North-Eastern India Travel Guide

This comprehensive guide to North-Eastern India includes a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture, safety, transportation options and much more.


Introduction to North-Eastern India

North-Eastern India is a region that comprises eight states: Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. Each state is distinct in culture, language, and topography, making it a fascinating region to explore. It is located in the easternmost part of India and is surrounded by Bhutan, Tibet, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

List of Places to Visit in North-Eastern India

North-Eastern India is dotted with a variety of fascinating locations that are worth visiting. Here’s a list of places that should be on your itinerary:

Assam

  • Kaziranga National Park
  • Majuli Island
  • Kamakhya Temple
  • Umananda Temple
  • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Manipur

  • Loktak Lake
  • Imphal War Cemetery
  • Kangla Fort
  • Keibul Lamjao National Park
  • INA Museum

Meghalaya

  • Living Root Bridges
  • Mawlynnong Village
  • Elephant Falls
  • Umiam Lake
  • Shillong Peak

Arunachal Pradesh

  • Tawang Monastery
  • Ziro Valley
  • Namdapha National Park
  • Pangsau Pass
  • Malinithan Temple

Mizoram

  • Durtlang Hills
  • Phawngpui Hills
  • Hmuifang Hill
  • Saiha Lake
  • Reiek Village

Nagaland

  • Kohima War Cemetery
  • Dzukou Valley
  • Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Kachari Ruins
  • Khonoma Village

Tripura

  • Ujjayanta Palace
  • Unakoti Hill
  • Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Neermahal Water Palace
  • Jampui Hills

Sikkim

  • Nathula Pass
  • Gurudongmar Lake
  • Rumtek Monastery
  • Pelling
  • Tsomgo Lake

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

North-Eastern India is rich in culture and history, and it’s reflected in the museums and historical places. Here are the top cultural attractions to include in your itinerary:

  • Assam State Museum, Assam
  • Manipur State Museum, Manipur
  • Entomological Museum, Meghalaya
  • Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
  • Mizoram State Museum, Mizoram
  • Kohima State Museum, Nagaland
  • Tripura Government Museum, Tripura
  • Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Sikkim

Natural Attractions of North-Eastern India: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

North-Eastern India is blessed with stunning landscapes and natural attractions, making it a great place for outdoor activities. Here are some of the most notable natural attractions:

  • Kaziranga National Park, Assam
  • Dzukou Valley, Nagaland
  • Elephant Falls, Meghalaya
  • Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
  • Kolasib Hill, Mizoram
  • Vantawng Falls, Mizoram
  • Jampui Hill, Tripura
  • Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim

Hiking/Biking Routes of North-Eastern India

North-Eastern India offers some of the best adventure trails for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Nuranang Falls Trek, Arunachal Pradesh
  • Singalila Ridge Trek, Sikkim
  • David Scott Trail, Meghalaya
  • Phawngpui Peak Trek, Mizoram
  • Dzukou Valley Trek, Nagaland

Best Things to Do in North-Eastern India: Activities and Tours

Apart from outdoor adventures and cultural attractions, there are various activities and tours to experience in North-Eastern India:

  • Tea Gardens Tour, Assam
  • Living Root Bridges Tour, Meghalaya
  • Local Village Tour, Nagaland
  • Cherry Blossom Festival, Manipur
  • Yak Safari, Sikkim

Week-Long Itinerary for North-Eastern India

Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati, Assam; Visit Kamakhya Temple and Umiam Lake Day 2: Explore Kaziranga National Park in Assam Day 3: Drive to Shillong, Meghalaya and spend the day visiting Elephant Falls and living root bridges Day 4: Head to Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, via Bomdila; Visit the Tawang Monastery Day 5: Visit the Gorsam Chorten and the Jang Waterfall Day 6: Drive to Gangtok, Sikkim and visit Rumtek Monastery Day 7: Visit Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake

Food and Drink Scene of North-Eastern India

North-Eastern Indian cuisine is a blend of various local cultures, with an emphasis on fresh flavors and aromatic spices. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Khar, Assam
  • Bamboo Shoot Fry, Manipur
  • Jadoh, Meghalaya
  • Smoked Pork, Arunachal Pradesh
  • Bhelpuri, Mizoram
  • Akhuni, Nagaland
  • Mwkhwi, Tripura
  • Thukpa, Sikkim

