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Top Summer Destinations in Northeast India

Indian summers are famed for their merciless, soul sapping heat. Most travellers are unaware or tentative when it comes to exploring the Northeastern part of the country due to various political and social reasons. However, unnoticed by most, this virtually invisible part boasts of some really jaw dropping scenic locations and also happen to be a great place to escape from the summer heat in the rest of the country. So, get ready to be cool in summer as you go to the highest places in India in Ladakh, discover the caves and forests of Cherrapunji in Meghalaya and sip tea amidst cool chaos in Darjeeling. Here are the top summer destinations in Northeast India.

Cherrapunji and Mausinram

Cherrapunji and Mausinram

Cherrapunji and Mausinram in Meghalaya once held the distinction of being the wettest places in the world. Today, they still count among the wettest places in the world. Get drenched in the rains, relax and forget that there is something called heat.

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

 

Shillong

Shillong

The Scotland of the East is home to lots of good weather and an ideal place to escape from the rigours of city life in Guwahati. Take a stroll on the Shillong Golf course, the third oldest golf course in the country. Visit the Shillong Cathedral or simply go to the wind and rain swept Shillong peak to get a glimpse of the entire city. Do make time for the Wangala(100 drums) festival.

Pic Credit: cs bandi

Umiam Lake
 

Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake, the first sight for any traveller as they travel to Shillong from Guwahati, is a popular tourist destinations in Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya. The lake was created in the early 1960s by building a hydro-electric dam across the Umiam River. Today, the lake is a tourist destination with a number of water sports and adventure facilities like kayaking, water cycling, shooting and boating being offered. The lake is also known as Barapani.

Pic Credit: tharaq andrews

Caves

Caves

Do not miss out on the unique stalagmite and stalacite caves which reflect light off the walls. The longest cave system in India is located in the Jaintia hills, Meghalaya. Mawsmai, Krem Dam, Krem Kotsati, Krem Lashinng, Krem Mawmluh, Krem Sweep and Siju are few of the caves that are accessible for tourists.

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

Waterfalls

Waterfalls

Meghalaya is home to numerous waterfalls. The most popular ones are Sweet falls, Nohkalikai , Elephant and Seven Sister falls.

Pic Credit: Pankaj Kaushal

Leh Ladakh

Leh Ladakh

A popular tourist destination and the entry point to Ladakh, Leh is home to a lot of historic Buddhist monasteries. For the non-religious, Ladakh has plenty to offer for nature and adventure lovers. Unlike other destinations, Leh does not experience rains during the monsoon seasons so the best seasons to reach this place is between May and September.

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons 

Adventures in Ladakh

Adventures in Ladakh

There are excellent hiking and paragliding opportunities around Leh. Trekking trails include ones like Likir to Temisgam, and Markha valley from Spituk. Stok (20,177 ft), Matho West (19,520) and Kangyatse (20,997) are some of the popular peaks for climbing. July and August are good months for white water rafting on the Indus river, Shayok and Zanskar rivers. Nubra valley offers camel safaris.

Pic Credit:  Wiki Commons

Tawang

Tawang

Tawang is most famous for the monastery by the same name. Constructed in 1681 , it was the birthplace of the celebrated 6th Dalai Lama and is home to more than 500 lamas. It is also the largest monastery in India.

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

Darjeeling

Darjeeling

Famed for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, this is a must visit summer getaway. Check out the local sights like Tiger Hill, Observatory Hill and Rock garden among others. Do not forget to enjoy your cup of tea! Here is how to reach the place and stay here.

Pic Credit: Wiki Commons

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