rural tourism in north east india

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Guide to North East India States and Places to Visit

Northeast India is made up of seven separate but adjoining states, as well as standalone Sikkim, and is the most tribal region of India. Although the mountainous scenery is arresting, the Northeast region remains the least visited part of India. This has been due to its remoteness, and also the permit requirements placed on tourists . Ethnic violence, as well as the northeast's sensitive location bordering Bhutan, China, and Myanmar, remain issues. Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura are regarded as relatively peaceful though. Tourist numbers to the region have been dramatically increasing in recent years. Find out about what to see there in this guide to Northeast India states.

Want to Take a Tour of the Northeast Region?

Going on a guided tour is recommended as a hassle-free way of seeing the Northeast. Kipepeo is involved in sustainable and responsible tourism, and capacity building in local communities. The company offers a wide range of custom and flexible departure trips and homestay accommodations. Root Bridge is a responsible tourism company that endeavors to tell the untold stories of the Northeast. North East Explorers , The Holiday Scout and The Greener Pastures are recommended too.

Arunachal Pradesh

Until recently, travel to Arunachal Pradesh was highly restricted to foreigners due to its proximity to China. The Indian government has relaxed permit requirements somewhat, and added new tourist circuits, bringing the total number to 12. Limitations on independent travel, the places that can be visited, and the high cost of travel does discourage foreign tourism to the state though. However, adventurous young Indian backpackers are starting to flock there. Tawang Monastery is the state's most well-known attraction. Perched at 10,000 feet above sea level, it overlooks the Tawang Valley near the border of Bhutan. The monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery in India. It also has a fascinating collection of thangkas (Tibetan paintings). If you can, visit it during the Torgya Festival in January or Tawang Festival in October. Other attractions include pristine national parks such as Namdapha, and remarkable tribes. In the Ziro district, the annual Dree festival (early July) and Myoko festival (late March) of the Apatani tribe, and Ziro Music Festival (late September) are popular too. The Mopin Festival of the Galo tribe is celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh in early April.

Assam is the largest and most accessible of the northeast India states. It's best known for its tea, and around 60% of India's tea is grown there . The capital and gateway of Assam is the sprawling and rather unattractive Guwahati. Most people spend a few days there though, as it's the best place to organize tours around Assam and the other Northeast India states. There are also several temples of interest in Guwahati. However, the most famous attraction in Assam is Kaziranga National Park , home to the rare Great Indian One-Horned Rhinocerous. Smaller and lesser-known Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is an excellent place to see these animals as well. Also, don't miss visiting beautiful Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island .

Meghalaya used to be part of Assam. Known as the Abode of the Clouds, it's one of the wettest places on earth . So, do choose the time when you visit wisely! Capital Shillong was a popular hill station during colonial times, with leftover features being a championship golf course and polo ground, Victorian bungalows, and churches. Concrete buildings have sprouted since then, but the charm hasn't been completely lost. The abundant natural attractions in Meghalaya include caves, waterfalls, lakes, and ancient living root bridges . In fact, Meghalaya has the largest number of known caves in India. Check out these top places to visit in Meghalaya for nature lovers and Shillong hotels with a difference.

There are 16 major tribes in untamed Nagaland, which shares a border with Myanmar. Relatively new to tourism, the people are curious, warm, informal -- and open to attracting visitors. You'll never feel alone when visiting villages in Nagaland. Plus, there are tourist lodges with cultural programs in almost every location in the state to accommodate you. However, what's really placed Nagaland on the tourist map is the vibrant tribal Hornbill Festival (first week of December), Moatsu Festival (first week of May), and Aoling Festival of the Konyak tribe (first week of April). Read more about Nagaland's tourist districts and exploring Nagaland.

Manipur, located on the far northeast border below Nagaland, has been described as the Jewel of the East because of its picturesque hills and valleys. The capital, Imphal, is surrounded by wooded hills and lakes. Loktak Lake, with its multitude of floating swampy islands, is remarkable for being the only floating lake in the world. Stay at Sendra Park and Resort for the best experience of it. Manipur has recently begun taking steps to develop its tourist potential, which is essential as the state struggles to overcome poverty in rural areas and rebellions between ethnic groups. A Lemon Festival is held every January in Kachai and the Kang Chingba Festival is also a big event.

Mizoram juts out at the bottom of the Northeast region, finger-like in its form. Its landscape is stunning and varied, with dense bamboo jungles, plunging gorges, rivers, and lush paddy fields. Mizoram will hold a great deal of appeal for those who enjoy the great outdoors. The state's festivals provide a good dose of culture as well, with the Chapchar Kut being one of the most popular.

Tiny Tripura, almost surrounded by Bangladesh, is the second smallest state in India. Heavily forested, it's renowned for its vast array of bamboo products. Handloom weaving is also a significant industry there. The mixed European-Mughal style Ujjayanta Palace is of interest in Tripura's capital, Agartala. However, as it's occupied by the State Legislative Assembly, only the grounds can be explored. Tripura's star attraction, however, is the lake place of Neermahal. It was constructed as a summer resort in 1930 by late Maharaja Birbikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur. There's a boating facility on the lake. Tripura also has a number of Buddhist temples, giving it appeal as a Buddhist pilgrimage place. Unakoti, a Shiva pilgrimage site, is notable for the largest rock-cut images and stone idols of Lord Shiva in India.

The ​Himalayan state of Sikkim was recognized as part of Northeast India in the 1990s. Bordered by China, Nepal and Bhutan, Sikkim has long been regarded as one of the last Himalayan Shangri-las. There's something very soothing to the soul about the mountainous beauty and ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture in Sikkim. Find out more about Sikkim's top places to visit.

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Exploring the Unlimited and Unexplored Rural Tourism in Meghalaya, North East India

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• Haziel Mercy Buam 23 &
• M. A. Naseer 23  

Part of the book series: Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation ((ASTI))

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Northeast India is a region that boasts of various wonders that are classified under natural, cultural, and heritage which makes them unique from the rest of India. Among the seven states in the northeast region, the State of Meghalaya is also known for similar resources, and hence, tourists venture into these wonders throughout the year. Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya being branded as the wettest place on earth, it  became quite natural for the tourists to visit the State, especially during the monsoon season. Consequently, with this development, it started piquing the interests of the researchers and scientists leading to the discovery of the Meghalayan Age in 2018 and the recent discovery in 2019–2021 of the remains of fossils of sauropod dinosaurs dating back to about 100 million years. It is undeniably confirmative that Meghalaya has many more wonders to offer in the tourism sector. At present, the tourism sector of the State has explored adventure and nature tourism only. Meghalaya being a State with villages having unique characteristics, with unique agricultural produce and food preservation techniques, there is a tremendous opportunity for the State to explore rural tourism along with its unparallel cultural heritage. Being landlocked for several years in the past, and having a unique character in terms of demography, socioeconomic conditions, and the environment from the rest of India, tourism is one of the sectors yet to be explored in its entirety. Therefore, this study delves into the nuances of tourism in the rural areas of Meghalaya.

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With great sincerity, the authors acknowledge the officials, faculty, colleagues, and friends who have contributed to this endeavor and place on record their encouragement and support for the study.

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Buam, H.M., Naseer, M.A. (2022). Exploring the Unlimited and Unexplored Rural Tourism in Meghalaya, North East India. In: Mandić, A., Castanho, R.A., Stankov, U. (eds) Cultural Sustainable Tourism. Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10800-6_8

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15 Most Beautiful Ecotourism Destinations in Northeast India

The Northeast region of India is one of the country’s top ecotourism destinations because of its stunning beauty and tranquil settings. However, the same qualities that make the region so appealing make it vulnerable to overuse and destruction. Ecotourism is an important part of ensuring that the region is preserved for future generations. There are numerous ways for visitors to learn about native traditions in order to protect natural environments and reduce the negative effects of travel.

Here are 15 of the most beautiful ecotourism destinations in northeast india:.

Table of Contents

1. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

2. Umden, Meghalaya

Umden is a small village in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district. Umden was declared as the state’s first ‘Eri Silk Village,’ with the goal of developing the village along the lines of Vietnam’s Hai Aan Silk Village and Assam’s Sualkuchi Village. The village has picture-perfect streams, lush green meadows, and acres of forests and orchards. The village also has a beautiful view of the sprawling Khasi hills and many picturesque tea estates. Umden is also a great weekend getaway from Guwahati and Shillong.

3. Majuli, Assam

Majuli is a picturesque, lush green, and pollution-free river island on the Brahmaputra River. It is the world’s largest river island, drawing visitors from all over the world. Majuli is also a strong contender for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Majuli’s culture is unique and quite interesting, and it is one of the main reasons why people love this place so much. Due to its rich cultural heritage, Majuli is regarded as the culture of Assam. All of the festivals celebrated here are joyful and vibrant. The main festival in Majuli is called Raas, and it is a thrilling and fascinating spectacle.

4. Nameri, Assam

Nameri National Park is a national park in the Sonitpur District of Assam, India, located in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. It is the most scenic of Assam’s national parks. It is a birdwatcher’s paradise and teems with biodiversity. The Jia Bharali river is famous for its tigers, elephants, rare bird species, and rare fish species. Nameri has varied flora and fauna. The most well-known white-winged wood duck (Deo Hanh) can be found here. There are also cottages for accommodation, which offer simple and comfortable stays. You can also take a walk along the Jia-Bharali River or go on rafting trips.

5. Namphake, Assam

6. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

7. Manas National Park, Assam

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the North-East Indian state of Assam, which is a biodiversity hotspot. It spans the Manas River and is bounded to the north by Bhutanese forests, covering an area of 39,100 hectares. The Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur, and pygmy hog are among the park’s rare and endangered endemic wildlife. Manas National Park is well-known for its population of wild water buffalo.. Manas is one of India’s nine tiger reserve sanctuaries. Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog, Golden Langur, Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic Buffalo, and other wildlife spices can be found in the national park. Elephant, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Wild Boar, Samber, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer, and other animals are also commonly seen.

8. Touphema, Nagaland

9. Khonoma, Nagaland

10. Loktak Lake, Manipur

11. Yuksom, Sikkim

12. Dzongu, North Sikkim

13. Thembang, Arunachal Pradesh

Thembang is an ancient village with significant historical and cultural significance in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district. Thembang is about 55 kilometres northeast of Bomdila. The village is surrounded by lush green majestic mountain peaks with oak and blue pine forest slopes, as well as cascading high-speed perennial rivers flowing down beneath the deep gorges. With all of these resources, community-based eco-tourism was introduced in Thembang in a sustainable manner, and it has already been awarded the best Eco-tourism award for the year 2017 by the State Department of Tourism. Thembang Fortified Village has also been proposed for inclusion on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

14. Eaglesnest, West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh

15. Khumulwng Eco Park, Tripura

Travel Permits to North East India

Visiting to the three states-  Arunachal Pradesh ,  Nagaland , and  Mizoram  would require  Inner Line Permits (ILPs)  while foreigners including Overseas Citizens of India require Protected Area Permits (PAPs) for  Arunachal Pradesh  and  Sikkim . Obtaining an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is not required for visiting Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura for Indians or foreigners.

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Rural Tourism of North East India: Prospects and Challenges

In this paper an attempt have been made to study how the rural tourism helps to generate sustainable livelihood in NorthEast India. The study is based onsecondary data. Development of rural tourism can be considered as a possible way to enhance economic empowerment and employment generation of rural communities through sustainable livelihood. Rural tourism is the showcase of rural life, art, culture and heritage, picturesquelandscape at rural locations or in villages. Rural tourism also the concept of homestay can provide direct benefits to the local communities or stakeholders, both economically and socially. It also enable interactions between tourists and local population for a mutually enriching experience. The government have taken various initiative and policies at central and state level to enhance tourism potential. Consequently there has been considerable growth of rural communities in North EastIndia through village tourism, natural tourism, cultural tourism etc. In this paper an attempt is made to study the potentiality of rural tourism and its various aspects in North East India for sustainable rural development.

