Best Places To Visit In North East India

The one-horned Rhinos are an endangered species with just three thousand of them left in the world. Kaziranga National Park in Assam is home to about nearly 2000 of them. Watching them while you are on a safari in this illustrious national park is an unmatched experience. The majestic animal moves you as you feel the awe of nature inspire you. Kaziranga is a place to visit in North East India for a completely spellbinding experience.

Best Time: October to June

Perched between the mountains at a dizzying height of 12400 ft above sea level, the Tsomgo Lake is one of the few high-altitude lakes in India situated on the Gangtok - Nathu La highway. Also popularly known as Changu Lake, it is a part of every tourist's itinerary and for a good reason - the overwhelming scenic beauty. The lake's mesmerising scenic allure combined with its legendary significance to the locals definitely makes it a must visit attraction of Sikkim.

Known For : Double Decker Living Root Bridge Nohkalikai Waterfalls Mawsmai Cave

Cherrapunjee is popular for many things but more so for its living root bridges. A feat of human genius and nature’s magic, these bridges which are spread across the city are built through the roots of trees. The experience of seeing such a thing and walking is worth travelling for. An example of north-east India’s amazing ability to fascinate its visitors, walking on these bridges will be an experience which will stay with you for some time. Add this to a list of places to visit in North East India, if you haven’t done so already!

Best Time: October to February

22 Cherrapunji Attractions

Known For : Umiam Lake Elephant Falls Shillong Peak

A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It derives its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496 meters, Shillong provides a relief from the heat across the country. This hill station is known for its picturesque sights and traditions. The soothing climate makes Shillong suitable to visit in all seasons. The light drizzles and the cooling gentle wind adds to the joy of visiting this hill station. This place is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’. 

Best Time: September to May

33 Shillong Attractions

Known For : Tawang Monastery Sela Pass Madhuri Lake

Tawang Monastery is the largest in the country and therefore attracts many Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. The place in northeast India is spiritual heaven with an atmosphere of infinite peace, calm and beauty. A visit to this monastery can allow you to self-reflect, something one misses out in the daily struggles of life. Besides the spiritual experience, Tawang Monastery is architecturally very aesthetic, a fitting symbol of a stunning city.

Best Time: March - June; September - October

13 Tawang Attractions

Known For : Nathula Pass MG Road, Gangtok Tsomgo Lake

Extremely alluring, pleasantly boisterous and wreathed in clouds - Gangtok, the capital city of the Sikkim can also give you a spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, at a distant skyline. The pristine hill station nestled in mountains and clouds is also a base for a whole lot of trekkers to the Himalayan mountain ranges. The mesmerising prismatic beauty and the beautiful winding hill roads are even more breathtaking if seen from a bird’s eye view in a cable car.

Best Time: Throughout the year

34 Gangtok Attractions

Nathula, one of the highest drive roads in the world, is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks that co-joins Sikkim and China. Nathula Pass is situated on the Indo-Chinese border and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in India. Several tourists flock here every year for trekking in the valley and enjoying the scenic beauty. It also offers an opportunity to see beautiful snow peaks encircling the area making it one of the most stunning places to visit in North East India.

Known For : Tarin Fish Farm Kile Pakho Ziro Music Festival

The cradle to a unique tribal group and a balmy climate, Ziro is the peace seeker's paradise. Ziro is a quaint old town in Arunachal Pradesh, home to the Apa Tani tribe and famous for its pine hills and rice fields. Ziro is a quaint old town in Arunachal Pradesh, home to the Apa Tani tribe and famous for its pine hills and rice fields. The climate in Ziro is mild through the year, making it comfortable to travel all year round.

