NORTH EAST

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Northeast India is a hidden gem with some of the most stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich biodiversity in the country. It offers a perfect mix of mountain treks, waterfalls, tea gardens, monasteries, and tribal villages. Each state in the Northeast has its own charm and unique experiences to offer. Here are some of the must-visit places across the Northeast:

1. Assam – The Land of Tea Gardens and Majestic Brahmaputra

Kaziranga National Park: Famous for its population of one-horned rhinos, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers jeep safaris and elephant rides.

Kamakhya Temple: A significant Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, located atop the Nilachal Hills near Guwahati.

Majuli Island: The world’s largest river island, located on the Brahmaputra River, known for its monasteries, cultural richness, and vibrant festivals.

Sivasagar: Known for its historic temples and Ahom architecture, including the Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, and Jai Sagar Tank.

Tea Gardens of Jorhat: Explore the sprawling tea estates in Jorhat and Tinsukia, where you can take guided tours and enjoy fresh tea tastings.

2. Meghalaya – The Abode of Clouds

Shillong: The capital city, known for its British-era architecture, crystal-clear lakes like Umiam Lake, and the Don Bosco Museum.

Cherrapunji (Sohra): Famous for being one of the wettest places on earth. Visit Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, and the living root bridges.

Living Root Bridges: An extraordinary natural wonder, the double-decker root bridge in Nongriat is an iconic site.

Mawlynnong Village: Often called the cleanest village in Asia, it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is home to a unique bamboo bridge.

Dawki: Known for its clear waters of the Umngot River, you can take a boat ride and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

Smit Village: A quiet, picturesque village where you can experience traditional Khasi culture.

3. Arunachal Pradesh – The Land of the Rising Sun

Tawang: Known for its stunning Tawang Monastery (the second-largest in the world), beautiful Tawang War Memorial, and snow-capped mountains.

Ziro Valley: Famous for its rice fields and Apatani tribal culture, as well as cloud forests and scenic landscapes.

Bomdila: Known for its monasteries, panoramic views of the Himalayas, and a base for the Tawang trip.

Sela Pass: One of the highest motorable passes, it offers snow-capped views and connects Tawang to the rest of Arunachal Pradesh.

Dirang: A small hill town known for its scenic beauty and the Dirang Monastery.

4. Nagaland – The Land of Festivals and Tribes

Kohima: The capital city, known for its Nagaland State Museum, War Cemetery, and vibrant local markets. The Hornbill Festival (held in December) is one of the best cultural events to experience.

Dzukou Valley: Famous for its breathtaking landscapes, lush green valleys, and Dzukou Lily (which blooms in the summer).

Mon: Known for the Konyak tribes, headhunters, and their distinct wooden masks and beaded jewelry.

Zunheboto: Known for its Ao tribe culture and festivals, with scenic villages like Satakha and Aghunato.

Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary: A biodiversity hotspot with rich flora and fauna.

5. Mizoram – The Land of Blue Mountains

Aizawl: The capital city, located at an altitude of 1,132 meters, offers beautiful panoramic views of the Lushai Hills.

Lunglei: Known for its forests, waterfalls, and tribal villages. The Chhimtuipui River and Durtlang Hills offer picturesque landscapes.

Tamdil Lake: A serene and scenic lake surrounded by dense forests, perfect for boating and nature walks.

Phawngpui (Blue Mountain): The highest peak in Mizoram, known for its trekking trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and hills.

Reiek: Known for its lush greenery and breathtaking views, Reiek is a popular hilltop trek destination.

6. Manipur – The Jewel of the East

Imphal: The capital city, home to the Kangla Fort, Loktak Lake (the only floating lake in the world), and the Shree Govindajee Temple.

Loktak Lake: Known for its floating islands or phumdis, this lake offers a surreal experience with a boat ride and the Keibul Lamjao National Park (home to the Sangai deer).

Ukhrul: A hill station surrounded by lush forests and known for its flower gardens, Khayang Peak, and Tolloi Village.

Shiroy Hill: Famous for the Shiroy Lily, a rare flower that blooms in the summer.

Keibul Lamjao National Park: A unique park located on Loktak Lake and the only floating national park in the world.

7. Tripura – The Hidden Gem of the Northeast

Ujjayanta Palace: A magnificent palace in Agartala, showcasing the history and heritage of Tripura.

Neermahal Palace: A water palace located on Lake Rudrasagar, known for its beautiful architecture and scenic location.

Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary: A wildlife sanctuary and biodiversity park, known for its monkeys, migratory birds, and unique flora.

Unakoti: A hidden gem with stunning rock-cut sculptures and ancient temples in a scenic setting.

Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary: Known for its wildlife and the Trishna Wetland, perfect for bird-watching.

8. Sikkim – The Himalayan Paradise

Gangtok: The capital city, known for the Rumtek Monastery, MG Road, and panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga.

Tsomgo Lake: A stunning high-altitude lake located at 12,400 feet, surrounded by snow-covered peaks.

Nathula Pass: A famous border pass between India and China, known for its snowy terrain, breathtaking views, and military significance.

Pellings: A beautiful hill station with spectacular views of Kanchenjunga and home to Pemayangtse Monastery and the Khecheopalri Lake.

Yuksom: Known for being the first capital of Sikkim, and a base for trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp.

