distance: Around 24 KM from Shillong and it takes around an hour journey to reach.

Timings: Everyday from 7 AM to 5 PM.

Price: Entry is free.

Location: East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Also Read: Best Things to do in Meghalaya , to know more about this place. Checkout More:  Meghalaya Tour Packages From Mumbai

Dawki River

The crystal clear river in Dawki is known as Umngot river and is famous for its transparent visibility. The place is nestled in the West Jantai hill that has an active tourism and every year people visit Dawki to boat around this iconic river where the river bed is unbelievably clear. 

It is one of the places in North East India which enables a view of both Jaintia and Khasi hills. The suspension bridge and the diveable river hotbeds can lure you into entering the water to take a dip.

Best time to visit: September to April. 

Distance: Around 86 KM from Shillong.

Timings: It can be visited any time of the day. 

Price: There is no entry cost but you can indulge in boat rides with the best-bargained prices.

Location: Dawki bridge, Tamabil, Wah Umngot 793103, India

Mawsmai Cave

This cave is one of the many caves in Northeast India which has enough light passing for the travellers to see the limestone structures and uneven walls. 

This natural marvel has undergone years of abrasion and underground water exposures that the stalactites and stalagmites are carved out in a various structure that leaves you spellbound. Being the only lit cave in Meghalaya, Mawsmai cave is a crowd puller.

Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh

Nuranang falls.

Plummeting from an elevation of about 100 meters, Nuranang falls is a pristine waterfall hidden in the thick forest stretches on your journey from Tawang to Bomdila. This virgin waterfall is famous as BTK, Bap Teng Kang waterfalls and can be located on the way through Tawang towards Zemithang. 

It is one of the best tourist places in North East India that defines the hidden beauty of the region with its crystal clear pools and green surroundings.

Best time to visit: Anytime between February to November.

Distance:  24.9 KM from Tawang.

Timings: You can do a day trip to Nuranang falls as it requires trekking in the forest. Night trekking can be dangerous and risky, therefore best to go during the day. 

Price: It is free of charge.

Location: West Kameng District, Tawang 790104, Arunachal Pradesh India Checkout More:  Meghalaya Trip From Delhi                               Arunachal Pradesh Tour Package From Guwahati

Nagula Lake

One of the prettiest sights of Tawang, this lake is a must visit with Arunachal tour packages. The high-altitude lake, which is situated at nearly 4300 feet, is a picturesque natural body with a fascinating ambience. Natural life flourishes all around the shores of the lake, making it a very good tourist places in North East India to enjoy the serenity and calm reflection.

The lake is frozen through most part of the year except in the summer months from April to May. You can easily trek up to the lake and have a fun-filled picnic by its shores. Don't miss this while on your Arunachal trip.

Location:  Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, India Book Now -  Sikkim Tour Packages From Chennai                       Sikkim Tour Packages From Surat

Best of Andaman and Nicobar

Roing is situated in the lower Dibang valley as a district headquarter. The place is cherished for its placid lakes, snow-clad mountains, raging river, archaeological sites and deep gorge with numerous waterfalls.

It is inhibited majorly by two tribes- Adi-Padam and Idu-Mishmi Tribes. It is one of the ideal Places to visit in North East India if you are looking to indulge in activities like angling, rafting, trekking and rock climbing etc.

Best time to visit:  Anytime between October to March. You may found pre-monsoon showers in the month of April.

Places to visit: Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhismaknagar Fort, Mehao Lake, Nehru Van Udyan, Deopani River, Iphi-Panighat etc.

Best for: Nature lovers, landscape photographers, and adventure seekers

Also Visit:  Gangtok Family Tour Packages                    Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Packages from Kolkata

Bomdila Monastery

This monastery is home to Lamas and Monks and was inaugurated in the year 1965. It is one of the main attractions in Bomdila because of its significance and believes that it is the exact replica of a monastery situated in Tsonga in South Tibet named Tsona Gontse Monastery. 

The monastery has a peaceful prayer hall and a beautiful Buddha temple dwells in the premises. It is one of the primary attractions of Arunachal Pradesh which is located at an elevation of 8500 feet and surrounded by the grace of mighty Himalayas.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year, but best to visit between September to October and February to April.

Distance: It is 170 KM Tawang.

Timings: Anytime during the day.

Price: Free of cost.

Location: Cona, Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh 790001

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Namdapha National Park

Namdapha National park is the third largest national park in the country area wise. It serves as an abode to the rarest of floras and faunas and the many endangered species. You can trek, hike or set out on a jungle safari to spot Indian Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Black Bear, and Bison etc. Take a refreshing ride to tourist places in North East India like Haldibari, Deba, Bulbulia Camping site, Hornbill and Motijheel etc.

Best time to visit: Anytime between October to March or April.

Distance from bus stand: It is 430 KM from Itanagar.

Timings: 6 AM to 5 PM

Price: INR 50 per Indian adult and INR 75 for still Camera. Foreigners are to pay INR 350 for entry.

Location: Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Also Check:  Darjeeling Tour Packages From Chennai                        Darjeeling Tour Packages From Ahmedabad

Places to Visit in Assam

Majuli island.

The world’s largest river island spans over an area of 1250 sq. km and is so fascinating that It is a strong contender in the UNESCO Heritage sites list. 

Majuli calls the cultural capital of Assam and is inhibited by tribal people whose occupation is mostly fishing. Majuli heavily relies on waterways so do not forget to take motorboat or ferry ride.

Best time to visit: July to March

Distance: Around 20 KM from Jorhat city.

Timings: The ferry timings are 8 AM, 10 PM, 1 PM and 3 PM. These ferries run from Nimati Ghat in Jorhat to Kamalabari Ghat in Majuli.

Price: INR 30 per person.

Location: Majuli, Assam

Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya temple is one of the ancient and highly worshipped temples of Northeast. Set atop Nilachal hills, this unique temple has recognized and celebrated the biological process of menstruation in women since forever. 

The temple is dedicated to Kamakhya Devi who is also called as the “bleeding goddess.” The story of its origin revolves around a story that involves Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year. To observe the festival of Ambubachi, visit in Monsoon season.

Distance: Around 13 KM from the main bus stand in Guwahati.

Timings:  Opens for worshippers between 8 AM to 1 PM and 2:30 to 5:30 PM.

Price: free of cost.

Location: Kamakhya, Guwahati, Assam 781010 Also Visit:  Darjeeling Tour Packages From Siliguri                    Darjeeling Tour Packages From Bangalore

Dibrugarh is the largest tea producing district located on the upper Assam area, right on the banks of river Brahmaputra. The lush green tea gardens and the vastness of Brahmaputra attract hordes of tourists to Dibrugarh every year. 

It is considered to be one of the perfect lands for tea plantation in the entire Northeastern region. It is one of the ideal places to visit in North East India for Tea shopping.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year. 

Places to visit: Dehing Satra, Koi Aai Than, Barbarua Maidam, Namdapha National park and various tea estates etc.

Best for: Offbeat escapes , river activities, Tea connoisseurs.

Location: Northernmost tip of Assam. Book Now:  Darjeeling Tour Packages From Surat                      Darjeeling Tour Package From Kolkata

Top Experiences To Do in Dibrugarh

Best of Meghalaya

Brahmaputra River

The longest river of North East India is boisterous and the lifeline of the region. It is the main river for all the tributaries like Subansiri, Teesta, Dibang, Dhansiri, Lohit etc. The Brahmaputra is a major source of Swamps of Assam like Majuli island.

It is navigable in the plains of Northeast India like Guwahati but a major portion is hidden between the towering Himalayas.

Places to Visit in Tripura

Ujjayanta palace.

The entire city of Agartala unfurls around this lavishly designed architectural marvel of the Northeastern part of India. Ujjayanta Palace dates back to the year 1901 and from the public halls to the reception hall, from the library to the Chinese rooms; every edge gives a true sense of royalty.

The lush greenery of vast gardens is well complemented with a rippling lake. It serves as a pretty museum to the travellers who come to Tripura all the way from their homes.

Best time to visit: October to March

Distance: Around 3 KM from Agartala Bus Stand.

Timings: Opens from 11 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week except Mondays. 

Price: INR 10 per person.

Location: Palace Compound, Agartala, Tripura

Jagannath Temple

This is a famous temple in Tripura which dates back to the 19th century and was built by Manikya Dynasty. The temple is dedicated to God Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. It is suggested to go during the month of June to witness the famous Rath Yatra. 

Keep your camera handy because this temple is a sight to the sore eyes.  Jagannath Temple is truly one of those North East India tourist places which are always flocked with religious souls.

Best time to visit: Go in June and join or witness the famous Rath Yatra, being celebrated at the temple. 

Distance: Approximately 52 KM from Agartala.

Timings: It is open throughout the week, every day from 4 AM to 2 PM and then from 4 PM to 9 PM. Join the evening prayers for the best experiences.

Price: entry is free.

Location: Near Jagannath Dighi Tank, Agartala, India

Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary

Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is said to be the biodiversity heaven of Tripura for the plethora of animals and plants that dwell within this protected belt. There is a bio-complex, a zoo, a deer park and a Botanical garden within the sanctuary premises. 

It has around 456 species of plants, with animal species like Barking Deer, Pigtailed macaque, Rhesus macaque, Capped langur, Spectacled monkey, Slow loris, Clouded leopard, Civets, Jungle fowl, Wild pig, etc.

Best time to visit: Anytime between September to March.

Rudrasagar Lake

The lake is situated in the Sipahijala district, in the Melaghar block. It is considered one of the wetlands for conservation and sustainable use by looking at its environs and rich flora and fauna. On the northeast bank of the lake, NeerMahal was constructed by the king of Tripura during the mid-30s. 

The water is surrounded by the lake water and most of the tourist come to visit the palace and go boating in the lake.

Best time to visit: Somewhere between July and August, a boat race is organized on this lake. Besides that, it can also be visited from October to March.

Distance: Around 48 KM from Agartala.

Timings: The lake can be visited from Neer Mahal which is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on all days of the week.

Price: Lake is a free of cost visit but a simple boat ride costs INR 20 per head. 

Location: Near Neermahal Palace, Agartala, India

Places to Visit in Mizoram

Reiek heritage village.

This hilltop village is a birdwatcher’s delight and photographers favourite spot. Mizo hills in the background give ample opportunities for trekking. 

Among the many North East India tourist places, Mizoram is an underrated hill station and Reiek Heritage village is now breaking the barriers with its contrasting landscape of the steep rocky cliffs and the virgin forests. It is well connected with cities like Aizawl, Silchar, Guwahati etc.

Best time to visit: Any time of the year.

Distance: Aizawl is the closest town which is around 30 KM from Reiek Heritage village.

Timings: Open in the daytime.

Location: Aizawl, India

Best of Bhutan

Khawnglung Wildlife

It is nestled at an elevation of 1300 meters and spread across an area of 35 sq km in the Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary. The dense forest is rich in a wide range of species  hoolock, gibbon, serow, barking deer, sambar deer and leopard, Sambhar, Hoolock Gibbon, Himalayan Serow, Barking Deer, Wild Boar

Distance from bus stand: Around 127 KM from Aizawl.

Timings: 7.00 AM - 6.00 PM on all days of the week except Public holidays.

Price: Depends on the safari you opt for.

Location: Lunglei, Aizawl, India

Vantawng Falls

Vantawng fall is a well-kept secret of the hilly state of Mizoram and is the highest waterfall of the state. It is one of the best sites in Mizoram and a testament to the hidden treasures of Northeast. 

It originates from Vanva River near Thenzawl and is tucked away in a green setting of valleys and mountains, almost over a hundred kilometres from the city of Aizawl.

Solomon's Temple

This holy church was founded in the year 1984 to disseminate the teachings of God in the Mizo people. The temple is quite big for the population of Mizoram where the courtyard can accommodate around 1000 visitors and the main hall has a capacity of around 2000 people. 

The temple has a natural park where people often spend their time in peace with squirrels and birds.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit this place during festivals like Easter, Good Friday, and Christmas.

Distance: Around 8 KM from Aizawl bus stand. 

Timings: 10 AM to 4:30 PM

Price: Entry is free of charge.

Location: Chawlhhmun, Aizawl, India

Durtlang Hills

It bestows the travellers with a magnificent view of the entire Aizawl city. Take enjoyable walks along the hill slopes and cherish the rural scenes. You may come across small waterfalls on your way up if you are visiting during monsoon or post monsoon.

The greenery will take your breath away, and the panoramic view of the entire town is excellent. If you are in Mizoram, this climb is easy and really rewarding.

Places to Visit in Nagaland

Dimapur has a past relevance and significance to the Kachari tribe who used to inhibit the territory in the 13th century. The place is evidential to the strong presence of the tribe. Dimapur is a fast growing town, also because of the presence of an Airport. 

The place is bordered with hills and vegetation on one side and hemmed in by Dhansiri river on another. There are myriads of local attractions and nearby places to go like Kachari ruins, triple falls etc.

Best time to visit: Anytime between October to June.

Places to visit: Kachari ruins, Triple falls, the Nagaland Science Centre and Zoological Park.

Best for: Historical buffs, Architecture admirers, and Foodies.

Location: Dimapur, Nagaland, India

Kohima Museum

If you are interested in knowing the history, culture, lifestyle, and tribes of  Nagaland than there is no better place than visiting Kohima Museum. Furthermore, there are antiques,  crafts, and gadgets used by the tribes to meet their daily chores on exhibit. 

The different types of huts are on display of different tribal settlements. The dialects used by different tribes and clan motifs, along with musical instruments and utensils made of Buffalo horns and bamboos are some of the interesting things in Kohima Museum.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year, mornings are the best to avoid the rush.

Distance: It is around 1.2 KM from the bus stand in Kohima.

Timings: Open on all days of the week from 9:30 AM to 3 PM except Sunday.

Price: INR 5 per adult and INR 20 for still camera.

Location: Upper Bayavü Hill, Kohima, Nagaland 797121

Best of Spiti Valley

After Kohima and Dimapur, the third prominent district is Mokokchung which is also home to Ao Naga. The fascinating mountain villages with vibrantly different people in their attires and traditions following their daily routine can be enjoyed and witnessed in this offbeat location.

Mokokchung is called as the “intellectual and cultural capital of Nagaland.” The best time to visit is Christmas as the entire population of Ao Naga have taken up Christianity as their faith so the festival is celebrated with utter joy.  

Best time to visit: Anytime between October to June

Places to visit: Mopungchuket, Langpangkong, Ungma village, Chuchuyimlang, and Molung village.

Suggested time required to visit: At least one to two days.

Best for: Offbeat escapes

Location: Mokokchung, Nagaland, India.

Mon is home of Konyak Nagas who are famous as the headhunting tribe in Nagaland, they are friendly though. You will still find some of the people of the tribe with tattooed face and blackened teeth. 

Mon is a very interesting village in the far eastern corner of Nagaland and has so many stories of their ancestors and their lifestyle that you might end up shooting a documentary with them.

Best time to visit: Anytime in the year. Suggested months are from October to May.

Places to visit: Veda Peak, Shangyu, and Longwa village

Best for: Historical buffs, Culture exploration, Nature and peace-seeker.

Location: Mon Village, Nagaland 798621

Khonoma Green Village

It is a popular site to witness some of the unique agricultural techniques that include terraced farming. It is situated about half an hour from the city of Kohima and is rich in forestlands used by rare species of plants and animals. 

As you gradually move closer to the village the terrain will become hilly, sometimes rugged sometimes green. The natural beauty of the place is still unhindered and that is the charm of this village.

Best time to visit: Anytime in the year. Suggested months are from October to May

Distance from bus stand: It is located 20 KM from Kohima.

Timings: 24 hours, daytime is suggested.

Best for: Trekking enthusiasts and Photographers.

Location: Khonoma, Nagaland 797002

Doyang River

You can enjoy a picnic or several water activities like fishing and boating on the longest river of Nagaland. Before entering the Wokha district, it comes from the North, flows in the East and meets Saju river. 

It has three main tributaries- Tsui, Tullo and Tishi and the Angami people fondly call as Dzu or Dzulu as it first rises from their area.

Places to Visit in Manipur

Shri govindji temple.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Jagannath and dates back to the year 1876, almost 130 years old. The beauty of this ancient temple is dotted with two small ponds named Radha Kunj and Krishna Kunj. 

The Golden domes of the temple are visible from quite a distance and you are even allowed to photograph this place. If you are interested in history and architecture, it can be an informative stopover which is situated right next to Kangla Fort.

Best time to visit: Early morning Aarti ceremony.

Distance: Around 3 KM from Imphal city.

Timings: 5 AM to 12 PM and then 4 PM to 9 PM on all days of the week.

Location: Wangkhei Keithel Ashangbi, Imphal East, Manipur, 795005, India

Imphal Valley

This oval shaped canyon is situated an hour drive away from the city and is incredibly scenic. This valley owes its beauty to the confluence of several small river streams from the neighbouring hills, giving a unique colour to the river and scenery. 

The famous Loktak lake is one of the lakes and swamps of the Southern side of the valley. The valley is picture-perfect and you can click endless selfies, the frame will always look bright and beautiful.

Best time to visit: Early in the morning or evening, throughout the year.

Distance: Around 30 KM away from Imphal city.

Timings:  Any time of the day.

Price: No entry cost but transport charges will cost you depending on the mode you chose.

Location: Near Loktak Lake, Imphal, India

Best of Arunachal Pradesh

Kangla Fort

Kangla fort is located right on the banks of Imphal river. It holds a strong significance and importance in the history of the North Eastern region and that is why it is always flocked with tourists.

It spans across an area of 237 acres of land and has seen reigns of multiple kings in the past. The state government opened this fort to Public in the year 2004 adding up to the list of places to visit in North East India.

Distance: Around 2 KM from Imphal city.

Timings:  Opens from 7 AM till 5 PM on all days of the week.

Price: INR 2 per person.

Location: Near Bank of Imphal River, Imphal East, Manipur, 795010, India

People Also Ask About North East India

Which are the best places to visit in north east india, which are the places to visit in northeast india for honeymoon.

Gangtok, Sikkim - The capital city is a perfect blend of nature, urban luxuries, adventure, and serenity. The city is a popular holiday destination in India and the major attractions here are Tashi View Point, Rumtek Monasteries, Lake Tsomgo, and Gondola rides. Gangtok has several adrenaline rushing activities like river rafting on Teesta river, paragliding, cycling on Silk Route, and Goecha La Trek. These thrilling activities make Gangktok one of the best places to visit in North East India to adventure out with your loved one. Darjeeling, West Bengal - One of the most-visited honeymoon destinations in India, Darjeeling is all about lush green tea estates and misty mornings. The calmness engulfing the place, and quaint eateries serving freshly brewed tea make Darjeeling a place to relax and rewind with your spouse. While at Darjeeling, do not miss having fun at the toy train ride and Batasia Loop. Yuksom, Sikkim - Yuksom translates to "meeting place of the three lamas" and this calm and serene countryside village near the Tibetian borders looks postcard-like beautiful with dramatic landscapes, snow-capped Khangchendzonga mountain ranges, pristine Khecheopalri Lake and tranquil monasteries like Tashiding Monastery that fill the mountain air with strong spiritual vibes. Lachung, Sikkim - Lachung in Sikkim lures travellers with its beautiful apple orchards and dense pine forests. The emerald waters of the Lachung river and tourists spots like Gurudongmar Lake, Lachen, Seven Sisters Waterfall, and Naga Waterfalls make this place a page out of a fairy tale. For those couples who yearn for the best candid and post-wedding pictures with extraordinary backdrops, Lachung is the go-to-place! Shillong, Meghalaya - Coveted as the Scotland of the East for its spectacular rolling hills, Shillong is a honeymooners' paradise and one of the most enchanting places to visit in North East India. The amazing weather of Shillong guarantees a romantic start to one's married life. The prime attraction of the city is the placid Umiam Lake where you enjoy a long stroll soaking in the encompassing natural beauty. The milky white waters of Elephant Falls and Nohkalikai Falls forms great backgrounds for picture-perfect photographs.

What are the famous things to do in North East India?

Which are the places to visit in northeast india in winters.

Darjeeling, West Bengal : The city of Darjeeling looks extremely romantic during the winter months (Dec - Feb). During December the temperatures dip to as low as 2 degrees Celsius. However, the actual snowfall happens in the month of January; turning the city stunningly scenic. During the winter months, Darjeeling hosts a number of festivals like Maghe Sankranti, Losar, Sri Panchami or Saraswati puja, Bumchu and many others and gets vibrant with festive fever. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh : The 400-year old Buddhist monastery here is one of the must-visit North East India tourist attractions and is the second largest monastery in the world. The Tawang War Memorial, Nuranang Falls, P.R.Tso Lake, Anni Gompa, and Madhuri Lake are other places that you visit in Tawang. Tawang receives heavy snowfall during the winter months and the snow-clad trekking trails around Tawand are challenging and an adventure seeker's delight.  Ravangla, Sikkim : One of the spectacular Places to visit in North East India to enjoy unobstructed views of the snow-draped Mt. Kanchenjunga, Ravangla has made its way into the trending holiday destinations in North East India for the same reason. Winters in Ravangla is pretty harsh with the mercury hovering around 2 to 5 degrees Celsius; however, the untamed beauty of Nature during the winters months here unparalleled.

Which are the places to visit in North East India for families?

What is the best time to visit north east india, which is the most beautiful state in north east india, what is north east india famous for, is nagaland safe for tourists, which are the best north east tour packages, which are the best meghalaya tour packages, what are the best north east tour packages on thrillophilia.

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Best Northeast India Travel Guide – Things to Know Before You Go (FAQs Answered)

Featured , Northeast India

Last Updated on: Apr 30, 2020  

This is the place for those who want to go a little off-the-beaten-track. For travel to Northeast India is definitely going to be one of the most amazing experiences of your life. Here, the landscape is as varied as the culture. It is a land full of surprises. Jaw-dropping sceneries, the gracious hospitality of the locals, the diverse traditions and culture along with a rich history and the eco-friendly way of life have made Northeast India one of the most unique and special travel destinations in India .

Northeast India is undoubtedly one of our favourite destinations and we keep going back there whenever we can. We have been often asked by our readers about Northeast India Tourism and travel. The result of all such questions is this article, the comprehensive Northeast India travel guide where we have tried to answer the travel related queries and have given important tips regarding travel to Northeast India.

Northeast India travel has never failed to surprise us. Be it chasing the clouds and waterfalls of Meghalaya or attending the colourful festivals of Northeast, each time we visited the land we were overwhelmed by the natural beauty, tribes and culture of the northeast Indian states. And the best thing is that Northeast India is one of the few places where the people still respect nature and live in perfect harmony with them. Of late, the states of northeast India has come on the tourist map because of various annual festivals like Hornbill , NH7 Weekender, Ziro Music Festival, Sangai, Dambuk Orange Festival and others. But believe me, northeast is much more than these colourful festivals.

You must have understood by now that we love Northeast India. Agni also has his roots in Assam, one of the northeast states. Our first trip to the northeast was in 2012 when we visited Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh . That was the first time I was introduced to this exotic and brazen land that is so rich in history and culture.

Table of Contents

Where is Northeast?

Northeast India consists of 8 states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. Earlier the northeast Indian states were known as the Seven Sisters and included Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. It was only in 2002 that Sikkim was added as the member of Northeast Council and became the eight state of Northeast India and is known as the only Brother of the Seven Sister States.

The Indian Prime Minister has also regarded the eight northeast Indian states as the Ashta Lakshmi , which means the eight forms of goodness and wealth.

The 8 northeast states have a common border with foreign countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, China and Nepal.

Northeast India states only 2% of their border with mainland India and the remaining 98% is linked with international boundary.

Quite obviously, the influence of these neighbouring countries is more in this region than that of mainland India. And so it might also seem that this region is quite different from mainland India as well. The Seven Sister States are connected with the rest of India by a thin strip of land of about 22 km (14 miles) known as Chicken’s Neck of Bengal or the Siliguri Corridor. Nepal and Bangladesh are on either side of the Chicken’s Neck. Sikkim lies on the other side of the Chicken’s Neck.

A Very Brief History of Northeast India

I believe that a place and its people cannot be fully understood if we do not know its history. So here is a little bit of history about the land.

Northeast India is considered to be a Neolitic enigma for the archaeologist. The area is yet to be mapped and documented in a proper way by the archaeologists mainly because of the wild forests and rugged terrains that make excavation difficult. It is now known that the Neolithic life in the region dates back to at least 6000 years !

Coming back a little later in time, the Ahom kingdom was established in the Brahmaputra valley in the first half 13th century by the Shans who had migrated from Upper Burma. The Ahoms were the undisputed rulers in the region for almost 600 years and even the Mughals were unable to invade the region.

The Mughals tried to capture the Ahom kingdom time and again and failed miserably each time. They tried for the last time in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671 when the Mughals were beaten by the Ahoms.

However, with time, the might of the Ahom rulers waned and in 1818, disturbed by the repeated Burmese invasions, the Ahom King requested the assistance of the British East India Company to teach the Burmese a lesson. The British East India Company fought the war and defeated the Burmese resulting in the Treaty of Yandaboo , by which the Burmese agreed to withdraw from Assam and the Ahom Kings ceded a part of their territory to the British East India Company. This is how the British finally entered the Northeast region. Till 1947, the northeast region faced the expansion of the British rule along with social, economic and political changes in the region.

At that time, all seven states did not exist. Assam existed as a large land region and was known as the Assam province. Later the hill kingdoms of the Khasi and Jaintia were annexed and hilly areas like the Lushai Hills (Mizoram) and Naga Hills (Nagaland) were added to the Assam Province.

After the Indian independence, the northeast region consisted of the Assam province and the princely states of Manipur and Tripura. The first state to be carved out of Assam was Nagaland in 1963. Later Meghalaya became a separate state in 1971 and Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram were carved out of Assam in 1987. Sikkim was once a princely kingdom and was annexed to India in 1975. Later in 2002, Sikkim was made a part of the Northeast Regional Council.

The northeast India had always been a part of major and minor trade routes from India to various other countries like Tibet, Myanmar and China.

That was quite a bit of history lesson. Now let us delve into all the necessary and relevant information about Northeast India trip that nobody had told you before.

Northeast India Travel Guide

Northeast India is still considered remote and difficult terrain. The roads are a bit difficult and there is a lot of space for improvement of the infrastructure. As for the accommodations, you will get good hotels and resorts in the main cities. Homestays are also available. You can check Cozycozy to look for stays in the main tourist destinations. The remote areas, however, has basic stay options.

What the region lacks in luxurious comfort is totally fulfilled by the stunning and virgin landscapes, friendly locals and the vibrant culture. No two states in the Northeast are the same. You will find a variety in every state, every part of the region. It is like visiting a different place in every single state of the northeast. You might be tempted to call it the hidden utopia of India.

However, if you are planning a Northeast India travel and a visit this untouched paradise of India, there are certain facts and things you must know before your Northeast trip. So if you are thinking of adding Northeast India in your India guided tour , then simply read on!

What is the best time to visit North East India?

The best time to visit the northeast region is from October to mid-May. This is the dry period though you can get occasional showers in this time as well. Due to its varied geography, the temperature of the region varies drastically depending on the altitude. The northern part is influenced by the Himalayas and the temperature usually remains cold. Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are mostly influenced by this and have a colder climate.

The summer temperature in the hilly areas remains around 15 to 20 degrees while it can go to subzero during the winters. The higher altitudes of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim often witness snowfall in the winters.

The plains of Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura have warmer climates. In summer, the temperature ranges from 30-35 0 C and about 20 0 C in the winters. The hilly areas of Nagaland and Mizoram have a cooler temperature.

The monsoon in Northeast India can be quite heavy with torrential rains in most of the areas. The monsoon coincides with the summer season and is from June to September. The latter half of May can also witness rainfall. Monsoon is not a very good time to visit the region as landslides are common during the monsoon. Roads can also be disrupted during the monsoon.

However, Meghalaya is a good place to visit during the monsoon. Meghalaya is one of the wettest places on the earth with Mawsynram receiving the highest rainfall in the world. We had visited Meghalaya in August and had a great time chasing the rains and waterfalls of Meghalaya.

I would not say the same thing about Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Sikkim. Landslides in monsoon are very common in Sikkim and Arunachal. Sometimes, you can be stuck for a day due to landslide and bad roads in Arunachal. The Brahmaputra plains of Assam gets flooded every year in the monsoon and hence best avoided during this time.

How do I get permits for Northeast India?

To visit some of the Northeast India states, you need to get an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian nationals. Foreign tourists also need ILP and Protected Area Permits (PAP) or Restricted Area Permits (RAP) for visiting the northeast India states. These permits are required because of the strategic and sensitive positions of these states as they share their border with other countries. However, in recent days, the government of India has relaxed some of the rules of ILP and PAP to promote Northeast India tourism.

There are some places which are completely off bound to both Indian and foreign tourists while in some places, foreign tourists are not allowed. Here I will provide the information about each of the states.

Arunachal Pradesh : ILP is required for Indian tourists and PAP for foreign tourists.

Assam : No ILP and PAP is required to visit Assam

Manipur: ILP is not required for Indian tourists visiting Manipur. However, wef January 2020, the ILP system came into effect in Manipur. The process and procedure to obtain ILP for Manipur is still not clear. I will update it as soon as we come to know about this. Foreigners do not require PAP to visit Manipur.

Meghalaya: No ILP and PAP is required to visit Assam

Mizoram: Indian tourists require an ILP to visit Mizoram. Foreign tourists do not require any PAP to enter Mizoram.

Nagaland: Indian tourists require an ILP to visit Mizoram. Foreign tourists do not require any PAP to enter Mizoram.

Sikkim: Indian tourists do not require ILP to visit Sikkim except certain areas like North Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Menmecho Lake, Singalila area and Dzongri area. Foreign Tourists require a permit to enter Sikkim. This permit can be readily obtained at the Melli and Rangpo border-crossing checkpoint on producing valid Indian Visa. Foreigners are not allowed to visit Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass in East Sikkim. For Tsomgo Lake, Yumthang, Chopta Valley, foreign tourists require PAP. Trekking permits are required for trekking in Singalila, Dzongri and Goechela area.

Tripura: No ILP and PAP is required to visit Assam

For getting an ILP, you generally require a photo identity proof, an address proof and a photograph. The cost of ILP varies from state to state. You can read all the information needed for getting an ILP for Northeast India states here.

How do I get to Northeast India?

Guwahati in Assam is the gateway to Northeast India. Guwahati is well connected by flights and trains from all the major cities in India. From Guwahati, you can visit all the Seven Sisters by either by air or by road. There are overnight bus services to reach the Seven Sister states from Guwahati.

Reaching Sikkim is comparatively easier. Sikkim now has an airport at Pakyong, but the number of flights to Pakyong is quite less. It is better to fly into Bagdogra in West Bengal and then travel to Gangtok in Sikkim. You can also travel by train to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) and then travel to Sikkim.

Train service is available in Assam and Tripura and you can reach to various parts of these states by train.

How to get around Northeast India?

Shared jeeps and sumos are available in all the 8 Northeast India states for getting around different towns and villages. Bus services are also available at some of the states, however, you will not find Volvo bus services to reach each state. For a Northeast India trip, you can either go for a booked tour or can backpack across the region on shared vehicles.

Before planning your Northeast India trip, you have to keep in mind the distances between two destinations and the conditions of the roads. The roads in most parts of Northeast India are not in a very good state, especially in parts of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Mizoram. Even the remote areas of Meghalaya have bumpy roads.

In general, the roads in Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura are in good condition and quite smooth . We had done a bike trip across Meghalaya a few years back and found the roads to be quite good. Assam and Tripura, too have nice roads. The road conditions in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim leaves much to be desired. Most of the roads are in sorry conditions and you will generally have a bumpy ride. However, these states have a robust sumo system, especially Mizoram and Sikkim that can connect to every part of the state.

Getting around Tripura is comparatively easier because of the availability of train services. Local buses are also available that can take you across the main towns and places of attractions.

How is the infrastructure in Northeast India?

The infrastructure in Northeastern states has improved a lot in the present years. Roads are being built and electricity has reached most of the villages. However, the remote areas are still lacking in these basic facilities. In general, Meghalaya has proper roads, hotels for tourists, electricity in the villages and other basic amenities. However, when we had visited Mawlyngot , we found a village that could be only reached by climbing down almost a thousand stairs from Mawlyngot. The villagers are used to climbing up and down for their daily needs. There are other such remote villages all over Northeast states.

Mobile network and wifi are good in the cities and the capitals of the states. But once you venture to the remote areas, mobile network invariably fails. We hardly got Vodafone connection in Basar, Mawlyngbna and even in some remote parts of Sikkim like Martam . You will probably get BSNL connection in these remote areas. But it would be foolhardy to expect good wifi in these areas. Poor mobile connectivity is a blessing in disguise for these areas. These are the places where you can enjoy nature and the landscape to the fullest. The joy of missing out on the worldly news is great in these areas.

Where do I stay in Northeast India?

Hotels are available in main cities and the popular tourist destinations of Northeast India. You will get luxury hotels with a high standard of service in big cities like Guwahati, Shillong and Gangtok. These places have witnessed tourism for a long time and so are more developed. Of late, accommodation options have increased with the increase in tourism in Northeast India. Now places like Majuli , Cherrapunjee,  Kohima, Tawang, Tura in the Garo Hills have hotels of various categories. Resorts have also come up in a few areas like Cherrapunjee, Tura, Langkawet and many tourist spots in Sikkim.

But if you choose to visit the offbeat destinations, then expect basic accommodation. Hotels, if available will not be luxurious ones and often the standard of service is not up to the mark.

We, however, recommend you to stay at homestays when you visit Northeast India. Homestays are the best way to experience the lifestyle of the locals. Infact, the locals are very friendly and welcome you with open arms as well as hearts. We had the most amazing stays in homestays at Martam and Dzongu (Sikkim), Mawlyngot, Cherrapunjee and Tura in Meghalaya and at Basar in Arunachal Pradesh.

In fact, most of the remote and offbeat areas in Northeast India rely on homestays for accommodation and hospitality. These places do not have hotels. The locals have developed community-based tourism and have opened their homes for the tourists. We would always recommend you to stay at homestays. Not only will you get an awesome experience, but you will also do your bit to help the locals to boost their economy.

Mizoram has a great network of Government-run tourist lodges in all the major locations. Those are the best places to stay in Mizoram.

Where to visit in Northeast India?

Northeast India is an unexplored paradise in India. To be honest, the region does not have many architectural masterpieces that you can find in rest of India. Apart from Sivsagar in Assam and Kangra Fort in Manipur, there are hardly any architectural gems. But what Northeast India lacks in architecture, it fulfils in its surreal landscape, colourful festivals and the diverse tribes.

