India has surfeit of places to be explored with family & Family. The excitement begins right from planning a family vacation in India to visiting these places. An expedition to Northeast India’s famous hill stations, toy train rides, trekking opportunities and much more provide an incredible experience.
Undoubtedly, there is nothing better than a family holiday in India to break the monotonous routine and leaving all your worries behind. Comprising of numerous charms, a sojourn to these destinations will strengthen your bond with your loved ones like never before!
Gangtok
Gangtok is a nature’s bounty. This capital city of Sikkim is a paramount choice to plan a summer vacation in India. The pristine town shrouded in clouds also acts as a base for trekkers heading towards the Himalayan mountain ranges. Lots of Tibetans-Buddhists are getting enticed towards the place because of many religious educational institutions and monasteries.
Places to visit
- Nathu La Pass– the bond between Tibet and Sikkim
- Rumtek Monastery– the holiest place where traditional Buddhist rites are performed
- Ganesh Tok– Crawl like a baby to reach Ganesh Temple
- Tsongmo Lake– admire the beauty of holy Tsongmo Lake which is worshipped by Sikkimese
- Ban Jhakri Falls– Examine the traditional sculptures and figures of the Jhakri culture
What not to miss?
- Enjoy shopping and nightlife at MG Road
- Trekking to Kanchenjunga
- Reconnoiter the astonishing collection of relics of the Vajrayana Buddhism and Tibetan culture
- Cable Car ride to Gangtok
- Go for a Yak Safari
Best Time to visit
April to June is the best time to visit Gangtok. However, it can also be visited in winters as well.
How to reach?
By Air – Bagdora Airport (125.2 km)
By Train – New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (117 km)
By Road – Siliguri (115.9 km)
Pelling
Escape the cities, admiring the panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga, interact with people of different religions and savor delicious cuisines; if this is your idea of a family holiday in India then Pelling is the right place for you.
Places to visit
- Sangachoeling Monastery– An essential highlight of the Buddhist Circuit
- Sewaro Rock Garden– best suited for a picnic with family
- Singhshore Bridge– highest bridge of Sikkim
- Rimbi Waterfall– soak in the natural beauty
- Kaluk– an unexplored heaven
What not to miss?
- Unwinding at the best home stays at Darap Village
- Bird watching
- Hiking
- Rope sliding at the Kanchenjunga Fall
Best Time to visit
Although Pelling can be visited any time of the year. However, it is best visited from Mid-February to June and September to December.
How to reach?
By Air – Bagdora Airport (160 km)
By Train – New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (152 km)
By Road – Pelling is well connected via all the major road networks
Guwahati
Ensconced on the southern bank of river Brahmaputra is the largest city of Assam, Guwahati. This ‘Gateway to the North-East’ is one of the superb option to plan a family holiday in India. The region is a home to plush fauna and owns a rich historical and cultural legacy.
Places to visit
- Kamakhya Temple– one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Goddess
- Umananda Temple– a temple on the peacock island dedicated to Lord Shiva
- Assam State Zoo– remarkable place to spot white tigers, swamp tapirs, one horned rhinos etc.
- Guwahati Planetarium– a treasure of knowledge for your kids
- ISKCON Guwahati– worshipping place of Lord Krishna
What not to miss?
- Visit Assam State Museum
- Take a trip to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
- A pilgrimage to Hajo
- Shopping at Fancy Bazar
Best Time to visit
The salubrious weather from October to March makes it the best time to visit Guwahati.
How to reach?
By Air – Guwahati International Airport (20 km)
By Train – Guwahati Junction (0 km)
By Road – ISBT Guwahati (5.1 km)
Darjeeling
Let’s talk about the next family destinations of Northeast India. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling is remarked for its tea industry. Panoramic views of world’s third highest mountain Kanchenjunga and Darjeeling Hiamlayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site are the other tourist attractions here.
Places to visit
- Tiger Hill– matchless site to bask in the beauty of the ascending sun
- Batasia Loop– a spiral railway track where toy train takes a 360-degree turn
- Japanese Peace Pagoda– attain sheer tranquility here
- Nightingale Park– a park with a giant statue of Lord Shiva along with a musical fountain
What not to miss?
- Toy train ride by Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
- Take some time out for the Rock Garden
- City Shopping
- Trekking
- Mountaineering
Best Time to visit
October to March is when tourist throng at Darjeeling
How to reach?
By Air – Bagdora Airport (95 km)
By Train – New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (62 km)
By Road – Bus service from Siliguri (70 km)
Shillong
Shillong is a myriad of astounding landmarks. The famous hill station in India is a host to various musical and cultural events. The capital of Meghalaya provides relief from the scorching heat across the country. Exhilarating mountain peaks, incredibly striking golf courses, pristine lakes, the zoo and museums make Shillong a must visit place.
