India is one of the most beautiful South Asian countries. Each state in India is different from the other in many aspects such as culture, traditions, language, cuisine, religion, arts, and more.
The geography of India is really interesting and varied. The natural richness of different places in India, which can be seen in the steep hills and mountains, valleys, plains, plateaus, and water bodies, make it one of the best places to visit. The most-visited parts of India are the mainlands in the north, south, and west, but the least explored region of the country is its northeastern side.
Northeast India is no doubt one of the best places to visit during your holidays. Where all other places of the country share at least some similarities, the northeast region of India feels like another place in paradise.
The famous Dawki River in northeast India in Meghalaya
The northeast states of India are lands of undulating hills and plains with a luxuriant green cover and a wide variety of rare and exotic flora and fauna. Northeast India consists of 8 states, and all these places hold the best of surprises for the visitors. These 8 states are also famously known as the “seven sisters and a brother.” Seven sisters comprise seven contagious northeastern Indian states namely Tripura, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya; the one and only brother of these seven states is Sikkim.
Nestled in the lap of the great Himalayas, these places are mostly untouched and unexplored, which is why the natural beauty of these places is unspoiled and intact, making them worth visiting; they have their own charm that will sweep you off your feet. You will surely lose yourself in the charismatic magic of northeast India whenever you visit.
The mesmerizing places in the northeastern states of India are some of the most valuable gems of the country. If you are visiting these places for your holidays, you will surely love exploring these places.
Each state has its own unique identity, and all the people in these places are welcoming, warm, and hospitable.
Meghalaya – one of the best places to visit in northeast India
Often referred to as the “Scotland of the east” in India, Meghalaya is one of the 8 states of northeast India where tourism is a huge source of income. This beautiful hilly state in the northeast is also known as the abode of clouds, which is the literal translation of the word Meghalaya in Sanskrit. This state is not only known for some of the best places to visit in northeast India but is also popularly known all over the country for its subtropical forests, biodiversity, rich culture, mysterious caves, and the highest rainfall. With an estimated population of around 3,211,474, covering an area of approximately 22,430 square kilometers, it offers some of the best places to visit and explore in the northeast. If you are thinking of visiting one of the northeastern states in India for your vacation, know that Meghalaya is one of the best options for you to visit in northeast India.
Discover Meghalaya
The beautiful hills of Meghalaya covered by clouds
The undulating hills, cold winds, light drizzles, interesting places, colorful festivals, and rich cultures make Meghalaya in India the best holiday spot for visitors. This state lies in the lap of the Himalayan region in the eastern side of India abutted by Assam in the north and Bangladesh in the south. It attracts visitors from different parts of India and the world throughout the year. This beautiful state is on the wish list of many travelers and visitors everywhere and is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Northeast India. Meghalaya has numerous places of historical importance in India and also some places are record holders for various reasons in Asia and the world. Visitors often consider visiting this northeastern state an opportunity. Some of the best places to visit in Meghalaya in India are listed below.
(1) Shillong – the beautiful capital city of Meghalaya, one of the best places to visit in northeast India
Being the capital city of Meghalaya and one of the best places to visit in northeast India, Shillong welcomes a large number of visitors throughout the year. The exciting mountains, crystal clear lakes, golf courses, museums, zoo, and breathtaking places make it one of the must-visit places. It is also considered the music capital of India. Shillong offers numerous places of attraction to visitors such as the famous Elephant Falls, Mawlynnong, Umiam Lake, and Mawsynram. There is no point in visiting the capital in Meghalaya if you do not visit at least one of these astounding places.
Valleys of Shillong - one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya
(2) Elephant Falls – one of the best places to visit
Elephant Falls in the capital of Shillong was named after an elephant-shaped rock at the foot of the waterfalls. This is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya and is a paradise for visitors. During an earthquake, a part of the rock was washed away but the falls still remain as one of the best and most visited places in northeast India.
Elephant Falls in Meghalaya
(3) Mawlynnong: the cleanest village in Asia – a must-visit place in Meghalaya
Mawlynnong is a small village in Meghalaya in India famously known as “God’s own Garden.” It is the cleanest village in Asia, making this village one of the best places to visit in the state. Today, it is a popular destination for visitors, and all the visitors are stunned by the beauty and cleanliness of this place. Mawlynnong is one of the best places to visit during your holidays in Meghalaya.
