India has a surfeit of places to be explored with family. But, out of the many, here are a handful of winter destinations of Northeast India you can venture for the family vacations. An expedition to famous hill stations, amazing toy train rides, trekking opportunities and whatnot, complete your trip to this scenic part of the country.

Undoubtedly, there is nothing better than a family holiday in India to break the monotonous routine and leave all your worries behind. Comprising of numerous charms, a sojourn to these destinations during the winter season will strengthen your bond with your loved ones like never before!

Gangtok

Gangtok is a nature’s bounty. This capital city of Sikkim is a paramount choice to plan a summer vacation in India. The pristine town shrouded in clouds also acts as a base for trekkers heading towards the Himalayan mountain ranges. Lots of Tibetans-Buddhists get attracted to the place because of the innumerable religious, educational institutions and monasteries present here. Besides this, many newly wedded couples also prefer to spend their honeymoon in Gangtok.

Places to visit in Gangtok

• Nathu La Pass – the bond between Tibet and Sikkim
• Rumtek Monastery – the holiest place where traditional Buddhist rites are performed
• Ganesh Tok – Crawl like a baby to reach Ganesh Temple
• Tsongmo Lake – Admire the beauty of holy Tsongmo Lake which is worshipped by Sikkimese
• Ban Jhakri Falls – Examine the traditional sculptures and figures of the Jhakri culture

 What not to miss?

• Enjoy shopping and nightlife at MG Road
• Trekking to Kanchenjunga
• Reconnoiter the astonishing collection of relics of the Vajrayana Buddhism and Tibetan culture
• Cable Car ride to Gangtok
• Go for a Yak Safari

Check out Top 15 Things to do in Sikkim

Best Time to visit

April to June is the best time to visit Gangtok. However, it can also be visited in winters as well.

How to reach?

• By Air – Bagdora Airport (125.2 km)
• By Train – New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (117 km)
• By Road – Siliguri (115.9 km)

Get the maximum out of your winter holiday in Sikkim

Pelling

Escape the cities, admiring the panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga, interact with people of different religions and savor delicious cuisines; If this is all that you are expecting on your family vacation then Pelling is the right place for you.

Places to visit

• Sangachoeling Monastery – An essential highlight of the Buddhist Circuit
• Sewaro Rock Garden – best suited for a picnic with family
• Singhshore Bridge – highest bridge of Sikkim
• Rimbi Waterfall – soak in the natural beauty
• Kaluk – an unexplored heaven

What not to miss?

• Unwinding at the best homestays at Darap Village
• Bird watching
• Hiking
• Rope sliding at the Kanchenjunga Fall

Best Time to visit

Although Pelling can be visited any time of the year. However, it is best visited from Mid-February to June and September to December.

How to reach?

• By Air – Bagdora Airport (160 km)
• By Train – New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (152 km)
• By Road – Pelling is well connected via all the major road networks

Next, on the list of places to visit on your winter trip to India is Guwahati. The largest city of Assam is nestled beside the southern bank of river Brahmaputra. Home to plush fauna, the ‘Gateway to the North-East’ also owns a rich historical and cultural legacy. For this reason, the town remains a preferred choice of anyone planning family holidays in India.

Places to visit

• Kamakhya Temple – one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Goddess
• Umananda Temple – a temple on the peacock island dedicated to Lord Shiva
• Assam State Zoo – remarkable place to spot white tigers, swamp tapirs, one horned rhinos etc.
• Guwahati Planetarium – a treasure of knowledge for your kids
• ISKCON Guwahati – worshipping place of Lord Krishna

What not to miss?

• Visit Assam State Museum
• Take a trip to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
• A pilgrimage to Hajo
• Shopping at Fancy Bazar

Best Time to visit

The salubrious weather from October to March makes it the best time to visit Guwahati.

How to reach?

• By Air – Guwahati International Airport (20 km)
• By Train – Guwahati Junction (0 km)
• By Road – ISBT Guwahati (5.1 km)

Darjeeling

Luring innumerable newly wedded couples, travelers, holidaymakers, etc. Darjeeling is one of the spellbinding family destinations of Northeast India. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, the hill town is remarked for its tea industry. Above all, panoramic views of the world’s third highest mountain Kanchenjunga present a unique spectacle. Moreover, a toy train ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site urge couples to visit Darjeeling for a honeymoon.