As I had mentioned before, each of the states is different from the other. While you can explore the Buddhist monasteries and way of life in Sikkim and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, the tribal life of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh are fascinating. While Tripura boasts of a rich heritage in its archaeological sites like Unakoti, Chabimura and Pilak, Mizoram stuns with its stunning vistas. Meghalaya is in its own world of clouds and rains, while the river plains and rural beauty of Assam are totally bewitching.

It would be very difficult for me to write down about all the places that you can visit in Northeast India. I have taken each state and have written briefly about the places you can visit. For more details about these places, you can read individual blogs.

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is the easternmost state in the country and it is said that the first rays of sun fall at Dong in Arunachal . The place is captivating with its mountain ranges, captivating valleys, vast forest cover, exotic wildlife, unexplored trails, Buddhist monasteries and an incredible cultural variety. There are 26 tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes in Arunachal Pradesh . The eastern and central part of Arunachal is mainly influenced by animist traditions. They are the worshippers of Sun and Moon God – Donyi Polo and Abo-Tani. The major tribes in this region are the Apatanis, Adi, Akas, Galos, Mishmis, Nyishis and Thangsos. The western part of the state has Monpa population and they mainly follow Mahayana Buddhism.

Places not to be missed in Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang circuit: The main destination is Tawang and you will also visit Bhalukpong, Bomdila, Dirang on the way.

Ziro and Mechuka circuit: This is where you will see the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh – Apatani, Adi, Galo, Nyishi and Mishmis. Along with Ziro and Mechuka, also visit Dapoiji, Along and Pasighat.

Trek to the Namdhapa National Park .

How to reach Arunachal Pradesh?

There are no direct flights to Arunachal. The nearest airport to Itanagar, the capital city is Lilabari in Assam. From Itanagar, eastern and central Arunachal is easily accessible. Similarly, if you want to visit Tawang then the nearest airport will be Tezpur in Assam.

Trains are also available from Guwahati to Silapathar, Naharlagun and Dibrugarh, which are the nearest entry points to Arunachal Pradesh.

In Assam, the Brahmaputra river not only dominates the landscape but also the lives of its people. Both the environment and culture of Assam is shaped by the Brahmaputra River. Assam is famous for its tea gardens, wildlife, its countryside and the Assamese Silk.

Places not to be missed in Assam

Guwahati: The largest city in Assam is also the largest city in Northeast India. The city being the gateway to the other six states is also famous for its temples and attractions.

Wildlife of Assam: Your visit to Assam cannot be completed without a visit to Kaziranga National Park that is famous for one-horned rhinoceros. Wildlife enthusiasts should not miss visiting Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Manas National Park , Hoollongapar gibbon Sanctuary, Nameri National Park and Dibru Saikhowa National Park.

Majuli: This is the largest river island in the world also famous for its Satras, the monastic traditions started by Sri Shankaradeva. Know more about Majuli here.

Sivsagar: The place where the Ahom kings ruled is known for the Shivadol, the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Haflong: The only hill station in Assam is also known for the curious case of Jatinga birds .

How to reach Assam?

Guwahati in Assam is well connected by flights and trains from the major cities of India. Assam also has domestic airports in Jorhat (nearest to Majuli), Dibrugarh (for visiting Sivasagar, Digboi), Silchar, Tezpur and Lakhimpur.

Manipur literally means the land of jewels. The state is absolutely beautiful with stunning landscapes, gentle rolling hills, emerald green valleys and the dark misty mountain ranges. The Loktak Lake is the only floating national park in the world and the place is known for the elusive Sangai Deer, found only in this region. The modern-day polo also has its roots in ‘Sagol Kangjei’ , a traditional sport in Manipur. The state is also famous for the captivating and charming Manipuri dance.

Places not to be missed in Manipur

Imphal: The capital city is charming in its own way.

Loktak Lake & Moirang: The largest floating national park in the world and also the habitat of the Sangai deer.

Ukhrul: Known for its natural beauty, caving and trekking.

How to reach Manipur?

Reaching Manipur is easy. Direct flights to Imphal are available from the major cities of India like New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Hyderabad. You can also reach Guwahati and then take a bus to Imphal.

Hidden between the hills of the lower Himalayas, Meghalaya is the place between the heaven and earth, where the clouds dwell. Meghalaya is perhaps closest to Guwahati. It takes only 3-4 hours to reach Shillong from Guwahati. The roads are also smooth. Perhaps this is the reason why Meghalaya is relatively famous on the tourist map than the other remote states. Meghalaya is known for its rainfall and rock music. But the place is

much more than that. Waterfalls, nature, sacred groves, crystal clear rivers, living root bridges , natural caves and picturesque villages abound in the state and they will simply mesmerize you.

Meghalaya is the home to three tribes – Khasis, Garos and Jaintias. Each of the tribes has their own distinct culture and traditions. The Khasis occupy the Khasi hills of central Meghalaya; Garos occupy the western Garo Hills while the Jaintias occupy the Jaintia hills of eastern Meghalaya. The common trait binding all three communities is its matrilineal system in which the family linage is taken from the mother side.

Places not to be missed in Meghalaya

Shillong: The capital city is known for its quaint cafes, NH7 Weekender Music Festival, lakes and Jadoh, a traditional Khasi dish.

Cherrapunjee: The place of eternal beauty known for its waterfalls and natural caves. Cherrapunjee cannot be described in a line. You need to head over to this post on Cherrapunjee to know more.

Mawlynnong: This quaint village is the cleanest village in Asia.

Dawki: Located near the India-Bangladesh border, Dawki is known for the crystal clear waters of Umngot River .

Tura: Tura is the headquarters of Garo Hilla and you need to visit this place to explore the Garo Hills. You can visit Nokrek Reserve, Siju caves and the beautiful waterfalls.

How to reach Meghalaya?

Meghalaya is easy to reach. You can fly into Shillong. You can also reach Guwahati and take shared sumo to Shillong. It takes only about 4 hours to reach Shillong.

Mizoram is also known as the land of blue mountains after Phawngpui Peak , the highest peak in the state. Mizoram is perhaps the remotest state of India and hardly sees any tourists. Mizoram is covered with lush green forests, mountain peaks covered with a blue haze and a colourful culture. Mizoram is also famous for caving activities.

Places not to be missed in Mizoram

Aizawl: The capital city is a quaint town sitting by the Durtlang Hills known for its churches and memorials.

Champhai: The border town is also known as the Rice Bowl of Mizoram. You can visit the Rih Dil Lake from Zokawthar, about 20 km from Champhai. The Rih Dil is the most important lake for the Mizos, however, it lies in Myanmar. Champhai is also famous for its vineyards and wines.

Thenzawl: This is the handloom centre of Mizoram and Thenzawl is also known for its waterfalls and lush landscape.

Reiek: Trek to the Reiek Peak and enjoy the great views of the valleys.

How to reach Mizoram?

You can fly into Aizawl, which is connected to most of the major cities of India. From Guwahati, you can take an overnight bus to reach Aizawl, but the journey is going to be a long one. You can also take shared sumo from Silchar in Assam.

The land of the Nagas is undoubtedly the wild east of India. Known for fierce warriors and hunters who have been eulogized by the folk songs, Nagaland is the home to 16 tribes . Each tribe can be distinguished by their own colourful costumes and jewellery and beads they adorn. Nagaland is brought on the tourist map of India by the annual Hornbill Festival held in December.

Places not to be missed in Nagaland

Kohima and around: The capital city Kohima is beautiful in its own way.

Khonoma: Khonoma is known for its greenery, beautiful landscape and unspoilt nature.

Mokokchung: One of the liveliest districts of Nagaland, Mokokchung is the home to the Ao Naga tribes.

Mon: Mon belongs to the Konyak Nagas, the fascinating and brave head hunters of yesteryears.

Dzukou Valley: A short and beautiful trek through the lush Dzukou Valley.

How to reach Nagaland?

Dimapur in Nagaland has both an airport and a railway station. Dimapur is connected by flight from the major cities of India like New Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati. Trains to Dimapur run from Guwahati. Kohima, the capital city is about 70 km from Dimapur. You can also take an overnight bus from Guwahati to Dimapur/Kohima. But be prepared for a long and bumpy ride.

Sikkim has been added to Northeast India states only in 2002. Sikkim lies on the other side of the Siliguri Corridor or the Chicken’s Neck. Sikkim is definitely a more popular tourist destination, perhaps because it is relatively easier to reach. Sikkim has a charm of its own . One of the smallest states in India, Sikkim is nestled in the eastern Himalayas with the Kanchenjunga ranges looming over its landscape. The Sikkimese considers the Kanchenjunga as their guardian deity .

Sikkim is an adventure enthusiast’s delight. The state has some of the best and unexplored trekking trails. The Goechela trek is one of the best high altitude Himalayan treks where you can see as many as 14 summits.

Sikkim is divided into 4 district – east, west, north and south. Tourism in Sikkim can also be divided accordingly.

Places not to be missed in Sikkim

East Sikkim: Gangtok , Aritar, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass and the Silk Route.

West Sikkim: Pelling, Pemyangtse, Tashiding and Yuksom.

North Sikkim: Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar Lake , Yumthang Valley and Dzongu .

South Sikkim: Ravangla, Namchi and Temi Tea Garden.

How to reach Sikkim?

The nearest international airport to Gangtok is at Bagdogra near Siliguri in West Bengal. The nearest Railway station is at New Jalpaiguri near Siliguri. You can take shared vehicles and well as rented ones from Bagdogra, NJP or Siliguri to Gangtok.

Recently, Pakyong Airport has been opened at Gangtok. But flights to this airport are not regular yet.

Tripura tucked away in a corner of the seven sister states was once a princely state. And the magnificence of the kings can be still seen in the building, roads and even in the people of Tripura. The princely state of Tripura never came directly under the British rule and acceded to the Indian Union in 1949. The state has a unique combination of nature, history and wilderness.

Places not to be missed in Tripura

Agartala: The capital city has a charm of its own. The grand Ujjayanta Palace standing right in the middle of the city is a testimony to the royal past of Tripura.

Udaipur: Not to be mistaken with Udaipur of Rajasthan, this place is also known for its lakes and temples.

Melaghar: Known for Neermahal , the exquisitely beautiful summer palace of the Tripura kings.

Unakoti: The place is known for its bas-relief structures on the face of the mountain ranges. Unakoti is shrouded in forests and vegetation has interesting mythology behind it.

Chabimura: One of the hidden gems of Tripura, Chabimura is known for the image of Devi Chakrama on the rock face of the mountain beside a river.

Pilak: One of the important archaeological sites of Tripura.

Jampui Hills: Enjoy the nature and serenity at this hill station of Tripura.

Dumboor Lake: The largest lake in Tripura, the place is an absolute beauty for the eyes.

How to reach Tripura?

Agartala is well connected by flights from the major Indian towns. Agartala also has a railway station that is connected with trains from Guwahati, Silchar and Sealdah.

Northeast India travel is like reading a good book. They don’t reveal their secrets at once.

The People of Northeast India

I have always believed that a place can be best understood through its people. But before visiting northeast India, we would recommend you to learn something about the tribes and locals of the place. The tribal communities usually have a different lifestyle, food habits, rituals and traditions. Respect their traditions and lifestyle. You will be able to enjoy your trip in a much better way if you do so.

For example, while travelling in Sikkim, the popular tourist destinations like Gangtok and Pelling have amenities catering to the facilities of the tourists. But when we visited Dzongu, the Lepcha Reserve in North Sikkim , we found that the locals there are early risers and have their lunch by 10.30 and dinner by 7.30 pm. Our host wanted to change the rules for us, but we decided to have food with them. This made our hosts extremely happy and we spent some of the best times in Dzongu.

The people of Northeast India are very warm and friendly. They can go out of the way to help you and make you comfortable. Our guide in David Scott Trail was a shy young boy. Once he was comfortable, he was full of stories and anecdotes about Meghalaya and the Khasi Hills.

Wildlife of Northeast India

Northeast India has one of the highest forest covers in India. Quite naturally, the region rich with natural splendour is also the home to abundant flora and fauna. The wilderness of the region also adds to its aura and those who have a penchant for wildlife would not be disappointed. There are many national parks, wildlife sanctuaries in Northeast India that are home to many endangered and exotic species of animals.

If you are looking for tigers, you will not find it here. What you will find here is the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Almost 2/3 rd of the rhino population in the world are found in this region. Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam are the home to these one-horned rhinos.

Arunachal Pradesh is one of the rare places where seven types of wild cats are found – tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, snow leopard, leopard cat, marbled cat and the golden cat. Namdhapa National Park and Mouling National Parks are the best places for wildlife.

Keibul Lamjao National Park is the world’s only floating National Park and is the home to the e ndangered Sangai deer or dancing deer of Manipur .

Hoolock gibbons are found in abundance in Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in Meghalaya, Hoolongapar Wildlife Sanctuary near Jorhat in Assam, Murlen National Park in Mizoram, Trishna WLS and Sepahijala WLS in Tripura. Tripura is also the home to the cute looking Phayre’s Langoor or the Spectacled monkeys . Nagaland is known for its birds – the great Indian Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, tragopans and many more.

Sikkim is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. 30% of all the birds found in the Indian subcontinent are found in Sikkim. There are about 550 species of birds recorded in Sikkim and many of them are endangered. Many endangered animals like the red panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Snow leopard etc are also found in Sikkim.

So if you wish to go for a wildlife trip to Northeast India, you will definitely not be disappointed.

Festivals of Northeast India

Festivals in Northeast India is a mélange of music, dance and colourful costumes. The festivals of northeast India are quite a spectacle to watch. While the Hornbill Festival and Ziro Festival of Music happen to be quite famous, there are many other festivals that are equally interesting and fun to attend. Here I have mentioned only a few festivals celebrated in Northeast India according to the months.

• Magh Bihu, Assam
• Dwijing Festival , Assam

• Losar, Arunachal Pradesh
• Nyokum Yullo, Arunachal Pradesh
• Chapchar Kut, Mizoram
• Myoko Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
• Rongali Bihu, Assam
• Aoling Festival, Nagaland
• Mopin Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
• Dree Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
• Kharchi Puja, Tripura
• Pang Lhabsol, Sikkim

• Ziro Festival of Music , Arunachal Pradesh
• Anthurium Festival, Mizoram
• Tawang Festival , Arunachal Pradesh

• Raas Utsav, Majuli (Assam) and Manipur
• Nongkrem Festival, Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
• Wangala Festival , Garo Hills, Meghalaya
• India International Cherry Blossom Festival , Shillong
• Sangai Festival , Manipur
• NH7 Weekender, Shillong

• Hornbill Festival, Nagaland
• Losoong and Kagyed Dance , Sikkim
• Basar Confluence , Arunachal Pradesh
• Dambuk Orange Festival, Arunachal Pradesh

Northeast India Travel Tips

A few things that you must remember while visiting Northeast India.

• Please respect the place, people and their culture.
• Respect nature and do not disturb the eco-system of the place. The locals live in close communion with nature.
• Do not judge the local community by their food habits and lifestyle. If you do not like any custom and rituals, stay away from it instead of being vocal about them. These customs are their heritage and they have been living by it since long.
• The people in Northeast India mainly eat non-vegetarian food. If you do not want to eat it, please let your host or tour agent know about it beforehand. Do not complain about the type of food you get. Do remember, that these are remote areas and your host provides you with the best they can. If you cannot compromise on your food habit, then probably northeast India is not the place for you.
• While staying in a homestay, please adhere to the house rules. Every community has its own set of rules and it is appreciated if you adhere to them. Live like a local when you are in Northeast India.
• Finally do not throw garbage and litter anywhere. Most of the villages in Northeast are very clean and they have dustbins placed at various locations.
• Do not get into fights and altercation with the locals. If anything is bothering you, let your host know it.
• Dress conservatively while visiting the remote areas.
• Do not venture out alone in remote areas. Take a local guide with you.
• Do not bring anything out from the sacred groves and be reverent to these groves. The locals consider these forest areas holy and it is their place for worship as well.

Should I opt for Northeast India Tour Package?

Well, this is one of the most important questions that can come to your mind. Well, if you are young and energetic, have time in hand and do not get frustrated if your travel plans get awry, then you can definitely travel northeast India on your own. While Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Tripura have fairly satisfactory transport and infrastructure, the same cannot be said for the other states. Before you decide you want to travel on your own, keep a few things in mind:

• The roads are in bad conditions in remote areas. Landslides are common in hilly areas. It may so happen that you get stuck at a remote place and cannot move from there even in a couple of days.
• The shared vehicles start from its source usually early in the morning. If you miss it, you have to wait for the next day.
• Your plans can go awry any time in Northeast if there is a roadblock or landslide or some problem in the area. So you need to be flexible in your plans.

However, if you use to take a Northeast India tour package from an operator, then you do not have to think about these problems on the road. Your transfers will be seamless and you need not worry about the getting vehicles from one place to another. Also, you will be provided with a guide who will give you information about the place and people. He can also act as the interpreter between you and the local tribal people. Especially, if you are travelling with family, we would recommend you to take the help of tour operators.

Northeast India Travel Guide (FAQs Answered)

Carrying a raincoat or rain jacket is a must for your Northeast India trip, irrespective of the season you visit. You never know when it can rain there. If you are visiting during the winter, do carry proper woollens like sweaters, jackets, gloves, woollen socks and caps. Carry a good pair of shoes and a pair of flipflops. Do not forget to carry your ILP and PAP (where needed), Identity and Adress proofs and photographs. Foreign tourists need to carry their passport and Indian Visa. Carry a mosquito repellant. You will thank me later!

Northeast India is a fairly remote area. The main cities, mainly the capital cities do have hostels. We have stayed in the hostels in Gangtok and Shillong and they were fairly good in terms of cleanliness and comfort. We had also looked for hostels in Aizawl, Mizoram. The hostels were very cheap, but they were not clean. We also did not see and facility for warm water. However, in Mizoram, the government-run tourist lodges are the best options to stay. I am sure Guwahati also will have proper hostels though we haven’t stayed in any. Do not expect hostels in the remote destinations, especially the villages. Homestays are the preferred accommodation options in those places. Homestays are great ways to experience the local culture.

Different places have different language. There’s a huge variety. Each tribe has many sub-tribes and they have their own dialect. The same language can also have various dialects. However, as a traveller, you need not worry. Most of the people speak English. You will not have any problems with all the main tourist destinations. Only when you visit the remote areas, there can be a language barrier. But I am sure you will find a few in the village who can speak English and will help you.

This totally depends on what you want to see and where you want to visit. Our recommendation is not to rush travelling in Northeast India. The place is best enjoyed and experienced if you travel slow. If you wish to visit one state, then 7-10 days will be good to cover the main attractions of that state.

Mobile and wifi connection is available in the main cities, towns and popular tourist destinations. But connectivity is poor in the remote areas.

In this blog about Northeast India travel, we have tried to cover all the important information. If you still have any questions, do ask us by commenting below. You can also send us a mail to [email protected] with your queries.

Resources for Travelling to Northeast India

• Tawang Travel Guide
• Majuli – A complete travel guide
• Meghalaya Travel Guide
• Offbeat Places to visit in Meghalaya
• Mizoram Travel Guide
• Sikkim Travel Guide
• Tripura Travel Guide

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Hey! we’re Agni & Amrita.

We have been travelling together since the last 15 years and writing independent and personal travel content since 2014. Travel is one of the best teachers and through this blog, we aim to share our experiences and travel tips. We encourage you to travel more and see the world through your eyes and not through filtered templates.

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44 Comments

Wow! This is an amazing and comprehensive guide to visiting the North East, Agni & Amrita! Really appreciate the efforts you would’ve out into this for curious travellers like us who are eager to explore that region (especially the ILP guide) 🙂

And the pictures are interwoven well too. Can’t wait for the pandemic to ease out so that we can venture out here 🙂

Thank you so much both of you! Glad that you liked it!

That is a solid guide that I am bookmarking for my travel – whenever that happens. I have only done one of the 7 states there and was hoping to do one more this year. In particular, I loved the section on the permits coz that info is not that easy to get.

Thank you Ami!

wow this is such a comprehensive guide for North East. I am surely keeping this pinned for my upcoming trip to North East. This is insightful

Thank you Tanayesh!

This is most detailed blog on North East India I have ever come across. I now know where I need to look for any information when I’m planning my trip here. Such a great effort guys. You’ll have mentioned every possible detail anyone would require! So commendable.

Thank you so much!

Quite a comprehensive guide for all the 8 states with all the basics covered! Loved how precise and well researched this piece was. I’ve only been to Nagaland in the northeast and the culture uniqueness is astounding. Northeast is one of India’s most beautiful regions and you’ve showcased that pretty well here. Especially the last image that marks the top things to do in each state. Pinned it for later!

Thank you Avantika! I was reading your posts on Nagaland and they are beautiful!

This is by far one of best, most comprehensive and detailed guides on the North East. Apart from Sikkim, I haven’t been to any other state in the North East and this post has only reignited the travel itch. One of my biggest apprehensions has been the availability of veg food. Some friends returned from Nagaland complaining about going hungry on so many days! The raw beauty of Arunachal and the national parks of Assam are my biggest motivations to visit the NE:)

Thank you Divyakshi. Yes, food can be a problem for vegetarians, but if you don’t mind eating boiled vegetables and rice for a few days, I think Northeast will be just great!

wow man! The blog post is so detailed. Really loved how it has been written. Starting form the maps to history to finally places to see. I have been to only Meghalaya in North East and would love to explore more. Will surely be pinning the blog for my northeast trip

Thanks Nishu! Glad that you liked it!

This is such a comprehensive guide of entire North East India, we are going to save it definitely. Was searching for something similar for long.

Wow guys, this is a Northeast India Bible. We love the Northeast and the love started when we took our firs trip together to Meghalaya in 2019 after which we made a pact to travel to atleast one north east state once a year.

Thank you Diana! We have been visiting this beautiful place for long.

Looking at the post makes me wanna go and relive all the memories which I had in bits in north east m. There is so much more to just visiting Meghalaya or Assam. Reminds me of my quite days in Imphal .. I wanted to go and attend the Zero and Hornbill festival bit let’s see if this can be done this year or not

I also want to visit the Ziro and Hornbill Festival. Lets plan together!

Wow wow wow !! This is the most detailed travel guide anyone can ever ask for…after reading this I don’t think I need to look up anything else before visiting all of North East! Well done! I have been to Sikkim many times since I was born and brought up in Kolkata and totally love Sikkim. Shillong is another favourite, stayed at Ri Kyunjai and was so awesome , the view was to die for. Looking forward to your next blog.

Thank you Anindita!

You have kind of presented a wholesome introduction and guide to Northeast India. I especially loved the Map showcasing the locations.

Thank you so much Joydeep!

Thank you Agni & Amrita. Super detailed, and best guide. Looks like we need a good 2.5 months to cover the entire North East. May I request if you can suggest how can we divide these 7 states in sections for example Assam & Meghalaya can be done in 2-3 weeks & in next trip other two states can be clubbed together etc. Which can give a fair introduction to North East region and quest to visit other places in next trip 😉 ( I am planning for Jan 21 ) Again, Thank you so much for taking these efforts and inspiring us to travel to these gems of India.

Thank you Neha for the lovely comment. Yes, you would need at least 2.5-3 months to cover entire northeast India. I would request you to please drop us a mail with your queries. Thanks again.

Superb, detailed guidebook to travel the heaven. Thank you so much. I had certain queries, how to get in touch to know more about it?

You can send us a mail at [email protected] or drop a message at Instagram.

I am a travel blogger. I found your blog interesting. I appreciate your writing. The author rightly highlighted the favorite destination to visit in the northeast. I personally follow your blog on regular basis for new updates.

Thank you so much for your kind words! Please keep following our blog!

Thank you so much for showing me the details of so many things from the North East.I must travel north-east

Thank you so much for our comment.

Amazing North East of India! We had just visited the Meghalaya and covered almost all the places you have listed here.

Thank you Abhi for the comment. Watched your vlog. Its lovely!

I am a passionate travel blogger. I look at your posts regularly and thank you so much that you have shown the places of North East India in such detail. I especially like the location display map. Thank you very much sir for giving this update.

Thank you so much for your kind words. Keep reading our blogs and supporting us.

Never seen such a wide coverage on seven sisters. You have covered every aspect, so nothing much to ask – just take your baggage and catch the flight. Would love to combine a package tour and my own programme. Thank you. Debasis Mallik

Thank you so much for your comment! Northeast India is a wonderful place. Hope you have a wonderful time there.

Wow. Very detailed and informative. Covers whole north east. Would look forward to specific travel guide for Manipur and nagaland too. Thanks!!

Thank you so much for your kind comment. Blogs on Manipur are coming soon!

Nice pics……. great place …… wanna go ……. very nice description …… thank you for this blog….

Thank You so much for this detailed article on North-east India .

I have visited Gangtok two years back and what an experience ! It was so soothing to mind and body that I can’t express it . I am now planning to visit Assam next . And specially the Kamakhya temple which carry a great history with itself .

On thing I must say that the rich history of Northeast region needs a close attention of both state government and central government . People of India aren’t aware much about the rich culture and history of north-east because of the ignorance of the Government .

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24 Best Places To Visit in North East India for a Splendid Getaway

North East India has everything that a tourist would be looking for. With a little bit of adventure, fun, entertainment, culture, and heritage, this region has it all. All the states in the northeast, from Assam to Arunachal Pradesh, are blessed with nature’s bounty. Anyone visiting the region for the first time is excited and surprised after seeing the best Places to Visit North East India.

There are a few destinations in the North East, though, with something special to offer. It may be an account of their wildlife, landscape, or culture, but each destination offers an experience different from the others. Adventure lovers will find much to celebrate, as will admirers of wildlife.

If you have never visited this part of India, you have missed out on a wonderful and exciting experience. In this blog, we bring you the top tourist places in North East India to make your holiday memorable.

You want to know where the Best Time to Visit North East India .

Here are the Best Places to Visit in North East India:

• Guwahati, Assam
• Kaziranga National Park, Assam
• Majuli, Assam
• Sivasagar, Assam
• Manas Tiger Reserve
• Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
• Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh
• Agartala, Tripura
• Kohima, Nagaland
• Imphal, Manipur
• Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
• Mawsynram, Meghalaya
• Shillong, Meghalaya
• Aizwal, Mizoram
• Pemayangtse Monastery
• Pelling, Sikkim
• Kangla Fort
• Tripura Sundari Temple
• Ziro Valley
• Nohkalikai Falls
• Mawlynnong village

1. Guwahati, Assam

Guwahati is the gateway to the Northeast, besides being one of the largest cities of this region. There are several opportunities for sightseeing in this city. The most prominent attractions of Guwahati are the Kamakhya Temple , Fancy Bazaar, Regional Science Center, Assam State Zoo, and Accoland.

Visiting the Kamakhya Temple promises to be a special spiritual experience. Another attraction is the Umananda Temple, situated on the island of the Brahmaputra, which can be reached through a boat ride. There are also several gardens in the city where you can spend quality time with your friends and family.

• Best Time to visit:  Between October and April
• Tourist Attractions: ISKCON Guwahati, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam State Museum, Kaziranga National Park, andKamakhya Temple
• Festival Celebrated : International Flower and Garden Festival every year
• Nearest Airport : Guwahati Airport (22 km)

[ Explore popular attractions in Guwahati with these customized packages ]

2. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga National Park in Assam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is renowned for being home to the one-horned rhino. It’s also one of the best places to visit in North East India. They are an endangered species, though. Spotting this colossus beast with its thick hide and horn, which juts out menacingly from its head, is a rewarding experience.

Apart from the rhino, Kaziranga National Park is also home to several species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Some of these are Royal Bengal Tiger, pigmy hog, swamp deer, and elephant. It’s not just the fauna that captivates you, the flora, too, is just as impressive. Indeed, no visit to Assam is complete without a safari in the Kaziranga National Park .

• Best Time to visit: Between November and April
• Things to do & sightseeing: Jeep Safari in the central range, Elephant Safari, Deopahar, Gorakathi, Bagori
• Timings : 7.30 am to 4 pm
• Nearest Airport: Jorhat Airport, Assam (114 km)

[ Explore well-customized Kaziranga holiday packages ]

Also Read: Best places to go for Jungle safari in India

3. Majuli, Assam

Majuli is a river island in Assam that can only be accessed through a ferry ride from Jorhat. Majuli is special for many reasons, one being that it is the first district island in the country. Visiting Majuli makes you wonder about the hidden natural wonders tucked away in different parts of India and how much is left to be explored. Some attractions worth checking out in Majuli are Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay, Samaguri Satra, Bangalpukhari, and Tengapania.

• Best Time to visit: Between October and February
• Tourist Attractions: Kamalabari Satra, Tengapania, Dakhinpat Satra, Auniati Satra, Garmu
• Festival Celebrated : Majuli Festival is celebrated every year on the 21st of November and continues for four days. It will allow you to peep into the tribal culture and traditions
• Nearest Airport : Jorhat Airport, Assam (46 km)

4. Sivasagar, Assam

You will enjoy your visit to Sivasagar , especially if you are a history enthusiast. It is home to several places of immense historical importance. The most famous ones are Sivasagar Lake, Rang Ghar, Tai Ahom Museum, Shiva Temple, Central Baptist and Catholic Church, Anadaram Baruah Park, and Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary.

Among these, the Rang Ghar deserves special mention because it is one of the oldest surviving amphitheaters in Asia. The Ahom Museum would arouse the interest of history lovers and laymen because it contains clothes, a royal armory, and manuscripts belonging to rulers of the Ahom dynasty. Explore holiday packages for Sivasagar .

• Best Time to visit: Between October and February Tourist Attractions: Charaideo. Vishnu Dol, Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary, Shiva Dol, Joysagar
• Festival Celebrated : International Shiva Festival
• Nearest Airport : Jorhat Airport, Assam (62 km)

5.  Manas Tiger Reserve

As the name suggests, Manas Tiger reserve is most famous for its enormous population of tigers. Alongside, this tiger reserve also boasts the largest population of Bengal Florican in the world, besides being an incredible place to watch the Great Hornbill.

Apart from this, the Manas Tiger Reserve is home to almost 380 species of birds, including red-headed trogon, swamp francolin, marsh, jerdon’s babbler, and finn’s weaver. The tiger reserve also boasts great biodiversity and is the only place where the pygmy hog survives.

• Best Time to visit : Between October and May
• Tourist Attractions : Palace of King of Bhutan, Tiger and Elephant Reserve, Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Bansbari Tea Plantation, Mathanguri
• Timings : 5.30 am to 6 pm
• Nearest Airport : Guwahati Airport (137 km)

6. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

What makes Tawang one of the best places to visit in North East India is its resemblance to heaven if you know what heaven looks like. Arunachal Pradesh’s smallest district is home to several attractions, including Tawang Monastery, Nuranang Waterfalls, Taktsang Gompa, Pankang Teng Tso Lake, and Jaswant Garh, among others.

The Tawang Monastery, situated at the height of 10,000ft and the residence of almost 450 monks, is one of the largest monasteries in India. In the evening, its beauty takes on a different appearance. Jaswant Garh War Memorial is built in honor of Jaswant Singh Rawat, an Indian rifleman of 4 Garhwal Rifles who bravely fought the Chinese army.

• Best Time to visit : Either between March and June or between September and October
• Tourist Attractions : Sela Pass, Jaswant Garh, Madhuri Lake, Bumla Pass, Tawang War Memorial
• Festival Celebrated : Tawang Festival is celebrated to keep Arunachal’s rich heritage and culture alive
• Nearest Airport : Guwahati Airport (518 km), Salonibari Airport (317 km)

[ Plan a trip to  Tawang with these customized packages ]

7. Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh

Bomdila is one of the most incredible destinations of Arunachal Pradesh because of its lush landscape combined with a rich culture and heritage. Not only can one enjoy its natural beauty, but one can also explore the culture and crafts of the region by visiting its museums and monasteries. The popular tourist attractions in Bomdila are Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Dirang Valley, Bomdila View Point, Craft Center and Ethnographic Museum, and Apple Orchard, among others.

• Best Time to visit : Between April and October
• Tourist Attractions : Apple Orchards, Bomdila Monastery, Bomdila Flea Market, Chilipam Monastery, Craft Centre And Ethnographic Museum
• Nearest Airport: Guwahati Airport (268 km), Salonibari Airport (147 km)

[ Visit Bomdila with these customized packages ]

Best Places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh for a Rejuvenating Experience

8. Agartala, Tripura

Agartala is the second largest city in the Northeast and has attracted tourists in large numbers. One of the fastest developing cities in India, it’s also the third international internet getaway after Mumbai and Chennai. Agartala is home to several fabulous monuments, including Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal, and Tripura Government Museum, among others.

Other places which are very popular with tourists are Rose Valley Amusement Park, Dumboor Lake, and Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. Ujjayanta Palace, an architectural masterpiece, is quite a sight to come across. Once home to the ruling Manikya dynasty, the palace is now a state museum and sheds light on the arts, crafts, traditions and lifestyles of communities residing in Northeast India.

• Tourist Attractions : Tripura Sundari Temple, Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Buddha Temple, Jagannath Mandir, Jampui Hills
• Festival Celebrated : 7-day long Garia Puja, honoring universal god Baba Goria.
• Nearest Airport : Imphal Airport, Manipur (542 km)

9. Kohima, Nagaland

Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland, is one of the most places to visit in North East India. Kohima is most popular for hosting the annual Hornbill Festival in December , which draws in thousands of visitors annually.

Apart from that, there are several tourist attractions in Kohima, including The Catholic Cathedral at Aradura Hill, World War II Cemetery, Nagaland State Museum, and the Zoological Park, among others. After enjoying sightseeing, you can also go for a trek with your family to Dzukou Valley, located almost 20km from Kohima.

• Attractions : The Catholic Cathedral, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama Heritage Village Kohima War Cemetery, Japfu Peak
• Festival Celebrated : Hornbill Festival is a significant festival that invites travelers worldwide. It is held from 1st to 10th December every year and is famous for its tribal and cultural dances, rock contests, songs, and music.
• Nearest Airport: Dimapur Airport, Nagaland (64 km)

[ Explore tour packages for Nagaland ]

10. Imphal, Manipur

Imphal , the capital city of Manipur, is blessed with a beautiful landscape that wins your heart at first sight. It is home to several tribes and is also the state’s cultural capital. For a tourist, there are several fascinating sights to explore.

One of these is the Imphal Polo Ground, the oldest polo ground in the world. The other attractions worth checking out are Kangla Fort, Manipur Zoological Gardens, and Keibul Lamjao National Park, apart from others. Imphal also hosts several events like Lai Haraoba, the Kang Rath Yatra, and Ningol Chakouba Festival, to name a few.

