Exploring Northeast India: The ultimate road trip itinerary

The enchanting allure of the states in the Northeast of India which offer undulating hills, grassy valleys and meandering rivers is a favourite haunt for tourists across the world. In addition, these states are also popular for their cultural diversity and heritage and are known as “the land of the rising sun.”Among other things, these states have beautiful trekking routes ranked among the best in India, wildlife parks with animals in their natural habitat, ancient temples and snow-capped mountains.

It’s a great opportunity to see some of the most beautiful places on earth with breathtaking landscapes, valleys and rivers as well as experience the ancient cultures and traditions. This one road trip itinerary will live long in your memory.

Day 1: Guwahati to Shillong

To start your journey, think about starting from Guwahati towards Shillong. The capital city of Meghalaya-Shillong has other names like “the Scotland of India”. Shillong is 95 km away and along with it comes a spectacular panorama of natural beauty. On leaving behind the noise of Guwahati, you can see hills rolling out infinitely into the landscape and start becoming a serene haven.

The road winds through jungle areas covered with thick green forests that show some foggy valleys beneath them. The panoramic view becomes more stunning after each turn where rocks appear in green leaves, cascading waterfalls shine under sunlight and horizons tinged by drifting clouds.

• Must-visit attractions: Nongkhyllem wildlife sanctuary, Sohliya, Elephant falls, Umiam lake, Laitlum Canyon, Ward's lake, and Mawlynnong.
• Best time to visit: March to June
• Best route: NH6 is the shortest route to cover the Guwahati to Shillong and is approximately 99 kilometres.

Guwahati | Credits: Canva

Day 2: Shillong to Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji would be your next stop; it is a high-altitude town in Meghalaya State. It’s just 54 km away from Shillong and here breathtaking panoramic views, deep valleys of lush green and cliffs that overlook undulating terrains below can be seen. A wonderment it truly is with wildflowers lining the sides of the road and oftentimes a light dew covering everything.

When you get nearer to Cherrapunji, the weather becomes colder and more dramatic landforms appear. Popularly referred as the “Rain capital of the world”, this township has been placed on an elevated plateau that provides panoramic views.

• Must-visit attractions: NohKaLikai falls, Dainthlen falls, Living root bridge, Mawsmai cave, Kynrem falls and Thangkharang park.
• Best time to visit: October to February
• Best route: SH5 is the best route and is about 54 kilometres.

Shillong | Credits: Canva

Day 3: Cherrapunji to Dawki

The next place to go would be Dawki which lies about 90 km away from Cherrapunji. This small town has a crystal clear Umngot river situated near the border with Bangladesh. If you leave Dawki and take the road to Mawlynnong village, you’ll find yourself in Asia’s cleanest village.

• Must-visit attractions: Pynursla, Mawkdok Dympep valley viewpoint, Wah-Kaba falls, Jaflong zero point, and Garden of caves.
• Best time to visit: November to May
• Best route: NH206 is the fastest route and is about 94 kilometres.

Cherrapunji | Credits: Canva

Day 4: Mawlynnong to Kaziranga National Park

From Meghalaya state continue on your way to Assam where looms the UNESCO World Heritage Site namely Kaziranga National Park popular for one-horned rhinoceroses, also known as the Great Indian rhinoceros. The northeastern part of India belongs to Assam’s Kaziranga National Park. Among other things, it also includes tigers, elephants, leopards, and bears, as well as thousands of birds.

• Must-visit attractions: Church of the Epiphany, Mihimukh, and Bagori.
• Best time to visit: November to April
• Best route: NH27 is the shortest route to visit Kaziranga National Park and is about 338 kilometres.

Kaziranga National Park | Credits: Canva

Day 5: Kaziranga to Majuli

Next on our list is the planet’s most popular river island in the Brahmaputra River known as Majuli. It is a land formed by the southward flow of Brahmaputra, western Subansiri and Kherkutia Xuti rivers. Majuli has a rich cultural heritage with unique customs, satras (monastery) and art forms. These satras are not only religious centres but also places with rich cultural aspects where traditions handed down from generations meet reality. Majuli is not just an amazing geographical site; it is a spiritual and cultural milestone of Assamese ethnicity.

• Must-visit attractions: Kaziranga national park, Nimti ghat, Brahmaputra ghat, and Mising village
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Best route: NH715 is the fastest route and is about 128 kilometres.

Majuli | Credits: Canva

Day 6: Majuli to Ziro

Ensure you go back to Arunachal Pradesh and visit Ziro Valley which is famous for its beautiful paddy fields and green landscapes. The district Lower Subansiri comprises Ziro town serving as its district headquarters in Arunachal Pradesh also. Ziro Valley is also home to the Ziro Music Festival, which takes place annually from 26 September to 29 September. The festival is considered India's greatest outdoor music festival.

• Must-visit attractions: Dibrugarh, Nameri national park, and Taley Valley wildlife sanctuary.
• Best time to visit: March to October
• Best route: NH13 is the best route and is about 150 kilometres.

Ziro | Credits: Canva

How to visit Northeast?

By Air

Begin your Northeast India road trip by flying to Assam’s Guwahati which happens to be the gateway city into this region. This makes Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Guwahati a good starting point because it has several flights from different Indian cities linking it up well.

By Train

For train travel enthusiasts there is almost a train from every city in India hence journey can be scenic till one reaches Guwahati.

By Road

Renting vehicles either cars or bikes, right from Guwahati for the whole trip would be better since Northeast India is a paradise. With your own vehicle, you can go slowly and enjoy all the scenic beauty during this journey. It is about 35 hour journey from Delhi, so plan accordingly and take a rest in between. You can consider staying at The Hosteller Delhi which is an affordable option for you.

Conclusion

Often overlooked and represented, Northeast India is a place that is diverse and rich in culture. It contains different challenges like political as well as geographical but also it has several indigenous groups whose cultures, languages and customs are unique to each.

A trip through Northeast India means something very deep for your soul. Every state plus one will be another phase of this adventurous route. This itinerary is going to take you through nature’s wonders, cultural experiences and adrenaline-pumping escapades from the mist hills of Meghalaya to the spiritual mountainous heights of Tawang.