Top Places to visit in Darjeeling

• Tiger Hill – matchless site to bask in the beauty of the ascending sun
• Batasia Loop – a spiral railway track where toy train takes a 360-degree turn
• Japanese Peace Pagoda – attain sheer tranquility here
• Nightingale Park – a park with a giant statue of Lord Shiva along with a musical fountain

 What not to miss?

• Toy train ride by Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
• Take some time out for the Rock Garden
• City Shopping
• Trekking
• Mountaineering

Best Time to visit

October to March is when tourist throng at Darjeeling

How to reach?

• By Air – Bagdora Airport (95 km)
• By Train – New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (62 km)
• By Road – Bus service from Siliguri (70 km)

[Plan your tour to Darjeeling with some tastefully crated Darjeeling Tour Packages]

Shillong

Shillong flaunts a myriad of places to sightsee. The famous hill station in India hosts various musical and cultural events from time to time. The capital city of Meghalaya provides relief from the scorching heat across the country. Enthralling mountain peaks, incredibly striking golf courses, pristine lakes, the zoo and museums make Shillong a must-visit place. As a matter of fact, planning honeymoon vacations in Shillong offers unforgettable experiences.

Places to visit

• Mawlynnong – Asia’s cleanest village
• Umiam Lake – a paradise for nature lovers
• Elephant Falls – three small falls merging into one
• Shillong Peak – the peaks behind the name of this hill station

What not to miss?

• Trekking at David Scott Trails
• Delight in the vivacious nightlife of Shillong

Best Time to visit

March to June offer best sightseeing opportunities.

How to reach?

• By Air – Guwahati Airport (115.0 km)
• By Train – Guwahati Railway Station (104 km)
• By Road – Bus services by Meghalaya Transport Service from Guwahati (99.5 km)

You can also check out Top 10 Places to Visit in Meghalaya

Kalimpong

Commanding views of the valley, Tibetan handicrafts, churches and Buddhists monasteries are the identical aspects of Kalimpong. The hill town remains in the bucket list of people who plan a summer vacation in India. However, this immaculate place can be visited any time of the year.

Places to visit

• Durpin Dara Hill – offers breathtaking view of the town
• Cactus Nursery – Exporter and cultivator of exotic beautiful flowers
• Galingka – facilitate the mesmerizing views of Kanchenjunga
• Deolo Hills – best for viewing the spectacular sunrise and sunset
• Thongsa Gompa – Oldest Bhutanese Monastery

What not to miss?

• River rafting in Teesta
• Buy souvenir from Teesta Bazar
• Hiking
• Understand the impact of human activities on nature
• Trekking

Best Time to visit

• March and April is the spring time offers best sightseeing
• May and June is the summer season and the peak season
• December to February is the winter season with less crowd

How to reach?

• By Air – Bagdora Airport (75 km)
• By Train – New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (70 km)
• By Road –Siliguri (65 km)

Cherapunji

Cherapunji houses some of the best waterfalls. This high-altitude town is one of the best places to visit for witnessing the living root bridges. Once known as the wettest place on the Earth, the sub divisional town is the traditional capital of Hima known as Shora or Churra.

Places to visit

• Nohkalikai Falls – tallest plunge waterfall
• Mawsmai Cave – darkest cave offering thrilling experience
• Dainthlen Falls – scenic waterfall with rock carvings of snake
• Thangkharang Park – a park positioned on the edge of a cliff
• Nohsngithiang Falls – fourth highest waterfall also known as the Seven Sister Falls

What not to miss?

• Trekking at Double Decker Living Root Bridge
• Cannoning
• Rock Climbing
• Camping

Best Time to visit

September to May are the ideal months to visit Cherapunji.

How to reach?

• By Air – Umroi Airport (91 km)
• By Train – Guwahati Railway Station (150 km)
• By Road –Shillong (55 km)

Check out Top 10 must visit Waterfalls in India

Tawang

Plan of a summer vacation in India never gets complete without visiting Tawang. Nature resides here in its purest form. The beautiful town is privileged to be the birthplace of Dalai Lama and houses several important monasteries. Tawang is a place which will cajole you with its natural magnificence shrouded in the aura of spirituality.