• Best Time to visit : Between September and April
• Tourist Attractions : ISKCON Imphal, Sri Sri Radha Krishnacandra Temple, Ima Keithel Women’s Market, INA Museum, Loktak Lake, Kangla Fort
• Nearest Airport : Imphal Airport (8 km)

[ Plan a holiday in Manipur with these customized packages ]

11. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

Cherrapunji in Meghalaya is famous for being one of the wettest places in the world and is one of the best places to visit in India. It is also famous for its root bridges formed due to continuous rains. However, this place attracts tourists for its amazing sightseeing opportunities.

Its major attractions are waterfalls and caves, including Nohsngithiang Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, Dainthlen Falls, and Mawsmai Cave. Other equally exciting sightseeing destinations are Mawkdok Dympep Valley, Double Decker Living Root Bridge, and Thangkharang Park.

• Best Time to visit : Between October and February
• Tourist Attractions : Eco Park, Mawsynram, Nongsawlia Church, Wakaba Falls, Dawki
• Festival Celebrated : Nongkrem Dance, a festival of the Khasi tribe held annually in December for five days
• Nearest Airport : Guwahati Airport (163 km)

[ Explore customized Cherrapunji tour packages ]

12. Mawsynram, Meghalaya

Mawsynram, located about 56km from Shillong, is a tiny village in the Khasi village of Meghalaya. It is famous for being the wettest place on earth, along with Cherrapunji. It reportedly receives an annual rainfall of almost 11,872 mm or 39ft! However, it’s a natural paradise, and tourists visiting the place delight in the fresh air, sliding slopes, and rolling green mountains.

One of the main attractions in Mawsynram is the Mawjymbuin Cave. They consist of some magnificent stalagmites formed due to years of weathering and dripping of mineralized solutions. It’s such a delight exploring these natural formations and coming across rare sights such as these.

• Best Time to visit : Between September and November
• Key Attractions : Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Centre For Indigenous Cultures, Umiam Lake Viewpoint, Mawjymbuin Caves, Jingmaham Living Root Bridge
• Nearest Airport: Guwahati Airport (170 km)

21 Best Places to Visit in Meghalaya to Admire the Natural Beauty

13. Shillong, Meghalaya

No list of the best places to visit in North East India is complete without mentioning Shillong, one of the most visited places in Northeast India. Surrounded by hills and the ever-present fog resting comfortably on them, Shillong appears like the perfect getaway for a dreamy vacation. It’s also famous for hosting exciting music festivals and cultural events. You can enjoy shopping in the malls, boating on Ward’s Lake, or just having a relaxed day out with your family.

The major attractions of Shillong include Shillong Peak, Golf Course, Don Bosco Center for Indigenous Centers, and Elephant Falls, among others. Shillong Peak, located at the height of 6 449ft, provides outstanding city views.

• Best Time to visit : Between March and May
• Tourist Attractions : Don Bosco Museum, Elephant Falls, Sohpetbneng Peak, Mary Help for Christian Cathedral, Umiam Lake
• Festival Celebrated : National Cherry Blossom Festival in mid-November
• Nearest Airport : Guwahati Airport (120 km)

[ Plan a holiday in Meghalaya with these packages ]

14. Aizwal, Mizoram

Aizwal , the capital of Mizoram and an immensely beautiful hill city, provides the best sightseeing opportunities. You will find solitude and tranquility in abundance here. The city also provides lovely views of the hills stretching for miles on end. In Aizwal, you will also come across the friendliest people in the Northeast. There is also scope for adventure, from paragliding to rafting.

Some popular tourist attractions include Lamsial Puk (Cave), Baktawng, and Solomon’s Temple. A unique experience in Aizwal is meeting the world’s largest family. Headed by Pu Ziona, who has 38 wives, 89 children, and many grandchildren, this family has been registered by the Guinness Book of World Records.

• Best Time to visit : Between March and July
• Tourist Attractions : Tamdil Lake, Durtlang Hills, Mini Zoological Garden, Vantawang Falls, Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary
• Nearest Airport : Lengpui Airport (32 km)

[ Explore the  tourist attractions in Mizoram with these packages ]

15. Pemayangtse Monastery

Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim and contains an enormous collection of rare manuscripts and scriptures. Located near Pelling, it is around 300 years old and is three storied.

It houses various statues of Buddhist saints. The main prayer hall is adorned with exquisite paintings, while the doors and windows are decorated in traditional Tibetan design. You can also see the ruins of Rabdantse Monastery from here. Explore customized Sikkim tour packages .

• Best Time to visit : Between March and June
• Tourist Attractions : Borong, Pelling, Rimbik, Khangchendzonga National Park, Yuksom Valley
• Timings : 9 am to 6 pm
• Festival Celebrated : Cham Festival, a Tibetan dance form held every year on the 28th and 19th of Gyal, the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar.

Also Read: The 12 Best Places To Visit In Sikkim For A Fun Vacay In 2024

16. Pelling, Sikkim

Pelling is one of the best places to visit in North East India because it offers breathtaking views of the Khangchendzonga and surrounding ranges. This is also why it’s so loved by tourists and the various tourist spots it’s home to. Some tourist attractions are Darap Cherny Village, Khecheopalri Lake, Khangchendzonga Waterfalls, and Sawaro Rock Garden.

Besides this, Pelling hosts the Khangchendzonga Festival marked with various exciting activities like water-rafting on the Rangit, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking, to name a few. Flower exhibitions and traditional crafts stalls also keep the guests entertained. Explore Pelling with this package .

• Best Time to visit : Either between mid-February and May or September and December
• Tourist Attractions : Kanchenjunga National Park, Pemayangtse Monastery, Sewaro Rock Garden, Rabdentse Ruins, Khecheopalri Lake
• Festival Celebrated : Pelling Tourism Festival, also called Kanchenjunga Winter Tourism Festival, is celebrated in December.
• Nearest Airport : Bagdogra Airport, West Bengal (140 km)

7 Best Honeymoon Places in North India to Visit in Summer 2024

17. Goecha La

If you are an adventure seeker looking for an adrenaline-rushing trek, then Goecha La is the pass you should be heading for during your visit to North-East India.

One of the main reasons Goecha La pass is listed as one of the best places to visit in Sikkim is the trekking trail it offers and the blissful view of the nearby mountain summits. The altitude of this trekking trail reaches beyond 15,000 ft, making it one of the best places to trek to.

The entire Goecha La trek takes a minimum of 7 days or a total trek time of 25 hours. Once you reach the summit, you can see the 14 big snow-capped summits.

• Tourist Attractions : Khangchendzonga Waterfall, Khangchendzonga National Park, Norbugang Coronation Throne, Khecheopalri Lake, Gurudongmar Lake
• Timings : All day

Must Read: Top Trekking Destination in India

18. Mokokchung

Mokokchung is an amazing and pristine destination that offers a mesmerizing view of the surrounding. It amazes visitors with its rare landscapes and unique lifestyle. The people here are welcoming and warm-hearted making it a very blissful destination in Nagaland .

Mokokchung is popular for its diversity in flora, cuisines, and many other things. If you plan to visit here, make it during the winter. It happens to be the longest season in this village and the most amazing one.

• Best Time to visit : Between mid-September to November
• Tourist Attractions : Langpangkong Caves, Ongpangkong Range, Unmga, Mopungchuket Village, Changkikong Range
• Nearest Airport : Jorhat Airport, Assam (104 km)

[ Explore Our Best Dibrugarh Tour Packages ]

19. Kangla Fort

The popular and majestic Kangla Fort is a part of Nagaland’s capital- Imphal. It is one of the city’s most important attractions and attracts many visitors throughout the year. According to historians, this fort dates back to 33 AD and is known as the home of Hongda Lauren Pakhangba, the mythical god according to the localities.

This is a must-visit attraction in Nagaland for art lovers and historians. Even if you aren’t any of these, do explore this amazing attraction to know the untold stories.

• Best Time to visit: Between October and April
• Tourist Attractions : Lord Ibudhou Pakhangba Leishang, Nungjeng Pukhri Achouba, Shri Govindaji Temple, Mangle, Kangla Museum
• Timings : 7 am to 5 pm

20. Tripura Sundari Temple

This temple has to be at the top of the list of the best places to visit in North East India. Tripura Sundari Temple is an important pilgrim spot and one of the 51 shaktipeeths in India. A lot of pilgrims visit this holy site and offer their prayers.

If you too are visiting Tripura, then do not miss out on the amazing and holy Matabari or Tripura Sundari Temple.

• Best Time to visit : Between October and April
• Tourist Attractions : Main temple premises, Ujjayanta Palace, Rudrasagar Lake, Neermahal Palace, Unakoti Hill
• Timings : 5 am to 9 pm (summer), 5.30 am to 8.30 pm (winter)

21. Ziro Valley

Foreigners can visit Ziro Valley with special permission from the Arunachal Government. It is one of the best places to visit in North East India in June to enjoy the scenic beauty and cool weather. Ziro Music Festival is one of the important festivals of North East India that sees more than 40 bands performing live.

Even if you are not into that, the cultural aspect will be worth giving a shot at. The verdant hills of the valley are studded with approx. 300 exotic birds and 170 colorful butterfly species. Add Ziro Valley to your North East India tour package if you are into birdwatching.

• Best Time to Visit : Between April and June
• Attractions : Ziro Music Festival, Tarin Fish Farm, Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghna Cave Temple, Dolo Mando
• Festival Celebrated : Ziro Music Festival is held in September yearly and attracts music lovers worldwide.
• Nearest Airport : Jorhat Airport (98 km)

22. Gangtok

The Gateway to Sikkim, Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim state and is among the top tourist places in North East India for winter. It offers incredible views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain. The town has many restaurants, things to do, and adventure activities to keep you entertained throughout your stay.

Wild Rhododendrons can be seen transforming the entire city landscape from March to May. Whether you are a family, couple, group of friends, or solo, Gangtok should not be missed out on your itinerary. Plus, it offers adventure activities that will provide unforgettable memories of the tour.

• Best Time to Visit : Between March and May, October and December
• Tourist Attractions : MG Road, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Ganesh Tok, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Himalayan Zoological Park
• Nearest Airport : Pakyong Airport (28 km)

Also Read: Top Tourist Places in Gangtok Must visit

23. Nohkalikai Falls

Tragically beautiful waterfall, Nohkalikai Falls is India’s highest free-leaping waterfall. It drops from a height of 340 m into a pretty pool base, and if you do not visit this fall, your North East Tour will be incomplete. It has a sad story involving a young mother (Ka Likai), her husband, and a little daughter. As she remarried, her new husband didn’t like her daughter, and while she was away at work, he killed and cooked her flesh in a fit of jealous rage. Once she discovers it, Likai plunges to death from the falls. Thus, the name was given to the waterfall.

• Best Time to Visit : Between October and December, March and May
• Timings : 9 am to 5 pm
• Attractions : Trekking, Photography, Angling, Swimming, Birdwatching
• Nearest Airport : Guwahati Airport (167 km)

24. Mawlynnong village

This village in North East India’s state of Meghalaya has earned a reputation for being one of Asia’s cleanest villages. So much so that it is called God’s Own Garden. From fruit orchards to gushing streams and swaying palms, Mawlynnong Village is one of the best places to visit in North East India.

Plus, you can get insights into the traditions of the Khasis living on the edge of the state’s southern ranges. The iconic attractions that have obtained their place in every Meghalaya tour itinerary are the living root bridges, a specialty of this village you have to visit for a memorable experience.

• Best Time to Visit : Between June and September
• Attractions : Living Root Bridges, Mawlynnong Waterfall, Jingmaham Living Root Bridge, Church of the Epiphany
• Nearest Airport : Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (188 km)

Related Post:

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• 15 Awesome Winter Holiday Destinations in India that you must not miss
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• 11 Budget-Friendly International Destinations to Visit in July Outside India
• Great Places to Visit in India with Family – For a Memorable Trip!

Manmeet Kaur

A writer by profession and a storyteller by heart, Manmeet has a passion for traveling and treating her taste buds to different cuisines. Besides, she loves to binge-watch movies and series every now and then. She is also an avid reader, which keeps her engaged.

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Highlights of the Seven Sisters: why Northeast India is the place to travel right now

Oct 10, 2019 • 9 min read

Of the countless pictures you’ve seen and travel tales you’ve heard of India , it’s unlikely many – if any – focused on its remote Northeast States . This triangular-shaped piece of land is wedged between China, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar, and consists of seven states, known collectively as the Seven Sisters. Long neglected by even the most intrepid of travellers because of their notoriously troubled past, the Sisters have slowly come of age, and may soon grow into India’s most sought-after travel destination.

Home to a kaleidoscope of cultures, religions and ethnicities, the region has endured a turbulent history (think tribal warfare, independence struggles and cross-border smuggling). However, much of the outright conflict has subsided – apart from the occasional peaceful protest – and, as a result, the Indian Government has recently relaxed most of the travel restrictions and permit requirements for foreigners, meaning the region’s pristine nature, diverse landscapes and unique tribal cultures are open to the world for the first time.

From Himalayan monasteries to rhino-filled national parks, here are seven of the highlights of India’s Northeast – just make sure you see them before everyone else does.

Loktak Lake, Manipur

Manipur was considered the most dangerous of the seven states as its fierce independence movement and forested hills favoured by smugglers prolonged the region’s instability. However, the locals will repeatedly assure you those days are long gone, and foreigners are welcomed with eager hospitality.

Loktak Lake, one of the largest inland bodies of water in India, is one of the most memorable highlights of the Northeast States. Just an hour from Manipur’s capital, Imphal, the landform is known as the ‘floating lake’ due to the presence of phumdis , large masses of vegetation that float on the lake’s surface. One of these buoyant islands is so big it’s been granted national park status, set up to protect the endangered sangai deer, which at one time was thought to be extinct. The park has a couple of viewing platforms where rangers will help you locate the deer through binoculars. Alternatively, it’s possible to spend time out on the water in wooden boats with local fishermen (many of whom live on the phumdis), who can provide insights into traditional fishing methods and details about the lake’s 100 species of birds.

It’s possible to stay in a village homestay on the lake run by the local ecotourism committee. Alternatively, there are also accommodation options in Moirang, the largest nearby town.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is the last frontier and eastern most state of India, sharing borders with Tibet, Bhutan and Myanmar. It’s the most precarious of the Seven Sisters, due to the heavily militarised nature of the area and the ongoing border dispute between China and India. For this reason, it’s one of only two states in the region – the other being Sikkim – where a Protected Area Permit is still required for foreigners. However, it can be easily arranged in Guwahati or Kolkata from government offices.

Arunachal is characterised by an impressive mountainous region that rises to the Greater Himalayas. Tucked inside these snow-capped peaks between Bhutan and Tibet , is the town of Tawang. This little-visited spot is home to the second largest Buddhist monastery in the world, spectacularly set on the edge of a slope at 3000m elevation. The monastery dates back to around the mid-17th century and is where the sixth Dalai Lama was born. It’s now home to around 300 monks and a treasure trove of Tibetan Buddhist relics, including rare manuscripts and thangka cotton paintings.

The real highlight, aside from the incredible scenery surrounding the monastery, is to spend time mulling around the peaceful, white-washed grounds, which are most atmospheric at sunrise when the monks perform their morning prayers, or puja , to the sound of beating drums.

Majuli Island, Assam

Assam is the largest state in the region and perhaps the most well-known thanks to its production of its namesake tea. It’s lesser-known tourism marvel is Majuli, the world’s largest river island marooned in the mighty Brahmaputra River.

The island is home to some of the most important temples and satras (cultural centres) of the neo-Vaishnavite sect of Hinduism, which is native to Assam. More than just complexes for prayer, they are also used for traditional performing arts that includes elaborate and colourful masks which are handmade on the island. Majuli once had 65 of these satras, however, due to the slow erosion and seasonal flooding of the Brahmaputra River, the number has been reduced to just 22.

The large landmass is also home to the Mishing tribe, an indigenous community with roots in Mongolia who migrated to India in the 16th century. Their houses sitting high on stilts are traditionally made from bamboo and thatch, almost blending into the thick vegetation found on rural parts of the island. The community are extremely affable – don’t be surprised to find yourself being invited into a stilt-house for tea.

Konyak villages, Nagaland

The Seven Sisters are often referred to as tribal states, and, in this context, Nagaland is the region’s poster child. The Nagas is the collective term for around 20 tribes, but each has its own traditions and customs and occupies a different area of land. The largest of these tribes is the Konyaks, mostly situated in the north of the state, around the town of Mon.

The Konyaks are unique for their headhunting traditions. Not so long ago, territorial disputes in the area that is now the India-Myanmar border culminated in the practice of decapitating enemies and displaying their heads as trophies on door frames. These ruthless days are a thing of the past, but remnants of this time endure, most notably in the form of body art; ex-warriors – now in their twilight years – can still be distinguished by their tattooed faces and chests, a decorative practice used to honour their achievements in battle.

Although there are a couple of hotels in Mon where you can base yourself for village visits, a more immersive experience is to opt for a homestay with a Konyak family. The village of Longwa has a number of such accommodation options available, with hosts often doubling as guides. Staying in the village itself not only gives you more of a chance to meet some of the former headhunters, but also provides a window into everyday village life, as well as the opportunity to sample some memorable home-cooked meals, like smoked beef heart served with local red rice. 

Neermahal, Tripura

One of the smallest and least visited states in the country, Tripura is bordered on three sides by Bangladesh and to the north with Assam. Though it remains a relatively isolated state, it is connected to the country’s national railway network – a rare feature in the Northeast States. 

The state’s most picturesque attraction is Neermahal , which literally translates to water palace. The former royal fortress was built in the 1930s in the middle of the lake by the Maharaja of Tripura and is considered a unique blend of Muslim and Hindu architectural design. To reach it you need to take a wooden boat from the small dock, which is walking distance from the town of Melaghar.

The palace appears like something you might find on the opposite side of the country in Rajasthan , except the pure joy of visiting Neermahal is that you will likely have the place all to yourself. Although the rooms are mostly empty now, you are free to roam around the complex and admire the view of the lake from various vantage points. The palace is particularly striking at sunset, when the marble domes are splashed in a golden hue.

Gangtok, Sikkim

Sikkim is a former mountain kingdom, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal , and features some of India’s most impressive mountains vistas and trekking opportunities. It’s the least populated state in the country and one-third of its area is covered by the Kanchenjunga National Park to the north.

And for all this natural splendour, it is Sikkim’s urban charms that steals the show. The state’s capital, Gangtok , is one of India’s most laid-back cities and is a joy to explore. The majority of the population have origins in Nepal and Tibet, and you will find typical Himalayan delights such as momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), yak wool shawls and thangka paintings in the open-air market in the city centre. You can explore Gangtok’s Buddhist culture further by visiting some of the city’s nearby monasteries such as Rumtek, which is the largest in Sikkim.

The state is extremely mountainous and the sprawl of Gangtok laps against the slopes of the surrounding hills. There are a few lookout points around town, the best of which is considered to be Tashi Viewpoint, where you can gaze at the impressive mountain backdrop of the city which, on a clear day, extends all the way to Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

The Seven Sisters are known for their vast natural landscapes, and the forest and floodplains of the Karizanga National Park are considered – remarkably – to be one of the last areas on the Indian subcontinent that is undisturbed by human settlement. Its place as a wildlife haven has been recognised for over a century, which has allowed tigers, elephants and one-horned rhinoceroses to flourish amongst the wetlands of the Brahmaputra River. It’s home to two-thirds of the world’s population of rhinos and sighting them grazing in the grass is highly likely, even on a short visit.

As with the more famed national parks in India, a jeep safari is the most common way to explore the park. The reserve is divided into five sections, with the well-maintained tracks of Kohora being the most popular and busy. Agoratoli is perhaps the best alternative, with much less traffic while retaining a high chance of animal sightings.

Some of the most famous photos of the park are of tourists on elephant-back safaris. Although the creatures are reputedly well cared for by rangers, in the interest of animal welfare it is highly recommended to explore the park on four wheels instead. There are numerous lodges ranging from high end resorts to budget camps on the outskirts of the park, which can arrange half-day safaris from their doorstep.

Getting around

The remoteness and somewhat isolation of the Northeast region of India does pose certain barriers to those wishing to explore its far corners. Tourist and transport infrastructure is fairly limited and often, not in great shape. However, there are significant improvements planned for the future, which will only make travel easier.

The capital of Assam, Guwahati , is the region’s major transport hub and you’ll likely find yourself revisiting multiple times for connections between places. For now, it’s home to the region’s only international airport and it’s connected by flight directly to seven countries, all of which are in Asia. Guwahati also has the region’s main interstate railway station with services to most other major cities in Northern India.

Besides Tripura and Assam, the rest of the Seven Sisters do not have an existing rail network and must be explored by either state government buses or private and shared jeeps. This can pose some obstacles to travel plans as the mountainous region and poor road conditions, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, make travelling between places long and arduous. However, jeeps are abundant, relatively well organised and will go virtually anywhere, so with some time and patience the rewards are boundless.

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Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

15 days in North East India | A Travel Guide and Itinerary

Jack Kerouac in his book On the Road , says, “There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.” Traversing through majestic mountains and lustrous valleys in the middle of nowhere while admiring the flawless creations of nature seems like an idea, too good to be real for now. But it is wise enough to find respite from mundane schedules by making a virtual tour of destinations in your bucket list and plan for future travel.

North East India is known to be in the bucket list of many discerning travelers. The alluring beauty of nature and rich culture intertwine to make the North East a top pick for many. The eight states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim constitute the North East region in India.

The vas t region with countless idyllic travel destinations requires you to spend months there to be able to explore the region well but in reality, this is not something everyone can possibly do. But setting aside 15 days in a year to head to the rather unexplored part of India is something doable. Hence, I am compiling this 15-Day Travel Itinerary comprising of 3 states in the North East – Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.

If you are someone who had always wished to wander through the winding roads in the North East and jump into the pools of hidden waterfalls but never found a perfect itinerary to make the best out of your available time, this itinerary is for you. Go ahead to read and plan your next trip to the North East.

How to reach Shillong?

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Day 14 : Explore Guwahati

Day 15 : Fly out from Guwahati

North East Itinerary – In brief

Tips to remember while planning the trip, share this:.

A detailed 15-day Travel Itinerary for North East

Day 1 : Guwahati to Shillong

To start your journey in the North East, you’d have to fly to Guwahati in Assam, which serves as the base for almost all routes.

• Hire a vehicle from Guwahati Airport or Guwahati Railway Station to Shillong. It would ideally cost you about INR 2000 for a drop off at Police Bazar, Shillong or your Hotel.
• You can also hop onto a shared sumo/taxi from the airport or railway station which would cost about INR 300. If you do not find shared vehicles there, you can head to Paltan Bazar in Guwahati from where you’d easily find shared vehicles for Shillong.
• You will also find buses for Shillong from ISBT, Beltola in Guwahati.
• The journey is approximately 3 hours long.

Backpacker’s Hostel : Silver Brook

Home-stays : Mid Pine Homestay

Hotels : Windermere Inn | Hotel Polo Towers | Rockski Boutique Bed and Breakfast | The Loft Executive Inn

Dylan’s Cafe | ML 05 Cafe | Cafe Shillong

Tango Restobar and Lounge | Deja Vu |  The Evening Club

If you manage to reach Shillong by afternoon, you can easily take a short tour of the city. Hire a local cab to visit Elephant Falls and Shillong Peak, which are within 15 kms distance from the central part of the city. Ward’s Lake is right in the heart of the city and you may stop by to spend some quiet time by the lake.

In the evening, take a stroll in the Police Bazar area and check out the amazing cafes and restaurants in the area.

Day 2 : Shillong to Cherrapunjee

• Private cabs can be booked from the main market area, known as Police Bazar.
• There are shared vehicles available too which are available from Bara Bazar Area . Usually these are Tata Sumos or Altos that ply between Shillong and Cherrapunjee. Cherrapunjee and Sohra are the same places. Do not get confused if the taxi drivers are calling out for passengers for Sohra.
• It takes about 2 hours to travel the distance of 52 kms.

Homestays : Goshen Homestay | Aisha Guest House | Shalom Guest House  

Hotels : Coniferous Resort | Polo Orchid Resort | Sulawado Resort

Things to do in Cherrapunjee

Make sure you start early from Shillong so that you may reach Cherrapunjee by first half of the day. You may hire a local cab to take you around the famous spots in Cherrapunjee. Here’s a list of things you can do at Cherrapunjee:

Visit the tallest plunge waterfall in India, Nohkalikai Falls , which has a height of 350 metres. There is an entry gate from where you can reach the mouth of the waterfall by following the trail. The view point of the waterfall is about 4-8 kms from Cherrapunjee, depending on where you start your journey from.

Take a tour of Mawsmai Caves , located about 6 kms away from Cherrapunjee. The cave is made of limestone and is home to unique flora and fauna. Once you enter the cave, you are only allowed to walk up till 150 metres inside the cave and the rest of the cave is not open for visitors.

Arwah Caves is a hidden gem in Cherrapunjee. This cave does not have well demarcated trails and thus, it is advisable to take a guide along with you. You need to take a detour from the main road and cover a muddy patch of road to reach Arwah Cave. Before you reach the entrance of the cave, you’d find a beautiful bridge. You would spot limestones and fossils inside the cave. A visit to Arwah Cave would be an adventurous activity. But considering the fact that you only have one day to visit all these places, you might have to pick one between Mawsmai and Arwah Caves as they are located in the extreme opposite locations outside Cherrapunjee.

Day 3 : Cherrapunjee – Tyrna – Nongriat – Tyrna

Start your day early as you have to trek the most talked about Living Root bridge of Meghalaya in Nongriat on this day. 

• Take a private taxi from Cherrapunjee to drop you at Tyrna , the starting point of the trek.
• It would cost you about INR 500 or a little more for this distance.
• From Tyrna Village , your downward hike for Nongriat starts .
• It is advisable to take a porter if you have a heavy rucksack. A porter would charge INR 500 a day.
• It usually takes about 2 hours for the downward hike. But you may finish the hike faster depending on your speed.

After crossing many suspension bridges and root bridges along the forest trail, you’d reach one of the major highlights of Meghalaya, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Only when you see the marvelous creation, you’d know how beautiful and powerful nature can be, if utilised well. Sit by the natural pool and soak in all the energy of the forest.

You can also ask your guide to take you to the Rainbow Waterfall , located a short hike away from Nongriat village. There are also a number of gorgeous natural pools which are untraceable and only known by the locals. If time permits, pay a visit to these naturals pools to make your day even more exciting.

By afternoon, start your upward hike back to Tyrna. The upward hike may take a longer time. Reach back to the starting point and stay at Tyrna, to get an experience of the rural side of Meghalaya.

Delight Homestay | Royal View Resort

Day 4 : Tyrna to Shillong

On the fourth day of your trip, head back to Shillong and spend a day in the Scotland of the East.

• Travel to Cherrapunjee from Tyrna in a reserved cab , following the same route.
• From Cherrapunjee, you can hire a vehicle for Shillong or take a shared vehicle .

Upon reaching Shillong, spend the day to explore the famous spots of the city if you had missed them on the day of your arrival. 

Day 5 : Shillong – Tezpur – Kaziranga

This will be a long day on the roads as you head back to Assam from Shillong. To proceed with your journey to the North East, you’d need to head to Tezpur in Assam from where you will further head to Kaziranga National Park.

• The first and the most comfortable way to travel to Tezpur from Assam is to reserve a vehicle. But it will cost you a whopping INR 5000-6000. If you are traveling in a group and would not want to compromise on comfort, you may choose this option.
• There are bus services between these two places. The buses would take about 7 hours to cover the distance and the schedule can be checked and tickets can be booked on the Assam State Transport Corporation ‘s website .

Tezpur to Kaziranga is a 40 kms journey that takes about 1.5 hours. It’s best that you move to Kaziranga from Tezpur and spend the night there because the safaris start very early in the morning. You need to spend a night in a nearby homestay or resort in order to make it to the morning safaris, which are most preferred. Staying in a cottage or homestay in Kaziranga will also give you a taste of the Assamese culture and daily life.

• You will find Assam State Transport Corporation Buses from Tezpur to go to Kaziranga. 
• You can also reserve a cab to drop you off till your accommodation this being a short distance. It will make your travel easier.

You can put up in the cottages that are run by the Kaziranga National Park. But do note that they are more on the expensive side for solo travellers. Works fine if you are in a group.

You can also opt to stay in a cottage near the National Park, which are more budget friendly. Some options are listed here:

Dhanshree Resort |   Kaziranga Florican Lodge | Kaziranga Resort

End the day and get some good sleep as you reach your destination as the day starts very early the next day.

Day 6 : Excursion to Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park, well known across the country for being home to the one-horned rhino is one of the Best National Parks of India. Not only the one-horned rhino, but you can also spot Royal Bengal tigers, swamp deer, wild water buffaloes and Asian elephants in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spread over 430 square kilometers, Kaziranga National Park houses unique flora and fauna. 

There are two ways you can take a tour around in this place. The first is an Elephant Safari and the other is a Jeep Safari. An Elephant Safari starts as early as 5:30am in the morning and you need to book them a day prior to when you want to go for the safari. The slots for Indians are way too less than the number of slots reserved for foreigners. Also, not many people personally prefer Elephant Safaris on grounds of morality. But even if you want to, you may not get a chance at this because of the one day prior booking policy.

The best way to explore the Kaziranga National Park is to opt for a Jeep Safari which has many slots, even in the afternoons. Please note that Kaziranga National Park is only open during the months of November to April so plan your travel accordingly  if you don’t want to be disappointed at the last moment.

• The tickets can be booked from the counter on the same day on first come first served basis.
• The Safaris are about 2 hours long. You can check the schedule of the Jeep Safaris beforehand.
• You cannot book a seat but will have to book the entire Jeep and pay an extra amount for cameras. If you are traveling solo, the best is to wait and join another group and split the cost.
• An entire Safari costs between INR 1550-2750. There are different price ranges for different circuits. For cameras, you need to pay INR 100 extra per camera; INR 200 for foreigners.
• From your stay, you will need a vehicle to drop you at the starting point of the Safari. You can ask your hosts to arrange for this and they’d be glad to help you out.

If you take a morning safari, you will have ample time to head to the Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park . The biggest Orchid park in the North East belt in India, this park hosts 500 varieties of wild orchids, 132 species of fruits and vegetables, various species of bamboo, cane and other plants.

After a tour of the Orchid park, you can head back to Tezpur from Kaziranga and spend the night in Tezpur.

Homestays :  The Bhowmick’s Bungalow  

Hotels : Hotel Gateway Tezpur | Hotel Palazzo Prime | Dayal Residency  

Day 7 : Tezpur to Dirang

Dirang is a picture perfect town in West Kameng District in Arunachal Pradesh, often chosen as a transit point by traveler. Dirang is quite unexplored till this point of time probably because its counterpart, Bomdila is known more in the travellers circuit. Surrounded by tall mountains, beautiful monasteries and crystal clear river waters, a stop at Dirang would be the best way to start your trip to Arunachal Pradesh.

• There won’t be shared cabs specifically  meant for Dirang but you can hop onto one going to Tawang and get down at Dirang.
• Shared Sumos are found at ASTC bus stand in Tezpur and they leave around 6am. Check for the Tata Sumo Counter for Tawang as you reach there. Make sure you reach well ahead of time to find yourself the best seats, else you will end up stuck at the last row with no legroom for this long journey.
• The shared Sumo fair for Tawang from Tezpur is usually INR 750 per person . Dirang would cost you lesser than that. But post pandemic, the costs are expected to go higher.
• A reserved vehicle from Tezpur to Dirang would cost somewhere around INR 8000 . If you are in a group, you may opt for this as you won’t be compromising on comfort.
• The distance is about 200 kms and it takes around 6 hours to cover.

J L Homestay | Pemaling Lords Inn Homestay | Tenzing Dolma Homestay | Keeduk Inn

After having completed a long and bumpy ride, take rest in your hotel/homestay.

Day 8 : Explore Dirang

Even though Dirang has gained popularity only among travelers only in the recent years, there is a lot to explore in this quaint village. One day is never enough to explore the place to the fullest. Still, something is better than nothing so you can utilise the day to the fullest and go around and breathe the fresh air of this surreal destination, your first stop in Arunachal Pradesh.

Things to do in Dirang

Visit Dirang Dzong located on the banks of Dirang Chu (river), an outstanding remnant of the rich cultural history of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a small village with a few houses that are more than 500 years old. Dirang Dzong also has a prison which dates back to 9th century. Walk through the houses and alleys and interact with the locals to know more about the ancient architecture, traditions, art and culture. It is located about 3-4 kms from the main town of Dirang. You can take a local cab but the distance is walkable if you are comfortable walking.

Originally known as the Thupsung Dhargye monastery, Dirang Monastery is a rather new monastery and recently renovated. The monastery is surrounded by manicured gardens and the view from here is serene. Spend an hour at this place to experience tranquility. It is located right in the heart of Dirang.

There is no better way to explore a place than to explore the place on foot. Walk around the town, the river banks and drink tea with the locals. You will know a lot more about the history and culture than what the internet tells you about a place.

Day 9 : Dirang to Tawang

• The shared sumos start very early in the morning. Talk to your hotel/homestay management to find out if you can book a seat the previous way. There is no straightjacket formula to traveling in public transports in the North East.
• The shared sumos would cost around INR 450 from Dirang to Tawang and travel time would be around 6 hours. 
• You can also join other groups if they are booking a private vehicle and share the expenses.
• Ask the driver to stop at Sela Lake for tea. That way you get a glimpse of the splendid Sela Lake.

Dondrub Homestay | Hotel Tawang Heights | Hotel The Oak | Hotel Tawang Centre Point

Spend the evening strolling around the town of Tawang or head to Dharma Coffee House for a cup of hot chocolate.

Day 10 : Explore Tawang

To explore the various places in Tawang, the only option is to book a local cab for sightseeing. If you are traveling solo, you would probably have to join another group. But there is no issue if you are in a group. In the local taxi stand, you will find local drivers who conduct these Bum La Pass, Sangetsar Lake, P T Tso Lake sightseeing trips. You will need a permit from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang District to visit Bum La Pass . But not to worry, the driver can arrange that for you easily. Make sure you make this arrangement right on the day you arrive. A full day trip will cost you between INR 5000-6000.

• Visit the Tawang Monastery , the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world. Situated at a height of 3000 metres, this three stories monastery is postcard perfect and one of the main highlights of your trip to Tawang.
• Visit the historically significant Urgeling Gompa , the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama.
• Head to Tawang War Memorial , which commemorates the martyrdom of 2140 Indian soldiers of the Indo-China War.
• Explore the popular Bumla pass , located at an altitude of 4633 meters in  the Indo-China border.
• Stop by Sangetsar Lake,  more famously known as Madhuri Lake after a Bollywood movie starring Madhuri Dixit was shot here. A walk around the lake will be enough to refresh your mind and soul.
• Visit the P T Tso Lake , another famous spot in this circuit. With crystal clear waters and mountains on all sides, you will find this lake a rejuvenating escape.

