24 Best Places To Visit in North East India for a Splendid Getaway

North East India has everything that a tourist would be looking for. With a little bit of adventure, fun, entertainment, culture, and heritage, this region has it all. All the states in the northeast, from Assam to Arunachal Pradesh, are blessed with nature’s bounty. Anyone visiting the region for the first time is excited and surprised after seeing the best Places to Visit North East India.

There are a few destinations in the North East, though, with something special to offer. It may be an account of their wildlife, landscape, or culture, but each destination offers an experience different from the others. Adventure lovers will find much to celebrate, as will admirers of wildlife.

If you have never visited this part of India, you have missed out on a wonderful and exciting experience. In this blog, we bring you the top tourist places in North East India to make your holiday memorable.

You want to know where the Best Time to Visit North East India.

Here are the Best Places to Visit in North East India:

• Guwahati, Assam
• Kaziranga National Park, Assam
• Majuli, Assam
• Sivasagar, Assam
• Manas Tiger Reserve
• Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
• Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh
• Agartala, Tripura
• Kohima, Nagaland
• Imphal, Manipur
• Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
• Mawsynram, Meghalaya
• Shillong, Meghalaya
• Aizwal, Mizoram
• Pemayangtse Monastery
• Pelling, Sikkim
• Goecha La
• Mokokchung
• Kangla Fort
• Tripura Sundari Temple
• Ziro Valley
• Gangtok
• Nohkalikai Falls
• Mawlynnong village

1. Guwahati, Assam

Guwahati is the gateway to the Northeast, besides being one of the largest cities of this region. There are several opportunities for sightseeing in this city. The most prominent attractions of Guwahati are the Kamakhya Temple, Fancy Bazaar, Regional Science Center, Assam State Zoo, and Accoland.

Visiting the Kamakhya Temple promises to be a special spiritual experience. Another attraction is the Umananda Temple, situated on the island of the Brahmaputra, which can be reached through a boat ride. There are also several gardens in the city where you can spend quality time with your friends and family.

• Best Time to visit: Between October and April
• Tourist Attractions: ISKCON Guwahati, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam State Museum, Kaziranga National Park, andKamakhya Temple
• Festival Celebrated: International Flower and Garden Festival every year
• Nearest Airport: Guwahati Airport (22 km)

[ Explore popular attractions in Guwahati with these customized packages ]

2. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga National Park in Assam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for being home to the one-horned rhino. It’s also one of the best places to visit in North East India. They are an endangered species, though. Spotting this colossus beast with its thick hide and horn, which juts out menacingly from its head, is a rewarding experience.

Apart from the rhino, Kaziranga National Park is also home to several species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Some of these are Royal Bengal Tiger, pigmy hog, swamp deer, and elephant. It’s not just the fauna that captivates you, the flora, too, is just as impressive. Indeed, no visit to Assam is complete without a safari in the Kaziranga National Park.

• Best Time to visit: Between November and April
• Things to do & sightseeing: Jeep Safari in the central range, Elephant Safari, Deopahar, Gorakathi, Bagori
• Timings: 7.30 am to 4 pm
• Nearest Airport: Jorhat Airport, Assam (114 km)

[ Explore well-customized Kaziranga holiday packages ]

Also Read: Best places to go for Jungle safari in India

3. Majuli, Assam

Majuli is a river island in Assam that can only be accessed through a ferry ride from Jorhat. Majuli is special for many reasons, one being that it is the first district island in the country. Visiting Majuli makes you wonder about the hidden natural wonders tucked away in different parts of India and how much is left to be explored. Some attractions worth checking out in Majuli are Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay, Samaguri Satra, Bangalpukhari, and Tengapania.

• Best Time to visit: Between October and February
• Tourist Attractions: Kamalabari Satra, Tengapania, Dakhinpat Satra, Auniati Satra, Garmu
• Festival Celebrated: Majuli Festival is celebrated every year on the 21st of November and continues for four days. It will allow you to peep into the tribal culture and traditions
• Nearest Airport: Jorhat Airport, Assam (46 km)

4. Sivasagar, Assam

You will enjoy your visit to Sivasagar, especially if you are a history enthusiast. It is home to several places of immense historical importance. The most famous ones are Sivasagar Lake, Rang Ghar, Tai Ahom Museum, Shiva Temple, Central Baptist and Catholic Church, Anadaram Baruah Park, and Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary.

Among these, the Rang Ghar deserves special mention because it is one of the oldest surviving amphitheaters in Asia. The Ahom Museum would arouse the interest of history lovers and laymen because it contains clothes, a royal armory, and manuscripts belonging to rulers of the Ahom dynasty. Explore holiday packages for Sivasagar.

