Travel

17 Top Places in North East India to Visit

Explore the picturesque landscapes, misty, snow-capped hills, cascading waterfalls, placid rivers, deep dark caves, and mysterious trails of the Land of Seven Sisters, North East India. Nestled amid the Himalayas and lush greenery, this is the most beautiful place for everyone to visit in India and spend that colorful vacation you are planning for so long now.

From the highest Nathu La Pass and ancient Buddhist monasteries in Gangtok to dense forests and Living Root Bridge in Meghalaya to the famous Kaziranga National Park and the cleanest Mawlynonng Village, the Northeast never ceases to surprise and entice every kind of traveler with its natural charms.

Make your trip more exciting by indulging in the celebrations of the tradition and customs of distinct tribes’ sacred festivals including Lossar, Torgya, Tawang Cultural Festival, the famous Ziro Musical Festival, and Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, Assam Bihu Festival, and much more. To make the best out of your trip with family, friends, and loved ones, plan your trip during the summer, from April to June, and winter, from November to March, seasons.

1. Kaziranga National Park:

Kaziranga National park

Home to the famous one-horned rhino, Kaziranga National Park is the perfect place for wildlife photographers to explore and capture the exotic wilderness rich with flora and fauna on the Elephant Safari and witness the endangered Barasingha (Swamp Deer), Rhesus Macaque, Porcupine, vultures, Indian Hornbill, and tropical grassland.

How to Reach Kaziranga National Park

Nearest Airport: Rowriah Airport in Jorhat is located about 74 km away, and the second-largest Dimapur Airport in Nagaland is located about 84 km away from your destination.

Nearest Railway: In Jorhat (90 km), Helem (35 km), Furkating (75km), and Guwahati (200km) from Kaziranga Park.

Road Trip: Catch a bus from Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dimapur bus stop to reach Kaziranga. Take a scenic route from NH 37 to reach the destination.

Best Time to Visit Kaziranga

During the winter season from November to April when the region receives pleasant weather with temperatures between 25 C to 5 C.

Things to do in Kaziranga

Enjoy Elephant and Jeep Safari to capture the magnificent beasts- one-horned rhinos and Tigers and enchanting biodiversity, indulge in bird-watching, visit the famous Kaziranga Orchid National Park, boat ride in Brahmaputra River, and soak in the sparkling Kakochang Waterfall.

2. Tawang:

Tawang

Famous for its decades-old and the biggest monasteries and Gompas, Tawang is a beautiful hill station situated in Arunachal Pradesh state of Northeast India that is also known as the Birthplace of Lamas. You can grasp a tranquil aura of spirituality converged with the orchid gardens, lush green hills, and cloud-covered mountains, attracting travelers all year long.

How to Reach Tawang

Nearest Airport: Salonibari Airport in Tezpur, Assam (approx 317 km from Tawang)

Nearest Railways & Bus Station: Tezpur Railway Station is the closest located about 314km away from the downtown city. You can either take a bus from Bomdila about 176 km away from your destination.

Road Trip: Embark on a scenic road trip from Udalguri to reach Tawang, which is approx. 328 km.

Best Time to Visit Tawang

From March to June and September to November is the perfect time to visit Tawang. You can visit to indulge in various important festivals of Tawang including Losar in Feb-March, the religious Tawang Tourism Festival in October, Saga Dawa in May, and Torgya in January.

Things to do in Tawang

Meditate at Taktsang Gompa, spend a day at Shonga-Tser Lake, visit the Tawang War Memorial, trek, camp, and sightseeing at Gorichen Peak, Bumla Pass, and Sela Pass. Capture the cascading Nuranang Waterfalls and famous Madhuri Lake. Taste the local Tibetan dishes at The Dragon Restaurant.

3. Ziro :

Ziro

Enriched with paddy green fields and lush bamboo and pine trees lined hills, Ziro is a quaint hill state in Northeast India recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Arunachal Pradesh. From 3000-years-old ancient caves and pilgrimage sites to adventure things such as rafting and wildlife safari, the place offers something to every type of traveler.