Head back to your hotel/homestay and rest in the evening.

Day 11 : Tawang to Bomdila

This day holds a long journey for you. The shares Sumos for Bomdila leave very early in the morning and hence, you’d have to be prepared to leave early. 

• Hop onto a shared Sumo from Tawang.
• It takes between 7-8 hours to cover this leg of the journey, depending on the conditions of the road.
• The fare for a seat in a shared vehicle is around INR 600.
• Reserved Vehicles would cost about INR 10000 (Xylo/Innova).

Holiday Hills | Hotel Tashi Den | Doe-Gu-Khil Guest House

Spend the day rest of the evening strolling around the streets of Bomdila or stay back at your hotel/homestay.

Day 12 : Explore Bomdila

Bomdila is another transit point apart from Dirang, between Tezpur and Tawang. Bomdila is known more and opted by the travelers because of its easy accessibility with other places. Situated amidst lofty mountains and home to beautiful monasteries, Bomdila truly deserves the attention of the travelers. There are many things you can do in this quaint town. Some of the places of interest are listed here.

• Head to the highest view point of Bomdila, RR Hill to witness a unparalelled views of Bhutan and Tibet.
• Visit the gorgeously built Bomdila Monastery . Built in 1965, this monastery is divided into three segments, the Upper Gompa, the Middle Gompa and the Lower Gompa. The Upper Gompa is situated on a steep mountain slope and is the biggest among the three.
• Hire a vehicle and head to Eagle’s Nest Sanctuary, located 20 kms outside the town. It is a great spot for bird watchers.
• Head to the apple orchards of Bomdila and pack some apples for your journey backwards.

Day 13 : Bomdila – Tezpur – Guwahati

• There are two possible ways to reach Guwahati.
• You will find direct buses that go to Guwahati but they are extremely long and tiring. A 15 hours of journey through the bumpy roads would be no less than a pain. But you may still opt for this if you are used to traveling in buses.
• The alternative option is to break the journey at Tezpur . First take a Shared Jeep to Tezpur that’d cost you INR 350 . From Tezpur, you may either take another Sumo or get onto an ASTC bus towards Guwahati. Take a seat in the front of the bus and it will be quite a comfortable journey.

TRAVEL TIME:

Bomdila to Tezpur – 4.5 hours

Tezpur to Guwahati – 4.5 hours

(It is always best to keep some buffer time and not having anything booked in advance)

Backpackers Hostels : Gibbon Backpackers Hostel | Cupidtrail Backpacker’s Penthouse  

Mid-Ranged Stays : Magnolia Inn | The Riverside Lodge | Hotel The Kalyaniz

Luxury Stays : Vivanta Guwahati | Radisson Blu Guwahat i | Novotel Guwahati

After a long day of travel, retreat to sleep early as you approach the last day of your trip.

Though the itinerary starts from Guwahati, you technically do not get to spend a day in Guwahati, often considered a gateway and junction to travel to all other destinations in the North East region. It is thus advisable to dedicate a leisurely day to explore the city at your own pace. There would be no checklists to follow or rush to visit all possible points. Just take a walk, spend the afternoon at a cafe or engage in some shopping at Fancy Bazaar or The Maati Centre .

But if you are still keen on visiting some popular spots in the city, you may head to Assam State Museum or stargaze at Guwahati Planetarium.

If you want to add on a few extra days to the itinerary and explore some more places in Assam, you must check these 6 jaw-dropping locations in Assam that should be on your list.

Fly out or take a train back from Guwahati with bag full of memories.

Day 3 : Cherrpunjee – Tyrna – Nongriat – Tyrna

Day 4 : Tyrna – Cherrapunjee – Shillong

Day 6 : Excursion at Kaziranga National Park – Transfer to Tezpur

Day 13 : Bomdila -Tezpur – Guwahati

• It is best to travel in the months of November to early December or March-April . The itinerary covers high altitude destinations like Tawang and you would not want to get stuck due to excessive snowfall during winter months or landslides in monsoon.
• Traveling to Arunachal Pradesh requires an Inner Line Permit which maybe applied online and obtained beforehand. The fee is INR 100 for Indians and is valid for 30 days.
• You will be on the roads on almost every day of the trip. It is advisable to carry water bottle and dry fruits so that you can stay hydrated and have something to munch on.
• Please avoid carrying snacks in plastic packs . Most of these locations are in remote places and they do not have a recycling system. If at all you produce plastic waste, carry them till Guwahati and dispose them at Guwahati .
• Always keep some buffer time when you travel in public transports . You never know what unforeseen circumstances may arrive.
• Reach the booking counters well before time so that you may find the front seats in the Tata Sumos . If possible, book both the seats so that you can travel comfortably.
• Respect the culture of the locals and thank them for every service.

Also, check these articles if you want to travel further to other places in the North East:

• 5 Offbeat Destinations in Meghalaya
• A 10-Day Travel Itinerary to experience Community Tourism in Sikkim
• 7 Day Arunachal Pradesh Itinerary
• A Comprehensive Travel Guide for Nepal
• A Guide for spending 2 days in Pokhara
• A 7-Day Travel Itinerary for Bhutan
• Thimpu City Guide
• 10 Offbeat Himalayan Destinations in West Bengal
• 7 Day Meghalaya Travel Itinerary

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Hailing from the foothill town of Siliguri, Michelle takes keen interest in storytelling, through words and photographs. Having a home so close to the mountains is what she considers a gift. A law student and freelance content writer at present, she often takes time out to travel to the mountains and pen down her experiences. She believes in giving back to the community through volunteering in local projects and strongly supports community tourism.

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North-Eastern India

• 3 Other destinations
• 4 Understand
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2 By train
• 6.3 By road
• 7 Get around
• 9.1 National parks
• 13 Stay safe
• 14.1 Sensitive Issues

North-Eastern India consists of seven small states that are surrounded by Bhutan , China and Myanmar , and almost cut off from the rest of India by Bangladesh .

As the cultures of the seven states that make up the region are similar, they are often collectively referred to as the 'Seven Sister States.'

Sikkim is often considered part of North-Eastern India because of its cultural similarity with the above states, but it has been categorised under Eastern India because of its geography.

Here are nine of the most notable cities.

• 23.8337 91.2828 1 Agartala — capital of Tripura
• 23.73333 92.71666 2 NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGE Aizawl — capital and largest city in Mizoram
• 26.14083 91.79083 3 Guwahati — largest city in Assam with more than two thousand years of history
• 24.8167 93.95 4 Imphal — capital of Manipur
• 27.1 93.6167 5 Itanagar — capital of Arunachal Pradesh
• 25.6667 94.1167 6 Kohima — capital of Nagaland
• 23.50313 91.50392 7 Matabari — located near Udaipur, Tripura this town is home to the Tripureswari Mandir
• 25.57444 91.87888 8 Shillong — capital of Meghalaya
• 26.2833 94.8333 9 Tuensang — a district and town in Nagaland with a great view of Mount Saramati

Other destinations

• 25.54594 93.55093 1 Intangki National Park (Ntangki National Park), Nagaland — a wildlife park located in the Perren district. Home to several endangered species as well as other mammals and birds. Among them are the golden langur, white-breasted kingfisher, python and sloth bear
• 26.6667 93.35 2 Kaziranga National Park , Assam — one of the oldest national parks in India with the largest habitat for Indian single-horned rhinos
• 27.45963 96.54146 3 Namdapha National Park , Arunachal Pradesh — (rain forest area) third largest national park in India with a large diversity of mammals and birds and for being home to the northernmost rain forest in the world
• 26.93249 92.87766 4 Nameri National Park , Assam — a national park located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas
• 25.44307 90.44552 5 Nokrek National Park (Nokrek Biosphere Reserve), Meghalaya — a small population of red pandas reside in this park. It is habitat for the Asian elephant, species of cats and primates. It is also an important area for birds. Rongbang Dare Water Fall and Nokrek Peak are located in this park with tall, thick forest
• 23.6691 91.3193 6 NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGE Clouded Leopard National Park , Tripura — a small population of clouded leopards reside in this park. It is also home to four species of primate monkey. This national park is located within the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. It also has a zoological park and a botanical garden among other educational and recreational facilities.
• 23.2796 91.401 7 Bison National Park (Rajbari National Park), Tripura — a significant population of bison ( gaur ), deer and golden langurs reside in this park. It is located within the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary and houses numerous floral and faunal varieties. Other animals like wild boars and leopards could also be seen here. The park is also a haven for birds species.

With the possible exception of Assam , which is famous worldwide for its tea , this is the least-known region of India. Most of these states are populated by hill tribes, who have fought long insurgency battles with the central government. However, this has been on the wane in recent times, and now it is rare for outbreaks of violence to occur. (See § Stay safe .)

This area of the country is different demographically from the rest of India, which is partly shown by the nature of its religious diversity. While the great majority of Tripurans are Hindus and most Assamese are Hindus or Muslims, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Nagaland are overwhelmingly Christian, Manipur is almost equally divided between Hindus and Christians, and Arunachal Pradesh has a very slight plurality of Christians, with Hindus in nearly equal numbers and the indigenous Donyi-Polo religion, which combines shamanism and Animism, close behind. There is also a Buddhist presence, especially in places like Tawang that are close to the borders of Tibet and Bhutan . Tibetan cultural influence extends far beyond the population of practicing Buddhists, for example by influencing local foods in some parts of North-Eastern India. Given the unique cultural and social landscape, it helps a visitor to avoid patronizing questions about race, citizenry, or even food. Remember, these are seven diverse states with highly diverse legacies.

Geographically, again, Assam is a state apart, as it is centred around the valley of the broad Brahmaputra, whereas all the other states in this region are at least partly hilly, with some featuring tall snow-capped mountains.

This region of India has about 220 languages from multiple language families. English and Hindi are not generally understood. Among the native languages from the region, the Indian Constitution recognises Assamese , Bodo and Meitei ( Manipuri ) in the 8th schedule.

Meitei ( Manipuri ) is the fastest growing of all the Northeast Indian languages, holding third place in national level, along with Gujarati, following Hindi (first place) and Kashmiri (second place).

Below is a list of the official languages of each state which will help your trip planning to some extent:

• Arunachal Pradesh — Hindi and English
• Assam - Assamese (excluding the Barak Valley ), Bengali & Manipuri (Meitei) (in the Barak Valley ) and Bodo (in Bodoland)
• Manipur - Manipuri (Meitei) and English
• Meghalaya - Khasi, Garo and English
• Mizoram - Mizo and English
• Nagaland - English
• Tripura - Bengali and Kokborok

The north-east is not exactly the easiest place to enter, especially for Indian citizens. You must have a permit to visit almost all states.

Tripura and Assam are the only two states that don't require travel permits.

If you're a citizen of India , you need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh , Mizoram , Manipur and Nagaland .

Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter the state of Arunachal Pradesh .

In accordance with Indian law, all foreign visitors are required to register with the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) within 24 hours of arrival in Manipur , Mizoram or Nagaland .

Although the requirements vary by state, in general it is very difficult for citizens and former citizens of Pakistan and China to visit the north-east.

Assam (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati ), Manipur ( Imphal International Airport), Nagaland ( Dimapur Airport) and Tripura ( Agartala Airport) have direct flights from other parts of India ( Delhi and/or Kolkata ). There are two other major airports serving upper regions of Assam and neighbouring areas - Dibrugarh Airport and Silchar Airport. Arunachal Pradesh is served by four airports. There are helicopter services to Naharlagun (14 km from Itanagar , Arunachal Pradesh) and Aizawl ( Mizoram ).

There are good train connections from most of the major Indian cities to Assam. Incidentally, Assam is the only state in region with rail lines (barring Nagaland with one station-Dimapur). The important stations in Assam are Guwahati, Bongaigaon, Lumding, Tinsukia and Dibrugarh. The fastest train from Delhi is Guwahati-bound Rajdhani Express (28 hrs) followed by North-East Express (32 hrs) and Dibrugarh-bound Brahmaputra Mail (42 hrs), while the fastest train from Kolkata (Howrah) is Saraighat Express. The train track in Assam is not electrified and is a single lane, so delays are the norm.

There are narrow gauge trains to Arunachal Pradesh and Barak Valley area but they are very much prone to cancellation and delays and are not at all comfortable.

All the states have good network of roads in urban areas. There are regular long journey buses from West Bengal to many north-eastern states. Self-driving is not a good idea as all roads pass through heavy forest reserves and areas infested by insurgents.

The rail network in North-Eastern India is not very extensive beyond Assam and Tripura . Buses and regional planes are more convenient for certain places in the region.

• Greener Pastures , ☏ +91 9435 747471 . An eco-tourism company that promotes travel, conservation and sustainability in North-Eastern India. They provide tours that deal with tribal cultural exchange, wildlife viewing, extreme adventure sports, river cruises, history learning and tea stays.  

National parks

• Kaziranga National Park . Famous for its one-horned rhino found nowhere else in the world. Elephant rides in the park make for a thrilling experience. Has accommodation cottages and restaurants.

North-East India is famous for its delicious and ethnic delicacies. The cuisine includes world famous vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. The North-East has earned accolades for the various dishes prepared from local herbs and spices. Apart from local dishes, it is also equipped with restaurants and hotels serving conventional Indian foods (both North Indian and South Indian). So eating is no problem for tourists.

If you are over the age of 25, you can drink alcohol in India. In North Eastern India, there are many refreshing alcoholic beverages that you can drink. Look for aphung (a rice-beer) in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, and zutho (a type of wine) in Mizoram You can find many of these in local markets.

NE India is completely connected with the rest of the world with excellent communication facilities with all the major telecommunication companies like Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea (Vi), Airtel and BSNL.

In the past, the region gained a bad reputation due to separatism, tribal and sectarian violence, and militant activities. Since then, many of these activities have simmered down as many rebel groups have made peace with the Indian government, and the region is safe for travel. Locals will still warn against traveling to the mountain states during elections, since that tends to bring out more violence, but it's not clear whether there's actually any hazard to tourists.

In terms of personal safety, most travellers, including solo female travellers, will not face any major problems walking around the streets at night.

Driving in North-Eastern India is remarkably safer and more reliable than in other areas of the country. Drivers will not impatiently honk at you and most visitors can expect to cross roads with ease.

While travelling to the more mountainous states, be aware of the altitude sickness problems.

North-Eastern India has a plethora of distinctive languages and cultures that set it apart from the rest of India. Hospitality is a cornerstone of many of the cultures here, and many locals will go out of their way to make a visitor feel welcomed. For instance, it's not uncommon for a local to help someone out if they're in need of transportation or anything else. You may, however, be expected to give it back one way or the other.

The people from North-Eastern India have East Asian or Southeast Asian rather than more typical South Asian features. On occasion, this has caused some North Easterners to be teased and subjected to discrimination in other parts of India. So be prepared, and don't be surprised.

Although they may be casually used in other parts of India, never use terms such as " Chinki ", " Chinese ", " Nepali ", " Chowmein ", "China man" , or " Momo ". These are considered demeaning.

In places like Mizoram , religious institutions play an influential role in society; respect that while you're there.

Sensitive Issues

North-Eastern India is one of the most politically active regions in all of India. For this reason, politics here are complex – very, very complex, much more so than any other region in India. The various tribes found in the state are fiercely keen on promoting their cultural distinctions from the rest of India .

During the second Indo-Pakistani war, millions of Bengalis immigrated to North-Eastern India and this greatly affected the ethnic balance in the region. In states such as Tripura , the number of ethnic Bengalis outnumber the tribal population. Although things have calmed down, some Northeasterners regard Bengalis as "outsiders" who have no business being in their state and feel that by allowing them in, they would be outnumbered and put at a disadvantage. This is one of the many reasons why you need a permit to visit states in North-Eastern India. In states like Assam , antipathy against Bengalis runs very high.

North-Eastern India is an often overlooked part of India. Although much work has gone into integrating the region into the rest of the country, many Northeasterners have faced social problems (e.g. racism and discrimination) in other parts of India, and many of the more well-aware Indians regard this as an incredibly embarrassing issue.

• Bangladesh — There is a regular bus service between Dhaka and Agartala . Two BRTC (Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation) buses leave daily from Dhaka and connect with TRTC (Tripura Road Transport Corporation) vehicles, running six days a week with a roundtrip fare of 600 Bangladeshi takas. There is only one halt at Ashuganj in Bangladesh during the journey.
• Eastern India — North-Eastern India's western neighbour is culturally rich and perhaps the most welcoming to outsiders. It is also the mineral storehouse of India, having the country's largest and richest mines.

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North-East India Tourism

Experience the unexplored paradise of India

The States of North East India

North East India comprises eight beautiful states, each with its unique charm and attractions. These states are Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.

Top Tourist Attractions

Kaziranga national park.

Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a World Heritage Site and home to the one-horned rhinoceros.

Tawang Monastery

Located in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang Monastery is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world.

Loktak Lake

Manipur's Loktak Lake is famous for its floating islands or phumdis and is an ecological marvel.

Living Root Bridges

Meghalaya's Living Root Bridges are a testament to the sustainable living practices of the local Khasi tribes.

Diverse Cultures and Festivals

The North East is rich in cultural diversity with numerous tribes and communities each having their own festivals, languages, and traditions. Some of the famous festivals include Bihu in Assam, Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, and Losar Festival in Sikkim.

Exquisite Cuisine

The cuisine of North East India is varied and delicious, with each state offering its unique dishes and flavors. Rice is a staple in the region, often accompanied by fish, meat, and fresh vegetables. Do not miss out on trying local delicacies like momos, thukpa, bamboo shoot dishes, and fish curries.

Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: March to June and September to November
• Transport: It is recommended to hire local taxis or use shared jeeps for intercity travel.
• Accommodation: Homestays are a great way to experience local life and culture.
• Permits: Some areas require special permits, so plan ahead and check the requirements for each state.

Places to visit in North-East India

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Plan Your trip

13 best places to visit in north-east india in summer season.

When the sweltering heat of the cities starts bothering us, we badly look for a retreat. Fortunately, India boasts spectacular travel destinations that can be complementary to one another to travel in the summer season. In this blog, we will tell you about a whole region in India which is home to a plethora of destinations that are perfect for summer vacations.

Welcome to Northeast India. A region, which is filled with natural beauty, cultural diversity, and adventure. With its scenic landscapes, lush green forests, majestic mountains, serene lakes, and stunning waterfalls, Northeast India is a paradise for travellers seeking an escape from the scorching summer heat. In this blog you will get to know about the 13 best places in North-East India to explore during the summer season where you can expect ultimate peace and an unparalleled experience to cherish in later years. Whether you are a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or cultural aficionado, this list has something for everyone.

Have a read!

13 Best Places in Northeast India to Visit in Summer

Popular Northeast India Tour Packages

• Assam & Arunachal Tour Package
• Best of Sikkim Tour Package
• Kaziranga Tour with Meghalaya
• Assam Sightseeing Tour
• Tawang Excursion Tour

Pelling, Sikkim

If you are bargaining for spending your summer break in a hill station other than the Shivalik or Western Ghats, head to Pelling, the popular hill station of Sikkim. One of the best summer holiday destinations in Northeast India, Pelling is around 10 km from Gyalshing, the district headquarter.

The most exciting part of travelling to Pelling is the unsurpassed views of Kanchenjunga at dawn when the valley remains silent and you get the golden opportunity to mingle with nature and be yourself. The famous Pemayangtse Monastery is just a kilometre away from Pelling where you can reach by trekking. There are short treks which can be joined for a rejuvenating nature walk passing through a serene environment and scenic backdrop.

Weather: The temperature of Pelling hardly goes beyond 25 degrees in summer, so you can easily choose this place as an option for a family trip to North-East India.

Activities to Do: Monastery tours, Exploring holy lakes, Trekking, Waterfall hikings and more.

Also Read: Top Tourist Places to Visit in Pelling

Mokokchung, Nagaland

You might have seen several tribal villages and communities in your lifetime, but Mokokchung district in Nagaland will introduce you to some unusual elements that you can’t find anywhere else in India. It takes around six hours to reach this place from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. Although the entire community of this region follows Christianity, yet they have not given up their traditional practices; it is an amazing thing which you can explore when travelling in Mokokchung.

The small villages of this district are found on green hillocks and inhabited by friendly Ao Naga tribes. Longkhum is one such village where you can enjoy the best natural views during full bloom season when its narrow roads get filled with the colourful rhododendron. A small group of people follow the animist religion and they worship the deity called Longlanpa Tsungrem. Chuchuyimlang village is popular among the Nagas for several vibrant festivals such as Moatsu. The Moatsu Festival starts first May and continues till third May when the villagers of one particular area exchange gifts and build friendships with the villagers of the other region. Chuchuyimlang and Ungma villages are some other places of interest in Mokokchung.

Weather: The average temperature of Mokokchung does not exceed 22 degree celsius in summer.

Activities to Do: Village Tours, Learning about the tribes, Attending festivals, Trekking, Spotting animals in wildlife sanctuary, Enjoying tribal cuisine and more.

Also Read: Nagaland Complete Tourism Information

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

A multi-coloured canvas painted with the strokes of white-brown and green, Tawang is the land of the Monpas. Picturesque Buddhist Monasteries, sparkling lakes and cascading waterfalls deck this North-Eastern travel destination which looks nothing less than a slice of heaven. You can easily plan for a vacation as Tawang has enough to meet your expectations. Unlike other Indian cities you don’t have to wait in long queues to visit its monasteries like Taktsang Gompa or Tawang Monastery. You will get sufficient time to explore the rich collection of artefacts and Buddhist manuscripts. As your family will be with you, let them experience the beauty of Sela Pass which exhibits an unsurpassed view.

You might not witness snowfall in summer but the small lake at Tawang and the lofty mountains would make you fall in love with this place. If you are not with your kids and love to go adventurous then leaving all worries plan for Gorichen trek which is a moderate grade option for trekking in Arunachal Pradesh. For better sightseeing options explore the attractions like Jaswantgarh War Memorial, Pankang Teng Tso Lake, Urgelling Monastery and some more.

Weather: During summer season the temperature of Tawang does not exceed 21 degree Celsius. So, you can enjoy the season adequately.

Activities to Do: Monastery visits, Exploring the town, Trekking, Picnic, Visiting War Memorial, Lake Visits, Attending festivals, Waterfall hiking and more.

Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

If you are travelling in summer to take a break from mundane lifestyle and looking for a less commercial yet mind refreshing tourist spot, Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh will be the best place. The flourishing paddy fields, gurgling rivulets and placid locale will amaze you and urge you to sit at the edge of a small hillock to feel one with nature. The long stretches of greenery that expand as far as you eyes can see and the pleasant weather would make you feel enchanted.

Go exploring the small villages of Apatani tribes who are very friendly. Observe their lifestyle minutely and you can see how the women of this tribe sport huge bamboo nose plugs.

For an authentic tribal village tour in the Northeast, you can explore the villages like Hong, Dutta, Bamin and Hija all of which are located within a distance of 10 km. If you want to feel more ethnic go for homestay options arranged by Ngunu Ziro. However, for hotels and other day to day necessities you can depend on Hapoli (New Ziro) which is around seven kilometres South to Ziro Valley.

Weather: April to June is the summer season in Ziro Valley when the temperature does not go beyond 30 degree Celsius.

Activities to Do: Exploring Apatani Villages, Attending festivals, Picnic, Visiting fish farms, Seek blessings at temples, Discovering flora and fauna in wildlife sanctuary, Trekking, Exploring local markets and more.

Also Read: Popular Tourist Destinations in Arunachal Pradesh

Dzukou Valley, Nagaland

Plan a trip to Dzukou Valley only if you and your dear ones are equally zealous and love to explore the most exclusive natural beauty with open eyes. Tucked away at an elevation of 2,438 metres, this valley is the dreamland of trekkers who cannot afford difficult grades.

This picturesque hill station of Nagaland earns the sobriquet of the “Valley of Flowers of the North-East” for getting carpeted with wild flowers in summer. Dzukou is located at the border of Manipur and Nagaland and trekking expeditions in this valley tend to be easy to moderate. The base camp of Dzukou Valley trek is on Viswema Village which further proceeds via a motorable route and a narrow moss-covered hilly route. Numerous low clusters of hillocks host wonderful natural caves and rock overhangs where you can go camping with groups.

Weather: The temperature of Dzukou Valley ranges from 16 degree Celsius to 31 degree.

Activities to Do: Trekking, Camping, Birdwatching, Photography, Nature Walks, Village tours and more.

Also Read: Top Tourist Destinations in Nagaland

Haflong, Assam

The only hill station of Assam, Haflong is dubbed as the “white ant hillock” and you will undoubtedly fall in love with it once you reach there. Located at a distance of 310 km from Guwahati, this quaint hill station revives you from inside as there is an absence of commercialisation and disturbing honks.

Less crowded and less advertised in comparison to other Indian hill stations, Haflong appears to be the best summer holiday destinations in Assam. The headquarter of North-Cachar District, this tourist spot bears a handful of historical buildings carrying the marks of the British colonial past and looks vibrant for the scenic vistas dotted with crystal clear mountain streams, small hillocks and the blend of lush greenery and dense vegetation of pineapple orchards. Instead of lying down in leisure out of love with this place, go exploring the attractions of Maibong or the mysterious Jatinga where birds from different corners of the globe gather to commit suicide.

Weather: The average temperature of Haflong in summer is 30 degree celsius.

Activities to Do: Trekking, Boating, Visiting Orchid Garden, Birdwatching, Museum Visits, Exploring Hill Market, Exploring Historical Sites, Attending Festivals and more.

Also Check Out: Complete Assam Travel & Tourism Information

Majuli, Assam

If Assam is the cultural hub of the Northeast then Majuli is its fulcrum; you will realise the logic behind this statement when you explore the hidden gems of this holy land with utmost care. Located at a distance of 200 km east to Guwahati, this river island can be accessed by ferry from Jorhat. Formed on the heart of mighty Brahmaputra, Majuli flaunts unparalleled scenic beauty speckled with wind-blown rice fields and water-bodies blooming with flowers.

The most significant element of tourism in Majuli is the Satras where the Satriya Vaishnav Religion is nourished by the Mohantas or priests. The rich collection of masks, dresses and jewelleries used in traditional dramas like Bhaona are worth watching. Most of these masks are handmade and represent some mythical characters.

Weather: The temperature of Majuli is comparatively higher in summer than the other places in the North-Eastern states. In summer it ranges between 19 degree and 34 degree elsius.

Activities to Do: Exploring the Satras, Visiting Majuli Island Museum, Boating, Exploring Pottery Village, Exploring Wildlife Sanctuary, Visiting tribal villages, Attending cultural programmes and more.

Also Read:   Popular Hill Stations in Assam

Shillong, Meghalaya

If you are expecting to enjoy your much-awaited summer holidays in North East India without compromising on the level of comfort and class then Shillong town should not escape your sight at any cost. The neat and clean roads meandering through the hills, salubrious weather and the free lifestyle of the locales would inspire you to be here for the second time.

Dubbed as the “Hollywood of North-East”, Shillong hosts lavish accommodation built on the edges of placid mountains and lakes. Beautiful pine trees and flower gardens dress this town as a newlywed bride and bewitch you for the picturesque position of the houses on the lap of the hills. For sightseeing in Shillong, Ward’s Lake, Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Laitlum Canyons, Lady Hydari Park, Shillong golf course, Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures are a few ideal spots. If you are ready to travel for a few kilometres more you can visit Nokrek National Park.

Weather: The average temperature of Shillong remains within 23 degree celsius. So, you can consider the weather of Shillong perfect to travel in this season.

Activities to Do: Lake Visits, Boating, Kayaking, Sightseeing, Trekking to Living Root Bridges, Attending Music Concerts, Forest Walks, Shopping and more.

Also Read: Top Tourist Destinations of Meghalaya

Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

If you want to walk amidst the clouds even in the sweltering heat of July, head this summer to Cherrapunji , one of the wettest places on earth. Around 58 km from Shillong, this amazing tourist spot has vivacious waterfalls, lush green meadows and delightful weather that make your sweet summer feel appropriate.

Officially known as Sohra, Cherrapunji has abundant camera-friendly landscapes which will be not less than a lifetime experience. Nohkalikai Falls is reckoned to be the tallest plunging waterfall in India. Some of the liveliest waterfalls in Meghalaya are Seven Sisters Falls, Dainthlen Waterfalls, Mawsmai Falls. To further extend your trip, you can end up exploring the sights of David Scott Memorial, Eco Park and Khasi Monoliths. If your family is enthusiastic enough and want to try something offbeat, go for caving in Krem Phyllut Cave or Krem Mawmluh Cave.

Weather: The average temperature of Cherrapunji does not exceed 23 degree Celsius in summer.

Activities to Do: Waterfall Hiking, Cave Exploring, Village Walks, Learning about the tribal cultures, Trekking, Enjoying local cuisines and more.

Also Read: Must Visit Waterfalls in Meghalaya

Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim

For touring North East India in summer season, Sikkim hardly has any other rivals. To verify this statement, you should explore the part of Tsomgo Lake which is tucked at an altitude of 3,780 metres above sea-level. Located at a distance of around 38 km from Gangtok, this lake exudes ethereal views for the surrounding mountain ranges of the Himalayas.

The best part of exploring this lake vicinity in the summer season is the unmatched vistas painted with blooming rhododendrons, primulas, blue and yellow poppies. If you are travelling in May, chances of witnessing snow are brighter as it remains frozen till mid June. The surrounding areas of this lake are inhabited by the red panda and several species of birds. You can also spot the exclusive brahminy duck but, do not forget to capture a few shots of them!

Weather: The temperature of Tsomgo Lake ranges between 20 degree and 22 degree Celsius from March to June. So, you can travel without any worry.

Activities to Do: Enjoying Scenic Beauty, Yak Rides, Trekking, Photography, Birdwatching, Snow Activities and more.

Also Read: Top Places to Visit in Summer in Sikkim

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga National Park , widely known as the “Land of Rhinos” is another perfect choice to explore in summer. If you are a wildlife enthusiast you would probably know that national parks in India remain open from October to June, so summer, from March to June is an ideal time to explore the wonderful flora and fauna of our country. Speaking of Kaziranga, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in India. It is located in the Indian state of Assam and is known for its population of the one-horned Indian rhinoceros. The park is also home to other animals such as elephants, tigers, swamp deer, and wild water buffalo. It is also home to over 500 species of birds, including the endangered Bengal florican and the great Indian hornbill.

If you are not interested in wildlife, you can also visit this national park to explore its natural beauty. The park is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and is surrounded by lush green forests and grasslands. It is divided into four ranges, each of which has its own unique features and wildlife. Moreover, if you are done with jeep and elephant safari trips, you can also visit some other places like Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Karbi and Anglong Villages, Orchid and Diversity Park and the tea estates.

Weather: The temperature of Kaziranga ranges between 26 degree and 30 degree celsius from March to June. So you can travel with some precautions like wearing breathable clothes, keeping hydrated, etc.

Activities to Do: Jeep Safari, Elephant Safari, Bird Watching, Tea Gardens Visits, Local Villages Exploration, Attending cultural events and more.

Also Read: Top Things to Do in and around Kaziranga

Kohima, Nagaland

After Dzukou Valley and Mokokchung in Nagaland, Kohima , the capital of the state comes as a perfect choice for visiting in summer.  Kohima is a great destination to visit with family members and friends or solo, offering a blend of history, culture, nature, and adventure.

Kohima is known for its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. The city is surrounded by hills and mountains, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. You can visit the famous Kohima War Cemetery, which is a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. You can also visit the Naga Heritage Village, which showcases the culture and traditions of the Naga people. Apart from that, Kohima also offers trekking and hiking opportunities. You can also explore the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary, which is home to several rare species of flora and fauna.

Weather: The temperature of Kohima in summer ranges between 15 degree and 25 degree celsius to make it a perfect destination to visit.

Activities to Do: Trekking, Hiking, Zoo Visits, Attending Festivals, Village Walks and more.

Also Read: Popular Hill Stations to Visit in Nagaland

Gangtok, Sikkim

Gangtok in Sikkim is a destination which can be travelled any day, any season. Especially, in summer when the temperature in plains becomes a painful story. Gangtok is such a destination in the north east where you can easily reach and easily find options for accommodation and activities.

The cool, pleasant climate of Gangtok is perfect for exploring its natural beauty, from stunning waterfalls to serene lakes, from lush green forests to majestic mountains. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque MG Marg, the main shopping and entertainment hub of the town, or visit the iconic Rumtek Monastery, a spiritual centre of Tibetan Buddhism. For adventure enthusiasts, Gangtok offers a plethora of outdoor activities like trekking, paragliding, and river rafting, among others. You can also indulge in local cuisine, which is a mix of Nepalese, Tibetan, and Indian flavours, and sample some of the finest tea in the world.

Weather: Temperature in Gangtok in summer ranges between 15 and 22 degree celsius. It’s a perfect spot to visit in summer.

Activities to Do: Trekking, Hiking, Waterfalls Visits, Monastery tours, Cable Car Ride, Food Walks, Visiting nearby villages and more.

Also Read: Best Places to Explore in Gangtok – Complete Travel Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to visit in northeast india during the summer season.

Some of the best places to visit in North-East India during the summer season are Tawang, Gangtok, Shillong, Pelling, Kohima, Majuli, Ziro and more.

What is the best time to visit Northeast India during the summer season?

The best time to visit North-East India during the summer season is from March to June when the weather is pleasant and the temperatures are moderate.

What activities can tourists do in Northeast India during the summer season?

There are several activities that you can enjoy in North-East India during the summer season such as wildlife safaris, trekking, camping, river rafting, sightseeing, and cultural tours.

What should tourists pack for a trip to Northeast India during the summer season?

It is advisable to pack light and comfortable clothes for a trip to North-East India during the summer season. It is also recommended to pack winter clothes as weather in hills is unpredictable. You should also carry a good pair of walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Additionally, if you plan to go trekking or camping, you should carry appropriate gear and equipment.

Published: 18 Apr, 2023

About the author

From the tranquil land of Silchar, Assam, Sudip is a nature enthusiast. An avid wildlife lover and a history buff, Sudip likes to explore and capture the best through his lens. He aims at working towards the conservation of biosphere and desires to promote the rich heritage of India. As a traveller, Sudip has extensively explored North-East India. When he is not travelling, Sudip likes to read novels and write travel and lifestyle blogs.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to North East India: Must-Visit Destinations

Introduction: travel guide to north east india.

Table of Contents

North East India is a captivating region known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting part of the country, you’re in for a treat. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through the must-visit destinations in North East India, highlighting their unique features and attractions. Whether you’re seeking natural wonders, cultural experiences, or adventure, North East India has it all. Let’s dive into the ultimate travel guide and start planning your memorable journey.

Welcome to the ultimate travel guide to North East India! This diverse and enchanting region offers a plethora of experiences, from breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage to adventurous activities and mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or adventure seeker, North East India has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the must-visit destinations, activities, and practical tips to make the most of your journey.

