After having visited Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya in Part 1, let’s turn our attention to the remaining states. Today we will visit the Himalayan state of Sikkim and the most north-eastern states of India which are Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.

Shri Govindaji Temple, Manipur
A shrine to Lord Krishna, it is believed that the temple absolves you of your guilt, worries, and stress. The simple architecture makes it stand apart from any other temple in the region, making it amongst the top places to see in North East India. The temple stands in the capital city of Manipur, and is quite accessible for the tourists. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Jagannath and dates back to the year 1876, almost 130 years old. The beauty of this ancient temple is dotted with two small ponds named Radha Kunj and Krishna Kunj. The Golden domes of the temple are visible from quite a distance and you are even allowed to photograph this place. If you are interested in history and architecture, it can be an informative stopover which is situated right next to Kangla Fort.

Loktak Lake, Manipur
This lake is famous for its numerous small floating islands which are locally famous as ‘Phumdis.’ Loktak lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in North East India and is home to the world’s only floating National park – Keibul Lamjao National Park. It is located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur and the floating swamps can be toured on a fisherman’s boat. It is a nature lover’s paradise where you can indulge in birdwatching, witnessing he endangered Manipuri brow-antlered deer, Sangai and photographing more than 425 species of animals and 100 species of birds. It is one of the must-go places to visit in North East India.

Imphal Valley, Manipur
This oval shaped canyon is situated an hour drive away from the city and is incredibly scenic. This valley owes its beauty to the confluence of several small river streams from the neighbouring hills, giving a unique colour to the river and scenery. The famous Loktak lake is one of the lakes and swamps of the Southern side of the valley. The valley is picture-perfect and you can click endless selfies, the frame will always look bright and beautiful.

Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram
Spread over an immense 550 square kilometres, the Dampa Tiger Reserves have some beautiful tigers that you can catch sight, and capture pictures of. There is no doubt that the sight of a tiger is an experience in itself to cherish for lifelong. The royal look of a tiger, and their menacing yet elegant ways are best experienced in person, and that is why visiting this place is a must.

Reiek Heritage Village, Mizoram
This hilltop village is a birdwatcher’s delight and photographers favourite spot. Mizo hills in the background give ample opportunities for trekking. Among the many North East India tourist places, Mizoram is an underrated hill station and Reiek Heritage village is now breaking the barriers with its contrasting landscape of the steep rocky cliffs and the virgin forests. It is well connected with cities like Aizawl, Silchar, Guwahati etc.

Vantawng Falls, Mizoram
Vantawng fall is a well-kept secret of the hilly state of Mizoram and is the highest waterfall of the state. It is one of the best sites in Mizoram and a testament to the hidden treasures of Northeast. It originates from Vanva River near Thenzawl and is tucked away in a green setting of valleys and mountains, almost over a hundred kilometres from the city of Aizawl.

Kohima Museum, Nagaland
If you are interested in knowing the history, culture, lifestyle, and tribes of Nagaland than there is no better place than visiting Kohima Museum. Furthermore, there are antiques, crafts, and gadgets used by the tribes to meet their daily chores on exhibit. The different types of huts are on display of different tribal settlements. The dialects used by different tribes and clan motifs, along with musical instruments and utensils made of Buffalo horns and bamboos are some of the interesting things in Kohima Museum.

Shilloi Lake, Nagaland
The Shilloi Lake is one of the major highlights of the state of Nagaland. It is situated in the town of Phek, and is looked over by some of the most glorious mountain peaks. The lake also has an interesting story and customs associated with it, and the surroundings are just as interesting, which makes it a great place to visit for a surreal holiday experience. For northeast India tourism, best time to visit is after the monsoons.

Phodong Monastery, Sikkim
The Phogong Monastery dates back to the 18th century, and is one of the most religious places for the Kagyu sect of Buddhists, and even for tourists. There are indications that the structure dates back even more than the 18th century, with the secluded location making it even more wonderful for an enriching experience.

Ravangla, Sikkim
A tourist attraction in the southern part of Sikkim, this little town is a recluse for anyone who is looking for one. It lets you stand alone in a crowd, surrounded by the serenity of the flowers in the summer and the snow-clad peaks in the winters. The birdwatchers have a merry time with the Himalayan migratory birds.

