With their undulating hills, verdant valleys, bubbling rivers, and alluring atmosphere, the northeastern states of India are a favourite destination for travellers worldwide. The states are renowned for their rich cultural legacy and diversity. Tourists prefer them for their hiking trails, parks where one may see wild creatures in their natural habitat, historic temples, and snow-capped high peaks. Here are some of the northeast India’s top tourist places if you’re considering visiting the country of the Seven Sisters.

14 best places to visit in northeast India

Nathula Pass, Sikkim

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Nathula is a mountain pass in the Himalayan ranges that connects Sikkim with China and is one of the best places to visit in northeast India. It is one of the highest drive highways on the entire globe. The Indo-Chinese border’s Nathula Pass is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. Every year, a large number of people come here to go hiking in the valley and take in the natural splendour. Along the route from Gangtok to Nathula, there are a lot of waterfalls that burst forth. One of the most attractive sites to visit in North East India, it also gives visitors the chance to see spectacular snow-capped mountains surrounding the region.

You can reach Nathula Pass:

By train: New Jalpaiguri, which is 117 kilometres away from Nathula Pass, is home to the closest trains. Both significant and insignificant regions of the country are well connected to the Train station. The majority of tourists prefer to travel by train to get to Nathula Pass.

By air: The closest Airport to Nathula Pass is Bagdogra, West Bengal, if you intend to travel there by air. Around 57 kilometres separate Bagdogra and Nathula Pass in total. 

By road: Nathula Pass is well connected with Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong. Regular Sikkim State Transport buses between Nathula Pass and Siliguri are readily available.

Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim

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Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, offers a surreal picture of untamed mountains. At the height of 12,400 feet, the lake has a changing appearance throughout the year. The lakeshore is covered in blooming flowers in the late spring while it freezes solid in the winter. For Buddhist monks and Sikkim’s faith healers, a multitude of traditions and myths about this lake are important. A yak ride is an experience that tourists will never forget. You may even ride a yak on the frozen lake in the winter, and it is an ideal northeast tourist place for everyone. 

You can reach Tsomgo Lake:

By train: New Jalpaiguri, which is 100 kilometres away from Tsomgo Lake, is home to the closest trains. Both significant and insignificant regions of the country are well connected to the train station. The majority of tourists prefer to travel by train to get to Tsomo Lake.

By air: The closest airport to Tsomgo Lake is Bagdogra, West Bengal. 

By road: Regular Sikkim State Transport buses that operate between Tsomgo Lake and Siliguri are readily available.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

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There are just three thousand one-horned rhinos left in the world, making them an endangered species. Nearly 2,000 of them live in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park. It is an unparalleled experience to observe them while on a safari in this prestigious national park. 

You can reach Kaziranga National Park:

By train: Furkating, 75 kilometres from Kaziranga Park, is the railroad station closest to the park. Numerous trains connect the station with important railway stations like Guwahati, Kolkata, New Delhi, etc.

By air:  Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is the nearest. You can take a cab or taxi from the airport to the park, which will cost less, or you can go to the bus stop at Paltan Bazaar, about 23 kilometres from the airport. From there, you can take a state-run bus service or a private bus to get to the park.

By road: The Kaziranga Park’s main entrance is in the small town of Kohora, which is accessible to Assam’s major cities by buses operated by the government or private companies. These cities include Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat, Nagaon, Golaghat, Dimapur, Tinsukia, Sivasagar, etc.

Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya

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Cherrapunjee is well known for a variety of things, but its live root bridges are its main draw. These bridges, located around the city, were constructed using human ingenuity and the wonder of nature. Walking on these bridges will be a memorable experience for you and a prime example of how North east India amazes tourists. If you haven’t already, put this on your list of places to visit in the northeast.

You can reach Cherrapunjee:

By train: The closest rail hub to Cherrapunji is Guwahati. Despite being 181 kilometres from this area, the railway station offers bus services and taxis. Regular trains transport passengers to and from the Guwahati railway station, which has good connections nationwide.