How to Reach Ziro

Nearest Airport: Jorhat Airport is the nearest one about 98 km away from Ziro. You can hire a taxi or cab to reach the destination.

Nearest Railways: The nearest railheads are Naharalagun (100 km), ]North Lakhimpur (117 km), and Tezpur (267 km) to Ziro.

Road Trip: Either take a bus from Guwahati or Itanagar going to Ziro or hit the road of NH 27 and NH 15 from Jorhat or Guwahati and embark on a scenic road trip from here to Ziro.

Best Time to Visit Ziro

Ziro is an all-year-long destination to visit, except for the monsoon season from July to August. In September, the town hosts the famous Ziro Music Festival, making it the best time to visit during monsoon. 

Things to do in Ziro

River Rafting in the Kamle and Siang Rivers, cherishing trek to Midley and Dolo Mando village, camping by the Pange riverbed, and exotic wildlife safari in Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. 

4. Shillong:

Shillong

Known as “Scotland of East”, Shillong is the perfect place to visit in India all year long. This capital city of Meghalaya is popular among nature lovers and adventure seekers for its unspoiled natural beauty and clean environment. Home to 

How to reach Shillong 

Nearest AirportUmroi Airport near Barapani about 25 km away. 

Nearest Railway: Guwahati Railway Station is about 100 km away from the town. 

Road Trip: Take NH6 when coming from Guwahati for an amazing road trip.

Best Time to Visit Shillong

Throughout the year, the town celebrates several major festivals including Behdeinkhlam Jaintia Festival in July and Pnar Festival in April-May, Autumn Festival in October, and Shad Suk Mynseim (Khasi Festival) in April.

Things to do in Shillong

Trek to the famous David Scott Trail, the highest Shillong peak, Sohpet-Bneng, etc., picnic spots at Nohkalikai Falls and Bishop Falls- one of the highest waterfalls in India, boating, kayaking, and water skiing at Umiam’s Lake and Sohra, and walk the depth to witness the stalagmite and calcite-made Shiva Linga in a sacred Mawjymbuin Cave.

5. Gangtok:

Gangtok

Gangtok is one of the Seven Sisters in Northeast India, which is blessed with rich flora and fauna and housing the world’s third-highest peak- Mount Kanchenjunga. Besides trekking, camping, and other several exciting adventure things, the place hosts some famous and important festivals of Gangtok including Drukpa Teshi, Saga Dawa, the oldest Tendong Lho Rum Faat festival from July-August, and several more. 

How to Reach Gangtok

Nearest AirportBagdogra Airport in West Bengal about 124km from Gangtok.

Nearest Railhead: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station In Siliguri located about 148 km from Gangtok. 

Road TripCatch a bus or hire a cab from Bagdogra, the only way to reach Gangtok, and enjoy the scenic road drive to your destination.

Best Time to Visit Gangtok

Except for the monsoon season from July to mid-September, the summer season from April to June and winter from October to March are the peak tourist season and the best time to see Gangtok in full bloom and snow-capped mountains.

Things to do in Gangtok

Trek the famous Nathu La Pass, Kanchenjunga Base Camp, and Green Lake trek. Visit Orchid Sanctuary, Banjhakri Falls, Rumtek Monastery, Seven Sister Falls, Yak ride at Tsomgo Lake, annual Paragliding Festival, river rafting on Teesta River, and paragliding in Reshithang Village.

6. Pelling:

Pelling

Nestled in the foothills of Mount Kanchenjunga in the state of Sikkim, Pelling is a quaint village of history and culture. has numerous things to do such as a hike to Kanchenjunga waterfalls, make a wish at Khecheopalri Lake, walk the historic ruins at the Rabdentse Ruins, walk on the Pelling Skywalk, and go for a refreshing outing at Sewaro Rock Garden.

