Northeast India

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK, ASSAM

The Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its dense forests, elephant-grass meadows, and swampy lagoons is home to the largest Indian rhinoceros population. The park is one of the best known biodiversity hotspots in India with four pre-defined tourist circuits. Each of these circuits has its own distinguishing feature. This 430 square kilometer national park is also the breeding ground for many other animals and birds.

• Best Time to Visit : November to April
• Jeep Safari Timings : 8:00 AM to 10.00 AM and 2.00 PM to 7:30 PM
• Animals to Spot : One-horned Rhinos, Royal Bengal Tigers, Asiatic Elephants, Swamp Deer, and Wild Water Buffalos
• Nearest Airport : Guwahati International Airport
• Nearest Railway Station : Helem and Furkating Junction

MAJULI, ASSAM

Majuli, often considered to be the cultural capital of Assam, is the largest river island in the world. The island is inhabited mostly by tribals who follow unique lifestyle. It is the island’s lush greenery and pristine waters that make it one of the most popular places to visit in Northeast India. Barely 20 km away from Jorhat, Majuli is also one of the trendiest long weekend destinations in Northeast India.

• Best Time to Visit : September to November
• Key Attractions : Kamalabari Satra, Dakhinpat Satra, Garmur, Tengapania, and Auniati Satra
• Nearest Airport : Jorhat Airport
• Nearest Railway Station : Jorhat

DIBRUGARH, ASSAM

Known as the tea city of India, Dibrugarh is the largest city in Assam and the gateway to other tea-producing districts of Assam. With its emerald fields, gurgling rivers, and a unique culture, the city is one of the most interesting places to visit in Northeast India. From trekking and picnicking on the banks of the Disang River to visiting temples and botanical gardens, there’s plenty to explore here.

• Best Time to Visit : October to March
• Key Attractions : Dinjoy Satra, Radha Krishna Mandir, Jagannath Temple, Mahatma Gandhi Udyan/Khanikar Park, Jokai Botanical Garden, Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, Joypur Rainforest, and the Tea Gardens
• Nearest Airport : Dibrugarh Airport
• Nearest Railway Station : Dibrugarh Railway Station

GUWAHATI, ASSAM

The entrance to the seven sisters of Northeast India, Guwahati balances natural beauty with the modern conveniences of a city. Guwahati is located on the banks of the River Brahmaputra and is the largest city in Assam. If you’re looking for a relaxed holiday, this is the place to be. The city also has an eclectic nightlife. Guwahati celebrates a number of festivals and being a part of these celebrations is a truly unique experience.

• Best Time to Visit : October to March
• Key Attractions : Kaziranga National Park, Umananda Temple, Kamakhya Temple, Assam State Museum, Umananda Island, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Fancy Bazaar, Basistha Ashram, Guwahati Planetarium, Pandu, Hajo, the Brahmaputra, Bhubaneswari Temple, Navagraha Temple, Guwahati War Memorial, Saraighat Bridge, Dipor Bil, Chandubi Lake, Kameng River Rafting, and Brahmaputra Cruise.
• Nearest Airport : Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati
• Nearest Railway Station : Guwahati

TAWANG MONASTERY, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

The Tawang Monastery, also known as the Golden Namgyal Lhatse, is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world. Located at a height of around 10,000 feet, the monastery offers a panoramic view of the entire Tawang River Valley. The monastery houses residential complexes for the monks, a Buddhist cultural study center, school, temples, a library, and a printing press. If you can appreciate the finer points of art, a visit to the Tawang Monastery can transport you to a whole new world.

• Best Time to Visit : March to October.
• Key Attractions : Mandala Wall Murals, Buddhist Thangkas, Chitenpa’s Footprint, and Buddha Statue In Dukhang
• Major Festivals : Choksar, Losar, Ajilamu, and Torgya
• Nearest Airport : Nearest Airport: Salonibari Airport, Tezpur
• Nearest Railway Station : Rangapara and Tezpur

ZIRO VALLEY, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Surrounded by mountains that reach the sky, Ziro Valley is home to the Apatani tribe. There are a number of trekking routes around this valley that makes it one of the most popular adventure spots in Northeast India. Apart from the scenic beauty, the Ziro valley offers tourists an insight into the local culture and tribal lifestyle. It is also the venue for one of India’s most popular annual music fests.

