Northeast India is the easternmost region of India representing both a geographic and political administrative division of the country. It comprises 8 States namely, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. It boasts of places of beauty where nature flourishes in all its glory. Situated amidst the many hilltops and scenic valleys, the beautiful places to visit in North East India paint a picture that you need to see to believe. Moreover, the North East is a land like no other. With ample views to take home from the visit, it provides for a mesmerizing view at every nook and corner that you take. It is a land of the holy, the mighty, the believers and those who believe in raw adventure.
AMAZING FACTS ABOUT NORTHEAST INDIA, DID YOU KNOW THIS?
- World’s wettest place is in Meghalaya
- Mizoram’s Pukzing Cave is believed to be carved by a hairpin
- At the Longwa village in Nagaland one can be at two places at once
- Nagaland has the last surviving headhunter tribe
- Nagaland holds the record of the world’s largest electric guitar ensemble
- In Nagaland alone, there are 17 tribes and 36 languages
- Sikkim wasn’t a part of India leave alone Northeast Region until 1975
- In Sikkim, a ghost of a soldier guards the border
- Tripura is home to the only floating Palace in Northeast
- The population of all the Northeastern states is close to the population of Odisha
- The corridor joining the rest of the mainland India with Northeast is called the Chicken’s Neck
- Almost 70% of Northeast India’s terrains are covered by hills
- Northeastern states of India are musically woke
- Each tribe in Northeast India makes some of the best liquors in the country
- Arunachal Pradesh is where the sun can be seen first in India
- Assam has the largest and smallest river islands in the world
- Centuries-old barter system can still be seen in practice at Jonbeel Mela, Assam
- Golden/Muga silk is not produced anywhere else in the world other than Assam
- The world’s largest weaving village is in Assam
- Assam is the safe haven for One-horned Rhinos
- Manipur is world’s only mothers-run market.
- Meghalaya has the only matriarchal society of India
Do add these amazing places, to visit when travelling to North East, on a Northeast India package, to your list:
KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
One of the best places to visit in North East India is the Kaziranga National Park. Declared an UNESCO Heritage Site, the National Park is home to the one horned rhinos which attract tourists from all over the world. Spotting a one-horned rhinoceros in its stomping yard, during your Northeast holiday tour package, is an experience that you can live to tell your grandchildren. It will be unlike any lore ever told. While you’re out and about in this scenic land, don’t forget to spot the various, other (approx35) species of mammals and hundreds of migratory birds, that fly down every season, for a unique wildlife experience!
Location: Kanchanjuri, Assam
How to reach: You can take a flight to Guwahati International Airport or Jorhat Airport, or just take a train to Furkating station. From here, the park is just a bus ride or taxi ride away.
Best time to visit: November, February, and April
ZIRO VALLEY
The Ziro Valley is one of the best places to see in North East as it presents you with some memorable views that are going to be etched in your memory forever. The valley is most famous for its three day and night rock concert, which is held annually towards the end of September. Being a part of the event is a lifetime experience. A visit to this valley surely tops the list of best Northeast tourist places!
Location: Lower Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh
Best time to visit: During the music festival in September.
How to reach: You can reach the valley by air, train, and even by road. While the nearest airport from Ziro is in Jorhat, Assam, which is 98 km from the valley, the railway station is in Naharlagun, which is 100 kms away.
NATHU LA PASS
The name of the pass translates to “listening ears”. The trek to and on the Nathu La pass would be one of the major highlights of your travel to the North East, on your Northeast India holiday tour package, as it gives an invigorating feeling to every traveler who experiences it. During the trek, you are treated to views that remain ingrained in your memory for a lifetime, spotting some beautiful lakes on the way. This is one of the most popular tourist places in north east India that you ought to include to your itinerary.
Location: The border area of India (Sikkim) – China (Tibet Autonomous Region)
How to reach: Rent a sturdy vehicle like Innova, Bolero, and Scorpio in Gangtok with an experienced driver and drive all the way to Nathu La Pass. You’ll need to first acquire a permit from the authorities for the same.
Best time to visit: You should plan your visit during the summers, when the temperatures are at a bearable 15 degrees. In the winters, it falls down to -25 degrees.
Important Note: Do not rush into anything. The cold temperature and low oxygen levels make for a hostile environment. Move gradually and take baby steps if required.
SIANG RIVER – RIVER RAFTING
A tributary of the Brahmaputra River, it has inherited its ferocity from its mother as well. It serves as a home to the Adi Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh and is the best place to visit in North East. River rafting in the Siang River is a major attraction for the adventure buffs, who like to travel on a budget tour and are likely to do so when on their budget Northeast adventure tour package. It is certainly one adventure that you should undertake with your friends.