How to reach Pelling

Nearest Airport: In Bagdogra located about 160 km from Pelling. Hire a cab from the airport to reach Pelling.

Nearest RailwayNew Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri is the closest railhead located about 135 km from Pelling. Take a bus from the Siliguri bus stop or hire a cab to reach your destination.

Road Trip: Either you can take a bus from Gangtok, Siliguri, Sikkim, and Darjeeling, or hire a private or shared cab or embark on a self-drive road trip.

Best Time to Visit Pelling

From October to May is the perfect time to visit Pelling. This period includes the peak winter, spring, and summer season for tourists as the weather remains snow-cold to mild warm with the temperature in winter below -2C and in summer up to 28 C.

Things to do in Pelling

Trekking and Camping to Mt. Kanchenjunga Base Camp, visit the ancient monasteries such as Sangachoeling, Pemayantse, etc., cherish the natural beauty on Dzongri Trek, Sewaro Rock Garden, and more. Try rock climbing in Yuksom, and water rappelling at Changey Waterfall.

7. Cherrapunji:

Cherrapunji

Explore the second wettest place in India, Cherrapunji, bestowed with lush diverse flora and fauna and natural water bodies. The place is famous among adventurers and nature lovers for its famous living root bridge, Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Mawsynram Village, Mawsmai Cave, Dawki, fourth-longest cave-Krem Mawmluh Cave, and many other tourist attractions places. Indulge in thriving adventure activities such as kayaking, trekking, camping, ziplining, and much more.

How to Reach Cherrapunji

Nearest Airport: Umroi Airport near Barapani is the nearest airport located about 25 km from Cherrapunji.

Nearest RailwayGuwahati located about 105 km from Cherrapunji

Road Trip: Embark on a drive from Jorbat via NH 37. Follow Google Maps and turn right for Meghalaya to cover a distance of about 146 km by road to reach Cherrapunji.

Best Time to Visit Cherrapunji

One can visit Cherrapunji throughout the year. The summer season from March to May is perfect to witness the tradition and culture of local tribes by indulging in Shad Suk Mynseim in May. The monsoon season from June to September is an ideal time for uncrowded vacation, and the winter season from October to February is the best time for honeymooners and adventure seekers.

Things to do in Cherrapunji

Hike on the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, and go on a cave exploration at one of the longest caves in Mawsmai Cave, Arwah Cave, and Krem Mawmluh. Capture the spellbinding Seven Sister Falls, enjoy paragliding in Mawkdok Dympep Valley, boating on the Dawki river, canoeing at the Laitkynsew Hills, and much more.

8. Darjeeling:

Darjeeling

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in West Bengal, Darjeeling is a perfect honeymoon destination in Northeast India. Apart from the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views, lush tea plantations, clouded rolling hills, and incredible views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the place is home to many endangered species of wildlife and flora at the Singalila National Park, famous among wildlife explorers and photographers.

How to Reach Darjeeling

Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport located around 95 km from Darjeeling main city is the closest airport.

Nearest Railway: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the closest which is located about 62 km away from Darjeeling. 

Road Trip: Embark on a refreshing road trip to Darjeeling from Kolkata (651 km), Gangtok (100 km), and Kalimpong (52 km) 

Best Time to Visit Darjeeling

The summer season is the peak tourist season from April to June to explore the city at its full ledge. If you wish to indulge in the tribal tradition and culture, then attend the famous Teesta and Tourism Festival, Darjeeling Orange Festival, and Darjeeling Carnival in the winter season.

Things to do in Darjeeling

Trek to capture the picturesque sunrise and sunset at Tiger Hills, Sandakphu Peak, and Batasia Loop, kayaking in Singla, river rafting in Teesta River, go on a fun Toy Train ride, picnic at the Rock Garden, visit the Dali Monastery and Himalayan Tibet Museum, and much more.

