Exploring the Hidden Gems of North-East India
Domestic and International tourists love to explore the astonishingly diverse regions in India, including the northern region. However, how many of you have visited the hidden gems in the far east of North India?
The Northeast India is composed of eight beautiful states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, and Nagaland. Each of them is known for its exquisite appeal that can make you wonderstruck. Nature has blessed these states with an abundance of greenery, serenity, and beauty. No wonder these states are termed the hidden gems of Northeast India.
Many of these pristine destinations in the Northeast remained away from tourists for a long time. However, over the years, they have gained popularity and offer tourists everything they desire, including lush greenery, beautiful hills and valleys, snow-clad mountains, and cultural and historical attractions.
With so much to offer, Northeast is a must-visit region in India that you can explore with the help of a reliable car rental service provider. In this article, let’s discuss the best places to visit in Northeast India to help tourists make this region their next holiday destination.
Top 23 Destinations or Hidden Gems of the North East
Northeast India is full of some breathtaking places to visit and experience natural beauty, woven together with diversity and traditions. From emerald green valleys and snow-capped mountains to weathered monasteries and unspoiled forests, whatever your interest, the Northeast has it all.
Here are the top hidden gems of Northeast India that you can’t afford to miss:
- Hidden Gems in Arunachal Pradesh
- Top Gems of Meghalaya:
- Hidden Gems in Manipur
- Top Attractions in Assam
- Hidden Gems to Explore in Tripura
- Hidden Gems in Nagaland
- Top Hidden Gems in Sikkim
- Top Gems in Mizoram
Hidden Gems in Arunachal Pradesh
1. Ziro Valley
Famous for its scenic beauty, Ziro is located in the lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. Ziro is a quaint town known for its lush green rice fields and mighty pine hills with a balmy climate that lasts throughout the year.
2. Dong
Dong is a town in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh known as the place where the first sunlight touches the ground. The key highlights of the place are trekking hills, witnessing the first sunrise in the wee hours of the morning, and exploring the scenic beauty of the town.
3. Anini
Anini is a destination in the far east of Dibang Valley that is an untouched and unspoiled location, reminiscent of fairy tales. Here, you can explore luminous mountains, green meadows, and experience the melodious sounds of birds and insects chirping.
Things to Know:
- How to Reach: You need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Arunachal. You can obtain it online or offline through offices in Guwahati (Assam) or Naharlagun (Arunachal Pradesh). The easiest route is to fly to Guwahati International Airport and take a bus, train, or cab from there to reach Arunachal Pradesh.
- Distance from Guwahati: 600 KM approx, and can be reached in 13-14 hours from Guwahati.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April are the best months to visit the state.
Top Gems of Meghalaya
4. Nongriat village, Meghalaya
Located close to Cherrapunji, lies a tiny village called Nongriat, which is called the perfect heaven for trekkers. Here, you can explore the 600-year-old double-decker root bridges and the sparkling rainbow waterfall, among many other spectacular sights.
5. Mawlynnong village, Meghalaya
Mawlynnong has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the cleanest village in Asia. Here you can explore the 1000-year-old single root bridge, scenic beauty, and a unique local culture.
6. Umiam Lake
Also known as Bara Pani, Umiom Lake is a large reservoir surrounded by hills, offering boating and other water activities. This tranquil lake lies on the way to Shillong and is a treasure for bird watchers and adventure seekers.
7. Dawki
Also known as the Umngot River, the Dawki River in Meghalaya is a popular tourist destination known for its crystal clear waters. The water is so clear that boats seem to be floating on air in this river.
Things to Know:
- How to Reach: To reach Meghalaya, you can either fly to Guwahati airport, which is an international airport, and take a cab from there to reach Meghalaya in 2-3 hours by road. Or you can fly to Shillong’s Umroi airport, a domestic airport served by limited flights.
- Distance from Guwahati: 100 KM approx.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February are the best months to visit Meghalaya.
Hidden Gems in Manipur
8. Loktak Lake
Loktak is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, known for its unique floating phumdis, which are heterogeneous masses of vegetation, organic matter, and soil. This lake is a popular tourist destination in Manipur.
9. Keibul Lamjao National Park
The Keibul Lamjao National Park is the only floating national park in the world and is a natural habitat for the endangered Sangai deer.
10. Imphal Valley to Witness Sangai Festival
Sangai is an annual cultural extravaganza of Manipur named after the state animal, the Sangai deer. The 10-day program is held in November in and around the Imphal valley, which depicts the rich culture, traditions, and natural beauty of the state.
Things to Know:
- How to Reach: You can fly to Guwahati International Airport and take a bus, train, or cab to reach Manipur in 12-13 hours.
