For those who love going off the beaten track, Northeast India is their oyster. The stunning region is adventure central, with you navigating through what are some of the worst roads you’ll ever travel on. What lies, however, at the end of the road is a wondrous world full of majestic blue mountains, magnificent gushing white cascades, and lush greenery. As the region slowly but steadily embraces modernity, it retains and celebrates its cultural character, whether it’s churches for praying to the sun and moon or colorful Buddhist monasteries dotting the region. Here are the best places to visit in Northeast India.
1. Gangtok, Sikkim
Nestled on a precipitous mountain ridge is Sikkim’s capital Gangtok, with views of the lush greenery on one side and spectacular views of the snow-topped Mount Khangchendzonga on the other. Established as a Buddhist pilgrimage site, this vibrant, boisterous modern city features many attractions, of which the former royal residence of Chogyal Palace is the most visited. Other places to see in the city include Enchey Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Hanuman Tok, and Tashi Viewpoint. The Nathula Pass, which connects India with China’s Tibetan Autonomous Region, is 50 km (31 miles) from Gangtok.
2. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Getting to the picturesque Tawang valley in Arunachal Pradesh is a zig-zag adventure up the Brahmaputra plains, which lead to this spectacular, lush valley speckled with white-and-gold Buddhist monasteries. Home to the stunning, holy Tawang Monastery, Tawang, which also has a heavy Indian Army presence, is all about Buddhist stupas, prayer flags, and the lush jungle which turns icy in the winter. Visit the Tawang War Memorial, Nuranang Falls, Jaswant Garh war memorial, Peng Teng Tso Lake, Urgelling Gompa, Taktsang Gompa, and the gorgeous Sela Pass.
3. Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya
Having once held the title of the wettest place on earth, the stunning Cherrapunji, also known as Chera or formally Sohra, lies amidst swirling white clouds and a permanent mist that lends the place an ethereal charm. The traditional capital of the Khasi tribal kingdom, Cherrapunji is all about thrilling cave systems (Mawsmai, Krem Mawmlu), bioengineering marvels (double-decker Living Root bridge), stunning rock formations (Motrop or Khoh Ramhah), and an endless list of jaw-dropping cascades such as the Nohsngithiang, Dainthlen, and Nohkalikai, the tallest plunge waterfall in India.
4. Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
Named after the mysterious brick ruins of the 14th-century Ita Fort, Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, might be a bustling, commercial town, but it is lush-green the minute one leaves its environs. The beautiful, yellow-roofed Buddhist Temple with manicured gardens overlooks the town, which also has a tree planted by Dalai Lama on its grounds. Don’t miss the town’s bustling Ganga Market area and Jawaharlal Nehru Museum. Travelers can also picnic at the Gayker Sinyi a.k.a. Ganga Lake, visit the zoo at Polo Park, admire the green Itanagar Sanctuary, and even indulge in white-water rafting along the Dibang, Siang, Subansri, and the Kameng rivers.
Traveler's tips
Allocate time in your itinerary to also visit the Gurudongmar Lake! Located at 17,000 feet, it is the second-highest lake in India. The only way to reach the lake is by car, with the closest city almost 4 hours away. This lake is sacred to Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists, and you feel a sense of calm. The oxygen levels are low, and the wind is chilling, so do not exert yourself. The lake is also just a few kilometers from the Chinese border.
Traveler's tips
Nature lovers will also love Zero Point in Sikkim. Covered in snow throughout the year, this interesting place is where all civilian roads end, hence the name Zero Point. While the location is incredible, the drive is just as scenic, with several viewpoints and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary along the way..
5. Guwahati, Assam
Guwahati, Northeast India’s most cosmopolitan city and the original gateway to the region, sits on the southern banks of the majestic Brahmaputra. Home to the famous, must-see Kamakhya temple, the areas along the river in Guwahati is where the true character of the town can be experienced, right from colonial-era mansions to green fringes of palm trees and ponds. Visit the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden, Assam State Museum, and the Umananda Temple on the charming Umananda Island in the middle of the Brahmaputra.
6. Dispur, Assam
One of the smallest capitals in the world, Dispur in Assam is silk and tea production central. Since it was originally a part of the city of Guwahati and it lies right next to it, Dispur and the surrounding areas can be explored on a day trip from Guwahati. Engage in an evening cruise on the gorgeous Brahmaputra/Dibang river, explore the lesser-touristy Basistha Ashram at the confluence of Kanta, Lalitha, and Sandhya rivers, and get to know all about Assamese culture at Shilpagram, which showcases a range of hand-made handicrafts.
