East

People in Kohima enjoy an unhurried pace of life. Tourists from around the world come here every year to enjoy the slow paced life and the scenic beauty Kohima is known for. The hills here are home to a few rare bird species. From its World War II cemetery to beautiful lakes, the town has a number of tourist sites worth visiting. Kohima is also where tourists can explore the rich tribal culture of Northeast India.

• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Key Attractions: Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak, Kohima Museum, Kohima Zoo, Touphema Village, Khonoma Village, Shilloi Lake, Kohima War Cemetery, Kohima Cathedral, and Naga Heritage Village.
• Nearest Airport: Dimapur Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Dimapur

The Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its dense forests, elephant-grass meadows, and swampy lagoons is home to the largest Indian rhinoceros population. The park is one of the best known biodiversity hotspots in India with four pre-defined tourist circuits. Each of these circuits has its own distinguishing feature. This 430 square kilometer national park is also the breeding ground for many other animals and birds.

• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Jeep Safari Timings: 8:00 AM to 10.00 AM and 2.00 PM to 7:30 PM
• Animals to Spot: One-horned Rhinos, Royal Bengal Tigers, Asiatic Elephants, Swamp Deer, and Wild Water Buffalos
• Nearest Airport: Guwahati International Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Helem and Furkating Junction

Also known as the Changu Lake, the Tsomgo Lake presents an ethereal view of rugged mountains. The lake stands at an altitude of 12,400 ft. and looks different around the year. In the late spring, the lakeside is covered with flowers in full bloom while in winter, it freezes solid. There are a number of legends and myths associated with this lake that are significant for Buddhist monks and Sikkim’s faith healers. For tourists, a yak ride is a moment to remember. In the winter, you can even take a yak ride on the frozen lake.

• Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to December
• Key Attractions: Tsongo Passenger Ropeway, Yak and Mule Rides, and Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
• Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri
• Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri

The Tawang Monastery, also known as the Golden Namgyal Lhatse, is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world. Located at a height of around 10,000 feet, the monastery offers a panoramic view of the entire Tawang River Valley. The monastery houses residential complexes for the monks, a Buddhist cultural study center, school, temples, a library, and a printing press. If you can appreciate the finer points of art, a visit to the Tawang Monastery can transport you to a whole new world.

• Best Time to Visit: March to October.
• Key Attractions: Mandala Wall Murals, Buddhist Thangkas, Chitenpa’s Footprint, and Buddha Statue In Dukhang
• Major Festivals: Choksar, Losar, Ajilamu, and Torgya
• Nearest Airport: Salonibari Airport, Tezpur
• Nearest Railway Station: Rangapara and Tezpur

Rainfall can be beautiful! Located about 80 km apart, Cherrapunji and Mawsynram are the wettest places on earth. Both Cherrapunji and Mawsynram receive over 450 inches of rain every year and are blessed with panoramic vistas of scenic beauty. These hills offer a number of trekking routes too. No matter when you visit these family destinations in Northeast India, you’ll always be able to see and hear the beauty of raindrops falling from the sky.

• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Key Attractions: Double Decker Living Root Bridges, Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Krem Phyllut, The Eco Park, Khoh Ramhah Rock, Wakaba Falls, Dainthlen Waterfall, Mawsmai Caves, Mawsmai Falls, Dawki, Mawlyngbna, and Mawkdok Dympep Valley
• Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati

When it comes to trekking routes, there’s nothing quite like Goechala. This 10-12 day trek offers a glimpse of 14 Himalayan summits including Mt. Kanchenjunga. From the gushing Teesta River, the Paha Khola Bridge and Viburnum plantations to the rhododendron forests of Phedang, this is one of the most beautiful treks you will ever embark on. It’s not hard to understand why this is one of the top places to visit in Northeast India.

• Best Time to Visit: March to April
• Key Attractions: Tashi Tenka, Rabdentse Monastery, View of the Rathong Valley, Khecheopalri Lake, and Kanchenjunga National Park
• Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri
• Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri

Pelling is the second most popular tourist attraction in Northeast India. People come here to see the Khangchendzonga Peak, explore biking and trekking routes, take a closer look at the monasteries, or just to enjoy the town’s scenic beauty. Pelling also offers a number of adrenaline-boosting activities. In addition, there’s birdwatching, fishing, bathing in hot stone baths, cultural shows, traditional house visits, limbo storytelling sessions, and jungle walks to experience.

• Best Time to Visit: September to May
• Key Attractions: Pemayangste Monastery, Sangachoeling Monastery, Tashiding Monastery, Yuksom, Rabdentse Ruins, Darap Village, Sewaro Rock Garden, Kanchenjunga National Park, Kaluk, Singshore Bridge, Rimbi River, Khecheopalri Lake, Changey Waterfall, Ravangla, and Kanchenjunga Fall
• Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri

The cheerful city of Gangtok is one of the most popular hill stations in Northeast India. With mountains shrouded in mist and valleys covered with lush greenery, Gangtok beckons nature lovers, trekking enthusiasts, and photographers. A holiday here relaxes the body, mind, and spirit. Even if you’re not a mountaineering expert, a walk around the hills surrounding Gangtok can give you a clear view of the snow-capped Khangchendzonga Peak. Maybe, it’ll even inspire you to make mountaineering your new hobby.

• Best Time to Visit: September to October and March to June
• Key Attractions: Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple, Magnan, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La Pass, Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, Tashi Viewpoint Kanchenjunga, Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary, Saramsa Garden, Do Drul Chorten, Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Phodong Monastery, Himalayan Zoological Park, and Tashiding Monastery

The capital city of Mizoram, Aizawl attracts Indian and international tourists alike. This 124-year old city has rich cultural heritage and is well-known for its scenic beauty and elevated setting. Aizawl is favored by solo travelers as well as families. It is also a popular trekking destination in Northeast India. One of the things that sets Aizawl apart from other holiday destinations is the quiet in the air. Though there are cars on the road, you’ll have to strain your ears to hear them honk.

• Best Time to Visit: March to May
• Key Attractions: Durtlang Hills, Reiek Tlang, Mizoram State Museum, KV Paradise, Phawngpui Peak, Solomon Temple, Falkawn Village, Phawngpui, Salvation Army Temple, Vantawng Falls, and Tamdil, Saiha
• Nearest Airport: Lengpui Airport, Aizawl
• Nearest Railway Station: Silchar