• Best Time to Visit:March to October
• Ziro Festival:September/ October
• Key Attractions:Tarin Fish Farm, Kile Pakho, Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghna Cave Temple, Shiv Linga, Kile Pakho, Midey, Ziro Puto, Pine Grove, Dolo Mando, and Midey
• Nearest Airport:Jorhat Airport and Lilabari Airport
• Nearest Railway Station:Naharalagun and North Lakhimpur

GORICHEN PEAK, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

The highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh, Gorichen stands at a height of 22,500 feet. The Peak, often covered in ice, holds religious significance for the local Monpa tribe and is also known as Sa-Nga Phu. For tourists, it’s the trekking routes and camping spots around the Peak that are the biggest attractions. The famed Nurunang Falls is just 25 km away from here. A word of advice – many of these trekking routes are intended for seasoned trekkers.

• Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October
• Ideal For:Trekking, mountaineering, and camping
• Nearest Airport: Salonibari Airport, Tezpur
• Nearest Railway Station:Rangapara North

ROING, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

One of the best known jewels of Arunachal Pradesh, Roing attracts Indians as well as international tourists. With its lush green hills, deep valleys, and calm lakes on one hand and forts and man-made forest parks on the other, Roing offers the best of the natural and the man-made worlds. Archeological findings in Roing have dated its history back to the Neolithic period. What this means for the tourists is that no matter where your interest lies, there’s plenty to do here.

• Best Time to Visit:March to June
• Key Attractions:Mayudia, Nehru Van Udayan, Hunli, Bhashmaknagar Fort, Mehao Lake, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Iphi Pani Ghat, Salley Lake, Rukmini Nati, Hunli, Bhashmaknagar Fort, and Kampona Pond
• Nearest Airport: Dibrugarh Airport
• Nearest Railway Station:Tinsukia

CHERRAPUNJI AND MAWSYNRAM, MEGHALAYA

Rainfall can be beautiful! Located about 80 km apart, Cherrapunji and Mawsynram are the wettest places on earth. Both Cherrapunji and Mawsynram receive over 450 inches of rain every year and are blessed with panoramic vistas of scenic beauty. These hills offer a number of trekking routes too. No matter when you visit these family destinations in Northeast India, you’ll always be able to see and hear the beauty of raindrops falling from the sky.

• Best Time to Visit:October to May
• Key Attractions:Double Decker Living Root Bridges, Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Krem Phyllut, The Eco Park, Khoh Ramhah Rock, Wakaba Falls, Dainthlen Waterfall, Mawsmai Caves, Mawsmai Falls, Dawki, Mawlyngbna, and Mawkdok Dympep Valley
• Nearest Airport:Shillong Airport
• Nearest Railway Station:Guwahati

MAWLYNNONG VILLAGE, MEGHALAYA

Mawlynnong Village is one of the most unique villages in India. Though it abounds in scenic beauty, the village is best known for its focus on cleanliness. Mawlynnong, often referred to as God’s own garden, is one of the most popular tourist places for solo travelers in Northeast India. Apart from nature lovers, the village is a favorite with trekking enthusiasts as well. There are also a few natural wonders you’ll want to explore here.

• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Key Attractions:Living Root Bridges, Balancing Rock, Byrdaw Falls, Church of the Epiphany, Rymben Falls, Sky View, and Mawshun Cave
• Nearest Airport:Shillong Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station

SHILLONG, MEGHALAYA

Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is surrounded by tall pine trees. One of the most visited hill stations in Northeast India, Shillong is best known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls and cool breeze. The city is also known as the Scotland of the East. While on one hand, Shillong is the home of many hill tribes on the other, it has a young, modern culture. The city is well known as the music capital of India.

• Best Time to Visit:September to May
• Key Attractions:Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Don Bosco Museum, Ward’s Lake, Lady Hydari Park, Sweet Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Diengiei Peak, Sohpetbneng, Meghalaya State Museum, Laitlum Canyons, All Saints Church, Air Force Museum, Butterfly Museum, Ever-Living Museum, and Rhino Heritage Museum
• Nearest Airport:Shillong Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati

AGARTALA, TRIPURA

The only city in Tripura, Agartala offers visitors a relaxed pace of life and the joy of small-town living. This capital city is renowned for its palaces and temples that showcase a rich history and heritage. It is equally well-known for its bamboo handicrafts and hand-woven textiles. Even though Agartala is a popular family destination in Northeast India, there’s something here for everyone. While you’re here, don’t miss out on sampling the local cuisine.

