10 Famous Places to Visit in the Northeast With Family!
10 Famous Places to Visit in the Northeast With Family!
Northeast India is a wonderful place if you want to travel with your family for a vacation. Often known as the Land of Seven Sisters (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura) and One brother (Sikkim), Northeast India is blessed with varied culture, rich biodiversity, rare species of fauna and flora, historical sites, ethnic legacies, and welcoming people.
Choose a trip to Gangtok, and enjoy the views of Mt. Kanchenjunga or take a day out at Shillong, Meghalaya, known as the ‘Scotland of the East’. You can also visit Tawang or go for a memorable excursion to Assam! You can make it even more memorable by choosing the right time to visit, that is, October to April, when the skies are clear. Be it a luxury trip or a budget-friendly one, the northeast can surely surprise you with its wonders!
So, here goes a list of unique places to visit in the North-East with family-
- Kaziranga National Park- Home to the largest population of the one-horned rhino on earth, Kaziranga National Park is one of the famous places to visit in the North East with family. Located in the state of Assam, Kaziranga National Park stands tall with a wide variety of fauna, which includes Asiatic elephants, wild water buffalo, leopards and Royal Bengal Tigers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for various bird species, including indigenous and migratory birds. Visitors can also enjoy jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and boat cruises to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife here.
- Gangtok, Sikkim- Gangtok, located at a height of 1650m, offers spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga from the viewpoints such as Tashi. The nightlife in the city is amazing, with the popular MG Road being lined with trendy restaurants that stay open until 11 p.m. Some unique places to explore here include religious sites such as the Ganesh Tok, Do Drul Chorten and Rumtek Monastery. You can also make a stop at the Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple or visit the Silk Route. Located at a distance of about 40 km from Gangtok, you should also visit the Tsomgo Lake. If you’re lucky, you might also spot musk deer, gorals or red pandas on your way.
- Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh- Located amidst the majestic Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is a destination that boasts unparalleled natural beauty and cultural heritage. For those looking for a spiritual treat, pay a visit to the renowned Tsangyang Gyatso, the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama. One of the key reasons to visit Tawang is that it is home to the iconic 17th-century Tawang Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the world. You can relish some snacks like momos or thukpa at the Tibetan Settlement Market. The beautiful orchid sanctuary and the Tipi Orchid Sanctuary can also offer a delightful addition to your list of places to visit with family in the Northeast.
- Shillong, Meghalaya- Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, unfolds like a picturesque canvas at a height of 1496 meters. Also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’, Shillong actually derives its name from ‘Lei Shyllong’, a local idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. It is the home to diverse tribal communities like Khyrim, Maharam, and Langrim, each of which contributes to the vibrant cultural fabric of the place. You can discover nature’s beauty on unique pathways as you take a trek to the Living Root Bridges or the Laitlum Canyon here. One of the city’s prominent attractions to visit with family in Shillong is the Umiam Lake, a reservoir surrounded by hills that offer a serene escape. This destination is not just a haven for nature lovers, its museums and cultural gems, like the Don Bosco Museum and Air Force Museum, showcase the indigenous cultures of the Northeast.
- Cherrapunji, Meghalaya- Located approximately 50 kilometres from Shillong, this sub-divisional town boasts a rich variety of flora and natural wonders. Its iconic Double Decker Living Root Bridge is a marvel of beauty itself. Its natural attractions go beyond its famed root bridge, including enchanting cave formations like the Mawsmai Caves and Krem Phyllut, where you can go for adventure caving. Families can also witness the pristine beauty of Asia’s cleanest village here, Mawlyngnong, where the local food and culture can warm the heart. You can also challenge yourself by trying river canyoning in Cherrapunji, which can be an exhausting but thrilling activity to do here.
- Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh- Ziro is a tranquil valley town renowned for its natural views and vibrant local festivals. Situated approximately 115 kilometres from the capital city of Itanagar, Ziro attracts families with its lush greenery, sprawling rice fields, and mist-covered hills. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local way of life by participating in indigenous festivals such as the Ziro Festival of Music. Apart from its cultural significance, Ziro offers a range of outdoor activities, including trekking, hiking, and birdwatching, making it a must-visit place to visit in the northeast with families. You can also dive deep into its delicious cuisine, featuring a variety of traditional dishes such as Thupka, Khura and Gyapa Khazi made from locally sourced ingredients.
- Aizawl, Mizoram- Aizawl is a perfect place to relax while exploring the Northeastern state of Mizoram with family. Lying at a height of 1132 m above sea level, Aizawl is primarily dominated by the Mizo Tribe. The city, along with the majority of the state, is known for its agricultural produce and ethnic handicrafts. Aizawl is well connected via roads and air connectivity to other major hubs of northeast India, such as Silchar and Guwahati in Assam. Here you can explore many spiritual sites such as the Pushpak Gurudwara and Solomon’s Temple. Visit the scenic Durtlang hills and explore the KV Paradis, which is one of the most famous attractions inspired by the Taj Mahal of Agra.
- Majuli Island, Assam- Majuli, a freshwater island in the Brahmaputra River, holds the distinction of being the world’s largest river island. It is a pristine haven for diverse fauna to thrive, encompassing a total area of 1250 square kilometres. Here, visitors can enjoy traditional dance performances like Sattriya and Bhaona and be amazed by handcrafted artefacts such as the superior quality silk called Pat and Muga. The vibrant Raas festival is one of the most famous festivals here, and attending this can offer families a unique insight into the culture of Assam.
- Pelling, Sikkim- Pelling, a beautiful town in West Sikkim, has become the second biggest tourist destination in this state after Gangtok. Located 130 km from Gangtok, the main attraction of the place is the breathtaking sight of the Kanchenjunga and the neighbouring peaks. Try not to miss the major tourist hotspot here, the Pemayangste monastery, which is located less than a kilometre from here. Pelling also has sites for mountain biking and rock climbing, apart from serving as a base for a number of treks in the region. You can also enjoy nature walks over the Singshore Bridge and engage yourself with the traditional Mandala Art at the Chenrezing Statue while touring Pelling.
- Dawki, Meghalaya- Dawki is a hidden gem located on the map of Meghalaya and is home to many natural wonders and scenic landscapes. One of the best northeast tourist places to visit here with family is the Umngot River. With its crystal clear water, it is famous as ‘Asia’s cleanest river’. To fully appreciate its beauty, consider visiting in the time of November to May when the waters are undisturbed. You can take a boat ride on this tranquil river for an extraordinary experience, as it offers you the feeling of floating in the air. Another enchanting attraction here is the Limestone Cave with attractive rock formations, which can be a great addition to your Meghalaya trip.
Conclusion
Travelling with your family to explore North-east India can be a truly amazing adventure, rather than just a vacation. From the spirituality of Tawang and the energetic customs of Majuli Island to the misty slopes of Gangtok and Pelling, this area offers fascinating encounters for all ages.
From walking across living root bridges in Cherrapunji to wildlife safaris at Kaziranga or boat excursions on the clean waters of Dawki, Northeast India offers unique experiences for all travellers. With Cliffhangers India curating personalized itineraries and offbeat routes, your journey becomes not just comfortable but truly immersive.
Recommended Travel Company
Planning your trip to North East India with Thrillophilia can be the perfect choice for travellers who are looking for a leisurely and unforgettable vacation. Being one among the leading names in the Indian travel industry, Thrillophilia offers all-inclusive travel experiences, covering everything from stays and transport to selected meals and guided tours. Upon this, the itineraries are designed by experts to suit all your interests and needs. In addition, the company offers 24/7 customer support to attend to all queries during and after the trip as well!
In sum, you can book Gangtok, Sikkim, Guwahati, Shillong, Imphal or Darjeeling tour packages now and make a journey towards a fun, stress-free experience with your family with Thrillophilia!