1: Darjeeling, (West Bengal)
Darjeeling, nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, is a picturesque hill station in West Bengal often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills.” Known for its world-famous Darjeeling Tea, panoramic views of Kanchenjunga (the world’s third-highest peak), and charming colonial-era vibe, Darjeeling is a must-visit for mountain lovers. A ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is an unforgettable experience as the toy train winds through misty hills and quaint villages. Don’t miss attractions like the Tiger Hill sunrise, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, and vibrant local markets. With cool weather, scenic beauty, and a peaceful atmosphere, Darjeeling is a perfect retreat for couples, families, and solo Travelers alike.
✅ Quick Info
- 📍 State: West Bengal
- 🗓️ Best Time to Visit: March to June & October to December
- 🏞️ Popular For: Tea Gardens, Toy Train, Kanchenjunga Views, Sunrise Points
- 🚆 Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
- ✈️ Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (about 70 km)
2: Gangtok (Sikkim)
Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is a perfect blend of natural beauty, spiritual calm, and modern charm. Perched in the Eastern Himalayas, Gangtok offers stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, peaceful monasteries, vibrant markets, and adventure-filled landscapes. The city is home to the serene Rumtek Monastery, the bustling MG Marg, and the breathtaking Tsomgo Lake located at a high altitude. For thrill-seekers, activities like paragliding, river rafting, and trekking in nearby trails offer endless excitement. Whether you’re here for peace or adventure, Gangtok’s clean streets, friendly locals, and cool mountain air make it one of India’s most enchanting hill destinations.
✅ Quick Info
- 📍 State: Sikkim
- 🗓️ Best Time to Visit: March to June & September to December
- 🌄 Popular For: Monasteries, Himalayan Views, MG Marg, Adventure Sports
- 🚆 Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) – about 120 km
- ✈️ Nearest Airport: Pakyong Airport (approx. 35 km) or Bagdogra Airport
3: . Kolkata, (West Bengal)
Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, is a vibrant and soulful city that blends colonial charm with modern energy. Formerly known as Calcutta, this city on the banks of the Hooghly River is known for its grand architecture, rich literature, artistic legacy, and intellectual spirit. Must-visit attractions include the majestic Victoria Memorial, the spiritual Dakshineswar Kali Temple, the iconic Howrah Bridge, and the colorful chaos of College Street and local markets. Whether you’re enjoying a hand-pulled rickshaw ride in the old town, tasting authentic Bengali sweets like rosogolla and sandesh, or attending the grand Durga Puja festival, Kolkata promises a deep, cultural experience that touches the heart.
✅ Quick Info
- 📍 State: West Bengal
- 🗓️ Best Time to Visit: October to March
- 🎭 Popular For: Culture, Temples, Colonial Architecture, Street Food, Festivals
- 🚆 Major Railway Stations: Howrah & Sealdah
- ✈️ Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
4: Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh)
Tawang, located in the remote mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, is one of the most serene and spiritual destinations in North-East India. Perched at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, Tawang is best known for the majestic Tawang Monastery – the largest Buddhist monastery in India and the second largest in the world. The town offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Eastern Himalayas, peaceful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and a deep sense of calm. Popular attractions include the Sela Pass, Madhuri Lake (Shonga-Tser Lake), and Gorichen Peak. Tawang is not just a destination – it’s a soulful retreat into Buddhism, high-altitude beauty, and untouched nature.
✅ Quick Info
- 📍 State: Arunachal Pradesh
- 🗓️ Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November
- 🏞️ Popular For: Monastery, Mountain Views, Lakes, Tibetan Culture
- 🚗 How to Reach: Closest airport – Tezpur or Guwahati (then by road)
- 🛂 Note: Indian tourists need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit
5: Puri (Odisha)
Puri, located on the eastern coast of India in Odisha, is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites and a key part of the Char Dham Yatra. It is world-famous for the sacred Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, and the grand Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) that draws millions of devotees from across the globe. Alongside its religious significance, Puri also offers a beautiful golden-sand beach along the Bay of Bengal, making it a perfect blend of spirituality and seaside relaxation. Nearby attractions like Konark Sun Temple, Chilika Lake, and Raghurajpur heritage village add cultural richness to the visit. Whether you’re a devotee, traveler, or art lover — Puri offers a unique and soulful experience.
✅ Quick Info
- 📍 State: Odisha
- 🗓️ Best Time to Visit: October to March (Rath Yatra usually in June–July)
- 🛕 Popular For: Jagannath Temple, Rath Yatra, Puri Beach, Culture
- 🚆 Nearest Railway Station: Puri Railway Station
- ✈️ Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (around 60 km)
6: Konark, Odisha
Konark, a small town in Odisha, is world-renowned for the magnificent Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of ancient Indian architecture. Built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I, the temple is shaped like a colossal chariot of the Sun God Surya, with 24 intricately carved stone wheels and seven mighty horses. Though partially in ruins, the temple remains a symbol of India’s artistic brilliance and spiritual depth. Konark also offers a peaceful beach and hosts the famous Konark Dance Festival, where classical dancers perform against the backdrop of the sunlit ruins. For lovers of history, art, and heritage, Konark is an unmissable gem on the eastern coast.
