Gangtok | Sikkim | MG Road, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake | April–June, Oct–Dec136 | Himalayan views, vibrant markets, Buddhist culture |
Shillong | Meghalaya | Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak | March–June, Oct–Dec146 | “Scotland of the East”, music scene, Khasi culture |
Cherrapunjee (Sohra) | Meghalaya | Nohkalikai Falls, Living Root Bridges, Caves | Oct–May346 | Highest rainfall, unique root bridges, limestone caves |
Kaziranga National Park | Assam | Jeep safaris, One-horned Rhinos, Birdwatching | Nov–Apr2356 | UNESCO site, rhino & tiger spotting, elephant rides |
Guwahati | Assam | Kamakhya Temple, Brahmaputra River, Umananda | Oct–Apr456 | River cruises, spiritual festivals, river island visit |
Ziro Valley | Arunachal Pradesh | Paddy fields, Ziro Music Festival, Apatani culture | Oct–Apr137 | Tribal culture, music festival, sustainable farming |
Tawang | Arunachal Pradesh | Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Nuranang Falls | Mar–June, Oct–Nov236 | Second largest monastery, high-altitude lakes, Buddhist rituals |
Aizawl | Mizoram | Durtlang Hills, Vantawng Falls, State Museum | Year-round17 | Mizo traditions, panoramic hill views, local crafts |
Darjeeling | West Bengal | Tea gardens, Toy Train, Tiger Hill | Mar–May, Oct–Nov89 | Himalayan sunrise, colonial heritage, UNESCO railway |
Kurseong | West Bengal | Tea gardens, Ambotia Shiva Mandir, Orchids | Mar–May, Oct–Nov19 | “Land of White Orchids”, tranquil hill station |
Kolkata | West Bengal | Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Indian Museum | Oct–Mar89 | Colonial architecture, Durga Puja, vibrant city life |
Puri & Bhubaneswar | Odisha | Jagannath Temple, Sun Temple (Konark), Beaches | Oct–Feb89 | Rath Yatra, ancient temples, coastal cuisine |
Bodh Gaya & Nalanda | Bihar | Mahabodhi Temple, Nalanda ruins | Oct–Mar89 | Buddhist pilgrimage, ancient university ruins |
Majuli Island | Assam | Satras (monasteries), River island life | Oct–Apr79 | Largest river island, Vaishnavite culture, mask-making |
Sundarbans | West Bengal | Mangrove forests, Tiger Reserve, Boat Safaris | Nov–Feb9 | Royal Bengal Tiger, unique ecosystem, village stays |