North East,India

To Know More About North-East

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North East Part of India is a travellers delight. North East India consists Indian states of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim & West Bengal. Although West Bengal is officialy is not a part of North East India, but is the gateway of accessing North East India through a narrow corridor called Chicken's Neck (Siliguri Corridor). West Bengal also has rich potential as a tourist destination. It is the only state in India having a sea at its south and the great Himalaya at its North. We have also incorporated Bhutan and Nepal as both the neighbouring countries of India has immense importance in terms of travel & tourism. Bhutan is landlocked by India at its East, West and South and great China at its North. Nepal is also land locked by India at East, West and South and China (Tibet) at its North.

North East India consists a vast area which ranges from Bay of Bengal, the largest bay in the world to the highest peaks of this worlds - Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Makalu, Mt. Kanchenjunga. The region offers almost all kind of tourist activities, Trekking, Mountaineering, Buddhist circuit tours, Jungle Safaris, Cultural tours, Hiking, Rafting, Cave Tours, Sea Beaches and many more options. North East India is famous for its ethnic cultural diversity. The food habits also chages from one region to another. Many tribal communities are residing in North East India keeping their culture and traditions intact. in Arunachal Pradesh only there are 26 major tribal groups with numerous sub groups. North East India has got few of the finest tourist attractions of this world. Kolkata, Sundarbans, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Yumthang, Kalimpong, Thimphu, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Pelling, Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary, Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Shillong, Tawang, Agartala, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro are to name a few of the tourist locations in North East India, Nepal & Bhutan.

 

Having been the meeting point of races, religions and cultures of East and West over the centuries, Goa has a multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India. Hindu and Catholic communities make up almost the entire population with minority representation of Muslims and other religions.

Other then these locations, North East India offers numerous Trekking routes, Jungle Safari Trails, Adventure Activities, Ornithological Tour Programmes, Buddhist Circuit Tours, Exquisite Sea Beaches, Pilgrimage Tours, Tea Tour facilities, Homestay options and many other programs which can lure tourist. VisitNorthEast.com is a concept of binding technology and tourism to feature the beauty of North East India along with Nepal & Bhutan to showcase the regional diversity. VisitNorthEast.com promotes responsible tourism practices. Our aim is to promote this region without disturbing unique flora and fauna. We are actively involved in promoting local stakeholders to ensure comminuty based sustainable development model.

North East Tour

North East tourism is full of exciting places to see and things to do. No matter what sort of vacation you are planning to have, there’s something for everyone here. Nature lovers will rejoice at the many natural wonders here such as mountains and lakes, and those with an eye for culture will enjoy visiting monasteries and other beautiful spots.

A North East tour would be incomplete without a visit to Guwahati, the largest city in the North East which is near the Brahmaputra River in Assam. There are holy sites here such as the Kamakhya temple, dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu while there’s also an 18th century Navagraha temple which has planetary shrines. The Assam State Museum is the place to visit if you want to look at sculptures, textiles and other interesting things while the Guwahati Planetarium is great for stargazing. There’s also a zoo, a botanical garden and a bird sanctuary which should certainly satisfy the visiting wild-life enthusiasts.

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya is a hill station which has beautifully manicured gardens in Lady Hydari Park while there are excellent walking trails around Ward’s Lake. Lots of nature to enjoy here, especially in the southwest where there are waterfalls such as Elephant Falls.

A North East tour should certainly include a visit to the splendid Kaziranga National Park. This is a gorgeous sanctuary which houses two thirds of the world’s great one-horned rhinoceroses. A world heritage site, Kaziranga is also home to tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo and swamp deer. The sanctuary has an important role to play in wildlife conservation.

Sikkim

In Sikkim, the Yumthang Valley of Flowers is a perfect spot for North East tourism. With its hot springs, rolling meadows, contemplatively grazing yaks and the rhododendrons which give it the name Valley of Flowers, Yumthang Valley has everything that you are looking for, especially during a vacation. If you happen to visit during the flowering season, from late February to mid-June, there are countless flowers which lie across the valley in a breath taking visual, coloured in the rainbow hues. There’s heavy snowfall during winter when Yumthang is closed but the time to visit is spring when the area is resplendent with beautiful flowers.