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Electronic International Interdisciplinary ISSN Research Journal (EIIRJ)

Nagaraju L G

This paper focus to probe the of rural tourism in India, how rural tourism can help rural society. It can have both positive and negativeimpacts on rural as well as urban communities. rural tourism means Any form of tourism that showcases the rural life, art, culture and heritage at rural locations, thereby benefiting the local community economically and socially as well as enabling interaction between the tourists and the locals for a more enriching tourism experience can be termed as rural tourism. Rural Tourism is essentially an activity which takes place in the countryside. It is multi-faceted and may entail farm/agricultural tourism, cultural tourism, nature tourism, adventure tourism, and eco-tourism. Tourism growth potential can be harnessed as a strategy for Rural Development. The development of a strong platform around the concept of Rural Tourism is definitely useful for a country like India, where almost 74% of the population resides in its 7 million villages. Across the world the trends of industrialization and development have had an urban centric approach. Alongside, the stresses of urban lifestyles have led to a “counter-urbanization” syndrome. This has led to growing interest in the rural areas. Promotion of village tourism as the primary tourism product to spread tourism and its socio-economic benefits to rural and its new geographic regions. Key geographic regions would be identified for development and promotion of Rural Tourism.

Dr. Nilanjan Ray

EPRA International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Economic Research

With its rich cultural heritage, historical monuments, and natural resources, India is a world-renowned tourist destination. India’s tourism industry has emerged as a major economic driver, generating significant foreign exchange earnings. Tourism is a major global industry, contributing 11% of global GDP. Rural tourism in India has enormous potential due to India’s vast rural diversity. Rural tourism in India is envisioned to create jobs and a vibrant local economy by reviving old art and crafts and preserving rural India culture. A counter-urbanization syndrome has developed as a result of the stress of city living. This has sparked a surge of interest in rural areas. Other causes, such as increased wellness awareness, greater interest in heritage and culture, enhanced accessibility, and environmental sensitivity, are all contributing to the trend toward rural tourism. Following COVID-19, tourist recovery usually begins at a local level. Before there is a strong demand for foreign...

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13 April, 2024 | ePaper

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Tourism And Economic Development In North-East India

India’s “Look East” policy, initiated in 1991, marked a significant shift in India’s perspective of the world, focusing on forging economic and cultural ties with countries in the East. As part of this policy, the tourism industry played a crucial role in promoting economic development, especially in the North-East region of India. With its rich natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical significance, the North-East has immense potential to attract tourists and drive economic growth. This article explores the impact of the Look East policy on the tourism industry in India, particularly in the North-East region.

By: Dipak Kurmi

Tourism potential of North-East India:

The North-East region of India boasts diverse tourism offerings that can captivate visitors from around the world. It is home to stunning natural landscapes, including scenic beauty, eco-tourism opportunities, and wildlife sanctuaries. The region also offers a vibrant cultural experience with its numerous festivals, tribal traditions, and unique handlooms and handicrafts. Furthermore, the North-East has historical and religious sites that attract pilgrims and heritage enthusiasts alike. Adventure tourism, golf tourism, and the exploration of ethnic diversity add to the region’s tourism appeal.

Assam’s role in North-East tourism:

Among the North-Eastern states, Assam stands out as a prime destination with vast tourism potential. Known for its tea plantations, biodiversity, and wildlife, Assam offers a range of experiences for nature enthusiasts. National parks like Kaziranga and Manas, home to the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros and other wildlife species, draw tourists from across the globe. The state’s historical sites, such as Sivasagar and Tezpur, offer a glimpse into Assam’s rich past. Moreover, pilgrimage sites like Kamakhya Temple and the cultural hub of Majuli, the largest river island in the world, contribute to Assam’s appeal as a tourist hotspot.

Government initiatives and challenges:

Recognizing the tourism potential of the North-East, the Indian government has undertaken several measures to promote the region’s development. The Look East policy has facilitated initiatives like the Asian Highway, Asian Railway link, and natural gas pipelines, enhancing connectivity and infrastructure. The establishment of a ship repair facility, skill universities, and the Assam Intra-State Transmission System Enhancement Project demonstrate the government’s commitment to boost tourism-related infrastructure. However, there are challenges to overcome, including limited awareness, inadequate promotion, and connectivity issues. Efforts are required to address these challenges and unlock the full potential of North-East tourism.

Economic impact of tourism:

The tourism industry plays a crucial role in fostering economic development in North-East India. It serves as a significant source of employment, both skilled and unskilled, promoting national integration and international brotherhood. Tourism generates foreign exchange earnings and stimulates other sectors such as hospitality, transport, and handicrafts. By attracting tourists, the region experiences an inflow of investments and increased trade opportunities. The economic benefits of tourism extend beyond urban areas, positively impacting rural communities and encouraging sustainable development.

The Look East policy has had a transformative impact on the tourism industry in India, particularly in the North-East region. By recognizing and harnessing the tourism potential of the North-East, India has opened up new avenues for economic growth and development. Assam, with its natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural heritage, stands out as a key player in driving tourism in the region. However, concerted efforts are required to overcome challenges and effectively promote North-East tourism on a global scale. With the right strategies and investments, the North-East region of India can truly become a thriving tourism destination, contributing significantly to the country’s overall economic prosperity. (The writer is a journalist and commentator based in Guwahati, he can be reached at [email protected])

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Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

15 days in North East India | A Travel Guide and Itinerary

Jack Kerouac in his book On the Road , says, “There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.” Traversing through majestic mountains and lustrous valleys in the middle of nowhere while admiring the flawless creations of nature seems like an idea, too good to be real for now. But it is wise enough to find respite from mundane schedules by making a virtual tour of destinations in your bucket list and plan for future travel.

North East India is known to be in the bucket list of many discerning travelers. The alluring beauty of nature and rich culture intertwine to make the North East a top pick for many. The eight states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim constitute the North East region in India.

The vas t region with countless idyllic travel destinations requires you to spend months there to be able to explore the region well but in reality, this is not something everyone can possibly do. But setting aside 15 days in a year to head to the rather unexplored part of India is something doable. Hence, I am compiling this 15-Day Travel Itinerary comprising of 3 states in the North East – Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.

If you are someone who had always wished to wander through the winding roads in the North East and jump into the pools of hidden waterfalls but never found a perfect itinerary to make the best out of your available time, this itinerary is for you. Go ahead to read and plan your next trip to the North East.

How to reach Shillong?

Where to stay in shillong, where to eat in shillong, how to reach cherrapunjee, where to stay in cherrapunjee, nohkalikai falls, mawsmai caves, arwah caves, how to reach nongriat, where to stay in tyrna, how to reach tezpur, tezpur to kaziranga, where to stay in kaziranga, how to book a jeep safari, where to stay in tezpur, how to reach dirang, where to stay in dirang, dirang dzong, dirang monastery, explore dirang on foot, how to reach tawang, where to stay in tawang, things to do in tawang, how to reach bomdila, where to stay in bomdila, things to do in bomdila, how to reach guwahati, where to stay in guwahati.

Day 14 : Explore Guwahati

Day 15 : Fly out from Guwahati

North East Itinerary – In brief

Tips to remember while planning the trip, share this:.

A detailed 15-day Travel Itinerary for North East

Day 1 : Guwahati to Shillong

To start your journey in the North East, you’d have to fly to Guwahati in Assam, which serves as the base for almost all routes.

• Hire a vehicle from Guwahati Airport or Guwahati Railway Station to Shillong. It would ideally cost you about INR 2000 for a drop off at Police Bazar, Shillong or your Hotel.
• You can also hop onto a shared sumo/taxi from the airport or railway station which would cost about INR 300. If you do not find shared vehicles there, you can head to Paltan Bazar in Guwahati from where you’d easily find shared vehicles for Shillong.
• You will also find buses for Shillong from ISBT, Beltola in Guwahati.
• The journey is approximately 3 hours long.

Backpacker’s Hostel : Silver Brook

Home-stays : Mid Pine Homestay

Hotels : Windermere Inn | Hotel Polo Towers | Rockski Boutique Bed and Breakfast | The Loft Executive Inn

Dylan’s Cafe | ML 05 Cafe | Cafe Shillong

Tango Restobar and Lounge | Deja Vu |  The Evening Club

If you manage to reach Shillong by afternoon, you can easily take a short tour of the city. Hire a local cab to visit Elephant Falls and Shillong Peak, which are within 15 kms distance from the central part of the city. Ward’s Lake is right in the heart of the city and you may stop by to spend some quiet time by the lake.

In the evening, take a stroll in the Police Bazar area and check out the amazing cafes and restaurants in the area.

Day 2 : Shillong to Cherrapunjee

• Private cabs can be booked from the main market area, known as Police Bazar.
• There are shared vehicles available too which are available from Bara Bazar Area . Usually these are Tata Sumos or Altos that ply between Shillong and Cherrapunjee. Cherrapunjee and Sohra are the same places. Do not get confused if the taxi drivers are calling out for passengers for Sohra.
• It takes about 2 hours to travel the distance of 52 kms.

Homestays : Goshen Homestay | Aisha Guest House | Shalom Guest House  

Hotels : Coniferous Resort | Polo Orchid Resort | Sulawado Resort

Things to do in Cherrapunjee

Make sure you start early from Shillong so that you may reach Cherrapunjee by first half of the day. You may hire a local cab to take you around the famous spots in Cherrapunjee. Here’s a list of things you can do at Cherrapunjee:

Visit the tallest plunge waterfall in India, Nohkalikai Falls , which has a height of 350 metres. There is an entry gate from where you can reach the mouth of the waterfall by following the trail. The view point of the waterfall is about 4-8 kms from Cherrapunjee, depending on where you start your journey from.

Take a tour of Mawsmai Caves , located about 6 kms away from Cherrapunjee. The cave is made of limestone and is home to unique flora and fauna. Once you enter the cave, you are only allowed to walk up till 150 metres inside the cave and the rest of the cave is not open for visitors.

Arwah Caves is a hidden gem in Cherrapunjee. This cave does not have well demarcated trails and thus, it is advisable to take a guide along with you. You need to take a detour from the main road and cover a muddy patch of road to reach Arwah Cave. Before you reach the entrance of the cave, you’d find a beautiful bridge. You would spot limestones and fossils inside the cave. A visit to Arwah Cave would be an adventurous activity. But considering the fact that you only have one day to visit all these places, you might have to pick one between Mawsmai and Arwah Caves as they are located in the extreme opposite locations outside Cherrapunjee.

Day 3 : Cherrapunjee – Tyrna – Nongriat – Tyrna

Start your day early as you have to trek the most talked about Living Root bridge of Meghalaya in Nongriat on this day. 

• Take a private taxi from Cherrapunjee to drop you at Tyrna , the starting point of the trek.
• It would cost you about INR 500 or a little more for this distance.
• From Tyrna Village , your downward hike for Nongriat starts .
• It is advisable to take a porter if you have a heavy rucksack. A porter would charge INR 500 a day.
• It usually takes about 2 hours for the downward hike. But you may finish the hike faster depending on your speed.