Mawlynnong the cleanest village in Asia
(4) Mawsynram: the wettest place on earth – one of the must-visit places in northeast India
Mawsynram is another place in Meghalaya that is famous worldwide. It is the world’s wettest place on earth and a nature lover’s delight. This mesmerizing village is one of the best places to spend your holidays while enjoying the rains in the northeast.
(5) Cherrapunjee – one of the best places to visit in northeast India
Also known as the dewdrop of the state, Cherrapunjee was once known as the wettest place on earth before Mawsynram broke the record for the highest recorded rainfall in Meghalaya in a calendar year. The misty valleys, unique climate, thick green forests, and enchanting waterfalls make Cherrapunjee another one of the best visit places in northeast India.
(6) Mawsmai Cave – one of the best and must-visit places in northeast India
One of the best places to visit in Meghalaya is Mawsmai cave, the longest cave in Asia. This breathtaking maze of caves lies in the East Khasi Hills of this Indian state in the northeast. The mysterious Mawsmai Cave is well lit and offers the best views for visitors to behold. The glistening lights inside the cave when met with the limestone creates such interesting hues and patterns of light that you would not want to come out of the cave.
Mawsmai
Cave in Meghalaya India
(7) The Double Decker Living Root Bridge – a must-visit place in northeast India
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge is hidden deep in the lush green thick forests and attracts visitors from everywhere to marvel at this manmade wonder. This unique attraction is basically living rubber tree root bridges layered one upon another. This strong bridge can hold up to 50 people at a time. Not only do these bridges make this place popular but the surroundings are also a treat to nature lovers. While you are on your trip to the northeast, do not miss visiting this amazing place of attraction as it is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Double Decker Living Root Bridge in
Meghalaya
(8) Dawki – a famous place of attraction in northeast India in Meghalaya
Dawki is a river in the northeastern state of Meghalaya and is sandwiched between India and Bangladesh. It is a major trade center between these two countries and famous for its tourism scene. While you are in Meghalaya, you must visit this place to enjoy the sights and sounds nearby and also to ride the boat and have an amazing experience. It is also one of the best-visited places in northeast India.
The beautiful Dawki River of Meghalaya
Apart from these places to visit in northeast India in Meghalaya some other numerous sites you can include in your itinerary are the Kyllang Rock, Nohsngithiang Falls, Garo Hills, Jaintia Hills, Balpakram National Park, Baghmara, Williamnagar, Tura, Jawai, and Nongpoh. Meghalaya in northeast India is the best holiday destination for you that has no hint of commercialization, people are warm, and it has a soothing climate throughout the year.
Nagaland – home of the Nagas in Northeast India
Famously known as the “The land of festivals,” Nagaland is one of the eight states of northeast India with numerous places of attraction for visitors. With the rich culture and traditions of its many ethnic groups and tribes, Nagaland offers some of the best and astonishing places to travel and explore in northeast India that you cannot stay away from. The splendid views of the scenic beauty, convivial people, and colorful festivals make this northeastern Indian state an outstanding one. Visitors from all over India and the world visit this wonderland to experience some of the best times of their lives and witness unique heritage sites, rich wildlife, cultural shopping, intricately designed handicrafts, and natural beauty.
This spectacular state in India has numerous places of attraction loved by all visitors. Some of the best places to visit in this northeastern state in India are Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Phek, Tuensang, Dzukou Valley, and Japfu Peak.
Dzukou Valley a must-visit place in northeast India
Sikkim – one of the best places to visit in northeast India
Sikkim is the second smallest state in India. The only brother of northeast India, Sikkim is small and extremely beautiful. It is one of the best places in the northeast for spending memorable and best holidays. This state is on the top list of one of the best holiday destinations for visitors all around the world and in India. One of the points of pride of Sikkim in northeast India is the gigantic Mount Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain on earth. The green valleys and the rivers Teesta and Rangeet flowing in between these valleys feel like picturesque views of postcards coming to life. The chilling breeze of winters with snowfall and the array of blooming cherry blossom trees make Sikkim one of the best places to visit in northeast India.
Some of the must-visit and best places of attraction for visitors include MG Marg, Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Ban Jhakri Falls, and Bakthang Falls. Apart from these places, there are more other popular places to visit in Sikkim like Gurudongmar Lake, Nathu La Pass, Yumthang Valley, Pelling skywalk, Temi tea garden, and Buddha Park. Visiting Sikkim is guaranteed to give you one of the best times of your life.