Other places to visit in North East include Kohima which has a state museum, a war cemetery and a heritage village; Imphal with its tribal artefacts museum, a Royal Palace and a Shaheed Minar, dedicated to those who died fighting the British in 1891 and Keibul Lamjao National Park where you can spot the rare Sangai deer and several migratory birds; Agartala with its palaces and Mughal style gardens and the famous Rabindra Kanan Park; Gangtok which is a famous trekking base and a Buddhist pilgrimage site with several monasteries and the renowned Gangtok Ropeway Gondola which offers beautiful views of the city. The North East is full of such relatively unknown gems.

1. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

The renowned Kaziranga National Park is home to the two-third population of the entire world’s one-horned rhinoceros. This national park of India has been declared as a World Heritage Site. This national park is developed with vibrant, unique, and well-preserved ecology. The versatile bio-diversity of the park attracts maximum tourists to this place year after year. Apart from the rare one-horned rhinoceros, you can also spot a number of other animals including swamp deer, wild buffaloes, Bengal foxes, civets, leopards, elephants, Chinese pangolins, gibbons, sloth bears, and flying squirrels. The park is also a tiger reserve, therefore, one might as well spot the Indian tiger while exploring the place. While you turn your head up towards the sky, you can spot pelicans, eagles as well as hornbills. Apart from featuring beautiful wild animals in a natural environment the park also boasts of a number of water bodies. In order to get around the vast park, you can take up a safari ride either in SUVs or open jeeps. Another popular and more adventurous way of exploring the park is by taking an elephant ride. However, these have to be pre-booked since it is one of the most popular ways to explore the park. Therefore, Kaziranga National Park is one of the most precious jewels of Assam that must not be missed.

Other than that Elephants, wild water buffaloes and Swamp Deers can also be seen on a safari. You can either book an Elephant Safari or Jeep safari to explore the park. It is declared UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the pride of Assam.

2. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

Cherrapunjee is one of the wettest places under the sun. The pristine and clean ambiance of the place makes it an excellent choice to merely sit back and unwind. It boasts a climate, which keeps the visitors refreshed and enthusiastic. The place also features a number of waterfalls which further adds on to the beauty of the place. Some of the waterfalls worth visiting while in Cherapunjee include Noh Kalikai Falls, Thelen Falls, and Noh Sngithiang Falls.

Both are located on the Southern side of East Khasi hills and is beautiful during and post-monsoon with innumerable waterfalls and mist-laden valleys.

Best time to visit: Each season is beautiful in its own way but it is best visited anytime between September to November. Distance: Mawsynram is around 60 KM from Shillong and Cherrapunji is 15 KM from Mawsynram. Timings: Day travelling is always a better option.

3. Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh

This monastery is located in Tawang, a mountain town situated at an elevation of 10,000 feet. Tawang Monastery is a significant monument in Arunachal Pradesh, popular as the birthplace of Dalai Lama and the largest Buddhist monastery in the entire country.

Perched at a height of 3048 meters above sea level, the picturesque and scenic town of Tawang is also known as Dawang and is populated with monks. The monastery is recognized as the second largest in the world after Lhasa and is 400 years old. It is the first place in North East India tourist places that are hit by the travelers who enter the town of Tawang.

Best time to visit: Anytime between November to March.

Distance: Around 7.2 KM from Tawang.

Timings: Open from 7 AM to 7 PM, mostly closed on Wednesdays.

Price: No entry fee.

Location: Cona, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh 790104

4. Gangtok, Sikkim

The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok is a marvel nestled in the northeast. It is a hill station that gives you a distant skyline view of the mighty Kanchenjunga Mountains. Gangtok is also a base location for a number of trekking enthusiasts heading towards the mountain ranges of the Himalayas. The road that leads to Gangtok from Sikkim gets more and more beautiful as you drive further. You would enjoy every bit of your road journey. Gangtok is a perfect blend of rich culture, urbanization, lush greenery, and lavish resorts. There are a number of tourist attractions like Tsomgo Lake, Tashi Viewpoint, Ban Jhakri Falls etc. in and around Gangtok that would sway you off your feet. Various other places that you must visit include Enchey Monastery, Do Drul Chorten Rumtek Monastery, and Ganesh Tok. In case you are up for adventure filled activities while visiting Gangtok, you might try river rafting at River Teesta, well-known for white water rafting.

