North East India tourism

The North East India tourism holds something special to experience. From the scenic beauty of the tourist places to the fun-filled activities, there are numerous experiences that you simply cannot afford to miss out in North East India. For travelers, North East states have always been a dream destination as it is a natural paradise. 

North East has been perceived as adventurists’ paradise but some of its destinations are perfect for a fun-filled family holiday as well. Therefore, there is no way that you should ignore this region while planning a family vacation in India. Incredible scenic beauty, pristine locales makes North East India a wonderful year-round. The best time to visit North East India is between November and May as the weather is quite pleasant during this time. Even though every state has one official language, English and Hindi are spoken by majority of the people. All the states are well-connected by air, train and bus.

Major Attractions Of North East India

1. Sikkim

Beautifully landlocked with immense natural beauty, Sikkim has stunning sights. The official language of Sikkim is Nepali. Tsomgo Lake for adventurers, Yuksom for trekkers, Echoing Experience at Nathula Pass, Lachen and Yumthang Valley to get embraced by lofty mountains, cascading waterfalls and red apple orchards, Ravangla, Namchi to experience fresh air which is fragmented with the aroma of lush flora, Zuluk for great views of the snowcapped mountain ranges, River rafting and Bird spotting in Teesta River can't be missed as the place is stunningly beautiful,  Gangtok for Paragliding and Yak ride, Kanchenjunga national park for a great trekking and safari destination, Pelling, Pemayangtse Monastery, Himalayan Zoological Park are worth visiting places.

2. Assam

The official language of Assam is Assamese. Kaziranga National Park, Brahmaputra River Cruise in Guwahati, Chitralekha Udyan to enjoy rowing and paddling, Majuli Island, Garmur Satra to experience the mask making process and artists’ creativity, Kamakhya Temple, Halflong that provides spectacular natural beauty and also provide options for trekking, bird watching and paragliding, Sualkuchi a craft village, Umananda Temple, Hajo, Padam Pukhuri island park famous for lotus, Jorhat famous for the productivity of tea, Tezpur to enjoy scenic beauty, Dibrugarh for adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering and camping, North Cachar Hills to witness cascading waterfalls are major tourist attractions.

3. Arunachal Pradesh

The state has surprising natural beauty and has a tranquil environment. The official language of Arunachal Pradesh is English. Tawang to get the glimpse of historical landmarks, Bomdila to have a glimpse of the snow packed Himalayan peaks, Ziro an ideal place for trekking, you will also see native tribal people of this place spending an easy lifestyle, Siang River for River Rafting, Itanagar that has a number of rich architectural wonders, Pasighat to experience snowcapped mountain peaks and enjoy water sports, especially river rafting, Roing that offers breath-taking forest park, Bhalukpong for the adventure lovers and also offers different levels of trekking, Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary for wildlife photographer lovers, Namdapha National Park, Sela Pass for bikers and other trekking fans, Dirang attractive hill station, Sangti for bird watchers and photographer lovers, Parasuram Kund, Tezu to experience gushing blue water and rocky mountains, Hayuliang, Daporijo for trekking trails and nature walks, Aalo to experience scenic beauty, Mechuka, Changlang, Tuting for adventure lovers are worth visiting places.

4. Meghalaya

The state is a popular monsoon travel destination for those who love the rain. The official language of Meghalaya is English. Living Root Bridges, Mawlynnong Cleanest Village, Dawki known for its pristine emerald Umngot River, Mawphlang Sacred Forest home to Khasi tribe, Laitlum Canyon, Caves of Meghalaya, Monoliths of Meghalaya, Exploration Spree at the Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills for nature lovers, Shillong Iewduh Bara Bazaar, Mawsynram and Cherrapunji village, Tura, Williamnagar a dream destination to nature lovers, bird watchers and adventure seekers are major tourist attractions.

5. Nagaland

Known as ‘The Switzerland of the East’ due to its scenic beauty, Nagaland is one of the most scenic hill stations in the North East. The official language of Nagaland is English. Kohima for trekkers, Dimapur for nature lovers, Mokokchung, Wokha homeland to Lotha tribe, Mon a nature lovers’ delight, Phek boasts of scenic landscapes, Kiphire for adventure seekers, Dzoukou Valley magical valley in Nagaland, Japfu Peak, bird-watching tour in Khonoma, Wildlife Spotting in Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary, Mountain Biking in Nagaland are major tourist attractions.

6. Mizoram

Mizoram offers you to travel over the small hillocks with winding trails and gets the adventurous feel of mountain biking. The official language of Mizoram is Mizo. Dampa Tiger Reserve, Phawngpui Hills highest mountain peak in Mizoram, Aizawl capital city of Mizoram, Lunglei an apt place for nature lovers, Thenzawl main attraction here is the Vantawng Falls, Champhai for enchanting view of Myanmar hills, Palak Dil, Hmuifang Tlang perfect place for mountain biking, trekking in the Virgin Forests, Caving in Khuangchera Puk, Luangmual Handicrafts Centre, Mizo Bland Food, Serchhip home to the state’s highest waterfalls are major tourist attractions.