- Distance from Guwahati: 500 KM approx
- Best Time to Visit: October to March are the best months to visit Manipur.
Top Attractions in Assam
11. Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park consists of 430 square kilometers of elephant-grass meadows, swampy lagoons, and dense forests. It has more than 2,200 Indian one-horned rhinoceros living in it, which accounts for approximately two-thirds of their population in the world.
12. Majuli River Island
Majuli is the world’s largest river island, located in the northeastern state of Assam. Nestled in the mighty Brahmaputra River, Majuli is known for its immense natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and spiritual importance.
13. Tea Gardens
Assam has numerous tea gardens and heritage bungalows that stand tall as a reminder of its colonial past. Tourists can visit these tea gardens to relish the flavour of Assam tea and munch on exquisite delicacies in a tea garden tour.
Things to Know:
- How to Reach: You can fly to Guwahati International Airport from Delhi or any other metropolitan city in India.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March is the best time to visit Assam.
Hidden Gems to Explore in Tripura
14. Unakoti
It is an archaeological wonder known for its large rock carvings and murals from the 7th to 9th centuries. The key attraction is a 30-foot-tall Shiva head along with carvings of other gods and goddesses.
15. Jampui Hills
Located about 200 kilometres from Agartala, these hills are an unspoiled paradise that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.
Things to Know:
- How to Reach: The easiest route is to fly to Agartala from Kolkata, Guwahati, or Delhi. Or you can take a train from Guwahati.
- Distance from Guwahati: 533 KM approx
- Best Time to Visit: The best time is from November to February.
Hidden Gems in Nagaland
16. Dzukou Valley
The Dzukou Valley is known for its natural beauty, seasonal flowers, and diverse flora and fauna. A must-visit for tourists in Nagaland.
17. Kohima
The capital city, Kohima, has several attractions to explore, such as the War Cemetery, the state museum, and picturesque natural beauty, among others.
18. Kisama Heritage Village
Kisama village, located about 12 KM from Kohima, is a destination frequented by locals and tourists to witness the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. It is the annual cultural festival held typically from the 1st to the 10th of December to celebrate the indigenous tribes of the region. It showcases their traditions in the form of dance and music, art and crafts, as well as foods and sports.
Things to Know:
- How to Reach: The easiest route is to fly to Guwahati and take a bus or a cab from there to reach Kohima, the capital city.
- Distance from Guwahati: 533 KM approx
- Best Time to Visit: The best time is from November to February.
Top Hidden Gems in Sikkim
19. Pelling
Pelling is a beautiful town in West Sikkim that boasts stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range, which is the third-highest mountain in the world. Pelling offers gorgeous landscapes, lush green surroundings, and spectacular views of cascading waterfalls, among others.
20. Zuluk
Zuluk is a small village on the Sikkim Silk Route and is famous for its beautiful valleys and mountain landscape. Once considered off the beaten path, Zuluk has become popular with travelers seeking peace and stunning mountains.
21. Nathang
Located on the historic Silk Route and nestled amidst snow-covered mountains, Nathang is the highest leisure tourist spot in Sikkim that turns into a cold desert in the winters. It is known for the Tukla War Memorial, Mater Dolorosa Church, monasteries, and landscapes.
Things to Know:
- How to Reach: The easiest route is to fly to Pakyong Airport or Bagdogra Airport. Alternatively, you can take a train to New Jalpaiguri station. You have to take a bus or taxi to reach Gangtok..
- Distance from Guwahati: 551 KM approx
- Best Time to Visit: The best time is from March to May and October to December.
Top Gems in Mizoram
22. Champai
Nestled in the heart of Mizoram, Champhai is a captivating town where you can explore rolling green hills under the clear skies, magnificent orchids, and majestic mountain peaks of Myanmar.
23. Reiek
Reiek is known as Mizoram’s jewel, where you can experience the seamless intertwining of nature’s splendor and cultural legacy.
Things to Know:
- How to Reach: The easiest route is to fly to Lengpui Airport (AJL) in Aizawl, which is well-connected with cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal, and Silchar.
- Distance from Guwahati: 618 KM approx
- Best Time to Visit: The best time is from November to March.
To Conclude
Northeast India is a collection of some incredible destinations in one place. You don’t have to travel at length across India to witness tea gardens in one state, marvelous waterfalls in another, and snow-clad mountains in yet another. Everything can be enjoyed in the Northeast. If you are looking for an enjoyable and comfortable trip in Northeast India, the first thing to do is to book the Revv car rental service. With Revv, you can explore the region with a self-drive car rental to explore the best and most untouched hidden gems in the area.