After crossing many suspension bridges and root bridges along the forest trail, you’d reach one of the major highlights of Meghalaya, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Only when you see the marvelous creation, you’d know how beautiful and powerful nature can be, if utilised well. Sit by the natural pool and soak in all the energy of the forest.

You can also ask your guide to take you to the Rainbow Waterfall , located a short hike away from Nongriat village. There are also a number of gorgeous natural pools which are untraceable and only known by the locals. If time permits, pay a visit to these naturals pools to make your day even more exciting.

By afternoon, start your upward hike back to Tyrna. The upward hike may take a longer time. Reach back to the starting point and stay at Tyrna, to get an experience of the rural side of Meghalaya.

Delight Homestay | Royal View Resort

Day 4 : Tyrna to Shillong

On the fourth day of your trip, head back to Shillong and spend a day in the Scotland of the East.

• Travel to Cherrapunjee from Tyrna in a reserved cab , following the same route.
• From Cherrapunjee, you can hire a vehicle for Shillong or take a shared vehicle .

Upon reaching Shillong, spend the day to explore the famous spots of the city if you had missed them on the day of your arrival. 

Day 5 : Shillong – Tezpur – Kaziranga

This will be a long day on the roads as you head back to Assam from Shillong. To proceed with your journey to the North East, you’d need to head to Tezpur in Assam from where you will further head to Kaziranga National Park.

• The first and the most comfortable way to travel to Tezpur from Assam is to reserve a vehicle. But it will cost you a whopping INR 5000-6000. If you are traveling in a group and would not want to compromise on comfort, you may choose this option.
• There are bus services between these two places. The buses would take about 7 hours to cover the distance and the schedule can be checked and tickets can be booked on the Assam State Transport Corporation ‘s website .

Tezpur to Kaziranga is a 40 kms journey that takes about 1.5 hours. It’s best that you move to Kaziranga from Tezpur and spend the night there because the safaris start very early in the morning. You need to spend a night in a nearby homestay or resort in order to make it to the morning safaris, which are most preferred. Staying in a cottage or homestay in Kaziranga will also give you a taste of the Assamese culture and daily life.

• You will find Assam State Transport Corporation Buses from Tezpur to go to Kaziranga. 
• You can also reserve a cab to drop you off till your accommodation this being a short distance. It will make your travel easier.

You can put up in the cottages that are run by the Kaziranga National Park. But do note that they are more on the expensive side for solo travellers. Works fine if you are in a group.

You can also opt to stay in a cottage near the National Park, which are more budget friendly. Some options are listed here:

Dhanshree Resort |   Kaziranga Florican Lodge | Kaziranga Resort

End the day and get some good sleep as you reach your destination as the day starts very early the next day.

Day 6 : Excursion to Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park, well known across the country for being home to the one-horned rhino is one of the Best National Parks of India. Not only the one-horned rhino, but you can also spot Royal Bengal tigers, swamp deer, wild water buffaloes and Asian elephants in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spread over 430 square kilometers, Kaziranga National Park houses unique flora and fauna. 

There are two ways you can take a tour around in this place. The first is an Elephant Safari and the other is a Jeep Safari. An Elephant Safari starts as early as 5:30am in the morning and you need to book them a day prior to when you want to go for the safari. The slots for Indians are way too less than the number of slots reserved for foreigners. Also, not many people personally prefer Elephant Safaris on grounds of morality. But even if you want to, you may not get a chance at this because of the one day prior booking policy.

The best way to explore the Kaziranga National Park is to opt for a Jeep Safari which has many slots, even in the afternoons. Please note that Kaziranga National Park is only open during the months of November to April so plan your travel accordingly  if you don’t want to be disappointed at the last moment.

• The tickets can be booked from the counter on the same day on first come first served basis.
• The Safaris are about 2 hours long. You can check the schedule of the Jeep Safaris beforehand.
• You cannot book a seat but will have to book the entire Jeep and pay an extra amount for cameras. If you are traveling solo, the best is to wait and join another group and split the cost.
• An entire Safari costs between INR 1550-2750. There are different price ranges for different circuits. For cameras, you need to pay INR 100 extra per camera; INR 200 for foreigners.
• From your stay, you will need a vehicle to drop you at the starting point of the Safari. You can ask your hosts to arrange for this and they’d be glad to help you out.

If you take a morning safari, you will have ample time to head to the Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park . The biggest Orchid park in the North East belt in India, this park hosts 500 varieties of wild orchids, 132 species of fruits and vegetables, various species of bamboo, cane and other plants.

After a tour of the Orchid park, you can head back to Tezpur from Kaziranga and spend the night in Tezpur.

Homestays :  The Bhowmick’s Bungalow  

Hotels : Hotel Gateway Tezpur | Hotel Palazzo Prime | Dayal Residency  

Day 7 : Tezpur to Dirang

Dirang is a picture perfect town in West Kameng District in Arunachal Pradesh, often chosen as a transit point by traveler. Dirang is quite unexplored till this point of time probably because its counterpart, Bomdila is known more in the travellers circuit. Surrounded by tall mountains, beautiful monasteries and crystal clear river waters, a stop at Dirang would be the best way to start your trip to Arunachal Pradesh.

• There won’t be shared cabs specifically  meant for Dirang but you can hop onto one going to Tawang and get down at Dirang.
• Shared Sumos are found at ASTC bus stand in Tezpur and they leave around 6am. Check for the Tata Sumo Counter for Tawang as you reach there. Make sure you reach well ahead of time to find yourself the best seats, else you will end up stuck at the last row with no legroom for this long journey.
• The shared Sumo fair for Tawang from Tezpur is usually INR 750 per person . Dirang would cost you lesser than that. But post pandemic, the costs are expected to go higher.
• A reserved vehicle from Tezpur to Dirang would cost somewhere around INR 8000 . If you are in a group, you may opt for this as you won’t be compromising on comfort.
• The distance is about 200 kms and it takes around 6 hours to cover.

J L Homestay | Pemaling Lords Inn Homestay | Tenzing Dolma Homestay | Keeduk Inn

After having completed a long and bumpy ride, take rest in your hotel/homestay.

Day 8 : Explore Dirang

Even though Dirang has gained popularity only among travelers only in the recent years, there is a lot to explore in this quaint village. One day is never enough to explore the place to the fullest. Still, something is better than nothing so you can utilise the day to the fullest and go around and breathe the fresh air of this surreal destination, your first stop in Arunachal Pradesh.

Things to do in Dirang

Visit Dirang Dzong located on the banks of Dirang Chu (river), an outstanding remnant of the rich cultural history of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a small village with a few houses that are more than 500 years old. Dirang Dzong also has a prison which dates back to 9th century. Walk through the houses and alleys and interact with the locals to know more about the ancient architecture, traditions, art and culture. It is located about 3-4 kms from the main town of Dirang. You can take a local cab but the distance is walkable if you are comfortable walking.

Originally known as the Thupsung Dhargye monastery, Dirang Monastery is a rather new monastery and recently renovated. The monastery is surrounded by manicured gardens and the view from here is serene. Spend an hour at this place to experience tranquility. It is located right in the heart of Dirang.

There is no better way to explore a place than to explore the place on foot. Walk around the town, the river banks and drink tea with the locals. You will know a lot more about the history and culture than what the internet tells you about a place.

Day 9 : Dirang to Tawang

• The shared sumos start very early in the morning. Talk to your hotel/homestay management to find out if you can book a seat the previous way. There is no straightjacket formula to traveling in public transports in the North East.
• The shared sumos would cost around INR 450 from Dirang to Tawang and travel time would be around 6 hours. 
• You can also join other groups if they are booking a private vehicle and share the expenses.
• Ask the driver to stop at Sela Lake for tea. That way you get a glimpse of the splendid Sela Lake.

Dondrub Homestay | Hotel Tawang Heights | Hotel The Oak | Hotel Tawang Centre Point

Spend the evening strolling around the town of Tawang or head to Dharma Coffee House for a cup of hot chocolate.

Day 10 : Explore Tawang

To explore the various places in Tawang, the only option is to book a local cab for sightseeing. If you are traveling solo, you would probably have to join another group. But there is no issue if you are in a group. In the local taxi stand, you will find local drivers who conduct these Bum La Pass, Sangetsar Lake, P T Tso Lake sightseeing trips. You will need a permit from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang District to visit Bum La Pass . But not to worry, the driver can arrange that for you easily. Make sure you make this arrangement right on the day you arrive. A full day trip will cost you between INR 5000-6000.

• Visit the Tawang Monastery , the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world. Situated at a height of 3000 metres, this three stories monastery is postcard perfect and one of the main highlights of your trip to Tawang.
• Visit the historically significant Urgeling Gompa , the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama.
• Head to Tawang War Memorial , which commemorates the martyrdom of 2140 Indian soldiers of the Indo-China War.
• Explore the popular Bumla pass , located at an altitude of 4633 meters in  the Indo-China border.
• Stop by Sangetsar Lake,  more famously known as Madhuri Lake after a Bollywood movie starring Madhuri Dixit was shot here. A walk around the lake will be enough to refresh your mind and soul.
• Visit the P T Tso Lake , another famous spot in this circuit. With crystal clear waters and mountains on all sides, you will find this lake a rejuvenating escape.

Head back to your hotel/homestay and rest in the evening.

Day 11 : Tawang to Bomdila

This day holds a long journey for you. The shares Sumos for Bomdila leave very early in the morning and hence, you’d have to be prepared to leave early. 

• Hop onto a shared Sumo from Tawang.
• It takes between 7-8 hours to cover this leg of the journey, depending on the conditions of the road.
• The fare for a seat in a shared vehicle is around INR 600.
• Reserved Vehicles would cost about INR 10000 (Xylo/Innova).

Holiday Hills | Hotel Tashi Den | Doe-Gu-Khil Guest House

Spend the day rest of the evening strolling around the streets of Bomdila or stay back at your hotel/homestay.

Day 12 : Explore Bomdila

Bomdila is another transit point apart from Dirang, between Tezpur and Tawang. Bomdila is known more and opted by the travelers because of its easy accessibility with other places. Situated amidst lofty mountains and home to beautiful monasteries, Bomdila truly deserves the attention of the travelers. There are many things you can do in this quaint town. Some of the places of interest are listed here.

• Head to the highest view point of Bomdila, RR Hill to witness a unparalelled views of Bhutan and Tibet.
• Visit the gorgeously built Bomdila Monastery . Built in 1965, this monastery is divided into three segments, the Upper Gompa, the Middle Gompa and the Lower Gompa. The Upper Gompa is situated on a steep mountain slope and is the biggest among the three.
• Hire a vehicle and head to Eagle’s Nest Sanctuary, located 20 kms outside the town. It is a great spot for bird watchers.
• Head to the apple orchards of Bomdila and pack some apples for your journey backwards.

Day 13 : Bomdila – Tezpur – Guwahati

• There are two possible ways to reach Guwahati.
• You will find direct buses that go to Guwahati but they are extremely long and tiring. A 15 hours of journey through the bumpy roads would be no less than a pain. But you may still opt for this if you are used to traveling in buses.
• The alternative option is to break the journey at Tezpur . First take a Shared Jeep to Tezpur that’d cost you INR 350 . From Tezpur, you may either take another Sumo or get onto an ASTC bus towards Guwahati. Take a seat in the front of the bus and it will be quite a comfortable journey.

TRAVEL TIME:

Bomdila to Tezpur – 4.5 hours

Tezpur to Guwahati – 4.5 hours

(It is always best to keep some buffer time and not having anything booked in advance)

Backpackers Hostels : Gibbon Backpackers Hostel | Cupidtrail Backpacker’s Penthouse  

Mid-Ranged Stays : Magnolia Inn | The Riverside Lodge | Hotel The Kalyaniz

Luxury Stays : Vivanta Guwahati | Radisson Blu Guwahat i | Novotel Guwahati

After a long day of travel, retreat to sleep early as you approach the last day of your trip.

