8 unique off-beat places to visit in East India

One of the oldest towns in Arunachal Pradesh. Approximately 167 km from Itanagar. It is a UN declared heritage site. Tucked away in the dense forests of Arunachal Pradesh, it offers breathtaking views of terraced rice fields and serpentine rivers. It is the home to the Apatani tribe, with paddy rice fields surrounding the area. The best season to visit Ziro is from September to November and March to May. It is famous for its sustainable agricultural techniques. Heaven for people who enjoy dishes such as Thukpa, Momo and steamed food with minimal use of oil, spices and salt.

Nestled in the mighty Brahmaputra River, flowing in the state of Assam. Known for its theatre, distinguished dance forms. It is claimed to be one of the largest inhabited river islands in the world. Its area spanned approximately 880 sq km. The island is home to rich Assamese cultural heritage. The small villages and hamlets surrounded by water bodies, lush greenery and paddy fields, makes it a beautiful and serene location. Majuli is also a bird lover's paradise, especially during the month of winters, rare migratory birds can be spotted. During the winter months from October to March.

One of the cleanest beaches, best for swimming , surfing and sun bathing. From this beach you can witness the most magical sunset of all. Located in the serene town of Gopalpur, Southern Odisha. This beach offers a nice atmosphere with a clean and peaceful area.

This clean beach offers sparkling gold along with the cyanic water of Bay of Bengal. The structure of the town is considered to be very British-isque. The main attractions of Gopalpur are its aqua sports and Beach festival. It is a very popular place for the lovers of shell works. The best time to visit Gopalpur is winter. Where the temperature remains snug and enjoyable.

A beautiful Hill-station located in Latehar district of Jharkhand. its majestic tower structure over the picturesque view is a visual delight. Also known as the “queen of Chhotanagpur. Netarhat offers its tourists splendid forests, cool climatic conditions and beautiful waterfalls. It has facilities for trekking, hunting and bird watching. Netarhat is the ideal destination for picnics as well as photography. At Netarhat, there are several kiosks and local restaurants that offer unique Jharkhandi food, such as ‘Littichokha’ and ‘thekua’

Home to the people of Monpa Tribe, located in the Western most part of Arunachal Pradesh. Famous for its uniquely structured monasteries and tribal culture. Bordered by Tibet in the North and Bhutan in the South-West. It celebrates major festivals of the Monpa tribe viz “Torgya’ and “Losar”. It is located at a distance of 183 kms from Bomdila, at an altitude of 3500 meters. Best time to visit Tawang is between March and October.

Also known as the Land of Dancing Deer. Bishnupur, famous for its terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees, both of which are a testament to its rich cultural heritage.located 132 kms from Kolkata. This town of West Bengal reflects its glorious past embedded in rich handcrafts, music and architecture. It is also a hub for purchasing traditional handloom sarees and pottery, made of Terracotta. Jorbangla temple, Shyam Rai temple and Mrinmoyee temple are some famous places to visit when in Bishnupur.

Ideal base for adventure lovers surrounded by lush greenery and Mighty hill offers panoramic views and is a major tourist attraction for trek lovers. Apart from its various peaks, in the nearby gibbon sanctuary, visitors can enjoy the distinctive cuisine of Garos in Tura. Top attractions in Tura are: Chandigre rural village, Nokrek biosphere reserve, Rongbangdare waterfalls and Tura peak.

The land of White Orchid. Famous for its meandering waterfalls, temples and Buddhist Gompas. This place also offers stunning and visually appealing views of the gigantic Himalayas. For the adventure seekers within you who also love being in touch with nature. This is an ideal place for getaway. The best time to visit Kurseong is between March and May. These hills are adorned with a wide variety of flowers, offering stunning views of the landscape that surrounds it.