7 Natural Wonders Of India's North East

The North-Eastern states of India comprise a vast and varied landscape. Gigantic rivers, mountains, flood plains, steamy rainforests, cold wilderness, snowy peaks: they are a world unto themselves. This amalgamation of terrains creates some fantastic natural wonders that definitely warrant a visit.

Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim

Located at an altitude of nearly 18,000 feet (17,800 ft), this lake is a sacred site for Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs. The moment you set your eyes on this natural wonder, you will understand why it has such profound spiritual value. The calm waters, the pristine mountain air and the breathtaking vistas make this a must visit for anyone traveling to Sikkim.

How to get there: Take a flight to Bagdogra and then go to Gangtok. The lake is a day trip from there.

Majuli is the largest river island in the world. Formed by the shifting of the mighty Brahmaputra river, Majuli’s unique location within the state of Assam make it a unique feature on the landscape. From here, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Brahmaputra river, coupled with lush green forests. Majuli is only accessible by boat from the nearby town of Jorhat. Today, the island is eroding fast as the river is again shifting course and in a few years might disappear altogether.

How to get there: Take a flight to Guwahati and then rent a cab.

Phawngpui or The Blue Mountain, Mizoram

The state of Mizoram remains one of the least explored states in India. This remoteness makes watching the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets at Phawngpui an even better experience. The Mizo people call this mountain sacred, and just one view of it during sunrise is enough to ensure you fall in love with it too.

How to get there: Fly to Aizawl via Kolkata or Guwahati and then book a safari from there.

Madhuri Lake, Arunachal Pradesh

Located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, a special government permit is needed to visit this lake. However, it is not just the site which is wonderful to behold, but the very approach road is a marvel of engineering, literally winding along a vertical mountainsid. The Tawang Tibetan monastery is also nearby, as well as the 100 meter high Nuaranang Falls. Fun fact: The actual name of the lake is Shungatser Lake but after the 1995 Bollywood film Koyla was shot there, it was renamed Madhuri Lake after the actress of the film.

How to get there: Fly to Itanagar and take a cab from there

Floating Lake, Manipur

The floating lake, or the Loktak Lake as it is known locally, is a natural wonder to behold. What makes the location unique are the masses of vegetation flowing in it. These masses of vegetation are so thick that they are like islands. The entire lake is surrounded by mountains and the elevation of 2,521 feet makes the climate a year long delight.

How to get there: You need an inner line permit to visit Manipur. Fly to Imphal and then take a car to visit the lake.

Umngot River or The transparent river, Meghalaya

Located near the town of Dawki, near the Indo-Bangladesh border, the Umngot river is often called the cleanest river in India. If you look down directly, you can even see all the way to the bottom. Consequently, the boats look like they are floating in mid-air: truly a sight to behold. A tip: Meghalaya is stunning all yearround but more so during the Christmas and New Year scene, when the exceptional music scene fills the streets and park concerts.

How to get there: Fly to Guwahati and take a cab from there to Shillong. Use Shillong as a base to explore Meghalaya.

Dzukou Valley, Manipur and Nagaland

If you are a trekking enthusiast then this is the perfect place to be. The valley is located at an altitude of 2452 meters above sea level. This gives it a beautiful, all year round temperate climate. Currently, the valley is only accessible by trekking five hours across state boundaries, but the rolling green hills and the temperate climate are worth the effort. Fun Fact: The name Dzukou comes from the ice cold stream that flows through the valley and is considered clean to drink.

How to get there: You should book a trek with the Manipur mountaineering institute or another such affiliated operator.

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