Though the itinerary starts from Guwahati, you technically do not get to spend a day in Guwahati, often considered a gateway and junction to travel to all other destinations in the North East region. It is thus advisable to dedicate a leisurely day to explore the city at your own pace. There would be no checklists to follow or rush to visit all possible points. Just take a walk, spend the afternoon at a cafe or engage in some shopping at Fancy Bazaar or The Maati Centre .

But if you are still keen on visiting some popular spots in the city, you may head to Assam State Museum or stargaze at Guwahati Planetarium.

If you want to add on a few extra days to the itinerary and explore some more places in Assam, you must check these 6 jaw-dropping locations in Assam that should be on your list.

Fly out or take a train back from Guwahati with bag full of memories.

Day 3 : Cherrpunjee – Tyrna – Nongriat – Tyrna

Day 4 : Tyrna – Cherrapunjee – Shillong

Day 6 : Excursion at Kaziranga National Park – Transfer to Tezpur

Day 13 : Bomdila -Tezpur – Guwahati

• It is best to travel in the months of November to early December or March-April . The itinerary covers high altitude destinations like Tawang and you would not want to get stuck due to excessive snowfall during winter months or landslides in monsoon.
• Traveling to Arunachal Pradesh requires an Inner Line Permit which maybe applied online and obtained beforehand. The fee is INR 100 for Indians and is valid for 30 days.
• You will be on the roads on almost every day of the trip. It is advisable to carry water bottle and dry fruits so that you can stay hydrated and have something to munch on.
• Please avoid carrying snacks in plastic packs . Most of these locations are in remote places and they do not have a recycling system. If at all you produce plastic waste, carry them till Guwahati and dispose them at Guwahati .
• Always keep some buffer time when you travel in public transports . You never know what unforeseen circumstances may arrive.
• Reach the booking counters well before time so that you may find the front seats in the Tata Sumos . If possible, book both the seats so that you can travel comfortably.
• Respect the culture of the locals and thank them for every service.

Also, check these articles if you want to travel further to other places in the North East:

• 5 Offbeat Destinations in Meghalaya
• A 10-Day Travel Itinerary to experience Community Tourism in Sikkim
• 7 Day Arunachal Pradesh Itinerary
• A Comprehensive Travel Guide for Nepal
• A Guide for spending 2 days in Pokhara
• A 7-Day Travel Itinerary for Bhutan
• Thimpu City Guide
• 10 Offbeat Himalayan Destinations in West Bengal
• 7 Day Meghalaya Travel Itinerary

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Hailing from the foothill town of Siliguri, Michelle takes keen interest in storytelling, through words and photographs. Having a home so close to the mountains is what she considers a gift. A law student and freelance content writer at present, she often takes time out to travel to the mountains and pen down her experiences. She believes in giving back to the community through volunteering in local projects and strongly supports community tourism.

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visit north east india

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.

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

Very nice management, had a smooth travel to Bhutan. Will surely prefer for any other trip again. - Tushar Kamble

I travelled with Marine To Alpine in Dooars region from New Jalpaiguri station. Vehicle was good. Accommodation arrangement was also good. Suraj was very helpful - ABHISEK DUTTA

My experience of Bhutan tour is superb with Marine To Alpine Pvt Ltd. The support guys were very helpful regarding permits processing in Phuentcholing. It was a great tour with my family and friends. - BIKRAM SAHA

It was a family trip arraneged by M2A to Sikkim. I was wondering whether the vehicle will be there at the station as the Satabdi Express train was running late to NJP. Although Amlan ensured that the vehicle will be at NJP to pick up my family from the station to Siliguri to Hotel Rajdarbar. And as promised the vehicle was there at 01:30 AM at NJP and hotel arranged smooth check ins at that tim in night. Gangtok tour was also good. Vehicle for Siliguri to Gangtok transfer was giving problems and was not comfortable. After complaining from next day marine to alpine managed an altaernative upgraded vehicle for the tour. It was a please experience to travel with them with a kid of only 2 years. - BINOY AUGUSTINE

We could not rate this tour as excellent but certainly can give it a rating of great tour. Our permits were easily processed in Phuentcholing entry gate to Bhutan. The support staffs (Raj) was very helpful. he also managed a Bhutan Sim card for us. Bhutan hotels were fine only problem we faced with the very limited options in breakfast which was included in the itinerary. Butan hotels does not have much options for english breakfast. But we managed. Tanmoy was in touch continously. he is very polite and very helpful. While returning we travelled to Dooars region in Bengal province and stayed at a place named Jaldapara Sanctuary. Forest was very encouraging but resort quality was not upto the mark. Later we were told that it ws the best property in Jaldapara. Vehicle was good through out the tour. Thanks a lot from England to M2A team for organizing the great tour program. - REBECCA KINNAIRD

A very maneged tour program in Sikkim (Gangtok) arranged by Marine To Alpine. I have requested about a vegan hotel as my family is vegetarian. They have allocated a very good vegetarian hotel near Tashi View Point with great views. Would like to thanks Tanmoy and his team for being very cooperative. - DEBASIS DEY

It was a good experience to travel with Tanmoy and his team (Marine To Alpine). We enjoyed the Sikkim tour with great enthusiam. It can be better, if hotel have more options for breakfast. Intimated them, they have promised for a better experience in my next tour with them to Bhutan. - SUDHAKAR VERMA

After a tiring journey from Mumbai to Bagdogra, I was welcomed at the airport by a smiling face with a comfortable innova vehicle along with some chips, biscuits, cakes and water. It came as a surprise to us as these were not included in the package. But Sayan informed that it is their common protocol to receive guests with these small items. Darjeeling hotel was awasome with great service. Vehicle was very good and reported at perfect time every day. Thanks for arranging such a lovely trip. - SANJEEV KHANDELWAL

My travel to Duars with Marine to Alpine was very eventful. I was lucky enough to get wild elephants, deer in bothe jungle safaris in Jaldapara and Goumara Wildlife Sanctuary. Accommodation and vehicle was good. Sayan and Suraj were very helpful and Tanmoy was very cooperative from the very beginning - NANDINI MOULIK

My first trip to Dooars in West Bengal was a great experince for excellent accommodation, vehicle by the Marine To Alpine team. We enjoyed a lot. - TANUMOY GHOSH

The student group was very happy. Although it is a very short tour for 2 nights only. But to manage 80 students in a remote location like Samsing is a great art from team Marine To Alpine and thanks to Suraj and Tanmoy for making the group happy. - Destino Guests

Our tour program to Bhutan was managed by marinetoalpine.com. It was a long tour of 9 nights and they did pretty well. We were ompletely satisfied with our tour program to Bhutan from Bagdogra Airport and back. Toyoto Coaster qiality ws excellent. We all would like to thank Marine to Alpine Pvt Ltd for arranging such a great trip for us to Bhutan. - SWAPNIL SRIVASTAVA

Tanmoy and his team managed a very good show for us in Gangtok. Me and my family enjoyed every bit of the Sikkim Tour program. - M. JAVED

We have enjoyed the North East tour program extensively. Shillong to Kaziranga was a long journey, hence we were tired but otherwise North East of India (Guwahati Shillong Kaziranga circuit) is a great place to explore. I would certainly recommend Marine To Alpine to others for North East India tour packages - KEDAR TIGADI

In last March, we travelled to the Swizerland in India. It is North Sikkim. Lachen, Lachung,. Gurudongmar, Yumthang valley, Zero point are the places in North Sikkim which is very close to China border and requires special permission. I would like to express thanks to Tanmoy for arranging permits, arranging good hotels and for Suman, the driver with us. It was a very out of teh box experience fo us in Sikkim. It was a good trip - SUMIT GUPTA

Fantastic place, excellent people - these are the two words which can express my view for my trip to Bhutan with my family. The itinerary was nicely framed by Tanmoy. Hotels in Phuentsholing, Thimphu and Paro were good. resort is Punakha was also good. Tested Bhutanese delicacies recommened by Marine Tao Alpine. It was very hot with chillies. We got to see peaks, beautiful valleys in Bhutan, mountain passes, zoo, museums and trekked to tigers Nest monastery. Overall it was a good experience. - JALPA GOHIL

You have arranged a very good and comprehensive tour plan comprising Bhutan and Sikkim for my group. We have enjoyed a lot in Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Phuentcholing & Gangtok. We will be recommending Marine To Alpine Pvt Ltd to our friends and families. - PRASANJIT SARKHEL

Our corporate event was arranged by Marine To Alpine in Bhutan. Vehicles, hotels for delegates, 2 days local sightseeing, immigration all went smooth with active support from Tanmoy and his team. Thanks a lot for arranging everything for our group tour and conference in Bhutan. - RAKESH BHANDARI

Our Bhutan with Sikkim and Darjeeling tour with you people was superb. befoe flying back to USA, it was a great respite for all of us. Thanks for great arrangement. Raj was very cooperative, driver Sambhu was very friendly and helpful. And overall Tanmoy impress us with his energy. - SAKET KARVE

We use to travel a lot. Both in India and abroad. But the experience we got in Eastern Himalayan segment of Gangtok, Lachen, Lachung, Pelling and Darjeeling was superb. The people were very kind and gentle. Although there were huge rush everywhere but our trip was good. Our thanks to you and your team. - SRINIVAS GUDIPATI

Great team, very cooperative. You put a very good show while arraning our trip to Sikkim Darjeeling with Yunthang, Gurudongmar Lake and Kalimpong. We enjoyed everybit of it. In Kalimpong there was an issu with the hotel. It has been taken care of promtly after reporting. In Lachen we have minimum choices in food. Otherwise its a great trip. - VINEET BABARIA

We travelled with Marine To Alpine to explore the wonders of North East India. We have visited Guwahati - Bhalukpong - Dirang - Itanagar - Bomdila - Pashighat - Tezpur. The tour was excellent. Locations were very scenic. Vehicle quality was good with a very good driver cum guide - Bishnu. Will recommnd you to my circle for future tour arrangements. - ABHISHEK RAJ SAHOO

We are complete satisfied with the attitude. We have made reservations in Pune counter and they ensured that it will be an great experience. And really, we were enthralled by the support we received from the team posted in Siliguri. - BALASAHEB BANDE

We would like to thank Tanmoy and Marine To Alpine Pvt Ltd team for arranging a leisure trip for us in Bhutan comprising Phuentsholing, Paro, Punakha and Thimphu. We enjoyed the tour program - SABITABRATA MAITY

Rather then posting good comments, we prefer to post negatives at first. permit processing in Phuentcholing is a lenghthy process and triring. Phuentsholing to thimphu road journey is also very tiring. These are the two negative we found for our Bhutan tour in July, 2018. But otherwise th natural beauty is phenomenal, in monsoon it beacomes lush green too. Hotels were very comfortable, food was good. Suraj was very attentive and made our tour experience a good one. - VIKAS SHARMA

We were a group of 19 people from. Our experience to travel to Bhutan with marinetoalpine.com was indeed special. Our thanks to team M2A and specially to Tanmoy and Raj for hearing us all along for our requirements - SHARADBHAI POHANKAR

Nicely arranged tour program in Bhutan by Marine to Alpine. We loved the trek to Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest) part. Other places and arrangements in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Phobjikha were also good - RISHAB DEV BHASKAR