Best Time: September - November ; March - May

9 Ziro Attractions

A small border town in the Jaintia Hills, Dawki and its famed river Umngot is a must visit if in Meghalaya. Sandwiched between India and Bangladesh, Dawki is a major center of trade between India and Bangladesh. The small city, besides being a trade hub is also famous for its tourism scene, with many people flocking to the city in order experience a boat ride in its famed Umngot River and enjoy the nearby sights and sounds

The fourth highest waterfalls in the world, Nohkalikai falls plunge some 335 meters from a verdant cliff to the ground giving the portrayal of immense and natural magnificence. The pride of the state of Meghalaya, the falls are one of the most beautiful and grand waterfalls in the country. Tucked in between evergreen rainforest of the Khasi Hill and flowing with all its majesty and might, the falls plunges into a lagoon which is as blue as the afternoon sky.

A unique lake in the heart of Manipur, Loktak Lake is considered the lifeline of Manipur. The lake is beautiful and unique due to the floating islands within it. These islands are made out of natural waste and our home to the fishermen who reside on them. A boat ride in the lake will get you close to these floating islands and give you a chance to spot the rare and endangered marine life of the lake.

Known For : Kamalabari Satra Dakhinpat Satra Garmur

Majuli is a lush green environment-friendly, pristine and pollution free freshwater island in the river Brahmaputra, just 20 km from the Jorhat city. With a total area of 1250 sq. km, Majuli is the world's largest river island and it attracts tourists from all over the world. Among one of the most surreal places to visit in North East India, Majuli is also a strong contender for a place in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

Best Time: October - April

5 Majuli Attractions

The highest peak in the state of Arunachal Pradesh near the Tibetan border, trekking at Gori Chen is an ‘other worldly’ experience to say the least. It is the most popular trekking circuits among climbers and hikers in the north-east and provides a moderate challenge to trekkers. The trek, the landscape and the thrill is something one should experience if traveling to north-east India.

Known For : Mawlyngbna Mawjymbuin Cave Nohalikalai Falls

Mawsynram, situated in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, holds the distinction of being the wettest place on Earth. With its breathtaking landscapes and record-breaking rainfall, Mawsynram offers a unique destination for adventurous travelers.  Located approximately 65 kilometers from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, and 80 kilometers from Cherrapunji  Mawsynram is a perfect destination for a day trip. 

Best Time: June - August; November - February

7 Mawsynram Attractions

Goecha La is a high mountain pass located at a height of 4,940 m and acts as the base camp for the southeast face of Kanchenjunga. This place can only be accessed by trekking from Yuksom and it roughly takes 7-8 days for a person to reach Goecha La and come back to Yuksom. The area is accessible only after proper permits are granted.

Pelling, a beautiful town in the West district of Sikkim, is becoming the second biggest tourist destination in Sikkim after Gangtok. The main attraction of the place is the breath-taking sight of the Khangchendzonga and the neighbouring peaks. The famous Pemayangste monastery is less than a kilometre from here and is a major tourist hotspot. It also provides sites for mountain biking, rock climbing, village tours, meditations, educational studies and several other activities.

Umiam Lake, a mesmerizing man-made reservoir, is located at a distance of 15 kilometres north of Shillong which is the capital of the north-eastern Indian state of Meghalaya. The lake was formed after a dam was constructed to generate hydroelectric power. The serene lake is surrounded by thick coniferous forests and expands over an area of about 222 square kilometres. The sunrises here are one of its calling factors making it one of the best places to visit in North East India.

One of the most stunning places to visit in northeast India, you will come across, Japfu Peak and Dzukou Valley is an amazing place to trek and camp at. Camping here amidst the green slopes which stretch far into the horizon is seriously an experience of a lifetime. Located in the state of Nagaland, they are easily accessible and anyone can camp and trek in the valley. For some, it is the Scotland of the East.

A tributary of the Mighty Brahmaputra River, Siang is just as violent as the Brahmaputra. The home to Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, the Siang River is perfect for some thrilling white water river rafting with grade III and IV rapids. The river is also great for angling and kayaking. You can reach Siang through Tawang. One can find many rafting operators there who offer equipment and guidance to visitors.

