Author: Arpita Das

Sitting in your office, have you ever looked outside the window and wished to be a bird? Does the sky look bigger, and the chills of office ac remind you of a distant mountain somewhere? Perhaps the boring air freshener smells like the ocean all of a sudden? Do you find yourself randomly looking up “tourist places near me”? If that’s the case, we are with you.

The little bug called wanderlust hiding inside your heart has raised its little head again. Luckily, we have just the right collection of offbeat places for you. Explore the “Sweetest Part of India” – West Bengal, and taste all the sweet surprises waiting for you in the offbeat places! Whether it’s the mountains calling you, the jungle or the ocean – you will find it all in West Bengal.

Shankarpur- The Sea Beach

Less travelled by tourists, Shankarpur quietly awaits you by the Bay of Bengal. The pristine, white, sandy Shankarpur beach and the clear cold waves have that healing touch that can cure a troubled mind.

Shankarpur is primarily a fishing harbour, so you can watch the fishermen leave on their fishing boats with a large fishing net every morning. You can also take a small tour to see the bright red crabs habiting Shankarpur. You can also explore nearby Tajpur and Mandarmani beach, both being equally serene.

How to Reach?
You can reach Shankarpur via Dum Dum Airport. You can also travel via road or take the train to Digha and carpool to Shankarpur.
Best time to visit: All year

Jhargram

Safely tucked in between the Subarnarekha river and Belpahari, Kankrajhor hill ranges, Jhargram is a hidden treasure for all nature lovers. It is endowed with green forests and plenty of wildlife still unknown to most tourists.
Here you can visit the grand Jhargram royal palace. Legends date it back to Mughal Emperor Akbar’s era. You can also visit the Chilkigarh Palace 12 km away from Jhargram. Travellers looking for cultural exposure can experience Bengal here through the tribal dance performances.
In November, you can attend the fair dedicated to the elephant god near Barasuli Dam. Nature lovers can go on a trek in Kankrajhor and Belpahari in the Sal, and Teak forests. Animal lovers can explore the Deer Park situated 3 km from Jhargram city.

How to Reach?
Jhargram is well-connected via road and railway. You will find plenty of public transport to travel around the Jhargram district.
Best time to visit: August-October

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Joypur Jungle

Travellers who are looking to get away from the hubbub of the city into the lap of peaceful greenery, Joypur in Bankura is your best choice. Its unsullied natural beauty and wildlife and heritage tourist attractions will make for a perfect weekend trip if you’re looking for places near Kolkata.
Once you reach Joypur village, you can visit the large lake 700 meters away named Samudra Bandh. You can keep following the main road through the scenic forests on both sides which makes even the journey all the more pleasant. From the Joypur tower, you might catch a glimpse of elephants, deer, or even foxes.
The 19th-century heritage sites of Navaratna Temples at Dutta Para and De Para are sure to amaze your mind. The terracotta art on the temple walls depicting events from Puranas, Ramayana, and Mahabharata is a trademark of Bankura you simply cannot miss.

How to Reach?
You can reach Joypur via Bishnupur railway station and hire a car from there. You can also travel by road from Kolkata.
Best time to visit: All year, October-March for the best experience

Bishnupur

Bishnupur is one of the most famous yet less crowded historical places to visit in West Bengal. Rich with old cultural sites, and unique terracotta architecture among the wonderful natural landscape, Bishnupur is a must-visit for the inner history geek.
One of the most important temples of Bishnupur is the Rasmancha. Made in the year 1600 by Malla King Bir Hambir, it is unique in its terracotta art. You can appreciate this unique Bengali aesthetic in other similar temples like Jorebangla Temple and Madan Mohan Temple.
Other than temples, you can explore the beautiful flora of Susunia Hills and the natural spring that flows there. The ancient magnificently carved monolithic structure called Narasimha stones is surely a thing of wonder.

How to Reach?
Bishnupur is well-connected through roads and railway. You can reach there via Bishnupur railway station which is just 6 kilometres away from the city.
Best time to visit: October-March

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Ayodhya Pahar

In the Purulia district, you will find the brilliant Ayodhya Hills situated in the extended part of Eastern Ghats. The scenic beauty combined with interesting local culture and opportunity for adventure will easily make it one of the most memorable tourist places in West Bengal.
You can visit the fantastic Bamni Falls, surrounded by lush greenery. The forest in the Mathaburu range is a sight to behold. You can enjoy nature, go trekking, rock climbing, or have a blissful camping session under the starry night. It is also an excellent location to explore the tribal culture and tradition.
There are also many dams offering extraordinary natural beauty and a peaceful atmosphere like the Khairabera dam. If you are fond of photography, you will have a great time here.

How to Reach?
You can reach Ayodhya Hills by road. However, railway travel will be your best bet as there are two nearby rail stations – Barrabhum and Suisa. From there you can take public transport to reach the destination.
Best time to visit: October-February

Chandannagar

Bearing witness to the long history of Bengal, the city of Chandannagar boasts multiple historical monuments. As tourists slowly discover its hidden gems, it is becoming one of the top destinations in West Bengal tourism.
History enthusiasts will absolutely relish the colonial architecture present in Chandannagar. To start, you can visit the Chandannagar Museum. The Sacred Heart Church is another place to visit if you find yourself falling in love with French architecture.
You can enjoy the cool breeze from the Ganga river while you stroll on the promenade at The Chandannagar Strand. At Patal Bari, literally meaning underground house, the lowest level of this house goes down to almost the riverbed of Ganga.

