North East India

North East is the easternmost region of India. It consists of eight states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. The uniqueness of the northeast states of India lies in their cultures. The picturesque mountainous landscape, beautiful valleys, peaceful monasteries, mystic nature, rich green tea gardens, wildlife, varied flora and fauna, culture, tradition, festivals, and food make Northeast India a treasure trove for the explorers. 

Apart from beautiful places in North East is famed for several thrilling activities. White Water Rafting is such a thrilling experience. Manas River and Kia Bhorali river in Assam are apt for rafting. Goeche La trek and Sandakphu along with the trekking trails of Namdapha National Park are some of the spots for trekkers. Kayaking and Rappeling in Meghalaya, Zip Lining, Cave exploring, camping, mountain biking, and parasailing are some of the outstanding adventurous activities to indulge in. 

Famous Hill stations of North East

1. Shillong

The stunning Shillong- Scotland of East is the capital of Meghalaya. This beautiful hill station in northeast India is known for its serene places and rich traditions. Its salubrious weather makes it suitable to visit in all seasons. This land holds numerous waterfalls. Pristine lakes, museums, and the zoo.

The beautiful Shillong is also known as the music capital of India. Head towards some amazing places like- Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Police Bazar, Shillong Peak, and Mawphlang that will surely make your visit a memorable one. Plan a trip between September and May as the weather is salubrious and very apt for sightseeing. 

2. Gangtok

The beautiful Gangtok is the capital of the Sikkim state. The capital attracts visitors through its never-ending walking trails, and yes through the hospitality of the locals. Visit this fantabulous land in the months from October to June which is considered to be the perfect time to explore. Add some interesting places to your tour itinerary- Jhakri Falls and Kyongnosla waterfalls, snow-capped ranges of Mt. Kachendzonga, Enchey Monastery, enjoy Yak ride here and indulge in paragliding here when in Gangtok. 

3. Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji is also named as Sohra. It is the wettest place in India. It is one of the stunning places in Meghalaya. It is the only place in India that has just one season-monsoon. The rainfall here varies from heavy to medium to light. It is one of the prettiest places to visit. It is replete with many tourist attractions – Kem Mawmluh Cave, Seven Sisters Falls, Eco Park, Kynrem Falls, Mawlynnog, Mawsmail Fall, Double Decker Living Root Bridge, and other exciting places. Plan a visit in the winter months, from October to February.   

4. Tawang

Known for many marvelous monasteries, Tawang truly captivates with its picturesque beauty. Visit this awesome destination in the months- of March, April, May, June, September, and October as the weather remains pleasant during these particular days. It is the birthplace of the Dalai Lama. It is indeed the coldest hill station in Northeast India. 
Head towards Tawang Monastery, Taktsang Gompa, Bumla Pass, Bap Teng Kang Waterfalls, Gorichen Peak, Sela Pass, and many more exciting places to make your visit worthwhile. 

5. Pelling

Pelling is a superb destination in Sikkim. It is a small town but the picturesque places it offers are mind-blowing. Come here from mid-February to June to capture some beautiful memories. The stunning Pelling destination has become the second biggest tourist destination in Sikkim after Gangtok. The most major attraction here is the sight of the Khangchendzonga and the neighboring peaks.

Explore some ravishing places here like- Sangachoeling Monastery, Sewaro Rock Garden, Rimbi waterfall, Kanchenjunga Fall, Kaluk, Singshore Bridge, and lote more other places to explore. Pelling is also famous for mountain biking, rock climbing, village tours, meditations, and also for trekking. It is truly a superb holiday destination for all nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

6. Itanagar

Itanagar is the capital of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is known for its rich flora and fauna, lively festivals, educational sites, and also for historic and archaeological sites. It is truly a natural paradise and a stunning hill station in northeast India. The best time to explore this stunning capital is between the months of October to April as the weather is much more pleasant at this time. 

Witness some astounding places here like- Ita Fort,- the 15th century Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Ganga Lake, Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, Indira Gandhi Park, Namdapha National Park, Gompa Buddhist temple, Biological Park, and many other interesting places too. So plan a trip to this astounding land and create some beautiful memories to cherish for a lifetime. 

7. Mamit

Mamit is one of the major attractions in Mizoram. It is truly a paradise for adventure seekers. It is the fourth largest district of the Mizoram state. Visit this place between November to March. Explore Saitlaw, Dampa Wildlife sanctuary which is the best attraction of Mamit as this sanctuary is among the famous natural protected regions of India, West Phaileng, Pukzing to create memories and to witness the picturesque surrounding of Mamit. The beautiful Mamit celebrates the festivals with great pomp and show. 

