Thinking of traveling to the Northeast corner of India? Trust us, it's worth it. We've got a rundown of amazing travel deals to help you unearth this hidden gem.
So, what's so special about North East India? Imagine stunning mountains, lush forests, incredible wildlife, and rich cultures, all tucked under the massive Himalayas. It is a place that is less traveled but it is full of surprises. You may have heard people refer to this region as the "Seven Sisters", which are the seven states - Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura. Here, you can find everything from hill stations and tea gardens to monasteries and wildlife sanctuaries. Oh, and let's not forget the mighty Brahmaputra River and the local tribes who call this land home.
This area's got something for everyone. Whether you're a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a family wanting some quality time, or an adventure junkie craving thrills, North East India won't disappoint. And our vacation packages are designed to help you dig deep into this incredible part of the world.
Here's what you can expect:
Outdoorsy Stuff: You can go trekking in the mountains, like Mt. Kanchenjunga, Sandakphu, and Goecha La. If water's more your thing, try river rafting on the Brahmaputra.
Natural Wonders: Visit Mawsynram, known as the wettest place on Earth, or check out Meghalaya's awesome Seven Sisters Waterfalls and the living root bridges.
Local Culture: Take a river cruise in Assam to Kaziranga National Park—home to the one-horned rhinoceros—or ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways' toy train through scenic spots like Batasia Loop.
More Cool Places: Explore frozen Tsomgo Lake and Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim. In Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang Monastery is a must-see, as is the Ziro Festival in Nagaland.
Best of all, you can visit North East India any time of the year. Yep, even during the monsoon season, this place is magical.
Looking for a romantic honeymoon? Consider Darjeeling and Gangtok; these cozy hill towns have all the ingredients for love.
Ready to start planning? We've got a bunch of travel packages from cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Pick one that suits you or customize your own. Your unforgettable North East India experience is just a click away.
Best Time to Go to North East India
Looking for the best time to visit the North East? Aim for November to April. Why? Less rain, for one. Monsoons hit from July to September, making some roads a no-go and flooding places like Assam's Kaziranga Park. But if you're a hot weather fan, summer's cool too. Just expect temps to soar between 86°F and 97°F. Remember, the region's got everything from mountains to plains, so you'll find cooler spots in the highlands.
The scenery really pops after the monsoons, though. Picture mist-covered valleys and majestic mountains appearing like magic from the fog. While it's chilly in some spots, don't expect much snow. Wildlife lovers, Kaziranga becomes a critter-filled wonderland. And if you're into outdoor stuff like trekking or kayaking, summer's your season. Don't worry about crowds; all the top sights stay open.
How To Reach North East
So, how do you get to this awesome place? You've got options: roads, trains, and planes.
o By Air: Kolkata's your best bet for flying in. Direct flights connect to Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura. Guwahati's airport is another good choice, with flights from big cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
o By Train: Again, Kolkata's the train hub for the northeast. Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have the best rail links. If you're heading to Mizoram or Tripura, you'll find the closest stations are New Jalpaiguri and Kumarghat. Just a heads-up, train trips can be long—the tracks aren't electrified.
o By Road: Buses run regularly from West Bengal to all over the northeast. The main highways are National Highways 31, 37, 38, and 40, which link Assam to the rest of India. If you prefer riding solo, taxis are a comfy but pricier option.
Best Places To Visit In North East
Thinking of exploring North East India? Due to its sheer size and diversity, you cannot cover everything in one visit. But there are some places that you should not miss. Here's the shortcoming:
1. Gangtok, Sikkim: Get ready, adventure lovers! Gangtok is the place from where you can go on a trek to Kangchenjunga. You also cannot miss the serene Tsomgo Lake and Rumtek Monastery. Want to go shopping? Hit M.G. road. Don't miss Ganesh Tok and the rugged Nathu La Pass.
2. Assam: The "Chai Basket of India" will not disappoint. From the wildlife of Kaziranga National Park to sipping hot tea in a garden, Assam has a lot to offer. Travel to Majuli Island, take a trip down the Brahmaputra River and stop at the holy Kamakhya Temple.
3. Manipur: Little-known but it's worth it! Known as the "Land of Festivals", it is rich in culture, traditional sports and crafts. Main attractions include the Khwairamband market for all women, Andro village and boating on Loktak Lake. And yes, it is home to the deadly Ghost Jolokia Pepper!
4. Meghalaya: The name "Abode of the Clouds" is apt. Visit Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia, and be awestruck by vibrant root bridges and thundering waterfalls. Thrill seekers can go trekking on the David Scott Trail or go rafting on the Barapani Lake.
5. Mizoram: For nature lovers, this "land of the hill people" offers panoramic views of Palak Lake and mountain biking in the Humifang hills. The Blue Mountains and Murlen National Parks are a paradise for trekkers.
6. Nagaland: Known for its warrior history and vibrant festivals such as the Hornbill Festival. Visit the Kohima Museum and Kachari Ruins, and perhaps see a local dance performance in Toufema Village.
7. Tripura: A hidden gem brimming with art, history and nature. Must visit Jampui Hills and Wildlife Sanctuaries. Don't miss the Royal Ujjayanta Palace and the Tripura Government Museum to learn some history.
8. Arunachal Pradesh: This "land of the mountains with the light of dawn" is simply breathtaking. As the birthplace of the Dalai Lama, it is also a spiritual center. Must-see places include the largest Buddhist monastery in India and the Ziro Music Festival.
North East Cuisine: Must-Try Delights
Your exploration of North East India will be incomplete without sampling its unique and flavorful cuisine or engaging in its wide array of adventure activities. Here's a quick summary:
1. Khar (Assam): A delightful blend of beaten pulses, raw papaya, and red rice.
2. Galho: A northeastern take on khichdi, it includes smoked meat and axone (fermented soybean) for that extra zing.
3. Iromba (Manipur): A pungent and bold dish that combines fermented fish with mashed potatoes, yams, and other vegetables.
4. Kappa (Meghalaya): A unique chicken soup mixed with fresh herbs and chicken entrails, perfect for those chilly evenings.
5. ArsaBuhchiar (Mizoram): A savory rice porridge best enjoyed with herbs and chicken on a cold, rainy day.
Adventure Activities to Experience
1. Trekking in Tawang: If trekking is your passion, the landscapes of Tawang offer some of the most stunning backdrops. Always acclimate before you hit the trails.
2. River Rafting in Kalimpong: With a network of rivers, the northeast provides fantastic opportunities for rafting adventures.
3. Rock Climbing in Cherrapunji: Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned climber, Cherrapunji offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing.
4. Overnight Camping on the Khasi Hills: Marvel at the starlit sky, devoid of light pollution, with an overnight camping trip.
5. Find Serenity at Tawang Monastery: Experience peace and spiritual enrichment at the Tawang Monastery, and if you're lucky, catch a mesmerizing Cham dance performance.
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