• Best Time to visit: Between October and February
  Tourist Attractions: Charaideo. Vishnu Dol, Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary, Shiva Dol, Joysagar
• Festival Celebrated: International Shiva Festival
• Nearest Airport: Jorhat Airport, Assam (62 km)

5.  Manas Tiger Reserve

As the name suggests, Manas Tiger reserve is most famous for its enormous population of tigers. Alongside, this tiger reserve also boasts the largest population of Bengal Florican in the world, besides being an incredible place to watch the Great Hornbill.

Apart from this, the Manas Tiger Reserve is home to almost 380 species of birds, including red-headed trogon, swamp francolin, marsh, jerdon’s babbler, and finn’s weaver. The tiger reserve also boasts great biodiversity and is the only place where the pygmy hog survives.

• Best Time to visit: Between October and May
• Tourist Attractions: Palace of King of Bhutan, Tiger and Elephant Reserve, Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Bansbari Tea Plantation, Mathanguri
• Timings: 5.30 am to 6 pm
• Nearest Airport: Guwahati Airport (137 km)

6. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

What makes Tawang one of the best places to visit in North East India is its resemblance to heaven if you know what heaven looks like. Arunachal Pradesh’s smallest district is home to several attractions, including Tawang Monastery, Nuranang Waterfalls, Taktsang Gompa, Pankang Teng Tso Lake, and Jaswant Garh, among others.

The Tawang Monastery, situated at the height of 10,000ft and the residence of almost 450 monks, is one of the largest monasteries in India. In the evening, its beauty takes on a different appearance. Jaswant Garh War Memorial is built in honor of Jaswant Singh Rawat, an Indian rifleman of 4 Garhwal Rifles who bravely fought the Chinese army.

• Best Time to visit: Either between March and June or between September and October
• Tourist Attractions: Sela Pass, Jaswant Garh, Madhuri Lake, Bumla Pass, Tawang War Memorial
• Festival Celebrated: Tawang Festival is celebrated to keep Arunachal’s rich heritage and culture alive
• Nearest Airport: Guwahati Airport (518 km), Salonibari Airport (317 km)

[ Plan a trip to  Tawang with these customized packages ]

7. Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh

Bomdila is one of the most incredible destinations of Arunachal Pradesh because of its lush landscape combined with a rich culture and heritage. Not only can one enjoy its natural beauty, but one can also explore the culture and crafts of the region by visiting its museums and monasteries. The popular tourist attractions in Bomdila are Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Dirang Valley, Bomdila View Point, Craft Center and Ethnographic Museum, and Apple Orchard, among others.

• Best Time to visit: Between April and October
• Tourist Attractions: Apple Orchards, Bomdila Monastery, Bomdila Flea Market, Chilipam Monastery, Craft Centre And Ethnographic Museum
• Nearest Airport: Guwahati Airport (268 km), Salonibari Airport (147 km)

[ Visit Bomdila with these customized packages ]

Best Places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh for a Rejuvenating Experience

8. Agartala, Tripura

Agartala is the second largest city in the Northeast and has attracted tourists in large numbers. One of the fastest developing cities in India, it’s also the third international internet getaway after Mumbai and Chennai. Agartala is home to several fabulous monuments, including Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal, and Tripura Government Museum, among others.

Other places which are very popular with tourists are Rose Valley Amusement Park, Dumboor Lake, and Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. Ujjayanta Palace, an architectural masterpiece, is quite a sight to come across. Once home to the ruling Manikya dynasty, the palace is now a state museum and sheds light on the arts, crafts, traditions and lifestyles of communities residing in Northeast India.

• Best Time to visit: Between April and October
• Tourist Attractions: Tripura Sundari Temple, Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Buddha Temple, Jagannath Mandir, Jampui Hills
• Festival Celebrated: 7-day long Garia Puja, honoring universal god Baba Goria.
• Nearest Airport: Imphal Airport, Manipur (542 km)

9. Kohima, Nagaland

Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland, is one of the most places to visit in North East India. Kohima is most popular for hosting the annual Hornbill Festival in December, which draws in thousands of visitors annually.

Apart from that, there are several tourist attractions in Kohima, including The Catholic Cathedral at Aradura Hill, World War II Cemetery, Nagaland State Museum, and the Zoological Park, among others. After enjoying sightseeing, you can also go for a trek with your family to Dzukou Valley, located almost 20km from Kohima.

