The Northeast is one of the most beautiful places in India to explore. With its majestic mountains, lovely forests, and serene landscapes, this region is a treasure chest of surreal beauty that one must experience in this lifetime. From the misty mountains of Meghalaya to the enchanting valleys of Sikkim, the Northeast is a paradise for all nature lovers and adventure seekers, for sure. Whether you’re looking for trekking trails, scenic vistas, or a chance to unwind, the Northeast has something for everyone! Here are 5 surreal places to visit in Northeast India.
Surreal Places To Visit In Northeast India
1. Nongriat Village, Meghalaya
Nongriat is an underrated paradise in the Northeast, which is famous for its double-decker living root bridges, formed naturally by intertwining banyan tree roots over centuries. Surrounded by lush tropical forests, the village offers some of the most unique travel experiences in the Northeast. This includes crystal-clear blue pools and the enchanting waterfalls like Rainbow Waterfall. The trek to Nongriat involves about 3,000 steps through misty hills, which is known to immerse visitors in peace and nature’s magic. It’s a peaceful and extremely simple lifestyle, combined with star-studded nights, creates an unreal atmosphere that feels like a parallel universe away from modern life.
How To Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Shillong Airport, which is about 70-78 km from Cherrapunjee. From Shillong Airport, you need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Cherrapunjee in 2-3 hours.
- By Rail: The nearest major railway station is Guwahati Railway Station (150-160 km away). From Guwahati, visitors can take a bus or taxi to Shillong and then proceed to Cherrapunjee.
- By Road: From Cherrapunjee, take local transport such as shared taxis or private cars to Tyrna Village (18-20 km away). From Tyrna begins the trek down about 3,000 steep steps through dense forests to reach Nongriat Village, which takes about 1-2 hours of trekking.
Best Time To Visit: October to June
2. Zuluk, Sikkim
Zuluk is a hamlet perched in high-altitude, at around 10,000 feet on the historic Silk Route. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Eastern Himalayas and Mount Kanchenjunga. The iconic winding “Zuluk loops” hairpin roads carve through vibrant green valleys, creating an amazing visual that changes beautifully with the seasons. This remote village preserves Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage, giving it a surreal aura. The serene landscapes and cultural richness blend to transport visitors to a magical land.
How To Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Zuluk is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. From Bagdogra, travelers usually hire a private cab or take a shared taxi to Gangtok (around 4 hours), and then another taxi or shared vehicle from Gangtok to Zuluk.
- By Rail: The closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), approximately 135-160 km away. From NJP, one can take a shared jeep or taxi to Gangtok, then arrange further transport to Zuluk.
- By Road: Zuluk is accessible via a scenic mountain road from Gangtok (approx 90 km, 4-5 hours), passing through Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. The route includes the famous winding “Zuluk loops” with numerous hairpin bends.
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
3. Unakoti, Tripura
Unakoti is a mystical archaeological site deep in Tripura’s dense forests, famed for its gigantic 7th to 9th-century rock carvings and bas-reliefs of Shiva and other Hindu deities. Covered with moss and vines, the massive stone sculptures exude an aura of a forgotten sacred kingdom reclaimed by nature. This haunting blend of spirituality, history, and jungle surroundings creates a surreal experience, making visitors feel like they are walking through an ancient mythic world lost in time. Its remote location adds to the profound sense of mystery and reverence.
How To Reach:
- By Train: The nearest railway stations to Unakoti are Dharmanagar and Kumarghat. From Dharmanagar, shared jeeps, taxis, or local buses can be taken to reach Unakoti.
- By Road: Unakoti is accessible by road from towns like Dharmanagar and Kailashahar. Shared cars, taxis, or buses can be taken to the site.
- By Air: The nearest airport is in Agartala, (150-180 km away). From Agartala, travelers can take a train or bus, or hire taxis to reach Unakoti.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
4. Anini, Arunachal Pradesh
Anini is a secluded tribal town surrounded by dense forests and towering mountains, offering rare glimpses into pristine traditional cultures and untouched wilderness. It is a biodiversity hotspot with rare orchids and wildlife, nestled along the tranquil Dri River. The place exudes a peaceful vibe where one can experience harmony between nature and tribal traditions. It is one of the must-visit offbeat places to visit in the North East. Adventure and soulful cultural exploration combine here, creating a surreal escape into Arunachal’s remote natural heartland.
How To Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airports to Anini are Dibrugarh Airport and Tezpur Airport in Assam. From the airport, travelers can take a taxi or a bus to reach Roing, which is about 300 km from Anini.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Tinsukia in Assam. From Tinsukia, travelers can hire a taxi or take a bus to Roing and then proceed further to Anini by road.
- By Road: From Roing to Anini, the distance is about 235 km. Shared jeep (Sumo) services, buses, and taxis are available.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Pro Tip: Arunachal Pradesh requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for visitors, which can be obtained online or at entry points.
5. Mon Village, Nagaland
Mon Village is a vibrant Naga settlement set amidst misty mountainous hills and terraced fields, rich in tribal culture and ancient traditions. Famous for colorful festivals like the Morung and age-old folklore, it preserves the indigenous lifestyle and crafts in a rustic, serene setting. The interplay of rugged landscapes, tribal heritage, and the mystic fog creates a magical ambiance. Visiting Mon feels like stepping into a living museum of tribal arts and nature’s grandeur, offering a deeply surreal cultural immersion.
How To Reach:
By Air: There is no airport in Mon. The nearest airports are Jorhat Airport and Dibrugarh Airport in Assam, approximately 130-160 km away. From these airports, travelers need to hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mon via the town of Sonari or Naginimora.
By Rail: Mon has no railway station. The closest major railway stations are Dimapur (about 260 km from Mon) and Jorhat in Assam (about 145 km away). From these stations, visitors can take buses, shared taxis, or hire private vehicles to reach Mon
By Road: Mon is accessible by road mainly through Assam. From Sonari town (Assam), buses and shared taxis can be taken to reach Mon.
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Summing Up
Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or simply someone looking for a peaceful getaway, the Northeast is a destination that will leave you spellbound and wanting more. So plan now and experience the magic of this incredible region!
