Explore the Magnificent North-East India | 7 Places You Shouldn’t Miss

If you are travelling around India, one thing is for sure, you just can’t decide which places to visit to get the most of the culture. In a country that is so diverse, the culture changes every few 100kms. Although it is the most beautiful thing about this colourful country, it also leaves travellers confused as to how to cover all this beauty in a limited amount of time. Usually, travellers tend to cover all the mainstream places of India- The Taj Mahal, the deserts of Rajasthan, the mountains of Kashmir, the backwaters of Kerala, and so on. Don’t get it wrong- these places are just as beautiful and worth a visit, but there is a hidden treasure in the country that not all travellers seek- the magnificent northeast.

North-east India comprises 8 states- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim.

They are often overlooked by foreign and domestic travellers alike and are only gaining popularity recently. They are truly the hidden gems of the nation, with untouched nature, very unique cultures, and impeccable beauty. 99% of the north-eastern region is surrounded by neighbouring countries- Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Many of the states have Tibetan-influence due to the long history with Chinese border and some influences from its other neighbouring countries. The region has the highest number of Buddhist monasteries in India and many indigenous tribes- whose culture and traditions are something you should experience closely as it is unlike anything you’ll see in the rest of India.

The natural scenic beauty of the region is incomparable as it has minimal interference from humans and artificial developments. Tribes are a dominant part of most of the states, and they play a key role in preserving the natural beauty of the place, as traditionally tribes always form a symbiotic relationship with the flora and fauna of the region. The geography of the region is also as diverse as its people and culture- full of mountains, hills, waterfalls, lakes, tropical rainforests, canyons etc.

Do you need any more convincing? Pack your bags and get ready to experience this paradise. Here are 7 places that you shouldn't miss if you are travelling to the north-east region of India:

1. Gangtok, Sikkim

Nestled in the Himalayas, this beautiful city in Sikkim has a lot to offer to tourists. It is the right blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. The city offers everything from the mighty Himalayan mountains to lush green forests, lakes and waterfalls. Here you can experience the Buddhist culture to the fullest, with many eminent Buddhist monasteries and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology which houses more than 60,000 books among which are the first lessons of Buddha. You can take the ropeway cable car to get an aerial view of the colourful city clad with snowy mountains. You can get the view of Mount Kanchenjunga from Gangtok which is the third highest peak in the world. Apart from all these cultural and scenic beauty, you can experience the bustling market of M.G Marg, where you can shop and eat at local cafes. You should carry a few passport size photographs and identity cards while travelling as you will need special permits to visit some places here.

Must Visit Places: Tashi viewpoint, Khecheopalri Lake, Fambong La wildlife sanctuary, Ban Jhakri falls, Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Phodong Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, M.G Marg.

2. Cheerapunji, Meghalaya

Do you dream of chasing waterfalls? Then this one's for you. This stunning town is a paradise for nature lovers- those who find solace in greenery. The place is dotted with numerous waterfalls, whose music is all you’ll hear in this calm town. It is the ideal getaway for every city person who seeks a break from the hustle-bustle. You can visit Mawsynram village which is the wettest place on earth and Mawlynnong Village which is the cleanest village in Asia. If you are into adventure sports like kayaking, camping and snorkelling, you have the enchanting Dawki river, which guaranteed will take your breath away with its crystal clear water- boating on which feels like floating on glass. Other attractions include underground caves, valleys, rocks and an eco-park. One of the most iconic things you’ll witness here is the living roots bridges- which are created by the entwining of the roots of trees. This was created by the Khasi tribe who conditioned the roots to grow in a certain manner. Trust me, you’ll never feel more connected to your roots.

Must Visit Places: Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Mawsmai Cave, Dawki, Khasi Monoliths, Mawlynnong Village, Mawsynram Village, The Eco Park.

3. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Are you one of those people to whom travel is a spiritual experience? Well, this is the place for you then. Located 3048 meters amidst the mighty Himalayas, this town is the abode for many a buddhist monk. Apart from the stunning beauty of the perfect hill station, this place is of spiritual significance- it is famous for being the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso. Most people who visit the place are peace-seekers who meditate at the various monasteries, the most famous of which is the Tawang monastery. The quaint hill station’s attractions include many glacial lakes that have crystal blue waters and the coniferous forests. If you are craving some winter sports then there’s an opportunity for skiing in the winter months. Also, from February to March, the festival of Losar is celebrated. The place also has a unique cuisine for all you foodies.

