List of Top 8 Things to Do in North East India
North East India, commonly known as the “Seven Sisters and One Brother”, is perhaps the least explored and the most stunning region of India. Its snow-crested peaks, green meadows, historic monasteries, tribal ways of life, and rich fauna provide a singular experience for any visitor.
Whether you are an adventure seeker, a nature enthusiast, or a culture vulture, North East India has something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the most popular activities to do in North East India so that you can plan an unforgettable vacation.
1. Explore Kaziranga National Park (Assam)
A UNESCO World Heritage property, Kaziranga National Park is among the best-known wildlife parks in India. It is particularly well known for having two-thirds of the global population of one-horned rhinoceroses and is also home to elephants, tigers, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer.
Things to Do in Kaziranga National Park
Jeep Safari or Elephant Safari: Take an exhilarating safari to see tigers, rhinos, and elephants through the swampy and lush grasslands.
Birdwatching: Numerous migratory species, like as herons, storks, and pelicans, choose Kaziranga home.
Visit the Kaziranga Orchid Park: Discover more than 600 orchid species and take in a traditional Assamese cultural display.
Best Time to Visit: November to April
How to Reach: Furkating is the closest train station (75 km) and Jorhat is the closest airport (97 km).
For an ultimate experience you can book a seven sisters tour package and discover North East India.
2. Trek to Tawang Monastery (Arunachal Pradesh)
Tawang Monastery, the biggest monastery in India, is a revered Buddhist location in Arunachal Pradesh that is 10,000 feet above sea level. It is a significant Mahayana Buddhist temple and provides stunning views of the Tawang Valley.
Things to Do in Tawang:
Explore Tawang Monastery: A tall golden statue of Lord Buddha and historic Buddhist writings can be found in this 17th-century monastery, which is home to more than 400 monks.
Visit the Tawang War Memorial: erected in honor of Indian troops who lost their life during the Indo-Chinese War in 1962.
Trek to Bum La Pass: Situated close to the boundary between China and India, this high-altitude pass provides breathtaking sweeping vistas.
Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November
How to Reach: Tezpur (317 km) is the closest airport, and Guwahati (485 km) is the closest train station. It takes about 12 to 14 hours to get by car from Guwahati.
3. Visit the Living Root Bridges (Meghalaya)
Living root bridges, which were made by the Khasi tribes from the roots of rubber trees, are among the most intriguing features of Meghalaya’s topography. Nongriat’s Double Decker Living Root Bridge is the most well-known.
Things to Do in Meghalaya:
Trek to the Living Root Bridges: A demanding yet worthwhile 3,00-step hike through verdant jungles.
Explore Mawsmai Caves: The stalactite structures and tight passageways of these limestone caverns have earned them notoriety.
Visit Cherrapunji and Mawsynram: These towns, which have beautiful waterfalls and cloud-filled valleys, are regarded as two of the wettest places on Earth.
Best Time to Visit: October to April
How to Reach: Guwahati (172 km) is the closest railway station, and Shillong (78 km) is the closest airport.
4. Experience the Vibrant Hornbill Festival (Nagaland)
The Hornbill Festival, Nagaland’s most well-known cultural festival, takes place every year in December and features the customs, music, dance, and cuisine of the 16 Naga tribes.
Things to Do at the Hornbill Festival:
Watch Traditional War Dances: Naga warriors engage in captivating tribal dances while dressed in traditional garb.
Enjoy Local Naga Cuisine: Sample unusual foods including rice beer, bamboo stalk stew, and smoked pork.
Visit the Kisama Heritage Village: This is where the celebration takes place, providing a glimpse into the native way of life.
Best Time to Visit: December 1st – 10th
How to Reach: The closest train station and airport are both in Dimapur, which is 74 kilometers away.
5. Discover the Floating Islands of Loktak Lake (Manipur)
Known for its floating phumdis (islands), Loktak Lake is the biggest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is inhabited by local fisherman.
Things to Do in Loktak Lake:
Visit the tiny fishing communities and explore the lake during a boat ride on the Floating Islands.
Keibul Lamjao National Park: The rare Sangai deer can be found in the only floating national park in the world.
Visit the INA War Memorial: The Indian National Army, led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, raised its first flag at this historic location.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Reach: Imphal is the closest airport (48 km).
6. Experience the Ziro Valley (Arunachal Pradesh)
The Apatani tribe resides in the Ziro Valley, which is renowned for its captivating scenery and verdant rice fields.
Things to Do in Ziro Valley:
Attend the Ziro Music Festival: Folk and indie musicians perform at this four-day outdoor music festival.
Visit the Apatani Tribal Villages: Discover the distinctive culture of the Apatani people, who are renowned for wearing nose plugs and facial tattoos.
Trek to Kile Pakho Ridge: A quick hike that provides sweeping views of Ziro’s verdant surroundings.
Best Time to Visit: March to June and September
How to Reach: Lilabari is the closest airport (67 km).
7. Explore Gurudongmar Lake (Sikkim)
One of the world’s highest and most beautiful lakes, Gurudongmar Lake is 17,800 feet above sea level.
Things to Do at Gurudongmar Lake:
Enjoy Stunning Views: The lake is still half frozen during winter and mirrors the snow-clad Himalayas.
Visit Lachen Monastery: A peaceful Buddhist monastery close to the lake.
Explore North Sikkim’s Rugged Beauty: The whole journey from Lachen to Gurudongmar is dotted with waterfalls and alpine trees.
Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
How to Reach: Bagdogra is the closest airport, 200 kilometers away. A special permit is needed for the trip.
8. Adventure Activities in Pelling (Sikkim)
Offering river rafting, trekking, and paragliding, Pelling is an adventurer’s dream come true.
Things to Do in Pelling:
Visit Pemayangtse Monastery: Sikkim’s oldest monastery.
Visit the Singshore Bridge: Asia’s second-highest suspension bridge.
Paragliding and Zip-lining: Experience adventure sports with stunning views.
Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to December
How to Reach: Bagdogra is the closest airport (160 kilometers).
Conclusion
North East India is a destination of unblemished beauty, colourful cultures, and exciting adventure. Whether it’s wildlife safari, cultural events, adventure activities, or spiritual tours, there’s something here for everyone.
Plan your holiday today and experience the uncharted attractions of North East India!