Northeast India: The Land of Hidden Mysteries and Untold Stories
Ujjal Lohar | Times Life Bureau | Jan 22, 2025, 13:00 IST
Northeast India, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, is becoming a top travel destination. The region saw a 15% rise in domestic tourists and a 12% increase in international visitors in 2023. From Tawang’s monasteries to Kaziranga’s wildlife, Cherrapunji’s waterfalls, and Ziro Valley’s music festival, every spot offers something unique. Adventure seekers love Dzukou Valley’s flowers, while spiritual travelers visit Unakoti’s ancient carvings. With improved infrastructure, this hidden paradise is more accessible than ever. Whether for nature, culture, or adventure, Northeast India is a must-visit for all travelers.
The breathtaking view, the rich culture, and wild areas still untouched make northeast India a fascinating beauty. Northeast India consists of eight states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. The northeastern region has delivered the best experiences one can imagine on a travel route, unveiling the grandeur of mountains and pulsating tribal culture of Northeast India. More tourists have been visiting Northeast India each year.
The Ministry of Tourism reports that the visits by domestic tourists are up by 15% in 2023 from last year, while international visitors have increased by 12%, a pointer to a higher interest in this treasure trove across the globe. Tourists today want the real experience, and Northeast India has it for them.
List of
Tawang is one of those culturally rich yet serene towns existing at an altitude of 10,000 feet in Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang Monastery is the largest in India and the second largest in the world; it presents the Buddhist traditions. The picturesque Sela Pass at 13,700 feet is another wonder view. This is also one of the historic sites of the history of Indo-China, so that is a must-visit for the historical reasons.
Kaziranga National Park is the largest habitat of one-horned rhinoceros in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is 1,090 square kilometers and home to elephants, wild buffaloes, and tigers. Over 300 species of birds make it a paradise for bird watchers. Kaziranga received over 2 lakh visitors in 2023, as stated by the Assam Tourism Department, showing that people visit it from all parts of the world.
Mawsynram is the wettest place on earth and gets 11,871 mm of rain per year. The United Nations has declared the root bridges of Cherrapunji, made by Khasi tribes from rubber tree roots, a wonder. Nohkalikai Falls is India's tallest waterfalls, which stands high at 1,115 feet. Tourists are looking for solace in nature amidst misty hills and adventure.
Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. It is also known for its floating phumdis, or islands. Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world, is home to the endangered Sangai deer. Eco-tourism has made Loktak a popular place for nature lovers and researchers. 
Ziro Valley is a great place for nature lovers and music lovers. The valley is the place of the Apatani tribe, which is well known for their special facial tattoos and eco-friendly farming. The valley is rich in culture. The Ziro Music Festival, which takes place every year in September, attracts many music lovers from around the world. According to a recent report by Arunachal Tourism, the attendance at the festival has increased by 25% in the last five years, which has been helping local tourism.
Dawki is one of the towns close to Bangladesh. It is basically famous for Umngot River. Boats floating in water when viewed from inside the crystal clear water of this river give an impression that boats float in air. This place is also considered as a commercial center between India and Bangladesh. With the peak tourist season, 10,000 tourists make a visit every month to find out the exceptional beauty of Dawki. 
Dzukou Valley is popularly known as the "Valley of Flowers of the Northeast." The valley lies at 8,045 feet and is renowned for seasonal flowers, especially the rare Dzukou Lily. Trekkers from all over India come to see the natural beauty of the place. In 2023, around 35,000 trekkers visited Dzukou, which shows that this place is emerging as a destination for adventure.
Gurudongmar Lake is one of the world's highest lakes. It stands at 17,800 feet. The lake remains almost completely frozen throughout the year, but its blue-green waters attract in summer. It is a holy site for both Buddhist and Sikh. Due to its extreme height, tourists generally used to acclimatize themselves before visiting the place. Sikkim Tourism said that tourist arrivals at Gurudongmar increased by 20% in the year 2023.
