The post-pandemic world has seen travellers evolve. They are now more mindful and more conscious. Slow travel has emerged as one of the top trends in the last year and a half. If a wholesome experience is what you prefer over mere touristy sightseeing, northeast India has a lot in store for you. By Karan Kaushik
If you’ve been contemplating turning to more sustainable forms of travelling, look no further than the gorgeous northeast. Blessed with enchanting landscapes, peaceful monasteries, healthy cuisines, and rich tribal heritage, the northeastern states are perfect to enjoy that offbeat and laidback vacation you had been waiting all this year.
10 offbeat destinations in Northeast India for a wholesome slow travel experience
Dzongu, North Sikkim
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This sleepy little hamlet is the proud home of the aborigine Lepcha tribe of Sikkim and has been declared as a special reserve for the Lepchas. Thirty small villages together form Dzongu. From rejuvenating Sulphur springs to shaky bamboo bridges to age-old Buddhist monasteries, Dzongu will surprise you with its untrammelled charm.
Be prepared to witness the stunning Mt. Khangchendzonga shining under the bright sun in all its glory. Dzongu is nothing short of a paradise for butterfly watchers, who may spot not one, not two but as many as twenty-seven species here. Main places of interest include the Rikzing Tarling Monastery, the Hee Gyathang Monastery, and Lingzya Waterfalls.
If you are in a mood for a little adventure, embarking on the Tholung Monastery trek could be a nice option. You will need a permit to visit Dzongu, which can be obtained from the DC Office in Mangan, the capital of North Sikkim.
Andro, Manipur
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If meeting local artists and appreciating their craftsmanship is what you look forward to during your trips, this peaceful village near Imphal must be on your bucket list. Home to families of traditional potters, Andro gives you a sneak peek into the lives of the rich tribal heritage of Manipur.
The village folks have also set up a cultural complex and museum in the heart of the village to preserve their artistic traditions for generations to come. This museum interestingly showcases paintings, handcrafted dolls, stone sculptures housed in different traditionally thatched huts.
A visit to Andro will be incomplete without paying your respects at the much-revered age-old Mei Mutaba Temple, also known as Chakpa Panam Ningthou Meithoupirol Shanglen. The villagers will also be more than happy to treat you with a glass of freshly brewed Sekmai, a local drink made by fermenting rice and local plants.
Unakoti, Tripura
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Located amidst the thick forests of Tripura, Unakoti has garnered fame for its gigantic bas relief sculptures. The stone and rock-cut sculptures here are steeped in myths and legends.
The ones that will leave you in complete awe include the massive stone carvings of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Durga. Unakoti used to be a famous Shaivite pilgrimage during the 8th and 9th centuries. You’ll find ruins of ancient temples that bear testimony to this fact.
Other attractions in Unakoti include a visit to the Jampui Hills, which stands proud as Tripura’s highest hill. You can also explore Unakoti’s cute little villages and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Lushai and Reang tribes.
Wildlife lovers may head out to the nearby Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to several species of birds, primates, reptiles, et cetera.
Chongkham, Arunachal Pradesh
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We know it’s a tad tough to imagine a trip to Arunachal Pradesh without Tawang and Bomdila in one’s itinerary, but if you are looking for lesser-visited places, we recommend Chongkham.
Located near Namsai, Chongkham is blessed with gorgeous monasteries, gentle rivers, and stunning vistas of the Patkai range. Chongkham’s charm lies in its terrifically blue skies, beautiful bamboo houses, green rice fields and incredible people of the Tai Khampti and Singpho tribes.
While in Chongkham, you must visit the Buddha Vihara and the World Peace Pagoda, both located at the Chongkham River Island. A visit to the Khampti and Singpho Museum at the Arunachal Pali Vidyapith also comes highly recommended if you are interested to delve deeper into Chongkham’s venerable history.
Chongkham also serves as the base for the popular and challenging Glow Lake Trek and lies in proximity with the sacred Parashuram Kund.
Namphake, Assam
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From Tai Khamptis, let’s take you through Namphake, the home of Tai Phakeys. Located in Dibrugarh district, Namphake will lure you with its monasteries, lush tea gardens, traditional chang-ghars, surreal sunsets and most importantly, delicious Tai Phakey cuisine.
