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Places to Visit in Northeast India

Northeast India is usually not a part of the travel route of even the hardened traveller. A poor cousin compared to other tourist destinations in India, there are many beautiful places to see in Northeast India which have not been explored enough so far. The world's largest dry fish market is here. One of the smallest and largest river islands in Southeast Asia are here. India's own Stonehenge is here. One of the longest ruling dynasties in the world was from here. The firefox from a popular internet browser also stays here. The cleanest village in Southeast Asia is also from here.

These and many more travel destinations of Northeast India need to be promoted so that India and the world at large come to know about these lesser known places which in turn will help to promote the tourism and economy of Northeast India. This is not a comprehensive list of all the tourist places of Northeast India but comprises some of the best in the region.

Kaziranga

Kaziranga

A world heritage site which needs no introduction, its claim to fame is the one horned rhinoceros, which is found nowhere else in the world. This is a must-visit place to see in Northeast India.

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

 Sivasagar

Sivasagar

The capital of the mighty Ahom kings, the longest ruling dynasty for a continous stretch of time(600 years uninterrupted) in India, the town has relics strewn around it. It could do well to be developed as a proper tourism destination.

Pic credit: Wiki Commons

Bihu
 

Bihu

Not a place but the harvest festival of Assam and also the state festival, is a colourful affair that should not be missed. Bihu happens thrice in a year but Rongali Bihu, in April, is where the gaiety can be experienced to the fullest.

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

Majuli

Majuli

One of the largest river islands in the world, Majuli is the seat of the neo-vaishnavite culture of Assam and houses the famous religious institutions known as Satras. Another must-see place in Northeast India. 

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

Majuli

Majuli

October is a good time to visit as hundreds of people throng the island to witness the Raas Leela, depicting the life of Lord Krishna. Also famous is the craft of mask-making which are used in the raas.

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

 

Manas

Manas

Catch a glimpse of a tiger here if lucky or simply laze in the eco-tourism lodges in this wildlife sanctuary that shares its borders with Bhutan

Pic Credit: Shutterstock

Ultapani

Ultapani

Of the 1500 species of butterflies found in India more than 75% are found in the North East, making it a Mecca for butterfly lovers. Go to the Ultapani reserve forest within the Manas biosphere reserve to enjoy more than 300 varieties of butterflies.

Pic Credit:  Nagesh Kamath

Dibru-Saikhowa

Dibru-Saikhowa

One of the 34 existing biosphere hotspots in the world, Dibru-Saikhowa lets you experience the wild like no other. Witness endangered animals like the wild feral horses and the hoolock gibbons.

Pic credit: itsmynortheast.com

Kamakhya

Kamakhya

One of the famous shakti peeth temples of India, devoted to the Shakti and tantric goddess Kamakhya is a famous spot for Hindu pilgrimage and witnesses visitors from across India during the Ambubachi Mela.

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons 

Sualkuchi

Sualkuchi

The hometown of the famous Assam silk, eri and muga, go to Sualkuchi to see weavers at work.

 

Pic Credit: rajkumar1220

Brahamaputra River Cruise

Brahamaputra River Cruise

After getting done with the usual tourist sites take a river cruise on the Brahmaputra and see Assam from a different perspective.

Pic Credit: http://www.assambengalnavigation.com

 

Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya

Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya

Cherrapunji, Meghalaya is home to the Ficus elastica tree, a kind of rubber tree. The trees grow out roots on their own which keep growing and after a period of 10-15 years become fully functional as bridges. People come from across the world to see this brilliant natural phenomenon. 

Shillong

Shillong

Go to Shillong, the 'Scotland of the East' and get lost in the scenery and many tourist places within the city 

Pic Credit: Vikramjit Kakati

Caves

Caves

The longest cave system in India is located in the Jaintia hills, Meghalaya. Mawsmai caves is one of the accessible stalagmite and stalactite caves for tourists

Pic Credit: Rajkamal Sarma

 

Mawsynram

Mawsynram

Crowned the wettest place in the world this is 15km away from Cherrapunji

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons 

Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls

Not far from Shillong, is the Elephant Falls. You can walk to the base of the falls and enjoy the sight of the descending water.