9. Nagaland:

Nagaland

Known as The Land of Festivals, Nagaland is one of the most colorful places in North East India to visit all year long. It is home to multiple primeval tribes with diverse cultures that can be shown in many major festivals that are celebrated almost every month. Apart from this, visit the famous Shilloi Lake, Khonoma Green Village, Mokokchung- the land of the Nagas tribe, and several thrilling activities. Nagaland also houses the last remnants of World War II.

How to Reach Nagaland

Nearest AirportIn Dimapur located about 218 km from your destination. It is a domestic airport that serves 3 airlines Indigo, Air India, and Air India Regional.

Nearest Railway: Dimapur district is located about 290 km away from Guwahati or Dibrugarh to reach Nagaland.

Road TripYou can either catch a bus from Guwahati or hire a shared cab or a private taxi to reach Nagaland.

Best Time to Visit Nagaland

The winter season from November to March is considered to be the peak tourist season to visit as the place organizes the most important and world-famous Hornbill Festival in November, hence making it the best time to visit Nagaland.

Things to do in Nagaland

Ride a mountain bike in Lugsad, Rain Forest Trail, and Bakahan. Embark on a trek to Mount Saramati and Dzukou Valley, go on a wildlife safari in Ntangki National Park, boating on Nagaland’s longest Doyang River. Visit the largest Buddhist Baptist church- Zunheboto, Tuensang to shop for handcrafted artifacts and decorum, and much more.

10. Manipur:

Manipur

Manipur is a popular tourist destination to visit in Northeast India that borders 2 regions of Myanmar, Sagaing to the east and Chin to the south. Blessed with rich flora and fauna. With Imphal as the capital city, Manipur is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, glistening lakes, dense green valleys, and misty hills. The place is famous for its folk dance Raas Lila, and exquisite handicrafts and art forms.

How to Reach Manipur

Nearest Airport: Imphal International Airport is the second largest in Northeast India located about 8 km from your destination

Nearest Railway: There are no direct trains to reach Manipur. The closest one is in Dimapur located about 215 km away from downtown Manipur city.

Road Trip: Hit the road via National Highways 39 and 53 connecting Manipur and other states including Assam and Nagaland.

Best Time to Visit Manipur

Tourists can visit Manipur all year long. However, the winter season from November to February is a peak tourist season and the summer season from April to June is the best time for sightseeing and outdoor adventurous activities.

Things to do in Manipur

Visit the largest freshwater lake- Loktak Lake for fishing, river rafting in Imphal, and cave exploring in Ukhrul and Tamenglong. Go on a scenic trek to Dzokou Valley and Shingui Hills, rock climbing at the Kangla Rock and Shingui Hills, kayaking on Sendra Island, and much more.

11. Gorichen Peak:

Gorichen Peak

Located at an altitude of about 6500 meters, Gorichen is the perfect tourist place in northeast India, ideally for trekkers and adventurers, to visit during the spring season from February to March. Locally known as Tsa-Nga-Phu, it is the third-highest peak in the state of Arunachal Pradesh and is the most revered by the Monpa Tribe. Located about 164 km from Tawang, Gorichen Peak is a glacier-fed group of mountains that shares its borders with China in the north.

How to Reach Gorichen Peak

Take a flight to reach Tawang and hire a cab from here to cover the distance of about 57 km to reach Gorichen Peak.

Best Time to Visit Gorichen Peak

Except for the monsoon season from July to August, the summer season from April to June, and the winter season from October to February is considered to be the best time to trek the Gorichen Peak. If planning to visit in winter, bring heavy woolens, extra clothing, good trekking shoes, and other essentials.

12. Assam:

Assam

Home to the mighty Brahmaputra River, Assam is famous among tourists for its diverse wildlife, heritage archaeological sites, and tea vegetation. The place is famous for the revered Kamakhaya Temple and is home to around 5 National Parks and 18 Wildlife Sanctuaries. The place celebrates the biggest and most revered Bihu Festival every year in April, which attracts tourists from all around the globe to witness unique tribal cultures.

How to Reach Assam

Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport located about 27 km from your destination is located in Guwahati.