• Best Time to Visit:December to March
• Key Attractions:Ujjayanta Palace, Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Chittagong Hills, Tripura Sundari Temple, Neermahal, Ummaneshwar Temple, Tripura Government Museum, Nehru Park, Tripura Royal Palace, Rajbari Lake, and Haveli Museum
• Nearest Airport:Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, Agartala
• Nearest Railway Station: Agartala

DIMAPUR, NAGALAND

The largest city and commercial capital of Nagaland, Dimapur takes pride in its heritage and tribal culture. From the Kachari ruins to the Triple Falls and forests that are home to diverse flora and fauna, Dimapur has something for everyone. One of the best-known tourist attractions in Northeast India, it is also the gateway to other Himalayan destinations. Dimapur comes alive during the Hornbill Festival.

• Best Time to Visit:October to June
• Hornbill Festival:December
• Key Attractions:The Triple Falls, Kachari Ruins, Zoological Park, Nagaland Science Center, Rangapahar Reserve Forest, Chumukedima, Shiva Temple, and Diezephe Village
• Nearest Airport:Dimapur Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Dimapur

KOHIMA, NAGALAND

People in Kohima enjoy an unhurried pace of life. Tourists from around the world come here every year to enjoy the slow paced life and the scenic beauty Kohima is known for. The hills here are home to a few rare bird species. From its World War II cemetery to beautiful lakes, the town has a number of tourist sites worth visiting. Kohima is also where tourists can explore the rich tribal culture of Northeast India.

• Best Time to Visit:October to May
• Key Attractions:Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak, Kohima Museum, Kohima Zoo, Touphema Village, Khonoma Village, Shilloi Lake, Kohima War Cemetery, Kohima Cathedral, and Naga Heritage Village.
• Nearest Airport:Dimapur Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Dimapur

IMPHAL, MANIPUR

Nestled amidst forested hills, Imphal is a rejuvenating retreat especially for people living in chaotic cities. For them, Imphal offers picturesque hills and valleys. It is well-known as a honeymoon destination in Northeast India. The place has a number of historical monuments that showcase the state’s cultural diversity. To have an all-round experience of Imphal, you must sample the culinary delights of this state.

• Best Time to Visit:September to April
• Key Attractions:Kangla Fort, Shaheed Minar, Langthabal, Tharon Cave, Singda Dam, Manipur Zoological Gardens, Shri Govindjee Temple, Ebudhou Thangjing Temple, Shaheed Minar, Loktak Lake, Langthabal, Keibul Lamjao National Park, and Phubala.
• Nearest Airport:Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal
• Nearest Railway Station: Dimapur

AIZAWL, MIZORAM

The capital city of Mizoram, Aizawl attracts Indian and international tourists alike. This 124-year old city has rich cultural heritage and is well-known for its scenic beauty and elevated setting. Aizawl is favored by solo travelers as well as families. It is also a popular trekking destination in Northeast India. One of the things that sets Aizawl apart from other holiday destinations is the quiet in the air. Though there are cars on the road, you’ll have to strain your ears to hear them honk.

• Best Time to Visit:March to May
• Key Attractions:Durtlang Hills, Reiek Tlang, Mizoram State Museum, KV Paradise, Phawngpui Peak, Solomon Temple, Falkawn Village, Phawngpui, Salvation Army Temple, Vantawng Falls, and Tamdil, Saiha
• Nearest Airport:Lengpui Airport, Aizawl
• Nearest Railway Station: Silchar

LUNGLEI, MIZORAM

A few hundred kilometers away from Aizawl lies Lunglei, one of the top places to visit in Northeast India. This is a town that not only boasts of panoramic vistas but old churches and relics of British missionaries. The wildlife sanctuaries in Lunglei are home to diverse flora and fauna. It’s a popular holiday destination for birdwatchers too.

• Best Time to Visit:October to April
• Key Attractions:Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary, Saza Wildlife Sanctuary, Saikuti Hall, Lunglei Bridge, and the Nghasih Stream
• Nearest Airport:Lengpui Airport, Aizawl
• Nearest Railway Station: Silchar