We made a trip with Marine 2 Alpine to North East of India. It was a good trip with a lot of effort by the team to customize it. Rocky the guide Arunachal Pradesh was very helpful. Hotels were basic but very clean and good linens. Food quality was also good. My family along with my brother's family enjoyed the trip and wish to thank you a lot - KRISHNAPRASAD C

Our trip to Silk Route was beautifully managed by teh team. Although some minor problems were there but the natural view of the places (zuluk, kupup lake, nathang valley) help us forget the issues. We get introduced with the new concept of home stays in this trip. - BODDAPATI KRISHNAKUMAR

Thanks to team M2A for arranging a great trip for us to the last Shangri la Bhutan. We have enjoyed the remote country and lovely part was to mix up with local people. - SHUBHANGI GUPTA

Darjeeling and Sikkim trip was very enjoyable. It was made more memorable by Tanmoy and his team at marinetoalpine.com. Will plan again with you people for our next trip to Bhutan and North East India - SHERIN ASHRAF

Thank you marine 2 alpine team for arrnging our honeymoon trip to North Sikkim and Gangtok. It was a great memorable experience for your such lovely arrangements. - SAURABH JAIN

We would like to express our thanks for lovely tour arangements in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Nagarkot in Nepal. Trip to the Casinos were awasome in Kathmandu. We also enjoyed sun rise from Nagarkot as you have suggested. Overall it was a good experience. - DALPAT SINGHVI

Thanks Tanmoy bhai, it ws lovely trip with our group from Bangladesh. Darjeeling and Mirik is very scenic and we will be reting again to visit Sikkim with your company. Thanks for everything - Md. Sirajjudin

We would like to thank "Marine to Alpine Pvt Ltd" team for arranging the best trip for us in Bhutan - Anju Pramanick

I went to Bhutan for the first time, It was a good experience. Marine to Alpine staff was very good. - Angel Singh

My first trip to Gangtok Pelling Darjeeling in West Bengal was a great experince for excellent accommodation, vehicle by the Marine To Alpine team. We enjoyed a lot. - Vikash Soni

We will consider Marine to Alpine next year again for our Sikkim and Darjeeling tour plan., it looks great. Your company really delivers what they promise, and more. we are satisfied with Bhutan trip - Shiromani Kukreti

"Everything was perfect and I would have to say it was the vacation of a lifetime Bhutan tour. Thank you very much for having arranged the magnificent trip we took" - Sandesh Jain

"Yes, thank you for the best Sikkim Darjeeling trip. It was a high standard for a good price" - Tanmoy Naskar

Yes, it was the best experience with your company, I only booked the resort at Jaldapara for the first trial, it was well maintained and the resort staff was very helpful. Now I am planning the next trip and I want you to plan the best and complete tour package for us in Bhutan or Sikkim. - Prosenjit Bose

I went for a short trip with a sudden plan, and it was well organized and executed. It was a very memorable journey and one that we would suggest to others. - MEHNDI MERCHANT

We had gone for the Sikkim trip, it was the best trip of ours with high standards and a good price. - JOYPRAKASH NASKAR

Thanks for planning this wonderful trip, except for one glitch rest all were very good experience. Hotels were very nice but more than that I must say all the drivers you had provided to me were the best in their job and were very polite and humble. Once again I am thanking you for the trip , also I have shared your nos. With few of my friends , they might call u for package, please help them for the same. - Arun Iyer

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Best Northeast India Travel Guide – Things to Know Before You Go (FAQs Answered)

Northeast India , Featured

Last Updated on: Jul 16, 2023  

This is the place for those who want to go a little off-the-beaten-track. For travel to Northeast India is definitely going to be one of the most amazing experiences of your life. Here, the landscape is as varied as the culture. It is a land full of surprises. Jaw-dropping sceneries, the gracious hospitality of the locals, the diverse traditions and culture along with a rich history and the eco-friendly way of life have made Northeast India one of the most unique and special travel destinations in India .

Northeast India is undoubtedly one of our favourite destinations and we keep going back there whenever we can. We have been often asked by our readers about Northeast India Tourism and travel. The result of all such questions is this article, the comprehensive Northeast India travel guide where we have tried to answer the travel related queries and have given important tips regarding travel to Northeast India.

Northeast India travel has never failed to surprise us. Be it chasing the clouds and waterfalls of Meghalaya or attending the colourful festivals of Northeast, each time we visited the land we were overwhelmed by the natural beauty, tribes and culture of the northeast Indian states. And the best thing is that Northeast India is one of the few places where the people still respect nature and live in perfect harmony with them. Of late, the states of northeast India has come on the tourist map because of various annual festivals like Hornbill , NH7 Weekender, Ziro Music Festival, Sangai, Dambuk Orange Festival and others. But believe me, northeast is much more than these colourful festivals.

You must have understood by now that we love Northeast India. Agni also has his roots in Assam, one of the northeast states. Our first trip to the northeast was in 2012 when we visited Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh . That was the first time I was introduced to this exotic and brazen land that is so rich in history and culture.

Where is Northeast?

Northeast India consists of 8 states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. Earlier the northeast Indian states were known as the Seven Sisters and included Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. It was only in 2002 that Sikkim was added as the member of Northeast Council and became the eight state of Northeast India and is known as the only Brother of the Seven Sister States.

The Indian Prime Minister has also regarded the eight northeast Indian states as the Ashta Lakshmi , which means the eight forms of goodness and wealth.

The 8 northeast states have a common border with foreign countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, China and Nepal.

Northeast India states only 2% of their border with mainland India and the remaining 98% is linked with international boundary.

Quite obviously, the influence of these neighbouring countries is more in this region than that of mainland India. And so it might also seem that this region is quite different from mainland India as well. The Seven Sister States are connected with the rest of India by a thin strip of land of about 22 km (14 miles) known as Chicken’s Neck of Bengal or the Siliguri Corridor. Nepal and Bangladesh are on either side of the Chicken’s Neck. Sikkim lies on the other side of the Chicken’s Neck.

A Very Brief History of Northeast India

I believe that a place and its people cannot be fully understood if we do not know its history. So here is a little bit of history about the land.

Northeast India is considered to be a Neolitic enigma for the archaeologist. The area is yet to be mapped and documented in a proper way by the archaeologists mainly because of the wild forests and rugged terrains that make excavation difficult. It is now known that the Neolithic life in the region dates back to at least 6000 years !

Coming back a little later in time, the Ahom kingdom was established in the Brahmaputra valley in the first half 13th century by the Shans who had migrated from Upper Burma. The Ahoms were the undisputed rulers in the region for almost 600 years and even the Mughals were unable to invade the region.

The Mughals tried to capture the Ahom kingdom time and again and failed miserably each time. They tried for the last time in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671 when the Mughals were beaten by the Ahoms.

However, with time, the might of the Ahom rulers waned and in 1818, disturbed by the repeated Burmese invasions, the Ahom King requested the assistance of the British East India Company to teach the Burmese a lesson. The British East India Company fought the war and defeated the Burmese resulting in the Treaty of Yandaboo , by which the Burmese agreed to withdraw from Assam and the Ahom Kings ceded a part of their territory to the British East India Company. This is how the British finally entered the Northeast region. Till 1947, the northeast region faced the expansion of the British rule along with social, economic and political changes in the region.

At that time, all seven states did not exist. Assam existed as a large land region and was known as the Assam province. Later the hill kingdoms of the Khasi and Jaintia were annexed and hilly areas like the Lushai Hills (Mizoram) and Naga Hills (Nagaland) were added to the Assam Province.

After the Indian independence, the northeast region consisted of the Assam province and the princely states of Manipur and Tripura. The first state to be carved out of Assam was Nagaland in 1963. Later Meghalaya became a separate state in 1971 and Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram were carved out of Assam in 1987. Sikkim was once a princely kingdom and was annexed to India in 1975. Later in 2002, Sikkim was made a part of the Northeast Regional Council.

The northeast India had always been a part of major and minor trade routes from India to various other countries like Tibet, Myanmar and China.

That was quite a bit of history lesson. Now let us delve into all the necessary and relevant information about Northeast India trip that nobody had told you before.

Northeast India Travel Guide

Northeast India is still considered remote and difficult terrain. The roads are a bit difficult and there is a lot of space for improvement of the infrastructure. As for the accommodations, you will get good hotels and resorts in the main cities. Homestays are also available. You can check Cozycozy to look for stays in the main tourist destinations. The remote areas, however, has basic stay options.

What the region lacks in luxurious comfort is totally fulfilled by the stunning and virgin landscapes, friendly locals and the vibrant culture. No two states in the Northeast are the same. You will find a variety in every state, every part of the region. It is like visiting a different place in every single state of the northeast. You might be tempted to call it the hidden utopia of India.

However, if you are planning a Northeast India travel and a visit this untouched paradise of India, there are certain facts and things you must know before your Northeast trip. So if you are thinking of adding Northeast India in your India guided tour , then simply read on!

What is the best time to visit North East India?

The best time to visit the northeast region is from October to mid-May. This is the dry period though you can get occasional showers in this time as well. Due to its varied geography, the temperature of the region varies drastically depending on the altitude. The northern part is influenced by the Himalayas and the temperature usually remains cold. Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are mostly influenced by this and have a colder climate.

The summer temperature in the hilly areas remains around 15 to 20 degrees while it can go to subzero during the winters. The higher altitudes of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim often witness snowfall in the winters.

The plains of Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura have warmer climates. In summer, the temperature ranges from 30-35 0 C and about 20 0 C in the winters. The hilly areas of Nagaland and Mizoram have a cooler temperature.

The monsoon in Northeast India can be quite heavy with torrential rains in most of the areas. The monsoon coincides with the summer season and is from June to September. The latter half of May can also witness rainfall. Monsoon is not a very good time to visit the region as landslides are common during the monsoon. Roads can also be disrupted during the monsoon.

However, Meghalaya is a good place to visit during the monsoon. Meghalaya is one of the wettest places on the earth with Mawsynram receiving the highest rainfall in the world. We had visited Meghalaya in August and had a great time chasing the rains and waterfalls of Meghalaya.

I would not say the same thing about Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Sikkim. Landslides in monsoon are very common in Sikkim and Arunachal. Sometimes, you can be stuck for a day due to landslide and bad roads in Arunachal. The Brahmaputra plains of Assam gets flooded every year in the monsoon and hence best avoided during this time.

How do I get permits for Northeast India?

To visit some of the Northeast India states, you need to get an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian nationals. Foreign tourists also need ILP and Protected Area Permits (PAP) or Restricted Area Permits (RAP) for visiting the northeast India states. These permits are required because of the strategic and sensitive positions of these states as they share their border with other countries. However, in recent days, the government of India has relaxed some of the rules of ILP and PAP to promote Northeast India tourism.

There are some places which are completely off bound to both Indian and foreign tourists while in some places, foreign tourists are not allowed. Here I will provide the information about each of the states.

Arunachal Pradesh : ILP is required for Indian tourists and PAP for foreign tourists.

Assam : No ILP and PAP is required to visit Assam

Manipur: ILP is not required for Indian tourists visiting Manipur. However, wef January 2020, the ILP system came into effect in Manipur. The process and procedure to obtain ILP for Manipur is still not clear. I will update it as soon as we come to know about this. Foreigners do not require PAP to visit Manipur.

Meghalaya: No ILP and PAP is required to visit Assam

Mizoram: Indian tourists require an ILP to visit Mizoram. Foreign tourists do not require any PAP to enter Mizoram.

Nagaland: Indian tourists require an ILP to visit Mizoram. Foreign tourists do not require any PAP to enter Mizoram.