Places to visit

• Tawang Monastery – second largest monastery in the world
• Sela Pass and Lake – lifeline for Arunachal Pradesh
• Bap Teng Kang – an offbeat place with an awe-inspiring waterfall
• Gorichen Peak – highest peak of Arunachal Pradesh
• Tsomgo Lake – picturesque locale which spellbound the tourists

 What not to miss?

• Trekking
• Praying at Tawang Gompa
• Savor best cuisine at Dragon Restaurant
• Enjoy the evenings at Orange Restaurant and Lounge

Best Time to visit

Tawang is better visited in the months of October to July

How to reach?

• By Air – Salonibari Airport (317 km)
• By Train – Rangapara Railway Station (485 km)
• By Road – Bus service from Bomdila (171.2 km)

Majuli

Majuli is the best pick to plan winter holidays in India. World’s largest river island can change your perspective about an ideal vacation with family. A thrilling feeling of swaying over the Brahmaputra River to reach this destination is a matchless experience.  In addition to that, Raas, the main festival of the town is worth witnessing and renders the onlookers speechless. it is one of the best places to visit in June for summer vacation.

Places to visit

• Kamalabari Satra – famous locale that entices literature, art and cultural enthusiasts
• Gramur – one of the holy seats in town
• Dakhinpat Satra – ancient educational center
• Auniati Satra – a treasure box of traditional Assamese jewelry, utensils and handicrafts

What not to miss?

• Picnic at Tengapania

Best Time to visit

November to April are the ideal months to visit Majuli.

How to reach?

• By Air – Johrat Airport (50 km)
• By Train – Johrat (42.9 km)
• By Road – Johrat (44.0 km)

Agartala

Agartala is slowly emerging as a remarkable winter getaway in India. In spite of having so many mega structures, the second largest city in Northeast India maintains to be green and clean. If you’re pondering about the places to visit in December in India, then including Agartala on your bucket list is an absolute must. The town portrays a perfect blend of natural beauty together with rich and diverse culture.

Places to visit

• Ujjayanta Palace – a former royal palace currently serving as the meeting point of Tripura Legislative Assembly
• Tripurasundari Temple – One of the 51 Shakti Peeths
• Jampui Hill – a meeting with Mother Nature
• Neermahal Water Palace – a former royal palace amidst Rudrasagar

What not to miss?

• Visit The Tripura Government State Museum
• Trekking at Unakoti
• Wildlife Safari at Sepahijala Nature Reserve
• Explore Jagannath Bari
• Boat Riding

 Best Time to visit

October to February offer best sightseeing opportunities.

How to reach?

• By Air – Singerbhil Airport (10.8 km)
• By Train – Agartala Railway Station (6.5 km)
• By Road – Agartala (113 km)

Meghalaya

Owing to picturesque valleys, hills, caves, lakes and waterfalls, Meghalaya is undoubtedly a popular winter getaway in India. Translating into the ‘Abode of clouds’, the stunning state keeps the visitors amused with the best of sights, foods, activities and festivals. If not these, then the artistic weaving and intricate wood-carvings will definitely cast a spell on you. Meghalaya also top the list of best places to visit in October for scenic beauty, picturesque waterfalls.

Places to visit

• Mawsynram – one of the wettest place in the world
• Tura – a best-kept secret of Meghalaya
• Baghmara – a town replete with rich flora and fauna, lakes, hills and so much more

What not to miss?

• Soak-in the sublime beauty of the Jowai.
• Visit Williamnagar.
• Explore the Balpakram National Park.

Best Time to visit

Months between October and February provide opportunities to enjoy autumn as well as winter season. Hence, it is the best time to visit Meghalaya.

How to reach?

• By Air – Umroi or Shillong Airport (123.4 km)
• By Train – Guwahati Railway Station (188.2 km)
• By Road – Shillong (97.9 km)

[Check-out Tastefully crafted Meghalaya Tour Packages]

Dawki

 

Enjoying much of the fame because of a river of the same name, Dawki is a quaint town in Northeast India. The town helps your curate memories of a lifetime as you enjoy with your family while sailing across the Dwaki or Umngot River. Reckoned as one of the cleanest rivers in the world, Dwaki stream allows you to clearly see the bottom.