Known For : Lake of No return Miao World War II Cemetery

Changlang District shares international boundary with Myanmar (Burma) and is best known for its bio-diversity and scenic beauty and a unique culture that makes it standout from the nearby areas. Changlang has a subtle uniqueness in its attitude, nature and environment, hinting towards an exotic and distinct identity. What it shares, however with the rest of the state is lush green surroundings, pleasant environment and picturesque sceneries.

Best Time: November to February

6 Changlang Attractions

Known For : Umananda Temple Kamakhya Temple Guwahati Zoo

Famously regarded as the gateway to North-East India, Guwahati is the largest city in the state of Assam. It is also the largest metropolis in the entire North-Eastern region of India, making it the most preferred staging point to other destinations in the region. Sandwiched by the river Brahmaputra on one side and the Shillong Plateau on the other, this city was formerly known as Pragjyotishpura. 

Best Time: October to April

34 Guwahati Attractions

Nagaland is known as the 'Land of Festivals' and one such grand carnival, organized by the State Tourism of Arts and Culture Department, Government of Nagaland is 'Hornbill festival'. Also known as ''Festival of Festivals", this is a commonly celebrated being a traditional cluster of all the seventeen Naga tribes, to promote intercultural harmony.

Manas National Park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve in Assam. The only tiger reserve in Assam and also famous for the rare golden langur and the red panda, Manas is one of the best-kept national parks in India.

Best Time: October to Apr

Known For : Ujjayanta Palace Unakoti Neermahal

Home to the Manikya Kings in the past, Agartala is the perfect mix of natural beauty combined with diverse and rich culture. Agartala is not just all flowers and valleys but also has a cultural richness with the diversity of people that stay here along with the historical and religious monuments. The capital of Tripura manages to create its culture and personality out of the coming together of stories of all those who reside here and give it a hue of their own culture. 

Best Time: Throughout the year

15 Agartala Attractions

Known For : Loktak Lake and Sendra Island Kangla Fort Tharon Cave

Imphal has a untouched charm surrounding its natural beauty, sceneries and landscapes as well as a significant history leaving hints of the past around the city. The lust green landscapes, beautiful surroundings, unexplored territories and undulating rivers of Imphal make for a great tourist destination. This site of the battle of Imphal during the World War II, assumes a certain importance, derived from history.

Best Time: October to Apr

17 Imphal Attractions

Dibru Saikhowa National Park is one of those places which boast of a rich collection of flora and fauna, many of them endangered. It is one of the few remaining protected sites in the Endemic Bird Area of the Assamese Plains. Dibru Saikhowa National Park is a river island national park and one of the 19 biodiversity hotspots in the world. This National Park is situated 12 km north of Tinsukia in Assam. Of the seven parts of the park, one is a wetland and the rest is mainly covered with grasslands and dense forest.

Best Time: November to April

Known For : Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak Kohima Museum Touphema Village

Kohima is the hilly capital of Nagaland, which is one of the seven sister states of India. ‘Kohima’ is the anglicized name given by the British, the original name being 'Kewhira' derived from the Kewhi flowers found in the region. Famous for its ethereal environment and untouched beauty, it is a land of folklore passed down through the ages. Situated at a height of 1500 metres above the sea level, it is endowed with quaint hills, emerald forests and a picturesque landscape. 

Best Time: October to June

11 Kohima Attractions

Known For : Gurudongmar Lake Yumthang Valley Lachen

Nestled in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, North Sikkim stands as a pristine and enchanting region, known for its rugged landscapes, vibrant meadows, and serene lakes. This largely uninhabited area, sharing its borders with China and Nepal, offers a mystical allure, drawing travelers seeking untamed beauty. North Sikkim boasts an array of captivating destinations. Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in India, holds both natural splendor and religious significance. 