The prime attraction in Namphake is the Namphake Buddhist Monastery, which dates to 1850. One of the oldest monasteries in Assam. At the monastery, soak in the peaceful vibes at the Musulinda Tank.
If travelling with family, plan a nice picnic by the banks of river Buridihing and unwind in the lap of nature. For the best experience, travel around March, when the village comes together to celebrate the Poi-Nen-Chi festival. Another nice time to be here is during the Poi-Nun-Hok festival when the village is drenched in festive fervour on Lord Buddha’s birthday.
Dong, Arunachal Pradesh
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Dong is the place you should travel to if you want to witness the first sunrise in India. Located at the confluence of the Lohit and Sati rivers, Dong features snow-capped peaks and lovely pine forests.
It’s also interesting to note that Dong is geographically placed at the tri-junction of India, Myanmar, and China. Reaching Dong is quite an adventure. You are required to take a one-and-a-half-hour trek, which begins a little ahead of Walong, the nearest town. Fair warning, be prepared for a steep trek.
Places of interest around Dong that must be on your list are the Walong War Memorial, the Namti Plains War Memorial and the Tilam hot water spring. You can also plan a visit to Tezu and visit the Tezu District Museum and Craft Center.
Ukhrul, Manipur
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Loved by botanists, naturalists, photographers, and tourists alike, Ukhrul is the only place where you can witness the blooming of the rare and supremely beautiful Shirui Lily flowers. Home to the Tangkhul Naga tribe, Ukhrul is nothing like your usual touristy hill stations. Solace is what you’ll find here in abundance.
Visit the Kachai village, famous for its lemons, also called champras. The village visit will also be a great way to observe the daily life of the Tangkhul Nagas. Another village that should be on your list while visiting Ukhrul is Longpi. In Longpi, you can see local potters at work and shop for local handicrafts.
To witness the Shirui lilies blossom, trek to the Shirui Kashung Peak during the months of May and June. If picnicking is on your mind, go and set up your camp at Phangrei. Another place that will leave you fascinated is the Hundung Mova cave.
Shnongpdeng, Meghalaya
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You must have read or heard about the tranquil village of Dawki, known for its transparent waters. Yeah, the place has now turned into a tourist hotspot, thanks to the gram. What if we told you that you could still have an off-beat and non-touristy experience around Dawki?
Shnongpdeng, located 8km from Dawki is its quieter sibling and remains untrammelled by tourists. Nestled amidst the lush green Jaintia hills, Shnongpdeng will leave you mesmerised by the clean and azure waters of river Umngot. A boat ride here will leave you rejuvenated and how.
Shnongpdeng also offers a range of activities for the adventurous. These include scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling and cliff jumping. The place also has some amazing campsites along the riverside. When not pampering yourself to a cozy afternoon nap, you may fancy a visit to the nearby Krang Suri waterfall.
Mon, Nagaland
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A haven for birdwatchers, Mon is also about lovely village visits and tribal heritage. Here, you will meet the Konyak Naga tribe, who are famous as headhunters.
You can begin your adventures in Longwa village. The residents of Longwa interestingly enjoy dual citizenships of India and Myanmar. It is in Longwa that you will see well-preserved animal trophies.
Then there’s Shnagnyu village, home to its namesake tribe, who are known for their excellent craftsmanship. Here, you can visit the pristine Totsu Wozhu Lake, the intriguing Langpangkong Caves, the Nagaland Zoological Park, and the Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary.
The main attraction in Mon is the Veda Peak or Pak Koi. A visit around Veda Peak will introduce you to magnificent waterfalls and lush valleys. From the peak, you can also savour fantastic views of the Brahmaputra River and Myanmar’s Chindwin River. This peak is also where the British sowed opium for the first time.
Falkawn Village, Mizoram
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Lovers of culture and history will have a great time in this picturesque village. Located at a short distance of 22km from Aizawl, Falkawn offers an opportunity to learn about the Mizo culture. The Cultural Centre here, known as Zokhua, was established by the state government’s Art and Culture Department in 1992.
At the museum, you will come across several types of Mizo houses. These include the village chief’s house, a bachelors’ dormitory, the house of the puithiam or the priest, and houses of blacksmiths and other villagers. The cultural centre also houses memorial stones which were raised to commemorate local freedom fighters.
Once you are done learning about the rich culture of the Mizos, take a stroll around the village to meet the wonderful people it houses.