Sikkim: Indian tourists do not require ILP to visit Sikkim except certain areas like North Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Menmecho Lake, Singalila area and Dzongri area. Foreign Tourists require a permit to enter Sikkim. This permit can be readily obtained at the Melli and Rangpo border-crossing checkpoint on producing valid Indian Visa. Foreigners are not allowed to visit Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass in East Sikkim. For Tsomgo Lake, Yumthang, Chopta Valley, foreign tourists require PAP. Trekking permits are required for trekking in Singalila, Dzongri and Goechela area.

Tripura: No ILP and PAP is required to visit Assam

For getting an ILP, you generally require a photo identity proof, an address proof and a photograph. The cost of ILP varies from state to state. You can read all the information needed for getting an ILP for Northeast India states here.

How do I get to Northeast India?

Guwahati in Assam is the gateway to Northeast India. Guwahati is well connected by flights and trains from all the major cities in India. From Guwahati, you can visit all the Seven Sisters by either by air or by road. There are overnight bus services to reach the Seven Sister states from Guwahati.

Reaching Sikkim is comparatively easier. Sikkim now has an airport at Pakyong, but the number of flights to Pakyong is quite less. It is better to fly into Bagdogra in West Bengal and then travel to Gangtok in Sikkim. You can also travel by train to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) and then travel to Sikkim.

Train service is available in Assam and Tripura and you can reach to various parts of these states by train.

How to get around Northeast India?

Shared jeeps and sumos are available in all the 8 Northeast India states for getting around different towns and villages. Bus services are also available at some of the states, however, you will not find Volvo bus services to reach each state. For a Northeast India trip, you can either go for a booked tour or can backpack across the region on shared vehicles.

Before planning your Northeast India trip, you have to keep in mind the distances between two destinations and the conditions of the roads. The roads in most parts of Northeast India are not in a very good state, especially in parts of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Mizoram. Even the remote areas of Meghalaya have bumpy roads.

In general, the roads in Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura are in good condition and quite smooth . We had done a bike trip across Meghalaya a few years back and found the roads to be quite good. Assam and Tripura, too have nice roads. The road conditions in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim leaves much to be desired. Most of the roads are in sorry conditions and you will generally have a bumpy ride. However, these states have a robust sumo system, especially Mizoram and Sikkim that can connect to every part of the state.

Getting around Tripura is comparatively easier because of the availability of train services. Local buses are also available that can take you across the main towns and places of attractions.

How is the infrastructure in Northeast India?

The infrastructure in Northeastern states has improved a lot in the present years. Roads are being built and electricity has reached most of the villages. However, the remote areas are still lacking in these basic facilities. In general, Meghalaya has proper roads, hotels for tourists, electricity in the villages and other basic amenities. However, when we had visited Mawlyngot , we found a village that could be only reached by climbing down almost a thousand stairs from Mawlyngot. The villagers are used to climbing up and down for their daily needs. There are other such remote villages all over Northeast states.

Mobile network and wifi are good in the cities and the capitals of the states. But once you venture to the remote areas, mobile network invariably fails. We hardly got Vodafone connection in Basar, Mawlyngbna and even in some remote parts of Sikkim like Martam . You will probably get BSNL connection in these remote areas. But it would be foolhardy to expect good wifi in these areas. Poor mobile connectivity is a blessing in disguise for these areas. These are the places where you can enjoy nature and the landscape to the fullest. The joy of missing out on the worldly news is great in these areas.

Where do I stay in Northeast India?

Hotels are available in main cities and the popular tourist destinations of Northeast India. You will get luxury hotels with a high standard of service in big cities like Guwahati, Shillong and Gangtok. These places have witnessed tourism for a long time and so are more developed. Of late, accommodation options have increased with the increase in tourism in Northeast India. Now places like Majuli , Cherrapunjee,  Kohima, Tawang, Tura in the Garo Hills have hotels of various categories. Resorts have also come up in a few areas like Cherrapunjee, Tura, Langkawet and many tourist spots in Sikkim.

But if you choose to visit the offbeat destinations, then expect basic accommodation. Hotels, if available will not be luxurious ones and often the standard of service is not up to the mark.

We, however, recommend you to stay at homestays when you visit Northeast India. Homestays are the best way to experience the lifestyle of the locals. Infact, the locals are very friendly and welcome you with open arms as well as hearts. We had the most amazing stays in homestays at Martam and Dzongu (Sikkim), Mawlyngot, Cherrapunjee and Tura in Meghalaya and at Basar in Arunachal Pradesh.

In fact, most of the remote and offbeat areas in Northeast India rely on homestays for accommodation and hospitality. These places do not have hotels. The locals have developed community-based tourism and have opened their homes for the tourists. We would always recommend you to stay at homestays. Not only will you get an awesome experience, but you will also do your bit to help the locals to boost their economy.

Mizoram has a great network of Government-run tourist lodges in all the major locations. Those are the best places to stay in Mizoram.

Where to visit in Northeast India?

Northeast India is an unexplored paradise in India. To be honest, the region does not have many architectural masterpieces that you can find in rest of India. Apart from Sivsagar in Assam and Kangra Fort in Manipur, there are hardly any architectural gems. But what Northeast India lacks in architecture, it fulfils in its surreal landscape, colourful festivals and the diverse tribes.

As I had mentioned before, each of the states is different from the other. While you can explore the Buddhist monasteries and way of life in Sikkim and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, the tribal life of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh are fascinating. While Tripura boasts of a rich heritage in its archaeological sites like Unakoti, Chabimura and Pilak, Mizoram stuns with its stunning vistas. Meghalaya is in its own world of clouds and rains, while the river plains and rural beauty of Assam are totally bewitching.

It would be very difficult for me to write down about all the places that you can visit in Northeast India. I have taken each state and have written briefly about the places you can visit. For more details about these places, you can read individual blogs.

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is the easternmost state in the country and it is said that the first rays of sun fall at Dong in Arunachal . The place is captivating with its mountain ranges, captivating valleys, vast forest cover, exotic wildlife, unexplored trails, Buddhist monasteries and an incredible cultural variety. There are 26 tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes in Arunachal Pradesh . The eastern and central part of Arunachal is mainly influenced by animist traditions. They are the worshippers of Sun and Moon God – Donyi Polo and Abo-Tani. The major tribes in this region are the Apatanis, Adi, Akas, Galos, Mishmis, Nyishis and Thangsos. The western part of the state has Monpa population and they mainly follow Mahayana Buddhism.

Places not to be missed in Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang circuit: The main destination is Tawang and you will also visit Bhalukpong, Bomdila, Dirang on the way.

Ziro and Mechuka circuit: This is where you will see the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh – Apatani, Adi, Galo, Nyishi and Mishmis. Along with Ziro and Mechuka, also visit Dapoiji, Along and Pasighat.

Trek to the Namdhapa National Park .

How to reach Arunachal Pradesh?

There are no direct flights to Arunachal. The nearest airport to Itanagar, the capital city is Lilabari in Assam. From Itanagar, eastern and central Arunachal is easily accessible. Similarly, if you want to visit Tawang then the nearest airport will be Tezpur in Assam.

Trains are also available from Guwahati to Silapathar, Naharlagun and Dibrugarh, which are the nearest entry points to Arunachal Pradesh.

In Assam, the Brahmaputra river not only dominates the landscape but also the lives of its people. Both the environment and culture of Assam is shaped by the Brahmaputra River. Assam is famous for its tea gardens, wildlife, its countryside and the Assamese Silk.

Places not to be missed in Assam

Guwahati: The largest city in Assam is also the largest city in Northeast India. The city being the gateway to the other six states is also famous for its temples and attractions.

Wildlife of Assam: Your visit to Assam cannot be completed without a visit to Kaziranga National Park that is famous for one-horned rhinoceros. Wildlife enthusiasts should not miss visiting Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Manas National Park , Hoollongapar gibbon Sanctuary, Nameri National Park and Dibru Saikhowa National Park.

Majuli: This is the largest river island in the world also famous for its Satras, the monastic traditions started by Sri Shankaradeva. Know more about Majuli here.

Sivsagar: The place where the Ahom kings ruled is known for the Shivadol, the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Haflong: The only hill station in Assam is also known for the curious case of Jatinga birds .

How to reach Assam?

Guwahati in Assam is well connected by flights and trains from the major cities of India. Assam also has domestic airports in Jorhat (nearest to Majuli), Dibrugarh (for visiting Sivasagar, Digboi), Silchar, Tezpur and Lakhimpur.

Manipur literally means the land of jewels. The state is absolutely beautiful with stunning landscapes, gentle rolling hills, emerald green valleys and the dark misty mountain ranges. The Loktak Lake is the only floating national park in the world and the place is known for the elusive Sangai Deer, found only in this region. The modern-day polo also has its roots in ‘Sagol Kangjei’ , a traditional sport in Manipur. The state is also famous for the captivating and charming Manipuri dance.

Places not to be missed in Manipur

Imphal: The capital city is charming in its own way.

Loktak Lake & Moirang: The largest floating national park in the world and also the habitat of the Sangai deer.

Ukhrul: Known for its natural beauty, caving and trekking.

How to reach Manipur?

Reaching Manipur is easy. Direct flights to Imphal are available from the major cities of India like New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Hyderabad. You can also reach Guwahati and then take a bus to Imphal.

Hidden between the hills of the lower Himalayas, Meghalaya is the place between the heaven and earth, where the clouds dwell. Meghalaya is perhaps closest to Guwahati. It takes only 3-4 hours to reach Shillong from Guwahati. The roads are also smooth. Perhaps this is the reason why Meghalaya is relatively famous on the tourist map than the other remote states. Meghalaya is known for its rainfall and rock music. But the place is

much more than that. Waterfalls, nature, sacred groves, crystal clear rivers, living root bridges , natural caves and picturesque villages abound in the state and they will simply mesmerize you.

Meghalaya is the home to three tribes – Khasis, Garos and Jaintias. Each of the tribes has their own distinct culture and traditions. The Khasis occupy the Khasi hills of central Meghalaya; Garos occupy the western Garo Hills while the Jaintias occupy the Jaintia hills of eastern Meghalaya. The common trait binding all three communities is its matrilineal system in which the family linage is taken from the mother side.

Places not to be missed in Meghalaya

Shillong: The capital city is known for its quaint cafes, NH7 Weekender Music Festival, lakes and Jadoh, a traditional Khasi dish.

Cherrapunjee: The place of eternal beauty known for its waterfalls and natural caves. Cherrapunjee cannot be described in a line. You need to head over to this post on Cherrapunjee to know more.

Mawlynnong: This quaint village is the cleanest village in Asia.

Dawki: Located near the India-Bangladesh border, Dawki is known for the crystal clear waters of Umngot River .

Tura: Tura is the headquarters of Garo Hilla and you need to visit this place to explore the Garo Hills. You can visit Nokrek Reserve, Siju caves and the beautiful waterfalls.

How to reach Meghalaya?

Meghalaya is easy to reach. You can fly into Shillong. You can also reach Guwahati and take shared sumo to Shillong. It takes only about 4 hours to reach Shillong.

Mizoram is also known as the land of blue mountains after Phawngpui Peak , the highest peak in the state. Mizoram is perhaps the remotest state of India and hardly sees any tourists. Mizoram is covered with lush green forests, mountain peaks covered with a blue haze and a colourful culture. Mizoram is also famous for caving activities.

Places not to be missed in Mizoram

Aizawl: The capital city is a quaint town sitting by the Durtlang Hills known for its churches and memorials.

