North East

There’s an enchanting feel to the number seven. Days of the week, wonders of the world, colors of the rainbow, marriage vows – are all spoken of in sevens! In keeping with the number’s mystical quality, we turned our focus to India’s Northeastern states or the Seven Sisters that are bewitching in their beauty and diversity in their culture. Largely unexplored, the states take pride in the natural way of living, and its people are deeply reverent and respectful of the environment. Shillong, Gangtok, Nagaland, Tawang, Majuli, and Meghalaya have somehow not been on the radar of the Indian tourist. It’s time now to change that. Imposing lush green valleys, mountains, raging rivers, astounding monasteries, ethnic customs, and traditions beckon you to explore its charm that will surely sweep you off your feet. We bring you 15 of the best places to visit in North East India.

1. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

Cherrapunji is one of the sun’s wettest areas. The place’s pristine and clean atmosphere makes it a great choice to just sit back and relax. It boasts a climate that keeps the visitors feeling refreshed and excited. The place also features several waterfalls that add further to the place’s beauty. While in Cherrapunji, some of the waterfalls worth a visit include Noh Kalikai Falls, Thelen Falls, and Noh Sngithiang Falls.

Tourist attractions in Cherrapunji include Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Dawki, Mawsmai Cave, Thangkharang Park, and Ka Khoh Ramhah, Mawlynnong, Krem Phyllut, The Ecopark, Nongsawlia, Dainthlen Waterfall, Mawkdok Dympep Valley, Khasi Monoliths, Wakaba Falls, and Nokrek National Park.

2. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang is the land of the Monpas, a multi-colored canvas decorated with white-brown and green strokes. Picturesque Buddhist monasteries, sparkling lakes, and cascading waterfalls deck this travel destination in the northeast that looks like nothing less than a slice of heaven. You can plan a vacation with ease, as Tawang has enough to meet your expectations. You don’t have to wait in long queues to visit monasteries like Taktsang Gompa or Tawang Monastery, unlike other Indian cities.

So, you get enough time to explore the rich artifact collection and Buddhist manuscripts. You may not see snow falling in the summer, but Tawang’s small lake and the lofty mountains would make you fall in love with this place. Explore the attractions such as the Jaswant Garh War Memorial, parking Teng Tso Lake, Urgelling Monastery, and some more for better sightseeing options.

3. Pelling, Sikkim

If you’re bargaining in a hill station other than the Shivalik or the Western Ghats to spend your summer break, head to Pelling – the popular Sikkim hill station. One of North-East India’s best summer holiday destinations, Pelling is about 10 km from district headquarters Gyalshing.

The most exciting part of traveling to Pelling is the unbeatable view of Kanchenjunga at dawn when the valley is still quiet and you get the golden opportunity to mingle with nature and be yourself. The famous monastery of Pemayangtse is just a kilometer from Pelling. You can reach there by trekking. There are short treks to enter for a rejuvenating nature walk that passes through s serene setting and scenic backdrop.

4. Dzukou Valley, Nagaland

If you are zealous and love to explore the most exclusive natural beauty with open eyes, plan a trip to Dzukou Valley. Tucked away at an altitude of 2438 m, this valley is the dreamland of hikers who cannot afford tough grades. This picturesque Nagaland hill station earns the sobriquet of the “North -East Valley of Flowers” to get carpeted with wildflowers in it.

Dzukou is located at the border of Manipur and Nagaland and it tends to be easy to moderate trekking expedition in this valley. Dzukou Valley Trek’s base camp is on Viswema Village, which continues via a motorized route and a narrow hilly route covered with moss.

5. Gangtok, Sikkim

Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is a wonder nestled in the northeast. It is a hill station that gives you a view of the mighty Kanchenjunga Mountains from a distant skyline. Gangtok is also a base for a host of trekking enthusiasts who head towards the Himalayan mountain ranges. The road leading from Sikkim to Gangtok becomes increasingly beautiful as you travel on. You’d enjoy your road trip every bit. Gangtok is a perfect mix of rich culture, urbanization, lush greenery, and sumptuous resorts. There is a range of tourist attractions in and around Gangtok that would pull you off your feet, such as Tsomgo Lake, Tashi Viewpoint, Ban Jhakri Falls, etc.

6. Nathu La Pass, Sikkim

The pass name translates to “hearing ears”. The trek on the Nathu La Pass is one of the North East tourism’s major highlights as it gives every traveler who experiences it an invigorating feeling. During the trek, you are treated with the views that remain for a lifetime ingrained in your memory, and you get to spot some beautiful lakes on the way. This is one of North East India’s most popular tourist spots that you should include in your itinerary.

7. Gorichen Peak, Arunachal Pradesh

Located at 6,500 meters above sea level, Gorichen Peak is the best tourist spot to visit in February in the northeast. For a thrilling experience, it’s still considered one of the most climbable peaks. It’s worth imagining the beauty of the scenes and the ecstasy you feel when you’ve scaled this huge mountain until you climb it. The Gorichen Peak is located between the districts of Tawang and West Kameng, in Tawang, India. You can also take advantage of activities such as camping, trekking, and even climbing.

8. Majuli, Assam

Nestled only about 20 kilometers away from the city of Jorhat, Majuli is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in north-eastern India. It is an environmentally friendly, pollution-free resort, surrounded by lush greenery, and a beautiful island with fresh water. Located in the Brahmaputra River seat, Majuli is no less than a state jewel. Spread over an expanse of about twelve hundred and fifty square kilometers, this beautiful island is the world’s largest river island that successfully attracts tourists and admirers all over the world. It could also have the distinction to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

9. Shillong, Meghalaya

Shillong is a hallmarked city dotted with pine trees. An idol called Lei Shillong is worshipped at Shillong’s peak which is also the source from which Shillong’s town derived its name. It is nestled at an altitude of 1496 meters. The station in the hills is known for its ancient traditions and picturesque countryside. The place’s atmosphere is so you can enjoy it at any time of year. Sometimes it receives light showers that further embellish the surroundings.

It is also popularly known as the ‘ Eastern Scottish ‘ due to the beauty of Shillong’s places. A large number of waterfalls are found in the area. Shillong’s other main attractions include numerous mountain peaks, golf courses, crystal clear water lakes, ancient museums, and more.

10. Mawsynram, Meghalaya

The most rainfall is provided by the beautiful village of Mawsynram. For all nature lovers, it is a perfect tourist destination. Cherrapunji is trounced by Mawsynram merely by a slight margin of being the wettest location in India. Mawsynram ‘MAW’ is a’ stone’ Khasi word. This term symbolizes the famous, unearthed megaliths in the Khasi hilly regions. Mawsynram village is quite famous for the massive shape that features the village. It consists of stalagmite and takes the form of a ‘Shivling’. This quiet Meghalaya district village is nestled in the Eastern Khasi Hills.