India is home to some of the most beautiful and scenic places in the world. While most of us are familiar with the national parks and heritage sites, there are also many other lesser-known gems hidden away in the country. While talking about hidden gems, Northeast India always comes first on the list. Some of the best hill stations to explore in northeast India are home to picturesque valleys, verdant forests, wildlife sanctuaries with abundant adventure activities and tea plantation localities. Whether you are looking for a quiet getaway in the country, an adventure in the forests, a chance to spot wildlife or a family vacation, these hill stations have something for everyone.
A dream destination for every traveller, North East India resides in the easternmost region of India with its diversity, beauty, rights, unique culture and history. Consisting of eight states, starting from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Sikkim, this part of India is no doubt an exalted experience for travellers.
From the mighty Himalayas and cascading waterfalls to the cleanest village of Asia and the wettest place in the world, North East India comes with an incredible variety of flora and fauna, which makes it a coveted destination. Categorised into valleys and Eastern Himalayas, there are numerous hill stations in North East India, making it a tourist-friendly region since the British era. Picturesque tea plantations lined along with the hills, colourful traditional festivals all through the year, exploring North East India cannot be completed without visiting these hill stations.
Here is a list of some must visit hill stations in Northeast India:
- Ziro (Arunachal Pradesh)
- Haflong (Assam)
- Shillong (Meghalaya)
- Chandel (Manipur)
- Pelling (Sikkim)
- Cherrapunjee (Meghalaya)
- Gangtok (Sikkim)
- Mawsynram (Meghalaya)
Popular North East India Hill Station Tour Packages
Ziro (Arunachal Pradesh)
An old picturesque town, surrounded by green rice fields and hills, Ziro is home to a unique tribal group, called Apa Tani. Famous for the Ziro Music Festival (an eco-friendly, outdoor music festival, happens in September), Ziro is one of the popular hill stations in North East India. The unique culture of the tribe, calmness of the valley and a clear view of the Himalayas from the highest point Kile Pakho, make Ziro Valley undoubtedly a traveller’s paradise.
Best Time to Visit Ziro: March to October
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Haflong (Assam)
Home to numerous unique orchids, blue mountains and several old tribes, Haflong is the only hill station in Assam. Nestled between the Borail Mountain range and surrounded by the beautiful lakes, gorgeous waterfalls, pleasant weather and historically popular buildings, Haflong is one of the best hill stations to visit in North East India. Be it bird watching in Jatinga Valley, a morning stroll around Haflong Lake or exploring the culture of Maibong, Haflong will never disappoint a traveller, seeking a relaxing trip amidst nature.
Best Time to Visit Haflong: October to February
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Shillong (Meghalaya)
A trip to Shillong is what comes first on the list if someone prepares for a precise North East India tour. Popularly known as ‘Scotland of the East,’ Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, one of the most beautiful northeastern states of India. The quaint hill station is no doubt a paradise for nature lovers for its stunning landscapes, magnificent waterfalls, crystal clear water lakes and colourful markets. Moreover, nature’s own surprise – the Living Root Bridge, and Asia’s cleanest village make this hill station more popular among travellers around the world.
Best Time to Visit Shillong: March to June
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Chandel (Manipur)
Home to more than 20 ancient tribes, Chandel is a tiny hill station in Manipur, the jewel city of India. Due to its strategic location along the international border of India and Myanmar, Chandel is also called the ‘Gateway to Myanmar.’ Apart from the picturesque mountainous views, travellers can also enjoy the alluring art forms of each tribe, including their unique dance forms, music, different cuisines and many more.
Best Time to Visit Chandel: October to March
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Pelling (Sikkim)
A hilly hamlet at the foothills of Kangchenjunga, Pelling is the ultimate hill station where travellers can find numerous options for trekking, hiking, river rafting and many more adventures like these. A stroll around the age-old monasteries of Buddhism, soaking in the beauty of waterfalls, and an adventurous walk on the not-so-old country’s first glass skywalk, a trip to Pelling is considered to be the best part of exploring North East India in the summertime.
Best Time to Visit Pelling: September to May
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Cherrapunjee (Meghalaya)
One of the prettiest hill stations in North East India, Cherrapunjee is home to spectacular waterfalls, unspoilt forested valleys and the famous living root bridge. Located in the southwest of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, this small town is known as the “abode of clouds.” The lush green landscapes of the East Khasi Hills along with the gushing waterfalls look breathtaking from the mist-covered roads while sipping hot tea at a roadside stall. And, needless to say, a short hike to the living root bridge, one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya will offer you some of the best memories to cherish forever.
Best Time to Visit Cherrapunjee: October to February
Also Check Out: Complete Meghalaya Tourism Guide
Gangtok (Sikkim)
The must visit place in Northeast India, Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is an amazing place to plan your upcoming refreshing North East India trip. Gangtok is located at a height of 1,650 metres above sea level. The word Gangtok means hilltop and on a bright sunny day when you will watch the breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, you will feel like you are watching it from the top of a hill. A perfect place for a honeymoon tour, Gangtok also attracts several adventure seekers, trekkers and campers, who like to trek to the Himalayan Mountain ranges in Sikkim.
Best Time to Visit Gangtok: September to October and March to June
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Mawsynram (Meghalaya)
The list of top 8 hill stations cannot be concluded without a mention of this beautiful hill station, Mawsynram. Located in Meghalaya, around 60 kilometres from Shillong, Mawsynram is known as the wettest region in the world as it holds a Guinness World Record for witnessing almost 26,000 mm of rainfall in 1985. The verdant village attracts nature lovers from all over the world who are fond of the monsoon and its vibrant farms, friendly people and a pure form of nature.
Best Time to Visit Mawsynram: September to November
Other Interesting Blog to Read
The above eight hill stations in North East India are less explored, full of nature and covered by ancient tribal groups and moreover, these all are the must-visit places in India. Exploring the tourist attractions in these hill stations, moreover, experiencing the colourful cultures of the region, tasting different cuisines and watching stunning landscapes and clear views of mountains and lush greenery – are all a traveller can remember for a lifetime.
Other Interesting Hill Stations Travel Guide Blogs
Also Explore Popular North East India Destination Tour Packages
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best time to explore the hill stations in North East India?
The months between November and May are the best time to explore the hill stations in North East India. As during the rest of the year, there is always a probability of rainfall which may affect several things to do in these hill stations.
Which are the top hill stations to explore in North East India?
Some of the best hill stations to explore in North East India are:
- Gangtok
- Pelling
- Cherrapunjee
- Mawsynram
- Ziro
- Shillong
- Haflong
- Chandel
Which is the only hill station in Assam?
Attracting birdwatchers from all over the world in a huge number for years, Haflong is the only hill station in Assam. For more details, check out our website for packages to visit Assam and its best tourist spots along with the best things to do in Haflong.
About the author
From the ‘City of Joy,’ Kolkata, Nandini Bhattacharya is a Travel Writer by profession and traveller by passion. She loves to explore places around the world, new cultures, different cuisines and all new things that one can learn outside the home. She also loves to document her journey so that people can be inspired and travel more. Nandini is a nature lover and talks about sustainable tourism. She wants to make this world a good place where people can live healthy and happily.
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