Kanchenjunga National Park

May 23rd, 2019 by ankitnagpal

With numerous tourist destinations and the vast expanse of scenic beauty, the North-Eastern frontiers of India serve as a treasure trove of enthralling experiences and charming places to be seen. Made of the seven sister states, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur and Nagaland, nestled in the laps of the Himalayas, these highlands serve as the perfect escape from the routine life of the plains. Add to this the beautiful hill stations of Sikkim and Darjeeling, and you can enjoy a complete holiday package in the hills. If you have been planning a north-east getaway, here are a few places that you must visit for a memorable experience.

Reach Tashiling Through A Cable Ride

Your trip to Gangtok can never be complete until you have experienced the thrill of zooming across the sky, amidst majestic mountains and tall trees. One of the most popular things to do in Gangtok, the Cable ride from Deorali to Tashiling, gives a bird’s eye view of the verdant valleys and snow-covered slopes of the mountain range. The ride through a double-zip ropeway is one kilometer long, with each car carrying twenty-four passengers at a time, giving you a complete view of Gangtok’s beauty till you reach Tashiling, which is the highest point. If you are lucky, you can even catch a glimpse of the magnificent Khangchendzonga range from your cable car. You can choose to have a two-way journey or get down at any of the two stations that the car stops at.

How to Reach:

Take the Cable car from Deorali

Famous For:

A splendid view of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Major Attraction:

A view of the majestic Khangchendzonga range.

Nearby Places:

Namlang

Best Time to Visit:

Travel to this place between March-May or October-December.

Things to Do:

Enjoy the cable ride through the mountains.

Entry Fees:

INR 110 for an adult rider and INR 70 for children

Timing:

9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Trek Through the Wilderness at The Kanchenjunga National Park

Pelling, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sikkim is known for offering numerous exciting treks and hiking activities. However, the best trek can be experienced along with the glorious Khangchendzonga ranges, with its snow-clad slopes and gushing waterfalls reverberating through the wilderness. This majestic mountain range, known to be the highest in India, is home to the Kanchenjunga National Park. You can take a trekking trip along this richly verdant trail to witness the amazing wildlife that can be found here. Along the trek, to the highest point, you will come face to face with unique animals, like the sloth bear, musk deer, red panda, and the Himalayan Black Bear, that is not found anywhere else in India. So, next time you plan to visit Pelling, make sure you obtain a permit from the Wildlife Education and Interpretation Centre at Yuksom and set out for a trek to meet the unique forms of life.

How to Reach:

Trek along the trails from the foothills of the Kanchenjunga range.

Famous For:

Exotic forms of mountain wildlife.

Major Attraction:

The Himalayan Tahr and all the other wild animals that roam around freely.

Nearby Places:

The Khangchendzonga Falls.

Best Time to Visit:

Either from March to May or October to December.

Things to Do:

Have an exciting trek through the dense forests.

Entry Fee:

INR 350 per person

Timing:

8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Visit Kurseong On A Toy Train Ride

Make your trip to the North-East memorable by going on a toy train ride to Kurseong A must-have experience in this quaint hill-station of West Bengal, the toy train chugs along the enchanting valleys, offering a breath-taking view of the blossoming valleys and grand mountain ranges. The train ride takes you from Ghoom to Kurseong, crossing through some of the most picturesque places in Darjeeling, like the Batasia Loop. It was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1999 and has been transporting several tourists through a labyrinthine railroad of tiny eateries, souvenir shops and fragrant tea gardens every day since then. This railway line is also known for offering a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges and the Kanchenjunga peaks along the ride as well.

Pro Tip:

Choose the steam engine journey for the most authentic trip.

How to Reach:

Catch the Toy Train from Ghoom station in Darjeeling.

Famous For:

The World Heritage Toy Train Ride.

Major Attraction:

The spectacular view of the many bridges and meadows.

Nearby Places:

The Batasia Loop.

Best Time to Visit:

During the summer months between March to June.

Things to Do:

Gorge on the delectable street fare at the many stops.

Entry Fee:

INR 695 to INR 1065 per person, depending on the type of engine and traveling coach class that you select.

Timing:

7:40 A.M. to 4:20 P.M.

Be Hypnotised by The Gushing Elephant Falls in Shillong

Home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, the quiet city of Shillong in Meghalaya is truly a reflection of paradisiac beauty. So, while you are finding your peace here, make sure that you visit the many waterfalls here. The Elephant falls are one of the most wondrous sites in Shillong, with frothy water cascading down a three-tier ridge and creating a beautiful pool of water underneath. According to history, its name comes from an elephant-shaped rock that is located near it and was destroyed in an earthquake. These falls are known for their mesmerizing view of dense forests and clear blue waters within the folds of magnificent valleys that impart a sense of tranquil peace and hypnotic calmness to anyone who visits the place.

How to Reach:

A small hike from Shillong Peak.

Famous For:

The three-tiered ridges of the waterfall.

Major Attraction:

The gushing waters that impart a sense of calm.

Nearby Places:

Shillong Peak.

Best Time to Visit:

During the summer months between March to June.

Timing:

9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Witness the Enchanting Beauty of A Rhododendron Meadow in Lachung

A surreal experience awaits you at Lachung’s Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. The most beguiling of Lachung experiences, this beautiful sanctuary is enlivened by vibrant varieties of Rhododendron flowers, in full bloom, during the months between April and July. Surrounded by tall peaks this colorful valley is complete with potentillas, poppies, gentians, aconites and primulas painting a picture of spellbinding beauty that cannot be experienced anywhere else. You can trek along the trails or go on a photo walk in the valley to capture these picturesque flower sceneries as a reminder of nature’s amazing exquisiteness.

How to Reach:

A little walk from Yumthang Valley.

Famous For:

A vibrant expanse of blooming rhododendrons.

Major Attraction:

The fifty-odd species of flowers.

Nearby Places:

Yumthang Valley.

Best Time to Visit:

During the summer months between April and July when the flowers are in full bloom.

Things to Do:

Enjoy a picnic with your family.

Ready with your North-East travel plans for a relaxing holiday? Don’t forget to add these fascinating things to do in your north-east bucket list for a trip of a lifetime. However, you can plan your holiday, by taking a look at a few of the North-East India tour packages that OYO Total Holidays offers you, to have a hassle-free and fun-filled journey across the hills and valleys.

About ankitnagpal

We’re people who love to travel and it’s a pleasure to share our experiences from around the world with you here. You’ll see our favorite destinations, quirky stays and budget stay. Also the best wedding banquet halls and the most lit party destinations. You’ll also find insightful opinions about why we travel in the first place and what it’s really like out there. Enjoy the blog and please tell us what you think - feedback welcome!