What is it that you look for when you go on a vacation? Perhaps it is nature and its beauty that amazes you or maybe you seek thrill and adventure? Or is it the food and culture that you wish to explore? Well, whatever your preferences are, the North East has it all. Every state in this part of the country boasts of natural beauty, tradition, culture and more. In fact, it is quite a task to decide which state or cities you should include in your visit to the North East.
To help you out, we have curated a list of 10 best places to visit in North East India. Check it out!
Best Places To Visit In Assam
1. Majuli
This pristine, freshwater island in the river Brahmaputra is nothing short of heaven for nature lovers and is definitely one of the best places in Assam. Located about 20 km from Jorhat, Majuli – the largest river island in the world, can only be accessed via a ferry ride from the city. To get a glimpse at the tribal culture and traditions of Majuli, plan your visit around November when the 4-day long Majuli festival is held.
Best time to visit: Anytime during the year
How to reach: Reach Jorhat airport or station. Take a ferry to Majuli from Jorhat.
Places to visit: Samaguri Satra, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay, Kamalabari Satra, Dakhinpat Satra, Tengapnia & Bangalpukhari
Cuisines: Apong, Porag Aapin, Pamnam Fish & Chicken, Bamboo Chicken Curry
2. Guwahati
Guwahati is among the largest cities in the region and is known for its wide range of tourist attractions. The city, also known as the ‘Gateway of North East India’ also hosts an annual international Flower and Garden Festival. One thing you must go for while visiting this Assam famous places is the Brahmaputra River Cruise.
Best time to visit: October to April
How to reach: Via Guwahati Airport
Places to visit: Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Temple, Assam State Zoo, Fancy Bazaar, Assam State Museum, ISKCON Guwahati, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Accoland
Cuisines: Jahl Muri, Momos, Thukpa, Luchi, Assam Tea, Silkworms, Khaar, Masor Tenga
3. Nagaon
About 120 kilometres east of Guwahati lies the beautiful city of Nagaon, which is perhaps one of the best places to visit in Assam. Known for its lush forests and meadows, wildlife sanctuaries, incredible waterways, lavish scenes and a range of flora and fauna, this place offers a host of interesting activities for tourists. If wildlife trails and bird watching are how you want to spend your vacation, a visit to the famous Kaziranga national park is a must. If you are a thrill-seeker, go for adventure activities like angling, parasailing, water scooter ride and more.
How to reach: Via Tezpur airport (67 kilometres away)
Best time to visit: Winters. However, you can also plan a trip in the summer before the monsoon hits
Places to visit:Laokhowa wildlife sanctuary, Nagaon Beach, Silghat, Bordowa Toran, Akashiganga waterfall, Champawati Kunda, Tukeswari, Surya Pahar, Nandeswar Devalaya
Cuisine: Hanhor Mangkho (Duck Meat Curry), Maasor Tenga, Aloo Pitika, Xaak Aru Bhaji, Ou Tenga
Beautiful Tourist Places To Visit In Sikkim
1. Gangtok
One of the most visited tourist places in the North East, Gangtok is the perfect place for adventure lovers, nature lovers, cultural explorers and honeymooners! The capital city offers a list of must-visit tourist attractions. Take in the breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, explore the vibrant culture or enjoy the scrumptious local cuisine, there is so much to do here. It is also the base for several Himalayan treks.
If you visit Gangtok during the summer (March to Mid-May), you can witness the beauty of Rhododendron blooms that almost transform the entire city.
Best time to visit: October to December or March to May
How to reach: Via Bagdogra Airport. Guwahati has its own railhead and is also well connected with nearby cities via bus routes
Places to visit: Nathu La, Gurudongmar Lake, Baba mandir, Rumtek Monastery, MG Road, Ganesh Tok & Tsomgo Lake
Cuisine: Momos, Shah-Phaley, Wonton, Thukpa, Gyathuk
2. Ravangla
Ravangla is a quaint little town in the southern part of Sikkim known for stunning sunrise scenes, hot springs and the Himalayan Migratory Birds. If you want to avoid the bustle of big cities for some peace and quiet, this is just the place for you. In summers the town is covered in beautiful blooms while the snow-clad mountain remains the main attraction in winters.
