Things to do in Northeast India

Things to do in Northeast India is one of the most remote regions in India. It’s untouched by the overbearing tourism industry, which makes it an incredible place to visit. It consists of seven states; Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. If you planning to travel to North East India expect to find one of the largest and irreplaceable biodiversity hotspots in the world, with more than 60% of the area under forest cover. Although the cultures are often dismissively grouped together, they’re incredibly diverse and worth discovering.

Meet the One-Horned Rhino at Kaziranga National Park
For the unending love of wildlife, Assam gives travelers a VIP Pass into its wild realms. Kaziranga National Park, the most loved possession of the state is home to the World’s largest population of the endangered Great one Horned Rhinoceros. Which without a doubt makes it one of the top places to visit in North East India. Also inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is home to over 35 species of mammals that include Royal Bengal Tigers, Asian elephants, sambar, leopard, water buffalo, and gaur. Along with that, the avifauna species that take shelter in the wildlife game reserve includes migratory birds, game birds, scavengers, water birds, and predators.

Feel the rush of joy on a Cable Car ride in Gangtok
Cable car ride in Gangtok is one of the most cherished memories of your visit to North East India. The cable car ride starts from Deorali Bazar near Institute of Tibetology and leads to Tashiling, and next to Secretariat. Travelers can opt for round trips and behold the panoramic views of Mt Kanchenjunga and the town of Gangtok. It is among the most amazing experiences Gangtok offers to tourists.

Give white water river rafting a try in Teesta River, Sikkim
One of the most adventurous experiences of traveling in Sikkim is going for white water rafting in the turbulent rapids in Teesta River. The rapids range from Grade 2 to Grade 4 along with some awe-inspiring stretch of hills & gorges. Also, there are plenty of white sandy beaches for camping in night. All of this makes Makha-Sirwani-Bardang-Rongpo route the most popular one for river rafting in Sikkim.

Tie up your laces and explore the romantic trail of Goecha La
The Goechala trek in Sikkim offers one of the most romantic treks in the Himalayas. The trail passes through Rhododendron forests, the massive Dzongri and Thansing meadows, the cerulean Samiti Lake, under the horizon presence of Kanchenjunga and Pandim. The icy trail to Goecha La trail is a must-do when exploring the North East Himalayas.

Brace yourself for a Yak ride into the culture of Sikkim
Your trip to North East India is incomplete without riding a Yak. Yes, we are not kidding! The gentle beasts’ donning woolen knitwear know how to handle tough terrain and even where there are no roads. Without any hesitations, enjoy the ride and don’t forget a picture with the wonderful creature as a memory of your soulful time in North East India.

Feed your mind about the uniqueness of Mawsmai Caves, Meghalaya
One of the most accessible caves system located in the Jaintia Hills is the Mawsmai Cave.Basically, it is a 150-meter long natural limestone cave formation very popular with Indian tourists. Which is why travelers on a vacation in North East India, don’t miss out on this attraction. What makes it interesting is that one can explore these caves without opting for the service of a guide. Mawsmai is located just 6 kilometers away from Cherrapunji town.

Relive the famous Bollywood film moments on Darjeeling Toy Train Ride
Even though Darjeeling is not a part of the Seven Sister States, it holds a place as close as a family member. From its culture to lifestyle, this tourist destination is no different than what you experience on the northern hand of India. In addition to that, Darjeeling is popularly used as the gateway to North East India and is often a part of North East India tour packages. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, connecting Darjeeling and Siliguri, and known as the “Toy Train”, is one of the popular things to do in Darjeeling. The ride takes travelers into the world of rolling hills and lush green tea plantations of Darjeeling from the lower reaches of Eastern Himalayas.

Pack your basket for family time at Lady Hydari Park in Shillong
One of the most important places to visit in Shillong, Lady Hydari Park takes inspiration from Japanese gardens. The landscape is dotted with small ponds, willow trees, and rhododendron plants. The park is the only place with a mini zoo. It is run and managed by the Forest Department. The dry skin of python is clipped to the wall. The mini zoo keeps bird species and animals such as the Himalayan Black Bear, Jackal, Kite, Hornbill, Myna, and Leopard. It is the best children themed park in Shillong and aims to highlight the rich bio-diversity of Shillong.

Photograph the rare Red Panda at Khanchendzonga National Park
The Khanchendzonga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site settled in North Eastern Himalayas. The unique diversity of plains, ancient forests, valleys, lakes, and glaciers is what makes it unique. Wait, the list of wonders is not complete without the mention of snow-capped mountains, including the world’s third highest peak, Mount Kanchendzonga that are present in the backdrop. The national park is home to a large number of mammals including Red Panda, snow leopard, musk deer, wild dog, Himalayan tahr, to name a few. 550 species of avian also find shelter in Khanchendzoonga Visiting the national park should definitely be on your list of places to visit in North East India.