7. Shillong, Meghalaya
Seven roads meeting at one hell of a hectic roundabout is the heart of the hill station of Shillong today. The capital of Meghalaya Shillong, which was formerly colonial/post-Independence Assam’s capital, is aptly monikered “Scotland of the East” for the rolling hills surrounding the charming town. Visit the dense, fern-covered Elephant Falls, Lady Hydari Park and Zoo, the colonial Wards Lake, multiple cultural museums, and Motphran a.k.a. the “Monument of France”. The town is also home to one of Asia’s largest natural golf courses - Gleneagles of the East.
8. Imphal, Manipur
Imagine being a state capital and also its only city! Imphal in Manipur is exactly that, with the Northeast’s most impressive, grand historic monument, the Kangla Fort, located right in the heart of the city. The ancient, star-shaped mud fort of Bihu Loukhon is nothing like you would’ve ever seen, and the largest women-vendors-only market in the world, the vibrant Ima Keithel, is a vivid force to reckon with. The city is also home to two war cemeteries which are the outcome of one of WWII’s fiercest battles, the Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple Complex, and the historical Red Hill.
9. Kohima, Nagaland
The quaint, hilly Kohima’s claim to fame is the famous Hornbill Festival held in the first week of December every year. Originally founded as the British India town Kewhira, Nagaland’s capital city Kohima has tons of attractions for travelers to check out, including the Kohima War Cemetery, Naga Heritage Village, which is the site of the hornbill Festival, the State Museum, Central Market, and the WWII Museum, all of which showcase the rich cultural heritage of this tiny, hilly town.
10. Dimapur, Nagaland
Home to Nagaland’s only railway station and functional airport, Dimapur is the state’s largest city and also the gateway to it. With a name loosely translating to “Big River City” in the Sino-Tibetan language of Kachari/Dimasa, Dimapur lies on the banks of the Dhansiri River. This was where all the action between Imperial Japan and the British took place during WWII. The gorgeously intricate Jain Dimapur Temple is perhaps the biggest attraction in town. Other places to see include the national heritage and historic fortress Kachari Rajbari, ruins dating back to the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom, and tons of waterfalls.
11. Jorhat, Assam
India’s Tea Capital Jorhat is also Assam’s Cultural Capital. The lush-green Jorhat also happens to be the last capital of the mighty, supreme Ahom kingdom which ruled for more than 600 years. Jorhat is home to acres of verdant tea gardens including the Tocklai Tea Research Centre, one of the oldest tea research institutes in the world. This is also the gateway to Majuli Island on the Brahmaputra River, which is the world’s largest river island. Other unmissable attractions include the Bangalpukhri water tank, Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Vaishab and Garmur Satra, and Lachit Barophukan’s Maidam.
12. Agartala, Tripura
A trip to Tripura’s only “city”, Agartala, on the banks of the Haora River is akin to stepping back in time. Derived from the words “Agar” (a valuable incense/perfume tree) and “Tala” (meaning beneath), Agartala and the region feature a dense population of Agarwood trees. The white, regal Ujjayanta Palace, the former home to the Manikya Dynasty and which now houses the Tripura State Museum, is probably what Agartala is most known for. Other places to see include the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary and Ummaneshwar Temple.
13. Aizawl, Mizoram
Aizawl, Mizoram’s unhurried, hilly capital, will surprise most - denizens of this town don’t honk or drink, and the town and its neighboring districts have a nearly 98% literacy rate! Cultural influences of the ethnic Mizo people are evidently palpable in “Eye-zole”, as Aizawl is pronounced. Explore the Mizoram State Museum, Solomon’s Temple, and the central, bustling Chanmari area. For the more intrepid travelers wanting to get off the beaten track and explore the Northeast Indian countryside, Aizawl is where you need to begin your journey.
14. Tezpur, Assam
Tezpur is a town full of ironies - while its literal translation is “The City of Blood” (“Teza” – blood, “Pur” – city/town), its moniker is “City of Eternal Romance”! Nestled on the northern banks of the Brahmaputra River and home to more than 70 tea gardens, Tezpur is considered as Assam’s oldest inhabited city, with ruins dating back to the 4th century having been found here. Explore the picturesque Monabarie Tea Estate, which is the world’s largest tea garden, Da-Parbatia, Agnigarh, Hazara Pukhuri water tank, Nameri National Park, and Orang Wildlife Sanctuary.
15. Pelling, Sikkim
Nestled on the edge of a gorgeous natural forest at the foothills of the magnificent Khangchendzonga, Pelling brims with natural beauty and rich heritage and culture. Dawn in Pelling is dedicated to taking in breathtaking views of the snow-laden Khangchendzonga. The days are to explore the town, which is home to 18th-century Rabdentse palace ruins and the historic Pemayangtse Gompa and Sanghak Choeling monasteries. Also, explore the laidback Darap village and picnic at Rimbi River while also enjoying water-based fun at Rimbi waterfall.
16. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
Having risen to prominence as Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong in the lush green East Khasi Hills region of Meghalaya is as pretty as a postcard - think bamboo huts, green, trimmed hedges, flowering orchids and vines dangling from trees and walls, and hundreds of waterfalls and small streams flowing everywhere. The laidback Matlynnong started out as a community-based eco-tourism village, with dustbins all over the place and smoking and plastic both banned. Visitors can trek to the neighboring village of Riwai, which is home to one of Meghalaya’s many spectacular living root bridges. The matriarchal Khasi tribe inhabit Mawlynnong, where also stands a natural balancing rock which itself stands on a boulder.
17. Tinsukia, Assam
Named after the Tinkunia Pukhuri (three-sided pond) in the very heart of the city, Tinsukia is probably best known for being an important center for tea production and for being the gateway to the stunning river island-biosphere reserve of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, which is home to the rare white-winged wood duck. Other places to explore in and near this quaint town are the Tilinga Mandir, Rukmini Island, and Margherita, a stunningly picturesque colonial-era town.
18. Dawki, Meghalaya
Do you remember pictures of an unbelievably transparent river from Northeast India? Dawki, an Indian-Bangladesh border town in Meghalaya is where the stunning phenomenon, known as the Umngot River, is. The ethereal “transparent river”, with its jeweled emerald waters, is also an Indo-Bangladesh border, with a suspension bridge connecting both countries. Travelers can fish in, boat along, and even camp by the Umngot/Dawki River and even explore the Byrdaw Falls and the village of Laitlyting a little away from Dawki.
19. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
One of Arunachal Pradesh’s oldest towns, the quaint Ziro, with its undulating verdant landscapes, green rice fields, and bamboo and pine hills, is home to the friendly Apatani tribe. Music lovers visiting Ziro in September can feast their ears to the now-famous Ziro Music Festival, one of India’s best outdoor music festivals. Nature lovers must visit the Talley Wildlife Sanctuary. The more intrepid ones can visit Meghna Cave Temple, trek to Kile Pakho to spy majestic views of the Himalayas, and camp at Ziro Pluto hill.
20. Dharmanagar, Tripura
The peaceful Dharmanagar in Tripura, which is also the state’s second-largest city, is probably most known for being the closest big town to the ancient worship site of Unakoti, which houses huge stone idols and rock-cut images of Lord Shiva, which is a must-see. Travelers can also visit the nearby attractions of Roa Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalibari Temple, the scenic town of Hafllong, and the scenic, lush-green Jampui Hills.
21. Dibrugarh, Assam
On the southern banks of the Brahmaputra in Assam sits what is the nucleus of India’s most productive tea-growing region - Dibrugarh. The region surrounding the town is an amazing retreat for nature and wildlife lovers, who will find the Jokai Botanical Garden-cum-Germplasm Center with its endangered plant species particularly interesting. Dibrugarh is also home to one of Assam’s most important temples, the Shrikshetra Dhaam Lord Jagannath Temple, a replica of the one in Puri, Odisha. Other places to see in Dibrugarh also include Sarumechlow and Bormechow Maidam and the Ahom dynasty ruins at Dehing Satra.
22. Mokokchung, Nagaland
The cultural core of Nagaland’s Ao people, as well as an important political and economic hub in the state, the ancient Mokokchung is part of one of Nagaland’s most intellectual and culturally rich regions. Travelers to northern Nagaland can explore Mokochung District Museum and the Town Main Park, but what they should really not miss is visiting the largest, oldest Ao village of Unman. Other places of interest near Mokokchung include Chuchuyimlang, Mopungchukit, Langpangkong, and Longkhum.
23. Dhubri, Assam
Surrounded by the Gadhadhar and Brahmaputra rivers in the North, East, and South, it is no wonder that the ancient Dhubri, famous for the ancient town of Dhubri, is called the “Land of Rivers”. Dhubri is known for the pre-historic Netai-Dhubuni ghat dedicated to the mythological figure of Netai-Dhubuni. It is also famous for the Gurdwara Sri Tegh Bahadur/Thara Sahib which was constructed in the memory of the visit of the Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru, as well as Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru. Travelers can also visit Rangamati Mosque, Panchpeer Dargah, and the Mahamaya Dham and Shakti Peeth Snan Ghat in Bogribari, 35 km northeast (21.7 miles).
24. Lachung, Sikkim
Translating to “small pass”, the stunning Himalayan village of Lachung in Sikkim is the very epitome of picturesque gorgeousness, complete with meandering glacial rivers of clear water, vibrant orchards of fruit peeking out from verdant vines and trees, striking cascades of waterfalls, and dark-green mountains surrounding the region. Skiing enthusiasts can indulge in the sport in Phuni, around half-an-hour away. Trekking enthusiasts will love the Rhododendron Valley Trek, for which the base camp and beginning is Lachung.