Local Beverages

  • Apong, Assam
  • Sekmai Yu, Manipur
  • Zurui Tea, Meghalaya
  • Zawlaidi, Mizoram
  • Thandai, Tripura
  • Chang, Sikkim

Where to Stay in North-Eastern India: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

North-Eastern India offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Here are some recommendations:

  • Diphlu River Lodge, Assam
  • Classic Grande, Manipur
  • Ri Kynjai, Meghalaya
  • Hotel 3 star, Arunachal Pradesh
  • The Grand Hotel, Sikkim

What to Buy in North-Eastern India: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

North-Eastern India is famous for its handmade crafts, textiles, and tea. Here are some of the best items to bring home as souvenirs:

  • Mekhela Chador, Assam
  • Bamboo and Cane Products, Manipur
  • Shad Suk Mynsiem Traditional Costume, Meghalaya
  • Thangka Painting, Sikkim
  • Linen Products, Arunachal Pradesh

Local Culture and Customs of North-Eastern India

North-Eastern India is known for its diverse ethnic and cultural heritage. Here are some of the culture and customs worth knowing before your trip:

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and monasteries
  • Remove your shoes before entering sacred places
  • Ask for permission before taking photographs of locals
  • Respect local customs and traditions

Best Time to Visit North-Eastern India

The best time to visit North-Eastern India is during the winter months from November to March, when the weather is pleasant and dry. Avoid the monsoon season from June to September.

Do’s and Don’ts of North-Eastern India

Do:

  • Try local food and beverages
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Visit the famous monasteries and temples
  • Carry necessary medications
  • Keep your documents safe

Don’t:

  • Get involved in illegal activities
  • Wear revealing clothing in sacred places
  • Consume tap water
  • Speak too loudly in public places

Safety and Health

Safety in North-Eastern India

North-Eastern India is generally safe for tourists, with very low crime rates. However, it’s always advisable to take precautions like not walking alone in isolated areas after dark.

Health in North-Eastern India

It’s advisable to take necessary vaccinations before visiting North-Eastern India, especially if you’re traveling during monsoon season. Also, carry medications for altitude sickness, as some areas in North-Eastern India are located at high elevations.

Getting to North-Eastern India: Transportation Options and Logistics

The best way to reach North-Eastern India is via flight, train or road. Here are the transportation options and logistics:

Airports Near North-Eastern India

  • Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, Assam
  • Tulihal International Airport, Imphal, Manipur
  • Shillong Airport, Meghalaya
  • Tezpur Airport, Assam
  • Dibrugarh Airport, Assam

Bus Stations Near North-Eastern India

  • Naharlagun Bus Station, Arunachal Pradesh
  • Kohima Bus Station, Nagaland
  • Agartala Bus Station, Tripura
  • Gangtok Bus Station, Sikkim
  • Aizawl Bus Station, Mizoram

Other Options

North-Eastern India is well-connected by trains and has several major railway stations in the region.

How to Get Around in North-Eastern India

The best way to get around in North-Eastern India is via private taxi or rental car, as it provides the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from North-Eastern India: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bhutan
  • Darjeeling, West Bengal
  • Kolkata, West Bengal
  • Myanmar

Conclusion

North-Eastern India offers a unique travel experience with its stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and natural attractions. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in North-Eastern India. Make sure to plan your itinerary well in advance to make the most of your trip.

Gopinath (Krishna) temple in Ningthoukhong, Manipur Gopinath (Krishna) temple in Ningthoukhong, Manipur A trilingual sign at Gohpur railway station, Assam A trilingual sign at Gohpur railway station, Assam Imphal International Airport, Imphal, Manipur Imphal International Airport, Imphal, Manipur Shillong, Meghalaya Shillong, Meghalaya Kanthi Waterfall, Karbi Anglong district, Assam Kanthi Waterfall, Karbi Anglong district, Assam


    Arunachal Pradesh
    Assam
    Manipur
    Meghalaya
    Mizoram
    Nagaland
    Tripura