Must Visit Places: Tawang Monastery, Gyangong Ani Gompa, Taktsang Gompa, Sela Pass, Thingbu Hot Spring, Shonga-tser Lake, Nagula Lake, Nuranang Falls, Panga Teng Tso Lake, Tawang War Memorial.

4. Ukhrul, Manipur

If living in the city with congested buildings and the honking of a million vehicles have left you craving for open spaces, this is where you should be headed. The place is perfect for any nature-lover. One can truly feel the calmness and peace amidst the serene lakes and hills of this beautiful town. Here you can enjoy the Nillai tea-estate which will not only please your eyes but your tastebuds and body too with its organic and medicinal green tea, which is hand-plucked and sun-dried. There is also the Khangkhui cave with the legend of being inhabited by a devil king, and the Kachouphung lake, with a lot of piscean diversity and the shape of which resembles the map of India. There are many peaks and hills for you to trek, like the Khayang peak and the Shirui Kashong peak. You might not be able to have the shop-till-you-drop experience here but it does offer local handicrafts and agro-based products. Experience the peace of this quaint little town, to forget all your city worries.

Must Visit Places: Khangkhui Caves, Nillai tea estate, Khavana peak, Dilily falls, Sirohi national park, Kachouphung lake, Khayang peak, Shirui Kashong peak

5. Kohima, Nagaland

The capital of Nagaland, Kohima is a perfect destination for honeymoon tours, family vacations and adventure tours. There is a fascinating tribe-culture to experience in this town, which is rare. The indigenous tribes are the highlight of the place and all your experiences there from the cuisine to shopping will demonstrate their influence and importance. It is very rich in terms of its flora and fauna. For all you wildlife enthusiasts, visit the Kohima Zoo to spot some indigenous animals. For those who enjoy shopping, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime shopping opportunity to shop for the most off-beat things like bone jewellery, Angami tribal shawls, Naga shawls, black metal craft and Phom black pottery. Other attractions include trekking and mountain climbing, and places like Dzukou valley, Kohima Museum, Naaa bazaar, churches and war cemetery, etc. The experience is not complete without visiting a tribal village and experiencing tribal festivals.

Must Visit Places: The Catholic cathedral, Kohima Museum, Kohima war cemetery, Naa heritage village, Naa bazaar, Mt Japfu, Touphema Village, Dzukou valley.

6. Aizawl, Mizoram

It is one of the oldest cities in the north-east region, situated 1132m above sea-level. It is the capital of Mizoram, but don’t associate it with the typical busy city. On the contrary, it is a quaint city with grassy meadows and pristine locations. The skies are cloudless and blue, the days are sunlit and bright and remain so most of the year. Even in the monsoon season, the climate is gentle and pleasant. The 112-year-old citadel-like city is spread across several mountain ridges, dotted with timber houses. It provides the alluring natural sights along with modern amenities. It is well connected through road, unlike most other north-eastern towns. You can experience the nightlife and shopping experience of the city along with the calmness and serenity of the hill station.

Must Visit Places: Solomon’s temple, Tamdil lake, Khawnglung wildlife sanctuary, Durtlang hills, Vantawng falls, Phawngpui peak, Dampa tiger reserve

7. Guwahati, Assam

Guwahati is an ancient urban city which was previously known as Pragjyotishpur and Durjaya in the state of Assam. It the commercial and educational hub of the city but is also an excellent tourism spot. Just like other north-eastern states it also boasts of scenic beauty, but the main attraction is the fauna of the place. The Nameri national park and Assam zoo cum botanical garden are the perfect places to explore the same. The state is known for its iconic one-horned Rhinoceros, wild boars, barking deers and leopards- making it a heaven for all wildlife lovers. Visit the numerous temples for a dose of religion and spirituality or take a cruise on the mighty Brahmaputra river. This city offers something for everyone.

Must visit places- Assam state zoo cum botanical garden, Umananda island, Assam state museum, Guwahati Planetarium, Nehru park, Nameri national park

If you are a travel junkie and a nature lover, you cannot miss visiting the north-eastern part of India. Everyone should visit this beautiful green paradise full of culture and diversity at least once in their lifetime. It offers you a fresh perspective and a break from the everyday normal you are used to. You should travel to these places to gain deeper knowledge the geography, cultures and diversity of India.

About the author: Millie Mowry is currently working as an academic writer with Global Assignment Help. She is known for providing the best assignment help to students enrolled in various universities around the world. She is a travel junkie who loves to travel to remote locations every year. She also runs a blog she shares her travle experiences and tries to bring the hidden gems to everyone’s notice.