Places to visit

• Jaflong Zero Point – one of the tourist attractions in Meghalaya
• Dwaki Bridge – a suspension bridge over the Umngot River
• Rymben Falls – a small yet enchanting waterfall

What not to miss?

• Boating on the Dawki River.
• Camping
• Explore the Mawshun Cave.

Best Time to visit

The best time to visit Dwaki is between October and April, especially from December to January.

How to reach?

• By Air – Guwahati Airport (200 km)
• By Train – Guwahati Railway Station (171.9 km)
• By Road – Shillong (90 km)

Nagaland

Nagaland becomes alive during December. The reason is quite obvious! Celebrated for over 10 days, the most popular Hornbill Festival raises the fun quotient. Besides this, the never-ending exploration possibilities keep the entire family on toes. From wildlife sanctuaries to the heritage villages, you will find them all here. Indeed, Nagaland is one of the best places to visit this winter.

Places to visit

• Longwa Village Mon – home to a number of places to sightsee
• Dzukou Valley – famed as the Valley of Flowers, the valley lures adventure enthusiasts from all over the world
• Kachari Ruins – a series if mushroom domed pillars whose origin and purpose are mysterious
• Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary – a haven for wildlife lovers

What not to miss?

• Get glimpses of the lifestyle of the tribes dwelling in Nagaland during many of its fairs and festivals.
• Try your luck as you embark on an enthralling wildlife safari to spot the Hoolock Gibbon.
• Motor Biking
• Trekking
• Pay homage at well-known pilgrimage sites.

Best Time to visit

Although Nagaland can be visited throughout the year yet months between October and April are ideal to plan a visit.

How to reach?

• By Air – Dimapur Airport (243.3 km)
• By Train – Dimapur Railway Station (242.8 km)
• By Road – Assam (369.1 km)

Namdapha National Park

The largest protected area in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, the Namdapha National Park is fabled for various reasons. The third largest national park in India is an ideal place to get close to nature. Moreover, it is also an excellent spot to explore the wildlife at its best.

Places to visit

• Miao Museum – the museum preserves the specimens of the animal collected from the park
• Moti Jheel – a small jheel perched atop a plateau
• Miao Mini Zoo – a zoo with numerous animals
• Raja Jheel – a small stream in the valley

What not to miss?

• Enjoy an elephant safari.
• Trekking
• Boating
• Unwind in the lap of nature.
• Wildlife spotting.

Best Time to visit

October to March is the best time to visit the Namdapha National Park.

How to reach?

• By Air – Mohanbari Airport (160 km)
• By Train – Tinsukia Railway Station (140 km)
• By Road – Dibrugarh (227 km)

Mokokchung

Nestled atop a hill, Mokokchung is an attractive hill station with many of its charms. Oozing with freshness and uniqueness, the town is one of the best winter holiday destinations. The calm offbeat villages in the town are nothing less than a bliss for the seclusion seekers. Above all, the town allows you to rejuvenate yourself amidst the soothing environs and natural splendors.

Places to visit

• Ungma Village – the oldest tribal village
• Longkhum Village – a village hemmed in by pine trees and rhododendrons
• Baptist Mother Church – one of the biggest churches of Nagaland

What not to miss?

• Excursion to the Dikhu River.
• Unveil the mysteries of the Langpangkong Caves.
• Partake in the festivals celebrated in the village, especially Christmas.
• Unwind yourself at the Town Park.

Best Time to visit

Early summer and winter are the best seasons to visit Mokokchung. Keeping this mind, the months between October and April are ideal to plan a trip.

How to reach?

• By Air – Jorhat Airport (57 km)
• By Train – Mariani Railway Station (85 km)
• By Road – Kohima (147.7 km)

Family vacations, honeymoon vacations or holidays with friends can get more exciting if planned at these best places in Northeast India.

[Plan your trip to Northeast India with some tastefully crated North East Tour Packages]

Related Post

Top 10 Ideas for Adventurous Family Vacation in India

Best Destinations For Family Vacation in India 2018