Aizawl makes use of the magnificent scenery and vibrant culture of Mizoram. The city lies at an elevation of 3,500 feet above sea level, offering a tremendous view of the lush green hills. Many adventure enthusiasts undertake the trek to Reiek Peak.
There are a number of local markets here, particularly Bara Bazaar, which features several handicraft products besides fabrics woven from typical Mizo material. Thousands gather together to celebrate Chapchar Kut in Aizawl, when Mizo traditions combine with dance and music.
Northeast India is full of amazing places for travelers with its untouched scenery, lively cultures, and special experiences. With better roads and travel programs, now is the best time to visit this paradise.
The Ministry of Tourism reports that the visits by domestic tourists are up by 15% in 2023 from last year, while international visitors have increased by 12%, a pointer to a higher interest in this treasure trove across the globe. Tourists today want the real experience, and Northeast India has it for them.
List of Most visited Places
1. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang is one of those culturally rich yet serene towns existing at an altitude of 10,000 feet in Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang Monastery is the largest in India and the second largest in the world; it presents the Buddhist traditions. The picturesque Sela Pass at 13,700 feet is another wonder view. This is also one of the historic sites of the history of Indo-China, so that is a must-visit for the historical reasons.
2. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
one horn rhino
3. Cherrapunji & Mawsynram, Meghalaya
Cherrapunji
Mawsynram is the wettest place on earth and gets 11,871 mm of rain per year. The United Nations has declared the root bridges of Cherrapunji, made by Khasi tribes from rubber tree roots, a wonder. Nohkalikai Falls is India's tallest waterfalls, which stands high at 1,115 feet. Tourists are looking for solace in nature amidst misty hills and adventure.
4. Loktak Lake, Manipur
Loktal Lake
Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. It is also known for its floating phumdis, or islands. Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world, is home to the endangered Sangai deer. Eco-tourism has made Loktak a popular place for nature lovers and researchers.
5. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro Valley
Ziro Valley is a great place for nature lovers and music lovers. The valley is the place of the Apatani tribe, which is well known for their special facial tattoos and eco-friendly farming. The valley is rich in culture. The Ziro Music Festival, which takes place every year in September, attracts many music lovers from around the world. According to a recent report by Arunachal Tourism, the attendance at the festival has increased by 25% in the last five years, which has been helping local tourism.
6. Dawki, Meghalaya
Cherrapunji
Dawki is one of the towns close to Bangladesh. It is basically famous for Umngot River. Boats floating in water when viewed from inside the crystal clear water of this river give an impression that boats float in air. This place is also considered as a commercial center between India and Bangladesh. With the peak tourist season, 10,000 tourists make a visit every month to find out the exceptional beauty of Dawki.
7. Dzukou Valley, Nagaland-Manipur Border
Dzukou Valley
Dzukou Valley is popularly known as the "Valley of Flowers of the Northeast." The valley lies at 8,045 feet and is renowned for seasonal flowers, especially the rare Dzukou Lily. Trekkers from all over India come to see the natural beauty of the place. In 2023, around 35,000 trekkers visited Dzukou, which shows that this place is emerging as a destination for adventure.
8. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim
Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim
Gurudongmar Lake is one of the world's highest lakes. It stands at 17,800 feet. The lake remains almost completely frozen throughout the year, but its blue-green waters attract in summer. It is a holy site for both Buddhist and Sikh. Due to its extreme height, tourists generally used to acclimatize themselves before visiting the place. Sikkim Tourism said that tourist arrivals at Gurudongmar increased by 20% in the year 2023.
10. Aizawl, Mizoram
Aizawl, Mizoram
Aizawl makes use of the magnificent scenery and vibrant culture of Mizoram. The city lies at an elevation of 3,500 feet above sea level, offering a tremendous view of the lush green hills. Many adventure enthusiasts undertake the trek to Reiek Peak.
There are a number of local markets here, particularly Bara Bazaar, which features several handicraft products besides fabrics woven from typical Mizo material. Thousands gather together to celebrate Chapchar Kut in Aizawl, when Mizo traditions combine with dance and music.