Fabulous Places to Visit in NorthEast to Beat The Heat This Summer

Summers in the plains of India can be scorching and the mountains provide a pleasant respite to be sure. If you are someone who would also like to enjoy nature’s beauty with that, then head straight to North East India. The treasures that the Seven Sister States hold for the travel enthusiast are truly to be marveled at and you are sure to come back here at the next opportunity you get.

Some fabulous places to visit in Northeast India during April:

• Kaziranga National Park, Assam
• Lake Tsomgo, Sikkim
• Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
• Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya
• Loktak Lake, Manipur
• Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
• Nathula Pass, Sikkim

1. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

A national park like no other, Kaziranga will mesmerize you with its beauty and wildlife. The park is bordered by hills in the distant and the marshlands are a thriving ground for all kinds of flora and fauna. The wildlife photographer in you will be super excited at getting a chance to capture the image of the rare and famed one- horned Rhino, which is now an endangered species in the world. One can also catch a sight of herds of elephant, wild water buffaloes and swamp deer. The Safari that the park offers is the best way to explore the extensive grounds. UNESCO has declared the park as a World Heritage Site. Entry fee is INR 100 and INR 300 for the jeep safari.

• Timings: Safaris can be enjoyed from 7:30 am to 10 am and 1:30 pm till sunset
• Distance: 193 km from Guwahati at Kanchanjuri
• Best time to Visit: November to April, closed during monsoons

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2. Lake Tsomgo, Sikkim

One of the most pristine and beautiful lakes in perhaps the entire world, the Tsomgo Lake is one of the best tourist places to visit in North East India. It is located about 37 km away from Gangtok and the ride uphill will take you up at a height of 12,400 feet. The lake is surrounded by stunning Himalayan peaks at all sides and the melted mountain waters feed the lake in the summer. In winters, the lake is frozen over and at this time, Yak Safari can be enjoyed on the frozen lake. There is much local lore associated with the lake which your guide will tell you about. It is a most surreal experience which you will ever have.

• Timings: 3 am to 9 pm
• Distance: 37 km from Gangtok at Tathangchen Area
• Best time to visit: March to October for Yak Safari.

3. Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradeshg

The monastery is located at an elevation of 10,000 feet and it happens to be one of the most important monuments in the state. It is known as the birthplace of the Dalai Lama and also happens to be the largest Buddhist Monastery in the entire country. The monastery is itself located at a height of 3048 meters above sea level with the picaresque town of Tawang around it. It is 400 years old and happens to be the second largest in the world after the one in Lhasa. One can learn a lot of Buddhist culture and the way of the life of the monks who live here.

• Timings: 7 am to 7 pm
• Distance: 7.2 km from Tawang, near Cona
• Best time to visit: November to March

4. Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya

This stunning falls in Meghalaya drops from height of 1100 feet and that makes it the fourth highest waterfall in the world. The spray creates a most dreamy and surreal ambience and one can also trek to the waterfall amidst lush greenery. There is a viewing gallery for the tourists who can spend taking in the beauty of the gorgeous waterfall. The monsoons and winters see a mist covering the waterfall and one is sure to feel out of this world.

• Timings: 24 hours
• Distance: 5 km drive from Cherrapunji and 55 km from Shillong
• Best time to Visit:

5. Loktak Lake, Manipur

This Lake is mostly famous for its many small floating islands which are locally known as Phumdis. It happens to be one of the largest fresh water lakes in North East India and is also the site of the only floating national park in the world, the Keibul Lamjao National Park. One can find the most unique birds, insects, butterflies and a variety of exotic plants here because of the unique floating ecosystem of the region. The lake is located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur and one can go from one swamp to another with the help of small fisherman’s boat. Many bird watchers frequent this park and one can also spot the endangered Manipuri deer, the brow antlered Sangai and phot.

• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
• Distance: About 15 km outside the Bishnupur district
• Best time to Visit: February to December

6. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

The Ziro Valley is a flat land which is comprised of five villages amidst the stunning beauty of the Himalayas. It is one of the best places to visit in North East India during summers if you want to get away from the regular, crowded hill stations. The villages mostly belong to the Apatani tribe who are known to be very friendly. The Ziro Valley also happens to be a popular venue for music fests every year. The rice field beyond the valley, the quaint tribal huts, the vibrant and colorful attire of the tribal people and the beautiful handcrafted items made by them make this region truly special. Do not forget to pick out some souvenirs for your friends back home which are mostly made from bamboo and the dexterity of the craftsmen who make such exquisite products is indeed praiseworthy.

• Timings: Sunrise to sunset
• Distance: 110 km from Itanagar
• Best time to Visit: The Ziro Music Fest is held between September and October.

7. Nathula Pass, Sikkim

This was once the old silk route and is one of the most popular destinations to visit in North India during April month. This region has tremendous historical significance and the fact that it is located at a height of 14450 feet above sea level, makes it all the more exciting. Moreover, because of its height, the temperatures here are almost always close to freezing point, even during the summers. The pass is located near the Indo- Tibetan Border and the pass is closed during the winters. This is a great spot to witness Himalayan flora and fauna, not to be seen anywhere else. Almost everyone who comes to Gangtok, comes up to this pass. Many shared cabs are available from there but they stop running after 1 pm. Hence, it is always prudent to plan an early morning visit to the pass. 

• Timings: early morning to 2 pm
• Distance: 58 km from Gangtok
• Best time to Visit: March to October

These are some of the top visiting places in North East India and you will see this part of the country in a whole new light after your trip here.

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