Introduction:
Namaste, fellow travelers! Are you ready to embark on an adventure that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy? Well, pack your bags and get ready to explore the untamed beauty of North-East India!
Mawsynram in Meghalaya is known for being the wettest place on Earth. It has a Guinness World Record for this, getting an average of 11,872 mm of rain every year. Yes, it really rains heavily here… and sometimes even elephants come along!
I have walked through the green forests, crossed bridges made of living roots, and enjoyed the spicy food of the North-East. I can say that this area is one of India’s best-kept secrets. So, let’s skip the common tourist spots and explore the top 10 unique places that will make your trip to North-East India in 2024 a memorable adventure!
1. Majuli, Assam: The River Island That Is Slowly Vanishing
We start our journey in Majuli, which is the biggest river island in the world, located in the powerful Brahmaputra river. But please hurry, everyone! This amazing natural place is getting smaller because of erosion, so make sure to visit it while you still can!
When you arrive at this peaceful island, it will seem as if you have gone back to an earlier time. The Mishing tribal villages have traditional bamboo houses built on stilts. They show a way of living that has not changed for many years. Do not feel shy – the local people are famous for their friendly hospitality. You may get an invitation to enjoy a cup of Apong, which is the local rice beer!
One of the best things to see in Majuli is the Samaguri Satra. Here, you can watch the old art of making masks. These colorful and big masks are used in religious festivals and traditional dance shows. Believe me, when you watch the talented craftsmen create these masks, it feels like you are witnessing magic happen right in front of you!
As the day comes to an end, look for a calm place by the river to see the sunset. Watching the sun go down below the horizon, coloring the wide Brahmaputra in shades of gold and red, is an experience that will remain with you even after you have left this magical island.
2. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh: A Perfect Place for Music Lovers
The next stop is Ziro Valley, a place that will make you feel like singing! This beautiful valley, which is surrounded by green hills and rice fields, is where the Apatani tribe lives and is also the place for the well-known Ziro Music Festival.
If you get the chance to visit in September, you will have a wonderful experience! The Ziro Festival of Music is a big four-day event that gathers the finest independent music from India and other places. Just think about dancing to great music with the beautiful Ziro Valley in the background – it’s truly magical!
But Ziro is not only about music. Take a trek in the nearby Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you may see clouded leopards, Himalayan black bears, or even the rare red panda. Also, make sure to visit the Apatani villages! The older Apatani women, wearing their traditional nose plugs and having facial tattoos, show us a strong reminder of the special cultural heritage of this area.
At the end of the day, enjoy some local food from Arunachal. The smoked meat dishes and bamboo shoot specialties are full of flavor that will make your taste buds happy!
3. Dawki, Meghalaya: A Place with Very Clear Rivers
Get ready to be amazed as we head to Dawki, where you will find the incredibly clear Umngot River. I am not joking – the water is very clear, and it makes the boats look like they are floating in the air!
When you take a boat ride on the Umngot River, it feels like you are smoothly moving over a surface of glassy water. You can see the riverbed very clearly. There are colorful pebbles and fish that make it look like a natural aquarium right below you. This is a dream come true for a photographer!
While you are here, make sure you take the opportunity to visit the India-Bangladesh border. It is a special experience to be in one country and wave to people in another country! The kind people on both sides make it a warm and pleasant experience.
If you love adventure, you should take a short trip to Mawlynnong, which is close by, to see the famous living root bridges. The natural wonders, made by guiding tree roots over rivers, show the cleverness of the Khasi people. Walking on one of these bridges feels like you are entering a story from a fantasy book!
Finish your day by having a picnic near the Umngot River. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, you can try fishing. The river has many fish, and maybe you will catch something for dinner!
4. Unakoti, Tripura: The Place of Carved Gods
Prepare to be amazed as we visit Unakoti, a hill filled with huge rock-cut sculptures that will make you feel like you have discovered a forgotten civilization!