MG Marg at night in Sikkim
Manipur - the land of rich culture in northeast India
Also known as the jewel city of India, Manipur is one of the best places to visit in northeast India. The lush green hills are always calling for visitors. Located in a green corner of northeast India, Manipur is an oval-shaped valley surrounded by nine ranges
of bluish-green hills intertwined with cascading rapids, making it one of the best places to visit for
nature lovers. This beautiful state in northeast
India is covered with carpets of
flowers and lazy lakes in some places.
Manipur is also often referred to as a little paradise on earth in northeast India.
With the rich cultural heritage and sublime natural beauty, this northeastern state promises to be one
of the best and favourite tourist
destinations for visitors. Some of
the best places of attraction in Manipur in India are Imphal, Manipur State Museum, Loktak Lake, Chandel,
Senapati, Tamenglong, etc.
The famous Loktak Lake in Manipur in India
Tripura – one of the best places to visit in northeast India
Tripura is one of the best and stunning states of northeast India best known for ancient archaeological sites and history. You must visit this state for its beautiful landscapes, interesting culture, delicious cuisine, palaces, sightseeing, heritage sites, etc. Tripura is also best known for mesmerizing viewpoints, religious temples, rich wildlife, and waterfalls. If you are seeking adventurous holidays in the northeast, you might be glad to know that Tripura could be one of the best places you can visit. However, if you are someone immensely interested in historic sites and archaeology, then without a second thought book your tickets to this state; it is going to be one of your best holiday decisions.
Most of the many places to visit in Tripura are ancient palaces, old architecture, archaeological sites, etc. Some of the best places to visit in Tripura are Ujjayanta Palace, Tripura Sundari Temple, Chittangong Hills, Neermahal, Ummaneshwar Temple, Jagganath Temple, Jampui Hills, Buddha Temple, Unakoti, and Kunjaban Palace.
Jampui Hills in Tripura
Mizoram land of the hill people in India – one best holiday destination
Mizoram is also called the land of hill people and is also one of the best places to visit for holidays in northeast India. Like other northeastern states, Mizoram also offers stunning and incredible rich natural places with scenic beauty, numerous waterfalls, rivers, green hills, and valleys. Nestled among the mountains running through the state, Mizoram is also known for mysterious caves and pristine hills. An amazing fact about this state in northeast India is that it is liberated from any gender and caste bars.
Visit this state and be prepared to have one of the best holidays. Some of the best places to visit while you are in Mizoram are Aizwal, Serchhip, Champhai, Lunglei, Saiha, Mamit, Reiek, Kolasib, Vantanwng Falls, and Tamdil Lake.
Assam – one of the most popular and best northeastern states of India
Assam is best known for its rich wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and many tea gardens. There are uncountable compelling reasons to visit this lovely state. The landscapes, rivers, climate, culture, and places of attraction make Assam one of the best places to visit in northeast India. Above all, Assam in India is the best place to visit for tea connoisseurs. Like other seven states in the northeast, Assam is also famous for numerous places of tourist attractions. Some of the best places to visit in Assam are Kaziranga National Park, Majuli, Hajo, Guwahati, Sivasagar, Silchar, Jorhat, Goalpara, Manas National Park, Dibrugarh, and Dispur.
Assam is the most urbanized among all eight states in the northeast and has found the best balance between both natural beauty and advanced technology in today’s world making it one of the best places to visit in northeast India.
A tea garden in Assam in northeast India
Arunachal Pradesh – land of the dawn-lit mountains in northeast India
Also known as the “land of the dawn-lit mountains” in India, Arunachal Pradesh is one of the best and wonderful places located in the northeast region of India. The green dense forests, mountains, calming beauty, and picturesque views are just delightful to watch. Arunachal Pradesh can be seen as a large patch of green on the map of India. This is one of the best states in the northeast in terms of tourism, which is also home to abundant flora and fauna and some rare and endangered species. This Indian state offers great and the best places to visit and explore. Some of the best places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh are the beautiful Ziro Valley, Tawang, Balukhpong, Roing, Itanagar, Anini, Bomdila, Pasighat, Aalo, Tirap, Daparijo, Khonsa, Changlang, and Yingkiong.
Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh
Northeast India completes the map of the country making it look like a great and strong wing of the nation in the east. It offers some of the best picturesque views and splendid places to be at. These least explored and least touched places on the foothills of the Himalayas will help you find your tranquility and will let you get close to nature. Protected and surrounded by the great Himalayas and dotting the landscapes by fresh flowing rivers, visiting northeast India for your holidays will be one of the best holiday decisions you can make.