One can’t help but be amazed by the pristine beauty of Northeast India. Crisp winter air, wet rainforest monsoons, and warm summers are some of the best things you can enjoy here. The small villages and hill towns have tons of tourist attractions connected to not just fascinating history but mythical folklore, which emanates a sense of mystery about most places found in these regions.
Looking forward to a family trip this year? We suggest you explore Northeast India for a “different” kind of holiday. We’ve listed 15 family destinations to visit in Northeast India. Take your pick.
1. Bishnupur, Manipur
One of the fascinating gems of the Northeast is Bishnupur. Bishnupur is not only a religious city where you will find many dome-shaped terracotta temples but plenty of stunning places like Loktak Lake, Vishnu Temple, Ibudhou Thangjing Temple, Keibul Lamjao National Park, and Sendra Island. If you are visiting in the month of February or March, you will be able to attend the Yaoshang festival, which is similar to Holi.
Bishnupur, Manipur
Pelling, Sikkim
Mon, Nagaland
4. Haflong, Assam
The only hill station in Assam, Haflong greets visitors by offering a feeling of replenishment and calm. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Haflong is located around 7 hours from the capital of Assam and it certainly attracts visitors during the summer season. Some of the best places to see here are Haflong Lake, Haflong Hill, Synod-Presbyterian Church, Panimoor Waterfall, Dimasa Mahila Samity Sibarai Mandir, and many more. Haflong will certainly lift your spirit and captivate you by its crystal clear streams and charming hillocks.
Haflong, Assam
5. Guwahati, Assam
Hugging the capital of Assam, Dispur, Guwahati is a megacity and is often mistaken for being the capital of Assam. The city comprises plains, hills, and islands, with temples mostly occupying the area. The most famous temple in the whole of Assam, Kamakhya Temple invites tons of pilgrims yearly. But as a family, you probably want to visit places that are enjoyable. To see multicultural displays of the state, you can go to Assam State Museum, Regional Science Centre, and Ambari Archaeological Site. Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden are two places where you can enjoy being with wildlife and nature. You can also take a short boat ride to the island of Umananda or Peacock Island. This island was built by Ahom King Gadadhar Singha, a devotee of Lord Shiva. A 2-km long ropeway is also available from Kachari Ghat in Pan Bazaar.
Guwahati, Assam
6. Gangtok, Sikkim
A befitting destination with a great mix of culture and nature is Gangtok. The capital of Sikkim is a definite one-stop destination for family holidays. The city will capture your attention as it has tons of family-friendly attractions such as historical places, monasteries, and lots of places for adventure activities. You can explore and be amused by going to sites such as Banjhakri Falls, Tsomgo Lake, Pemayangtse Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Saramsa Garden, Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, and many more.
7. Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya
Famous for its dramatic waterfalls and unending rainfall, Cherrapunjee calls people to enjoy the wet climate and evergreen forests. The town has some of the most breathtaking waterfalls and you can visit them at any time of the year. Some of the much-loved waterfalls are Seven Sisters Falls, Dainthlen Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, and Nohsngithiang Falls. Another treasure is Mawsmai Cave, where you can go for a guided trek under the dark caves and explore the limestone formations. For a rather rejuvenating experience, you can visit Thangkharang Park, Mawkdok Dympep Valley, and Double Decker Living Root Bridge.
Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya
8. Shillong, Meghalaya
Peaceful hillocks and dramatic cliffs are all you will see while vacationing in Meghalaya. The state capital Shillong is a beautiful town with wondrous attractions and many spots to rekindle with nature. If you are here, watch out for events, as the city hosts music festivals and cultural events all year round. Some of the must-visit places in Shillong are Wards Lake, Golf Course, Laitlum Canyons, Shillong Peak, Lady Hydari Park, Elephant Falls, and Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures. If you feel like splurging some money on shopping then take a walk into the shopping destination at Glory Plaza. You can also visit nearby attractions like David Scott Trail, Dawki, Lumpongdeng Island, and Cherrapunjee.
Shillong, Meghalaya
Kohima, Nagaland
Mokokchung, Nagaland
11. Majuli, Assam
Another fascinating island tucked away somewhere in Assam is Majuli. Being one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Majuli has received tons of visitors and there are a couple of resorts that cater to all your needs. The island is easily accessible via ferry from Jorhat, Assam. The ferries carry passengers as well as vehicles. Moving towards the island, you can breathe in the cool air and enjoy the sight of the Brahmaputra River. Sometimes, you can spot dolphins swimming close to the ferry. While here, your family can indulge in sightseeing stunning places like Amruteshwar Temple, Bangalpukhari, Samaguri Satra, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Kamalabari Satra, and Tengapania. Bongaori is also a well-known tourist destination.
Majuli, Assam
Sivasagar, Assam
13. Aizawl, Mizoram
Because of its sub-tropical climate, the city invites people year-round. Aizawal is the capital city of Mizoram and is popular for its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and small hillocks. Some of the most loved attractions here are Durtlang Hills, Reiek Heritage Village, Tamdil Lake, Solomon’s Temple, Vantawng Falls, Burra Bazar, Tomb of Vanhimailian, Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary, Paikhai, and Ainawn Park.
Aizawl, Mizoram
Agartala, Tripura
Exotic, adventurous, and fascinating are the most common words used to describe the eight sister states together called northeast India and I bet after visiting these places, you will agree. Which of these places are on your must-visit list? Tell us in the comment section below.