Northeast Tour Packages

North East tour packages focus on exploring the majesty of the ‘Land of Seven Sisters’. This is the nickname that represents the easternmost states of India. Which include Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. Sikkim is also considered a part of the group, even though it makes the seven sisters’ title obsolete. Mostly because it acts as the only entryway to this remote region of the country. A region that remains landlocked by our international neighbors. Namely Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, Tibet, and China.

This makes the experience of North East India tourism seem like international travel. Since the region represents a unique heritage of the country. One that has developed without the influence of the traditional Indian identity. This is why this region hosts a unique culture, from language to clothes and even social norms. This culture is heavily influenced by the tribes that still thrive in this region. Each state has a host of tribes, which have their own identity and customs.

This is great for people who love to travel, as North East tour packages give them a special experience without having to go abroad. Even international travelers can enjoy North East India tour packages. As they get a small taste of the rest of southeast Asia while still remaining in India. This taste can come in the form of budget trekking trips, or luxury resort experiences. Or even curated honeymoon packages in the lap of the Himalayas. All depending on your budget, and personal preferences.

North East Indian States

Before you explore the holiday tour packages offered under North East India tourism. Let us first give you a brief introduction to the states that make up North East India.

Sikkim

Sikkim is one of the smallest states in the country. And one of the last ones to join the country after independence. Yet, it holds great political and strategic importance to the sovereignty of India. As it acts as the only access point to the rest of the seven sister states. The people that live in this state are a blend of Nepalis, Bhutias, and Lepchas. They live in harmony amongst each other and with nature. Since almost 35% of the state comes under the Khangchendzonga National Park. And features Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak on Earth. This makes it a great destination for people who love trekking and the wilderness.

Assam

Assam is the first state you reach once you go past Sikkim. Famous for being the ‘Tea Basket of India’, this state is also blessed by the Brahmputra river. It is the home of the Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That features rare animal species like the One-horned Rhinoceros and the Ganges Dolphins. This alone makes it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in North East India. The state has a big focus on eco-tourism. Since it has everything from lush mountains to tropical rainforests, and wetland ecosystems. This makes it a must-see stop in any North East tour packages.

Arunachal Pradesh

Known as the ‘Land of the Dawn-lit Mountains’, and the ‘Orchid State of India’. Arunachal Pradesh is the biggest state in North East India. And the perfect destination for nature lovers. It is one of the most complex biodiversity zones in the world. With over 5000 species of plants, 750 species of birds, and over 200 species of mammals. Including 4 apex predators; the tiger, leopard, snow leopard, and the clouded leopard. For people looking for a more human touch, it also has the largest Buddhist monastery in India. Since it is the birthplace of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. The state has something for everyone and is a jewel of North East India tourism.

Meghalaya

If getting wet in the rain is something that suits your style, then Meghalaya is the best place for you. Known as the ‘Abode of the Clouds’, it features the ‘wettest place in the world’. We are of course talking about Cherrapunji. Which has a dense subtropical environment, with lush forests and lots of waterfalls. It also features extensive cave systems and famous living root bridges. This is just one highlight of the state. Which also has dozens of rivers, mineral-rich mountains, and extremely rare wildlife. The people that live here care a lot about their environment. This is why the state is also the home of Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia. All this makes it a must-visit spot on any North East tour packages.

Nagaland

For those more in tune with people than nature, Nagaland is a great holiday destination. It is the home of the infamous Naga warriors. As well as 16 other tribes that call this state their home. This makes it a great place to explore the unique culture of North East India. The Hornbill Festival is always a big draw for tourists. Who wish to see all these tribes come together to celebrate their rich heritage. Each tribe displays their unique dance forms, folk songs, art and indigenous games. As well as the delicious food that is out of this world. If crowds aren’t your thing, you can take a calming safari at the Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary. Or go trekking in the Dzukou Valley. No matter what you like, Nagaland has something for you.

Manipur

Manipur has mountains on all sides and hosts four different river basins. This gives it a unique diversity of flora, fauna, and soil types. Being closely linked to our neighbors in the east, it also has a variety of cultural influences. Despite all this, it is also one of the lesser-known eastern states. This can be attributed to the presence of lots of insurgent groups in the region. Despite this, the state sustains a rich cultural heritage. Which blends ancient local traditions with a deep regard for nature. If nothing else, you must visit this region for its fiery foods. The most famous of which is the Blue Jolokia, also known as the Ghost Pepper.

Mizoram

Mizoram is the ‘Land of the Hill People’ because it has the highest population of tribal people. Who live in dense bamboo forests and picturesque plantations. It is also a great place to visit for adventure travelers. As it hosts the Mountain National Park, the Murlen National Park, and the Dampa Tiger Reserve. For general sightseeing, you can also go to the Hmuifang Hills, the Vantawng Falls, or Palak Lake. The state is sandwiched between Bangladesh and Myanmar. So you also get a wide variety of international cultural influences. All of which makes this a unique place to explore.