By air: The closest large airport to Cherrapunji is in Guwahati. It is 181 kilometres away from the city. You can either take a pre-paid cab from the airport or rent a taxi from the Paltan Bazaar bus stop in Guwahati to get to Cherrapunji town. The closest airport to Cherrapunji is technically the Umroi Airport (91 km) near Shillong.

By road: From Shillong’s Sohra Bus Stand in the Bara Bazaar neighbourhood, buses depart for Cherrapunji.

Pelling, Sikkim

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Pelling, a charming town in Sikkim’s West region, is quickly overtaking Gangtok as the state’s second most popular tourist attraction. The breathtaking view of Khangchendzonga and the other peaks is the location’s main draw. The well-known Pemayangtse monastery, a popular tourist destination, is within less than a kilometre of here. In addition, it offers opportunities for various additional activities like village visits, mountain riding, rock climbing, meditation, and academic research. For all nature enthusiasts, Pelling’s picturesque village is the ideal vacation spot as a northeast tourist place. 

You can reach Pelling:

By train: New Jalpaiguri, which is 117 kilometres away from Pelling, is home to the closest trains. Both significant and insignificant regions of the country are well connected to the train station. The majority of tourists prefer to travel by train to get to Pelling.

By air: The closest airport to Pelling is Bagdogra, West Bengal. Around 124 kilometres separate Bagdogra and Pelling in total. 

By road: Pelling is well connected by road with Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong. Regular Sikkim State Transport buses between Pelling and Siliguri are readily available.

Gangtok, Sikkim

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One of Northeast India’s most well-liked hill stations is the pleasant metropolis of Gangtok. Gangtok attracts nature enthusiasts, trekkers, and photographers with its mist-covered mountains and verdant valleys. Even if you’re not an excellent mountaineer, a stroll over the slopes surrounding Gangtok will allow you to see Khangchendzonga Peak. It is an ideal northeast tourist place for everyone. 

You can reach Gangtok:

By train: New Jalpaiguri, which is 117 kilometres away from Gangtok, is home to the closest trains. Both significant and insignificant regions of the country are well connected to the train station. The majority of tourists prefer to travel by train to get to Gangtok.

By air: The closest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra, West Bengal. Around 124 kilometres separate Bagdogra and Gangtok in total. 

By road: Gangtok is well connected by road with Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong. Regular Sikkim State Transport buses between Gangtok and Siliguri are readily available.

Shillong, Meghalaya

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Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a lovely city surrounded by pine trees. Its name comes from the Shillong Peak idol Lei Shyllong, which is revered there. Shillong is renowned for its charming scenery and customs.

This hill town, which rises to a height of 1,496 metres, is pleasant year-round due to its temperate environment. The pleasantness of visiting this hill station is enhanced by the occasional drizzles and the soft cooling wind. The “Scotland of the East” is another name for this location. The Kyrie, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal, and Langrim tribes all have descendants today

You can reach Shillong:

By train: Meghalaya currently has no proper rail infrastructure. The closest railroad station, located 105 kilometres from Shillong, is Guwahati. The city has excellent train connections to all other major cities throughout the nation. For Shillong, there are also taxi and bus services available.

By air: Shillong Airport in Umroi is a small airport that accepts Alliance Air aircraft and is situated 40 kilometres from Shillong. 

By road: Taxis, buses, and cars are easily available from any location to travel. 

Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

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Next on the list of places to visit in the northeast is Ziro. Ziro, the birthplace of a distinctive tribal group and a pleasant environment, is a haven for peace seekers. The Apa Tani tribe calls Ziro, an adorable old town in Arunachal Pradesh, home. Ziro is also known for its pine hills and rice farms. Ziro has a pleasant year-round climate, making travel convenient all year long.

You can reach Ziro:

By train: Naharlagun (100 km) and North Lakhimpur are the closest stations to Ziro (117 kms). Regular intercity trains run from Guwahati to Naharlagun, and one train departs from New Delhi once a week.

By air: Ziro is located 98 kilometres from Jorhat, Assam, which has the closest airport. Another airport is located in Lilabari, which is 123 kilometres away from Ziro. Guwahati is located the closest international airport to Ziro, located around 449 kilometres away.