Ideal duration to explore Gangtok – 2 to 4 days

Best time to visit – Throughout the yearForget about bustling city life when in Gangtok. This divine place is a perfect getaway for many reasons. Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and this land occupies some amazing monasteries and fun adventure things to do. On the contrary, Gangtok is quiet in its own way. You can explore and keep your family amused by visiting sites in Gangtok like Tsomgo Lake, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Pemayangtse Monastery, Saramsa Garden, Banjhakri falls and park, Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir etc. If you want to add a little adventure you can hike up Nathu La and Zero Point Yumesamdong.

5. Kachanjunga

Kanchenjunga is one of the famous peaks in the Himalayan belt and trekking to its base camp is equally an adventure. The Kanchenjunga base camp is located at an elevation of 28169 ft. above sea level.

It is a cherished trek among adventure enthusiasts where you get to witness a range of peaks along with the five great massifs of Kanchenjunga. The other peaks are Frey Peak, Kok Tang, Kabru Peak, Ratong, Chandra Peak and the Kabru Dome.

Best time to visit: Mid March to May and mid-September to October.

Distance covered on the trek: Approximately 90 KM to and fro.

Duration: It takes around 11 Day to do the entire trek.

Price: The prices may differ from operator to operator, approximately under INR 15,000.

Grade level: Moderate

6. Agartala, Tripura

The second largest city in Northeast, Agartala has made some impact on tourists since a couple of years. It is marked as one of the fastest developing cities of India and the third international internet gateway after Chennai. Apart from the facts, this clean and green city of Tripura has many megastructures like Ujjayanta Palace, Tripura Sundari Temple, Neermahal Palace, Tripura Government Museum lined for you to visit. The Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Rose Valley Amusement Park, Dumboor Lake and other worth visiting sites in Agartala. The place has lapful of gems with which you will be entertained all throughout your visit.

7. Majuli, Assam

Nestled merely at a distance of around 20 kilometres from the city of Jorhat is one of the most amazing tourist place in north east India named Majuli. It is an environment-friendly, pollution free, surrounded with lush greenery, and pristine freshwater island. Situated in the lap of River Brahmaputra, Majuli is no less than a jewel of the state. Spread in an expanse of around twelve hundred and fifty square kilometres, this beautiful island is the largest river island in the world successfully attracting tourists and admirers across the globe. It might also get the honour of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from the natural beauty of this heavenly place, you would be able to explore the unique tribal culture here. It is also popularly known as Assam’s cultural capital. There are a number of festivals that are celebrated in Majuli, mainly ‘RAAS’. You might want to witness the festival and its celebrations while planning to visit the place.

Ideal duration to explore Majuli – 1 to 2 days

Best time to visit – July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February, and March.

Nearest Airport to Majuli – Jorhat

Major Attractions – Kamalabari Satra, Dakhinpat Satra, Gamur, Tengapania, and Auniati Satra.

8. Sivasagar, Assam

Sivasagar is a divine destination for any travellers. It is an uptown of Assam and it stores many gems of historic importance. Some places to visit in Sivasagar with your family are Rang Ghar, Sibsagar Lake, Shiva Temple, Tai Ahom Museum, Central Baptist and Catholic Church, Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary, and Anandaram Baruah Park. If you want to hit the road and explore places around Sivasagar then you can travel to Dibrugarh at a distance of about 76 km, Jorhat at a distance of 55 km, Charaideo at a distance of 28 km away and Talatal Ghar at a distance of 6 km.

8. Mokochung, Nagaland

After Kohima and Dimapur, the third prominent district is Mokokchung which is also home to Ao Naga. The fascinating mountain villages with vibrantly different people in their attires and traditions following their daily routine can be enjoyed and witnessed in this offbeat location. Mokokchung is called as the "intellectual and cultural capital of Nagaland." The best time to visit is Christmas as the entire population of Ao Naga have taken up Christianity as their faith so the festival is celebrated with utter joy.

Best time to visit: Anytime between October to June

Places to visit:Mopungchuket, Langpangkong, Ungma village, Chuchuyimlang, and Molung village.

