15 Things to Do in North East India With Family

North East is the best-kept secret of India with several astonishing places to visit. There are endless things to do in North East India with family & friends that make it a preferred destination for all. Are you planning on visiting here sometime soon? If yes, then we have meticulously jotted down a list of the best things to do in North East India for a family vacation that can make your trip memorable.

Here are the best 15 things to do in North- Eastern states on a family vacation

Enjoy a Yak Safari
Spot the one-horned rhinos in Kaziranga National Park
Take a trip to Namdapha National Park
Do not miss out on the toy train ride
Experience the thrill of river rafting
Visit one of the world’s largest river islands
Get ready for the Brahmaputra Cruise trip
Be a part of the electrifying Ziro Festival
Get a closer look at the Nagamese’ culture at the Hornbill festival
Visit the floating lake of India
Take some time out for enjoying paragliding
Plan a short trip to the wettest land on earth- Mawsynram
Relish the local cuisines
Enjoy a boat ride in the Umngot river
Visit the cleanest village of Asia- Mawlynnong

1. Enjoy a Yak Safari

Taking a Yak ride is probably one of the best things to do in Sikkim with family. There are two major places where you can get a crazy experience of this activity and both of them are at astonishing heights. The Dzongri Lake, which is 4200 m above sea level, and Tsomgo Lake, which is 3753 m above sea level, are two places to enjoy the ride. Winter and summer are the best time to visit Sikkim to experience the Yak ride. It is recommended not to visit during the monsoon season (July to August) due to the risk of landslides. So enjoy the ride while treating your eyes with the mesmerizing beauty of the surroundings. This is going to be a memorable and lifetime experience

Best places to enjoy the activity: Dzongri Lake and Tsogmo Lake
Charges for taking a Yak ride: 300 INR per person
Additional Charges: 50 INR if you want to get a picture

Also Read: 18 Best Places to Visit in Sikkim with family in Summer

2. Spot the one-horned rhinos in Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga is one of the finest attractions in the Kanchanjuri region of Assam and is visited by a lot of people every year. The major attraction at this UNESCO world heritage site is the population of the one-horned rhinos. Taking a safari and spotting the rhino is one of the best things to do in North East India. November to April is the best time to visit Kaziranga National Park to spot a one-horned rhino. Here are some important things that you should know before heading out for the safari at Kaziranga National Park.

Kaziranga National Park Safari Timings

Types of Safari	Safari Ranges	Morning Timings	Evening Timings
Jeep Safari	All the accessible ranges	7:00 am to 9:30 am	1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Elephant Safari	Burapahar Range in Ghorakati	5:30 am to 7:30 am	3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
	Eastern Range in Agaratoli	5:30 am to 7:30 am	3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
	Kazirana Range in Kohora	5:30 am to 7:30 am	3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
	Western Range in Bagori	5:30 am to 7:30 am	3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Note: Jeep and Elephant Safari timings can change any time depending on the road and weather conditions (especially during winters). So do check the official website of the national park before booking for the latest updates. To know more informationa about Kaziranga National Park visit here!

3. Take a trip to Namdapha National Park

While you search for enthralling things to do in North East India, do not forget to take a trip to the popular Namdapha National Park located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. This rich biodiversity is home to several rare species of flora and fauna. Namdapha National Park is well-known for the number of bird species it has. There are 400 different species of birds including several rare and endangered ones. This is the reason why the officials have banned jeep safaris in the park. Here are some amazing activities to enjoy with family in Namdapha National Park. Also read: Namdapha Tour Packages Permits Required for entry: There are two permits that people have to obtain to enter the park. First is the inner line permit to enter Arunachal Pradesh and second is the tourist permit that is issued by the Field Director of Namdapha National Park.

Popular attractions in the park: Miao Museum, Miao Mini Zoo, Raja Jheel, Moti Jheel
Activities to enjoy in the park: Trekking, Bird Watching, Elephant Ride, River Crossing, Boat Ride
Best time to visit the park: Winter Season (October to March).

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4. Do not miss out on the toy train ride

India has three functional toy trains and one is here in North-East India running between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. For visitors, this can be one of the best activities to enjoy in Northeastern states with family. The route offers breathtaking views of the mountains & valleys throughout the route.