Destinations:

Shillong, meghalaya:.

Known as the “Scotland of the East,” Shillong offers stunning vistas, waterfalls, and a vibrant music scene. Don’t miss the picturesque Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, and the living root bridges in nearby Cherrapunji.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam:

Famous for its one-horned rhinoceroses, Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on an exciting jeep or elephant safari to spot diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and water buffaloes.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh:

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Tawang is home to the stunning Tawang Monastery, breathtaking landscapes, and serene lakes. Explore the picturesque Bum La Pass and visit the Indo-China border.

Gangtok, Sikkim:

Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Visit the enchanting Tsomgo Lake, explore Rumtek Monastery, and take in panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range from the Tashi Viewpoint.

Kohima, Nagaland:

Immerse yourself in Nagaland’s vibrant tribal culture in Kohima. Explore the War Cemetery, witness the colorful Hornbill Festival (December), and visit nearby villages to experience Naga traditions firsthand.

Activities:

Embark on thrilling treks in North East India, such as the Dzükou Valley Trek (Nagaland-Manipur), Singalila Ridge Trek (Sikkim), or the Nuranang Falls Trek (Arunachal Pradesh). These treks offer stunning views and an opportunity to connect with nature.

River Rafting:

Experience the adrenaline rush of river rafting in the Teesta River (Sikkim) or the Kameng River (Arunachal Pradesh). These rivers provide exciting rapids amidst scenic landscapes.

Wildlife Safaris:

Take wildlife safaris in Kaziranga National Park (Assam) or Manas National Park (Assam-Bhutan border) to witness the region’s rich biodiversity, including rare species like one-horned rhinoceroses and Bengal tigers.

Cultural Immersion:

Explore the unique cultures of North East India by visiting tribal villages, attending festivals, and interacting with locals. The Hornbill Festival (Nagaland) and Losar Festival (Sikkim) are vibrant celebrations worth experiencing.

Tea Garden Tours:

Assam is famous for its tea gardens. Take a tour of tea estates like the Mancotta Heritage Chang Bungalow (Dibrugarh) or visit tea factories to learn about the tea-making process.

• Permits: Some states in North East India require permits for tourists. Check the permit requirements beforehand and ensure you have the necessary documents.
• Transportation: The region is well-connected by airports and railways. However, internal transportation within states might require hiring local taxis or shared vehicles. Plan your transportation accordingly.
• Weather: North East India experiences distinct seasons. Pack accordingly, considering the weather conditions during your visit. Monsoons (June-September) are characterized by heavy rainfall, while winters (December-February) can be chilly.
• Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on North East India’s delectable cuisine. Try dishes like momos, thukpa, bamboo shoot curries, and local teas. Be adventurous and savor the unique flavors of the region.
• Respect Local Customs: North East India is home to diverse ethnic groups with their own customs and traditions. Respect local customs, dress modestly, and seek permission before photographing people or religious sites.

Remember to carry essential items like comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Be open to embracing the region’s slower pace of life and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals.

North East India offers a magical blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. By exploring its stunning destinations, engaging in local experiences, and immersing yourself in the region’s charm, you’ll create memories to last a lifetime.

Assam, the gateway to North East India, is known for its lush tea estates, the mighty Brahmaputra River, and the UNESCO-listed Kaziranga National Park, home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Explore the tea gardens of Jorhat and Dibrugarh, cruise along the Brahmaputra, and indulge in the flavors of Assamese cuisine.

Meghalaya, the “Abode of Clouds,” is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Visit the picturesque hill station of Shillong, explore the living root bridges of Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong, often referred to as the cleanest village in Asia. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Mawsmai Cave and the majestic Nohkalikai Waterfall.

Arunachal Pradesh:

Arunachal Pradesh offers breathtaking landscapes and a glimpse into indigenous tribal cultures. Visit Tawang, known for its ancient monasteries and the stunning Tawang Monastery. Explore the scenic Ziro Valley, discover the cultural heritage of the Apatani tribe, and embark on exhilarating treks in places like Dirang and Bomdila.

Nagaland is a land of vibrant festivals and rich tribal traditions. Kohima, the capital, hosts the famous Hornbill Festival, where you can witness the colorful cultural performances of various tribes. Explore the villages of Khonoma and Dzükou Valley, known for their natural beauty and unique community-based eco-tourism initiatives.

Manipur entices travelers with its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Visit Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, and Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park. Immerse yourself in the traditional Manipuri dance forms and witness the famous Ras Leela performances.

Mizoram is known for its breathtaking hills, lush valleys, and warm hospitality. Visit Aizawl, the capital city, and explore the impressive Durtlang Hills and the iconic Mizoram State Museum. Experience the unique culture of the Mizo people, and don’t miss the opportunity to savor the local delicacies.

Practical Tips for Transportation, Accommodations, and Local Cuisine:

Transportation:.

North East India is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Domestic flights operate to major cities, and trains connect to various destinations. Local buses and taxis are available for intercity travel.

Accommodations:

Choose from a range of accommodations, including hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and homestays. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Local Cuisine:

Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the local cuisine of each state, which often includes dishes like Assam tea, Assamese thali, Naga pork preparations, Meghalayan momos, and Manipuri Eromba.

In conclusion, North East India is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences. From the breathtaking landscapes of Assam to the vibrant festivals of Nagaland, each state offers a unique flavor of the region. Use this ultimate travel guide to plan your visit to these must-visit destinations in North East India, and get ready for an incredible journey filled with natural beauty, cultural immersion, and adventure.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Northeast India

Northeast India is perhaps the country’s most underrated and incredible adventure. It’s a region that is so often overlooked by travellers because of its complicated past and its highlights are rarely promoted on any travel platform or guide. However, it’s a unique slice of Asia that is home to fascinating tribes, beautiful and varied landscapes and attractions that you can’t see anywhere else. 

With limited information available online or in guide books, this is a detailed post on everything you need to know about travelling in Northeast India, including the places to add to your itinerary and how to get around.

If you’re up for an adventure like no other, then keep reading to find out why you should go to Northeast India and what to expect if you do.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more:  Privacy Policy

About the Northeast region of India

The Northeast region of India is an oddly shaped piece of land wedged between Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China and Nepal and connected to India by a skinny corridor of West Bengal state. For a long time the region was off limits to tourists, as its precarious security situation left India’s central government struggling to control and unite the different tribes and ethnic groups. 

It’s a part of the country that has been characterised by violent independence movements led by insurgent groups, drug trafficking, foreign incursions and border disputes over time. It’s also home to varied cultures and religions, from the Christian-majority Mizos and Nagas to the Buddhist Monpas in Arunachal Pradesh, as well as many tribes who still practise animism. For these reasons, the region’s seven states, known as the Seven Sisters, are India’s least visited and often most misunderstood.

Why you should go to Northeast India

I could list a hundred reasons why you should go to the Northeast, but I’ll try and summarise it for you here. Exploring this region is a true adventure and although the words ‘off the beaten track’ get overused these days, Northeast India is the epitome of what that truly means. It’s the India that most people don’t know exists. It’s far less crowded and hardly visited by foreigners and the people that inhabit the region are very different.

Moving from one state to another in the Northeast, the ethnic groups, religion, language and culture changes quite dramatically. Even within the states themselves, the individual tribes differ from place to place. The whole region is so rich in culture and tradition despite taking up such a small size on the map. 

Regardless of how small the region appears, it can take months to get around to all of the areas. The landscape, and sometimes climate, is so challenging that infrastructure is limited and travelling from one place to another takes a hundred times longer than expected. 

It’s certainly not for the faint hearted and I wouldn’t recommend you go if its your first backpacking trip or first time to India. From the winding mountain roads that make any stomach hurl, to the food delicacies like smoked beef heart. From the rural villages where boys carry rifles over their shoulders to the cities which get locked down when a protest breaks out. From being crammed in the back of a shared jeep for eight hours to no transport turning up at all for multiple days straight. I’m not lying when I said it was a true adventure.

However, if you’re prepared for all of this, and, if meeting remote tribes and travelling in isolation for weeks gets you excited, then the Northeast may just be the best travel destination in Asia.

When to go to Northeast India

The Northeast can be visited all year round. The main months people visit are between  October and May . However, the cold winter months from December to February make some parts difficult to visit such as in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Nagaland. If you bring warm weather gear though, you should be fine. 

The rainy months are from  May to September , but for most of the region this hardly affects travel. Except, Meghalaya which is one of the wettest areas on earth, so expect rain for days on end in the wet season there.

Festivals in Northeast India

Many of these states also have fascinating cultural festivals, which are good to time your visit around. The most interesting of these festivals are:

First day of the lunar Tibetan calendar –  Losar (Tibetan New Year) in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh 

14th April –  Bohag Bihu (New Year) in Assam

5th July –  Dree Festival in Arunachal Pradesh (particularly Ziro Valley)

September –  Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh 

Second week of November –  Wangala festival in Meghalaya

1st – 10th December –  Hornbill Festival in Nagaland 

December –  Lossong (start of harvesting) in Sikkim

Best places to visit in Northeast India

When it comes to deciding on where to go, the seven states all have their challenges and merits and it really depends on how much time you have and what your main interests are in travelling there. 

At the moment, the most visited of the seven states are Assam and Meghalaya. The rest still remain off the radar for most people and hardly any foreigner would be able to recognise the attractions or highlights in the others. I spent over three months covering all seven of the states, plus Sikkim, and I can say that they all boast plenty of sights to see.

Assam is the largest of the states and is probably the most similar to the rest of India in terms of culture, people, religion and food.

It’s the most well known of the Seven Sisters thanks to its huge tea production, but Assam also has some worthwhile sights. Kaziranga National Park is a favourite for most foreigners, however, Majuli Island on the mighty Brahmaputra River is an underrated highlight. It was once the world’s largest river island and is home to unique neo-Vaishnavite satras.

Read next: How to Get to Majuli Island

Meghalaya has risen of late as an up and coming destination in India because of its picturesque living root bridges. Deep in the jungle of the Khasi Hills is where you can hike to these root bridges made by the local Khasi people and they have become the sort-of poster child for the entire Northeast region.

You can hike to villages in the dense jungle and stay in homestays completely cut off from technology and modern luxuries. On the other hand, its capital, Shillong, is also one of the most trendy and popular cities in the region.

Read next: How to Get to Nongriat and the Living Root Bridges

Arunachal Pradesh

The last frontier of far eastern India with a precarious border to China, Arunachal is an incredibly wild, yet beautiful state. It’s home to the second-largest Buddhist monastery in the world at Tawang, which is worth all the effort of getting there, and the snow-capped mountains mean the Himalayas are not too far away. 

It’s also home to fascinating tribes in the Ziro Valley, which along with Nagaland offers one of the most unique cultural experiences in the region.

Read next: How to Get to Tawang Monastery

The real tribal state of the Northeast, Nagaland is known for its fearless and still traditional tribes that inhabit the lawless border regions near Myanmar. Its rolling hills are difficult to navigate with the limited infrastructure but the rewards of spending time with some of the Naga tribes is unforgettable.

The Konyak tribe is the most well-known with villages around Mon welcoming tourists to experience some of the remaining ancient culture.

Read next: How to Get to Longwa Village

This was once considered India’s most dangerous state and, although it still sees regular protests, it has some incredibly beautiful landscapes to explore. The most striking attraction is Loktak Lake, the world’s only floating body of water and national park. The people are also incredibly welcoming and friendly, despite their national reputation and I enjoyed my time there immensely.

This small state actually boasts quite a few significant sights plus a relatively well-organised tourism department with accessible information and government lodges. At the same time, it’s also one of the least visited states in all of India and you’ll most likely not see another foreigner.

The carved faces in the rocks at Unakoti are worth seeing, plus the beautiful architecture of the Neermahal at Melaghar and the grand palace in the capital Agartala reminded me of Rajasthan without the crowds.

Perhaps the most isolated of the seven states, Mizoram is difficult to reach by road but the green, lush rolling hills makes all the long travel days seem worthwhile as the views are spectacular. It doesn’t have much in terms of sights but the people are friendly and it’s one of the only places in India where you can still see completely untouched nature.

Read next: A Travel Guide to Mizoram and Tripura

Often added on to the group of seven states in the Northeast is  Sikkim . Although divided from them by a part of West Bengal, its different culture and turbulent history have led to many considering it an extra sister to the Northeast states.

Sikkim was once a mountain kingdom until it became a part of India in 1975. It has a strong Buddhist culture and many descendants of Tibetans live in the sparsely populated villages. Most of the state is designated national park, home to the third highest mountain in the world, and it’s been a completely organic state since 2016.

Read next: A Travel Guide to Sikkim

Safety and security concerns

Although the Northeast was once considered off limits to foreign travellers, it’s certainly much safer now to explore. To be honest though, the insurgent groups seeking independence, the drug trafficking across international borders, street protests and border disputes are all ongoing issues in the region. 

Still, as a foreigner, you will seldom notice any of this, other than significant military presence in some areas. The locals will repeatedly tell you how safe it is. Many of them are sick of the central government and others labelling the region as unsafe or unstable and I was treated with the utmost respect and care by everyone I dealt with in my time there. 

Protests, which do occur occasionally, are mostly in Manipur but also sometimes in Mizoram, Nagaland and Assam. They are often politically motivated and directed at the central government. They are generally peaceful and sometimes lead to strikes when everything comes to a standstill and people don’t open their businesses for a day or two. This is never targeted at foreigners or tourists, though, so don’t be alarmed, it can just be inconvenient to travel plans sometimes.

Drug trafficking is a major issue, particularly on the Myanmar border. However, generally as a tourist you would never encounter or see this, even if you visit some of the Naga villages like Longwa (although you will likely see drug  use  though).

The border region with China in Arunachal Pradesh is especially precarious, and technically, both countries do not agree on the borderline. China has made incursions there in the past, and you will notice a heavy military presence and many checkpoints on the main roads. This is why a  permit  is still needed to visit the state. However, unless a sudden move by China was to happen, the area has been relatively peaceful for some time now. 

Regional politics

Politics in the Northeast is an extremely complex affair and I couldn’t possibly summarise it here and nor do I claim to fully understand the region’s politics. However, there are a few things I will note because they were significant issues that local people frequently engaged in conversation with me.

Corruption is a common political issue across all of India but in the Northeast many people brought it up with me in conversation. It’s not necessarily worse than in other states, it just often enrages people on top of other grievances that they have with the central government.

Independence struggles are still alive and well in most of the states in the Northeast. In particular, Mizoram was where I had people openly express there wishes to be separated from India. In fact, in one shared jeep ride from Lunglei to Aizawl, a man spent hours explaining to me the history of Mizoram in order to demonstrate to me that they did not belong with India. 

Citizenship has recently become one of the biggest political issues in India with Modi’s controversial Citizenship Bill. While I was in Manipur, for example, the entire state shut down for two days in protest to the Bill. It’s likely to be the biggest grievance of the Northeast states in the future, although it’s unlikely the central government will make any changes.

Religion in Northeast India

Religion is an interesting feature of Northeast India. For such a small area of the subcontinent, it’s religious makeup is so varied and complex, perhaps more than anywhere else in the country.

Hinduism still dominates overall, but only by a small margin and certainly less so than other parts of India. Hinduism is the major religion in only Assam (with a huge Muslim ‘minority’), Sikkim (although the Buddhist influence is quite stark there) and Tripura. 

Arunachal Pradesh is mostly Christian , although it’s also well known for its Buddhist population who live around Tawang.

Manipur is very divided between Christianity and Hinduism , with almost an equal number of both.

On the other hand, Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya have a large majority Christian population, who are also very devout. You’ll find that in these three states, Sunday being a ‘rest day’ in the Christian religions is taken very seriously. You won’t be able to travel anywhere, you won’t be able to eat anywhere and you certainly won’t find any people in the streets unless they are going to church. Okay, that might be slightly exaggerated, but when I was in Kohima the capital of Nagaland on a Sunday, it was very close to this. I saw no vehicles, every shop had their roller door shut and the only place I could eat in the city was at KFC! So plan travel days accordingly. 

There are also still many tribes who practise animism to a certain degree. This is perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of the region, as many of these tribes have either turned to religion rather recently after the work of missionaries or developed a sort-of mixed beliefs system.

Female travellers in Northeast India

Female travellers shouldn’t be concerned about travelling here any more than they do in other parts of India. In fact, I found as a solo female that people were very welcoming and friendly towards me, perhaps even more so than other parts of the country. It might have something to do with the various religions and different cultures that can be found in the Northeast, but I certainly never felt in danger because of my gender.

In fact, people were extremely helpful in general and I often had people approach me in the streets to offer help or ask if I was okay. In the Northeast, people are genuinely kind and rarely expect money in return, which was refreshing. I think it largely came down to the fact that because the area sees much fewer tourists they are desperate to prove that the region is safe for us to visit. 

In saying that, the usual travel precautions should be taken, particularly in the large cities like Guwahati and Shillong where you’ll likely find some men staring or saying rude comments to female travellers. It pays to be aware of where you are and cautious of arriving anywhere at dark, unless you have accommodation pre-arranged. In general, however, crime is not a huge issue there, although I would still be careful of your personal belongings, as you should anywhere.

It might be interesting to note, that for female travellers visiting Meghalaya and particularly Cherrapunji and the Khasi Hills is fascinating. The Khasi tribe is traditionally  matriarchal  and it’s a refreshing and interesting experience to witness this different culture in India. I highly recommend it.

In terms of clothing, I would keep it relatively modest and similar to what you would wear anywhere in India. I never showed my legs in the Northeast and always had them covered with either pants or a skirt. I found leggings were perfectly acceptable when hiking around the Khasi Hills and I often wore a t-shirt on warm days. A scarf is always handy for when you want or need to cover up a bit more.

Travel permits for Northeast India

Gone are the days that you need to apply for annoying permits for most of the Seven Sister states. As of 2020, there is only one state left that still requires a permit and that is Arunachal Pradesh. For the other states, having a valid  Indian visa  is all you need.

Arunachal Pradesh permit

For Arunachal Pradesh, foreigners are required to get a Protected Area Permit (PAP) . This can be obtained from the Deputy Resident Commissioner Office of Arunachal Pradesh in Guwahati, Assam or Kolkata, West Bengal. I got mine at the Deputy Resident Commissioner Office in Guwahati. It was a fairly painless process and you simply need to answer a few questions about the purpose of travel and where you intend to go. They also require a photocopy of your passport and visa. It’s not cheap though and it costs around 3500 rupees as of 2020. 

Note that  solo travellers  are only permitted to visit Tawang, Dirang, Bomdila and Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. So, when applying as a solo traveller do NOT mention if you have plans to travel outside of these areas. If you want to travel away from these places, you’ll have to find at least two other foreigners to form a group to apply for a permit together.

Sikkim permit

For visiting  Sikkim , foreigners require an  Inner Line Permit  (ILP) for most of the state and a  Protected Area Permit  for visiting North Sikkim and border regions. You can apply for an ILP online  here  or at one of the government-approved offices in Darjeeling, Siliguri, Kolkata and New Delhi.

I got mine in Darjeeling at the Deputy Commissioner Office and its a simple process which can be done on the spot. You need to bring a couple of passport photos and photocopies of your passport and visa. The ILP is free.

International borders

The borders in Northeast India are quite precarious and heavily guarded. The Northeast area is bordered with China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh, with the China-India border in Arunachal Pradesh particularly disputed.

Before crossing into India through one of these border crossings, you should check first if you can cross with an e-visa or whether you need to have an official visa processed through an embassy or consulate. For example, the Myanmar-India border at Moreh-Tamu required me to have a proper Indian visa from my consulate at home and a Frenchman with an e-visa was denied entry.

IMPORTANT:  Please note that the information below about border crossings is as of February 2020. Immigration requirements and border crossings can change frequently so it’s best to check up to date and most recent information on official websites if possible, before heading to a border.

It’s certainly not the easiest part of the country to cross overland into other countries but it is possible. I crossed from  Myanmar  to Manipur in Northeast India at the Moreh-Tamu border crossing. There is also a crossing between Myanmar’s Chin state and Mizoram in Northeast India at Zokhawtar-Rikhawdar, but the terrain and limited or almost non-existent public transport in that area would make it a more difficult choice.

Read next: How to Cross the Myanmar-India Border

To cross into  Bangladesh , most foreigners will need a pre-arranged visa from a consulate or embassy as most crossings do not issue visas on arrival (although this changes often). People have reported getting visas in Agartala in Tripura state, or otherwise, Kolkata would be your next best option in eastern India. The Akhaura border crossing is just 3km from Agartala and is the best option for the Northeast region as there are regular trains from Akhaura to Dhaka on the other side.

There is also another border crossing into Bangladesh from Meghalaya called Tamabil, which is only 2km from the town of Dawki in Meghalaya. It’s not as popular for tourists because its close to coal and rock mines meaning that the border is mostly full of trucks.

It is surprisingly possible and easy to cross into  Bhutan  from Northeast India, as long as you have everything organised. As a foreigner, you must be on an organised tour approved by the Bhutanese government prior to arriving in the country. There are a few nationalities with exceptions such as Indians but generally, this rule applies to everyone.

As part of the tour you can request to cross the borders but you must be met by your Bhutanese guide at the border crossing. There are two land borders between Bhutan and Assam in Northeast India at Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu.

The border crossing into  Nepal  from India is likely to be the easiest out of all the other country options as visas can be arranged on arrival for most nationalities in Nepal. One of the most common border crossings in eastern India into Nepal is from Siliguri at Panitanki-Kakarbhitta. I used this border crossing in early 2019 and it was a breeze. Although this is technically in West Bengal, it’s easily accessible from Guwahati in Assam or Gangtok in Sikkim.

Read next: How to Cross the India-Nepal Border

As far as I know, the border crossings with  China  are closed to foreigners. The Arunachal Pradesh border is heavily disputed and China considers it part of southern Tibet, so there is no cross border activity between India and China there.

The Sikkim and China border at Nathula Pass in northern Sikkim is one of only three open trading posts between the two countries. However, it is not allowed to be visited by foreigners, although it’s a popular tourist attraction for Indian nationals.

Money and budget

The Northeast states use the Indian Rupee like the rest of the country. However, you’ll find that your budget will be slightly more compared to the rest of India. With a very limited tourist infrastructure around, especially for budget travellers and backpackers, hotels remain the only official accommodation options, of which choices can be limited and prices are high (even when quality is not). A standard, cheap single room goes for around 1000 rupees or AUD$20. I paid this amount time after time for many places and it seems to be a standard for cheap hotels.

In saying that, you can sometimes find cheaper options by walking around and asking directly at reception desks because a lot of hotels are not listed on sites like  Booking.com . I paid as little as 400 or 500 rupees by going into a random hotel not listed online. At the same time, I was often in places where I couldn’t find anything cheaper than 1500 rupees or AUD$30, so your budget certainly won’t be like Rajasthan where you can get a dorm bed for 200 rupees (AUD$4) for example.

On a more positive note for budget travellers, food is as cheap as other states in India so you can find a good meal like a thali for about 100 rupees (AUD$2).

Transport is another slightly more expensive factor about the Northeast, simply because you often have very limited choices and sometimes the only option being a shared jeep which is more than a public bus or train. Saying that, in Tripura and Assam you can use the train network and find tickets for as little as 100 rupees (AUD$2).

The official national language in India is Hindi, but you’ll find a host of other languages within the area with some estimates declaring that there are over 200 languages between the seven states. Official languages amongst the states include English, Assamese, Mizo, Khasi, Garo, Bengali and Nepali. 

However, you’ll find that a lot of people speak English, especially those who are university educated or amongst the younger generations. I had no problem getting by, although you’ll find shared jeep drivers, taxis and rickshaw drivers often speak little or no English and the same with many local restaurant staff. But basic words will be understood and most people are happy to try their best to help.

Internet and SIM card

Unlike the other far north in Kashmir where a different SIM is required, a normal Indian SIM card will work relatively well in the Northeast (although naturally in the remote areas it will be limited coverage). It is generally accepted that the best SIM to get in India is  Airtel  and you can pick one up in any of the official Airtel offices which are usually in the major cities. Unofficial phone shops will likely not issue a foreigner a SIM because of the paperwork involved, however, if you ask around you may find someone who will do it for you. 

Otherwise, WiFi can be found in most hotels throughout the region. However, if you are interested in going to places like Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh or Majuli Island in Assam, then I would recommend you get a SIM so you don’t have to rely on WiFi.

Transport in Northeast India

Transport in the Northeast is fairly limited when compared to other parts of India. Buses and shared jeeps will be your only way of getting between most places.

The national train network mostly comes to an end in Guwahati, Assam, with the train station there a huge national hub serving many of the big cities in the rest of the country. However, it does continue to other cities in Assam and down into Tripura and I would highly recommend using it there. 

Other than that, there are the state-run government bus companies which operate between most major cities and towns. They generally run to a timetable and you can purchase tickets the day before or on the day from the counters at the main bus stations.

In the Northeast, these buses are generally old, run-down and extremely slow, with the exception of Assam which has newer buses and more frequent services. However, overall the bus travel experience in the Northeast is quite memorable and certainly… an experience.

Shared jeeps

The best option for transport, and which you’ll likely have to use quite often if you plan on reaching some more remote areas, is the shared jeeps, often referred to as sumos. They are four-wheel drives that fit three people in the front, four people in the middle and four people in the back, and when I say ‘fit’, I really mean squash. If you want to have a half comfortable ride, I recommend trying to secure the front seats next to the driver, or window seats in the middle section. The back is notoriously the worst seats to get. 

These jeeps tend to go to most places and congregate around a parking area or garage where you’ll also find counters that you can buy tickets from. Depending on the journeys, they usually release tickets the day before (or sometimes earlier) and it’s always best to purchase at least the day before if you want to get a decent seat.

The tickets usually quote a departure time and then a time when you have to be at the parking lot ready to board, which is usually 30 minutes before departure. Of course, this is either adhered to or not, it really depends on the driver! Sometimes they leave on time, other times they’ll leave two hours late or they’ll wait until the jeep is full which could be even longer. You’ll get the hang of it!

Food in Northeast India

The food in the Northeast is not really anything to write home about. Although India is known for its incredible food, the Northeast is not particularly known for its cuisine. You can find thalis in Assam and on many roadside restaurants where the shared jeeps stop, although they can be rather basic and just include rice, dahl and a veg curry. 

In the major cities like Shillong and Guwahati you can find cuisine from all over India, including some good South Indian restaurants. 

You can certainly try some interesting food in the region though. For example, Nagaland is known for its extremely spicy food, often with boiled meat as the main base. I also tried smoked beef heart in Longwa village at my homestay family, so you can be as adventurous as you like there. 

Majuli Island is well known for its red rice and I had delicious red rice thalis at the local restaurants there. In Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, Tibetan food is a big favourite with momos and soup found in most restaurants. In the Khasi Hills, I had rice with interesting vegetables from the jungle that I didn’t even know exactly what they were.

It’s best to be open to trying whatever is available as some of the small towns have very limited supplies.

Accommodation

Accommodation options are generally limited to hotels, as hostels are not a ‘thing’ in the Northeast. You can also find some family-run guesthouses which can be a good experience.

However, my favourite kind of accommodation and which certainly led to many of my most memorable experiences in the Northeast was  homestays . There are definitely some great homestay initiatives in the region which I would highly recommend if you want to get the most out of the experience and immerse yourself in some of the most fascinating tribes and people you’ll find in Asia. They generally can’t be found on Booking.com, although that is starting to change as more tourists come to the region.

Some of the best places to try homestays include:

• Nongriat in Meghalaya
• Loktak Lake in Manipur
• Longwa Village in Nagaland

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5 Days Northeast Itinerary – A Step Closer To Heaven

If you are looking for a perfect getaway with every flavour of tourism added in the right amount, then visiting northeast India can be a wise choice. Standing as home to the Seven Sister States with a unique range of attractions at every place, a trip to the Northeast will feel like living a dream. Right from the dense forests to ancient monasteries to snow-capped mountains to beautiful landscapes to breathtaking waterfalls, the Northeast has every element to make your trip super exciting and memorable. It consists of 8 states with amazing tourist destinations – Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh . To try out these amazing places, choose this 5 days Northeast itinerary which would help you explore the Northeast with having enough time to spend at each place.

5 Days Northeast itinerary

Here is everything about how your 5 days at northeast India will go. Your trip will start in Assam where you have your visit to the very famous Kaziranga National Park. Followed by that, you will be visiting Shillong , Cherrapunji and Guwahati on the rest of your days there. From sightseeing in Shillong to shopping in the streets of Guwahati, your getaway to the Northeast will be nothing short of amazing.

Some of the popular tourist attractions you will be visiting are Nohkalikai Falls , Seven Sisters Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Arwah Cave, Shillong Peak, Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, and Kamakhya Temple. Whether you are looking for an exciting trip or a relaxing trip, the Northeast gives you the best. Read on to know more about this amazing package which would you tell you how exciting your 5 days at the Northeast will be:

Day-wise itinerary

So, here it goes:

Day 1 – Arrival into Assam

On the first day of the trip, you will land at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. From the airport, take a cab and reach the hotel in Kaziranga. Complete all the check-in procedures and take good rest. And, in the second part of the day, you will start exploring Kaziranga. I am sure Jeep Safari in Kaziranga National Park would have crossed your mind when I mentioned Kaziranga. So, you will start your sightseeing by visiting this top attraction to enjoy the pure beauty of nature by opting for a jeep safari. Be prepared to spot the wildlife really close to your eyes and get stunned at almost every minute while you are there. The park stands as a beautiful home to elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, wild water buffaloes and swamp deers. After exploring the park, return to the hotel for a peaceful night stay.

Day 2 – Kaziranga to Shillong

On the next day, at early in the morning, be prepared for a thrilling elephant safari as a part of your Kaziranga tour. What is the tour all about? So, you will be exploring the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam on elephant’s back. Don’t you think it’s an experience of a lifetime? The elephant safari in Kaziranga National Park is the most loved activity of all and gets everyone excited in no time. After exploring, make your way back to the hotel and have your breakfast. Post which, complete all the check-out formalities and hire a cab to proceed to Shillong. The day is at leisure so you can just explore the nearby places.

Day 3 – An excursion to Cherrapunji from Shillong

On the 3rd day of the 5 days Northeast itinerary, you will be taking an excursion to Cherrapunji. Have your breakfast at the hotel in Shillong and hire a cab to reach Cherrapunji or you can call it the wettest place on Earth. And, in the second part of the day, you will visit Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, Mawsmai cave and Arwah cave.

Nohkalikai Falls:  Pristine waters falling from the height of 1115 feet, the Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest plunge waterfall in India . Be ready for a jaw-dropping experience.

Seven Sisters Falls:  Gracefully located in the south of Mawsmai village is the Seven Sisters Falls, a breathtaking beauty.

Mawsmai Cave: The Mawsmai cave is one of the very famous attractions that you must visit in Cherrapunji. This is one place where the tourists flock all year round as it is one of the best caves in Meghalaya.

Arwah Cave:  If you are a nature lover, then you must visit Arwah Cave. Standing as home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna, this place is a must-visit.

Once you covered all the above places, head back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 4 – Sightseeing at Shillong

Have your breakfast and gear up for sightseeing at Shillong. Here, you will be exploring Shillong Peak, Umiam Lake and Elephant Falls.

Shillong Peak:  Visit this iconic attraction for witnessing some breathtaking views.

Umiam Lake:  A gorgeous man-made lake which is well known for its pleasant ambience is the Umiam Lake, a must-visit in Shillong.

Elephant Falls:   Elephant Falls is one of the top attractions to visit. This place is also referred to as ‘The Three Step Waterfall’ as you will see three different parts of falls there.

Post which, proceed to Guwahati and complete the check-in procedures.

Day 5 – Departure from Guwahati

On the final day of 5 days Northeast itinerary, pack your bags, have a delicious breakfast and complete all the check-out formalities. After that, hire a cab and head to the Kamakhya Temple, the last place on the itinerary. Get some blessings and reach the airport as your 5 days Northeast itinerary comes to an end.

Kamakhya Temple: It’s time for some blessings at the Kamakhya Temple. The highlight of the temple is that it has four chambers which were constructed between the 8th and the 17th century.

So, started imagining yourself being in the Northeast? With the perfect blend of awe-striking nature and thrilling wildlife experiences , the Northeast becomes one among the must-visit destinations for every traveller. So, what are you waiting for? Visit the website of Pickyourtrail and get some cool packages to the Northeast in India . Choose this 5 days Northeast itinerary and explore the best that this part of India has to offer.

Take that much-deserved break and explore the unexplored tourist places in the Northeast! Book your domestic or International tour packages through Pickyourtrail to enjoy a hassle-free vacation.

Preetha Manivelan

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The least explored, most mysterious and arguably the most beautiful region of India , the Northeast, known as the “Seven Sisters”, is connected to the rest of the country by a narrow stretch of land between Bhutan and Bangladesh, and was all but sealed off from the outside world until relatively recently. Arunachal Pradesh shares an extremely sensitive frontier with Chinese-occupied Tibet and, together with Nagaland , Manipur and Mizoram , a 1600km-long border with Myanmar.

Places to visit in Northeast India

Northeast india’s top cultural attractions, best time to visit northeast india, food and drink of northeast india, access, permits and tour operators.

Many insurgencies, caused by a vast ethnic diversity, have fractured the region since Independence, with tribal groups pushing for autonomy as well as fighting each other. A huge influx of Bangladeshis in the last decade and the displacement of many indigenous people has created further tension. Though there has been improvement in security in some areas, others remain disturbed with occasional clashes and armed conflict on the fringes. Permits are required for travel in certain regions, notably Arunachal Pradesh, while some other areas, such as the Manipur Hills and Nagaland’s eastern fringes, have open access but remain highly volatile. Tourists, however, are not a target of violence and the extraordinary diversity of peoples and spectacular landscapes make a visit to the region well worth the effort. One of the world’s wettest monsoon belts, the area also boasts an astounding array of flora and fauna, estimated to represent fifty percent of India’s entire biodiversity.

Travel ideas for India, created by local experts

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The intense greens of the Kerala backwaters, overhung by innumerable coconut palms, encapsulate tropical India like nowehere else. Enjoy a lazy cruise on a converted rice barge; visit fragrant spice plantations, explore Cochi and spot local wildlife.

Until the 1960s the region comprised just two states, the North East Frontier Agency – now Arunachal Pradesh – and Assam , but separatist pressures further divided it into the seven states, now officially joined by an eighth – Sikkim. Assam consists of the flat Brahmaputra valley. Its capital, Guwahati, has two of India’s most important ancient temples and is the gateway to the region, while an encounter with a one-horned rhino in the magnificent Kaziranga National Park is a highlight of any trip to the Northeast.