Nearest Railway: You can catch a direct train to Assam from Guwahati Railway Station.

Road Trip: You can either catch a bus from the Guwahati bus stop or hire a private or shared cab to reach Assam.

Best Time to Visit Assam

Assam can be explored throughout the year as the weather remains quite pleasant with temperatures up to 38 C during summers and -8 C during the winters. Many visitors plan their Assam trip to indulge in major festivals including Bihu in April and Jorhat Assam Tea Festival in November.

Things to do in Assam

Go boating on the largest river island- Majuli, enjoy a wildlife safari in Kaziranga, Manas, and Nameri National Park, and visit Hajo- a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists. Trek to the only hill station in Assam- Haflong and explore the Maibong ruins. Embark on adventurous rock climbing and parasailing in Dibrugarh and Assam State Zoo, and much more.

13. Majuli Islands:

Majuli Islands

Recognized as one of the UNESCO Heritage Sites for its unique and fascinating Tribal culture, Majuli Island is a must-visit place to visit in Assam. This largest freshwater river island in the world boasts the pollution-free waters of the Brahmaputra River and is a cultural hub of the town as it is home to many tribes. The place is famous for its 100 types of rice vegetation and many hidden, unexplored gems to see with your family, friends, and loved ones for a memorable trip.

How to Reach Majuli Island

You need to reach Jorhat, the nearest town to Majuli, by air or train and board a ferry ride from here to reach Majuli Island. The nearest Ferry port is in Nimatighat which takes 1 and a half hours to reach the destination. The ferries are available from 9 am to 3 pm.

Best Time to Visit Majuli Island

Since the place comes under the highest rainfall region, it is better to avoid it during the monsoon season as the area is prone to flooding and landslide from July to September. The winter season is considered the best time to visit Majuli not only for its awesome weather but also because the town celebrates one of the most important festivals- Raas Utsav or Shri Krishna Raas Leela Festival in November at Shri Shri Dakhinpat Temple.

Things to do on Majuli Island

Visit the famous culturally rich Satras or monasteries, get acquainted with the biggest Mising Tribe in Northeast India, and spend a night in the bamboo huts here, try the delicious local cuisines and home-brewed rice alcohol. Enjoy the enchanting sunset views on a boat ride on Majuli Island with your loved one.

14. Meghalaya:

Meghalaya

Popularly known as Adobe of Clouds, Meghalaya is a true natural beauty to explore in northeast India. The state is blessed with stunning hills, cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes & rivers, dark caves, and dense forests. The Butterfly Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Lady Hydari Park, and Laitlum Canyon are several of many famous sights in Meghalaya that are worth the trip to cherish with your loved ones.

How to Reach Meghalaya

Nearest Airport: Umroi Airport near Barapani located about 40 km from Shillong. You can hire a taxi from Shillong to reach Meghalaya

Nearest Railway: Guwahati has the closest railway station located about 105 km from Shillong. Hire a cab or catch a bus to reach your destination.

Road Trip: Hit the road via NH 40 connecting Shillong with Guwahati, then right for Meghalaya to cover a distance of about 65 km through Nongpoh to enter your destination.

Best Time to Visit Meghalaya

Though Meghalaya receives moderate to heavy rainfall all year long, it still attracts a large number of travelers from all over the world as the place organizes major and most colorful festivals in the Northeast almost every month including Shad Suk Mynseim and Pnar Festival in April-May, Behdeinkhlam Jaintia Festival in July, and Autumn Festival from October to November.

Things to do in Meghalaya

Witness the magnificent thousand years old trees and glistening streams in the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, hunt for the millions of years old fossils of marine life on thrilling cave exploration in Krem Mawmluh and Mawsmai Caves, trek to amazing views of Umden Village and David Scott Trails, enjoy ziplining in Mawkdok Dympep Valley, and more adventure things.

