Travelling Northeast: Hidden Gem on the Earth

 I had the privilege of traveling to the northeastern part of India. Growing up, I had a very different perception of that region — I thought it was unexplored, inaccessible, not travel-friendly, and had safety concerns.

After visiting twice first in 2024 and then again in 2025 — I can confidently say it has become one of my favorite destinations in India. The beauty of the Northeast is truly unmatched by any other place I’ve been to. These trips have opened my mind and changed the way I think about travel.

The people there have taught me what it truly means to explore and to live life fully. It may sound simple when I say “living your life,” but in reality, the pace of life in the Northeast teaches you how to be present and live each moment with full consciousness.

The most beautiful aspect of Northeast India is how untouched everything feels — from transportation and communication to accessibility. But that’s exactly what makes it so enjoyable. We made several impromptu plans, stopping at every waterfall and town that caught our eye. I believe that sometimes we plan so much that we forget to truly enjoy the beauty of a place and instead just go through the motions for the sake of our photo galleries.

I visited a total of four states — Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh — and each had its own unique charm and character.

My Journey Through Assam and Meghalaya (Part 1)

Reaching Assam was the easiest, thanks to its better accessibility and network connectivity. I only had time to explore Guwahati, as I was there for just three days to attend my brother’s graduation. The top priority on my list was visiting the Kamakhya Temple, and to my surprise, it was unlike any other temple I’ve ever visited. The divinity I felt there was truly extraordinary — you could sense a deep spiritual connection. What makes this temple especially unique is that there is no idol of the goddess; instead, devotees worship a yoni-shaped rock symbolizing the feminine power and honoring the goddess’s menstruation. Visiting the Kamakhya Temple was undoubtedly the highlight of my Guwahati trip.

 We also managed to visit Kaziranga National Park, which was equally beautiful. Next time, I hope to explore more places in Assam and take a full trip to experience the true beauty of this state.

Before I go further, here’s a small heads-up: if you plan to explore the Northeast, you must be prepared for long car rides — sometimes lasting up to 9–10 hours — as the roads can be quite tricky and bumpy. If you suffer from motion sickness, it’s best to carry medication. I personally ended up throwing up twice during my ride to Arunachal due to the rough roads — but trust me, the experience was absolutely worth it!

From there, we headed to Shillong, which is about a three-hour drive from Guwahati. The best part of this drive was the sight of tall pine trees lining the roads, the beautiful landscapes, and a light drizzle of rain that made the journey magical. Meghalaya is one state where every corner hides a waterfall — perfect spots to stop and soak in the view.

You’ll find many unexplored places along the drive, so I’d recommend hiring a local driver if you’re a first-time traveler. They know the hidden gems and can make your trip even more memorable. However, during my second visit, we didn’t hire a driver; one of my brother’s friends, who had been there before, drove us around. It gave us a lot more freedom and time to do things our own way.

We visited several beautiful spots, including Umiam Lake and Elephant Falls. One of my favorite places was Laitlum, known for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. Unfortunately, it was drizzling and quite cold the day we visited, so we missed the sunset — but the trek to the peak of Laitlum was still an unforgettable experience.

Another highlight of my trip was the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, a museum dedicated to the tribal communities of Northeast India. What I loved most was how thoughtfully it showcased the culture, traditions, and history of these groups — it was both educational and fascinating.

Also, if you’re a tea lover, you’re going to absolutely love this place! Every state in the Northeast has its own unique variety of tea, each offering a flavor quite different from what you usually find back home or in other parts of India.

One of the most enjoyable things I did was buy around 15–16 different packets of tea — each one so authentic. The aroma, the texture of the tea leaves, and learning about the entire process of tea cultivation were truly fascinating. There are even special tea shops where you can sit, relax, and sample different flavors — an experience every tea enthusiast should try!

This marks the end of Part 1 of my travel blog, covering my experiences in Assam and Meghalaya. In my next post, I’ll share my journey through Arunachal Pradesh — one of the least explored states in India — and Sikkim, which offered an eye-opening experience that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.