The unexplored North East is one of the best holiday destinations in India. The Himalayas presides the region, blessing the area with a number of scenic hill stations. Idyllic for holiday, honeymoon and adventure, the hill stations in North East offer a memorable holiday.
From incredible trekking experiences to breathtaking scenic views, things to do in North East India include exploring caves, waterfalls, trekking trails, snow, valley of flowers, quaint villages, serene monasteries, vibrant cultures, heritage and cities. So hurry up! Take a break and visit these top 10 hill stations of North East India.
- Gangtok, Sikkim
Gangtok means hilltop in the local dialect. The capital of Sikkim is a matchless choice for honeymoon in the North East. The sky-kissing Mt. Kanchendzonga, smiling monks’ spinning wheels, Buddhist monasteries with fluttering prayer flags and more than 500 species of orchids gives you reason to plan your holiday in Gangtok. Try out nightlife, shopping, adventure sports, etc. A day trip from Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La Pass are some places to not miss.
Attractions: Raj Bhavan, Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok.
- Darjeeling, West Bengal
Jaw-dropping beauty, view of Mt. Kanchendzonga, finest tea, exciting trekking, ride of toy train and bliss, welcome to Darjeeling, one of the top tourist hill stations of North East. It’s not wrong to say it is one of the best honeymoon destination in India. Wake up early to witness one of the majestic sunrise from Tiger Hill. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an unforgettable ride through the mountains.
Attractions: Peace Pagoda, Padmaja Naidu himalayan national park, Mirik, Tea Estate.
- Shillong, Meghalaya
The ‘Scotland of the East’ Shillong in Meghalaya truly is blessed by nature. One of the best hill stations in India, a tour to Shillong allows you to visit pine forests, scenic valleys, lush green mountains, meadows, waterfalls and also amicable people. Nohkalikai Falls, Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, Air Force Museum, Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, Shillong View Point, Lady Hydari Park, Bishop’s Falls, are some of the places to definitely not miss out on. If you plan your holiday in shillong, this is one place which you should visit!
Attractions: Don Bosco Centre on Indigenous Cultures, Bishop &Beadon Falls, Butterfly Museum, Lady Hydari Park.
- Lachung, Sikkim
Lachung in Sikkim is a popular hill town in the North Eats. It is favored as an offbeat honeymoon experience. Situated across the bank of Lachung River, this tourist spot is known for its apples, apricots and peaches. Enjoy the beauty of spectacular waterfalls, hot-water springs, lofty mountains, apple orchards, sparkling rivers and a burst of colors at the Rhododendron Sanctuary. Don’t forget to visit Yumthang Valley which is a Zero point where the road ends.
- Pelling, Sikkim
Nestled at the foothills of the Mt Khangchendzonga, Pelling is a famous hill town in Sikkim. Blessed with panoramic views of the Himalayas and Kanchenjunga, it’s loved by adventure lovers, especially trekkers for experiencing vigorous and strenuous treks. The untouched natural beauty of alpine vegetation and sparkling waterfalls like Chhange and Kanchenjunga add to its charm. Buddhist pilgrims head to holy Khecheopalri Lake and the numerous monasteries.
Attractions: Pemayangtse Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, Tashiding Monastery.
- Aizawl, Mizoram
Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, ‘the land of Mizos’ is a beautiful town in the North East. Pay a visit to the Mizoram State Museum. Get busy in exploring the rich tribal culture or go for shopping to buy some amazing handicrafts. Surrounded by the Turial river valley in the East and the Tlawng River Valley in the West, this ‘No honking’ city is engulfed in natural beauty. Do check out the awesome vista of Aizawl City from Durtlang Hills.
Attraction: Mizoram State Museum, K.V.Paradise, Solomon’s Temple
- Mirik, West Bengal
Mirik is a small town in West Bengal. Delight in boating at the Sumendu Lake. This ‘Bangla beauty’ allures avid travelers and newly wedded couples. Charming visitors with their quaint charms, escape the tourist crowds for a pleasant getaway. Tea plantations act like a protecting shield of greens around the town. Bokar Monastery and Devi Sthan are the immaculate places of worship here. Sunrise Point and Tingling View Point attracts nature lovers.
Attractions: Sumendu Lake, Mirik Church, Sunrise Point, Tingling View Point.
- Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji is known for being one of the rainiest places on Earth. This city in Meghalaya is one of the top tourist attractions of Northeast India. The town is dotted with spectacular living root bridges. Formerly known as Sohra, it was once the wettest place on the Earth and is still blessed with unmatched greenery. One can also get involved in camping and rock climbing during his visit to Cherrapunji. River Canyoning from Nongthymmai to Mynteng Steel Rope Bridge is also a great option to try.
Attractions: Living Root Bridges, Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Eco Park, Arwah Cave.
- Tawang, Arunachala Pradesh
Nature’s extravagance is granted to few parts of the world and Tawang is one such place. This hill town in Arunachala Pradesh embraces you with its matchless beauty. The beautiful hill station in North East gets covered with snow during December-January which makes it even more attractive. Tawang Monastery is the iconic landmark here. The snow covered Sela Pass and Jang waterfalls attract numerous tourists.
Attractions: Jang falls, Tawang War Memorial, Jaswant Garh, Tawang Monastery.
- Kalimpong, West Bengal
One of the most favored hill station of Northeast India, Kalimpong is a must visit place in the area. Known for Kalibong plant (fiber plant used for making paper), it attracts visitors seeking spectacular views of Kanchenjunga. Get a glimpse of British Raj as this place was once their stronghold. A fusion of Nepalese, Indian, British, Lepchas, Sikkimese and Tibetan culture is evident here. The Durpin Dara Hills on the South and the Delo Hills on the north are the top attractions. While on holiday in Kalimpong, don’t forget to buy ginger, turmeric and cardamom.
Going for a honeymoon or on an adventurous holiday, these hill stations of Northeast India should be definitely considered.
You can also check out 51 things to do in Northeast India
Author Bio
Akansha Negi frequently writes at India Travel Blog by Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd. She shares her passion of travel and love for various Indian destinations. While plan your vacation in India, browse through her write-ups.