Gangtok, Sikkim
This cloudy paradise is simply enticing, exuberant and the gateway to Northeast. Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and a trekking hub. The site of Mt. Kanchenjunga is cherished from Gangtok, and mountaineers who are on their expedition to climb the Eastern Himalayas make it a base town. Travellers can also spot the pristine site of river Teesta and can travel to many points like the famous Tsomgo Lake, Rumtek monastery, Nathula Pass, Tashi viewpoint and Ban Jhakri falls etc. The view of Kanchenjunga during sunrise or sunset is commendable, it shines like a series of Golden Peaks.

Pelling, Sikkim
Pelling is gaining popularity with each passing year and the next big attraction after Gangtok. Pelling is a town in the West district of Sikkim at an elevation of 2000 meters and is a paradise for peace-seekers. You can indulge in activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, village walks etc. It is becoming one of the places to visit in North East India to enjoy some of the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. There are various places in Pelling that you should definitely visit when you go to North East.

Singalila National Park, Sikkim
This alluring National Park is situated at a height of 7000 feet above the sea level, covering an area of 79 sq km of land. The Rhododendron forests, rare species of Orchids and Alpine trees are home to a plethora of species in plants and animals like Himalayan Leopard, Elephant, Pangolin, Chinkara along with Primula, Bamboo, Magnolia, Oak, Rhododendron etc. It is a famous trekking destination as it makes a major part of the Singalila range and can be best traversed on a Jeep Safari.

Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim
The winding roads which make a 38 km long journey from Gangtok to reach an altitude of 12,400 ft are ethereally beautiful. The lake at such an elevation flaunts its stillness in the most surreal settings of Himalayan peaks encircling it. The snow-clad mountains are the main source for the water in Lake as it melts from the mountains. In winters, this placid lake can also be snow-covered and while you travel to Tsomgo, do not forget to learn the stories which are linked to this lake. It is a different experience altogether.

Nathula Pass, Sikkim
The old silk road that once used by merchants and traders is at an elevation of 14450 ft. above sea level on the Indo-Tibetan border. The temperature at Nathula is always freezing regardless of the season and the entire region is rich in Himalayan flora and fauna. It is one of the famous places to visit in North East India can be easily travelled from the capital city Gangtok. The name of the pass translates to “listening ears”. The trek on the Nathu La pass is one of the major highlights of the North East tourism as it gives an invigorating feeling to every traveler who experiences it. During the trek, you are treated to the views that remain ingrained in your memory for a lifetime, and you get to spot some beautiful lakes on the way. The best time to visit is during the summers when the temperatures are at a bearable 15 degrees. In the winters, it falls down to -25 degrees.

Dzongri, Sikkim
A safari on an animal as huge and peaceful as the yak holds something magical in itself. The surrounding views while riding the majestic creature form a feeling of unity that you can seldom experience anywhere else, which is why this is one of the best things to do in North East. You can also get pictures captured to take back home as sweet memories.

Tripura Sundari Temple, Tripura
This old Hindu shrine is situated around 56 km from Agartala town and is said to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The outer upper edifice is a dome structure where the square type sanctum is worshipped, more like a typical Bengali hut. Flocks of tourists and locals visit this temple in lakhs during Diwali every year. It is one of the religious places to visit in North East India and one of the few temples of Goddess Kali in India.

Ujjayanta Palace, Tripura
The entire city of Agartala unfurls around this lavishly designed architectural marvel of the Northeastern part of India. Ujjayanta Palace dates back to the year 1901 and from the public halls to the reception hall, from the library to the Chinese rooms; every edge gives a true sense of royalty. The lush greenery of vast gardens is well complemented with a rippling lake. It serves as a pretty museum to the travellers who come to Tripura all the way from their homes.

Jagannath Temple, Tripura
This is a famous temple in Tripura which dates back to the 19th century and was built by Manikya Dynasty. The temple is dedicated to God Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. It is suggested to go during the month of June to witness the famous Rath Yatra. Keep your camera handy because this temple is a sight to the sore eyes. The best time to visit is in June to witness the famous Rath Yatra celebrated at the temple.

Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is said to be the biodiversity heaven of Tripura for the plethora of animals and plants that dwell within this protected belt. There is a bio-complex, a zoo, a deer park and a Botanical garden within the sanctuary premises. It has around 456 species of plants, with animal species like Barking Deer, Pigtailed macaque, Rhesus macaque, Capped langur, Spectacled monkey, Slow loris, Clouded leopard, Civets, Jungle fowl, Wild pig, etc.

After reading both parts of this wonderful part of India, does it not invoke a desire to visit these places? It sure does for me!

If you have already visited these places, do let me know if there are any must-see places in the northeast that I have missed?