Best Time: April to June, October to December

13 North Sikkim Attractions

Nameri national park is famous for its elephants and other animals including tigers, leopards, gaurs, wild pigs, sambars, etc. and also for being a bird watchers paradise. Safaris are available and are the most popular way to create a trip full of excitement, into the national park. Also, along with the rich fauna of the place, the lush and evergreen flora too, tends to enchant the visitors. Facilities for activities such as water rafting, fishing, swimming are available though permission from the forest department is essential for fishing.

Best Time: November to April

Known For : Talatal Ghar Rang Ghar Ahom Museum

Dating back to the Ahom dynasty, this cultural town is full of historic tourist attractions from forts with underground architecture to numerous temples. Sibsagar is a state of Assam that provides various tourist attractions related to architectural marvels, history and culture. Some of the most popular places here include a water tank called Bhorpukhuri along with Joysagar, a man-made lake, Ahom Museum, Rudrasagar tank and temples, Gaurisagar tank and temples. One can also visit the Kareng Ghar and the Rang Ghar.

Best Time: October to March

9 Sibsagar Attractions

Known For : Durtlang Hills Reiek Vantawng Falls

Lying at a height of 1132 m above sea level, Aizawl is a quaint city and the capital of the state of Mizoram in northeast India. Primarily dominated by the Mizo Tribe, Aizawl and its surrounding areas are lush with rolling hills and abundant greenery. The city, along with the majority of the state is known for its agricultural produce and ethnic handicrafts and apparel. Aizawl is well connected via roads and air connectivity to other major hubs of northeast India such as Silchar and Guwahati in Assam.

Best Time: Throughout the year

15 Aizawl Attractions

Known For : Majuli Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary Dhekiakhowa Bor Namghar

Famous for its culture, mosques, tombs, gardens and most importantly - its tea plantations, Jorhat is a culturally and commercially important city in the state of Assam. The headquarters of Jorhat district, this city is also known as the tea capital of India. It is located at a distance of about 305 Km from Guwahati and around 138 Km from Dibrugarh.

Best Time: October to March

21 Jorhat Attractions

Known For : Tura Peak Siju Caves Balpakram National Park

Located in the western part of Meghalaya, as the administrative headquarters of the West Garo Hills district, Tura is an eco-tourist hub of the state. It is located 311 Kms from Shillong and 219 Kms from Guwahati in Assam. As opposed to Shillong, which is growing highly multi-cultural, Tura is relatively deeply rooted in its native Garo roots. Tura and the other regions of the district boast of rich undisturbed biodiversity and natural attractions such as waterfalls, caves and rivulets. 

Best Time: Throughout the year

9 Tura Attractions

Known For : Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary Lunglei Sightseeing

Literally meaning 'the bridge of rock', Lunglei is famous for its scenic beauty and natural setting. It is a small town, located around 170 km south of Aizawl whose name is derived from a bridge shaped rock found along Nghasih which is a tributary of the river Tlawng. Lunglei is an ideal offbeat destination for those who love natural sightseeing and adventure activities bundled into one. Trekking, bird watching and camping are among the popular activities opted by tourists coming to visit Lunglei.

Best Time: October to June

2 Lunglei Attractions

One of the most breathtaking places in the Himalayan vista, Sela Pass is a lifeline for the people of Arunachal Pradesh, and the Sela Lake is as heavenly as it gets. The two combine to enchant one and all by their mystic beauty. One of the most stunning gifts of nature to the North-East, Sela Pass is a lifeline for the people of Arunachal Pradesh as it is the only way that connects Tawang district of the state to the rest of the country. 

Known For : Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary Mayudia Nehru van Udayan

The snow peaked mountains, deep gorges, turbulent rivers cascading down the hills, numerous waterfalls, placid lakes, archaeological sites, peace and fun loving hospitable people and above all the heavenly climate make Roing one of the most attractive destinations for tourists.