9. Kamakhya Temple, Assam

Kamakhya temple is one of the ancient and highly worshipped temples of Northeast. Set atop Nilachal hills, this unique temple has recognized and celebrated the biological process of menstruation in women since forever.

The Kamakhya Temple in Assam is one of the most venerated Shakti shrines in India, and is regarded as one of the Shakti Peethams associated with the legend of Shiva and Daksha Yagna. Kamakhya is located on a hill - Neelachala Parvat or Kamagiri near the city of Guwahati in Assam. Shakti, residing on the Kamagiri hill is known as Kamakhya, the granter of desires. Assam traditionally has been known as the Kamarupa Desa and has been associated with Tantric practices and Shakti worship. This temple was destroyed in early 16th century, and then rebuilt in the 17th century by King Nara Narayana, of Cooch Bihar. Images of the builder and related inscriptions are seen in the temple. The Kalika Purana, an ancient work in Sanskrit describes Kamakhya as the yielder of all desires, the young bride of Shiva, and the giver of salvation. Legend has it that following the destruction of Daksha's sacrifice and the Rudra Tandava of Shiva parts of Sati's body fell at several places throughout India, and these places are revered as Shakti peethas. The reproductive organ of Sati, (the Yoni) is said to have fallen here. Legend also has it that the supreme creative power of Bhrahma was challenged by Shakti, the mother Goddess, and that Bhrahma could thereafter create, only with the blessings of the Yoni, as the sole creative principle. After much penance, Bhrahma brought down a luminous body of light from space and placed it within the Yoni circle, which was created by the Goddess and placed at Kamarupa. The temple has a beehive like shikhara. Some of the sculptured panels seen here are of interest. There are images of Ganesha, Chamundeswari, dancing fitures etc.

The temple is dedicated to Kamakhya Devi who is also called as the "bleeding goddess." The story of its origin revolves around a story that involves Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year. To observe the festival of Ambubachi, visit in Monsoon season.

10. Durtlang Hills , Mizoram

It bestows the travellers with a magnificent view of the entire Aizawl city. Take enjoyable walks along the hill slopes and cherish the rural scenes. You may come across small waterfalls on your way up if you are visiting during monsoon or post monsoon.

The Durtlang hills are located to the north of Aizawl and the way to the hill top is extremely fascinating as it offers great scenery along a steep slope. There are private cars and buses available to take passengers up to the hills from Aizawl. The view from the top of the Durtlang hills is absolutely breathtaking as it gives an overall view of the dramatic countryside complemented with a pleasant weather. The view is never the same at any instant and keeps changing throughout the day. The glorious morning and the colourful evenings are both equally enjoyable. The cool waterfalls cascading down the slopes and fluffy clouds towering the hills are a delight for visitors. It is a perfect picnic spot with the panoramic view. There are trails for trekking and hiking purposes which provide the ultimate adrenaline rush with its dangerous routes, but once the tourists' reach the top, the view is astounding. Apart from these, the Durtlang hill has other attractions like the Mac Donald's Hill, the Bung Picnic Spot and the Zoological garden. KV Paradise, situated on a slope of Durtlang hills, is a new age Taj Mahal that is a testimony of love. Most travelers flock to this epitome of beauty during the evening hours before sunset. The Vantawng waterfall located close to the hills is a major sightseeing attraction for explorers. This is the quintessential holiday disembarkation for those who love unconventional destinations away from the hustle and bustle of cities.

The greenery will take your breath away, and the panoramic view of the entire town is excellent. If you are in Mizoram, this climb is easy and really rewarding.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year.

Distance from bus stand: Approximately 35 KM from Aizawl city.

11. Bomdila Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh

Inaugurated in 1965, this abode to Buddhist monks and Llamas is the biggest attraction in Bomdila. The monastery is also believed to be an exact replica of Tsona Gontse Monastery, Tibet. This monastery in Bomdila is constructed by who was believed to be the 12th reincarnate of Tsona Rinpoche. The monastery belongs to the Mahayana Buddhism. A huge prayer hall has also, recently, been added to the structure. Another major part and attraction is the Buddha Temple built withing the monastery premises. This monastery has three parts, Upper Gompa, Middle Gompa and Lower Gompa.

