Top 8 Tourist Places in North East India, 2024 Calling!
Are you looking for a refreshing and adventurous getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you want to explore the hidden gems of India that are rich in culture, nature, and history? If yes, then you should definitely plan a trip to the north eastern part of India, where you can witness the beauty and diversity of this region.
The best places to visit in north east India of eight states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Each state has its own unique charm and attractions that will leave you spellbound. From the majestic Himalayas to the lush green valleys, from the ancient temples to the modern cities, from the wildlife sanctuaries to the living root bridges, there is something for everyone in this region.
One of the best ways to travel to the north eastern part of India is by train. You can enjoy the scenic views of the countryside, the changing landscapes, and the local culture along the way.
Let’s check famous places in north east India that you can visit by train. These places will give you a glimpse of the amazing and diverse aspects of this region. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip to the north eastern part of India.
GANGTOK, SIKKIM
If you are looking for a refreshing and adventurous getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, you should definitely visit Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Gangtok is a scenic hill station that offers a spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Gangtok is also a gateway to several wonderful treks and mountain passes. You can explore the rich culture and history of this region by visiting the various attractions such as Nathula Pass, MG Road, Tsomgo Lake, and monasteries.
One of the best ways to reach Gangtok is by train. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, West Bengal, which is around 148 kilometers from Gangtok. The railway station is well connected with the major cities like Kolkata and New Delhi. Some of the trains that run on this route are Sikkim Mahananda Express, North East Express, Udaipur City-New Jalpaiguri Weekly Express and Brahmaputra Mail. From New Jalpaiguri, you can easily get a taxi or cab (take around 4-5 hours) for Gangtok. State-run buses are also available but they take longer (around 6-7 hours).
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SHILLONG, MEGHALAYA
Another place that you should not miss in your trip to the north eastern part of India is Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. Shillong is known as the ‘Scotland of the East’ because of its resemblance to the Scottish highlands. Shillong is a charming city surrounded by pine trees and hills, and has a pleasant climate throughout the year. Shillong has many places to visit such as Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Laitlum Canyons, and Don Bosco Museum.
Umiam Lake is a large man-made reservoir that offers boating, kayaking, and water skiing activities. Elephant Falls is a three-tiered waterfall that is named after a rock that resembles an elephant. Laitlum Canyons is a scenic spot that offers a panoramic view of the valley and the misty hills. Don Bosco Museum is a cultural museum that showcases the history, art, and culture of the north eastern tribes.
To reach Shillong, you can take a train to Guwahati Railway Station, which is the nearest railway station to Shillong. It is about 135 km away from Shillong. The Guwahati Railway Station is well connected to major cities in India via an extensive rail network. Some of the trains that run on this route are Sikkim Mahananda Express, North East Express, Udaipur City-New Jalpaiguri Weekly Express and Brahmaputra Mail. From Guwahati, you can easily get a taxi or cab for Shillong. It takes around 4 hours to reach Shillong by road.
DARJEELING, WEST BANGAL
If you love tea, mountains, and heritage, then you should not miss Darjeeling, one of the most popular hill stations in India. Darjeeling is famous for its tea gardens, where you can see the workers plucking the fresh leaves and learn about the tea processing. You can also taste the world-renowned Darjeeling tea, which has a unique aroma and flavor. Darjeeling is also home to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The toy train, as it is fondly called, runs on a narrow gauge track and offers a scenic ride through the hills and valleys. You can enjoy the views of the Himalayas, especially the majestic Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, from various points in Darjeeling.
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Some of the places where you can get a glimpse of the snow-capped mountains are Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Tiger Hill is a famous sunrise point, where you can witness the changing colors of the sky and the mountains. Batasia Loop is a spiral railway track, where the toy train makes a loop around a war memorial and a garden. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a museum and a training centre for mountaineering enthusiasts. You can see the exhibits of various expeditions and equipment, and also visit the zoo that houses some rare Himalayan animals.
