Northeast India is an entirely different world from the mainstream India and is one of the least explored regions in the country. The secluded geographical location has caused the Northeast to be loosely connected with the happenings of the rest of the country. This is one of many reasons that there is always an air of mystique and intrigue that surrounds the states concerning Northeast India. The ‘Seven Sister’ states hold many unexplored unseen destinations that will leave you stunned. Here is a list of the top unexplored hidden gems in Northeast India for your next dream vacation.
1. Mawlynnong : Holding the title of the cleanest village in Asia
Situated about 90 km from Shillong in the beautiful state of Meghalaya. Mawlynnong Village holds the title of being the cleanest village in Asia. The village sharing a border with Bangladesh is home to several stunning natural attractions.
Starting from the living root bridge to the eccentric phenomenon of one boulder balancing on top of another this village has quite a lot to offer to a natural enthusiast. Another remarkable achievement of this village is its 100% literacy. Living in one of the rustic rest houses offered by NotOnMap constructed from bamboo and treating your taste buds with local khasi food will definitely add up to your adrenaline spike.
2. Dzukou Valley - Take in the beauty of the Heaven on Earth
Dzukou Valley is a hidden gem in the dense forest of Nagaland. The surreal natural architecture of this little wonder of nature has been untouched by modern civilization is one of the most sought after off-grid treks in Northeast India. Here, there are various dense green forests and magnificently high hills which are beautified by thousands of colorful flowers that bloom throughout the year. This valley is also home to the rare Dzukou lilies.
3. Jatinga
This small town of Jatinga, is only 9km from the mountainous Haflong, the district Headquarters of Dima Hasao in Assam. Famed as as suicide capital of migratory birds, this peculiar town experiences a strange phenomenon every year during the month of September to November. It is heard from the locals that the migratory birds in this area become disoriented between the time of 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, during dark moonless nights and as a result, plunge towards the lights and torches of the town to their own death.
This unusual behaviour is noticed in all the 44 species of birds found in Jatinga. Several scientists and ornithologists have been trying to explore the underlying mystery as to why these birds behave in a particular manner during those weeks in Jatinga but the reasons are unknown till date.
4. Venture into the Krem Puri Caves, Meghalaya
Krem Puri Caves are hidden sandstone caves situated near the village of Laitsohum in the Mawsynram of East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. It has been named Krem Puri, which means “fairy cave” in the local Khasi language.
The Krem Puri Caves have been recently discovered in 2016 as the longest sandstone caves in India. If you ever dreamed of going on a spelunking expedition, then this cave is the best option for you as it stretches for almost 24,583 meters underground. The cave of Krem Puri is also a treat for explorers searching for ancient fossils.
5. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang Monastery is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world. The spirit of Buddhism is vibrant in this place and it is the perfect place to experience something like this. Do come and explore the lives of monks from up close as you can see them go about their everyday lives. The city is named after the Tawang River which passes nearby. Tawang also has Gorichen peak as well as Jaswantgarh, a war memorial dedicated to the hero of Indo-China war, Jaswant Singh.
Best time to visit: March to June, September to October