✅ Quick Info
- 📍 State: Odisha
- 🗓️ Best Time to Visit: October to March
- 🛕 Popular For: Sun Temple, Stone Carvings, Dance Festival, Architecture
- 🚆 Nearest Railway Station: Puri (35 km)
- ✈️ Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (65 km)
7: Shillong, (Meghalaya)
Shillong, the charming capital of Meghalaya, is often referred to as the “Scotland of the East” for its misty hills, rolling green landscapes, and cool climate. Nestled in the Khasi Hills, this beautiful hill station is known for its waterfalls, lakes, colonial-era architecture, and vibrant local culture. Key attractions include the crystal-clear Umiam Lake, the majestic Elephant Falls, and panoramic views from Shillong Peak. The city is also a hub of music and art, often called the “rock capital” of India. Whether you’re boating on a quiet lake, exploring local markets, or enjoying the rhythmic sound of rain in the hills, Shillong offers a peaceful and refreshing escape into nature.
✅ Quick Info
- 📍 State: Meghalaya
- 🗓️ Best Time to Visit: March to June & September to November
- 🌿 Popular For: Waterfalls, Lakes, Culture, Music, Scenic Views
- 🚗 How to Reach: Nearest major airport – Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport, Guwahati (about 120 km)
- ✈️ Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (Umroi) – limited flights
8: Cherrapunji, (Meghalaya)
Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, is one of the wettest places on Earth, famous for its dramatic landscapes, living root bridges, and thundering waterfalls. Nestled in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, this magical destination offers a blend of natural wonder and cultural heritage. The awe-inspiring Nohkalikai Falls — India’s tallest plunge waterfall — and the mystical Double Decker Living Root Bridge are must-visit highlights. Cherrapunji is also known for its limestone caves, lush green valleys, and mist-covered hills that create a fairytale-like setting. If you love monsoons, cloud-kissed cliffs, and raw nature, Cherrapunji is an unforgettable escape into the wild beauty of Northeast India.
✅ Quick Info
- 📍 State: Meghalaya
- 🗓️ Best Time to Visit: September to May
- 🌧️ Popular For: Living Root Bridges, Waterfalls, Caves, Rainfall, Eco-tourism
- 🚗 Nearest Major City: Shillong (approx. 55 km)
- ✈️ Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport or Guwahati Airport (more reliable connections)
9: Majuli, (Assam)
Majuli, nestled in the mighty Brahmaputra River, is the world’s largest river island and one of Assam’s most unique cultural treasures. Known for its untouched natural beauty, lush green landscapes, and rich heritage of Neo-Vaishnavite culture, Majuli is a peaceful escape into rural Assam. The island is dotted with Satras (monastic institutions) that preserve classical dance, music, and art forms introduced by the saint Srimanta Sankardeva. Visitors can witness traditional mask-making, enjoy scenic cycling routes, and experience the warmth of local tribal communities. With no bustling cities or loud distractions, Majuli offers a rare opportunity to connect with nature, spirituality, and simple living.
✅ Quick Info
- 📍 State: Assam
- 🗓️ Best Time to Visit: October to March
- 🏞️ Popular For: River Island, Satras, Assamese Culture, Tribal Life
- 🚆 Nearest Railway Station: Jorhat Town (approx. 20 km from ferry point)
- ⛴️ How to Reach: Ferry from Nimati Ghat (near Jorhat) across the Brahmaputra River
- ✈️ Nearest Airport: Jorhat Airport (JRH)
10: Kaziranga National Park, (Assam)
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Assam, is one of India’s most iconic wildlife destinations. It is world-famous as the home of the largest population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Spread across the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga offers a rich ecosystem of tall elephant grass, dense forests, wetlands, and winding rivers. The park is also home to wild elephants, Royal Bengal tigers, swamp deer, and over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife lovers and birdwatchers. Explore the park through jeep safaris or elephant rides, and experience the wild like never before. With its thrilling biodiversity and raw natural beauty, Kaziranga is a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable jungle adventure.
✅ Quick Info
- 📍 State: Assam
- 🗓️ Best Time to Visit: November to April (Park closed during monsoon)
- 🦏 Popular For: One-Horned Rhinoceros, Jeep Safari, Bird Watching, Tiger Reserve
- 🚆 Nearest Railway Station: Furkating (approx. 75 km) or Guwahati (well-connected)
- ✈️ Nearest Airport: Jorhat Airport (96 km) or Guwahati Airport (approx. 200 km)