Behold the charm of Shillong with a ride on Ward’s Lake
One of the most popular attractions in Shillong, Ward’s Lake is an artificial lake set amidst lush green gardens, in the middle of the scenic hill station ‘Shillong’. This horseshoe shaped lake is often visited by both locals as well as tourists.
This tourist attraction gets its name from Sir William Ward, then Chief Commissioner of Assam who jotted out the plan for its construction. It was Colonel Hopkins who took forward the establishment of Pollock Lake in the year 1894. There is a popular tale behind the construction of this artificial lake. A Khasi prisoner, bored with the prison routine requested the warden for some creative release by allowing him to do some construction over Ward’s Lake.

Watch the birds spin around and spread colors at Nameri National Park
Nameri National Park in Assam is set at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas along the banks of a tributary of River Brahmaputra. The national park is a Tiger Reserve and is home to the numerous majestic Big Cats and around 300 species of birds. The lush environment is ideal for wildlife adventure. Plan a visit when exploring the North East.

Celebrate culture and heritage with the tribes at Hornbill Festival, Nagaland
Hey! Are you going for the most talked about celebration taking place in Nagaland, the Hornbill Festival? If yes, then let’s join the festivities together. Held every year from 1 – 10 December in the Kisama Heritage Village in Nagaland, the fiesta is a way to promote cultural heritage and bring close the tribes of the state. That being said, the festival is named after the Indian Hornbill which is mentioned in a lot of legends of Nagaland tribes.

Get pulled by the aromatic tea gardens of Assam
Assam is dreamy, but have you been to its tea plantations? Don’t pack and leave before I give you all the details. Agree or not we all have imagined ourselves reading a book, holding a cup of aromatic tea, haven’t we? Indeed! The state has spent years cultivating tea and making morning blissful for everyone. It’s your turn to plan a vacay in North East India and take a tea garden tour as it is one of the best things to do in Assam. Take it from us, the lush greenery and sweet smell of the estates will sweep away all your worries.

Let peace makes its place in your heart at Tawang Monastery
Setting its throne in the valley of Tawang River, is the Tawang Monastery, largest of its kind in India. And that’s not where it ends, Tawang is one of the best places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh and it is the largest monasteries in the world. This famous tourist attraction in Tawang finds its place in the city and district by the same name, a little close to the Tibetan and Bhutanese border. That being said, the gompa is home 65 residential buildings, a museum, institutions, living quarters, libraries and the main temple. Without a shadow of a doubt, a trip to Tawang Monastery is one of the top things to do in North East India. The monastery has the capacity to accommodate 700 monks and is home to 450 lamas.

Magical snow is all you see at Sela Lake and Pass, Arunachal Pradesh
One of the top things to do when in Arunachal Pradesh is to visit the Sela Pass and nearby high altitude Sela Lake. The pass dons over an elevation of 4170 m and offers mind-blowing views of the snowcapped mountains and pine trees topped with snowflakes. Irrespective of the fact that when you come here, you will find Sela Pass covered in snow, and fluffy clouds. As for the lake, it remains frozen for most parts of the winter, the landscape near this ancient trade route varies from magical to mystical. Furthermore, Buddhists consider the area in and around Sela Pass to be spiritually significant. They believe that some 101 lakes are snuggled in this part of the Eastern Himalayan range.

Embrace the serenity of nature at Madhuri Lake, Arunachal Pradesh
Pacing back and forth, this high altitude Himalayan Lake, Shungatser has a lot to tell every traveler that comes its way. To begin with, this land was a lush forest and grassland with grazing pastures. After the 1971 earthquake, the falling of boulders, rocks, and trees turned it into this pristine lake. Time for some Bollywood touch. The lake was named Madhuri Lake after a song from the super hit movie Koyla, starring Shahrukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit was shot here.

Hear the pleasing chants and cymbals at Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim
It is no secret that Sikkim is a hot pot spilling spirituality every now and then. That being said, the state is home to the most visited Buddhist monasteries, Rumtek. This holy gompa is located 24 kilometers from Gangtok on a steep ridge and requires a 2-hour ride and a 15-minute steep walk to reach. Although Rumtek was founded in the 16th century by Wangchuk Dorje, 9th Karmapa Lama, the gompa was in ruins years later. But thanks to Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, 16th Karmapa, who in 1959 decided to rebuild Rumtek on the same land. The shrine was inaugurated as Dharmachakra Centre.