7. Tripura

With gorgeous waterfalls and gigantic mountains, Tripura is a fantasy land for nature lovers. If you are a looking for an Animal Planet experience, the wildlife here calls in for a spooky adventure. Bengali and English are spoken by majority of the people. Agartala home to various tribes, Kumarghat, Deotamura, Unakoti, Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Jampui Hills, Dumboor, Udaipur that has number of temples and historic sites are major tourist attractions.

8. Manipur

Popularly referred to as the ‘Switzerland of India’, Manipur has breathtaking blue hills that are soul-captivating. The official languages spoken are Meitei language and English. Imphal capital of Manipur is a scenic city surrounded by plains and hills, dense forests, Ukhrul a dream destination for a nature lover, Bishnupur reflects the rich culture of the land and its architectural excellence, Thoubal perfect for trekking and hiking, Chandel perfect destination for wildlife lovers, Senapati specially favored by nature, Tamenglong that has unexplored forests, rare species of plants, animals and birds, and with lakes, rivers and waterfalls the land is sure to captivate your soul. Churachandpur is a scenic delight, Andro village are worth visiting places. Don’t miss Boating in Loktak Lake.

Hidden Attractions Of North East India

1. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim

Located at a height of around 17,800 ft, Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the World. It offers panoramic glimpses like crystal clear icy water, snow clad mountains and the sacred lake.

2. Umiam Lake, Meghalaya

If you love water sports then Umiam Lake is the place for you. The place offers sports like water scooter, kayaking, boating and water cycling.

3. Lady Hydari Park, Meghalaya

Lady Hydari Park houses a mini zoo comprises a variety of flowers, especially roses. There is a butterfly museum inside. The best time to visit is in the month of April and May when flowers are fully bloomed.

4. World's Oldest Surviving Toy Train 

To experience breathtaking landscapes, go for a riding on the Toy Train of Darjeeling Himalayan Railways where you find a small steam engine pulling mini coaches up the steep mountains that uses sheer engineering ingenuity and creative skills. The snail pace at which the train moves through the hilly terrain is once in a lifetime experience.

Hotels To Stay

Abasa Homestay, Siiro in Arunachal pradesh, Diphlu River Lodge, Kaziranga in Assam, Aerodene Cottage, Shillong in Meghalaya, Brahmaputra Jungle Resort 087 in Guwahati are very descent hotels that gives a great refreshment.

Cuisine Of North East India

Khar from Assam, Kumurat diya Hanhor Mangxo duck meat curry from Assam, Pitha is the most popular snack from Assam, Fish Tenga from Assam, Sanpiau snack sold in the streets from Mizoram, Vawksa Rep chewy meaty dish from Mizoram, Smoked Pork from Nagaland, Bamboo Steamed Fish from Nagaland, Nga Atoiba Thongba from Manipur, Iromba prepared with fermented fish, mashed potatoes, fresh green leaves and blazing red chillies from Manipur, Jadoh from Meghalaya, Tungtap  dry fish paste from Meghalaya, Gyathuk Indian version of Tibetan noodle soup from Sikkim, Chikhvi fried bamboo shoots and sliced pork from Tripura, Zan prepared with millet flour and boiling water from Arunachal Pradesh, Laksa Malaysian origin spicy noodle soup from Assam, Alu Muri in Meghalaya, Thenthuk from Arunachal Pradesh, Chikhvi in Tripura, Smoked Pork Stir Fry in Nagaland, Sanpiau from Mizoram, Kelli Chana chickpea snack in Manipur, Shapale large deep fried momo from Sikkim , Chhurpi from Sikkim are very unique cuisine of North East India which you don’t find anywhere else.

Festivals Of North East India

Losar festival in Arunachal Pradesh three-day festival begins on February 11 each year, Saga Dawa Buddhist festivals in Sikkim is celebrated between May and June, Ambubachi Mela in Assam celebrated during the month of June in the Kamakhya Temple, Dree Festival in Arunachal Pradesh takes place on July 5 each year, Moatsu Mong in Nagaland three-day festival that is celebrated from May 1 to 3 each year, Anthurium festival in Mizoram held in the month of September each year, Lui-ngai-ni Manipur festival takes place on February 15th each year.

Bihu Festival in Assam is observed for 7 days, the celebration extends for about a month, Hornbill Festival, Kohima Nagaland is a 7 to 10 days festival that begins with immense zeal from December 1 every year, Losoong festivals in Sikkim celebrated each year in the month of December, Nongkrem Dance Festival in Meghalaya celebrated in the month of November each year by the Khasi Tribe, Kharchi Puja in Tripura 10-day long festival that is marked by animal sacrifice, Chapchar Kut in Mizoram Celebrated in the month of March every year, Wangala Festival in Meghalaya held in the second week of November each year in Asanang village, Kang Chingba, in Manipur celebrated in the month of July each year, Mopin Festival in Arunachal Pradesh celebrated every April, Torgya Festival in Arunachal Pradesh, Brahmaputra beach festival in Assam are some of the unique festivals of North East India.

Tourist Circuit Of North East India

The state government plans to develop Theme-Based Tourist Circuits, development of tourism infrastructure, Adventure Tourism, Wildlife Tourism, Religious and Cultural Tourism.