Location: Arunachal Pradesh
How to reach: Dibrugarh is the starting point of the rafting session. Take a flight to Mohanbari Airport or the train to Dibrugarh railway station. From there, Dibrugarh is just a taxi ride away.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit is during late October and early November when the tides are not too violent.
NURANANG FALLS
Also known as the Bong Bong falls, these are 100 meters in height. The serenity of this place is best enjoyed with someone by your side. So, if you’re planning a romantic trip to the North East, on your Northeast India honeymoon tour package, make sure you add this place to your itinerary. The falls are renowned for giving a feeling of serendipity to any couple that heads there. So, don’t miss out on one of the most charming places to visit in the north east for a honeymoon!
Location: Cona, Shannan, Arunachal Pradesh
How to reach: Take a flight to Guwahati Airport or a train to Tezpur Railway Station. From here, you will find many state-run (APSRTC) buses, private buses, and taxis going towards Nuranang Falls.
Best time to visit: February to November
DAWKI
If you do not know about the transparent Dawki river in Meghalaya, chances are you have been living under a rock. Dawki is a town in the West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya popularly known for the beauteous lake. Umngot River in Dawki is one of the cleanest rivers in the world so much so that you can clearly see the river bottom. Taking a boat ride one the Umngot River is one of the must do things in Dawki. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in north east India. Ensure that you obtain an inner line permit in Meghalaya, if you intend to visit this place.
Location: West Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya, India
How to reach: Take a flight to Guwahati Airport and hire a cab to Dawki.
Best time to visit: November
LOKTAK LAKE
Loktak Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in North East India and is famous for its small floating islands. It is also home to the world’s only floating National Park called Keibul Lamjao National Park. A nature lover’s haven, the place is great for birdwatching, clicking photographs and spotting the endangered Manipuri brow-antlered deer.
Location: Moirang, Manipur
How to reach: Imphal airport is 48 km away and one can hire a cab to the lake.
Best time to visit: October to March
GANGTOK
Gangtok is one of the most popular tourist places in Northeast India that is visited by honeymooners and adventure lovers alike, on their Northeast tour package. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a base to number of Himalayan treks. There are a number of must visit attractions in Gangtok that should be included in your itinerary like Baba Mandir, Nathu La, Gurudongmar Lake, etc. You can find many Gangtok tour packages from different companies for your hassle-free tours in Gangtok.
Location: Sikkim
How to reach: The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport that has frequent flights from Delhi and other cities.
Best time to visit: March-May and October-December are the two best periods to visit Gangtok given the weather situation.
PELLING
Pelling is a beautiful hill station located in the foothills of Khangchendzonga. Not only it offers exhilarating views of the valley but also poses an important place in terms of spirituality. Visit the 17th-century Sanga Choling Monastery and indulge in activities like rock climbing, walking tours, and mountain terrain biking. It is a perfect place for both adventurous souls and peace seekers. It is also one of the best honeymoon destinations in north east India.
Location: West Sikkim
How to reach: Pelling is 120 km away from Gangtok. You can hire a taxi from the city to reach Pelling.
Best time to visit: September to May is the peak season to visit Pelling.
SINGALILA NATIONAL PARK
Located in the district of Darjeeling(Queen of Hill), Singalila National Park is home to a variety of flora and fauna and breathtaking mountainscapes. The park is located at a height of 7,000 m on the Singalila Ridge. This national park in India is famous for red pandas, wild boar, barking deer, and other wild animals. It is also famous for Wildlife jeep safari and trekking. The route of Sandakphu trek passes through the national park.
Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal
How to reach: Singalila national Park is just 13 km from Bagdogra Airport.
Best time to visit: March-May. The park is closed from June-September
NONGRIAT VILLAGE
Nongriat Village is famous for the Double Decker living Roots Bridge, it is one of the most amazing places to visit in north east India. You will be amazed to see the natural entanglement of the roots with man-made enhancements, while on your Northeast India tour package. There is no other place like Double Decker living Roots Bridge.
Location: Nongriat Village, Cherrapunjee, India
How to reach: The village is 68 km from Shillong and can be reached either by car or local transport bus.
Best time to visit: Except monsoon, you can visit the bridge any time of the year
Famous for: Double Decker living roots bridge
The best time to visit Northeast India, on your Northeast India packages.
Regardless of the type or the category of the tour package, please note that there is nothing as a best month or time to visit this part of the country. North East India is wonderful the year-round. However, depending on the type of experience that you are looking for a trip to the Northeast could be planned accordingly as in if you’re looking for a respite from the heat, you visit during summers, and if you wish to witness nature at its best, you can plan your visit during the monsoon. Though, in general, November to May is the best period to visit North East India as the weather, during this period, is quite pleasant.
Happy Traveling!!