Champhai: The border town is also known as the Rice Bowl of Mizoram. You can visit the Rih Dil Lake from Zokawthar, about 20 km from Champhai. The Rih Dil is the most important lake for the Mizos, however, it lies in Myanmar. Champhai is also famous for its vineyards and wines.

Thenzawl: This is the handloom centre of Mizoram and Thenzawl is also known for its waterfalls and lush landscape.

Reiek: Trek to the Reiek Peak and enjoy the great views of the valleys.

How to reach Mizoram?

You can fly into Aizawl, which is connected to most of the major cities of India. From Guwahati, you can take an overnight bus to reach Aizawl, but the journey is going to be a long one. You can also take shared sumo from Silchar in Assam.

The land of the Nagas is undoubtedly the wild east of India. Known for fierce warriors and hunters who have been eulogized by the folk songs, Nagaland is the home to 16 tribes . Each tribe can be distinguished by their own colourful costumes and jewellery and beads they adorn. Nagaland is brought on the tourist map of India by the annual Hornbill Festival held in December.

Places not to be missed in Nagaland

Kohima and around: The capital city Kohima is beautiful in its own way.

Khonoma: Khonoma is known for its greenery, beautiful landscape and unspoilt nature.

Mokokchung: One of the liveliest districts of Nagaland, Mokokchung is the home to the Ao Naga tribes.

Mon: Mon belongs to the Konyak Nagas, the fascinating and brave head hunters of yesteryears.

Dzukou Valley: A short and beautiful trek through the lush Dzukou Valley.

How to reach Nagaland?

Dimapur in Nagaland has both an airport and a railway station. Dimapur is connected by flight from the major cities of India like New Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati. Trains to Dimapur run from Guwahati. Kohima, the capital city is about 70 km from Dimapur. You can also take an overnight bus from Guwahati to Dimapur/Kohima. But be prepared for a long and bumpy ride.

Sikkim has been added to Northeast India states only in 2002. Sikkim lies on the other side of the Siliguri Corridor or the Chicken’s Neck. Sikkim is definitely a more popular tourist destination, perhaps because it is relatively easier to reach. Sikkim has a charm of its own . One of the smallest states in India, Sikkim is nestled in the eastern Himalayas with the Kanchenjunga ranges looming over its landscape. The Sikkimese considers the Kanchenjunga as their guardian deity .

Sikkim is an adventure enthusiast’s delight. The state has some of the best and unexplored trekking trails. The Goechela trek is one of the best high altitude Himalayan treks where you can see as many as 14 summits.

Sikkim is divided into 4 district – east, west, north and south. Tourism in Sikkim can also be divided accordingly.

Places not to be missed in Sikkim

East Sikkim: Gangtok , Aritar, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass and the Silk Route.

West Sikkim: Pelling, Pemyangtse, Tashiding and Yuksom.

North Sikkim: Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar Lake , Yumthang Valley and Dzongu .

South Sikkim: Ravangla, Namchi and Temi Tea Garden.

How to reach Sikkim?

The nearest international airport to Gangtok is at Bagdogra near Siliguri in West Bengal. The nearest Railway station is at New Jalpaiguri near Siliguri. You can take shared vehicles and well as rented ones from Bagdogra, NJP or Siliguri to Gangtok.

Recently, Pakyong Airport has been opened at Gangtok. But flights to this airport are not regular yet.

Tripura tucked away in a corner of the seven sister states was once a princely state. And the magnificence of the kings can be still seen in the building, roads and even in the people of Tripura. The princely state of Tripura never came directly under the British rule and acceded to the Indian Union in 1949. The state has a unique combination of nature, history and wilderness.

Places not to be missed in Tripura

Agartala: The capital city has a charm of its own. The grand Ujjayanta Palace standing right in the middle of the city is a testimony to the royal past of Tripura.

Udaipur: Not to be mistaken with Udaipur of Rajasthan, this place is also known for its lakes and temples.

Melaghar: Known for Neermahal , the exquisitely beautiful summer palace of the Tripura kings.

Unakoti: The place is known for its bas-relief structures on the face of the mountain ranges. Unakoti is shrouded in forests and vegetation has interesting mythology behind it.

Chabimura: One of the hidden gems of Tripura, Chabimura is known for the image of Devi Chakrama on the rock face of the mountain beside a river.

Pilak: One of the important archaeological sites of Tripura.

Jampui Hills: Enjoy the nature and serenity at this hill station of Tripura.

Dumboor Lake: The largest lake in Tripura, the place is an absolute beauty for the eyes.

How to reach Tripura?

Agartala is well connected by flights from the major Indian towns. Agartala also has a railway station that is connected with trains from Guwahati, Silchar and Sealdah.

Northeast India travel is like reading a good book. They don’t reveal their secrets at once.

The People of Northeast India

I have always believed that a place can be best understood through its people. But before visiting northeast India, we would recommend you to learn something about the tribes and locals of the place. The tribal communities usually have a different lifestyle, food habits, rituals and traditions. Respect their traditions and lifestyle. You will be able to enjoy your trip in a much better way if you do so.

For example, while travelling in Sikkim, the popular tourist destinations like Gangtok and Pelling have amenities catering to the facilities of the tourists. But when we visited Dzongu, the Lepcha Reserve in North Sikkim , we found that the locals there are early risers and have their lunch by 10.30 and dinner by 7.30 pm. Our host wanted to change the rules for us, but we decided to have food with them. This made our hosts extremely happy and we spent some of the best times in Dzongu.

The people of Northeast India are very warm and friendly. They can go out of the way to help you and make you comfortable. Our guide in David Scott Trail was a shy young boy. Once he was comfortable, he was full of stories and anecdotes about Meghalaya and the Khasi Hills.

Wildlife of Northeast India

Northeast India has one of the highest forest covers in India. Quite naturally, the region rich with natural splendour is also the home to abundant flora and fauna. The wilderness of the region also adds to its aura and those who have a penchant for wildlife would not be disappointed. There are many national parks, wildlife sanctuaries in Northeast India that are home to many endangered and exotic species of animals.

If you are looking for tigers, you will not find it here. What you will find here is the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Almost 2/3 rd of the rhino population in the world are found in this region. Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam are the home to these one-horned rhinos.

Arunachal Pradesh is one of the rare places where seven types of wild cats are found – tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, snow leopard, leopard cat, marbled cat and the golden cat. Namdhapa National Park and Mouling National Parks are the best places for wildlife.

Keibul Lamjao National Park is the world’s only floating National Park and is the home to the e ndangered Sangai deer or dancing deer of Manipur .

Hoolock gibbons are found in abundance in Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in Meghalaya, Hoolongapar Wildlife Sanctuary near Jorhat in Assam, Murlen National Park in Mizoram, Trishna WLS and Sepahijala WLS in Tripura. Tripura is also the home to the cute looking Phayre’s Langoor or the Spectacled monkeys . Nagaland is known for its birds – the great Indian Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, tragopans and many more.

Sikkim is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. 30% of all the birds found in the Indian subcontinent are found in Sikkim. There are about 550 species of birds recorded in Sikkim and many of them are endangered. Many endangered animals like the red panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Snow leopard etc are also found in Sikkim.

So if you wish to go for a wildlife trip to Northeast India, you will definitely not be disappointed.

Festivals of Northeast India

Festivals in Northeast India is a mélange of music, dance and colourful costumes. The festivals of northeast India are quite a spectacle to watch. While the Hornbill Festival and Ziro Festival of Music happen to be quite famous, there are many other festivals that are equally interesting and fun to attend. Here I have mentioned only a few festivals celebrated in Northeast India according to the months.

• Magh Bihu, Assam
• Dwijing Festival , Assam

• Losar, Arunachal Pradesh
• Nyokum Yullo, Arunachal Pradesh
• Chapchar Kut, Mizoram
• Myoko Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
• Rongali Bihu, Assam
• Aoling Festival, Nagaland
• Mopin Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
• Dree Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
• Kharchi Puja, Tripura
• Pang Lhabsol, Sikkim

• Ziro Festival of Music , Arunachal Pradesh
• Anthurium Festival, Mizoram
• Tawang Festival , Arunachal Pradesh

• Raas Utsav, Majuli (Assam) and Manipur
• Nongkrem Festival, Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
• Wangala Festival , Garo Hills, Meghalaya
• India International Cherry Blossom Festival , Shillong
• Sangai Festival , Manipur
• NH7 Weekender, Shillong

• Hornbill Festival, Nagaland
• Losoong and Kagyed Dance , Sikkim
• Basar Confluence , Arunachal Pradesh
• Dambuk Orange Festival, Arunachal Pradesh

Northeast India Travel Tips

A few things that you must remember while visiting Northeast India.

• Please respect the place, people and their culture.
• Respect nature and do not disturb the eco-system of the place. The locals live in close communion with nature.
• Do not judge the local community by their food habits and lifestyle. If you do not like any custom and rituals, stay away from it instead of being vocal about them. These customs are their heritage and they have been living by it since long.
• The people in Northeast India mainly eat non-vegetarian food. If you do not want to eat it, please let your host or tour agent know about it beforehand. Do not complain about the type of food you get. Do remember, that these are remote areas and your host provides you with the best they can. If you cannot compromise on your food habit, then probably northeast India is not the place for you.
• While staying in a homestay, please adhere to the house rules. Every community has its own set of rules and it is appreciated if you adhere to them. Live like a local when you are in Northeast India.
• Finally do not throw garbage and litter anywhere. Most of the villages in Northeast are very clean and they have dustbins placed at various locations.
• Do not get into fights and altercation with the locals. If anything is bothering you, let your host know it.
• Dress conservatively while visiting the remote areas.
• Do not venture out alone in remote areas. Take a local guide with you.
• Do not bring anything out from the sacred groves and be reverent to these groves. The locals consider these forest areas holy and it is their place for worship as well.

Should I opt for Northeast India Tour Package?

Well, this is one of the most important questions that can come to your mind. Well, if you are young and energetic, have time in hand and do not get frustrated if your travel plans get awry, then you can definitely travel northeast India on your own. While Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Tripura have fairly satisfactory transport and infrastructure, the same cannot be said for the other states. Before you decide you want to travel on your own, keep a few things in mind:

• The roads are in bad conditions in remote areas. Landslides are common in hilly areas. It may so happen that you get stuck at a remote place and cannot move from there even in a couple of days.
• The shared vehicles start from its source usually early in the morning. If you miss it, you have to wait for the next day.
• Your plans can go awry any time in Northeast if there is a roadblock or landslide or some problem in the area. So you need to be flexible in your plans.

However, if you use to take a Northeast India tour package from an operator, then you do not have to think about these problems on the road. Your transfers will be seamless and you need not worry about the getting vehicles from one place to another. Also, you will be provided with a guide who will give you information about the place and people. He can also act as the interpreter between you and the local tribal people. Especially, if you are travelling with family, we would recommend you to take the help of tour operators.

Northeast India Travel Guide (FAQs Answered)

Carrying a raincoat or rain jacket is a must for your Northeast India trip, irrespective of the season you visit. You never know when it can rain there. If you are visiting during the winter, do carry proper woollens like sweaters, jackets, gloves, woollen socks and caps. Carry a good pair of shoes and a pair of flipflops. Do not forget to carry your ILP and PAP (where needed), Identity and Adress proofs and photographs. Foreign tourists need to carry their passport and Indian Visa. Carry a mosquito repellant. You will thank me later!

Northeast India is a fairly remote area. The main cities, mainly the capital cities do have hostels. We have stayed in the hostels in Gangtok and Shillong and they were fairly good in terms of cleanliness and comfort. We had also looked for hostels in Aizawl, Mizoram. The hostels were very cheap, but they were not clean. We also did not see and facility for warm water. However, in Mizoram, the government-run tourist lodges are the best options to stay. I am sure Guwahati also will have proper hostels though we haven’t stayed in any. Do not expect hostels in the remote destinations, especially the villages. Homestays are the preferred accommodation options in those places. Homestays are great ways to experience the local culture.