To reach Darjeeling by train, you have to first reach New Jalpaiguri (NJP), the nearest railway station, which is about 88 km away from Darjeeling. NJP is well connected to major cities in India by an extensive rail network. Some of the trains that run on this route are DBRT Rajdhani, Mahananda Express, Brahmaputra Mail, Avadh Assam Express, and North East Express. From NJP, you can either take a taxi or a bus to Darjeeling, which will take about 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, you can also take the toy train from NJP to Darjeeling, which will take about 7 hours, but will give you a memorable experience of the mountain railway.
NORTH SIKKIM, SIKKIM
If you are looking for a remote and beautiful region, where you can experience the stunning landscapes and harsh conditions of the Himalayas, then you should visit North Sikkim, Sikkim. North Sikkim is a district of Sikkim that shares its borders with China and Nepal. It is a sparsely populated area, where you can witness the pristine nature and the rich culture of the Sikkimese people. North Sikkim has some of the most amazing attractions that will leave you spellbound. Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in India, is a sacred lake that is believed to have healing powers. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers a breathtaking view. Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers, is a paradise for nature lovers. The valley is filled with colorful flowers, especially during spring, and has a hot spring, a river, and a forest. You can also visit Lachung, a picturesque village that serves as a base for exploring the valley.
To reach North Sikkim by train, you have to first reach New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal, which is the nearest railway station to Sikkim. NJP is well connected to major cities in India by an extensive rail network. Some of the trains that run on this route are DBRT Rajdhani, Mahananda Express, Brahmaputra Mail, Avadh Assam Express, and North East Express. From NJP, you have to take a taxi or a bus to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, which is about 120 km away. From Gangtok, you have to obtain a permit to visit North Sikkim, as it is a restricted area. You can get the permit through a registered travel agent or a local authority. You can also book a tour package that includes the permit and the transportation. From Gangtok, you can take a taxi or a bus to North Sikkim, which will take about 6 to 8 hours, depending on the road conditions and the weather.
KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK, ASSAM
If you are a wildlife lover, then you should not miss Kaziranga National Park, Assam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kaziranga National Park is home to the one-horned rhinoceros, which is one of the most endangered species in the world. The park also hosts a variety of other animals, such as tigers, elephants, buffaloes, deer, and bears. You can enjoy jeep safaris, elephant rides, and birdwatching here, and get a close encounter with the wild creatures. Kaziranga National Park is also known for its diverse flora and fauna, and its scenic landscapes of grasslands, wetlands, and forests.
To reach Kaziranga National Park by train, you have to first reach Guwahati, which is the nearest major railway station to the park. Guwahati is well connected to major cities in India by an extensive rail network. Some of the trains that run on this route are DBRT Rajdhani, Mahananda Express, Brahmaputra Mail, Avadh Assam Express, and North East Express. From Guwahati, you can take a bus or a taxi to Kaziranga National Park, which is about 200 km away. The journey will take about 4 to 5 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
UNAKOTI, TRIPURA
If you are interested in ancient art and culture, then you should visit Unakoti, Tripura, a historical and religious site that features rock carvings and murals of Hindu gods and goddesses. Unakoti literally means one less than a crore (10 million), and it is believed that there are that many sculptures here, carved on the hills and rocks. The origin and the creator of these sculptures are unknown, but there are many legends and myths associated with them. Some say that they were made by a sculptor named Kallu, who wanted to accompany Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to Mount Kailash. Some say that they were made by Lord Shiva himself, who cursed his followers to turn into stone for not waking up on time. Whatever the truth may be, Unakoti is a fascinating place that showcases the artistic and spiritual heritage of India.
To reach Unakoti, Tripura by train, you have to first reach Agartala, the capital of Tripura, which is connected with various cities of the country through daily domestic flights. From Agartala, you can either go to Kumarghat or Dharamnagar, which are the nearest railway stations to Unakoti. They are about 26 km and 32 km away from Unakoti, respectively. The railway stations are well connected with the major cities like Kolkata and New Delhi. Some of the trains that run on this route are Sikkim Mahananda Express, North East Express, Udaipur City-New Jalpaiguri Weekly Express and Brahmaputra Mail. From Kumarghat or Dharamnagar, you can easily get a taxi or a bus to Unakoti, which will take about an hour.