By road: A night bus runs from Guwahati to Ziro. The Arunachal Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation manages the bus, which runs four days per week. An alternative is to fly to North Lakhimpur or Itanagar and then take a shared taxi from there to Ziro.

Agartala, Tripura

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Agartala, Tripura’s sole metropolis, provides tourists with a laid-back lifestyle and the pleasures of small-town living. The palaces and monuments in this capital city are well known for showcasing its illustrious past. Both its handwoven textiles and bamboo crafts are well known. There is something for everyone in Agartala, even though it is a favourite family vacation spot in Northeast India. You can try the local cuisine while you are here.

You can reach Agartala:

By train: Located 140 kilometres from Tripura, Kumarghat is the closest railway station. The railheads of Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Indore, and Kolkata are all connected to the Kumarghat station.  Taxis are available to get to Tripura.

By air: The closest airport is in Tripura, in Agartala. Located five minutes from Agartala. There are direct flights from this airport to Guwahati and Kolkata. To get there, one might use a taxi or an automobile.

By road: Taxis, buses, and cars are easily accessible from any location to travel. 

Umiam Lake, Meghalaya

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The captivating man-made reservoir known as Umiam Lake is situated 15 kilometres north of Shillong, the capital of the Meghalayan state in northeastern India. After a dam was built to produce hydroelectric power, the lake was formed. The tranquil lake has an area of around 222 square kilometres and is encircled by dense coniferous trees. This lake’s surface area is four times larger than Bermuda or San Marino combined. It is surrounded by the country’s most picturesque East Khasi hills, which are covered with lush greenery. The majority of visitors visiting Meghalaya make a point of stopping at Umiam Lake to take pictures and take leisurely boat rides.

You can reach Umiam Lake:

By train: Shillong’s Umiam Lake is not connected to the railroad by any means. The closest railhead is located 120 kilometres away at Guwahati.

By air: A small airport in Shillong called Umroi Airport is located around 15 kilometres from Umiam Lake. However, it only offers sporadic flights to Kolkata. The distance between Delhi and the airport in Guwahati, which has greater connectivity with major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Agartala, Imphal, etc., is roughly 120 kilometres.

By road: By Road Shillong, which is connected to Guwahati (Assam) and other Meghalayan cities, provides easy access to Umiam Lake by roadways. There are buses that travel from Guwahati to Shillong. Taxis may be booked from Shillong to travel to Umiam Lake.

Guwahati, Assam

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Guwahati, a large city next to the powerful Brahmaputra, is the perfect example of how ancient history and modernity can coexist. Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, serves as the entry point to the old Seven Sisters of North East India. Guwahati, a city, moulded by time, is home to historic landmarks and centuries-old temples that transport you back in time through the pages of antiquity. Parallel to this, the city has embraced a quick-paced millennial entertainment culture, complete with restaurants and vibrant nightlife, to keep up with the modern period of urbanisation and commercialisation. 

Guwahati is one of the best places to visit in northeast India because of the gushing Brahmaputra river, which carries with it amazing tales from thousands of years ago, and the tranquil atmosphere that permeates the city despite its modern lifestyle. 

You can reach Guwahati:

By train: One of the main rail hubs in Assam is Guwahati Railway Station, which is only five kilometres from the city centre. The station has excellent train connections to all significant Indian cities.

By air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, located 25 kilometres from the centre of the city, connects Guwahati with all significant Indian cities.

By road: The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and other private buses provide excellent connections between the metropolis of Guwahati and a number of surrounding cities and towns.

Kohima, Nagaland

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The highland capital of Nagaland, one of India’s seven sister states, is Kohima. The anglicised name “Kohima” was given by the British; the original name, “Kewhira,” was derived from the Kewhi flowers that may be seen in the area. It is a place of folklore that has been passed down through the ages and is renowned for its ethereal setting and unspoiled beauty. It is 1,500 metres above sea level and is surrounded by charming hills, emerald trees, and a gorgeous setting. For those who seek adventure, it is the top destination in northeastern India to visit because it is perfect for hiking, camping, and trekking.