• Best Time to visit: Between October and May
• Attractions: The Catholic Cathedral, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama Heritage Village
  Kohima War Cemetery, Japfu Peak
• Festival Celebrated: Hornbill Festival is a significant festival that invites travelers worldwide. It is held from 1st to 10th December every year and is famous for its tribal and cultural dances, rock contests, songs, and music.
• Nearest Airport: Dimapur Airport, Nagaland (64 km)

[ Explore tour packages for Nagaland ]

10. Imphal, Manipur

Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, is blessed with a beautiful landscape that wins your heart at first sight. It is home to several tribes and is also the state’s cultural capital. For a tourist, there are several fascinating sights to explore.

One of these is the Imphal Polo Ground, the oldest polo ground in the world. The other attractions worth checking out are Kangla Fort, Manipur Zoological Gardens, and Keibul Lamjao National Park, apart from others. Imphal also hosts several events like Lai Haraoba, the Kang Rath Yatra, and Ningol Chakouba Festival, to name a few.

• Best Time to visit: Between September and April
• Tourist Attractions: ISKCON Imphal, Sri Sri Radha Krishnacandra Temple, Ima Keithel Women’s Market, INA Museum, Loktak Lake, Kangla Fort
• Nearest Airport: Imphal Airport (8 km)

[ Plan a holiday in Manipur with these customized packages ]

11. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

Cherrapunji in Meghalaya is famous for being one of the wettest places in the world and is one of the best places to visit in India. It is also famous for its root bridges formed due to continuous rains. However, this place attracts tourists for its amazing sightseeing opportunities.

Its major attractions are waterfalls and caves, including Nohsngithiang Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, Dainthlen Falls, and Mawsmai Cave. Other equally exciting sightseeing destinations are Mawkdok Dympep Valley, Double Decker Living Root Bridge, and Thangkharang Park.

[ Explore customized Cherrapunji tour packages ]

12. Mawsynram, Meghalaya

Mawsynram, located about 56km from Shillong, is a tiny village in the Khasi village of Meghalaya. It is famous for being the wettest place on earth, along with Cherrapunji. It reportedly receives an annual rainfall of almost 11,872 mm or 39ft! However, it’s a natural paradise, and tourists visiting the place delight in the fresh air, sliding slopes, and rolling green mountains.

One of the main attractions in Mawsynram is the Mawjymbuin Cave. They consist of some magnificent stalagmites formed due to years of weathering and dripping of mineralized solutions. It’s such a delight exploring these natural formations and coming across rare sights such as these.

• Best Time to visit: Between September and November
• Key Attractions: Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Centre For Indigenous Cultures, Umiam Lake Viewpoint, Mawjymbuin Caves, Jingmaham Living Root Bridge
• Nearest Airport: Guwahati Airport (170 km)

21 Best Places to Visit in Meghalaya to Admire the Natural Beauty

13. Shillong, Meghalaya

No list of the best places to visit in North East India is complete without mentioning Shillong, one of the most visited places in Northeast India. Surrounded by hills and the ever-present fog resting comfortably on them, Shillong appears like the perfect getaway for a dreamy vacation. It’s also famous for hosting exciting music festivals and cultural events. You can enjoy shopping in the malls, boating on Ward’s Lake, or just having a relaxed day out with your family.

The major attractions of Shillong include Shillong Peak, Golf Course, Don Bosco Center for Indigenous Centers, and Elephant Falls, among others. Shillong Peak, located at the height of 6 449ft, provides outstanding city views.

• Best Time to visit: Between March and May
• Tourist Attractions: Don Bosco Museum, Elephant Falls, Sohpetbneng Peak, Mary Help for Christian Cathedral, Umiam Lake
• Festival Celebrated: National Cherry Blossom Festival in mid-November
• Nearest Airport: Guwahati Airport (120 km)

[ Plan a holiday in Meghalaya with these packages ]

14. Aizwal, Mizoram

Aizwal, the capital of Mizoram and an immensely beautiful hill city, provides the best sightseeing opportunities. You will find solitude and tranquility in abundance here. The city also provides lovely views of the hills stretching for miles on end. In Aizwal, you will also come across the friendliest people in the Northeast. There is also scope for adventure, from paragliding to rafting.

Some popular tourist attractions include Lamsial Puk (Cave), Baktawng, and Solomon’s Temple. A unique experience in Aizwal is meeting the world’s largest family. Headed by Pu Ziona, who has 38 wives, 89 children, and many grandchildren, this family has been registered by the Guinness Book of World Records.