How to reach: reach Bagdogra Airport or The New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Then take a bus or a taxi to Ravangla
Best time to visit: Between April to June or September and January
Places to visit: Ralang Monastery (6km away from Ravangla)
Cuisine: Momos, Thukpa, Sel Roti, Chhurpi-Ningro Curry, Pakku, Kinema Curry
3. Pelling
This hill station at the foothills of Khangchendzonga is known for its exhilarating natural beauty and for being a centre for spirituality. For peace seekers, a visit to Sanga Choling Monastery is a must. If you are an adventure junkie, you will enjoy activities like mountain terrain biking, walking tours and rock climbing.
Best time to visit: September to May or December for the Kanchenjunga Winter Tourism Festival
How to reach: Reach Gangtok and hire a taxi for Pelling (which is about 120 km away).
Places to visit: Sanga Choling Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, Darap Cherny Village, Kanchenjunga National Park, Rabdentse Ruins, Pemayangste monastery, Sewaro Rock Garden & Khangchendzonga Waterfalls.
Cuisine: Dhindo, phagshapa, gundurk and sinki, dal bhaat
Best Places In Meghalaya
1. Shillong
The ‘Scotland of the East as it is popularly known, Shillong is known for scenic beauty, food and festivity, and music! No matter what your preferences are, being one of the best places in Meghalaya, Shillong has something for everyone here. From serene pine-clad neighbourhood to lively downtown areas, from busy street markets to crystal-clear waterfalls and lakes, this hill town has it all. The best way to experience the unique Himalayan charm of Shillong is through its quick-growing cafe culture. Some of the best places to visit in Shillong include lakes, canyons, waterfalls and churches.
Best time to visit: visit this Meghalaya famous places between March and June or between November and February
How to reach: Reach Guwahati Airport and then take a taxi to Shillong.
Places to visit: Ward’s Lake, Laitlum Canyons, Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Museum, Golf Links, and All Saints Church.
Cuisine: Jadoh, Momos, Tungrymbai, Dohneiiong, Dohkhlieh, Chilly pork
2. Mawlynnong Village
If a sustainable lifestyle and eco-friendly living is your thing (and it should be!), this is one place you gotta check out. Back in 2013, Mawlynnong (Shillong) was announced as the cleanest village in Asia. But that’s not all there is to it. One among the best Meghalaya famous places, this village marks the starting point for the trek for the incredible Living Root Bridge trek.
Best time to visit: Any time of the year
How to reach: Reach Shillong and then take a cab to Mawlynnong.
Places to visit: Riwai, church, Butterfly museum, Living Root Bridge, Balancing Rock, Tree Top Viewpoint
Cuisine: Jadoh, Tungrymbai
Tourist Attractions In Arunachal Pradesh
1. Tawang
Located at an elevation of 10,000 feet, Tawang presents several tourist attractions you can visit. It is the smallest district in the state and has its own festival, celebrating the culture and heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. Scenic beauty, spirituality and serenity are the things that define this place the best. The cuisine here is a mix of Monpas and traditional North-Eastern food. The street food here is something you can’t miss.
Best time to visit: Between March and June or September and October
How to reach: Take a taxi from Guwahati (a 16-hour car ride)
Places to visit: Sela Pass, Tawang Monastery, Madhuri Lake, Nuranang Waterfall, Pankang Teg Tso Lake, Jaswant Garh War Memorial & Taktsang Gompa
Cuisine: Zan, Gyapa Khazi, (and of course!) Momos, Thukpa
2. Ziro Valley
This picturesque valley seems right out of an artist’s dream! Located at the foothills of Himalaya, Ziro Valley is surrounded by vibrant flora and fauna, aesthetic bamboo huts, quaint hamlets, majestic pine hills, and large paddy rice fields. But this place isn’t only for nature lovers. It is also a great option for adventure seekers and people who like to explore different cultures. A glimpse of the life of Ziro’s Apa Tani tribe is one thing you will always cherish. Ziro valley is known for the much-awaited Ziro Music festival that is held in September every year.
Best time to visit: Between April and June or October and March
How to reach: Via Jorhat Airport which is 98 kilometres from Ziro
Places to visit: Kile Pakho, Dolo Mando, Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Train Fish Farm, Meghna Cave Temple & Modey
Cuisine: Pika pila, Apong, Bamboo chicken
Choosing among these best tourist places in north east India is difficult but whatever your decision is, you will not regret it. No matter which destination you decide to visit, North East India offers an experience you won’t ever forget. #BeALittleMore open to exploring the mesmerising beauty of nature that this part of our vibrant nation has been blessed with! Have a great trip!
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