25. Udaipur, Tripura
The town of lakes and temples, Udaipur, with the Gomti River flowing right through it, is Tripura’s third-biggest city. Formerly Rangamati, Udaipur is perhaps most famous for the 500-year-old-plus Tripureshwari/Tripura Sundari temple, one of India’s 51 Shakti Peethas. Other attractions to see in the city include the Bijoy Sagar Lake, the charming, flowering Tepania Ecopark, Nazrul Granthghar, Udaipur’s library, and many temples. Another attraction is the Neermahal Water Palace, 25.8 km (16 miles) west of town.
26. Ukhrul, Manipur
Manipur’s highest hill station and the home of the Tangkhul Naga is the charming, quaint Ukhrul, a tranquil land of wildlife, rich Naga culture, and lovely, scenic natural beauty. Walk around the village and you’ll see traditionally dressed men and women, with the men wearing a shawl called ‘Howrah’ and the women dressed in the traditional dress called 'Kashan’. Spy the Shirui Lily at the Shiroi Peak, the only place the flower grows in the world. Other attractions to see in and around Ukhrul include Maramphung, Rajai, Marem, and Kalhang saline springs, Nillai Tea Estate, Azoa Jenephiu Magi Lake, Hungdung Manga and Khankhui Caves, and Dilly Waterfalls.
27. Kailashahar, Tripura
Located right along the Indo-Bangladesh border with the Manu River running right through it, Kailashahar, the former capital of the Tripuran kingdom, is probably most famous for the Nutan Kalibari Temple, an important site for Hindu devotees. The ancient site of Unakoti is just 10 km from Kailashahar, so those flying into Tripura can directly head to Unakoti from here. Other places to see in Kailashahar include the Lakhi Narayan Bari, Chouddo Devotar Mandir, and more than 100-year-old tea estates.
28. Ravangla, Sikkim
A beautiful, burnished statue of the Buddha seated on a throne sits strikingly against the snow-clad Himalayan mountain ranges - Ravangla in Sikkim is nothing short of a revelation. A panoramic landscape sprawled across the Tendong and Maenam Hills, Ravangla is important to Buddhists, for the very town was built to commemorate the 2550th birth year of Lord Gautama Buddha in 2006. The 130-foot-high (40-meter) striking Buddha Statue sits in the middle of verdant gardens in Buddha Park in Ravangla. Ravangla also happens to be a bird watcher’s paradise, with Himalayan birds such as the rare satyr tragopan, white-browned fantails, blue whistling-thrushes, and verditer flycatchers. Other places to see and explore in Ravangla include the Bon and Ralang Monasteries, Ralong hot springs, Temi tea estate, and the stunningly gorgeous Kewzing village.
29. Haflong, Assam
Assam’s only hill station, Haflong, also known as White Ant Hillock, is like a balm for travelers, complete with stunning views of dark mountain ranges, beautiful, tranquil lakes, lush forests surrounding the region, and innumerable waterfalls and streams adorning the foliage. Enjoy a serene getaway while traveling through Assam and explore Haflong and its many attractions - Haflong Lake, Haflong Hill, and Maibong, the 17th-century capital of the Dimasa Kachari dynasty and an ancient center for Assamese culture and art. One can also visit the mysterious Jatinga, a place where birds get disoriented by bright lights of houses while flying during shower and fog season of September-October, knowingly getting shot in the process!
30. Mawsynram, Meghalaya
Expect to journey through tempestuous rain and a landscape straight out JRR Tolkien’s novels when you head to Mawsynram, which holds the Guinness World Record and the title of being the wettest place on earth. Drizzly, eternally wet Mawsynram is perhaps most famous for the “living bridges”, numerous versions of which lay sprawled across the rain-soaked region. These natural bridges are said to long-outlive manmade ones, turning these bridges into somewhat ethereal attractions. For those who are looking for adventure, explore the nature-made stalagmites in the starkly-dark, underground caves at Mawjymbuin. Nature lovers can visit the sacred groves at Mawphlang, Asia’s cleanest village of Mawlynnong, and the root bridges at Nongriat. End your day of exploration with a steaming cup of tea as you stand happily drenched by the roadside.
Navigate through Northeast India
The Northeast region of India is a deeply rich region, whether it is the culture or its abundant natural beauty. Right from its bigger, urban cities and zig-zagging roads to stunning, verdant, hilly villages and undulating greens and meandering rivers, Northeast India is a kaleidoscopic region waiting to be explored. For those intrepid ones looking for a truly offbeat, different, and a diverse holiday, the Northeast region of India beckons.
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