North East Tour Packages - Get Upto 10% Off

About North East Holidays: The 'Land of the 7 Sisters’ is an extremely underrated holiday destination that has seldom been explored to its fullest. But with Thomas Cook India’s North East holiday packages you can enjoy an exotic vacation right here in India. A vacation to the Northeast may not figure high on many travel lists, but a North East holiday is an adventure that a few have experienced. Thomas Cook India’s North East tour packages come in many sizes, from a compact 2 nights and 3 days stay to an all-encompassing 13 nights and 14 days vacation. And with prices ranging from INR 19,349 to INR 97,749, this is your chance to enjoy an unforgettable North East tour.

With Thomas Cook India, your North East trip will be a hassle-free experience that will have you coming back again and again. With an unparalleled experience of creating dream holidays, Thomas Cook India pays attention to even the smallest detail of your North East tour package. Our team of experts, who have years of travel experience, craft the perfect holiday for you. You will find that care and attention to detail at every step in your North East holiday package as well. When you travel with us, we take care of the nitty-gritty while all you must do is enjoy your holiday.

You can even book your North East tour package holidays online through our website or simply pay us a visit at your nearest Thomas Cook India branch. Your journey to the northeast begins at the airport from all major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Keep on reading to find out more about things to do, places to visit, the best time to visit and much more.

About North East

Originally a group of seven north-east states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, the seven sisters welcomed their new brother, Sikkim, in 1975. Surrounded almost exclusively by India’s international neighbours, the northeast has developed a unique culture of its own that reflects the region’s historical and geographical diversity. The hardy exterior of the rocky terrain hides a warm heart that welcomes visitors with genuine warmth. People open their hearts, and often their houses, to make you feel welcome in their homeland. They are fiercely proud of their culture and are protective of their way of life.

Here you can experience the colonial heritage in all its splendour and connect with the exciting mystic of a land that still hides many secrets. Here you will find Asia’s cleanest village and bridges moulded out of living roots. Feel the adrenaline rush as you encounter a Rhino in the wild and calm your cantering heart at the monasteries that dot the mountains like some jewels strewn on an emerald robe. The magic of Darjeeling and the transcendent beauty of Meghalaya eagerly await to be experienced. The people here celebrate their festivals with songs and dances and share their culture with their food. If you’re ready to experience all this and more, simply book yourself a Thomas Cook India’s North East tour and enjoy your northeastern sojourn.

Best Time to Visit North East

November to April is the best time to visit the northeast due to the dry weather. When the monsoon rolls in, the roads become impassable and some of the regions like Kaziranga of Assam often experience flooding. The monsoon usually lasts between July to September. Summer is also a good time to visit the northeast if you don’t mind the warm temperatures between 30°C to 36°C. If you consider the northeast as a whole the temperatures vary wildly due to its diverse terrain. The mountains are generally cooler than the plains.

But winter and early summer showcase the best of whatever the northeast has to offer. You are in for a sensory treat, especially if you visit immediately after the monsoon ends. The bright and varying shades of green soothe the senses even as the replenished valleys hide in the mists of monsoon’s memories. The mountains rise out of the mist to add drama to the landscape that would seem incomplete without the soaring peaks. Though it gets bitterly cold in some places, it rarely snows, if ever.

The Kaziranga National Park teems with abundance and the atmosphere within the park is charged with anticipation. Summer opens a range of outdoor activities that includes trekking, mountain biking, kayaking and rock climbing. You may have to share your holidays with the usual tourist crowds during this time, but you will find all the attractions and places of interest open for visitors.

How to Reach North East

You can visit the northeast by road, rail and air from all the major cities of India. But Kolkata seems to be the ideal starting point for the northeast by air. From Kolkata, you can get direct flights to Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura with regular frequency. Apart from Kolkata, Guwahati’s LokpriyaGopinathBordoloi International Airport is also well connected to many of the major cities around India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh and Aizawl in Mizoram enjoy aerial connectivity through helicopter services.

If you prefer to take a train into the northeast, Kolkata again proves to be the hub of connectivity. It has the largest number of trains travelling to the eight northeastern states than any other major city in India. Assam and Arunachal Pradesh lead the others in rail connectivity while Mizoram and Tripura do not even have a railway network. New Jalpaiguri is the closest railway station to Mizoram and Kumarghat is the nearest one for Tripura. However, do note that since the railway network in the northeast is not electrified, trains take longer than usual to reach their destinations.