Best Time: October to March

11 Roing Attractions

Known For : Tryshi Falls Nartiang Monoliths Krang Suri Falls

Located in the Jaintia Hills district, Jowai located at a distance of 66 Kms from Shillong, is famous for its bucolic setting and breathtaking views with the perfect mix of heritage and culture. Jowai, much like Cherrapunji prides itself in being a destination much loved for a scenic drive and boasting of lakes, vast open valleys and waterfalls. The Thadlaskein Lake and Lalong Park are the famous tourist hot spots while Syntu Ksiar is also a popular destination on the shores of river Myntdu. 

Best Time: October to Mid May

12 Jowai Attractions

Known For : Outdoor activities Sessa Orchid Sanctuary Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhalukpong is a picturesque town located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. It serves as the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh and is known for its natural beauty, with the Kameng River flowing through it and the dense forests surrounding the town. The scenic environment, combined with the pleasant climate, makes it a popular stopover for travelers heading to Tawang or exploring the lower regions of Arunachal. 

Best Time: October to March

3 Bhalukpong Attractions

Known For : Bomdila Monastery Apple Orchards Bomdila View Point

With majestic Himalayas bestowing their shadow, the beautiful town of Bomdila will offer you all an area in this terrain should. Other than sceneries and views making the area a visual treat for the eyes, wrapped around in a cool breeze and pleasant climate, the area will offer you a number of spots such as temples and wildlife sanctuaries.

Best Time: April to October

8 Bomdila Attractions

Tourist places in North East India are a treasure trove of caves and cave lovers can get really excited now. Meghalaya is known to have many caves but the most accessible of them in the Mawsmai Cave in Cherrapunjee. Experience the thrill of exploring the depths of our planet and be mesmerized by the beauty that lies beneath your feet.

Known For : Ganga Lake Ita Fort Namdapha National Park

Itanagar, nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and bordered by the fertile Brahmaputra river plains, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The city boasts a rich legacy of heritage and tribal culture, with attractions such as the 15th century Ita-Fort, legendary Ganga Lake (locally known as Gyakar Sinyi), and the Buddha Vihar consecrated by the Dalai Lama.

Best Time: October to March

11 Itanagar Attractions

Located in the beautiful state of Assam, Orang National park is the oldest game reserve in the state, situated on banks of river Brahmaputra. Located at a distance of 110 Kms north of Guwahati, this national park is shared by the districts of Darrang and Sonitpur. It is officially known as Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park. Orang Park is known for its One-horned Rhinos and Royal Bengal Tigers.

Best Time: November to April

Known For : Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary Pangin Kekar Monying

Home to river Brahmaputra which transcends down from Tibet, Pasighat is known as the 'Gateway of Arunachal Pradesh' and is a pure heaven for nature lovers. If you looking for adrenaline rush, then this is also a great place for you as adventure activities like white river rafting, boating and angling (similar to fishing) will certainly set you rolling here.

Best Time: October to May

5 Pasighat Attractions

Known For : Namchi Ravangla Borong

Surrounded by beautiful forests and majestic hills, South Sikkim is the perfect vacation spot for someone looking for a retreat in the midst of nature in its most natural form.The town of Namchi is the headquarters of South Sikkim and it is situated at an altitude of 5500 feet at a distance of around 100 kms fromÊGangtok. South Sikkim, since years has been famous for its monasteries and stupas and devotees flock to this town for its religious significance.

Best Time: April to June, October to December

10 South Sikkim Attractions

Known For : Barak Waterfall Zeilad Lake Buning meadows

Tamenglong, a hilly region is an ideal setting for tourists interested in outdoor holidays. The beauty of this town is unparalleled with the unusual varieties of flora and fauna. This town of Manipur, known for the oranges grown here is the home to some of the most unique plants and animals. The vibrant forest here provide habitat to hog deers, leopards, wild dogs, hyenas, tigers and many more. A nature lover can have a ball in this beautifully endowed town, with its waterfalls, exotic animals and numerous orchards.

