This year, it’s my turn to
plan the annual summer getaway for the family. As I surfed the web looking for
inspirations I came across this list of summer getaways tantalizingly titled –
Heaven on Earth - 5 Indian Summer Vacation Destination.
While I completely agree
with the author who has picked Ladakh, Kerela, Ooty, Kashmir and Goa as the
perfect destination for a summer vacation, I was a teensy bit disappointed that
North Eastern India had not made it to the list.
So here is my list of 5
scenic destination in North East India you should definitely add to your bucket
list this summer.
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| Image Credit: Trans India Travels |
Nestled within Arunachal Pradesh’s lofty mountains, Ziro Valley presents a layered scenery bursting with pine trees, rice fields, rivers and picturesque villages as if straight out of a postcard. It is no wonder that it has been declared a world heritage site for its spectacular natural beauty.
The lush landscape and the cool
summers make it a perfect destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of
city life.
If you are a music lover,
plan a trip in September (24th – 27th 2015) to attend one
of India’s greatest outdoor music festival - the Ziro Music Festival.
Mawlynnong, Meghalaya:
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| Image Credit: Travel Lenz |
While in Meghalaya, take a trip to Mawlynnong, which has the distinction of being the cleanest village in Asia. The village offers quaint natural beauty, a sight of natural balancing rock (a strange phenomenon of boulder balancing on another boulder) and a trek to the world famous Living Root Bridge.
If you are looking for an offbeat
summer destination and have a desire to soak in the local culture, make sure
you plan a trip to Mawlynnong.
Majuli, Assam:
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| Image Credit: Tour My India |
Formed by the mighty Brahmaputra, Majuli is the well known as the largest river island in India. Though much of the island disappears underwater in the monsoons, Majuli is a shimmering mat of radiant paddy fields and gorgeous hyacinth blossoms. Aside from boasting of unparalleled scenic beauty, this river island is the hub of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture. You can spend a relaxing evening or two soaking in the ancient philosophy in one of Majuli’s twenty two satras.
If you are a bird lover you
are in for a treat, as Majuli is home to over a hundred species of birds. Rent a
bicycle and join one of the birdwatching tours. Don’t forget your camera.
Dzukou Valley, Nagaland:
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| Image Credit: Travel to India |
This magnificent hill station is tucked away at an elevation of 2438m. Every summer the hills are carpeted by lilies and wild rhododendrons, hence it has earned the sobriquet “Valley of Flowers” (of the North East). Walking through the lush greenery, colorful flowers and crystal clear stream is one of the most serene experience you can indulge in.
If a moderate trek and
camping experience is your desire for this summer Dzukou Valley is the place to
be.
Gangtok, Sikkim:
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| Image Credit: Sikkim Tourist Places |
The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, enticing and vivacious, is a tourist paradise. It is a good base for excursions to Rumtek, Tsomgo and Yumthang. Just linger here for a few days and enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the friendly locals and take in the views of the magnificiant Khangchendzonga. Don’t forget to talk a walk along the MG Marg, a happy pedestrian paradise lined up with several restaurants, shops, tourist offices etc, patronized by shoppers, lovers, tourists and fashionistas alike.
This list is just a tip of the iceberg which is North East India. Here is hoping you will take it upon yourself to explore the pristine beauty of the region.
Happy Summer!
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