15. Imphal Valley:

Imphal Valley

Cherish the spectacular view of Imphal Valley located in Manipur state of Northeast India. Imphal is named after this irregular oval-shaped canyon, which was devised of multiple small rivers originating from the surrounding valleys like Imphal, Iril, Khuga, and Sekmai Rivers. Located in the heart of Manipur, the valley houses several beautiful natural and man-made attractions, making it an ideal place for honeymooners and photographers.

How to Reach Imphal Valley

Nearest Airport: Imphal Tulihal Airport, which is located about 8 km away from scenic Imphal Valley.

Nearest Railway: There are no direct trains to Imphal. Hence, you need to reach Guwahati or Dimapur and then continue to your destination via bus or taxi.

Road trip: Catch a private bus from Guwahati, Dimapur, or Silchar and enjoy an instagrammable road drive to Imphal Valley.

Best Time to Visit Imphal Valley

You can visit this little haven piece of place in Manipur throughout the year from early morning till evening. 

Things to do in Imphal Valley

Visit the famous Loktak Lake, ancient Kangla Fort, RKCS Art gallery and Museum, Khongjom War Memorial Complex, and so on.

16. Mawlynnong Village:

Mawlynnong Village

Known as the God’s Own Garden, Mawlynonng has earned the name of being the cleanest village in Asia. From endless breath-taking views of dense forests and misty hills to glistening rivers and centuries-old Church, it is the perfect place to visit in Northeast India for nature lovers and peace seekers. Don’t skip to taste the scrumptious local dishes like Jadoh and Tungrymbai.

How to Reach Mawlynonng

Nearest Airport: Umroi Airport in Shillong is the nearest located about 90 km away from Mawlynonng Village. From here, hire a cab to reach your destination.

Nearest RailwayIn Guwahati is the closest, located about 120 km away from Mawlynonng Village. 

Road TripThere are no direct buses to Mawlynonng. You can either catch a bus or hire a private taxi or sumo jeep from Shillong or Cherrapunji to Dawki Village, which is about 17 km from your destination.

Best Time to Visit Mawlynonng

June to November is considered to be the best time to visit Mawlynonng not only because of the verdant greenery and colorful flowers, but also the famous Nongkrem Dance Festival in September and Wangala Festival in December. From August to October is considered to be a peak tourist season.

Things to do in Mawlynonng

Enjoy the panoramic view of the plains of Bangladesh from the Sky Walk, go for a hike to the Living Root Bridge, bathe in the clean waters of Mawlynonng Waterfall, taste the delicious Khasi food in a scenic homestay, and shop for handmade bamboo items like baskets, caps, artifacts, and other exclusive souvenirs.

17. Nathu La Pass:

Nathu La Pass

Located on the Old Silk Route at an altitude of about 14,140 feet, Nathu La Pass is one of the highest driving roads in Sikkim that shares its borders with China. It is one of three trading border posts opened between India and China and is a shorter route to many Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites such as Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple. However, you need to take a permit from Sikkim Government by applying to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department before embarking on this unforgettable journey.

How to Reach Nathu La Pass

Nearest AirportBagdogra Aiport in Gangtok is located about 114 km from the pass. you can hire a private taxi or shared jeep to reach your destination.

Nearest RailwayNew Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri is situated about 98 km away from Gangtok city and about 114 km from Nathu La Pass.

Road Trip: There are well-connected roads from Gangtok to Nathu La Pass, ideally famous for being the highest driving route.

Best Time to Visit Nathu La Pass

Nathu La Pass receives heavy snowfall during the winter season from November to March and the temperature usually drops below -25 C, hence making trekking and sightseeing challenging. From May to October is the summer season and hence is the perfect time to explore the rugged trails of Nathu La Pass when the temperature goes up to 10 C.

Things to do in Nathu La Pass

Watch the barbed Indo-China International border, pay respect to the brave soldiers at Watershed War Memorial, take a road leading to the spectacular Tsomgo Lake, Menmencho Lake, and explore the exotic wildlife at Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary and Zuluk Wildlife Sanctuary.

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