Sela Pass - Amazing Tourist Destinations in North East India, Arunachal Pradesh

8 Amazing Tourist Destinations in North East India (2024)

Popularly referred to as the Land of the Seven Sisters, the North-Eastern part of India is unlike the rest of the country. With an abundance of natural beauty, panoramic landscapes, majestic hills and mountains, and lush green fields, there is so much to see and do in the North East that you will be left spoilt for choices.

Embarking on a journey to the North East of India is like embarking on a tour of different cultures. Over 220 languages are spoken in this region as over 200 tribes are living in the North East. Come and experience the rich biodiversity of this region as you explore the Kaziranga, Orang, Nameri, and Manas National Parks in Assam, the Nokrek National Park in Meghalaya, the Kanchendzonga National Park in Sikkim, and many more.

These are the beautiful states of the North East of India:

Arunachal Pradesh
Assam
Manipur
Meghalaya
Mizoram
Nagaland
Sikkim
Tripura

Amazing Tourist Destinations in North East India

Here are some of the most amazing places to visit in these stunning North Eastern states of India:

1. Arunachal Pradesh

We begin this magnificent tour of the North East with Arunachal Pradesh – the Land of the Dawn-lit Mountains. When you arrive in Arunachal Pradesh, you will be greeted by majestic mountains all around. This state is home to many unexplored passes, tranquil lakes, and for those seeking spiritual awakening, there are endless monasteries here that offer peaceful rejuvenation.

The state is also known as the Paradise of the Botanists and the Orchid State of India due to the fantastic range of flora and fauna that is found here. There are over 500 species of birds that have been found here, many of which are highly endangered and only found in this state.

Some of the top attractions to visit in Arunachal Pradesh include:

1. Tawang –

Home to many important and beautiful monasteries, Tawang is located at an altitude of 3048 meters. Tawang is renowned for being the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso.

2. Sela Pass –

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3. Itanagar –

The capital city of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar is a heavenly abode to visit. With the snow-capped Himalayan mountain range towering in the north and the Brahmaputra River plains in the south, this natural paradise is home to many attractions. Don’t miss the 15th century Ita Fort, the Ganga Lake, and the town of Yupia.

2. Manipur

Your next stop across the North East region should be in Manipur, the Jewel City of India. Manipur is known for its bountiful natural beauty. Much of the state remains untouched and undiscovered.

The most unique attraction in Manipur is the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park globally. The state is also known for the beautiful Manipuri and Rasleelas, the classical dance forms of the state.

Tourists from all over the world come to visit Manipur to relax and rejuvenate in the state’s natural beauty. From the many cascading waterfalls to the nine sub-Himalayan ranges surrounding the state, Manipur is known for its calm, serene, and beautiful simplicity.

Some of the major attractions to check out in Manipur are:

Loktak Lake
Sendra Island
Keibul Lamjao National park
INA Memorial
Kangla Fort
Zealand Lake
Shaheed Minar
Tharon Cave

Manipur is also known for being a shopper’s paradise. While here, indulge yourself and buy the famous local handicrafts, handloom, and traditional jewelry from the Khwairamband Bazar, Sangai Handloom, handloom House, and the Tribal Emporium.

3. Nagaland

From Manipur to the Gateway to the heart of India, Nagaland. Lovingly known as the Land of Festivals, Nagaland is a much-loved hill station destination. Just like the other North-Eastern states, Nagaland is also famous for being blessed with natural beauty. The state has a well-preserved history, and its rich traditions and culture make for a mesmerizing visit.

There are many places in Nagaland to explore for nature lovers, including the Dzukou Valley, Japfu Peak, Shilloi Lake, and many others. There are various tribes in Nagaland, and experiencing some of their colorful festivals and being a part of the celebration is a unique experience here.

Some of the major attractions to visit in Nagaland include:

1. Kohima –

The capital city of Nagaland is famous for its untouched beauty and ethereal environment. The region is known for the rare Kewhi flowers. Located at 1500 meters above sea level, the emerald forests, majestic hills, and picturesque landscape of Kohima make it a must-visit.

2. Dimapur –

Dimapur is the largest city in Nagaland. The main attractions are the Kachari Ruins, the Nagaland Science Center, the Zoo, and the Triple Falls.

3. Mokokchung –

This is one of the significant urban centers in Nagaland, after Kohima and Dimapur. It is home to the Ao Naga ethnic group. While here, check out the Unman Village, one of the oldest and largest villages in Nagaland. The Ao village, Town Main Park, and the District Museum are some other places of interest.

4. Assam

Known as the gateway to North-East India, Assam is known for its rich history and natural beauty. There is an untouched aura around Assam that enthralls tourists. Assam is a land of mighty rivers, the great Kaziranga National Park, wild forests, and miles and miles of sprawling tea plantations.

The breathtaking landscape of Assam is one of the leading biodiversity tourism hotspots in the world. With a vibrant cultural scene, Assam is home to the might Brahmaputra River and Majuli, the biggest river island in Asia.