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

Nohkalikai falls

Nohkalikai falls

At a height of 1100 feet, this is India's tallest plunge waterfall located near Cherrapunji.

Pic Credit: Rajkamal Sarma

Mawlynnong

Mawlynnong

Don't forget to check out the cleanest village in South Asia , Mawlynnong. Sit back, relax and just let nature do the talking.

Pic Credit: ashwinkumar

Dawki

Dawki

If you have never visited a border town before, here is your chance with Dawki, a small town perched on the edge of the Indo-Bangla border.

Pic Credit: tharaq

Umiam lake

Umiam lake

Also known as Barapani,  this lake is reached before entering Shillong and lies amidst hills surrounded by an army of pine trees. This is a popular spot for picnics, fishing and water sports. 

Chap Char Kut

Chap Char Kut

Another festival rather than a place, the annual harvest festival of the Mizos, Chap Char happens every year in March and is a good day to see the cultural gaiety of the Mizos.

Pic Credit: itsmynortheast

 

Tawang Monastery

Tawang Monastery

The largest monastery in India, it has a library which houses many old and valuable scriptures

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

Jaswant Garh

Jaswant Garh

Situated in Arunachal Pradesh and named after an Indian soldier, Jaswant Singh Rawat, who died in the Indo-Sino battle of 1962, it is believed that the spirit of Jaswant Singh still guards the Indo-China border.

Pic Credit: itsmynortheast

Namdhapa National Park

Namdhapa National Park

Recognised as one of the largest and richest areas in terms of biodiversity, this national park is in Arunachal

Pic Credit: travelling slacker

Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery

One of the largest and most significant monasteries in Sikkim, go there to get a glimpse of monastic life.

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

Teesta river rafting

Teesta river rafting

Considered the lifeline of the state of Sikkim, white water rafting is big on this river.

Pi Credit: Wiki Commons

Nathu La Pass

Nathu La Pass

The highest motorable stretch of road in the world, the pass is open for Indian citizens on specific days of the week from where they are allowed to go close to the international border and see Chinese soldiers.

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

 Yuksom and Dzongri trail

Yuksom and Dzongri trail

Sikkim is a trekker's paradise and this is one of the most popular treks in Sikkim.

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

 

Yak Safari

Yak Safari

Travel the eco-friendly way! Take a yak safari!

Pic Credit: Rajkamal Sarma

Guru Dongmar Lake

Guru Dongmar Lake

Lying right next to the Chinese border, the lake is one of the highest lakes in the world.

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

 Loktak lake

Loktak lake

Descend to the lower hills of Manipur and enjoy the sights of the largest freshwater lake in the Northeast. The World's largest floating park, Keibul lamjao national park, home to the rare Sangai deer, is also on the southern shores of this lake.  

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

Unakoti

Unakoti

A mystery till date, nobody knows who carved the giant images on the rocks and stone idols of Lord Shiva in this prime tourist attraction of North Tripura. The carvings are presumed to be more than 1000 years old.

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

Neermahal

Neermahal

Visit this empty Palace, once meant to showcase the princely life of Tripura. It is the distinction of being one of the two water palaces in India after Jal Mahal

Ujjayanta Palace

Ujjayanta Palace

The former royal palace situated in Agartala, Tripura is now a museum.

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

Hornbill Festival

Hornbill Festival

Named after the Hornbill bird that figures prominently in Naga folklore, the hornbill festival sees all tribes of Nagaland take part to promote inter-tribal interaction and the cultural heritage every year in the first week of December.

Pic Credit: Suraaj Ajithakumar

Kisama village

Kisama village

A model village set up to depict Naga cultural life and the tribal way of life, this is also the venue for the Hornbill festival

Pic Credit: Suraaj Ajithakumar

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