Tripura

Surrounded by Bangladesh on three sides, Tripura is one of the lesser-known states. But once you visit it, you will be awed by its rich history and natural bounty. The state is home to the Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary. As well as the beautiful Jampui Hils. It also features lots of temples, heritage sites, and museums. You can even visit the Royal Ujjayanta Palace to see the aristocratic history of the region. This balance of nature and culture makes it perfect for tourists. Who are looking for something new and unknown.

How to Reach North East India

Once you have decided where you want to go for your North East holiday, you can start looking into how to get there. This can be a tricky task, as North-East states are relatively isolated from the rest of the country. There are many routes to reach your destination. But there are certain things that you need to keep in mind while traveling to the North East.

Travel Permits for North East India

Most states in the North East are free to enter for everyone. But you will need a special permit to visit Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunanchal Pradesh. Known as Inner Line Permits. You will also need one if you are going to Mizoram by road, and need to go through Nagaland. These are available through travel agents as well as government offices.

For international tourists, the restrictions are a bit more pronounced. They have to get a Protected Area Permit to visit Arunanchal Pradesh and Sikkim. They won’t need a permit in the case of Nagaland, Manipur, and Mirozam. But they will need to register at the Foreigner Registeration Office. Within 24 hours of arrival. Make sure you keep all this in mind while planning. Once you have your permits, you can begin looking at your route options.

Travel By Air:

People travelling by air are in luck, as the seven sisters are easily reachable by air. Major airports are present in Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura. You can get direct flights easily from any of the major airports in the country. Through various airlines, like Air India, GoAir, AirAsia, IndiGo, and Vistara. Arunanchal Pradesh doesn’t have an airport. The closest flight options are for Lilabari Airport, Tezpur Airpot, or Dibrugarh Airport.

Travel By Train:

People travelling by train are recommend to make West Bengal their starting point. As you can get easy connectivity to most states through Kolkata. Assam and Arunanchal Pradesh have the best connectivity options. With fast trains like Rajdhani Express, Brahamputra Mail, and North East Express. Mizoram and Meghalaya sadly don’t have any rail connectivity. The closest you can get by train is Guwahati. It is the same case with Sikkim. With the closest option being Jalpaigui in West Bengal. Tripura also has limited connectivity, with most traffic going through one major station. Known as the Kumarghat Railway Station. One thing to remember is that most trains in this region are not electrified, so delays can occur.

Travel By Road:

Travel by road is the best option for easy connectivity between all 8 states. The major National Highways are no. 31, 37, 38, and 40. You can either drive there yourself, or take bus services from Siliguri or Guwahati. Depending on your destination. There are also taxi services available for tourists, but they are quite expensive.

Best Time to see North East India

The good thing about North East India tourism is that it remains open throughout the year. You can visit the states at any time of the year and will be greeted by favorable climate. The monsoons usually last between July and September, with the rest of the year being cool and dry. So, you can pick your timings depending on whether you like rain or not. One thing to keep in mind is that north east tour packages become a bit more expensive in the early summer. As tourist activity increases in the region during this time. If you want to avoid that, we recommend visiting in early winter, once the monsoons are over. This way you can avoid the risk of flooding and landslides.

Outdoor Activities in North East India

A big part of the North East India tourism experience is outdoor activities. You can always have fun at festivals and tourist attractions. But they also cost a lot of money. To get the most out of a tight budget, you should include lots of outdoor activities in your itinerary. Thankfully, the North East provides a lot of options for that. Let us explore a few.

Trekking

From small hills and meandering valleys, to the third tallest mountain in the world. The North East has a lot of options when it comes to trekking. Depending on your skill level, you can explore one or more of these treks with your friends and family group. Each state has lots of options for both hard mountain treks, as well as leisurely forest strolls. Just make sure you take an experienced guide with you. Since there is always a risk of getting lost in the mountains.

River Rafting

The seven sisters feature dozens of big and small rivers that saturate the region. This even includes the Brahamputra, one of the most violent rivers in the country. So, you can easily find lots of places offering river rafting as an outdoor activity. For experienced rafters, we would recommend going straight to Arunanchal Pradesh. As it features both the Brahamputra with its wide and deep currents. As well as Subansiri river, with its fast rapids. If this is what you like, avoid visiting in the monsoons, as the rivers are quite unpredictable at that time.

Camping

Even if you don’t like doing physical exertion, the outdoors are still a great place to relax in. You can choose north east tour packages that offer luxury camping as an option. This is a great way to explore the region, as there are many national parks and wildlife reserves open to the public. Since the region is relatively less developed, there is also not much light pollution. So, you get spectacular views of the stars at night.