• Best Time to visit: Between March and July
• Tourist Attractions: Tamdil Lake, Durtlang Hills, Mini Zoological Garden, Vantawang Falls, Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary
• Nearest Airport: Lengpui Airport (32 km)

[ Explore the  tourist attractions in Mizoram with these packages ]

15. Pemayangtse Monastery

Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim and contains an enormous collection of rare manuscripts and scriptures. Located near Pelling, it is around 300 years old and is three storied.

It houses various statues of Buddhist saints. The main prayer hall is adorned with exquisite paintings, while the doors and windows are decorated in traditional Tibetan design. You can also see the ruins of Rabdantse Monastery from here. Explore customized Sikkim tour packages.

• Best Time to visit: Between March and June
• Tourist Attractions: Borong, Pelling, Rimbik, Khangchendzonga National Park, Yuksom Valley
• Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
• Festival Celebrated: Cham Festival, a Tibetan dance form held every year on the 28th and 19th of Gyal, the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar.

Also Read: The 12 Best Places To Visit In Sikkim For A Fun Vacay In 2024

16. Pelling, Sikkim

Pelling is one of the best places to visit in North East India because it offers breathtaking views of the Khangchendzonga and surrounding ranges. This is also why it’s so loved by tourists and the various tourist spots it’s home to. Some tourist attractions are Darap Cherny Village, Khecheopalri Lake, Khangchendzonga Waterfalls, and Sawaro Rock Garden.

Besides this, Pelling hosts the Khangchendzonga Festival marked with various exciting activities like water-rafting on the Rangit, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking, to name a few. Flower exhibitions and traditional crafts stalls also keep the guests entertained. Explore Pelling with this package.

• Best Time to visit: Either between mid-February and May or September and December
• Tourist Attractions: Kanchenjunga National Park, Pemayangtse Monastery, Sewaro Rock Garden, Rabdentse Ruins, Khecheopalri Lake
• Festival Celebrated: Pelling Tourism Festival, also called Kanchenjunga Winter Tourism Festival, is celebrated in December.
• Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport, West Bengal (140 km)

7 Best Honeymoon Places in North India to Visit in Summer 2024

17. Goecha La

If you are an adventure seeker looking for an adrenaline-rushing trek, then Goecha La is the pass you should be heading for during your visit to North-East India.

One of the main reasons Goecha La pass is listed as one of the best places to visit in Sikkim is the trekking trail it offers and the blissful view of the nearby mountain summits. The altitude of this trekking trail reaches beyond 15,000 ft, making it one of the best places to trek to.

The entire Goecha La trek takes a minimum of 7 days or a total trek time of 25 hours. Once you reach the summit, you can see the 14 big snow-capped summits.

• Best Time to visit: Between September and November
• Tourist Attractions : Khangchendzonga Waterfall, Khangchendzonga National Park, Norbugang Coronation Throne, Khecheopalri Lake, Gurudongmar Lake
• Timings: All day

Must Read: Top Trekking Destination in India

18. Mokokchung

Mokokchung is an amazing and pristine destination that offers a mesmerizing view of the surrounding. It amazes visitors with its rare landscapes and unique lifestyle. The people here are welcoming and warm-hearted making it a very blissful destination in Nagaland.

Mokokchung is popular for its diversity in flora, cuisines, and many other things. If you plan to visit here, make it during the winter. It happens to be the longest season in this village and the most amazing one.

• Best Time to visit: Between mid-September to November
• Tourist Attractions: Langpangkong Caves, Ongpangkong Range, Unmga, Mopungchuket Village, Changkikong Range
• Nearest Airport: Jorhat Airport, Assam (104 km)

[ Explore Our Best Dibrugarh Tour Packages ]

19. Kangla Fort

The popular and majestic Kangla Fort is a part of Nagaland’s capital- Imphal. It is one of the city’s most important attractions and attracts many visitors throughout the year. According to historians, this fort dates back to 33 AD and is known as the home of Hongda Lauren Pakhangba, the mythical god according to the localities.

This is a must-visit attraction in Nagaland for art lovers and historians. Even if you aren’t any of these, do explore this amazing attraction to know the untold stories.

• Best Time to visit: Between October and April
• Tourist Attractions: Lord Ibudhou Pakhangba Leishang, Nungjeng Pukhri Achouba, Shri Govindaji Temple, Mangle, Kangla Museum
• Timings: 7 am to 5 pm

20. Tripura Sundari Temple

This temple has to be at the top of the list of the best places to visit in North East India. Tripura Sundari Temple is an important pilgrim spot and one of the 51 shaktipeeths in India. A lot of pilgrims visit this holy site and offer their prayers.

If you too are visiting Tripura, then do not miss out on the amazing and holy Matabari or Tripura Sundari Temple.