Khangchendzonga National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this park offers trekking, wildlife viewing, and the chance to experience local Sikkimese culture.

The region is well-connected by air, rail, and road to the rest of India. The most convenient modes of travel will depend on your starting point, destination within the Northeast, and the time of year you're traveling.

Here’s how you can reach Northeast India:

1. By Air (Flights):

Most of the major cities in Northeast India are connected to the rest of the country by domestic flights. The main airports in the region are in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Guwahati (Assam) – Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU):

This is the main gateway to Northeast India and the most well-connected airport in the region. It has direct flights to and from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other major Indian cities.

From Guwahati, you can travel by road or air to other destinations in Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and beyond.

Shillong (Meghalaya) – Shillong Airport (SHL):

Shillong has a small airport with limited flights from Guwahati and Kolkata. Alternatively, you can fly to Guwahati and take a 3-4 hour drive to Shillong.

Imphal (Manipur) – Imphal Airport (IMF):

There are direct flights to Imphal from Kolkata, Guwahati, and Delhi. It is the main airport for reaching Manipur.

Agartala (Tripura) – MBB Airport (AGT):

Agartala is well-connected by air to Kolkata and Guwahati. You can fly into Agartala and then explore Tripura.

Dimapur (Nagaland) – Dimapur Airport (DMU):

Dimapur is the only airport in Nagaland, with flights connecting to Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal.

Bagdogra (West Bengal) – Bagdogra Airport (IXB):

For visiting Sikkim, Darjeeling, and nearby areas, Bagdogra is the nearest airport. It is well-connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and other cities.

Jorhat (Assam) – Jorhat Airport (JRH):

This airport is connected to Guwahati and Kolkata by flights and serves as a base for traveling to the Majuli Island or the Kaziranga National Park.

2. By Train:

The Indian Railways network has several major train stations that connect the Northeast to the rest of India. However, rail connectivity to certain remote areas can be limited, so it's often combined with road travel.

Guwahati (Assam) – Guwahati Junction (GHY):

Guwahati is the most connected station in the Northeast with regular trains to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and many other major cities.

Howrah and Sealdah stations in Kolkata are common departure points for trains to Guwahati.

Dimapur (Nagaland) – Dimapur Railway Station (DMV):

Dimapur is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, and Delhi by train.

Agartala (Tripura) – Agartala Railway Station (AGTL):

Agartala is connected to Kolkata and Guwahati by trains, with the Kolkata-Agartala express running regularly.

Silchar (Assam) – Silchar Railway Station (SCL):

Silchar in Assam is connected by train to Guwahati and Kolkata.

Tinsukia (Assam) – Tinsukia Junction (TSK):

Tinsukia, in the eastern part of Assam, has good connectivity with Kolkata and Guwahati.

Jorhat (Assam) – Jorhat Town Railway Station (JTTN):

Jorhat has a smaller railway station, but it is connected by train to Guwahati and other parts of Assam.

3. By Road:

While train and flight options are available, road travel is often the best way to explore the Northeast, as many of the scenic spots and remote towns are better reached by road.

From Kolkata:

Kolkata serves as a key entry point for Northeast India, with good road connections to Assam (especially Guwahati), Meghalaya, Tripura, and Nagaland. The National Highway 27 (NH-27) connects Kolkata to Guwahati, and you can take private buses or shared taxis for inter-state travel.

From Delhi:

You can take a road trip from Delhi to Guwahati (around 1,600 km), though it will take several days. Alternatively, buses and taxis can be hired to travel to specific states like Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

From Bhutan or Nepal:

For regions like Sikkim, West Bengal, and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, you can also cross the international borders from Bhutan (through Phuentsholing) or Nepal (through Kolkata and Darjeeling).

Local Transport:

Once you're in a particular state in Northeast India, you can hire shared taxis, private cabs, or local buses to travel between towns and cities. Many places are accessible by jeeps or local vehicles, especially in the hilly terrain.

4. By Shared Taxi/Private Car:

For more convenience and flexibility, you can also opt for shared taxis or private cars from Guwahati to other destinations like Meghalaya, Nagaland, or Arunachal Pradesh. Shared taxis are commonly available and are an affordable way to travel.

Best Time to Visit Northeast India:

October to March: This is the peak tourist season for most of the Northeast, when the weather is ideal for travel and outdoor activities. The winter months offer crisp, clear skies and pleasant temperatures, making it perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

April to June: This is the summer season in Northeast India. It’s ideal for those who want to escape the intense heat of other parts of India. The weather is generally cooler in the hills and mountains. However, it’s the beginning of the monsoon season in June, so rain can start affecting travel plans towards the end of June.

July to September: This is the monsoon season. While the lush greenery is at its peak, and some areas are beautiful for nature lovers, this is not the best time for travel, especially for places with difficult terrain like the hills and forests. Heavy rainfall can lead to landslides, road blockages, and disruptions in outdoor activities.

From pure vegetarian to non-vegetarian foods, all sorts of food are available in Northeast India. Although the cuisine of certain places differs from the rest, there is no scarcity in menus offered by restaurants, in the tourist hotspots. 

Assam celebrates Bihu during mid-April. Tawang, in Arunachal Pradesh, celebrates Tawang (Monpa) festival during the second week of October. Kohima, in Nagaland, celebrates Hornbill festival during second week of December.