You can reach Kohima:

By train: The closest railroad station is in Dimapur, which is around 74 kilometres from Kohima. Guwahati, Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh are all easily accessible.

By air: Dimapur Airport, located around 74 kilometres from Kohima city, is the closest domestic airport. Major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and others are easily accessible from the Dimapur Airport.

By road: The Nagaland State Road Transport operates buses that travel between Dimapur and Kohima. In addition to privately run luxury buses and taxis, there are also government-run buses that connect Shillong, Guwahati, and practically all of the state’s district headquarters.

Sela Pass, Arunachal Pradesh

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Sela Pass, one of the gorgeous locations in the Himalayan panorama, provides the residents of Arunachal Pradesh with a lifeline, and the Sela Lake is as divine as it gets. Together, the two dazzle everyone with their mystical beauty. Sela Pass, one of nature’s most beautiful gifts to the northeast, serves as a lifeline for the residents of Arunachal Pradesh as it is the only route connecting the state’s Tawang district to the rest of the nation. Sela Pass is a breathtaking location that is always covered in snow and offers some stunning views of the eastern Himalayan range, in addition to its geographic significance. The Sela Lake, one of Arunachal’s most stunning lakes, is located in the mountainous pass. 

You can reach Sela Pass:

By train: Sela Pass is not readily accessible by train because there is no significant railway station nearby. Rangapara Railway Station in Tezpur is the closest significant railroad hub to Sela Pass. 

By air: Salonibari Airport, the closest airport, is in Tezpur. It takes 10 to 12 hours to travel the 330 miles by road between Tezpur and Sela Pass.

By road: Since Sela Pass lacks an airport or train station, effective bus connectivity has been established between Sela Pass and other significant adjacent cities. 

Touphema Village, Nagaland

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Touphema Village in Nagaland is a replica heritage village created to showcase the traditions and way of life of the Naga people. It is located close to Kohima. Spend a night in a tribal hut, have some great tribal food with other visitors, and spend time in Touphema village listening to stories and songs from the locals. The community is surrounded by hills, which creates an enchanting environment. It offers you the chance to discover and study a fascinating facet of north-east Indian culture and way of life.

You can reach Touphema Village:

By train: Depending on the route used, Touphema Village is approximately between 88 and 100 kilometres from Dimapur Railway Station. To get to their destination from the station, travellers can take a bus or a taxi.

By air: Visitors to Touphema Village must take a connecting flight from towns like Kolkata and Guwahati to Dimapur, which is home to Nagaland’s only airport. Touphema Village is 100 kilometres from the airport, which is reachable via taxis, rental cars, or the frequent buses that run between Dimapur and Touphema.

By road: Touphema is entirely dependent on the road network because there is no airport or nearby train station. Touphema is connected by road from Dimapur and Kohima, which are separated by distances of around 100 km and 41 km, respectively. Buses, both public and private, transport both visitors and locals to their destinations on a daily basis. Others can simply get taxis and rental cars.

FAQs

What season is ideal for travelling to North East India?

Northeastern India has been blessed with a wealth of natural beauty, which is captivating throughout the year. Summertime (April, May, and June) is the best time for sightseeing, animal viewing, and adventure tours because the sky is generally clear. In the winter months of December, January, and February, the majority of the territory is covered in a thick layer of snow. The popular tourist places to visit in North East India get heavy to very heavy rainfall throughout the monsoon season (June to September).

What is renowned about North East India?

There are many different cultures, traditions, and people in North East India. The region is renowned for its diversity, the existence of unusual flora and animals, and its locations, in addition to its vast natural beauty. North East India is also home to numerous major locations, including Ziro Valley, the Tawang Monastery, Nathu La Pass, Majuli Islands, the Kaziranga National Park, and the Kanchenjunga Base Camp.

Is Nagaland a safe place for tourists?

Yes, it is considered that visiting Nagaland is fairly safe. Nagaland residents are very welcoming and helpful. However, you should always stick with your group and be aware of your surroundings, just like you would anywhere else. Along with keeping a constant eye on your stuff, it is also advised not to wander alone in isolated areas after nightfall.