The other six states occupy the surrounding hills, and are quite distinct from the rest of India in landscape, climate and peoples. Meghalaya has beautiful lakes and includes the wettest places on earth, Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram. Its capital, Shillong, retains some of the colonial atmosphere from its days as east India’s summer capital. Majestic Arunachal Pradesh , one of India’s most remote states, is inhabited by a fascinating range of peoples, many of Tibetan origin. In the state’s northwestern corner, close to Bhutan, lies the Buddhist monastery of Tawang, in sight of the mountainous border with Tibet, while in the far northeast is the remote wilderness of Namdapha National Park. To the south, the lush mountains of Nagaland are home to fourteen distinctive tribal groups. Mizoram , in the Lushai Hills, is predominantly Christian and has one of the highest literacy rates in India.

Manipur is perhaps the most fractured of all the Northeast states and unsafe for travel off the beaten track, wracked by numerous insurgencies and inter-factional disputes. Tripura , on the other hand, with its long history of insurgency, is far more settled today, with plans for a major rail link and an improved road system; that said, you are still advised to exercise caution if travelling in the eastern hills. The people of Manipur are closely related to the neighbouring Burmese population. Tripura, bordered by Bangladesh on three sides (having been cut off from the Bangladeshi plains during the 1947 Partition), is distinctly Bengali to the west, while hill tribes make up the majority in the east.

Spot the rare one-horned rhino on a dawn jeep safari deep into the jungle where, with luck, you can see wild elephant or even tigers.

In India’s wettest state, entwined roots of the rubber tree form magnificent natural bridges, some centuries old, across waterways.

In a remote corner that was once Tibet, the largest Buddhist monastery in India maintains an ancient, unbroken tradition. The quiet chapel commemorating the sixth Dalai Lama lies close by.

A beautiful, remote wildlife park, bordering Burma, with habitat from steamy foothills up to the snow line, and home to a huge variety of wildlife including the Hoolock gibbon and elusive big cats.

An unmissable occasion and the highlight of the Northeast calendar, bringing together all the Naga tribes in their finery with music, dance and martial art displays.

Trek to a remote plateau of rolling green hills that is carpeted with flowers in the wet season.

Weather conditions are best from November to April, although the high-altitude areas of Arunachal, Meghalaya and Nagaland are extremely cold by December, and winter fog can disrupt road journeys. It rains heavily from May to the end of September, particularly in Meghalaya, but travel during this period has its own charm. In major cities such as Guwahati, Tezpur and Shillong, accommodation rates are not affected by the low season, but Kaziranga, Manas and the remote parts of Arunachal, Nagaland and Assam do offer off-season discounts.

Festivals in Northeast India

Religious festivals.

Manipur’s version of Holi is celebrated with the thabal chongba folk dance.

Konyak festival in the Mon region of Nagaland marking the arrival of spring.

The major festival of Assam, celebrated with singing, dancing and feasts in the villages, to mark the New Year and the onset of spring.

In spring before the new sowing season begins, this is the biggest harvest festival in Mizoram.

Celebrated by the Ao tribe in Nagaland after the sowing season.

The Apatanis of Ziro in Arunachal observe this agrarian festival in which animal sacrifices are common.

In Meghalaya, the Khasi tribe give thanks for the harvest over five days. Young men and women in traditional attire and heavy ornaments perform songs and dances at Smit, near Shillong.

Arunachal Pradesh festival of the Monpa people in Bomdila and Tawang, with colourful chaam (masked monastic dances) and religious ceremonies.

Music and cultural festivals

Four-day Central Arunachal outdoor music festival with apong (rice beer) and indie music, camping under the stars in the Ziro Valley.

This popular multiday urban music festival held its first Shillong edition in 2015 and is now slated to be an annual feature. Indian indie and global artists spanning genres of rock, funk, electro and more perform on various stages.

Held annually in Nagaland at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, this is among the Northeast’s largest occasion , showcasing the dance, music, food, games and intriguing culture of different local tribes.

Meat-based dishes, smoked, dried and pungent flavours, a liberal use of chilli and the distinct lack of typical Indian masala defines cuisine in the Northeast. The food is mostly mild, owing to the lack of spices that grow in the region, aside from some local herbs. Rice is a staple and the Tibetan momos and thukpa are ubiquitous. For drinks, salty yak-butter tea and local brews (known by various names including raksi , chang and apong ) made of millet, maize or rice are recommended to keep off the chill.

In Assam, try the xaag (leaf vegetables), fish tenga (a souring agent), pitika (a pungent vegetable mash) and khorika (meat on a skewer). Meghalaya tends to go heavy on the pork, with dishes such as doh neiiong (pork with black sesame seeds) and the staple jadoh (rice cooked in meat stock with pork). Meghalayan cooking also features liberal use of seasonal mustard leaves and mushrooms. At local markets in Arunachal you’ll find strings of churpi (fermented rock-hard yak’s cheese), lai patta (mustard spinach) and dried river fish. Churpa, popular in Arunachal kitchens, is a pungent cheese stew with meat and vegetables. Naga cuisine consists of smoked, dried meats, bamboo shoot, anishi (dry yam leaves) and akhuni (fermented soy bean); wild herbs are used as flavouring agents. The star, of course, is the bhut jolokia or the king chilli, among the hottest in the world. Thalis are common in Manipur, with side dishes such as singju (raw papaya and chickpea salad) and iromba (fish and veg chutney) accompanying rice and fish or meat curries.

Mizo cuisine is fairly bland, consisting of forest vegetables and smoked meats; bai (vegetable stew with dry soy bean) is a staple.

Fish is abundant in Tripura , and berma , a pungent fermented fish paste, is used as flavouring.

The Indian Government is currently investing to boost both local and international tourism to the region, and regulations have become quite relaxed. However, check the latest information with the Indian Embassy, Consulate, tourist office or visa agency before travelling. It is best to get permits while in India through a tour operator or by yourself in Guwahati.

Currently Arunachal Pradesh is the only one of the seven states that requires foreign visitors to obtain Restricted or Protected Area Permits (US$50 for a maximum of thirty days) prior to entry. Parties should theoretically consist of a minimum of two, accompanied by a travel agent, though in practice you can get away with saying the second person was “delayed”. Allow up to five working days to obtain the permit. Mizoram and Manipur currently only require registration on arrival at the entry point at the border. Indian nationals do require Inner Line Permits for Nagaland if travelling beyond Dimapur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh prior to entry. Those Indians travelling to Mizoram by road will also need an ILP, but for those arriving by air, permits are issued on arrival. ILPs for Arunachal can be obtained online .

Make several photocopies of your passport and permits while travelling through the region. To obtain Inner Line Permits, Indian citizens should apply with two passport photographs to representatives of the state governments concerned. Applications should only take a day to process, and can be extended for up to six months in the relevant state capital. Passes are valid for the full period they are allocated for, no matter how many times you enter and exit a state.

Recommended tour operators

• Explore Nagaland Well-organized tour operator whose services range from arranging local guides to entire itineraries.
• Greener Pastures Experienced tour operator with fixed and tailor-made eco-friendly tours that focus on wildlife, tribes, Buddhism and trekking.
• The Holiday Scout Arunachal-based tour operator organising a range of excellent customised tours, from rural homestays to photography tours and women-only adventures.
• Himalayan Holidays They focus on western Arunachal and Tawang but have a good network throughout the Northeast and offer a number of treks.
• Jungle Travels India Offering wildlife and tailor-made tours, including luxury river cruises through its sister outfit, Assam Bengal Navigation .
• Purvi Discovery Upmarket operator that specializes in tea tours as well as wildlife, birding, golf, riding and tribal culture.

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written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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• Shantiniketan
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• Phawngpui (Blue Mountain)
• Dampa Tiger Reserve
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visit north east india

North East Part of India is a travellers delight. North East India consists Indian states of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim & West Bengal.

Although West Bengal is officialy is not a part of North East India, but is the gateway of accessing North East India through a narrow corridor called Chicken's Neck (Siliguri Corridor). West Bengal also has rich potential as a tourist destination. It is the only state in India having a sea at its south and the great Himalaya at its North.

We have also incorporated Bhutan and Nepal as both the neighbouring countries of India has immense importance in terms of travel & tourism. Bhutan is landlocked by India at its East, West and South and great China at its North. Nepal is also land locked by India at East, West and South and China (Tibet) at its North.

North East India consists a vast area which ranges from Bay of Bengal, the largest bay in the world to the highest peaks of this worlds - Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Makalu, Mt. Kanchenjunga.

The region offers almost all kind of tourist activities, Trekking, Mountaineering, Buddhist circuit tours, Jungle Safaris, Cultural tours, Hiking, Rafting, Cave Tours, Sea Beaches and many more options.

North East India is famous for its ethnic cultural diversity. The food habits also chages from one region to another. Many tribal communities are residing in North East India keeping their culture and traditions intact. in Arunachal Pradesh only there are 26 major tribal groups with numerous sub groups.

North East India has got few of the finest tourist attractions of this world. Kolkata, Sundarbans, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Yumthang, Kalimpong, Thimphu, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Pelling, Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary, Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Shillong, Tawang, Agartala, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro are to name a few of the tourist locations in North East India, Nepal & Bhutan.

Other then these locations, North East India offers numerous Trekking routes, Jungle Safari Trails, Adventure Activities, Ornithological Tour Programmes, Buddhist Circuit Tours, Exquisite Sea Beaches, Pilgrimage Tours, Tea Tour facilities, Homestay options and many other programs which can lure tourist.

VisitNorthEast.com is a concept of binding technology and tourism to feature the beauty of North East India along with Nepal & Bhutan to showcase the regional diversity. VisitNorthEast.com promotes responsible tourism practices. Our aim is to promote this region without disturbing unique flora and fauna. We are actively involved in promoting local stakeholders to ensure comminuty based sustainable development model

Very nice management, had a smooth travel to Bhutan. Will surely prefer for any other trip again. - Tushar Kamble

I travelled with Marine To Alpine in Dooars region from New Jalpaiguri station. Vehicle was good. Accommodation arrangement was also good. Suraj was very helpful - ABHISEK DUTTA

My experience of Bhutan tour is superb with Marine To Alpine Pvt Ltd. The support guys were very helpful regarding permits processing in Phuentcholing. It was a great tour with my family and friends. - BIKRAM SAHA

It was a family trip arraneged by M2A to Sikkim. I was wondering whether the vehicle will be there at the station as the Satabdi Express train was running late to NJP. Although Amlan ensured that the vehicle will be at NJP to pick up my family from the station to Siliguri to Hotel Rajdarbar. And as promised the vehicle was there at 01:30 AM at NJP and hotel arranged smooth check ins at that tim in night. Gangtok tour was also good. Vehicle for Siliguri to Gangtok transfer was giving problems and was not comfortable. After complaining from next day marine to alpine managed an altaernative upgraded vehicle for the tour. It was a please experience to travel with them with a kid of only 2 years. - BINOY AUGUSTINE

We could not rate this tour as excellent but certainly can give it a rating of great tour. Our permits were easily processed in Phuentcholing entry gate to Bhutan. The support staffs (Raj) was very helpful. he also managed a Bhutan Sim card for us. Bhutan hotels were fine only problem we faced with the very limited options in breakfast which was included in the itinerary. Butan hotels does not have much options for english breakfast. But we managed. Tanmoy was in touch continously. he is very polite and very helpful. While returning we travelled to Dooars region in Bengal province and stayed at a place named Jaldapara Sanctuary. Forest was very encouraging but resort quality was not upto the mark. Later we were told that it ws the best property in Jaldapara. Vehicle was good through out the tour. Thanks a lot from England to M2A team for organizing the great tour program. - REBECCA KINNAIRD

A very maneged tour program in Sikkim (Gangtok) arranged by Marine To Alpine. I have requested about a vegan hotel as my family is vegetarian. They have allocated a very good vegetarian hotel near Tashi View Point with great views. Would like to thanks Tanmoy and his team for being very cooperative. - DEBASIS DEY

It was a good experience to travel with Tanmoy and his team (Marine To Alpine). We enjoyed the Sikkim tour with great enthusiam. It can be better, if hotel have more options for breakfast. Intimated them, they have promised for a better experience in my next tour with them to Bhutan. - SUDHAKAR VERMA

After a tiring journey from Mumbai to Bagdogra, I was welcomed at the airport by a smiling face with a comfortable innova vehicle along with some chips, biscuits, cakes and water. It came as a surprise to us as these were not included in the package. But Sayan informed that it is their common protocol to receive guests with these small items. Darjeeling hotel was awasome with great service. Vehicle was very good and reported at perfect time every day. Thanks for arranging such a lovely trip. - SANJEEV KHANDELWAL

My travel to Duars with Marine to Alpine was very eventful. I was lucky enough to get wild elephants, deer in bothe jungle safaris in Jaldapara and Goumara Wildlife Sanctuary. Accommodation and vehicle was good. Sayan and Suraj were very helpful and Tanmoy was very cooperative from the very beginning - NANDINI MOULIK

My first trip to Dooars in West Bengal was a great experince for excellent accommodation, vehicle by the Marine To Alpine team. We enjoyed a lot. - TANUMOY GHOSH

The student group was very happy. Although it is a very short tour for 2 nights only. But to manage 80 students in a remote location like Samsing is a great art from team Marine To Alpine and thanks to Suraj and Tanmoy for making the group happy. - Destino Guests

Our tour program to Bhutan was managed by marinetoalpine.com. It was a long tour of 9 nights and they did pretty well. We were ompletely satisfied with our tour program to Bhutan from Bagdogra Airport and back. Toyoto Coaster qiality ws excellent. We all would like to thank Marine to Alpine Pvt Ltd for arranging such a great trip for us to Bhutan. - SWAPNIL SRIVASTAVA

Tanmoy and his team managed a very good show for us in Gangtok. Me and my family enjoyed every bit of the Sikkim Tour program. - M. JAVED

We have enjoyed the North East tour program extensively. Shillong to Kaziranga was a long journey, hence we were tired but otherwise North East of India (Guwahati Shillong Kaziranga circuit) is a great place to explore. I would certainly recommend Marine To Alpine to others for North East India tour packages - KEDAR TIGADI

In last March, we travelled to the Swizerland in India. It is North Sikkim. Lachen, Lachung,. Gurudongmar, Yumthang valley, Zero point are the places in North Sikkim which is very close to China border and requires special permission. I would like to express thanks to Tanmoy for arranging permits, arranging good hotels and for Suman, the driver with us. It was a very out of teh box experience fo us in Sikkim. It was a good trip - SUMIT GUPTA

Fantastic place, excellent people - these are the two words which can express my view for my trip to Bhutan with my family. The itinerary was nicely framed by Tanmoy. Hotels in Phuentsholing, Thimphu and Paro were good. resort is Punakha was also good. Tested Bhutanese delicacies recommened by Marine Tao Alpine. It was very hot with chillies. We got to see peaks, beautiful valleys in Bhutan, mountain passes, zoo, museums and trekked to tigers Nest monastery. Overall it was a good experience. - JALPA GOHIL

You have arranged a very good and comprehensive tour plan comprising Bhutan and Sikkim for my group. We have enjoyed a lot in Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Phuentcholing & Gangtok. We will be recommending Marine To Alpine Pvt Ltd to our friends and families. - PRASANJIT SARKHEL

Our corporate event was arranged by Marine To Alpine in Bhutan. Vehicles, hotels for delegates, 2 days local sightseeing, immigration all went smooth with active support from Tanmoy and his team. Thanks a lot for arranging everything for our group tour and conference in Bhutan. - RAKESH BHANDARI

Our Bhutan with Sikkim and Darjeeling tour with you people was superb. befoe flying back to USA, it was a great respite for all of us. Thanks for great arrangement. Raj was very cooperative, driver Sambhu was very friendly and helpful. And overall Tanmoy impress us with his energy. - SAKET KARVE

We use to travel a lot. Both in India and abroad. But the experience we got in Eastern Himalayan segment of Gangtok, Lachen, Lachung, Pelling and Darjeeling was superb. The people were very kind and gentle. Although there were huge rush everywhere but our trip was good. Our thanks to you and your team. - SRINIVAS GUDIPATI

Great team, very cooperative. You put a very good show while arraning our trip to Sikkim Darjeeling with Yunthang, Gurudongmar Lake and Kalimpong. We enjoyed everybit of it. In Kalimpong there was an issu with the hotel. It has been taken care of promtly after reporting. In Lachen we have minimum choices in food. Otherwise its a great trip. - VINEET BABARIA

We travelled with Marine To Alpine to explore the wonders of North East India. We have visited Guwahati - Bhalukpong - Dirang - Itanagar - Bomdila - Pashighat - Tezpur. The tour was excellent. Locations were very scenic. Vehicle quality was good with a very good driver cum guide - Bishnu. Will recommnd you to my circle for future tour arrangements. - ABHISHEK RAJ SAHOO

We are complete satisfied with the attitude. We have made reservations in Pune counter and they ensured that it will be an great experience. And really, we were enthralled by the support we received from the team posted in Siliguri. - BALASAHEB BANDE

We would like to thank Tanmoy and Marine To Alpine Pvt Ltd team for arranging a leisure trip for us in Bhutan comprising Phuentsholing, Paro, Punakha and Thimphu. We enjoyed the tour program - SABITABRATA MAITY

Rather then posting good comments, we prefer to post negatives at first. permit processing in Phuentcholing is a lenghthy process and triring. Phuentsholing to thimphu road journey is also very tiring. These are the two negative we found for our Bhutan tour in July, 2018. But otherwise th natural beauty is phenomenal, in monsoon it beacomes lush green too. Hotels were very comfortable, food was good. Suraj was very attentive and made our tour experience a good one. - VIKAS SHARMA

We were a group of 19 people from. Our experience to travel to Bhutan with marinetoalpine.com was indeed special. Our thanks to team M2A and specially to Tanmoy and Raj for hearing us all along for our requirements - SHARADBHAI POHANKAR

Nicely arranged tour program in Bhutan by Marine to Alpine. We loved the trek to Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest) part. Other places and arrangements in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Phobjikha were also good - RISHAB DEV BHASKAR

We made a trip with Marine 2 Alpine to North East of India. It was a good trip with a lot of effort by the team to customize it. Rocky the guide Arunachal Pradesh was very helpful. Hotels were basic but very clean and good linens. Food quality was also good. My family along with my brother's family enjoyed the trip and wish to thank you a lot - KRISHNAPRASAD C

Our trip to Silk Route was beautifully managed by teh team. Although some minor problems were there but the natural view of the places (zuluk, kupup lake, nathang valley) help us forget the issues. We get introduced with the new concept of home stays in this trip. - BODDAPATI KRISHNAKUMAR

Thanks to team M2A for arranging a great trip for us to the last Shangri la Bhutan. We have enjoyed the remote country and lovely part was to mix up with local people. - SHUBHANGI GUPTA

Darjeeling and Sikkim trip was very enjoyable. It was made more memorable by Tanmoy and his team at marinetoalpine.com. Will plan again with you people for our next trip to Bhutan and North East India - SHERIN ASHRAF

Thank you marine 2 alpine team for arrnging our honeymoon trip to North Sikkim and Gangtok. It was a great memorable experience for your such lovely arrangements. - SAURABH JAIN

We would like to express our thanks for lovely tour arangements in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Nagarkot in Nepal. Trip to the Casinos were awasome in Kathmandu. We also enjoyed sun rise from Nagarkot as you have suggested. Overall it was a good experience. - DALPAT SINGHVI

Thanks Tanmoy bhai, it ws lovely trip with our group from Bangladesh. Darjeeling and Mirik is very scenic and we will be reting again to visit Sikkim with your company. Thanks for everything - Md. Sirajjudin

We would like to thank "Marine to Alpine Pvt Ltd" team for arranging the best trip for us in Bhutan - Anju Pramanick

I went to Bhutan for the first time, It was a good experience. Marine to Alpine staff was very good. - Angel Singh

My first trip to Gangtok Pelling Darjeeling in West Bengal was a great experince for excellent accommodation, vehicle by the Marine To Alpine team. We enjoyed a lot. - Vikash Soni

We will consider Marine to Alpine next year again for our Sikkim and Darjeeling tour plan., it looks great. Your company really delivers what they promise, and more. we are satisfied with Bhutan trip - Shiromani Kukreti

"Everything was perfect and I would have to say it was the vacation of a lifetime Bhutan tour. Thank you very much for having arranged the magnificent trip we took" - Sandesh Jain

"Yes, thank you for the best Sikkim Darjeeling trip. It was a high standard for a good price" - Tanmoy Naskar

Yes, it was the best experience with your company, I only booked the resort at Jaldapara for the first trial, it was well maintained and the resort staff was very helpful. Now I am planning the next trip and I want you to plan the best and complete tour package for us in Bhutan or Sikkim. - Prosenjit Bose

I went for a short trip with a sudden plan, and it was well organized and executed. It was a very memorable journey and one that we would suggest to others. - MEHNDI MERCHANT

We had gone for the Sikkim trip, it was the best trip of ours with high standards and a good price. - JOYPRAKASH NASKAR

Thanks for planning this wonderful trip, except for one glitch rest all were very good experience. Hotels were very nice but more than that I must say all the drivers you had provided to me were the best in their job and were very polite and humble. Once again I am thanking you for the trip , also I have shared your nos. With few of my friends , they might call u for package, please help them for the same. - Arun Iyer

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Explore the beauty of North East India: Top 20 Places You Must Visit

Craving a vacation that explodes your senses with vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and soul-stirring experiences? Look no further than the North East, India’s hidden gem! 

This is just a taste of the magic that awaits in the North East.  Contact Us , to Book Your North east Dream Vacation . So, pack your bags, unleash your wanderlust, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through these 20 must-visit destinations.

1. Majestic Kaziranga National Park

Best Time to Visit: November to April

Key Attractions: One-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, diverse flora and fauna Distance: Approximately 220 kilometers from Guwahati

Kaziranga National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The best time to visit is from November to April when the weather is pleasant. Witness the majestic one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

2. Mesmerizing Tawang Monastery

Best Time to Visit: March to October Key Attractions: Tawang Monastery, Gorichen Peak, Tawang War Memorial Distance: Approximately 555 kilometers from Guwahati

Perched at an altitude of 10,000 feet, Tawang Monastery is a spiritual gem. The best time to visit is from March to October when the weather is favorable. Explore the monastery , enjoy breathtaking views of Gorichen Peak , and pay homage at the Tawang War Memorial .

3. Enchanting Nathula Pass

Best Time to Visit: May to October Key Attractions: Indo-China border, Tsomgo Lake Distance: Approximately 430 kilometers from Gangtok

Nathula Pass , connecting India and Tibet, offers panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas. The best time to visit is from May to October when the pass is accessible. Explore the Indo-China border and witness the pristine beauty of Tsomgo Lake .

4. Picturesque Dawki River

Best Time to Visit: October to March Key Attractions: Umngot River, transparent waters Distance: Approximately 82 kilometers from Shillong

Dawki River , with its crystal-clear waters, is a visual delight. The best time to visit is from October to March for pleasant weather. Experience the unique beauty of the Umngot River , known for its transparent waters.

5. Cultural Extravaganza in Shillong

Best Time to Visit: September to May Key Attractions: Ward’s Lake, Police Bazar, Elephant Falls Distance: Approximately 100 kilometers from Guwahati

Known as the “Scotland of the East,” Shillong is a cultural hub. The best time to visit is from September to May . Explore Ward’s Lake , stroll through Police Bazar , and marvel at the beauty of Elephant Falls .

6. Kamakhya Temple: A Spiritual Odyssey

Best Time to Visit: October to April Key Attractions: Kamakhya Temple, Nilachal Hill Distance: Located in Guwahati

Perched atop Nilachal Hill, the Kamakhya Temple is a spiritual retreat. The best time to visit is from October to April . Experience the spiritual aura, participate in religious rituals, and enjoy panoramic views of the Brahmaputra River .

7. Unwind at Dzukou Valley

Best Time to Visit: June to September Key Attractions: Dzukou Valley, trekking trails, vibrant flowers Distance: Approximately 20 kilometers from Kohima

Dzukou Valley , nestled on the border of Nagaland and Manipur, is a trekker’s paradise. The best time to visit is from June to September . Explore the trekking trails, witness vibrant flowers, and experience the serenity of the valley.

8. Historical Ruins of the Ahom Kingdom

Best Time to Visit: October to March Key Attractions: Talatal Ghar, Rang Ghar Distance: Approximately 360 kilometers from Guwahati

Step back in time at Sivasagar, exploring the ancient ruins of the Ahom Kingdom . The best time to visit is from October to March . Discover architectural wonders like Talatal Ghar and Rang Ghar with fascinating historical stories.

9. Soak in the Serenity of Pelling

Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November Key Attractions: Kanchenjunga range, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins Distance: Approximately 120 kilometers from Gangtok

Situated in West Sikkim, Pelling offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range. The best time to visit is from March to May and September to November . Explore the Pemayangtse Monastery and the historical Rabdentse Ruins.

10. Breath-Taking Tea Gardens of Assam

Best Time to Visit: October to April Key Attractions: Assam Tea Gardens, Jorhat, Dibrugarh Distance: Varies depending on the tea estate

Take a stroll through the lush tea gardens of Assam , with the best time to visit is from October to April . Please remember to visit Jorhat or Dibrugarh to witness the tea-making process and delve into the rich history of Assam tea.

11. Explore the Unique Living Root Bridges

Best Time to Visit: October to May Key Attractions: Double Decker Root Bridge, Nongriat village Distance: Approximately 75 kilometers from Shillong

Meghalaya boasts living root bridges, an ingenious creation by the Khasi tribes. The best time to visit is from October to May . The Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat is a must-see, showcasing the unique collaboration between nature and man.

12. Aizawl: Capital of Mizoram

Best Time to Visit: October to March Key Attractions: Mizoram State Museum, Durtlang Hills, Bara Bazar Distance: Approximately 466 kilometers from Guwahati

Aizawl , the capital of Mizoram, is a blend of tradition and modernity. The best time to visit is from October to March . Explore the Mizoram State Museum , enjoy panoramic views from Durtlang Hills , and indulge in the vibrant markets of Bara Bazar .

13. Tranquil Agartala

Best Time to Visit: October to March Key Attractions: Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal Palace, Tripura Sundari Temple Distance: Approximately 550 kilometers from Guwahati

Agartala, the capital city of Tripura, offers a tranquil escape. The best time to visit is from October to March . Explore the grandeur of Ujjayanta Palace, the lake Palace Neermahal, and the divine Tripura Sundari Temple.

14. Teesta River Rafting Adventure

Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November Key Attractions: Teesta River, white-water rafting Distance: Depends on the starting point; popular from Gangtok

For adrenaline junkies, Teesta River offers thrilling white-water rafting experiences. The best time to visit is from March to June and September to November . Enjoy the rush of the gushing waters and the scenic landscapes along the river.

15. Marvel at the Unakoti Sculptures

Best Time to Visit: October to March Key Attractions: Unakoti rock-cut sculptures Distance: A pproximately 180 kilometers from Agartala

Unakoti, in Tripura, is renowned for its ancient rock-cut sculptures. The best time to visit is from October to March . Explore the impressive carvings that date back to the 7th century and unravel the mysteries behind these unique sculptures.

16. Namdapha National Park

Best Time to Visit: October to April Key Attractions: Biodiversity, trekking trails Distance: Approximately 180 kilometers from Dibrugarh (the nearest major town)

In Arunachal Pradesh, Namdapha National Park is a biodiversity hotspot. The best time to visit is from October to April . Explore the dense forests, embark on trekking trails , and witness a myriad of unique flora and fauna .

17. Adventure at Nuranang Falls

Best Time to Visit: October to April Key Attractions: Nuranang Falls, scenic landscapes Distance: Approximately 40 kilometers from Tawang

Nuranang Falls , also known as Jang Falls, is a hidden gem in Tawang. The best time to visit is from October to April . Enjoy the cascading beauty of the waterfall amidst the pristine landscapes of Tawang.

18. Discover Sualkuchi – Silk Town of Assam

Best Time to Visit: October to April Key Attractions: Silk weaving, traditional craftsmanship Distance: Approximately 35 kilometers from Guwahati

Known as the Silk Town of Assam , Sualkuchi is famous for its traditional silk weaving. The best time to visit is from October to April . Witness the craftsmanship and vibrant silk sarees that are a testament to Assam’s rich textile heritage.

19. Wildlife Safari at Manas National Park

Best Time to Visit: October to April Key Attractions: Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, diverse wildlife Distance: Approximately 150 kilometers from Guwahati

Manas National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The best time to visit is from October to April . Embark on a wildlife safari to spot Bengal tigers , one-horned rhinoceros, and a myriad of bird species .

20. Festivals in Nagaland

Best Time to Visit: December to February (Hornbill Festival) Key Attractions: Hornbill Festival, traditional dances, indigenous cuisines Distance: Varies; main festival held in Kohima

Experience the vibrant and culturally rich festivals of Nagaland , such as the Hornbill Festival. The best time to visit for the Hornbill Festival is from December to February. Immerse yourself in the traditional dances, music, and indigenous cuisines for a memorable cultural extravaganza.

North East India beckons with its diverse offerings, from lush landscapes to rich cultural experiences. This detailed guide provides insights into the best times to visit, key attractions, and distances to help you plan an unforgettable journey. Don’t forget to share your experiences on social media and spread the word about the hidden gems of North East India.

This is just a taste of the treasures that await! From the vibrant Shillong to the serene Pelling, from the adventurous Dibrugarh to the historical Kohima, each destination promises an unforgettable experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, let your wanderlust guide you, and discover the magic of Northeast India!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: what makes north east india unique.

North East India stands out for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. It’s a melting pot of traditions, festivals, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Q2: Are these places easily accessible for tourists?

Yes, with improving infrastructure, most of the top destinations in North East India are now easily accessible, ensuring a comfortable and memorable travel experience.

Q3: What is the best time to visit these places?

The best time to visit North East India is during the pleasant months of October to April, when the weather is conducive to exploring the region’s beauty.

Q4: Is North East India safe for solo travelers?

North East India is generally safe for solo travelers. However, like any travel destination, it’s advisable to stay informed about local customs and take necessary precautions.

Q5: Can I experience local cuisines in these places?

Absolutely! Each state in North East India has its unique culinary delights. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the local flavors and traditional dishes during your visit.

Q6: Are there any specific travel restrictions or permits required for North East India?

Yes, certain areas in North East India may require permits for tourists. It’s essential to check and obtain the necessary permits before planning your visit.

Q7: Can I find accommodation options catering to different budgets in these regions?

Absolutely! From budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts, North East India offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s preferences and budget.

Q8: What transportation options are available to explore these destinations?

Transportation infrastructure has improved in recent years. You can choose from a mix of buses, taxis, and shared jeeps to travel within the region. Domestic flights and train services are also available to major cities.

Q9: Are there any specific cultural etiquettes visitors should be aware of?

Respecting local customs and traditions is crucial. For example, it’s customary to seek permission before photographing locals, especially in tribal areas. Being aware of and respecting cultural norms enhances the overall travel experience.

Q10: How can I plan an eco-friendly trip to North East India?

Being mindful of your ecological impact is essential. Choose eco-friendly accommodations, minimize single-use plastics, and participate in local conservation efforts. Responsible tourism ensures the preservation of the region’s natural beauty.

Q11: Are there English-speaking guides available in North East India?

Yes, many tourist destinations in North East India have English-speaking guides to enhance your travel experience and provide insights into the local culture and history.

Q12: Can I use credit cards or should I carry cash for transactions?

While larger cities and towns accept credit cards, it’s advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially when exploring remote areas where electronic transactions may be limited.

Q13: What adventure activities can I indulge in across these regions?

North East India offers a plethora of adventure activities, including trekking, river rafting, paragliding, and wildlife safaris. Adventure enthusiasts will find ample opportunities to satisfy their adrenaline cravings.

Q14: How diverse is the wildlife in North East India?

The region boasts incredible biodiversity. From the iconic one-horned rhinoceros in Assam to the elusive red panda in Sikkim, North East India is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Q15: Are there specific health precautions I should take before visiting North East India?

It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for vaccinations and health precautions before traveling. Carry a basic medical kit and stay hydrated to ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip.

Q16: Can I engage with local communities and learn about their traditions?

Yes, engaging with local communities is encouraged. Participate in local festivals, visit markets, and interact with the friendly locals to gain a deeper understanding of the rich cultural tapestry of North East India.

Q17: What’s the significance of the traditional attire worn by people in these regions?

The traditional attire in North East India is not just clothing; it’s a representation of the region’s cultural diversity. Each community has its unique traditional dress, often woven with stories of their heritage.

Q18: Are there any specific precautions for high-altitude destinations like Tawang?

Travelers heading to high-altitude destinations should be aware of altitude sickness. It’s advisable to acclimatize gradually, stay hydrated, and seek medical attention if experiencing severe symptoms.

Q19: Can I capture the scenic beauty in North East India through photography?

Absolutely! North East India is a photographer’s paradise. From lush landscapes to vibrant festivals, the region offers endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking moments. Ensure you respect local photography regulations.

Q20: What cultural festivals should I plan my visit around for an immersive experience?

Plan your visit during festivals like Bihu in Assam, Losar in Sikkim, or Hornbill Festival in Nagaland for a truly immersive cultural experience. These festivals showcase the region’s traditions, music, and vibrant celebrations.

Prepare for an unforgettable journey to North East India armed with these additional FAQs, and let the exploration of this magical region begin!

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• North East Trip: Explore The Seven Sisters, One Brother, And A Neighbor In 2024

28 Nov 2023

Encompassing the best of dense forests, ancient monasteries, snow-capped mountains, pristine valleys, glistening lakes, and cascading waterfalls, every bit of North East India feels like magic. Taking you one step closer to heaven, every person who’s a traveler by heart, must go on a North East trip at least once in their lifetime to unravel the secrets of North East India! Make sure to check out our guide to know more about these awesome destinations.

Feel at home at the cleanest villages in Asia, trek on the oldest root bridges, chill in the most beautiful hill stations, encounter the one-horned rhinoceros, explore the numerous monasteries, enjoy boating in one of the river islands, and much more. Whatever your reason may be, the fact remains intact that a major part of North East India still remains unexplored. It doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, family, or your better half, a North East vacation is an experience which should definitely be included in every traveler’s bucket list.

If you’re expecting a safe North East trip during coronavirus, then the below discussed destinations will come in handy. Even during this time of pandemic, they are getting quite frequent visitors.

Table Of Content

•  States In North East India

Best Time To Visit North East India

North east india trip: places to visit, total states in north east india.

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Ever asked that question to yourself? We did too and it turns out, that the North East India comprises of seven sister states, i.e., Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and one brother state of Sikkim. Not just that, you’ll discover on your trip to North East India that the region also comprises of the North Eastern area of West Bengal which happens to be the famous Darjeeling.