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Given below is the important information that will be helpful while booking a seat in any of the Darjeeling toy train. Also Checkout- Top 20 Things to Do in Darjeeling with family

Darjeeling Toy Train Route Map

New Jalpaiguri- Siliguri Town- Siliguri Junction- Sukna- Rongtong- Chunabhati- Tindharia- Gayabari- Mahanadi- Kurseong- Tung- Sonada- Ghum- Darjeeling

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Darjeeling Toy Train Timings/ Schedule

Route: Darjeeling- Ghum- Darjeeling

Train Number	Ride type	Departure	Arrival	Class	Fare
52593	Steam	9:40 am	11:40 am	1st Class	1310 INR per person
52594	Steam	10:00 am	12:00 pm	1st Class	1310 INR per person
52591	Diesel	10:10 am	12:05 pm	1st Class	805 INR per person
52595	Steam	12:10 pm	2:10 pm	1st Class	1310 INR per person
52596	Steam	12:20 pm	2:20 pm	1st Class	1310 INR per person
52597	Diesel	12:45 pm	2:30 pm	1st Class	805 INR per person
52598	Steam	4:05 pm	6:05 pm	1st Class	1310 INR per person
52592	Steam	4:10 pm	6:25 pm	1st Class	1310 INR per person
52599	Diesel	4:20 pm	6:20 pm	1st Class	805 INR per person

New Jalpaiguri-Kurseong -Darjeeling

Note: NJP- New Jalpaiguri, DJ- Darjeeling, KGN- Kurseong, FC- First Class, AC- Air Conditioned coach

Train number	Name	Departure	Arrival	From	To	Class	Fare (per Person in INR)
52540	Pass train	8:00 am	3:10 pm	Darjeeling	New Jalpaiguri	FC/ AC	1295/ 1555
52541	NJP-DJ	8:30 am	3:35 pm	New Jalpaiguri	Darjeeling	FC/ AC	1295/ 1555
52588	Pass train	4:00 pm	6:30 pm	Darjeeling	Kurseong	FC	685
52587	KGN-DJ	6:30 am	9:05 am	Kurseong	Darjeeling	FC	685

Special coach booking details of Darjeeling toy train

S. No.	Type of Coach	Fare	The seating capacity of the coach
1	Flat Wagon	9500 INR	NA
2	Covered Wagon	9500 INR	NA
3	2nd Class	9500 INR	20 and 30
4	1st Class	20,335 INR	18 & 28 & 30
5	Heritage Coach- RA	20,335 INR	8
6	Heritage Coach- FH	20,335 INR	11
7	Heritage Coach-CDR 149	20,335 INR	12
8	AC Chair Car	25,000 INR	15
9	Vista Dome Coach (Diesel Joy Ride)	27,000 INR	30
10	Vista Dome Coach (Steam Joy Ride)	42,000 INR	30

5. Experience the thrill of river rafting

If you fall into the category of an “adventurous family”, you might consider enjoying the thrill of river rafting. The presence of the Brahmaputra river in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam makes it fun for adventure seekers. But these are not the only places where adventure-loving families visiting North East India can enjoy themselves.

Places where you can enjoy river rafting in the seven sisters:

Kameng River

One of the finest destinations for river rafting is Assam at the Kameng River. It’s quite a long stretch full of amazing views throughout.

Difficulty level- Moderate to Grade 4
Best time to enjoy the sport- April to June
Total stretch- 25 km

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Lohit River

Another wonderful destination for rafters is the rapids of the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh. This place offers a majestic view of the surroundings with some thrilling rapids. It is one of those places that won’t disappoint you.

Difficulty level- Moderate to Grade 4
Best time to enjoy the sport- September to June
Total stretch- 100 km

Teesta River

If you are visiting Sikkim with family and want to indulge in a thrilling and challenging activity then try river rafting at Teesta River.

Difficulty level- Challenging
Best time to enjoy the sport- December to June
Total stretch- 309 km

Brahmaputra River Rafting

This is one of the finest places to visit if you are an avid rafter. The rapids are challenging throughout the stretch that starts from Tuting and ends at Pasighat.

Difficulty level- Challenging
Best time to enjoy the sport- September to June
Total stretch- 180 km

Also Read: Top 10 places to go for River Rafting in India with family

6. Visit one of the world’s largest river islands

If you believe your family loves exploring new places then this amazing destination is surely a must-visit. Visiting Majuli river island on your family trip to the North East is going to give you a lot of amazing memories. This river island is amongst the largest in the world and is situated at the heart of Assam with turbulent rapids of the Brahmaputra enveloping it.

7. Get ready for the Brahmaputra Cruise trip

The Brahmaputra Cruise Trip is one of the highlights of Northeast India. It is one of the best things to do in the Northeast with family as you get to enjoy the view of rich flora and fauna while sailing in the Brahmaputra River. A person can enjoy the trip for a couple of hours to 10 days. You can book your cruise for as much time as you want between these. While enjoying the Brahmaputra cruise with family in the Northeast you can also enjoy the views of Manjuli, Kaziranga National Park, some other world heritage sites, and Nameri National Park. The cruises are equipped with restaurants, live music halls, decks to relax, and much more.

	Lunch Cruise	Sunset Cruise	Dinner Cruise
Timings	12.30 pm – 2.30 pm	4 pm – 5 pm	8 pm
Cost (per person)	1200 INR for Adults 800 INR for Children	350 INR for Adults 250 INR for Children	800 INR for all

8. Be a part of the electrifying Ziro Festival

In the list of things to do in the Northeast in September with family, attending the Ziro Festival remains at the top. It remains the highlight of Arunachal Pradesh during the entire month although it happens in the second half of September. Also Read: Things to do in Ziro You can pre-book your tickets from the official website of the Ziro Festival. It is a popular music concert where performers and people come from around the world. If you too have a soft spot for music then do try to be a part of this amazing festival.