Festivals of Bomdila Monastery

Bomdila monastery celebrates a number of festivals. Losar is a major festival, which is celebrated during the New Year according to the Monpa calendar. This festival continues for 15 days, during which prayers are offered and colourful flags are hoisted. Saka Dawa is another festival which is celebrated during the fourth month of the lunar calendar. This marks the day of the Buddha's enlightenment. Torgya is another major occasion which is celebrated in the third day of the eleventh month, according to the lunar calendar. This is celebrated to rejoice the victory of good over the evil. Another major festival is Dukpa Tse-Shi which is observed in the sixth month of the lunar calendar. This is celebrated to honour the first sermon delivered by Lord Buddha. There is the Lhabab Duechen festival as well, which is celebrated to mark the reincarnation of the Buddha in his Shakyamuni form; this is celebrated on the ninth month of the lunar calendar.

12. Dwaki River, Meghalaya

A day's excursion from Mawlynnong, Dawki lies but 2 Kms from Bangladesh. Despite the fact that the area is located in a place that has been for years demanding development, one is amazed by the quality of the roads, and the road to Dawki perhaps epitomizes the idyllic hill drive. At first I thought this was the result of tourism, but later learned that this had more to do with the area's strategic importance as well as the limestone and coal mines. Anyway, the black metalled road, offset by the rich, wet green and dark red-brown patches offered a smooth contrast that technology can scarcely capture.

The cool, wet air brushes over your face and refreshes and revitalizes you as it enters your body. Dawki is a small village and its main attraction is the Umngot River that marks the natural separation between the Khasi and the Jaintia Hills. The river can be forded by a suspension bridge that connects India to Bangladesh and facilitates trade between the two nations. The Umngot is the site for a boat race that is held in March-April, but even otherwise, seeing this large emerald-green serpent threading its way through the hills, with fishermen's boats dotting its surface, right into the plains of Bangladesh, is a sight whose majesty echoes long after you leave it.

13. Singalila National Park, Darjeeling

This alluring National Park is situated at a height of 7000 feet above the sea level, covering an area of 79 sq km of land. The Rhododendron forests, rare species of Orchids and Alpine trees are home to a plethora of species in plants and animals like Himalayan Leopard, Elephant, Pangolin, Chinkara along with Primula, Bamboo, Magnolia, Oak, Rhododendron etc. It is a famous trekking destination as it makes a major part of the Singalila range and can be best traversed on a Jeep Safari.

14. Tripura Sundari Temple, Tripura

Tripura Sundari Temple is a beautiful temple situated in Udaipur, around 55 km away from Agartala, Tripura. This opulent temple is 500 years old thereby making it the oldest temple present in the Udaipur district. Tripura Sundari Temple is one of the 51 Sakti Peethas and is the place where the toe of the right foot of Sati fell. Owing to its history and beauty, this majestic temple remains flooded by tourists all through the year.

It is also said that Lord Vishnu had cut Sati into 51 pieces with his Sudarshana Chakra and the places where her parts fell came to known as the Shaktipeethas. One fascinating fact about the glorious temple is that it is in the shape of a tortoise and also known as Kurma Peeth. This temple of Kali, built in 1501, is a place where a steady stream of pilgrims makes almost endless animal sacrifices that leave the grounds as bloody as the temple's vivid-red shikhara. Devotees throng here during the dazzling Diwali festival (October/November) to bathe in the fish-filled tank by the temple.

15. Nathula Pass, Sikkim

Nathula Pass is a mountain pass in Eastern Sikkim, on the Indo-Chinese border that serves as the trade link between India and China. Nathula Pass nestles at an elevation of 14,140 feet and ranks amongst the highest passes accessible by tourists via motorable road. The Old Silk Route through Lhasa, Sikkim and Eastern India used to cross through Nathula Pass. The other side of Nathula Pass is Chumbi Valley of Tibet. This mountainous pass is one of the oldest trading border posts connecting Tibet and India. The Nathula Pass is marked by Entrance gates of both countries (India and China) and military bunkers on both sides of the gates. On the Indian side, you would find some fortified military bunkers, a war memorial, an army exhibition centre, a military canteen serving hot tea and fresh snacks to tourists.