Owing much to its stunning location wherein North-East India shares its borders with the neighbouring countries of Tibet, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, the whole region is dominated by hills and mountains to a large extent. Due to this, the climate in North East India generally remains cool while winters do get extremely cold.

Having said that, it is advised that travelling to North-East regions should be avoided in the rainy season from May to September-end. Hence, the best time to visit North East India is from the months of November to April, which also happens to be the peak season for travellers. The weather is at its best at this time, which also makes it perfect for heading out and witnessing the true charm of the states.

Must Read: 60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India

The famous northeast tourist attractions are a mix of nature, adventure, and romantic getaways. With picturesque views of the snow-bound mountains, these attractions are sought mostly by families, couples, and adventure enthusiasts as a holiday in Northeast India are sure to be a hit:

1. Darjeeling – Get Lost Amidst Stunning Mountains

Located on the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is the quaint, little, yet one of the famous hill stations in India . Much famed to have served as the summer getaway during the times of the British Raj, Darjeeling is known for its aromatic tea plantations, the famous toy train, and offers breathtaking views with Mount Kanchenjunga in the backdrop. If you’re a nature lover who loves a quaint vibe during a holiday, then is the place to be!

Must Experience: Enjoy a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or the toy train Places To See:  Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and more. Things To Do: Cycling in Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary , Trek to the Tiger Hills, explore the Rock Garden, boating in Mirik, Tenzing Rock climbing, and more. Key Attractions:  Rock garden, Observatory hill viewpoint Famous Food:  Aloo dum, Thukpa, Momos, Churpee Best Time To Visit:  April to June

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2. Sikkim – Fall In Love With The Mountains

Popularly known as the brother state in the North East states , travelers find it very easy to fall in love with the great mountainous kingdom of Sikkim . Home to the famous Pemayangtse Monastery and the highest motorable roads of Nathula Pass, Sikkim serves as a peaceful getaway for every traveler alike. No matter how long or short your trip is, this is one place that ought to be a part of your North East trip itinerary.

Must Experience: A bike trip via Nathula Pass – the highest motorable road at a height of 4,310 metres Capital City: Gangtok Places To See: Lake Tsomgo, Rumtek Monastery , Gurudongmar Lake, Zemu Glacier, Pemayangtse Monastery, and more. Things To Do: Backpacking through the Yumthang Valley of Flowers, explore the Singalila National Park, camping at Goecha La Pass, and more. Key Attractions:   Zuluch, Tsongmo Lake, Gangtok Famous Food:  Sikkim tea, Gundruk, Sael Roti Best Time To Visit:  Between October and mid-December

Suggested Read: 48 Places To Visit In Sikkim

Soul-Stirring Seven Sisters

Apart from the above, there are a total of seven sisters in the northeast that oozes eternal charm and beauty. Take a look below to know all about them and plan a magical North East India tour amidst nature with your loved ones:

3. Arunachal Pradesh – Mystic Views

Literally translating into the “land of dawn-lit mountains”, Arunachal Pradesh is the lesser known North East states which is yet to be explored to the fullest on an epic 5 days trip to North East India . Located in the North Eastern-most extreme of India, Arunachal Pradesh also happens to be the largest state of all seven sisters which is truly blessed naturally. While it may not be as famous as the other sisters, it is definitely worth a visit at least once in your life.

Must Experience: Explore the natural beauty of Tawang – the largest monastery in India, second to the world-largest Lhasa Monastery in Tibet, and the birthplace of Dalai Lama. Capital City: Itanagar Places To See: Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, Namdapha National Park, Dirang, Parasuram Kund, Daporijo, and more. Things To Do: Trek to Ziro, trek to Sella Pass, indulge in Ziro music festival, and more. Key Attractions:  Nuranang falls, Bhalukpong Famous Food:  Pika Pika, Chura Sabzi, Marua Best Time To Visit:  October to March

Suggested Read: 16 Beautiful Places To Visit In Mizoram

4. Assam – Treat Your Taste Buds

Rich in flora and fauna alike, Assam is one of the most famous North East states that is all about positive vibes and good feels. Famous for its vast tea plantations, and archeological sites, Assam is also home to one of the greatest UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kaziranga National Park which is one of the best places to visit when traveling to North East . Be it pampering the wildlife lover in you or treating your taste buds to a soothing cup of chai, Assam will amaze you.

Must Experience: Encounter one-horned rhinoceros at Kaziranga National Park, and enjoy boating in Dawki River near the Indo-Bangladesh border. Capital City: Guwahati Places To See: Kamakhya Temple, Manas National Park, Assam State Zoo & Botanical Garden, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, and more. Things To Do: Brahmaputra river cruise, Wildlife safari at Manas National Park, experience the ecotourism of Majuli, shopping in Jorhat, and more. Key Attractions:  Majuli Island, Guwahati Planetarium Famous Food:  Duck Meat Curry, Aloo Pitika, Ou Tenga Best Time To Visit:  October to March

5. Manipur – Explore Natural Marvels In Abundance

Famous for being a multicultural society and offering natural marvels in abundance, Manipur is a little jewel in the heart of North East India. Popularly known as the land of festivals, Manipur is also eminent for its majestic hills, indigenous games, rich culture, handicrafts and handlooms, and martial arts. If you’re looking for a budget trip to North East India , this is one place you can definitely consider exploring.

Must Experience: Taste Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper) – world’s hottest pepper, and shop at Khwairamband Bazaar – a local market with a matriarchal setting and run wholly and only by women Capital City: Imphal Places To See: War cemetery, Shri Govindajee Temple, Sendra Island, Keibul Lamjao National Park, and more. Things To Do: Boating in Loktak Lake, watch a great performance in the theatre, explore the ancient Andro village, chariot ride in Moreh near the border, and more. Key Attractions:  INA session, Kangla Fort, Loktak Lake Famous Food:  Paaknam, Chak Hao Kheer, Morok Metpa Best Time To Visit:  Between September to April

Suggested Read: 20 Perfect Reasons To Visit India

6. Meghalaya – Home To The Cleanest Village

True to its name, Meghalaya is indeed an abode of clouds, which gained much fame for being home to the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong. Considered to be the Scotland of the East ever since the times of British Rule, Meghalaya is filled with natural attractions like that of living root bridge , cascading waterfalls, and some of the longest caves in Asia. Visiting this place is undoubtedly a must, especially with a kick-ass camera. Meghalaya is a must-visit place and should be included in your North East trip plan.

Must Experience: Explore Mawlynnong – the cleanest village in Asia and let the charm of living root bridge cast a magical spell on you. Capital City: Shillong Places To See: Laitlum Canyon, Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunjee, Balpakram National Park, Umiam Lake, and more. Things To Do: Trekking on David Scott trail, rafting in Barapani Lake, kayaking on Kynshi River, camp on Khasi hills, and more. Key Attractions:  Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Famous Food:  Bamboo shoots, Jadoh, Jaintia Best Time To Visit:  April to June,

7. Mizoram  – Place Of Hilly People

Renowned to be the “land of the hill people”, Mizoram is not only a destination but a whole experience in itself. Featuring mighty mountains that are nestled in north-south ways and numerous narrow rivers, Mizoram offers countless opportunities for adventure enthusiasts to quench their wanderlust. Make sure you include this place in your North East trip itinerary for a mesmerizing holiday experience with your loved ones.

Must Experience: In case you visit Mizoram during the spring season, do take part in the Chapchar Kut Spring Festival which happens to be the oldest festival of the state Capital City: Aizawl Places To See: Murlen National Park, Dampa Tiger Reserve, Phawngpui Hills, Vantawng Falls, Luangmual Handicrafts Centre, and more. Things To Do: Visit the Palak Lake, enjoy mountain biking in the Hmuifang Hills, trekking in the Blue Mountain National Park, and more. Key Attractions:  Mizoram State Museum, Solomon Temple, Rih Dil Famous Food:  Chhum Han, Bamboo Shoot Fry, Misa Mach Poora Best Time To Visit:  November to March

Suggested Read: 31 Reasons Why You Should Never Visit Northeast India

8. Nagaland – Witness The Vibrant Views

Encompassing striking beauty, lush greenery, massive mountains, and quixotic valleys, Nagaland is one North Eastern state that never fails to bedazzle everyone. Housing some of the aboriginal Naga tribes, Nagaland also is famous for the most lively, vibrant, and colorful festivals of India , that celebrate the diverse culture and traditions of its tribes. Perfect for a good long 10 days trip to North East India along with its sister gems, this place would surely leave you in awe.

Must Experience: Usually held in December, it is a must for everyone to witness the joys, and colors of the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland Capital City: Kohima Places To See: The war cemetery, Kohima Museum, Tuphema Village, Kachari Ruins, Triple Falls, Veda Peak, and more. Things To Do: Trekking in Dzoukou valley, enjoy birdwatching in Khonoma, wildlife safari at Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary, hike the Japfu Peak, and more. Key Attractions:  Dimapur, Khonoma Village, view at Dzoukou valley Famous Food:  Zutho, Smoked Pork, Akini Chokibo,  Fish Best Time To Visit:  July to October

9. Tripura – Beautiful Haven For Art

A lesser-known paradise in the heart of North East, Tripura is yet to receive the attention that it deserves for housing some of the most artistic, and royal palaces, and enchanting temples. Having said that, Tripura is indeed a haven for art, architecture, and history buffs, and also a great place to visit on a trip to North-East India if you love exploring the lesser-known gems. With beauty that you may have never seen before, Tripura will surely take you by surprise.

Must Experience: Every traveler must visit the royal Ujjayanta Palace which takes one back into the historical past of Tripura Capital City: Agartala Places To See  Neermahal, Unakoti, Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary, Jagannath Bari, Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura Government Museum, and more. Things To Do: Explore the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, trek to Jampui Hills, shop the famous bamboo and cane artefacts, boating in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, and more. Key Attractions:  Tripurasundari Temple, Jampui Hill, Unakoti Famous Food:  Apong, Mui Borok Best Time To Visit:  April to July

Further, Read: Travel To These Buddhist Monasteries In India

Did you know of all these amazing places to visit and incredible things to do on a North-East trip? If your answer is a no, then you’re not alone in this. And as it is believed that it’s never too late, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey to discover a paradisical place by planning a trip to North East side of India. The trip will feel like nothing less than pure magic!

Frequently Asked Questions About North East Trip

What is the best time to visit North East India?

For a better experience, it is recommended to travel to North East India during the months from late October to March. The temperature is cooler and sunny which is quite favourable compared to the summer season.

Which is the most beautiful state in North East?

The most beautiful state in North East is Meghalaya. It is one of the popular tourist attractions and is best known for its food, sites, and festivals. If you are planning an unforgettable North East tour, then adding Meghalaya to your itinerary is a must.

How to plan a trip to northeast India?

While planning a trip to the northeast might seem like a task, it is not if you follow this handy guide. The first step to begin planning is checking the best time to visit the northeast and picking your holiday dates. Keeping the duration of your trip in mind, you can choose the places you wish to visit during your trip and prepare an itinerary for the same. With all that done, a pocket-friendly northeast package is all you have to book and you’re then set to head out!

Which is the best place for family travel in North East India?

There are two best places to visit in North East India with family, Gangtok and Darjeeling. You will witness the gorgeous views of the Himalayas, meadows, tea plantations, etc. If you are seeking a natural landscape and panoramic vistas on your family trip to North East India then these destinations are for you.

Which part of Sikkim is best to visit in December?

Yumthang Valley, nestled 3,600 meters above sea level and popularly known as the Valley of Flowers is among the best places to visit in Sikkim in December. On your trip to North East in December, you can plan a visit to discover the splendours of Sikkim with your group.

How many days are sufficient to visit Northeast India?

Depending upon your itinerary, if you are planning to explore states one by one then you will need 5 to 7 days to cover the destination and its major attractions but if you are planning a 1 week trip to North East India, then you can only discover the highlights rather then a proper excursion. An overall North East tour will take around 15 days or 2 weeks.

Is December a good time to visit North-East India?

Having a North East trip in December in India is the best option to pick. The major cities like Assam, Tripura, and Mizoram in the North East side, these cities are chill and comfy during the winter season.

What gift to buy from Darjeeling?

You can buy souvenirs like woolen carpets, jackets, and shawls from the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre. It is the best place to shop the quality stuff in Darjeeling.

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Best Places To Visit In North East India

Here is the list of 56 best places to visit in north east india, 1. kaziranga national park - home to the one horned rhinos.

The one-horned Rhinos are an endangered species with just three thousand of them left in the world. Kaziranga National Park in Assam is home to about nearly 2000 of them. Watching them while you are on a safari in this illustrious national park is an unmatched experience. The majestic animal moves you as you feel the awe of nature inspire you. Kaziranga is a place to visit in North East India for a completely spellbinding experience.

Best Time: October to June

2. Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim

Perched between the mountains at a dizzying height of 12400 ft above sea level, the Tsomgo Lake is one of the few high-altitude lakes in India situated on the Gangtok - Nathu La highway. Also popularly known as Changu Lake, it is a part of every tourist's itinerary and for a good reason - the overwhelming scenic beauty. Enveloped by steep snow-capped mountains and resting between a bright green carpet of alpine forests, the charming beauty of Tsogmo Lake is bound to leave you in awe. The lake's mesmerising scenic allure combined with its legendary significance to the locals definitely makes it a must visit attraction of Sikkim.

3. Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya - Be Amazed by the Living Root Bridges

Known For : Double Decker Living Root Bridge Dawki Nohkalikai Waterfalls

Cherrapunjee is popular for many things but more so for its living root bridges. A feat of human genius and nature’s magic, these bridges which are spread across the city are built through the roots of trees. The experience of seeing such a thing and walking is worth travelling for. An example of north-east India’s amazing ability to fascinate its visitors, walking on these bridges will be an experience which will stay with you for some time. Add this to a list of places to visit in North East India, if you haven’t done so already!

Best Time: October to February

21 Cherrapunji Attractions

4. Shillong, Meghalaya - Scotland of the East

Known For : Umiam Lake Elephant Falls Laitlum Canyons

A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It derives its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496 meters, Shillong provides a relief from the heat across the country. This hill station is known for its picturesque sights and traditions. The soothing climate makes Shillong suitable to visit in all seasons. The light drizzles and the cooling gentle wind adds to the joy of visiting this hill station. This place is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’. One can find descendants of the Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal and Langrim tribes.

Best Time: September to May

33 Shillong Attractions

5. Tawang Monastery - Experience Spirituality High Up in the Mountains

Known For : Sela Pass Tawang Monastery Madhuri Lake

Tawang Monastery is the largest in the country and therefore attracts many Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. The place in northeast India is spiritual heaven with an atmosphere of infinite peace, calm and beauty. A visit to this monastery can allow you to self-reflect, something one misses out in the daily struggles of life. Besides the spiritual experience, Tawang Monastery is architecturally very aesthetic, a fitting symbol of a stunning city.

Best Time: March - June; September - October

12 Tawang Attractions

6. Gangtok, Sikkim - The Gateway to Sikkim

Known For : Nathula Pass MG Road, Gangtok Tsomgo Lake

Extremely alluring, pleasantly boisterous and wreathed in clouds - Gangtok, the capital city of the Sikkim can also give you a spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, at a distant skyline. The pristine hill station nestled in mountains and clouds is also a base for a whole lot of trekkers to the Himalayan mountain ranges. The mesmerising prismatic beauty and the beautiful winding hill roads are even more breathtaking if seen from a bird’s eye view in a cable car.

Best Time: Throughout the year

34 Gangtok Attractions

7. Nathu La Pass, Gangtok

Nathula, one of the highest drive roads in the world, is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks that co-joins Sikkim and China. Nathula Pass is situated on the Indo-Chinese border and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in India. Several tourists flock here every year for trekking in the valley and enjoying the scenic beauty. There are a number of waterfalls that gush along the way from Gangtok to Nathula. It also offers an opportunity to see beautiful snow peaks encircling the area making it one of the most stunning places to visit in North East India.

8. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh - Home to the Famous Ziro Music Festival

Known For : Tarin Fish Farm Kile Pakho Ziro Music Festival

The cradle to a unique tribal group and a balmy climate, Ziro is the peace seeker's paradise. Ziro is a quaint old town in Arunachal Pradesh, home to the Apa Tani tribe and famous for its pine hills and rice fields. Ziro is a quaint old town in Arunachal Pradesh, home to the Apa Tani tribe and famous for its pine hills and rice fields. The climate in Ziro is mild through the year, making it comfortable to travel all year round.

Best Time: September - November ; March - May

9 Ziro Attractions

9. Dawki, Cherrapunjee

A small border town in the Jaintia Hills, Dawki and its famed river Umngot is a must visit if in Meghalaya. Sandwiched between India and Bangladesh, Dawki is a major center of trade between India and Bangladesh. The small city, besides being a trade hub is also famous for its tourism scene, with many people flocking to the city in order experience a boat ride in its famed Umngot River and enjoy the nearby sights and sounds

10. Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Cherrapunjee

The fourth highest waterfalls in the world, Nohkalikai falls plunge some 335 meters from a verdant cliff to the ground giving the portrayal of immense and natural magnificence. The pride of the state of Meghalaya, the falls are one of the most beautiful and grand waterfalls in the country. Tucked in between evergreen rainforest of the Khasi Hill and flowing with all its majesty and might, the falls plunges into a lagoon which is as blue as the afternoon sky.

11. Loktak Lake

A unique lake in the heart of Manipur, Loktak Lake is considered the lifeline of Manipur. The lake is beautiful and unique due to the floating islands within it. These islands are made out of natural waste and our home to the fishermen who reside on them. A boat ride in the lake will get you close to these floating islands and give you a chance to spot the rare and endangered marine life of the lake.

12. Majuli, Assam - World's Largest Fresh Water Island

Known For : Kamalabari Satra Dakhinpat Satra Garmur

Majuli is a lush green environment-friendly, pristine and pollution free freshwater island in the river Brahmaputra, just 20 km from the Jorhat city. With a total area of 1250 sq. km, Majuli is the world's largest river island and it attracts tourists from all over the world. Among one of the most surreal places to visit in North East India, Majuli is also a strong contender for a place in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

Best Time: October - April

5 Majuli Attractions

13. Trekking to Gorichen Peak

The highest peak in the state of Arunachal Pradesh near the Tibetan border, trekking at Gori Chen is an ‘other worldly’ experience to say the least. It is the most popular trekking circuits among climbers and hikers in the north-east and provides a moderate challenge to trekkers. The trek, the landscape and the thrill is something one should experience if traveling to north-east India.

14. Mawsynram, Meghalaya - Wettest Place On Earth

Known For : Mawlyngbna Mawjymbuin Cave Nohalikalai Falls

Acknowledged as one of the wettest place in the world, the mesmerizing village of Mawsynram is a nature lover's delight and the perfect destination to behold the beauty of the rains. Mawsynram trounces Cherrapunjee by a slight margin in being the wettest place in India.

Best Time: June - August; November - February

7 Mawsynram Attractions

15. Goecha La, West Sikkim

This is a high mountain pass located at a height of 4,940 m and acts as the base camp for southeast face of Kanchenjunga. This place can only be accessed by trekking from Yuksom and it roughly takes 7-8 days for a person to reach Goecha La and come back to Yuksom.

16. Pelling, West Sikkim

Pelling, a beautiful town in the West district of Sikkim, is becoming the second biggest tourist destination in Sikkim after Gangtok. The main attraction of the place is the breath-taking sight of the Khangchendzonga and the neighbouring peaks. The famous Pemayangste monastery is less than a kilometre from here and is a major tourist hotspot. It also provides sites for mountain biking, rock climbing, village tours, meditations, educational studies and several other activities. The scenic town of Pelling is a perfect holiday destination for all nature lovers.

17. Umiam Lake, Shillong

Umiam Lake, a mesmerizing man-made reservoir, is located at a distance of 15 kilometres north of Shillong which is the capital of the north-eastern Indian state of Meghalaya. The lake was formed after a dam was constructed to generate hydroelectric power. The serene lake is surrounded by thick coniferous forests and expands over an area of about 222 square kilometres. The area of this lake is four times the size of San Marino or Bermuda. It is encircled by lush green East Khasi hills that form one of the best panoramic sights for nature-lovers in the country. Most tourists to Meghalaya make sure to stopover at Umiam lake to click photographs and enjoy peaceful boat rides. The sunrises here are one of its calling factors making it one of the best places to visit in North East India.

18. Camping at Japfu Peak and Dzukou Valley

One of the most stunning places to visit in northeast India, you will come across, Japfu Peak and Dzukou Valley is an amazing place to trek and camp at. Camping here amidst the green slopes which stretch far into the horizon is seriously an experience of a lifetime. Located in the state of Nagaland, they are easily accessible and anyone can camp and trek in the valley. For some, it is the Scotland of the East.

19. River Rafting on Siang River

A tributary of the Mighty Brahmaputra River, Siang is just as violent as the Brahmaputra. The home to Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, the Siang River is perfect for some thrilling white water river rafting with grade III and IV rapids. The river is also great for angling and kayaking. You can reach Siang through Tawang. One can find many rafting operators there who offer equipment and guidance to visitors.

20. Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh - A subtle cultural standout

Known For : Lake of No return Miao World War II Cemetery

Changlang District shares international boundary with Myanmar (Burma) and is best known for its bio-diversity and scenic beauty and a unique culture that makes it standout from the nearby areas.

Best Time: November to February

6 Changlang Attractions

21. Guwahati, Assam - The Gateway to the North-East India

Known For : Umananda Temple Kamakhya Temple Guwahati Zoo

A sprawling city located beside the mighty Brahmaputra, Guwahati is the epitome of an amalgamation of ancient history and modernisation. The largest city in all of Assam, Guwahati stands as the gateway to the former Seven Sisters of North East India. A city shaped by time itself, Guwahati is home to age-old temples and historical sites that take you centuries back through the pages of ancient history. Parallelly, over the years the city has adopted a fast-paced millennial culture of entertainment, eateries topped with an electric nightlife, keeping up with the modern era of urbanisation and commercialisation. The gushing Brahmaputra river carries with it untold tales from thousands of years past, and the peaceful ambience lingering in the city despite its modern lifestyle makes Guwahati one of the best places to visit in north east India.

Best Time: October to April

34 Guwahati Attractions

22. Hornbill Festival, Nagaland

Nagaland is known as the 'Land of Festivals' and one such grand carnival, organized by the State Tourism of Arts and Culture Department, Government of Nagaland is 'Hornbill festival'. Also known as ''Festival of Festivals", this is a commonly celebrated being a traditional cluster of all the seventeen Naga tribes, to promote intercultural harmony. It hardly has any featureless moments and provides a lifetime opportunity to know about ancient tribal lives through the exploration of the structure of tribal huts, which is dated back to primaeval lifestyles including other instruments like drums, gongs, costumes and wooden carvings.

23. Manas National Park - One of the best places to spot tigers

Manas National Park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve in Assam. The only tiger reserve in Assam and also famous for the rare golden langur and the red panda, Manas is one of the best-kept national parks in India.

Best Time: October to Apr

24. Agartala, Tripura - Gateway to Tripuran Heritage

Known For : Ujjayanta Palace Unakoti Neermahal

Home to the Manikya Kings in the past, Agartala is the perfect mix of natural beauty combined with diverse and rich culture.

15 Agartala Attractions

25. Imphal, Manipur - The site of Battle of Imphal

Known For : Loktak Lake and Sendra Island Kangla Fort Tharon Cave

Imphal has a untouched charm surrounding its natural beauty, sceneries and landscapes as well as a significant history leaving hints of the past around the city.

17 Imphal Attractions

26. Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Assam - Bird-watchers Paradise

Dibru Saikhowa National Park is one of those places which boast of a rich collection of flora and fauna, many of them endangered. It is one of the few remaining protected sites in the Endemic Bird Area of the Assamese Plains.

Best Time: November to April

27. Kohima, Nagaland - A land ruled by the Nagas

Known For : Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak Kohima Museum Touphema Village

Kohima is the hilly capital of Nagaland, which is one of the seven sister states of India. ‘Kohima’ is the anglicized name given by the British, the original name being 'Kewhira' derived from the Kewhi flowers found in the region. Famous for its ethereal environment and untouched beauty, it is a land of folklore passed down through the ages. Situated at a height of 1500 metres above the sea level, it is endowed with quaint hills, emerald forests and a picturesque landscape. It is the go-to place to visit in north east India for all you adventure enthusiasts as it is ideal for trekking, camping and hiking.

11 Kohima Attractions

28. North Sikkim

Known For : Gurudongmar Lake Yumthang Valley

One of the most uninhabited areas of the country, yet extremely beautiful and charming, North Sikkim shares its boundary with China and Nepal.

Best Time: April to June, October to December

9 North Sikkim Attractions

29. Nameri National Park, Assam - An exciting Himalayan foothill

Nameri national park is famous for its elephants and other animals including tigers, leopards, gaurs, wild pigs, sambars, etc. and also for being a bird watchers paradise.

30. Sibsagar, Assam - Heritage of the North East

Known For : Talatal Ghar Rang Ghar Ahom Museum

Dating back to the Ahom dynasty, this cultural town is full of historic tourist attractions from forts with underground architecture to numerous temples.

Best Time: October to March

9 Sibsagar Attractions

31. Aizawl, Mizoram - The land of Mizos

Known For : Durtlang Hills Reiek Vantawng Falls

Neatly tucked in the beautiful North East, Aizawl is home to the Mizoram State Museum, along with being the cultural and religious capital of the Mizos.

15 Aizawl Attractions

32. Jorhat, Assam - Tea Capital of India

Known For : Majuli Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary Dhekiakhowa Bor Namghar

Famous for its culture, mosques, tombs, gardens and most importantly - its tea plantations, Jorhat is also known as the tea capital of India.

21 Jorhat Attractions

33. Tura, Meghalaya - An unexplored bit of the Garo Hills

Known For : Tura Peak Siju Caves Balpakram National Park

Located in the West Garo hills , Tura provides a spellbinding as well as serene environment being quite an unexplored town.

9 Tura Attractions

34. Lunglei, Mizoram - A simpler paradise

Known For : Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary Lunglei Sightseeing

Literally meaning 'the bridge of rock', Lunglei is famous for its scenic beauty and natural setting. It is an ideal destination if one wants to take a break and look away, towards nature's simple offerings. Trekking, bird watching and adventure sports are frequently enjoyed by tourists.

2 Lunglei Attractions

35. Drive Through Sela Pass

One of the most breathtaking places in the Himalayan vista, Sela Pass is a lifeline for the people of Arunachal Pradesh, and the Sela Lake is as heavenly as it gets. The two combine to enchant one and all by their mystic beauty. One of the most stunning gifts of nature to the North-East, Sela Pass is a lifeline for the people of Arunachal Pradesh as it is the only way that connects Tawang district of the state to the rest of the country. Besides its geographical importance, Sela Pass is breathtaking place always covered in snow providing some beautiful views of the eastern Himalayan range. The rocky pass is also home to one of Arunachal's most beautiful lakes - the Sela Lake.

36. Roing, Arunachal Pradesh

Known For : Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary Mayudia Nehru van Udayan

The snow peaked mountains, deep gorges, turbulent rivers cascading down the hills, numerous waterfalls, placid lakes, archaeological sites, peace and fun loving hospitable people and above all the heavenly climate make Roing one of the most attractive destinations for tourists.

11 Roing Attractions

37. Jowai, Meghalaya

Known For : Tryshi Falls Nartiang Monoliths Krang Suri Falls

Located in the Jaintia Hills district, Jowai is famous for its scenic setting and breathtaking views with the perfect mix of heritage and culture.

Best Time: October to Mid May

12 Jowai Attractions

38. Bhalukpong, Arunachal Pradesh - An unknown Arunachal Pradesh

Known For : Outdoor activities Sessa Orchid Sanctuary Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary

Apart from being the nature lover's paradise, Bhalukpong can provide you a complete experience with wildlife and a host of activities complimenting its natural beauty and the environment of a place lesser known

3 Bhalukpong Attractions

39. Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh - Himalaya's Veranda

Known For : Bomdila Monastery Apple Orchards Bomdila View Point

With majestic Himalayas bestowing their shadow, the beautiful town of Bomdila will offer you all an area in this terrain should.

Best Time: April to October

8 Bomdila Attractions

40. Mawsmai Cave, Cherrapunjee

Tourist places in North East India are a treasure trove of caves and cave lovers can get really excited now. Meghalaya is known to have many caves but the most accessible of them in the Mawsmai Cave in Cherrapunjee. Experience the thrill of exploring the depths of our planet and be mesmerized by the beauty that lies beneath your feet.

41. Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

Known For : Ganga Lake Ita Fort Namdapha National Park

With the snow capped Himalayas towering on the northern end and the fertile Brahmaputra river plains on the southern, Itanagar is a natural paradise.

11 Itanagar Attractions

42. Orang National Park, Assam

With one of the oldest game reserves of the state, The Orang National park located on the shores of river Brahmaputra, can be an exciting little bit of Assam with a huge variety of fauna finding its habitat here.

43. Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh - Gateway of Arunachal Pradesh

Known For : Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary Pangin Kekar Monying

Home to river Brahmaputra which transcends down from Tibet, this place is a photographer's delight for comprising abundant sceneries of nature.

Best Time: October to May

5 Pasighat Attractions

44. South Sikkim

Known For : Namchi Ravangla Borong

Surrounded by beautiful forests and majestic hills, South Sikkim is the perfect vacation spot for someone looking for a retreat in the midst of nature in its most natural form.

10 South Sikkim Attractions

45. Tamenglong, Manipur - Manipur's home to exotic flora and fauna

Known For : Barak Waterfall Zeilad Lake Buning meadows

This hilly region is an ideal setting for tourists interested in outdoor holidays. The beauty of this town is unparalleled with the unusual varieties of flora and fauna.

6 Tamenglong Attractions

46. Thoubal, Manipur - Of landscapes and bazaars

Known For : Ikop Khongjom Loktak Lake

A well developed city, Thoubal is a good holiday destination for those looking for a pleasant climate and numerous activities.

5 Thoubal Attractions

47. Cruising in the Brahmaputra, Guwahati

One of the prime things to do in Guwahati is experience a cruise ride in the Brahmaputra. Considered to be one of the most romantic experiences in the city, you can opt for a romantic candle lit dinner or watch a mesmerizing sunset with your significant other. You can also enjoy mouth watering cuisine and live music.

48. Yak Rides in Sikkim

To say Sikkim is a stunning state would be to make an understatement. The most generously gifted place by nature, Sikkim has many fascinating experiences for its visitors but one experience which is interesting is the Yak ride. Yak rides are available at Tsomgo Lake and trekking points such as Chopta Valley and Dzongri.

8 Attractions

49. Laitlum Canyons, Shillong

Also known as •Sit Valleyê by the locals, Laitlum Canyons means •end of the worldê or •end of hillsê. The exotic tourist spot is perched atop the East Khasi Hill in Shillong and nestled amidst majestic mountain peaks and verdant forests. The mountain top offers sweeping panoramic vistas of the valley below.

50. Sualkuchi Boat Race

The Manchester of Assam, the small town of Sualkuchi is famous for celebrating lots of festival throughout the year. The most famous of these is the boat race which is an annual festival. The festival sees a frenzied crowd which gathers at the bank of the Brahmaputra to support their teams. It has been part of the cultural history of Assam and was revived in 1965, the boat race commemorates the death of the poet-saint Srimanta Sankaradev.

51. A Peek into Tribal Life at Touphema Village

Touphema Village near Kohima in Nagaland is a model heritage village built to bring forth the culture and lifestyle of the Naga tribes. Spend a night in the tribal huts, eat some delicious tribal dishes with other guests and listen to tribal tales and songs near a bonfire at Touphema village. The village is located in mesmerizing surroundings with hills all around. It gives you an opportunity to learn and explore a fascinating part of north-east India’s culture and lifestyle.

52. Sandakphu Trek

At 11000 feet it is the highest trek in the region and provides some breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga peak. The Sandakfu trek is very popular among trekkers in India and allows you to experience the rigours and beauty of trekking in the Himalayas. The trekking experience is supposed to be difficult yet thrilling and one has to be very fit to make it to the summit.

53. Tripura Sundari Temple, Agartala

Tripura Sundari Temple is a beautiful temple situated in Udaipur, around 55 km away from Agartala, Tripura. This opulent temple is 500 years old thereby making it the oldest temple present in the Udaipur district. Tripura Sundari Temple is one of the 51 Sakti Peethas and is the place where the toe of the right foot of Sati fell. Owing to its history and beauty, this majestic temple remains flooded by tourists all through the year.

54. Nuranang Falls, Tawang

A largely unknown and virgin place, deep in the forest of Tawang, Nuranang Falls offer a pristine and beautiful experience. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country, the Nuranang Falls are a beautiful white sheet of water that descends from the height of about 100 meters. Part of the Nuranang River which originates at Sela Pass, Nuranang Falls is largely unknown to the popular tourist trail making it an offbeat and tranquil spot. Popular as the BTK waterfall, the Bap Ten Kang has crystal clear water which elevates your spirits and encourages you to indulge in swimming.

55. Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Agartala

Home to a variety of wildlife especially birds and primates, this place is not just a wildlife sanctuary but also an academic and research centre. Various lakes are present within the sanctuary, where boating facility is available.

56. Dampa Tiger Reserve, Aizawl

Dampa Tiger Reserve, a splendid Wildlife Sanctuary, is located amidst the deep, dense tropical forests of Mizoram in India. The forests are located about 125 kilometres from Aizawl and are rich with a variety of flora and fauna that draw tourists and nature lovers to the North-eastern state of India from all parts of the world. People visit the Dampa Tiger Reserve to experience the excitement of watching Tigers in person and exploring the lush green valleys, freshwater lakes, creeks, streams, waterfalls and natural salt licks that are still retained within the reserve boundaries.

While our list of the best places to visit in north east India is definitely not exhaustive, we have curated it to include the most popular and highly recommended offbeat places. Let us know down in the comment section below which of these places have you visited and if you would like to add more.

This post was published by Holidify.com

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Ultimate North East India Travel Guide and North East India itinerary

North East India is a region made up of eight very diverse states in the easternmost part of the country which, in many ways, are very distinct from the rest of India. After traveling for several months around North East India, here is our ultimate North East India travel guide and North East India itinerary, in which we collected all the information and experience gained during our travels in this part of the world!

If you’re thinking of traveling to North East India, we can only encourage you to go, as we truly believe that it is one of the world’s most diverse regions. Our North East India travel guide should have you covered with all the information you need!

Table of Contents

Where is North East India?

North East India is the easternmost part of India, an alcove which is almost completely separated from the rest of India (called ‘mainland India’ by Northeasterners) by Bangladesh and Nepal . North East India shares borders with Myanmar , Bangladesh, China (Tibet), Bhutan and Nepal.