Train Passengers can order food on the Mahananda Express train online using Zoop
KOHIMA, NAGALAND
Another destination that you should explore in your trip to the north eastern part of India is Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. Kohima is a hill town that has a rich cultural and historical heritage. It is the home of the Angami Nagas, one of the major tribes of Nagaland. Kohima was the site of a fierce battle between the British and the Japanese forces during World War II, which is commemorated by the War Cemetery, where the graves of the fallen soldiers are located. Kohima is also known for its vibrant festivals, especially the Hornbill Festival, which is celebrated every year in December. The Hornbill Festival showcases the culture, cuisine, and crafts of the various Naga tribes. You can also visit the Naga Bazaar, where you can buy local products, such as bamboo handicrafts, shawls, and jewellery.
To reach Kohima by train, you have to first reach Dimapur, which is the nearest railway station to Kohima. It is about 74 km away from Kohima. Dimapur is well connected to major cities in India by an extensive rail network. Some of the trains that run on this route are Sikkim Mahananda Express, North East Express, Udaipur City-New Jalpaiguri Weekly Express and Brahmaputra Mail. From Dimapur, you can take a bus or a taxi to Kohima, which will take about 2.5 hours.
Passengers can order food on the Brahmputra Mail 14056 train online at the Zoop website or APP.
CHERRAPUNJI, MEGHALAYA
If you are a nature lover, then you should visit Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, the wettest place on earth. Cherrapunji is known for its waterfalls, caves, and living root bridges, which are natural wonders that will amaze you. Cherrapunji has some of the highest waterfalls in India, such as Nohkalikai Falls, Kynrem Falls, and Seven Sisters Falls. You can also explore the caves, such as Mawsmai Cave, Krem Liat Prah, and Krem Mawmluh, which are among the longest and deepest caves in the world. The most unique attraction of Cherrapunji is the living root bridges, which are made by the locals using the roots of rubber trees. The most famous one is the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, which has two levels of bridges and can hold up to 50 people at a time. You can trek to this bridge from the village of Tyrna, which is about 20 km from Cherrapunji.
To reach Cherrapunji by train, you have to first reach Guwahati, which is the nearest major railway station to Cherrapunji. It is about 150 km away from Cherrapunji5. Guwahati is well connected to major cities in India by an extensive rail network. Some of the trains that run on this route are Sikkim Mahananda Express, North East Express, Udaipur City-New Jalpaiguri Weekly Express and Brahmaputra Mail. From Guwahati, you can take a bus or a taxi to Cherrapunji, which will take about 4 to 5 hours.
Tips for Your North East India Train Journey
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog and learned more about the famous places in north east India that you can visit by train. The north eastern part of India is a treasure trove of culture, nature, and adventure, and you should not miss the opportunity to explore it. Whether you want to see the majestic mountains, the lush valleys, the ancient temples, or the modern cities, you will find something that suits your taste and budget in this region.
But before you embark on your journey, there is one more thing that you should know. How to get delicious food on your train? You might be wondering how to satisfy your hunger and cravings while traveling on a long-distance train. You might be worried about the quality and hygiene of the food that is available on the train or at the stations. You might be looking for a variety of cuisines and dishes that match your preferences and dietary needs.
Well, worry no more, because we have the perfect solution for you. ZOOP, the Food on Train delivery service, is here to make your train journey more enjoyable and hassle-free. ZOOP is an online platform that connects you with the best restaurants and food vendors near your train route.
You can order food from a wide range of options, such as Indian, Chinese, Continental, South Indian, Mughlai, and more. You can also choose from different categories, such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, beverages, and desserts. You can also customize your order according to your taste and preferences.