Far away from the madding crowd, hidden behind clouds and mountains, Northeast India is one of the top destinations for a romantic getaway. The beauty and mystery of the Northeast weaves the perfect atmosphere for a soulful romantic holiday. Apart from the scenic natural beauty, there are adventurous activities, peaceful ambience, and luxury hotels and resorts, that cater to your every need.
Here is a list of top romantic destinations in Northeast India and the key attractions they offer.
Dzukou Valley, Nagaland
The Dzukou valley is located at a distance of 25Kms from Kohima at a height of around 2,462 m (8,100 ft) is also called the ‘valley of celestial charm’. The valley is famous for its wide range of flowers throughout the year, but the most famous one is the Dzüko Lily which is found only in this valley, flowers from mid April to mid May. A pristine stream flows through the valley. The Dzukou Valley is a serene romantic destination for couples who enjoy nature and camping outdoors.The best time to visit the Dzukou valley is from September till mid May.
Umiam Lake, Meghalaya
Umiam Lake, popularly known as Barapani, is an artificial lake 15 km north of Shillong in the state of Meghalaya. Its picturesque, panoramic setting, surrounded by the lush and lofty East Khasi Hills, makes Umiam Lake an excellent destination for a romantic holiday. The lake is popular among tourists for kayaking, water cycling, scooting, and boating. The small islands on the lake adds to the magical ambience of the place. Surrounded by sylvan hills and wrapped in the verdant forests of green Khasi-pines and the azure blue skies, Umiam Lake is an ideal haunt for photography enthusiasts. The Ri Kynjai, a charming boutique resort beside the lake, provides the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. The best time to Visit Umiam Lake is between March and June.
Yuksom, Sikkim
Established in 1642, Yuksom is a historical town in the West Sikkim district. The name Yuksom means “meeting place of the three monks”. Yuksom offers a blend of scenic beauty, historical places and adventurous activities for a special romantic experience. It has a number of famous Buddhist monasteries and historical monuments as well as an ancient Gorkha village. There are several hamlets, monuments, monasteries, guarded by the soulful backdrop of Mount Kanchenjunga. Several enthralling treks, adventurous hikes and other adventure sports originate at Yuksom. March to June and September to October are the best times for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Lachung, Sikkim
Lachung is a hill station in northeast Sikkim, located near the international border with Tibet. Lachung is at an elevation of about 9,600 feet (2,900 m) and at the junction of the Lachen and Lachung Rivers, both tributaries of the River Teesta. The word Lachung means “small pass”. The emerald Lachung River, evergreen pine forests, and apple orchards accentuate the beauty of this mesmerizing place, making a romantic getaway in Lachung an out-of-the-world experience. The best time to visit Lachung is from October to June, especially when the rhododendrons bloom late April to End May.
Pelling, Sikkim
Pelling is a scenic hill station in West Sikkim, located at an altitude of 2,150 m (7,200 feet) above sea level. Famous for its spectacular views of the Himalayas and the Kanchenjunga, this town is the perfect setting for a magical romantic getaway. Pelling is the starting point for the strenuous and formidable treks in West Sikkim. The terrain is pristine and is covered with Himalayan vegetation and numerous waterfalls. In the months of winter, Pelling offers a special treat for couples as it is sometimes covered with a blanket of snow. Travelers can spend time beside the tranquil Khecheopalri Lake or the roaring Changey Waterfall, to soak in the fascinating scenery of Pelling. This picturesque Sikkimese town is ideal for river rafting, nature walks, treks and the spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga. The serene atmosphere of this quaint town is perfect for couples who like trekking or just settling down at a picture perfect spot to spend a few hours with a sketch pad.The tourist season in Pelling starts from September and lasts till May.
Kaziranga, Assam
Kaziranga National Park is one of the most famous national wildlife parks of India, located in Assam. Kaziranga is known for being inhabited by the one-horned rhinoceros and is a World Heritage Site. The park also accommodates large breeding populations of elephants, wild water buffalo and swamp deer. Regular jeep and elephant safaris, conducted by experienced guides, offer exciting close up encounters with wild animals in their natural habitat. The luxury forest resorts in Kaziranga offer a memorable romantic wildlife experience without compromising on comfort. If you want to splurge we highly recommend a night or two at The Diphlu River Lodge. The perfect time to visit Kaziranga is from November to April.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang is a town in Arunachal Pradesh, at an altitude of approximately 3,048 m (10,000 ft), near the eastern border of Bhutan. The name Tawang translates to Horse Chosen. Famous for snowfall, Buddhist monasteries and scenic Himalayan vistas, Tawang is a charming romantic destination for couples. Historically Tawang was a part of Tibet occupied by the Monpa tribe. It is an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists as it was the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama. One of the major tourist attractions is the Tawang Monastery. It is the largest Buddhist monastery in India and is considered to be the second largest Buddhist monastery in the world, second only to the monastery of Lhasa, Tibet. The Sela Pass located near Tawang is a high altitude mountain pass and is covered with snow for most of the year. Jang waterfall is another important tourist attraction. Tawang district also has a handicrafts centre that promotes local handicrafts. Great for couples who like culture, explore the century old village houses near by built in stone, catch a language class at the Monyul Buddhist Culture Preservation.It is the top destination for bikers in the north east. The best time to visit Tawang in Summer is between March and June, and September and October in Autumn.
Ravangla, Sikkim
Ravangla is a picturesque town in South Sikkim, situated at an elevation of 2400 m (8000 ft). Famous for an unmatched view of the Himalayas, the serene ambiance and the panoramic landscape of the town makes it a romantic paradise for couples. It acts as the starting point for the demanding trek to the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary. The Reyong Sunrise Point is famous for its spectacular view of the Himalayas. Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Siniolchu, Kabru are a few of the Himalayan peaks that are clearly visible from Ravangla. Upper parts of Ravangla experience snowfall during winter. During the months of April–May, the terrain is covered with a colourful explosion of flowers including orchids and rhododendrons. Ravangla is home to many species of Himalayan birds and is a bird watcher’s paradise. Ralang Monastery, a famous Tibetian Buddhist monastery is located near Ravangla. Ideal for couples who like bike rides and want to explore rural homestays.The best time to visit Ravangla is from September to November.
Haflong, Assam
Haflong is a town and headquarters of Dima Hasao in the state of Assam. Haflong is a Dimasa word meaning ant hill. Located at an elevation of 680 m (2150 ft) the town is known for its picturesque views and rich cultural heritage. Haflong is the only hill station in Assam and is famous for its numerous scenic lakes, streams, waterfalls and lush vibrant forests. The Haflong Lake is a popular tourist attraction. Trekking, camping and picnics are other popular activities. The weather remains pleasant throughout the year. Haflong is the perfect romantic destination for couples who love nature and open spaces with foggy weather.
Majuli, Assam
Majuli is a river island in the Brahmaputra River, Assam and it is currently listed as the world’s largest river island in the Guinness Book of World Records. It is an excellent romantic destination for couples looking for unique cultural experiences. The name Majuli, means a land in the middle of two rivers. Located in the heart of Assam, Majuli is the hub of the Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture, and is considered to be the cultural capital of Assam. The southern part of Majuli is a bird lover’s paradise, and is home to several species of birds. Visitors can rent cycles and explore the island on their own or visit a monastery that makes masks out of cane frames and learn this ancient craft or catch a weaving demonstration at a Mishing tribal village. The best time to visit Majuli is between November and March.
Northeast India boasts of several destinations for romantic getaways. With its unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife and adventure sports, Northeast India has something special for every couple, just waiting to be discovered and experienced.