By far, the road seems to offer the best connectivity to get around the northeast. West Bengal has several buses, government as well as private, running regularly to all the states in the northeast. National Freeways 31, 37, 38 and 40 link Assam with the rest of the country. A private taxi is the most convenient, but the more expensive mode of travel by road.

Places to visit in North East

Collectively, the northeast seems like a vast area to explore. Surely it cannot be all done in one trip. The sheer variety of landscapes, experiences and even food means that you will have to pick and choose and plan your itinerary carefully. Here are some places that you must not miss on your trip to the northeast.

Gangtok, Sikkim

Hands down, one of the most iconic adventure destinations, Gangtok is the highlight of your northeast tour. Hogging the lion’s share of nature’s bounty, Gangtok is a trekker’s paradise. The trek to Kanchenjunga is a special undertaking that demands utmost commitment. The Tsomgo Lake is a holy place that reflects the surrounding landscape and the spirituality infused within. Don’t miss the Yak Safari and sipping for souvenirs at M. G. Road. Spend some time at the Rumtek Monastery and let the tranquillity reach deep within your being. Conquer the climb at Ganesh Tok and check out the wild beauty of Nathu La Pass.

Assam

The ‘Tea Basket of India’ is blessed with a unique charm that inspires the fiercest pride among its citizens. Apart from its famous hillsides hosting acres and acres of tea plantations, Assam is also known as the home of the Kaziranga National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a critical ecological hotspot that is home to some rare species of animals like the One-horned Rhinoceros and the Ganges Dolphins. Get a taste of eco-tourism at Majuli to go shopping in Jorhat. Take a serene cruise over the Brahmaputra and pay your respects at the Kamakhya Temple. Do not miss a piping hot cup of tea on a plantation visit.

Manipur

One of the relatively unknown places of the North East, Manipur is mostly known for its most famous export, the Bhut Jolokia(Ghost Pepper). This little jewel in the heart of the North East enjoys its festivals so much that it is known as the land of festivals. You will be awed by its culture, handicrafts and handlooms, indigenous games, dances and martial arts. Get your shopping done at the Khwairamband Bazaar, a market run wholly by women. Explore the ancient Andro Village and enjoy the thrill of a chariot ride in Moreh. Boating in Loktak Lake is also a popular pastime as is the theatre.

Meghalaya

The ‘Abode of the Clouds’ is shrouded in clouds through most of the year giving it a perpetual air of mystery. Meghalaya is a treasure trove of secrets that are just gaining the attention of the world. For starters, it is home to Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia. Its other claims to fame are the bridges in Cherrapunji is woven out of living roots, its spectacular waterfalls and some of the longest caves in Asia. Some of the must-visit attractions here include the Balpakram National Park, Umiam Lake and Laitlum Canyon. Do not miss trekking on David Scott Trail, camping in the Khasi Hills and rafting in the Barapani Lake.

Mizoram

The ‘Land of the Hill People’ is a veritable haven of natural beauty that will slake your wanderlust with the choicest morsels. Admire the sweeping panoramas at Palak Lake and indulge the adventurer within with mountain biking in the Hmuifang Hills. The Blue Mountain National Park is an excellent trekking territory while the Murlen National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. Enjoy the beauty of Vantawng Falls and track big cats at the DampaTiger Reserve when on your North East Trip.

Nagaland

The home of the fierce warriors, the nagas, Nagaland will surprise you with its love of celebrations and festivals. In fact, Nagaland is known for its vibrant, colourful festivals that celebrate its culture and traditions. The Hornbill The Festival of Nagaland is particularly well known. The Kohima Museum and Kachari Ruins are the best chroniclers of the region’s history. Visit the Touphema village to catch the dance performances. Go trekking in the Dzukou Valley and enjoy the safari at the Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary. Challenge yourself with a hike to the Japfu Peak or simply sit back and test your patience with birdwatching in Khonoma.