8. Ziro

Ziro is popularly known as the Apatani Plateau. It is one of the major attractions in Arunachal Pradesh and is a quaint old town in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Plan a trip to this marvelous destination in the months from March to October. This serene land has some stunning tourist spots that prove to be the topmost places to explore in Arunachal Pradesh. Ziro Puto, Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghna Cave Temple, Hapoli, Tarin Fish Farm, Tipi Orchid Research Centre, and some other astonishing places too. The tribe of Ziro is famed for its colorful and vibrant clothes. Shop some beautiful clothes from here and add some amazing clothes to your collection. Buy some local handicraft items and bamboo baskets too that are worth buying.

9. Kohima

The beautiful Kohima is the capital city of Nagaland. Kohima is the anglicized name given by the British. The original name Kewhira derived from the Kewhi flowers that are found in the region. Witness the superb combination of ancient and modern that has made Kohima an incredible land for visitors. It welcomes you to picturesque places and yes serene surroundings too. The aptest time to visit this land is between October to June.

Adventure junkies can indulge in trekking camping and hiking here as it is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Explore some mind-blowing places like- Dzukou Valley, Japfu Peak, Kohima Zoo, Kohima War Cemetery, Pulebadze Peak, and many more interesting places. Plan a trip to this superb destination for some wow memories. 

10. Mawsynram

Mawsynram a picturesque village is situated at a distance of about 61kms south of Shillong and is located in the East Khasi Hill district of Meghalaya. It is one of the preferred locations in Meghalaya. It is acknowledged as the wettest place in the world. The stunning Mawsynram is renowned for its huge formation of a stalagmite that takes after the shape of a Shivling. 

The rains here are so powerful that the villagers here make use of thick grass to soundproof their homes from the thunderous rain. Visit this superb place in the months from September to November. Explore some serene places here like- Mawsmai Cave, Mawsmai Falls, Nohalikalai Falls, Mawlyngbna, and other places too. 

11. Mokukchung

Mokukchung is one of the picturesque and lively districts in Nagaland. It is famed for its hospitality, traditions, and festivity. Explore this superb destination in the summer in the months from April to July. Agriculture is the main occupation in the area. Festivals during the sowing and harvesting months will surely enhance the tourist experience. Grab a chance to visit some mind-blowing places here like- Changtongya, Mokokchung Park, Longkhum, Ungma, and Chuchuimlang. A trip to this land will surely mesmerize you and will make your visit worthwhile. 

12. Aizawl

Aizawl is the capital of the state of Mizoram. It is one of the oldest cities in the state. Aizawl welcomes travelers with several picturesque views and tranquillity that surely leaves one’s mind and soul relaxed. It is truly a superb destination to relax and enjoy the local food and culture. It is renowned for its agricultural produce and ethnic handicrafts and apparel.

The best time to visit is between November to March. Explore some fantabulous places like – Hmuifang, Tamdil Lake, Reiek, Vantawng Falls, Solomon Temple, Durtlang Hills, Chanmari, and Handicraft Museum. There are other places too that are truly worth visiting.

Best time to visit North East India

The geographical region of the North East is endowed with a variety that comprises the plateau, hilly areas, and Valleys. The climate here is salubrious from October to May and is considered best for visiting the region. The temperature may range from below zero in the mountainous region to 18°C in the plains, but the mountain regions have temperatures that are pleasant and comfortable. It is advisable to refrain from visiting North East as the weather becomes quite hostile for the Visit. Sikkim can be visited from October to December and from March to May when nature is at its peak.

Things to do in North East 

A paradise on earth the North-East is home to several natural endowments. From the sky touching the Himalayas to the beautiful Brahmaputra, tea gardens to a floating lake, and living root bridge to the largest river island, one can explore all the marvels of nature here. Adventure seekers can indulge in trekking, river rafting, biking expeditions, and a lot more other thrilling activities. Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Meghalaya are home to several enthralling trekking routes. The winding yet lively roads make North East India truly a paradise for the bikers.

The sky-touching peaks and mountains in North East entice the hard-core bikers from across the globe. Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are the most popular biking destinations in the whole of North East. The Kisama village in Nagaland gets crowded by cultural devotees from across the globe in the first week of December. The Naga people celebrate the Hornbill festival with great enthusiasm. The state Meghalaya is also called the ‘Abode of the Clouds’. A visit to Meghalaya can take one to several stunning waterfalls. Dainthlen Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, Khoh Ramhah, Kynrem Falls, Nohsngithiang Falls, Elephant Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, and Krang Suri are some beautiful and picturesque waterfalls to explore. 

Majuli a picturesque island is surrounded by the Brahmaputra River. It is the largest river island in the world. It’s a must-visit place to explore as it is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Apart from natural beauty, a diverse range of cultures and traditions North East shares a strong bond with spirituality. Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh and Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim are the most visited monasteries in the Northeast. There are some splendid places too to explore in the North East that will surely give you a surreal experience.