North East India is not always on the radar of travelers, even those within India. Comprising of eight states, the North East India is connected to the rest of the country through a narrow corridor in West Bengal. Connectivity challenges, misconceptions regarding safety, etc., are some of the reasons why many people do not visit the place. If you are one of them, you are missing on a lot. North East India is a region of unparalleled natural beauty, diverse languages, unique cultures, and distinct cuisines. It is truly the hidden gem of India, worth exploring. If you are seeking a unique experience, North East India should be on your travel bucket list. Here is a detailed guide about traveling to North East India for first-time travelers.
Best Places to Travel in North East India
North East India is filled with some of the most beautiful places, adventures, and activities. There is no dull moment while exploring this region of India. Here are some of the must-visit places in North East India.
Sikkim
If you want to admire (or even hike up) the Himalayas, you must visit Sikkim, located on the northernmost part of North East India. Here you get the chance to see Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world and also indulge in some amazing adventurous activities like hiking, trekking, mountain biking, river rafting, paragliding, and more. Buddhist monasteries, verdant tea plantations, diverse flora and fauna, etc., are some of the things you can see here. But one of the reasons people love visiting Sikkim is that it is the cleanest state in the country. So, if you are eager to breathe in some clean air, pick one of the Gangtok packages to explore this state. Apart from the capital city, Tsomgo Lake, Pelling, Nathu La Pass, etc., are some other places to visit in Sikkim.
Assam
Assam is one of the most visited Northeast Indian states, thanks to its proximity to West Bengal. Known to be the gateway to the North East, Assam is home to breathtaking landscapes, thrilling wildlife safaris, unique culture, and spiritual heritage. One of the best things to do here is going on a wildlife safari to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to more than 35 species of mammals, including the largest number of one-horned rhinoceroses, and over 500 bird species. Then there is the capital city, Guwahati, known for its vibrant markets and the serene view of River Brahmaputra. Visiting Majuli Island, learning about the tea-making process at large tea estates, checking out the local handicrafts, meeting the local tribes, and visiting the revered Kamakya Temple are some of the things you must do in Assam.
Darjeeling
Technically, Darjeeling is a hill station in West Bengal. But due to its proximity to Sikkim, both culturally and geographically, it is considered a part of Northeast as well. It is the perfect place to visit for those who are venturing into the region for the first time. Darjeeling is also your gateway to the majestic Kanchenjunga mountains. Moreover, Darjeeling packages will give you a peak into its Tibetan monasteries, colonial architecture, historical tea gardens, high altitude wildlife, gorgeous valleys, vibrant flower plantations, and so much more. There are many opportunities to indulge in adventurous activities like paragliding, river rafting, rock climbing, etc. Do take out the time to explore its unique culture, visit its Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and ride on its UNESCO toy train.
Meghalaya
Endowed with glorious waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, lush green forests, scenic towns, and picturesque trails, Meghalaya is a paradise for nature lovers. It is best to start your journey at the capital of the state, Shillong, which is often referred as the ‘Scotland of the East’. The places to visit here are Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Laitlum Canyons, Don Bosco Museum, Ward’s Lake, etc. You must also make time to visit Mawsynram, the world’s wettest place and Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village. Boating in the transparent waters of Umngot River, walking over the double-decker living root bridge in Cherrapunji, admiring the Nokhalikai and Seven Sisters Falls, etc., are some of the exciting things to do in Meghalaya. Adventure lovers will also love indulging in trekking, angling, and kayaking here.
Arunachal Pradesh
Another North Eastern state where you can enjoy the glorious view of the Himalayas is Arunachal Pradesh. Known as the Land of Dawn-Lit Mountains, Arunachal Pradesh is blessed with unparalleled natural beauty in the form of alpine forests, mountains, high-altitude passes, rivers, etc. The high-altitude lakes like Sangetsar Lake and Sela Pass are also worth visiting. Apart from natural beauty, Arunachal Pradesh is also known for its spirituality, especially in the form of Tawang Monastery, one of India’s biggest Buddhist monasteries. When in the state, you must also explore its tribal culture, including their life, traditions, hospitality, and handicrafts. Arunachal Pradesh is also perfect for adventures like camping, trekking, river rafting, wildlife exploration.
The North East India has so much to offer that one trip would not be enough to see everything. It is best to pick one particular state or maximum two states during one trip. Booking tour packages through reputed travel companies would be a good idea for exploring North East India, especially if you are visiting the region for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spring and summer seasons (March to May) are the best to travel to North East India, as the region has the most pleasant weather during this time of the year. If you are looking for a winter vacation, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Assam are great options, as the weather during December to February are great in the low elevation areas. Monsoon season sees heavy rainfall in most states of Northeast India, especially in Meghalaya. While the monsoon makes the place more beautiful, the weather can cause travel disruptions.
You can travel to the North East via air by flying to Guwahati in Assam, which has flights from almost all the major airports in Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata. Nagaland and Manipur also have well-connected airports. The region is also well-connected by railways and roadways.
Both Indians and foreign tourists need special permits to enter some North Eastern states. Indian citizens need Inner Line Permit to visit Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, and some areas in Sikkim. Foreigners may require Protected Area Permits (PAP) for entering certain restricted zones, especially in the border areas.
Yes, unlike popular opinion, North East India is safe for all tourists, as the local people are quite welcoming and petty crime is low. Still, people have to follow some basic safety precautions like avoiding remote areas late at night, following local customs, respecting traditions of the tribals, etc.
Make sure you have the necessary permits while traveling to states like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim (a few areas).
While digital payments are accepted in most major cities, it is best to carry smaller amounts of cash while visiting local markets and remote villages.
If you are traveling during the monsoon, you must have some buffer days to include flight and road delays.
Always be respectful of local tribes and their customs, rituals, and traditions.
Do not forget to pack rain gear, a good pair of walking shoes, light woollens, emergency medicines, and power banks (for remote places).
Discover the best places, travel guides, and budget tips across India with TravellerKaka.com.
Start exploring more destinations and plan your perfect journey today.
