There are uncountable offbeat places in Northeast India that you can visit. Before a few decades, most of these places were inaccessible and even the accessible ones are lesser known.
In recent years, the connectivity has tremendously improved, many localities are coming ahead and starting their hotels and homestays to make their earning, and facilities are improving.
Now, tourists are flooding in the Northeast India, and I am one of them. I travelled across the entire Northeast region,
I travelled across the entire Northeast, went through cities, towns, and even villages, finding the best places for everyone.
This article contains the list of top offbeat destinations in Northeast India from all the seven states:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Nagaland
- Manipur
- Meghalaya
- Mizoram
- Tripura
Checkout the complete list and if you know any of the places that I haven’t mentioned here, you can put it in the comments.
1) Wari Chora
Wari Chora is one of the very few river canyons in India. The colorful cliff faces or escarpments present on both sides of the rivers and the deep blue color of the water makes it different.
To reach Wari Chora, you first need to reach Guwahati or Shillong and then drive to Emangiri Village. There are very few or no public transport available. You can book your stay in the village, and next day you’ll have to reach the starting point of the trek.
The starting point is 10 km away from the village but it’s completely off-road. You have to book shared 4 X 4 vehicle that will take you there. Don’t risk going yourself.
Then, you have to trek for one hour thirty minutes and you’ll be in Wari Chora gorge. From here, you’ll have to sit in the boat and enjoy the view around you. You can stay here whole day and whenever you feel like going back, you have to let a boatsmen know and then trek back to the starting point.
Things to remember:
- There are limited stays so prebook it before going.
- Wari Chora is open from September to May, but it may get closed anytime if it rains, so keep that in mind.
- You can also visit Siju Cave and Aginma Wari Fish Sanctuary along with it.
- Trek can be a bit tough at times, so be prepared.
Recommended Stay: Rema Homestay
2) Reiek
Reiek is the highest mountain in Aizawl district, Mizoram. From here, you can experience breathtaking views of Lushai Hills. On one side, you can see Bangladesh and on the other side, you can see the Aizawl city.
It is just 30 km away from Aizawl city. First, you have to drive to Reiek Village. There you can ask anyone or there will a board stating “Way to Reiek Thlang.” You have to offroad for a bit.
From one point, it becomes too risky to take a bike or car forward, so you can trek from there.
You can also camp and do stargazing at Reiek as it’s the best place to escape the urban and have a relaxed evening.
Things to remember:
- Avoid visiting Reiek in rainy season as the road becomes challenging.
- You have to carry your own tent and sleeping bag if you are planning to camp there.
- Make sure to reach before sunset as it’s not worth missing it.
- You can also visit Vaipuanpho falls on the way.
- Wear good trekking shoes while visit the place.
Recommended Stay: Reiek Tourist Lodge
3) Mawkyrwat
Mawkyrwat is a tiny, beautiful, isolated village in Meghalaya, 75 km from the capital city, Shillong. It is known for its beautiful valleys, natural swimming pool, hot water bathhouse, and monoliths.
It’s like a complete two-day package to travel here. One the first day, you can trek to the natural swimming pool, which is one of the top offbeat places in Northeast India as very few people visit here.
It will take you around 1 hour 30 minutes to trek to the natural swimming pool. You can spend the day here and go back to the stay. The next day you can visit the Mawkyrwat village, hot water bathhouse, and monoliths.
In this case, even the stay is a destination. I booked Latylli eco-camp, where you will find amazing tent houses, overlooking a river in which you can go for boating and snorkeling.
The best time to visit Mawkyrwat is October, when there’s not much rain or fog. Plus, you’ll find greenery all around, providing the best experience.
Things to remember:
- Take a guide with you when going to natural swimming pool.
- Renting a motorbike from Shillong is the best options as there are several scenic landscapes that you can enjoy on the way.
- Live jacket is recommended while swimming in natural swimming pool.
- The mentioned stay is an extraordinary one but there are only three tents. So prebooking it is recommended.
4) Chabimura
This is one of the most Mysterious destinations in Northeast India. Chabimura is an ancient location where you’ll find large rock carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses on the bank of river Gomati.
You’ll watch them while being in a boat that you to these carvings.
There’s also an ancient cave, which is said to house the treasure of Jamatia tribe’s ruler, guarded by a large serpent.
You can read more about Chabimura here.
The place is located in Amarpur District, Tripura. To reach here, you’ll first need to Agartala, capital of Tripura. From here, you can rent a two-wheeler or car and drive to Chabimura, which is 90 km from Agartala.
Things to remember:
- Ask for the rowing boat if you are alone or couple, it would be cheaper.
- You can also visit Tripura Sundari temple and Dumboor lake while planning a trip.
- There are not many food shops nearby so it’s better to carry your own.
5) Thenzawl
Maybe, you would not even have heard of this place ever as it’s hidden in a corner of the country. However, it’s as beautiful as any other place that you visit in India.
Thenzawl is so much similar to an old European town in its environment, architecture, and traditions that you will be surprised to see such a place exists in India.
Situated 90 km from Aizawl, this place is best for a leisure trip. You can stay in its luxurious, yet inexpensive Golf resort.
Here, you can visit India’s 12th highest waterfall, Vantawng. Besides that, a slow day by having a picnic next to Dilpui lake ad take a boat ride there is the best addition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Offbeat Places in Northeast India
What are some offbeat places in Northeast India
Checkout the list of offbeat places in Northeast India:
- Wari Chora
- Reiek
- Mawkyrwat
- Thenzawl
- Dzukou Valley
- Japfu Peak
- Dumboor Lake
- Dirang Monastery
- Nongtroin
- Loktak Lake
- Ukhrul
- Majuli