Top 5 must-visit hill stations in Northeast India (Updated 2021)
Pick and prepare for a much-needed vacation away from the scorching sun this summer
We are making great strides towards summer. Sun, theme parks, and water parks are within your grasp! But where are the best destinations that promise an unforgettable summer vacation? I’ve looked around especially for this year and want to give you valuable tips on the way. To help you plan your vacation, I have selected the top 5 must-visit Northeast Indian hill stations in 2021.
1. Darjeeling - The beauty of the Himalayan valley
If you are fond of traveling to different tourist places and want to spend a few moments of leisure in the beautiful plains of nature, then Darjeeling can be one of your favorite places.
Darjeeling is currently considered a part of West Bengal. Spread over an area of 3149 square kilometers, the northern part of this city is adjacent to Nepal and Sikkim. Situated at an altitude of 6812 feet above sea level, it is quite difficult to describe the beauty of this city in words.
The journey to Darjeeling located in West Bengal starts with a city called New Jalpaiguri. The view of the beautiful snow-capped mountains located here is quite enchanting. The toy train here adds to its beauty.
The scenic view of the tea garden and the pine forests is worth watching. From spending time on Tiger Hill to the Natural History Museum, many things are enough to please the people coming here.
Many places in Darjeeling attract tourists to this place. Let us tell you about some of the selected magnet centers of attraction here.
Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill attracts a lot of tourists traveling to Darjeeling. Both Kanchenjungha and Everest peaks can be seen from Tiger Hill. There is a difference of only 827 feet in height of these two peaks.
Tiger Hill is located at a distance of fourteen kilometers from Darjeeling, whose height is said to be 2,770 meters. From here the panoramic view of the sunrise can be seen.
Toy Train
The Himalayan toy train of Darjeeling is considered a major center of tourist attraction. This unique train was built in the late 19th century. This Himalayan railway, 70 kilometers long, is included in the list of World Heritage by UNESCO.
It travels from Darjeeling to New Jalpaiguri on short line tracks. The main pleasure of Tiger Hill is in riding the toy train. You will find many people riding on it every morning. While traveling by this train, you can enjoy the natural views around it.
Tea Gardens
Darjeeling was once famous for its spices and now Darjeeling is known worldwide for tea.
Almost all the tea gardens present here have their own history. Along with this, the tea variety of each tea plantation is also different.
Looking at the green tea plantations spread far and wide, it seems as if a green sheet has been laid on the ground. Seeing the pleasant and blue sky of the beautiful litigants here, the tourists cannot live without sigh.
Jaivik Udyan (Biological garden)
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Biological Park is located to the right of the Mountaineering Institute. The park is famous for breeding program of snow leopard and panda. You can also see Siberian tiger and Tibetan wolf here.
Tibetan Refugee Camp
The Tibetan Refugee Camp was established in 1959 AD. A year earlier in 1958, the Dalai Lama sought refuge from India. In this camp, the 13th Dalai Lama (currently the 14th Dalai Lama) spent his exile from 1910 to 1912.
Today this Refugee Camp is a shelter for 650 Tibetan families. These Tibetan people sell various kinds of goods here.
2. Cherapunji -The place with the highest rainfall
Cherrapunji is a scenic city in Meghalaya, which is the only place in India that receives rainfall throughout the year. Cherrapunji is not only known for its rainfall all over the country but it is also popular for its natural scenery. If you like the rainy season or you want to visit some natural place then you must visit Cherrapunji once. Cherrapunji is also addressed as Sohra in Meghalaya. Habi is famous for its attractive sites, including Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Nohkalikai Falls, Mavsamai Cave, etc.
Nohkalikai Waterfalls
Nohkalikai Waterfalls is a famous waterfall situated near Cherrapunji which is known as the fourth highest waterfall in the world. It is visited by a large number of tourists. The Nohkalikai waterfalls are considered the pride of the state of Meghalaya. If you are coming to visit the tourist places of Cherrapunji then you must come to see the Nohkalikai Falls falling from a height of 335 meters.
Nohsngithiang Falls
Nohshangthiang Falls is an attractive waterfall situated about 4 km from Cherrapunji, which is named in the list of India’s highest waterfalls. If you are going to visit Cherrapunji then you must go to see this beautiful waterfall. Nohshangthiang Falls is located in the village of Mavsai in Meghalaya, in which the waterfalls from a height of about 1033 feet and is divided into seven parts. Since the water of this spring is divided into seven parts, it is also called Seven Sister Waterfall. The fascinating view of Nohshangthiang Falls can be seen only during the rains.