Here are the must-visit attractions of Assam:

1. Kaziranga National Park –

Home of the One-Horned Rhino, this national park is the pride of India. In fact, the Kaziranga Park is home to the largest population of the one-horned rhino in the world. A national treasure, the national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides the one-horned rhino, Kaziranga is also home to Asiatic elephants, leopards, Royal Bengal Tigers, and wild water buffalo.

2. Guwahati –

Guwahati is the biggest city of Assam and also the biggest metropolis in the North East region. It is a famous pilgrimage city known for the revered Kamakhya Temple, located atop the Nilachal Hill. Thousands of devotees from all over the country come to visit the temple every day.

3. Manas National Park –

The Manas National Park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, a biosphere reserve, a Project Tiger Reserve, and an Elephant Reserve. The park is famous for being home to the red panda and the rare golden langur.

Some other places of interest in Assam include the Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Dibrugarh, Hajo, Barpeta, Mayong Assam, Pobitra Wildlife Sanctuary, Sivasagar, and the Umananda Island.

5. Meghalaya

Meghalaya is the abode of clouds in the North East – a state where the clouds come down to kiss the lush greenery and mountains. There are various attractions, activities, delicious food, and colorful festival to take part in and enjoy when you visit Meghalaya. Perhaps the most famous place in Meghalaya is Cherrapunji, which receives some of the maximum rainfall in the world. The title of the wettest place in the world, though, was recently taken over by the town of Maysynram, which is also located in Meghalaya.

Begin your trip to Meghalaya by exploring Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. The leftover influence of the British era is still amply visible throughout the city, especially in its architecture. The abundance of natural beauty in Shillong has earned it the nickname Scotland of the East.

One of the most popular spots in Meghalaya is the Living Double-Decker Root Bridge, located in Cherrapunji. Many hiking and trekking activities take place here. Also, visit Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village. In this fantastic village, there is a bamboo dustbin located at every street corner to ensure proper trash disposal but in an eco-friendly manner. Sky Watch is the main attraction in this village, a bamboo structure that gives you breathtaking views of the Bangladeshi plains spread out below.

Some of the other places of interest in Meghalaya include Jowai, Tura, and Nongpoh.

6. Mizoram

Mizoram, one of the smallest states in India, is known as the Songbird of India. The peaceful, serene land of Mizoram welcomes you to dense greenery and irresistible charm as you take in the majestic 21 hill ranges that lie throughout the state. However, keep in mind that you require an Inner Line Pass to enter Mizoram. Indian citizens need to pay INR 170 for the Inner Line Permit for 15 days. You can get one made at the Lengpui Airport in Aizwal. Getting an extension beyond 15 days on the pass is a challenging process.

Mizoram is the best place to check out tribal artisans at work making traditional shawls. Buying a traditional shawl is one of the best souvenirs of this state. Some of the top places to visit in Mizoram are Aizwal (the capital city), Serchhip, Lunglei, Mamit, Saiha, the Mizoram State Museum, Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary, the Durtlang Hills, the Vantwang Falls, and the Mullen National Park.

7. Tripura

Mesmerizing waterfalls, stunning landscapes, lush green forests, and a rich history are what welcome you to Tripura. Tripura is a land-locked state lying at the foot of the Himalayas. The state was once home to the Manikya tribe, and there have been many archaeological structures and monuments found in the state dedicated to this tribe.

Colorful local costumes, a plethora of religious festivals, breathtaking bamboo and cane products, adventure sports, and a thriving shopping experience are what Tripura is all about.

Some of the best attractions to check out here are:

1. Agartala –

The capital city, Agartala, was home to the great Manikya Kings in the past. There are many historical and religious monuments in the city that you must check out. These include the Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal, Tripura Sundari Temple, Jagannath Temple, and many others.

2. Kailashahar –

A tourist town located near Agartala, the Kailashahar has a rich royal history as it used to be the capital of the Tripura Kingdom in the past. Kailashahar is a popular trekking destination and also a temple town. There are 16 tea estates located here that offer private tours. Also, check out Rangauti, Unakoti, 14 Deities Temple, and many other exciting attractions here.

3. Bison (Rajbari) National Park –

Located in the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, the Rajbari national park is home to the renowned Indian Gaur or bison. The park is also home to rare golden langurs, pheasants, deer, and other species of animals.

8. Sikkim

Home to the majestic Kanchenjunga range, Sikkim is the smallest state in India. Sikkim is the place to visit if you want to take in the stunning meadows, dense woodlands, and snow-capped mountains. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world, is the crown jewel of Sikkim.

Begin your trip by exploring the city of Gangtok, located at an altitude of 1650 meters above sea level. The town offers some spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, and many trekkers and mountaineers camp out in Gangtok, making it their base.

While in Sikkim, one must not miss the chance to visit Tsomgo Lake, located at a terrifying height of 12400 feet above sea level. Situated on the Gangtok-Nathu La highway, tourists need to get a special permit to visit the lake, which is famous for its color-changing waters.

Also, visit the Nathu La Pass, Yumthang Valley, Pelling, Zuluk, Rumtek Monastery, Lachen, and the Gurudongmar Lake to complete your mesmerizing visit to Sikkim.

A trip to the North East is an once-in-a-lifetime experience. The beauty and biodiversity of this region have much to offer.