The biggest draw here is the huge carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses that are 30 to 40 feet tall. The main figure, a big Shiva head known as ‘Unakotiswara Kal Bhairava’, is really something to see. When you look at these old sculptures, you feel a sense of humility because of the great skill and artistry they show.
The name ‘Unakoti’ means one less than a crore, which is 10 million. According to legend, many gods and goddesses were on their way to Kashi when they chose to take a rest here for the night.
They had planned to leave before the sun came up, but they slept in too long. Shiva changed them all into stone, and that is how Unakoti was formed. Whether you think the story is true or not, the mystery makes this interesting place even more exciting!
If you come in April, you will get to enjoy something really special. The Ashokastami Festival makes the place lively with many devotees, creating a colorful atmosphere of faith and celebration.
Make sure you go trekking in the nearby forests. The green plants make a nice difference with the stone carvings and give a chance to see some local animals.
5. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim: Reach for the Sky
Get ready as we go up to one of the highest lakes in the world – Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim, which is at an amazing height of 17,800 feet!
When you are on the banks of this holy lake, with tall snowy mountains all around, it will seem like you have come to the highest place on earth. The lake is seen as sacred by both Buddhists and Sikhs, and you can really feel a strong sense of spirituality around it.
One of the most wonderful things to see here is how the lake changes colors during the day. The colors change from deep blue to turquoise and then to golden as the sun sets. It feels like a beautiful light show created by nature!
Stay alert for the rare animals that live in this tough land. If you are fortunate, you may see blue sheep or even the snow leopard! Just keep in mind to respect their home and watch from far away.
Be careful: the high altitude can be tough, so ensure you get used to it before you go there. But believe me, the amazing views are worth all the hard work!
6. Longwa Village, Nagaland: A Place Where Two Countries Come Together
Are you prepared for a one-of-a-kind experience? Welcome to Longwa, a village where you can stand with one foot in India and the other foot in Myanmar!
This interesting village is where the Konyak tribe lives. They were once headhunters, just so you know! This village is located right on the border between India and Myanmar. The house of the village chief is located directly on the international border – just imagine having a room with such a view!
The Konyak people are famous for their facial tattoos and traditional clothing. They show us a way of life that is quickly fading away. Make sure you visit the Angh’s house, which is the chief’s house. There, you can see a collection of skulls from the time of headhunting. This is a strong reminder of the village’s tough past.
One very interesting thing about Longwa is that every villager is seen as a citizen of both India and Myanmar. People can easily cross the border that goes straight through the village. It is likely the only place where you can travel between countries without needing a passport!
When the sun goes down, come together with the local people for a bonfire and enjoy some rice beer. When you hear their stories, you will feel like you are taken to a place where countries are just lines drawn on a map.
7. Haflong, Assam: The One and Only Hill Station in Assam
Let us relax a little as we go to Haflong, which is the only hill station in Assam located in the Barail Range. This lovely town, with its nice weather and beautiful views, is a nice break from the flat lands.
One interesting place to visit near Haflong is Jatinga Valley. It is well-known for its strange ‘bird suicide’ event. In some months, it is said that birds are drawn to the lights in the valley and they end up falling from the sky. Even though scientists have proven that the ‘suicide’ theory is not true, it is still very interesting to see.
If you want to have a more relaxing time, you should go to Haflong Lake. The calm water all around the gentle hills creates a great place for a picnic. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also try some water sports!
People who love nature should not miss visiting the Borail Wildlife Sanctuary. This place has many types of orchids and different kinds of animals, making it enjoyable for both plant lovers and animal fans.
When you visit Haflong, you will experience the lively Dimasa culture all around you. The Dimasa people bring a special cultural touch to your hill station visit with their bright traditional clothes and energetic music and dance.
8. Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh: The Valley That Is Often Overlooked
Get ready to be amazed as we go to Mechuka, a beautiful place hidden in the West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. This remote valley, which is near the Indo-China border, feels like a separate world all on its own.