Best Time: October to Apr

6 Tamenglong Attractions

Known For : Ikop Khongjom Loktak Lake

A well developed city, Thoubal is a good holiday destination for those looking for a pleasant climate and numerous activities. Thoubal is almost ideal for trekking, hiking and picnics given the abundance in flora and green landscapes as well as the various facilities available here. This city is most famous for the temples and the numerous water bodies all together making it a pretty much perfect getaway which will strike the right balance of urban and a lesser known destination. 

Best Time: October to May

5 Thoubal Attractions

One of the prime things to do in Guwahati is experience a cruise ride in the Brahmaputra. Considered to be one of the most romantic experiences in the city, you can opt for a romantic candle lit dinner or watch a mesmerizing sunset with your significant other. You can also enjoy mouth watering cuisine and live music.

To say Sikkim is a stunning state would be to make an understatement. The most generously gifted place by nature, Sikkim has many fascinating experiences for its visitors but one experience which is interesting is the Yak ride. Yak rides are available at Tsomgo Lake and trekking points such as Chopta Valley and Dzongri.

8 Attractions

Perched on the East Khasi Hills, Laitlum Canyons is a less explored but one of the most picturesque tourist and trekking destinations in Shillong. The canyons are located about 21 Kms south of Shillong which is about a half-hour drive away. Literally, translating to 'End of hills', this exotic viewing site offers the best panoramic views of the whole of Meghalaya embraced by the majestic hills and valleys

The Manchester of Assam, the small town of Sualkuchi is famous for celebrating lots of festival throughout the year. The most famous of these is the boat race which is an annual festival. The festival sees a frenzied crowd which gathers at the bank of the Brahmaputra to support their teams. It has been part of the cultural history of Assam and was revived in 1965, the boat race commemorates the death of the poet-saint Srimanta Sankaradev.

Touphema Village near Kohima in Nagaland is a model heritage village built to bring forth the culture and lifestyle of the Naga tribes. Spend a night in the tribal huts, eat some delicious tribal dishes with other guests and listen to tribal tales and songs near a bonfire at Touphema village. The village is located in mesmerizing surroundings with hills all around. It gives you an opportunity to learn and explore a fascinating part of north-east India’s culture and lifestyle.

At 11000 feet it is the highest trek in the region and provides some breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga peak. The Sandakfu trek is very popular among trekkers in India and allows you to experience the rigours and beauty of trekking in the Himalayas. The trekking experience is supposed to be difficult yet thrilling and one has to be very fit to make it to the summit.

Tripura Sundari Temple is a beautiful temple situated in Udaipur, around 55 km away from Agartala, Tripura. This opulent temple is 500 years old thereby making it the oldest temple present in the Udaipur district. Tripura Sundari Temple is one of the 51 Sakti Peethas and is the place where the toe of the right foot of Sati fell. Owing to its history and beauty, this majestic temple remains flooded by tourists all through the year.

A largely unknown and virgin place, deep in the forest of Tawang, Nuranang Falls offer a pristine and beautiful experience. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country, the Nuranang Falls are a beautiful white sheet of water that descends from the height of about 100 meters. Part of the Nuranang River which originates at Sela Pass, Nuranang Falls is largely unknown to the popular tourist trail making it an offbeat and tranquil spot. 

Home to a variety of wildlife especially birds and primates, this place is not just a wildlife sanctuary but also an academic and research centre. Various lakes are present within the sanctuary, where boating facility is available. More than 150 species of residential birds, migratory birds, orchid garden, boating facilities, wild life, botanical garden, zoo, elephant joy-rides, rubber and coffee plantations beckon the tourists all through the year. 

Dampa Tiger Reserve, a splendid Wildlife Sanctuary, is located amidst the deep, dense tropical forests of Mizoram in India. The forests are located about 125 kilometres from Aizawl and are rich with a variety of flora and fauna that draw tourists and nature lovers to the North-eastern state of India from all parts of the world.