Constituting North East India are the Seven Sisters (the states Assam , Meghalaya , Tripura , Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland , Manipur and Mizoram ) and Sikkim (affectionately referred to as the brother). Our North East India itinerary includes all of the Seven Sisters but not Sikkim, since it was too cold to visit when we were there, and as you may be aware, we don’t do cold very well (brrrrrr!!!).

Weather conditions aside, there are also several parts of Sikkim which foreigners are not allowed to visit, so we preferred spending more time in the other North Eastern states.

Why is North East India so special?

The states of North East India are geographically and culturally diverse, with different tribes inhabiting the regions, all of which feel like worlds apart from the people in mainland India. The states of North East India feel like another country altogether sometimes!

There are too many tribes in North East India (close to 150) to list them all separately in this North East India travel guide, ( though Wikipedia does a good job of it! ), however you should know that tribal communities usually have their own distinct culture, dress, heritage, cuisine and even language.

Not only are the Seven Sisters, wildly culturally intriguing, being home to some of the last remaining head hunters , but feature plenty of attractions, such as the world’s only floating park , the largest concentration of one-horned rhinos , ancient huge faces carved in the rock , and the world’s largest inhabited floating island , all set to keep visitors engrossed.

Indeed, we spent three months exploring the area and quickly came to realise that this period was far from enough, although our North East India itinerary did provide a comprehensive introduction of all the Seven Sister states, including many of the more prominent attractions!

North East India Travel Guide

How much time do i need to travel around north east india.

Honestly, as much as you have. Traveling around North East India is no piece of cake, and although distances might look short(ish), travel times are way longer than you would hope for, this due to the very poor road conditions in some areas. Our North East India itinerary will guide you to exactly where you should go to visit all the top attractions.

Do keep in mind that traveling around the area is also very uncomfortable (except perhaps for travel in Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya, since the road conditions are better there compared to the other states), and you might need longer breaks to recover from the actual commutes. There is very poor tourism infrastructure, and although attractions are plentiful, they might be out of the way and require long travel times and complex logistics to get to.

In this this North East India travel guide, we will show you exactly where to go and how to get there to maximise on making the most out of your travel time.

Should I travel independently or take a guided tour around North East India?

If you have the budget, we really recommend you use the services of a tour company, ideally hiring both a guide and a driver. There are parts of North East India which you simply cannot visit unless you have you have your own private vehicle.

We unequivocally recommend Holiday Scout for your travels in North East India if you would like to use a tour company. Although we traveled in many parts independently following our North East India itinerary, we used the services of Holiday Scout for the more difficult parts, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, and we were more than impressed with the quality of service and the genuine love for North East India, which Sange and his team have, and impart.

If, on the other hand, you choose to travel around North East India independently, as we show you in this North East India travel guide, we do advise you to at least use a driver and guides in some parts. Whilst traveling around Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura was quite plain-sailing, organizing transport in Arunachal, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland was more laborious.

In some parts of the country, a guide can also provide you with insight about the area’s culture, traditions and history to understand it better. Indeed, our time in Ziro Valley would not have been the same without the services of our guide there. During our tour , he realized that there was an ongoing animist ritual in one of the local’s homes, and to our delight, proceeded to ask the owners whether we could observe the shaman conducting the ritual. Truly a memorable experience which we would never have had without his help.

Transportation in North East India

The sumo – all you need to know about it (and why you’ll hate it).

The main mode of transport in some of the states of North East India such as Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland is the “shared taxi” by way of the Sumo (Tata Sumo). This because most conventional vehicles are unsuitable for navigating the truly terrible, almost impassable roads in these states. A sumo is pretty much a Tata Sumo MPV that should, in design, hold about seven passengers and one driver, but is usually carrying double that.

Typically, in a shared sumo, four people are sitting in the middle and the back rows with one to two people next to the driver. However, we have been on rides on which five people are in the middle row and three people seated next to the driver. Never underestimate the packing talent of Indians! Safely assume that if there is room available, it will be filled, no questions asked!

Spend over ten hours in the same position on the terrible roads, and you’ll wonder why you’re in North East India at all. Until you stop for a pee break, with some fantastic view of the Himalayas that is, and you’re back to being fine with the North East for a few minutes until its time to get on the sumo again!

Nikki and I found seats 1 and 2 (next to the driver) to be the most comfortable and we would try to book those when available (you can specify seat numbers when booking). Still, the sumo in North East India is probably the most uncomfortable mode of transportation that we have ever experienced in all our travels. We would spend our evenings counting the different bruises on our bodies, sometimes after a 12-hour ride, with barely a possibility of changing a limb’s position, so much so that it becomes heavy and numb after a few hours.

Seats 5 and 6 in the middle row (driver side) are the second most comfortable seats. Seats 3 and 4 (middle row passenger side) are as comfortable as 5 and 6, but have the disadvantage of being next to the rear row gateway, and if you’re on these seats you will need to keep getting in and out of the vehicle every time someone wants to get to the back row. The seats on the back row are placed right on top of the wheel and are the least comfortable of all.

You will want to carry as light a day pack as possible when traveling by sumo since you will have to hold it on your lap (you may put it on the roof with your main pack if you wish, but there’s no guarantee that its contents will make it whole).

Toilet breaks (and the occasional food stop) do occur, and are roughly timed once every two to three hours of travel. In some instances, a fancy bush will have to do, on some occasions much preferable to the random eastern toilet.

Many a time, in the remote villages of Arunachal Pradesh, the only transport is in the form of a single sumo which runs once daily. We really advise you to buy tickets beforehand, days in advance if possible. Also, if you have the budget for it, you can buy more than a single seat so as to sit more comfortably, however be aware that this is the only means of transport for the locals too in some places, so be mindful of the fact that you are taking up space in what is perhaps the only vehicle running out of town that day! We suggest being conscious, and buying more than one seat only if this is available after all the locals have bought their seats.

If you decide to go on tour or hire a local driver with a private sumo, your commute will of course be way more comfortable. Although we show you how to travel independently in this North East India travel guide, there’s little doubt that North East India is one of those places where having a private vehicle makes everything a hundred times easier!

Vans (Mini Buses)

In the states where the general road infrastructure is decent, such as Assam and Meghalaya, shared vans do a pretty good of navigating the roads. Shared vans will include their destination on the windscreen and board people up along the route. They are typically not over-crowded and comfortable enough. This is the fastest way to travel longer routes, and it would be ideal to include as many vans as possible as means of transportation on your North East India itinerary.

As in the rest of India, buses run most of the routes, unless the road infrastructure is too bad. Small state buses run short routes, whilst other larger state buses with space for luggage cross state borders as well.

They are usually very affordable and pretty decent, though cleanliness may be an issue. State buses are marked – for eg. ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) in Assam, NST (Nagaland State Transport) in Nagaland and so on.

Tempos/Rickshaws

These little motorized vehicles can take 4-6 people and are very useful for short inter-city distances. They aren’t great if you are carrying luggage, but hiring the whole tempo will usually cost around RS 60 (about €0.75) depending on the distance, whilst a single seat will cost something like Rs 10 (about €0.15). If you choose the shared tempo option, you will be likely charged also for your pieces of luggage.

Oh, what can we say, good luck! Besides the abysmal safety record, scheduling seems to be subject to many conditions, more to do with the pilot’s mood rather than weather. Booking ahead is next to impossible and luggage restrictions can also be prohibitive for whoever, like us, has not mastered the art of light packing. On the flip side, a trip doesn’t break the bank and can be quite an experience, if you make it back to ground level to tell the story!

The different states have a central booking office usually situated in the state’s capital. The only means of connecting to these offices is by phone (forget internet and email), or preferably in person, during office hours, not too early or too late, in between lunch, toilet, coffee and cigarette breaks.

Internal Flights

A number of options servicing the state capitals exist, and are usually good value since they are serviced by low cost favorites such as IndiGO, AirAsia and Air India. Do keep in mind that the schedules are infrequent, though typically reliable. Check these schedules on Kiwi !

You may want to also refer to our transportation in Arunachal Pradesh section in this blog post .

Connectivity in North East India

Before traveling in North East India, we had decided to buy sim cards from as many providers as possible so as to ensure that we would be as well-connected when traveling in North East India, since we were waiting for some urgent news and needed data.

This meant securing a BSNL sim card too, most definitely the hardest to obtain (it took over a week, a bureaucratic mountain which complements the Himalaya range pretty well). Expect to be asked for several documents and confirmation from a host (among many other complications). By the time we arrived in North East India, we were carrying sim cards from Vodafone, BSNL, Jio and Airtel.

Although Jio provided the fastest data and good service in mainland India, at the time of our visit it was useless in some parts of the North East such as Arunachal Pradesh. It had the best service in Meghalaya and in some parts of Assam though. Airtel was probably the most consistent of all (and the only provider which worked in Longwa too), hardly ever losing connectivity, whilst Vodafone was good too (and the only provider which worked in Aalo). BSNL is pretty crappy everywhere, except for parts where it would be the only sim card with some service.

We strongly recommend getting your sim cards at the airport when you arrive in India. Getting it anywhere else can be a nightmare, unless you know locals who can help you and vouch for you. Providers seem to be very wary of selling sim cards to tourists, and few know what to do and which forms to fill up for tourists. Be prepared to provide copies of your passport and visa, together with a passport photo.

Data packages are incredibly cheap compared to Europe. A sim card with unlimited data (about 1 GB/day) for 84 days cost around Rs 700 (about €9), with cheaper packages depending on what you’re looking for. The price was probably hiked up too, so we believe they are actually cheaper, though considering all the drama involved in getting them, we weren’t about to argue about the price too, as long as they all worked well (which they did, in bursts).

Keep in mind that sim cards will require activation, which is not immediate, and usually takes well over the stipulated 24 hours!

Most of the sim cards are only valid for three months and cannot be topped up further, so you would need to go through the whole process to get a new sim, after expiry, if you need it for longer. It was all a little confusing at best – a couple of the sims did not expire when we expected them too!

Accommodation in North East India

Forget the luxury hotels. There’s no luxury in North East India, although some guest houses can be rather fancy. Further down in this North East India travel guide and North East India itinerary, we will suggest some accommodation options close to the main places to visit in North East India, however be aware that guesthouses may be rather basic especially in the remote villages.

Hot water is a blessing, especially in some places where it gets cold at night. Sometimes, hot water is provided in a bucket, heated in the kitchen with a large immersion heater. You will probably need to pay a little bit extra for it, but rest assured that you get your full money’s worth!

In the most remote areas, guesthouses will also provide breakfast and dinner if you warn them in advance, but be sure to do so – don’t expect them to just offer it to you.

Very few guesthouses or homestays provide wifi in North East India so don’t expect it! Accommodation in North East India is usually pricier than that in mainland India, mostly due to lack of options. A semi-decent room with a private bathroom in guesthouses or homestays can easily cost about Rs 1500 (about €19) in many places, although larger cities provide for more affordable options too.

Homestays are a great source of local experience, and they were most definitely our preferred accommodation type in North East India. This is where you get to experience traditional family life and all of our hosts were incredibly welcoming. Some of the best homestays are not listed on any website so contact Sange at The Holiday Scout who would be able to arrange some great accommodation options for you, or refer to our Places to Visit in North East India section, further down in this North East India travel guide, where we have listed some accommodation options.

Booking.com

Food in North East India

You’re probably wondering whether the food in North East India is similar to the heavy gravies of North India or the lighter, spicier South India food. Truth is, it’s absolutely nothing like the two major Indian cuisines.

The food in North East India is, first of all, specific to each state and tribe preparing it, and tends to be far more ‘dry’ when compared to mainland Indian cuisine. Fear not, thalis are popular in most of the Seven Sisters, with the Assamese thali and the Manipuri thali being our two regional favourites.

Most of the dishes in North East India are prepared without too much frying or addition of ghee and other fats, and hence are considered to be healthier than those found in mainland India. North East Indian cuisine also tends to lean quite heavily on meats and fish, and there are far less vegetarians in this part of India than there are in the rest of India. You can only guess why this region was Nikki’s preferred one!

In this North East India travel guide, we’re including a short summary of the typical food in North East India by state:

Arunachal Pradesh

Dumplings and noodles are very common in Arunachal Pradesh which borders China and Bhutan. Momos, thukpa and fried rice or noodles are found on every menu although once you go to different regions of Arunachal Pradesh, such as Ziro Valley, you will realise that other delicacies such as larvae and frogs are commonly eaten too.

Be sure to try the amazing yak cheese curry and Apong, a fermented alcoholic drink! Related:  Explore Arunachal Pradesh with our Itinerary

Nagas are reputed to eat ‘anything’ and indeed traditional Nagamese cuisine includes some exotic items not usually found in other North East Indian menus! A typical meal includes rice, fish and/or meat and vegetables, but be sure to ask about the meat, since dog is eaten quite regularly (and is rather tasty according to Michelle)! Silkworm and bee larvae are also eaten as snacks whilst bamboo shoots also feature in Nagamese dishes. Be sure to try the very tasty Anishi and Axone in Nagaland! Related: Meeting the Konyak Tribe in Nagaland

Many people, claim that Manipuri cuisine is the best in all of North East India and although we did not prefer it to the food in the other states, we agree that it is pretty good! The Manipuri locals love fish and different fish dishes will feature in a Manipuri thali accompanied by various vegetable and herb dishes. Related: Exploring Imphal and Loktak Lake in Manipur

We thought that Mizoram had one of the least exciting cuisines in North East India in that the dishes tend to be rather bland and boiled chicken is literally, just that. Vegetables are often boiled too although mustard oil, ginger and garlic are sometimes used. Related: Places to Visit in Mizoram – Day Trips from Aizawl

Permits for North East India

We have tried to include the latest information with regards to permits in this North East India travel guide, however be aware that the permit situations tends to change rapidly in this part of the world, so always refer to official sources for the latest information regarding permits.

Foreigners will be glad to know that permits are now only required for Arunachal Pradesh, whilst the other six states of the Seven Sisters can be entered permit-free (permits are required for some parts of Sikkim but we are not writing about Sikkim in this post).

Foreigners require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for visiting Arunachal Pradesh, which needs to be shown whenever it is requested, which is very often, i.e., at every hotel, homestay and guesthouse. Make sure to make multiple (spelt dozens of) copies prior to your visit. The PAP can conveniently be obtained via a tour agency such as The Holiday Scout. We have read that tourists sometimes manage to obtain it independently from Guwahati, but we also noted that it took several days to be processed, and we have not confirmed this ourselves, opting instead for the more reassuring process.

Indian nationals required an ILP (Inner Line Permit) for Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. More recently, Manipur has been added to that list, although at the time of writing, the ILP  requirement has not yet been fully implemented in Manipur. Indian citizens can sometimes apply online for the permits, but the permits are state-specific and each state issues separate requirements for applying for the ILP.

Festivals in North East India

In case we have not yet tempted you into visiting North East India, you should know that the festivals in North East India are absolutely spectacular. North East Indians love celebrating and this is clearly demonstrated in the sheer amount of festivals held all around the Seven Sisters.

We were in Nagaland specifically for the Hornbill Festival and planned our North East India itinerary around it, but we came across at least two other festivals by chance during our time in the North East. Worth mentioning are the very popular Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh, held in September, and the Tawang Festival in the same state held in October. Losar in February is another very important festival in Arunachal!

Ambubachi Mela, held in Guwahati during the month of June is one of the most-attended festivals in Assam, whilst the Wangala Festival in Meghalaya during November, celebrates the harvest.

The Manipur Sangai Festival showcase Manipuri traditions and cultures and is named after its rare species of deer which we were so lucky to catch a glimpse of !

The Nagaland Hornbill Festival, held in December, is without a doubt one of the biggest festivals in the North East and one of our favourite experiences in India. Here’s all you need to know about the Hornbill festival!

Expenses for North East India Travel

North East India tends to be a more expensive destination than the rest of mainland India (bar for a few specific regions such as the Andaman Islands ), but not prohibitively so. There are fewer accommodation options in North East India with more expensive rooms. We totally recommend staying at homestays wherever possible, though again, these are not always the cheaper option.

Many of the roads in the North East are terrible, and transportation can be very slow, infrequent, very uncomfortable and surprisingly expensive (relatively speaking).

During our 84 days in North East India we spent Rs 3005/day for the both of us – that’s about €37/day for two people… or €18.50 each/day, including all accommodation, food, transport like buses, trains, sumos and even internal flights, entrance fees, and everything else. Although we were traveling on a budget, we made it a point to travel as much as we could and as far as we could, visiting as many sights and attractions as possible.

Of course, expenses can be reduced by using hosting apps such as couchsurfing, living with locals, sleeping in dorms, traveling more slowly, visiting less attractions and thus reducing entrance fees and other means, but that, quite frankly, is not our preferred style of traveling.

North East India Itinerary

If you want to visit all of the Seven Sisters, you need quite a bit of time, although we did notice quite a few domestic tourists trying to see a million sights in one day and moving on to a different state the following day. We really advise you to plan out your North East India itinerary carefully and spend enough time to enjoy each individual destination.

Most people could not believe that we spent three months in North East India. Many Indians told us that there’s no need to spend more than 2-3 weeks to see the Seven Sisters! Honestly, there’s so much to see and to do in North East India that you won’t get to experience in any other part of the country, that you will soon realise that no matter how much time you plan on staying there, its never enough.

We are including our North East India itinerary in this section of our North east India travel guide to help you plan out yours. We traveled through Arunachal Pradesh first, throughout the end of October till the end of November, since we were aware that it would be the coldest part and we didn’t want it to get any colder.

We really wanted to get to Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival by early December, so we visited Majuli Island and Kaziranga National Park in Assam before that. Nagaland was followed by Manipur, Mizoram for the Christmas period, then Tripura, and we left Meghalaya for January.

All the trips were done overland by bus, taxi, sumo and where available, by train, except for one flight from Aizawl in Mizoram to Agartala in Tripura.

Top Places to Visit in North East India by State

Here are the top places to visit in the Seven Sisters listed in the same order we visited them on our North East India itinerary. We have individual blog posts about each destination, but we’re including a short summary of why you should visit each place.

Arunachal Pradesh is packed with snow-capped mountains and valleys which makes travel within rather difficult. Nevertheless, it is in our opinion, the most beautiful and rewarding of the Seven Sisters, with its gorgeous vistas and Himalayan traditions.

Bomdila and Dirang

Our adventure in Arunachal Pradesh started in Guwahati from where we took a sumo to Bomdila and spent a few days around Bomdila and later Dirang. Note that these destinations are commonly regarded only as a stopover whilst commuting further north to Tawang. However, we were delighted to discover that Bomdila and Dirang were both charming towns which deserved more than a few hours.

Do put Bomdila and Dirang on your North East India itinerary – follow our complete post here

Where to stay in Guwahati – Hotel Monsoon Palace Where to stay in Bomdila – Lungta Residency (+91 3782 222 555) Where to stay in Dirang – Dirang Boutique Cottages

The gorgeous Tawang monastery is the draw here, but the breathtaking views to be had around the area especially when crossing the Sela Pass are just as alluring! We were in Tawang during the Tawang Festival which we found fascinating, especially since it was our first festival experience in North East India!

Read all about Tawang in our dedicated post!

Where to stay in Tawang – Tenzin Guesthouse (+91 37942 22893, but be aware that it’s a few km out of the town centre)

Ziro Valley

The Ziro Valley is one of the most beautiful and compelling destinations in Arunachal Pradesh, not only due to the gentle scenery in the area, but because of the fascinating traditions of the Apatani tribe living in Ziro. Be sure to include Ziro on your North East India itinerary, but be aware that it gets busy in September during the Ziro music festival!

Follow our post about our experiences in the Ziro Valley here.

Where to stay in Ziro Valley – Dogindo Homestay (+91 87299 02206)

Mechuka was, by far, the most spectacular destination of Arunachal Pradesh on our North East India itinerary and we are so glad that we made it all the way there! Although getting to Mechuka was pretty tough, we were rewarded with some of the best views and experiences!

Here’s how to get to Mechuka and what to expect there!

Where to stay in Mechuka – Grace Homestay (+91 94024 74078)

Assam is large and the most accessible of the Seven Sisters. We didn’t have time to explore a lot of it, but our time in Majuli and in Kaziranga was epic!

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is one of the most important attractions in Assam, mainly due to the high possibility of observing the greater one-horned rhinos in their natural habitat. Indeed, we saw several of them during our jeep safari!

Here’s exactly how to organize your trip to Kaziranga National Park independently.

Where to stay in Kaziranga National Park – Aranya Tourist Lodge (+91 99570 58746)

Majuli Island

The largest river island in the world is definitely worth including in your North East India Itinerary! We had a lovely time exploring the island by rented bicycles, and watching the slow-paced Assamese island life!

Here’s what to do on Majuli island!

Where to stay on Majuli Island – La Maison de Ananda (+91 99571 86356)

The land of the Nagas, home to some of the world’s remaining former headhunters should not be missed! Nagaland is a destination like no other and even if your priority is attending the Hornbill Festival, do take some time to explore some other parts of it to!

Nagaland’s very hilly capital will allow you to feel Nagaland’s vibe without it being too overwhelming. Kohima is also located a few km away from the village of Kisama where the Hornbill Festival takes place, and provides a good base from where to attend, especially seeing that a night carnival offering some rather intriguing dishes is held during festival days.

Here’s our full guide to the Nagaland Hornbill Festival

Where to stay In Kohima – IK Homestay, but be aware that it’s far from Kohima town centre.

Longwa Village

This is where you have to come if you’re curious to meet some of the world’s remaining (former) headhunters, a little similar (but not quite) to headhunters in West Timor in Indonesia and in the Cordillera area of the Philippines . Longwa village is really small, but it’s position, right on the border with Myanmar, makes for a unique tribal experience with the god-fearing, Christian, former headhunting, opium-friendly Konyak people.

Read our post about our experiences in Longwa village!

Where to stay in Longwa village – Traveller’s Inn (+91 98560 15152)

As foreign tourists, we were restricted with where we could travel within Manipur, but luckily, Loktak Lake was easy to access!

The capital of Manipur can be rather fascinating, home to a women’s market, and some really tasty food!

Loktak Lake

The jewel of Manipur, and one of the most beautiful destinations in North East India, felt like a dream come true. Taking a boat ride should be on your North East India bucket list, so be sure to include it on your itinerary!

Read about Imphal and the beauty of Loktak Lake and tips for visiting in our post!

Where to stay in Imphal – Phou-Oi-Bee Hotel (+91 76400 56789) Where to stay in Loktak Lake – Maipakchao Homestay (+91 98563 56993)

Mizoram was a difficult state for us to travel around. We were purposely there during Christmas time since we were aware that it would be celebrated in the Christian state, however this meant that most forms of transportation were halted. Nevertheless, we had an absolutely great time in this rarely-visited state.

We promise that the steep hike to the top is worth every effort! Reiek is not far from Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram and can be visited on a day trip. If you like pristine hilly views, put Mizoram on your North East India itinerary!

Largest Family

Did you know that the world’s largest family live in Mizoram? You can also go visit them and learn all about their very unique lifestyle in a village called Baktawng too!

Here’s what you need to know about some of the best day trips from Aizawl

Where to stay in Aizawl – Riah Run Homestay

The little princely state of Tripura was one the best surprises we had in North East India. We had no expectations about the state since we knew very little about it before we got there, but we were awed with Tripura’s intriguing and rich cultural heritage!

Udaipur, a town which couldn’t be more different to its more popular namesake in Rajasthan, is the starting point for visiting a number of fascinating temples, and makes for a great base from where to visit the gorgeous Neermahal Palace.

If mysterious rock carvings in a river canyon are your thing, do put Chabimura on your North East India itinerary! This obscure attraction showed just what an underrated destination Tripura is!

The archeological site of Unakoti is Tripura’s highlight and possibly North East India’s best-kept secret. Head over here if you want to get lost in a world of mezmerising rock carvings depicting gods and goddesses.

Read all about the tourist places in Tripura here.

Where to stay in Udaipur – Imperial Hotel (+91 90897 31730) Where to stay in Dharmanagar – Hotel RaatDin

Meghalaya was our final destination on our North East India itinerary and it certainly did not disappoint! Old traditions are kept alive in this accessible North Eastern state where a turquoise blue shimmering river makes for some popular boating.

Living Root Bridges in Cherrapunji

The dramatic root bridges found in Cerrapunji, built by the Khasi people are quite a sight to behold. We can assure you that the steep trek and c. 3000 steps to view the double-decker bridge is utterly worth the strain on your body, and if you have time, you should definitely spend a couple of extra days in Nongriat to explore the beautiful lush area of waterfalls and rock pools.

Umngot River in Dawki

Although, this is one of the most popular and hence, crowded attractions in North East India, we really recommend taking a short boat trip along the crystal-clear and impossibly blue waters of the Umngot river, which left us speechless.

Here’s our post are the top places to visit in Meghalaya.

Where to stay in Shillong – Hotel Oyo Shelter Inn Where to stay in Nongriat – Serene Homestay (+91 94778 70423)

We hope that you’ve found this North East India travel guide useful – we’ve really tried to include as much information as possible based on our wonderful experience in this utterly fascinating region!

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10 Comments

thanks for sharing this blog

You are most welcome!

Lily Shanker (TourGenie)

This was the best thing I read today 🙂 All the places were well described (short and sweet), and the pictures are beautiful! Northeast India is a very intriguing place and needs to be explored on a larger scale.

Thank you for your lovely comment! Indeed we feel that NorthEast India is absolutely breathtaking!

travelnortheastindia

Thanks for the blog about the ultimate northeast India travel guide and northeast India itinerary.

We’re glad that you found it useful! 🙂

Kamlesh Mehta

Wonderful narration! Got an idea. I’m planning a 30-40 day trip of NE India, most likely in my own vehicle and was looking for the right itinerary. Thank you very much and will connect for more info.

So glad that you found our guide helpful in planning your own trip!

Akansha Negi

Wonderful post! Images superb, This article is really helpful to plan North East trip, you share North East complete information.

Glad you find it helpful! 🙂

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At Least Eight Dead After Trains Collided in Eastern India Near Darjeeling Tourist Spot

NEW DELHI — A cargo train rammed into a passenger train in India's eastern state of West Bengal on Monday, killing at least eight people and injuring several others, officials said.

Doctors, disaster-response teams and ambulances were engaged in rescue work, the state’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a post on social media platform X. The accident took place the Darjeeling district, a tourist spot nestled in the Himalayan foothills.

Three of the eight dead were railway personnel, said Sabyasachi De, the spokesperson of the Northeast Frontier Railway. At least 25 people were injured in the collision, which occurred close to the New Jalpaiguri station.

Television channels showed footage of one train rammed into the end of the other, with one compartment rising vertically in the air. Many people gathered as rescuers searched the crash site.

The driver of the cargo train disregarded a signal, causing the collision, De said. Four compartments at the rear of the passenger train had derailed due to the impact, he said, adding most of the cars were carrying cargo while one was a passenger coach.

The Kanchanjunga Express is a daily train that connects West Bengal state with other cities in the northeast. It is often used by tourists who travel to the hill station of Darjeeling, popular at this time of year when other Indian cities are sweltering in the heat.

More than 12 million people ride 14,000 trains across India daily, traveling on 64,000 kilometers (40,000 miles) of track. Despite government efforts to improve rail safety,  several hundred accidents  happen annually, most blamed on human error or outdated signaling equipment.

Last year,  a train crash in eastern India  killed over 280 people in one of the country's deadliest accidents in decades.

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Election latest: Senior Tory says bets on date are 'stupid' but seeks to play down scale of scandal

Many more people than the leading Tories already identified are being investigated by the gambling regulator over election betting, Sky News understands. Earlier, James Cleverly told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips he has "no reason to believe" any cabinet ministers are involved.

Sunday 23 June 2024 20:30, UK

• General Election 2024

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• 'Many more people' under investigation in Tory election betting scandal
• Cleverly: 'No reason to believe' any ministers involved
• Tory betting scandal: What is the law around gambling?
• Labour candidate's office vandalised in 'anti-democratic attack'
• Live reporting by Faith Ridler

Election essentials

• Manifesto pledges: Alliance Party | Conservatives | Greens | Labour | Lib Dems | Plaid Cymru | Reform | SNP | Sinn Fein | Workers Party
• Trackers:  Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Campaign Heritage: Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts: Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more:  Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Guide to election lingo | Sky's election night plans

A flurry of general elections since 2015 has brought an unprecedented churn in our parliamentary representatives.

This year, two in five MPs aren't seeking re-election and the picture for the Conservatives is record-breakingly grim.

An unparalleled total of 23% of Conservative MPs are calling it a day in 2024, more than the previous high of 22% of Tories who quit in 1997, another year of boundary changes.

In contrast, only 15% of Labour MPs are resigning.

There are many reasons MPs quit: from retirement, family commitments and health concerns to career change, abolished constituencies, and the prospect of defeat.

But their decision to depart can reveal much about life in Westminster and have a significant impact on parliament's mix of experience, demographics, and the direction of political parties.

Dr Sofia Collignon, associate professor in Comparative Politics, analyses the churn in our representatives here:

Our politics show hosted by political correspondent Ali Fortescue has just wrapped up for today.

But don't worry - the Politics Hub will be live at 7pm on Sky News every night through the election campaign.

And until then, you can keep up with all the latest right here.

This is the question asked by our political correspondent Darren McCaffrey ...

In 2019, Liz Truss was once again elected MP for South West Norfolk - her fourth election win.

The then international trade secretary and later prime minister romped home to victory with nearly 70% of the vote.

Her constituency was one of the safest in the country.

Now, if the polls are to be believed, it is hanging in the balance.

Watch below as Darren tries to track Ms Truss down:

The full list of candidates in the South West Norfolk constituency is:

• Earl Elvis of East Anglia - The Official Monster Raving Loony Party • James Bagge - Independent • Gary Conway - Heritage Party • Pallavi Devulapalli - Green Party • Lorraine Douglas - Communist Party of Great Britain • Terry Jermy - Labour Party • Toby McKenzie - Reform UK • Josie Ratcliffe - Liberal Democrats • Liz Truss - Conservative and Unionist Party

Crossbench peer Lord Darroch is next up with Ali Fortescue.

She asks if Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer becoming prime minister would change the UK's relationship with the European Union.

"Yes, there will be a reset," he says. "I think that he is hosting a European political community summit in Blenheim House within a couple of weeks of the election."

Lord Darroch says Sir Keir will likely be "the star of that show".

"If he wins as big as some of the polls suggest, this will be a historic margin of victory.

"All the other leaders will want to meet him, and talk to him, and discover how he did it."

He will find himself "almost mobbed" at this summit, Lord Darroch claims.

Our live poll tracker collates the results of opinion surveys carried out by all the main polling organisations - and allows you to see how the political parties are performing in the run-up to the general election.

It shows a drop in support in recent days for Labour and the Tories - with a jump for Reform and the Liberal Democrats.

Read more about the tracker here .

The Metropolitan Police have opened an investigation into criminal damage after Labour candidate for Walthamstow Stella Creasy's office was attacked.

Photos shared by Ms Creasy on social media appear to show the that the glass of one of the windows and the front door was hit several times.

Detectives Superintendent Dion Brown, one of the senior officers responsible for policing Waltham Forest, said: "It is entirely unacceptable for the office of one of London's prospective parliamentary candidates to be targeted in this way.

"An urgent investigation is under way, and officers have attended the scene and are already following up active lines of enquiry, which will include full analysis of all available CCTV footage.

"The incident is believed to have occurred between 03:10hrs and 03:30hrs on Sunday, 23 June.

"I urge any witnesses or anyone with information to contact police and share what they know.

"Anyone who witnessed the damage being caused, or who has other information, should call police on 101 with the reference 2621/23jun."

Ms Creasy sent a message to the perpetrators herself, writing on social media: "You don't intimidate me and you don't belong in the political process.

"Same as those circulating malicious and false leaflets. Police already on this to find you - will press for the strongest penalties for such an anti-democratic attack and I know Walthamstow won't be cowed or influenced by your violence either."

Here is the full list of candidates standing in the constituency of Walthamstow:

• Imran Arshad, Workers Party of Britain
• Mohammed Ashfaq, independent
• Stella Creasy, Labour Party
• Dan Edelstyn, independent
• Sanjana Madan Mohan Karnani, Conservative Party
• Martin Lonergan, Reform UK
• Ruth Theresa Rawlins, independent
• Rosalinda Ayo Rowlands, Green Party
• Nancy Taaffe, Trade Union and Socialist Coalition
• Rebecca Taylor, Liberal Democrats

First up with Ali Fortescue tonight is Sir Liam Fox, the former defence secretary. 

He is asked about the Conservative Party betting scandal, and the argument that this controversy is similar to the "partygate" situation - one rule for them, another for the public.

But Mr Fox says the situation needs to be put in "perspective".

"You're extrapolating from a very small amount of information," he claims. 

"Individuals have to take responsibility for their own actions."

Mr Fox claims these actions do not reflect on the party, admitting the bets were "stupid" - "and how could anyone think it was ethical".

He points out that "we don't know" how many were police, and how many were linked to Conservatives.

Watch more from Ali's interview below:

By Jon Craig , chief political correspondent 

Many more people than the leading Tories already identified are being investigated by the gambling regulator in relation to bets on the date of the general election, Sky News understands.

And in a major new development, the watchdog has widened its inquiries to investigate whether people with inside knowledge may have asked a third party to place a bet for them.

Sky News also understands that investigators have written to leading bookmakers asking for details of bets of £20 or more on the election date within days of Rishi Sunak announcing it on 22 May.

The body carrying out the investigation, the Gambling Commission, already takes a close interest in political betting and carries out extra checks on bets by people connected with politics, Sky News has been told.

The gambling industry also regards politicians and those who work closely with them as PEPs - politically exposed persons - who are people "entrusted with a prominent public function".

You can read Jon's report in full below:

Our daily politics show  Politics Hub  is live now on Sky News with our  political correspondent  Ali Fortescue  hosting this evening.

The fast-paced programme dissects the inner workings of Westminster, with interviews, insights, and analysis - bringing you, the audience, into the corridors of power.

Joining Ali tonight:

• Crossbench peer Kim Darroch ;
• Ex-Tory minister Liam Fox.

And on her panel are:

• Labour Party donor  Dale Vince;
• Former Conservative adviser James Starkie.

Watch live on Sky News, in the stream at the top of this page, and follow live updates here in the Politics Hub.

Watch  Politics Hub  from 7pm every night during the election campaign on Sky channel 501, Virgin channel 602, Freeview channel 233, on the  Sky News website  and  app  or on  YouTube .

Farming communities across the UK are calling for more support from the next government.

Rising costs and climate change are impacting their produce - which the farmers say will make food more expensive.

In the latest stop in Sky's Bench Across Britain series, Jason Farrell spoke to farmers in Cheshire.

Watch his full report below - and read more here .

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