The northeastern part of India is often overlooked by most tourists but the small states tucked in this corner of the country are bound to leave you surprised with their unspoiled natural beauty. Northeast states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim boast many interesting attractions such as living root bridges, floating islands, glacial lakes, and the cleanest villages among others. So, why not plan your next trip to India to explore the northeastern states? We have listed here some of the most beautiful places to visit in northeast India for you.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park is known for its sizable population of one-horned rhinoceros, which accounts for two-thirds of the rhinoceros population in the entire world. Wildlife enthusiasts from across the country travel to this park to catch sight of this globally endangered animal species. Apart from rhinos, you can also spot other animals like elephants, tigers, panthers, wild water buffalos, swamp deers, and a variety of birds. Tourists can go on a jeep safari to explore this national park located along the southern banks of the Brahmaputra River.
Best time to visit Kaziranga National Park: November to April
Nearest airport: Jorhat Airport
Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
Home to the unique living root bridges, Cherrapunji is among the famous tourist places to visit in northeast India. Cherrapunji is the second-wettest place on the Earth after Mawsynram, which is located only 80 km from here. Both places are famous for their beautiful locales and many natural attractions including waterfalls, rivers, and ancient caves. But their best attractions are the living root bridges, weaved by the local Khasi tribes out of the living roots. Walking on the double-decker living root bridges is surely an incredible experience, which you should not miss out on.
Best time to visit Cherrapunji: September to March
Must-visit tourist attractions: Double Decker Living Root Bridges, Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Krem Mawmluh, Mawsmai Falls, Wah Kaba Falls, Eco Park, etc.
Nearest airport: Shillong Airport
Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim
With scenic snow-capped Himalayan mountains in the backdrop, Tsomgo Lake (also called Changu Lake) is a gorgeous glacial lake set at an altitude of 12,400 ft from sea level. It is one of the best places to visit in northeast India. In late spring, the lakeside treats you to beautiful views of the flowers in full bloom and during the winter season, it turns into the frozen ground. This lake is located at a distance of about 37 km from Gangtok and you can hire a taxi to reach this lake from here. A yak ride around the lake is a popular thing to do for tourists.
Best time to visit Tsomgo Lake: May to October
Nearest airport: Pakyong Airport
Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro Valley is a beautiful valley nestled in the rolling hills of Arunachal Pradesh. It is the best place to enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. The views of lush green mountains, pine forests, and paddy fields are a treat to the eyes. For adventure enthusiasts, Ziro Valley also offers many trekking opportunities. Apart from the natural heritage, this valley is also known for the unique tribal culture of the local Apatani tribe. The annual music fest that happens here in the month of September or October is a big hit among tourists. This year too, the Ziro Music Festival is happening from 29th September to 2nd October. All music lovers out there, plan your trip and book your flight tickets to India today.
Best time to visit Ziro Valley: March to October
Must-visit tourist attractions: Meghna Cave Temple, Kile Pakho, Talley Valley Wildlife sanctuary, Ziro Putu, Midey, etc.
Nearest airport: Tezpur Airport
Loktak Lake, Manipur
One of the largest freshwater lakes in northeast India, Loktak Lake is a beautiful lake scattered with floating masses of vegetation, locally called phumdis. Another highlight of Loktak Lake is that it is home to the only floating national park in the world! Keibul Lamjao National Park sits on one of the phumdis floating on the late. It provides shelter to several species of rare and endangered animals, birds, and aquatic plants. Tourists can take a boat ride on Loktak Lake to get closer to its unusual floating islands. With many interesting attractions, this unique lake draws a large number of nature lovers, birdwatchers, and photography enthusiasts.
Best time to visit Loktak Lake: October to March
Nearest airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport
Majuli Islands, Nathu La Pass, Dibrugarh, Tawang, Assam Tea Gardens, Dawki, Gangtok, Manas National Park, Laitlum Canyon, Imphal, Pelling, Kohima, Agartala, Pasighat, and Changlang are other best places to visit in northeast India. If you have not visited this beautiful part of the country yet, plan your itinerary soon and book cheap international flights via Indian Eagle.