Tripura

Another unknown gem of the northeast, Tripura has the holy trifecta of a memorable holiday; art, history and nature. Sharing the natural bounty with its sisters, Tripura carries its beauty with aplomb. The picturesque trek to Jampui Hills, the teeming Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary and the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary showcase the verdant beauty of the state quite gracefully. The same grace and elegance can be seen in the architecture of the Royal Ujjayanta Palace which will transport you back in time. The Tripura Government Museum is another time capsule that is preserving the region’s history for posterity.

Arunachal Pradesh

The ‘Land of the Dawn-lit Mountains’ lives up to its name with its stark beauty accentuated by the mountains. One of the better-known jewels of the northeast, Arunachal Pradesh is also the largest state of the group. The wide-open vistas with the backdrop of snow-capped mountains in the distance are the signature view of this blessed land. It also holds the distinction of being the birthplace of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and housing the largest Buddhist monastery in India. The Ziro Music Festival is one of the highlights of Arunachal Pradesh as is the ParasuramKund.

What to Eat in North East

With so many diverse cultures calling the northeast their home, the region boasts a wide culinary palette that will colour your taste buds with new and exciting flavours. Here are our picks of the food that you should try on your vacation to the northeast.

Khar - Ubiquitous Delicacy

This Assamese dish uses beaten pulses, raw papaya and red rice as a base to concoct a much-loved delicacy that is a staple of almost every meal.

Galho - Familiar Food

Akin to the khichdi that we all love, Galho also adds meat to the mix to give it that northeast twist. The smoked meat adds texture to the dish while axone (fermented soybean) adds extra zing.

Iromba - Fishy Favourite

This star of Manipuri cuisine counts fermented fish as one of the ingredients to liven up a dish that is made up of mashed potatoes, yams, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, fresh greens and red hot chillies. Iromba has a strong and pungent taste with a simple flavour profile.

Kappa - Unusual Snacks

Kappa is the perfect street food to be had on the go while exploring the streets of Meghalaya. A piping hot bowl of Kappa will warm you in the chilly weather of Meghalaya. Mostly made using chicken and fresh garden herbs, chicken entrails are one unusual ingredient that sets this one apart from a regular chicken soup, book your northeast holiday from Thomas Cook India now!

ArsaBuhchiar - Savoury Goodness

Coming from Mizoram, ArsaBuhchiar is a savoury rice porridge that is served with herbs and a side of chicken. The blend of local spices, with the hearty rice base, makes this dish a heavy snack to be enjoyed on cold, rainy afternoons. There’s another variation of this porridge, Sanpiau, that includes an array of spices but excludes the chicken.

Things to Do in North East

Your holiday in the northeast will be underscored by a series of adventures that will give you an adrenaline rush and get your heart beating. Here are some much-recommended things that you should try in the northeast tour.

Trekking at Tawang

This is a highly endorsed activity when you’re anywhere in for the northeast trip. The stunning landscapes make amazing backdrops for your treks that pass through some of the most challenging terrains you’ll find. The crisp mountain air braces you for the long treks that can last for hours if not days. Make sure you take the time to acclimate yourself to the altitude before heading off.

River Rafting at Kalimpong

The entire northeast is crisscrossed by rivers that offer many opportunities to explore the land from a different perspective. Rafting is not only an adventure, but it is also a great way to check out the sights. A rafting trip can save you hours of walking on a sightseeing tour.

Rock Climbing in Cherrapunji

The rugged terrain of the northeast is a veritable amusement park for adventure seekers. Cherrapunji offers a wonderful opportunity for those who revel in the exciting sport of rock climbing. One of the wettest places on earth, Cherrapunji challenges the best in the sport, but also supports and encourages the first-timers with gentle persuasion.

Camp Overnight on the Khasi Hills

The best part of overnight camping in the northeast is the uninterrupted views of a spectacular starlit sky that really shines in the absence of the usual light pollution. Include a camping trip when you book your northeast holiday from Thomas Cook India and get ready for the best camping trip under the stars.

Find Solace at Tawang Monastery

The Tawang Monastery is an island of peace even in the tranquil environs of Tawang. Take some time for introspection and try to find your equilibrium surrounded by spirituality. If you’re visiting at the right time, you can catch a live performance of Cham, the traditional dance performed by the monastery’s monks. Intricate in nature and graceful in execution, it is one performance you simply must not miss.