You should visit the Samten Yongcha monastery, which is 400 years old, as your first stop. This old Buddhist monastery is situated on a small hill that looks over the valley. It gives off a feeling of calm and peace. When you turn the prayer wheels and hear the monks chanting, you will feel a peaceful feeling come over you.
If you love adventure, then you should definitely go for a trek to the Mechuka La pass. The path gives amazing views of the snowy mountain tops and the green valley underneath. Just keep in mind to go slowly – the high altitude can be tough!
One of the best things about Mechuka is the friendly welcome from the Memba tribes. It is normal to be invited to someone’s home for a cup of butter tea, so don’t be surprised if it happens. This is a wonderful chance to understand their special traditions and lifestyle.
If you want some exciting action, you should try river rafting in the Siyom River. The fast-moving water in front of clean, beautiful forests creates a thrilling experience!
9. Dzukou Valley, Nagaland: This is known as the Valley of Flowers.
Prepare to walk into a beautiful scene as we go into the Dzukou Valley, which is located on the borders of Nagaland and Manipur. Dzukou is called the ‘Valley of Flowers of the North-East’. It is a perfect place for trekkers and a wonderful dream for people who love nature.
The ideal time to visit is from July to September when the valley bursts into a beautiful display of colors. The hills that roll gently are covered with wildflowers, and among them is the rare Dzukou Lily, which you cannot find anywhere else in the world. This beautiful scene will truly take your breath away.
The journey to the valley is an exciting experience on its own. As you walk through bamboo forests and cross calm streams, every turn shows you a view that is even more beautiful than the one before. When you finally get to the valley floor, the wide views of the hills around you will make you feel like you are on top of the world!
To have the best Dzukou experience, you should camp overnight in the valley. When the sun goes down and the stars appear, you will see a beautiful display in the sky that is truly special. Believe me, going to sleep under a sky full of stars, with the lovely smell of wildflowers around you, is something you will remember for a long time.
Remember to take your camera with you – every part of Dzukou Valley is perfect for Instagram!
10. Pelling, Sikkim: A Place Where Nature and Spirituality Come Together
We finish our trip in Pelling, a beautiful town in West Sikkim. It has a nice mix of nature’s beauty and spiritual richness.
Your first stop must be the old Pemayangtse Monastery, which is one of the oldest and most important places in Sikkim. The detailed paintings and carvings inside the monastery give an interesting look into the Buddhist culture of Sikkim. Make sure to see the wooden sculpture on the top floor that shows Guru Rinpoche’s heavenly home – it is a wonderful piece of art that one monk worked on for five years to finish!
After that, go for a small trek to Khecheopalri Lake, which is known as one of the holy lakes in Sikkim. There is a story that says birds do not let even one leaf float on the water’s surface! Whether you think the story is true or not, the calm and beautiful lake, which is surrounded by thick forests, is truly magical.
The best thing about Pelling is the amazing view of Kanchenjunga, which is the third-highest mountain in the world. On a clear day, seeing the snow-covered mountain with the blue sky is really amazing. Here is a helpful tip: the view looks really beautiful at sunrise, so make sure to set your alarm clock!
If you want some excitement, you should try the zip-line at Pelling Skywalk. Flying smoothly in the sky with the great Himalayas behind you is an experience that will make your heart beat faster!
In conclusion:
When the sun goes down over the beautiful lands of North-East India, you will feel different because of the natural beauty, friendly people, and rich culture of this place. From the vanishing island of Majuli to the high-reaching Gurudongmar Lake, every place gives a special piece of paradise that is away from the usual routes.
So, what are you waiting for, my friends who love adventure? Now is the time to leave behind the usual and jump right into the amazing world of North-East India. If you love culture, enjoy nature, or want to find yourself again, these unique places offer experiences that you will remember even after your sunburn goes away.
Always keep in mind that the greatest journeys are those that make us think differently and touch our hearts. So get your bags ready, practice your namaste, and prepare for an adventure that will make 2024 the best year you have ever had. The mountains are inviting you, the rivers are singing sweetly, and the friendly smiles of the North-East are ready to greet you. I’ll see you there!