Be surrounded by tranquility and the best of nature at Ravangla and Namchi
Ravangla and Namchi aren’t just quaint tourist towns but verdant paradises one shouldn’t miss when in South Sikkim. They are famous attractions and ideally visited for their lush landscape and view of snowcapped Himalayan peaks. The picture isn’t complete without the swathes of orchards & rhododendron forest which turn these sleepy little towns magical. Moreover, with the arrival of summer, the towns become even more enchanting and beguiling. With a riot of colors and natural landscape, these famous destinations in Sikkim are fast catching up as one of the top places to go for honeymoon in India. Easy hiking trails also make it ideal destinations for a family trek in India. The rhododendron trek from April till May is especially popular here.

A trip down history and scenic landscapes of Nathu La Pass
Nathu La Pass is located at an altitude of 14,200 feet, 52 kilometers from Gangtok on the Indo-China border. It is an important part of the legendary Silk Road, the trade route from Tibet to India. The trip to Nathu La Pass is a must do when in North East India. Make the exhilarating voyage, through mist-covered zigzag roads, picturesque scenery, and roaring waterfalls. Visitors are required to get a permit in Gangtok.

Hear the heart-warming legends of Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim
Gurudongmar Lake sits at 17,100 ft. and is one of the highest freshwater lakes on Earth. Along with that, the lake finds its place close to the Tibetan border in North Sikkim. One of the top places to visit in North East India, this beautiful lake remains milky in appearance throughout the year. And holds great religious significance for Buddhists and Hindus. According to local folklore, since the lake remained frozen throughout the year, locals were unable to use its water for drinking purposes. As per another legend, when Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was returning from Tibet, locals approached him with their problems. The guru obliged and touched a portion of the lake which to these day remains unfrozen even during peak winter months.

Get amazed at the sight of crisscrossing Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya
Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya are named as the tallest plunge waterfalls in India tipping off at the height of 335 meters. It is one of the most spectacular places to visit in North East India and one of the top attractions in Sikkim. Surrounded by dense green forest and cliffs, Nohkalikai Falls is located close to Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on the planet. Further, wanderers can visit several other popular waterfalls of Sikkim that are settled in close proximity to Nohkalikai

Test your gut and the strength of Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya
The most amazing fact about the living root bridges in one of the world’s wettest places is that they are not built but grown. The living root bridges near Cherrapunji in Meghalaya are a major tourist attraction in North East India. The strongest of the living root bridges are grown over centuries. These double-decker or single decker root bridges are grown in Khasi Hills and Jaintia from the species of India rubber trees. Some of these bridges extend over 100 feet long and take over 15 years to become functional. As more years pass, the bridges only grow stronger and sturdier and could support even 50 people at a time.

Know about the folklores of Phawngpui Peak, Mizoram
Phawngpui or the Blue Mountain is a National Park and highest mountain peak in Mizoram. This extremely revered mountain peak abuzz with several legends and folklore. As per the most popular legend, a deity of a ghost named Sangau had a son who got married to the daughter of another deity of Cherian. During the exchange of wedding gifts, the family of the bride gifted a pair of Hollock Gibbons to the family of the groom and received a single pine tree in return. The base of the Phawngpui which serves as the entrance still bears the name Farpak meaning ‘pine only’. As per the legend, while the pine multiplied which is evident even today, sadly the gibbons didn’t breed. Moreover, one of the cliff top called Thlazuang Khàm is said to be the abode of ancient spirits and believed to be haunted.

Nohsngithiang Falls, Meghalaya
Known as the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Nohsngithiang Falls is a spectacle of nature. One of the tallest waterfalls in India it is an awe-inspiring force of nature. Descending from height of 315 m the waterfalls plunges over Khasi Hills’ cliffs of limestone. The monsoon enhances its beauty. Rainbows over the water is sight that calls for a visit. The unexplored region of North East India is a true treasure. Matchless is the only word that can define its ethereal bliss, Make the most of your holiday with the list of the best things to do in North East India.

Revel in the chants of Goddess Shakti at Kamakhya Temple
Kamakhya Temple in Assam is popularly known as one of the 51 Shakti Peeths in India. According to legend, Sati’s yoni (reproductive organ) fell here after her self-immolation. There is no idol here but a structure shaped as yoni moistened by a natural spring. Visit the temple for spiritual bliss, it is extraordinary. It is an important pilgrimage for Hindus and Tantric devotees in India.

Dive into the history and traditions of Nagaland at Kisama village
Kisama heritage village is built as an effort of Nagaland government to revive and conserve the erstwhile tribal culture of the Naga people. Imitating the traditional Naga villages and tribal livelihoods and values, Kisama is opened to the public for the first week in December, during the time of the Hornbill festival. Experience Nagaland’s tribal history, lifestyle, homes, cuisines, and traditions here.