When you're here, you should vist Cafe Shillong! This is one of the best places in Shillong to try a variety of thupkas and noodles. The staff are friendly, the service is impeccable, and they are quick to recommend some must-try dishes!

Nature lovers should also visit Dawki River. This river forms a border between India and Bangladesh and is one of the cleanest bodies of water you will come across. So clean that locals claim you can drink directly from the river. Take a boat ride to the beach to enjoy a river-chilled drink or dip in the water.

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.

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.. 

One thing I love more than beaches is secluded beaches. This is the Korlai Beach in Alibag, which for some reason is empty every time we have visited. There is an old colonial fort on one end that offers the most amazing views of the Arabian Sea. Perfect day trip from Navi Mumbai.

While everyone loves the beaches of Alibag not many know of this Portuguese Era fort overlooking the Arabian Sea. Korlai Fort can be reached via a short trek and offers unbelievable panoramic views.

The waterfalls in Sikkim are overcrowded, skip them and spend some time exploring the Rabdentse ruins, near Pelling, that offer an insight into the former princely state.

Sikkim is a mountainous state with countless hairpin bends and narrow bridges connecting remote regions. Rely on the expertise of the drivers for a safe trip in the state. If you think you might experience AMS, take anti-nausea pills before your journey and carry camphor to help with breathing. Allow your body to adjust to the high altitudes and spend a couple of nights at least in each place instead of rushing through Sikkim. This is a high mountain bridge that we crossed as we left Lachung behind and headed towards Lachen.

Sikkim is dotted with ancient monasteries on hilltops that offer the most spectacular views of the Himalayan state. The one in Pelling has a unique glass walkway and is a great place to spend a few hours. Many allow visitors to meditate, and some have guides who can explain the history and significance of the buildings.

A lot of the high-altitude passes in the northeastern states are under a cover of snow year-round, with snowfall most of the year. Therefore, access to these depends on weather conditions. This is on the way to Nathu-La Pass in Sikkim, which we unfortunately could not visit during our trip due to snow on the roads. Visitors should be slightly flexible with their itineraries when visiting higher altitude areas.

While people mostly visit Rajhasthan for its magnificent forts, the smaller towns offer the perfect off beat excursion. This is a stepwell in a small town called Bundi. The best part was that there were no tourists. If you are not scared of heights, do visit the temple within the well.

Kaho Yai National Park is an absolute must visit especially if you are in Thailand with family. Kids will love the mini treks to the waterfalls and there are marked wooden pathways to visit attractions and points within the park. The park also conducts guided tours that takes tourists into the heart of the forest.