Here are the best places to visit in East India!
Introduction
East India might be overlooked by most travellers, however the region holds some of the most diverse and unique experiences in India – from tea gardens to the hills and from temples to wildlife parks. The challenge is that often many travellers don’t have the knowledge to start their journey nor the tips on how to proceed further.
This guide intends to help travellers discover the best of East India, along with tips on how to travel, itinerary ideas, and suggestions to create a journey that is both memorable and smooth.
Eastern India basically comprises:
- West Bengal - culture and hills
- Odisha - temples and beauty along the coast
- Assam - tea plantations and wildlife parks
- Sikkim - high mountains and peaceful landscapes
The experiences are quite different from one place to another and below we shall explore the destinations.
Best places to visit in East India:
1. Darjeeling, West Bengal:
It’s popular for its scenic tea gardens and has pleasant weather.
Top attractions are Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Toy Train.
2. Gangtok, Sikkim:
This city is a very clean and serene town and is popular for its views of mountains.
Top attractions are Tsomgo Lake, MG Marg, Rumtek Monastery.
3. Puri, Odisha:
It is well known for its spiritual aspect and beautiful beach along the coast.
Top attractions are Jagannath Temple and Puri Beach.
4. Konark, Odisha:
A popular UNESCO World heritage site, popular for its incredible architecture.
Top attractions are Sun Temple, Konark Beach.
5. Kaziranga National Park, Assam:
this wildlife park is famous for the One-horned Rhinoceros.
Activities are Jeep safaris and exploration of wildlife.
6. Shillong, Meghalaya:
popular for its natural beauty andpleasant weather.
Top attractions are Umiam lake, Elephant falls, local markets.
Best time to visit:
- Darjeeling: March - June
- Gangtok: March - June/ Oct - Dec
- Puri & Konark: Oct - Feb
- Kaziranga: Nov - April
- Shillong: Sep - May
How to reach:
- Flights: Kolkata, Guwahati and Bagdogra are the major airports.
- Train: Well connected all across the country.
- Road trips are possible for hill areas and local destinations.
Where to stay(Budget to luxury):
- Budget (1000 - 3000): Guesthouses and homestays.
- Mid-Range (3000 - 8000): Comfortably furnished hotels.
- Luxury (10000+): High end resorts and private stays.
Key Attractions & experiences:
- Tea garden visit in Darjeeling
- Monastery exploration in Sikkim
- Temple tours in Odisha
- Wildlife safari in Assam
- Road trips in Meghalaya
Food & Local Culture:
The region has quite diverse food. West Bengal for its sweets and fish, Odisha for its local food along with temple cuisine, Assam for its simple local cuisine, Northeast has unique flavors in all regions. Explore local dishes!
Budget Travel Tips:
- Travel by train to save money.
- Choose homestays.
- Travel in the shoulder seasons.
- Combine nearby places into one trip.
- Fix a daily budget.
Travel & safety tips:
- Check the weather report for the region where you're traveling.
- Carry adequate clothing if you're traveling to hill stations.
- Avoid traveling alone or to deserted areas at night.
- Keep a copy of your identity proofs with you.
- Respect the local traditions.
Sample 6-Day East India Itinerary:
Day 1:
Land at Bagdogra and transfer to Darjeeling.
Day 2:
Sightseeing in Darjeeling.
Day 3:
Travel to Gangtok and explore MG Marg.
Day 4:
Take a trip to Tsomgo Lake.
Day 5:
travel to Guwahati and relax.
Day 6:
visit to Kaziranga National park or fly out.
Rough budget breakdown (Per Person):
- Stay (5 nights): 5,000-15,000
- Food: 2,000-4,000
- Transport: 3,000-8,000
- Activities: 2,000-5,000
- Total: 12,000-32,000
FAQ (Voice Search Optimized):
What are the best places to visit in East India?
Some of the best places to visit in East India are Darjeeling, Gangtok, Puri, Konark, Kaziranga, Shillong.
Is East India good for travel?
East India is a great place for travel as it provides natural scenery, culture and a variety of unique experiences.
Which is the best time to visit East India?
October to March is considered to be the best time to visit East India.
How many days do you need for East India trip?
5-7 days should be enough to cover the best places in East India.
Conclusion:
East India provides a holistic and authentic experience. Mountains, wildlife, temples and culture are just some of the marvels that the various destinations in the region have to offer.
By planning properly and having flexible plans, one can be sure to have an incredible trip through East India.