Double Decker Living Root Bridge
The double-decker living route bridge is a major attraction of Cherrapunji in India, which is situated in a dense forest. It is a natural bridge that is about 50 meters long and 1.5 meters wide. The double-decker living root bridge is an amazing example of nature and engineering that attracts a large number of tourists. It is situated above the Umshiang River of Adbhud Bridge which you must visit to see. The double-decker living root bridge is said to be more than 200 years old and can be used by only 50 people at a time.
If you are planning to visit this bridge, then tell you that to reach it, you have to descend the 3500-3600 steps from the hill, which may take 3-4 hours.
Mawsmai Cave
Mawsmai Cave is home to the most amazing and mysterious cave systems located near Cherrapunji - attracting large number of tourists, Mavsai Cave is a very popular site of Cherrapunji, which tourists must visit. This cave is located just 6 km from Cherrapunji. The length of this cave is only 150 meters, which is not much longer than other caves in this region. The major attraction of this cave is the fauna and flora found in it.
3. Shillong
Surrounded by Brahmputra and Surma Valley, Shillong boasts unique natural beauty in its range. The lush greenery, beautiful valleys, waving rivers, and waterfalls covered with numerous pine trees on the mountains fascinate the tourists. Shillong is also known for ancient buildings with the beauty of nature.
Shillong is a beautiful tourist destination of Meghalaya. Where you can see the clouds closely. They can also be felt by touching them. If you want to spend time in a beautiful place of nature, you must visit Shillong.
Shillong Peak
Shillong Peak is the highest peak of Shillong. It is 10 km away from the city. Its height is 1970 meters above sea level. From this peak, you can see the whole beautiful view of Shillong city. Tourists are interested in sightseeing from Shillong Peak. For this reason, millions of tourists from all over the country visit here. The Indian Air Force radar also dwells here. The soldiers of the Indian force protect the tourists from all kinds of troubles. The scenic view of the city can be seen from the premises of the Indian Air Force.
Elephant Falls
Elephant Fall is a popular tourist destination of Shillong, located 8 km from the city. You will be mesmerized by seeing the view of beautiful roads. The local name of this waterfall is 'Kashaid Lai Pateng Khohsue’, which means waterfalls in three steps.
4. Gangtok — City of Monks
The city of Gangtok is the largest city of Sikkim. Located at an altitude of 1437 meters above the Shivalik hills in the Eastern Himalayan Range, Gangtok is a major attraction among tourists visiting Sikkim. After the construction of the monastery named Enchey in the year 1840, the city of Gangtok also began to become popular as a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Gangtok is also known as the city of mountains. If you want to see the view above the mountain, then rope-way facility is available in the main market here. Trekking, mountaineering, river rafting and other sports can also be enjoyed here.
Gangtok has many monestaries, where information about Buddhism will be found.
The view of Kanchanjunga, the world’s third largest peak, can be seen from Gangtok. Due to the dense forests of Gangtok, the weather there becomes pleasant. Oak, caniferous, alpine and bamboo trees can be seen in these forests. If we talk about flowers, then there is a very special variety of orchid. From November to December, you can see more flowers here. Such as sunflower, marigold and poinsettia etc.
5. Pelling
From casual travelers to adventurous ones, Pelling and its tourist spots satisfy everyone! It has a history that makes you imagine the old days, the natural beauty that calms the soul, and the gushing waterfalls that make a perfect lullaby for soul.
Rimbi Waterfall
The Rimbi waterfall is more than a feast for the eyes. The glistening waterfall turns into the Rimbi River, which is visited often by locals and tourists for various pastimes such as swimming and fishing. Even if you don’t do fishing, you must try Aasaala fish found only there.
Khecheopalri Lake
A serene and spectacular attraction, Lake Khecheopalri also has religious importance. Buddhists and Hindus consider this lake divinely. Also, for hikers and adventurers, it is one of the best places to visit in Pelling.
Visit one of these hill stations this summer to feel relieved of the scorching sun. Enjoy the comfort of the scenic beauty of nature. Visit Northeast India.