Different places have different language. There’s a huge variety. Each tribe has many sub-tribes and they have their own dialect. The same language can also have various dialects. However, as a traveller, you need not worry. Most of the people speak English. You will not have any problems with all the main tourist destinations. Only when you visit the remote areas, there can be a language barrier. But I am sure you will find a few in the village who can speak English and will help you.

This totally depends on what you want to see and where you want to visit. Our recommendation is not to rush travelling in Northeast India. The place is best enjoyed and experienced if you travel slow. If you wish to visit one state, then 7-10 days will be good to cover the main attractions of that state.

Mobile and wifi connection is available in the main cities, towns and popular tourist destinations. But connectivity is poor in the remote areas.

In this blog about Northeast India travel, we have tried to cover all the important information. If you still have any questions, do ask us by commenting below. You can also send us a mail to [email protected] with your queries.

Resources for Travelling to Northeast India

• Tawang Travel Guide
• Majuli – A complete travel guide
• Meghalaya Travel Guide
• Offbeat Places to visit in Meghalaya
• Mizoram Travel Guide
• Sikkim Travel Guide
• Tripura Travel Guide

Agni Amrita

Related posts.

Aoling Festival at Nagaland – The Grand Festival of Konyak Nagas

Konyak Tribe – In Search of The Tattooed Headhunters of Nagaland

Garo Hills, Meghalaya – Travel Guide for Your First Time Visit

Phe Phe Falls – Most Jaw-dropping Waterfall in Meghalaya

Siju Cave & Rock Formation – Nature’s Play at Garo Hills Meghalaya

Wari Chora – Hidden Paradise in Garo Hills of Meghalaya

44 comments.

Thank You so much for this detailed article on North-east India .

I have visited Gangtok two years back and what an experience ! It was so soothing to mind and body that I can’t express it . I am now planning to visit Assam next . And specially the Kamakhya temple which carry a great history with itself .

On thing I must say that the rich history of Northeast region needs a close attention of both state government and central government . People of India aren’t aware much about the rich culture and history of north-east because of the ignorance of the Government .

Nice pics……. great place …… wanna go ……. very nice description …… thank you for this blog….

Wow. Very detailed and informative. Covers whole north east. Would look forward to specific travel guide for Manipur and nagaland too. Thanks!!

Thank you so much for your kind comment. Blogs on Manipur are coming soon!

Never seen such a wide coverage on seven sisters. You have covered every aspect, so nothing much to ask – just take your baggage and catch the flight. Would love to combine a package tour and my own programme. Thank you. Debasis Mallik

Thank you so much for your comment! Northeast India is a wonderful place. Hope you have a wonderful time there.

I am a passionate travel blogger. I look at your posts regularly and thank you so much that you have shown the places of North East India in such detail. I especially like the location display map. Thank you very much sir for giving this update.

Thank you so much for your kind words. Keep reading our blogs and supporting us.

Amazing North East of India! We had just visited the Meghalaya and covered almost all the places you have listed here.

Thank you Abhi for the comment. Watched your vlog. Its lovely!

Thank you so much for showing me the details of so many things from the North East.I must travel north-east

Thank you so much for our comment.

I am a travel blogger. I found your blog interesting. I appreciate your writing. The author rightly highlighted the favorite destination to visit in the northeast. I personally follow your blog on regular basis for new updates.

Thank you so much for your kind words! Please keep following our blog!

Superb, detailed guidebook to travel the heaven. Thank you so much. I had certain queries, how to get in touch to know more about it?

You can send us a mail at [email protected] or drop a message at Instagram.

Thank you Agni & Amrita. Super detailed, and best guide. Looks like we need a good 2.5 months to cover the entire North East. May I request if you can suggest how can we divide these 7 states in sections for example Assam & Meghalaya can be done in 2-3 weeks & in next trip other two states can be clubbed together etc. Which can give a fair introduction to North East region and quest to visit other places in next trip 😉 ( I am planning for Jan 21 ) Again, Thank you so much for taking these efforts and inspiring us to travel to these gems of India.

Thank you Neha for the lovely comment. Yes, you would need at least 2.5-3 months to cover entire northeast India. I would request you to please drop us a mail with your queries. Thanks again.

You have kind of presented a wholesome introduction and guide to Northeast India. I especially loved the Map showcasing the locations.

Thank you so much Joydeep!

Wow wow wow !! This is the most detailed travel guide anyone can ever ask for…after reading this I don’t think I need to look up anything else before visiting all of North East! Well done! I have been to Sikkim many times since I was born and brought up in Kolkata and totally love Sikkim. Shillong is another favourite, stayed at Ri Kyunjai and was so awesome , the view was to die for. Looking forward to your next blog.

Thank you Anindita!

Looking at the post makes me wanna go and relive all the memories which I had in bits in north east m. There is so much more to just visiting Meghalaya or Assam. Reminds me of my quite days in Imphal .. I wanted to go and attend the Zero and Hornbill festival bit let’s see if this can be done this year or not

I also want to visit the Ziro and Hornbill Festival. Lets plan together!

Wow guys, this is a Northeast India Bible. We love the Northeast and the love started when we took our firs trip together to Meghalaya in 2019 after which we made a pact to travel to atleast one north east state once a year.

Thank you Diana! We have been visiting this beautiful place for long.

This is such a comprehensive guide of entire North East India, we are going to save it definitely. Was searching for something similar for long.

wow man! The blog post is so detailed. Really loved how it has been written. Starting form the maps to history to finally places to see. I have been to only Meghalaya in North East and would love to explore more. Will surely be pinning the blog for my northeast trip

Thanks Nishu! Glad that you liked it!

This is by far one of best, most comprehensive and detailed guides on the North East. Apart from Sikkim, I haven’t been to any other state in the North East and this post has only reignited the travel itch. One of my biggest apprehensions has been the availability of veg food. Some friends returned from Nagaland complaining about going hungry on so many days! The raw beauty of Arunachal and the national parks of Assam are my biggest motivations to visit the NE:)

Thank you Divyakshi. Yes, food can be a problem for vegetarians, but if you don’t mind eating boiled vegetables and rice for a few days, I think Northeast will be just great!

Quite a comprehensive guide for all the 8 states with all the basics covered! Loved how precise and well researched this piece was. I’ve only been to Nagaland in the northeast and the culture uniqueness is astounding. Northeast is one of India’s most beautiful regions and you’ve showcased that pretty well here. Especially the last image that marks the top things to do in each state. Pinned it for later!

Thank you Avantika! I was reading your posts on Nagaland and they are beautiful!

This is most detailed blog on North East India I have ever come across. I now know where I need to look for any information when I’m planning my trip here. Such a great effort guys. You’ll have mentioned every possible detail anyone would require! So commendable.

Thank you so much!

wow this is such a comprehensive guide for North East. I am surely keeping this pinned for my upcoming trip to North East. This is insightful

Thank you Tanayesh!

That is a solid guide that I am bookmarking for my travel – whenever that happens. I have only done one of the 7 states there and was hoping to do one more this year. In particular, I loved the section on the permits coz that info is not that easy to get.

Thank you Ami!

Wow! This is an amazing and comprehensive guide to visiting the North East, Agni & Amrita! Really appreciate the efforts you would’ve out into this for curious travellers like us who are eager to explore that region (especially the ILP guide) 🙂

And the pictures are interwoven well too. Can’t wait for the pandemic to ease out so that we can venture out here 🙂

Thank you so much both of you! Glad that you liked it!

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North East region is endowed with diverse tourist attractions and has great potential for accelerating tourism growth North East States showcase tourism potential of the region on the second day of International Tourism Mart in Aizawl

Key Highlights:

• Objective of ITM 2022 is to highlight tourism potential of the Northeast region in domestic and international markets

The eight states of North East India are blessed with scenic natural beauty, rich biodiversity, rare wildlife, historical sites, distinct cultural and ethnic heritage and warm and welcoming people. The region offers unforgettable Wildlife Tourism, Tea & Golf Tourism, River tourism, Religious & Spiritual Tourism, Heritage Tourism, Cultural & Culinary Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Agro & Rural Tourism and Offbeat Destinations. Northeast India is home to many wildlife sanctuaries like Kaziranga National Park famous for the one-horned rhinoceros. The mighty Brahmaputra flows through the length of Assam where tourists can enjoy memorable river cruises and the flowing rivers of Arunachal Pradesh which feed the Brahmaputra offering incredible white water rafting experiences. The region is endowed with diverse tourist attractions. Each State has its own distinct features and has great potential for accelerating tourism growth.

These points were highlighted on the second day of International Tourism Mart 2022 in Aizawl. Objective of ITM 2022 is to highlight tourism potential of the Northeast region in domestic and international markets.

The second day of ITM included presentations by eight North Eastern States on their tourism potential as well as cultural evenings, sightseeing visits to local attractions in and around Aizawl. B2B meeting was also arranged, where buyers from different regions of the country engaged in one-on-one meetings with sellers from the North-East Region. An exhibition including display of beautiful handicrafts and handlooms was also organized to show case the tourism products of respective participating States.

During presentation it has been highlighted that different types of Tourism products are available in North east. Wildlife Tourism, Tea & Golf Tourism, River tourism, Religious & Spiritual Tourism, Heritage Tourism, Cultural & Culinary Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Agro & Rural Tourism and Offbeat Destinations are some of them. Assam will very soon launch its tourism policy, which will also help in boosting tourism in State.

During session Secretary Tourism Shri Arvind Singh said that sustainability has been a priority for the travel, tourism, and hospitality sector for some time, but it has become even more prominent due to the pandemic. The demand for green tourism is growing as people are becoming more conscious of their impact on the environment and are looking for more sustainable travel options. The Government of India is now focused on promoting the move towards green tourism. Green tourism has the potential to catalyse local economies, while also minimising the environmental and social impacts.

During her address Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, Government of Mizoram Smt. Manisha Saxena said that Mizoram has always been known as having an untapped potential for tourism because of its mesmerising landscape, lush green hills and captivating topography. Mizoram has 90% of its area under forest cover with its attitude and its geographic location, pleasant climate its strongest points. There is an ample scope for eco-tourism and adventure tourism also. Mizoram is the happiest state in India as per the India Happiness Report, 2020. It has a high literacy rate of 91.33 and stands third in the country. There is a variety of untouched and unexplored attractions that can offer a dream destination to enterprising tourists. Thenzawl is located in Serchhip District, in the central part of Mizoram, at a distance of 112 kms from Aizawl. Thenzawl offers a perfect blend of eco-tourism, rural experience, natural beauty, culture and adventure. Many tourist spots have come up in the previous years at Thenzawl, which is one of the two Sub-Divisions of Serchhip District. The most important attraction at Thenzawl, is the Thenzawl Golf Course and Resort. This Golf Course and Resort was built under the Swadesh DarshanScheme of Government of India. It is rated as one of the best all season Golf courses in the North East India and offers one of the best Pay & Play facility that caters to all levels of ability.

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India is organizing the 10th International Tourism Mart (ITM) for the North East Region from 17th to 19th November 2022 in Aizawl, Mizoram. The International Tourism Marts are organized in the North-Eastern States on rotation basis. Mizoram is hosting this Mart for the first time. The earlier editions of this mart have been held in Guwahati, Tawang, Shillong, Gangtok, Agartala, Imphal and Kohima.