Places to visit
- Mawlynnong– Asia’s cleanest village
- Umiam Lake– a paradise for nature lovers
- Elephant Falls– three small falls merging into one
- Shillong Peak– the peaks behind the name of this hill station
What not to miss?
- Trekking at David Scott Trails
- Delight in the vivacious nightlife of Shillong
Best Time to visit
March to June offer best sightseeing opportunities.
How to reach?
By Air – Guwahati Airport (115.0 km)
By Train – Guwahati Railway Station (104 km)
By Road – Bus services by Meghalaya Transport Service from Guwahati (99.5 km)
Kalimpong
Commanding views of the valley, Tibetan handicrafts, churches and Buddhists monasteries are the identical aspects of Kalimpong. The hill town remains in the bucket list of people who plan a summer vacation in India. However, this immaculate place can be visited any time of the year.
Places to visit
- Durpin Dara Hill– offers breathtaking view of the town
- Cactus Nursery– Exporter and cultivator of exotic beautiful flowers
- Galingka– facilitate the mesmerizing views of Kanchenjunga
- Deolo Hills– best for viewing the spectacular sunrise and sunset
- Thongsa Gompa– Oldest Bhutanese Monastery
What not to miss?
- River rafting in Teesta
- Buy souvenir from Teesta Bazar
- Hiking
- Understand the impact of human activities on nature
- Trekking
Best Time to visit
- March and April is the spring time offers best sightseeing
- May and June is the summer season and the peak season
- December to February is the winter season with less crowd
How to reach?
By Air – Bagdora Airport (75 km)
By Train – New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (70 km)
By Road –Siliguri (65 km)
Cherapunji
Cherapunji houses some of the best waterfalls. This high-altitude town is one of the best places to visit for witnessing the living root bridges. Once known as the wettest place on the Earth, the sub divisional town is the traditional capital of Hima known as Shora or Churra.
Places to visit
- Nohkalikai Falls – tallest plunge waterfall
- Mawsmai Cave– darkest cave offering thrilling experience
- Dainthlen Falls– scenic waterfall with rock carvings of snake
- Thangkharang Park– a park positioned on the edge of a cliff
- Nohsngithiang Falls– fourth highest waterfall also known as the Seven Sister Falls
What not to miss?
- Trekking at Double Decker Living Root Bridge
- Cannoning
- Rock Climbing
- Camping
Best Time to visit
September to May are the ideal months to visit Cherapunji.
How to reach?
By Air – Umroi Airport (91 km)
By Train – Guwahati Railway Station (150 km)
By Road –Shillong (55 km)
Tawang
Plan of a summer vacation in India never gets complete without visiting Tawang. Nature resides here in its purest form. The beautiful town is privileged to be the birthplace of Dalai Lama and houses several important monasteries. Tawang is a place which will cajole you with its natural magnificence shrouded in the aura of spirituality.
Places to visit
- Tawang Monastery– second largest monastery in the world
- Sela Pass and Lake– lifeline for Arunachal Pradesh
- Bap Teng Kang– an offbeat place with an awe-inspiring waterfall
- Gorichen Peak– highest peak of Arunachal Pradesh
- Tsomgo Lake– picturesque locale which spellbound the tourists
What not to miss?
- Trekking
- Praying at Tawang Gompa
- Savor best cuisine at Dragon Restaurant
- Enjoy the evenings at Orange Restaurant and Loung
Best Time to visit
Tawang is better visited in the months of October to July
How to reach?
By Air – Salonibari Airport (317 km)
By Train – Rangapara Railway Station (485 km)
By Road – Bus service from Bomdila (171.2 km)
Majuli
Majuli is the best pick to plan winter holidays in India. World’s largest river island can change your perspective about an ideal vacation with family. A thrilling feeling of swaying over the Brahmaputra River to reach this destination is a matchless experience. Raas, the main festival of the town is worth witnessing.
Places to visit
- Kamalabari Satra– famous locale that entices literature, art and cultural enthusiasts
- Gramur– one of the holy seats in town
- Dakhinpat Satra– ancient educational center
- Auniati Satra– a treasure box of traditional Assamese jewelry, utensils and handicrafts
What not to miss?
- Picnic at Tengapania
Best Time to visit
November to April are the ideal months to visit Majuli.
How to reach?
By Air – Johrat Airport (50 km)
By Train – Johrat (42.9 km)
By Road – Johrat (44.0 km)
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