Dates: In the second half of September
Location: Ziro Town, Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh

9. Get a closer look at the Nagamese culture at the Hornbill festival

If you are planning your visit to North East India in December with family then do not forget to visit Kohima during the first week. Apart from the events they hold to celebrate the hornbill festival, you can also buy souvenirs from the stalls around the event area. You can buy handlooms and handicrafts from the stalls. Also Read: Best time to visit Kohima While you are attending the festival, indulge in a conversation with locals to understand more about their culture. It is exciting and memorable.

Location: Naga Heritage Village Kisama, Kohima, Nagaland
Dates: First week of December (1st to 10th December) every year

10. Visit the floating lake of India

With such amazing natural sights throughout the 7 states, it is often seen that people on a family trip get confused in places they should be visiting and things they should not miss out on. One such amazing thing to do in Manipur with family is to spend some time at the floating lake (Loktak Lake) in Moirang. Loktak is known to be the largest freshwater lake in India covering up to 500 sq. km. during the rainy season. While visiting the lake, if you itch to enjoy any watersport, head to the Takmu Water Sports Complex

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11. Take some time out for enjoying paragliding

In the last decade, the number of enthusiasts for paragliding has increased significantly and the inclusion of family vacationers has increased too. This means more and more people enjoy gliding through the air, enjoying the sport and the view of the wonderful valley below.

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Here are the best places where you can enjoy the sport.

Shillong

Also known as the Scotland of East, Shillong is one of the best paragliding spots in the 7-sisters. While you glide through the air, enjoy the view of the valley too. The best time to visit Shillong for paragliding is the summer season when the weather is sunny. Clear skies give you a great view of Shillong.

Cost: 2000 INR Onwards

Gangtok

It won’t be wrong to say that one of the best things to do in Gangtok in December on a clear day is nothing else than paragliding. Get a breathtaking view of the Himalayas while enjoying the glide.

Cost: 1800 INR Onwards

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12. Plan a short trip to the wettest land on earth- Mawsynram

Visiting the wettest land on Earth is going to be a strong point down your memory lane; isn’t it? Just about 61 km from Shillong, you can visit this village for a short trip (maybe a day.) You can put this in your list of things to do in North-East India on a family trip. While you plan your trip here, just be sure to pack a raincoat and an umbrella because it is going to pour all day long. Sightseeing spots in Mawsynram: Mawsmai Cave, Mawsmai Falls, Nohkalikai Waterfalls, and Mawlyngbna. Also Read: Plan The Perfect Road Trip in Northeast India With Family

13. Relish the local cuisines

It is not just the rich flora and fauna or the diversity in culture that intrigues people to visit North-East India but also the food. The entire region acts as a paradise for food lovers and you get so much more than momos and thukpa to savor here. If you love relishing different types of cuisines then there are a lot of different places to visit and a whole lot of delicacies to enjoy. Explore the wide range of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes on offer. Best dishes to taste: Khar in Assam, Pitha in Assam, Fish Tenga in Assam, Vawksa Rep in Mizoram, Bamboo Steamed Fish in Nagaland, Tungtap in Meghalaya, Zan in Arunachal Pradesh, Sha Phaley in Sikkim

14. Enjoy a boat ride in the Umngot river

Umngot River is located in Dawki, Meghalaya, and is one of the cleanest rivers in the world. While taking a boat ride on the river, you can view the river bed (that’s how clear the water is here.) While boating here, people feel like not rowing on water, but rather a mirror. This is surely one of the best things to do in Meghalaya with family so do keep this on your list.

15. Visit the cleanest village of Asia- Mawlynnong

Isn’t it a rare sight for city dwellers to visit a clean place? North-East India’s Mawlynnong is the cleanest village in Asia. The green and clean village has been luring people for a long time now. This place is going to be a great experience for you and your family. Places to visit in Mawlynnong: Living Root Bridge, Sky Walk, Church Of Epiphany, and Balancing Rock

Conclusion Be it the things to do in Pelling with family or things to do in the northeast with kids there are unlimited options available for everyone. You can choose the options of your choice from this list so that you get the best experience at your destination. From thrilling and adventurous things to enjoying popular festivals, this list of things to do in North East India has it all. While picking your destination and creating an itinerary, do not forget to include the activities that can be done in and around your chosen place. While planning your trip to the Northeast, if you wish to stay away from all the hassles and stress of booking; you can simply visit our website and get your bookings done. You get to choose from a wide range of Northeast tour packages with family. Post that you can also enjoy the chance to get your package customized according to your needs. Contact us for more information and to book a tour with us!

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