How to Reach?
The city is very well-connected through roads so taking a car from Kolkata is a great way to travel. You will also find plenty of trains leaving from Howrah to Chandannagar.
Best time to visit: All year

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Malda Town

Malda is another location that is full of ancient history as it was once the capital of ancient Bengal and seat of power. The architecture from both ancient and recent history is definitely awe-inspiring for tourists looking for historical places to visit in West Bengal.
To begin the high dose of history in Malda, you can visit the archaeological site at Jagjivanpur, 35km from Malda town. Here lie the ruins of a 9th century Buddhist Vihara from the Pala dynasty. The Gour Palace is also a rich experience for any traveller. You can explore the Firoz Minar, and Dakhil Darwaza all dating back to the middle ages. There are also significant historical mosques like Chika Mosque, Adina Mosque, Baroduari Mosque and more.

How to Reach?
You can reach Malda town via the nearest airport at Bagdogra. Malda railway station is also nearby the city. Daily bus service is available too if you want to slowly relish your journey.
Best time to visit: All year

Buxa Village

If you are planning a visit to unique West Bengal tourist spots, can you really miss the iconic royal Bengal tigers? That is why Buxa village located in the foothills of Himalaya in the Alipurduar district should be a must-visit place in your travel itinerary.
Here you can go on a jungle safari in the Buxa Tiger Reserve. Though tigers are hard to spot, you might just find one. There are also a decent population of deers, elephants, leopards, bison and many other wild animals roaming about in the dense woods.
You can explore the nearby Jayanti river and the picturesque village situated there. If you are interested in trekking, you can visit the Buxa Fort inside the forest reserve.

How to Reach?
The best way to travel to Buxa is by train. You can take Kanchankanya Express from Kolkata. If you’re travelling by air, Bagdogra will be your nearest airport.
Best time to visit: October-March

Jaldapara National Park

Are you someone who feels at home amidst the green wilderness? Is exploring flora and fauna your hobby? Then look no further. Jaldapara National Park is the right destination for you.
You can explore the jungle by availing jungle safari. The National Park is home to diverse species of both animals and birds. Watching the wild animals in their natural habitat can be a rewarding experience. If you’re a wildlife photographer then you’ve struck luck. Within such a rich environment, you can surely find an award-worthy shot! You can also go visit the nearby tea estates or visit the Coochbehar Palace.

How to Reach?
The New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the closest railway station to the National Park. You can also go there by air via the nearest airport at Bagdogra.
Best time to visit: October-June

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Sandakphu

North Bengal is a paradise for anyone who seeks the beauty and awe of the soaring mountains. Tourists looking for offbeat locations to avoid the crowd in Darjeeling, Sandakphu can be your choicest destination.
Located in the most place in the eastern Himalayas, the little hamlet allows you a grand view of the four highest peaks of the world. You can see Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and all the five peaks of the range touted the Sleeping Buddha. Imagine watching a magnificent sunrise over them!
You can go on a trekking on the mountain trails, or you can also avail the private cars that are available now. If you wish, you can simply sit down, breathe in the pure mountain air, and relax while you enjoy the view.

How to Reach?
You can reach Sandakphu by air through Bagdogra airport. You can hire a car from the nearest New Jalpaiguri Railway Station to reach your destination.
Best time to visit: October-January, March-May

Plan Your Trip With Us!

West Bengal is a complete package if you’re looking to experience a little bit of everything. This list over here is sure to satisfy the little bug that is wanderlust!
Planning a trip is not easy. You have to think about lodging, transportation and everything else. To make your travel experience smoother and easier, you can trust us to plan a trip for you. We will take care of your entire travel itinerary from the beginning to the end.
Still, searching “places near me”? Browse through our other travel articles for more such unique travel destinations.

What is the best destination for a mind that seeks serenity and a soul that craves nature’s healing touch? If you are searching for such a retreat, then look no further. Away from the chaos and noise of cities, the offbeat places in northeast India will be your salvation. The wonderful waterfalls of north-eastern states are sure to bless your weary heart with calm and peace.

Now, like most travellers you must be wondering, “is northeast India safe to travel to?” Here we would like to assure you that – yes, it is. It is safer than many other Indian tourist destinations. Thanks to the active efforts of the respective state governments, the North-Eastern tourism sector is also quickly flourishing. You can safely explore the hidden gems of northeast India.

Follow our travel guide to know our selection of the top ten waterfalls of northeast India.

Kanchenjunga Falls, Sikkim

You have heard of the mighty Kanchenjunga peaks, but have you heard of the Kanchenjunga waterfall? You can find this breathtaking beauty in Sikkim, Pelling. It is 24 km from Pelling and 10 km from Yuksom. If you are planning a northeast India trip, it is a must-visit.

Fed by the glacier atop the highest mountain peak of India Kanchenjunga, it cascades down gracefully from a height of about 100 feet. Here you can indulge in adventure sports and feel that adrenalin rushing in your veins! There is the opportunity for a good hiking session or rope activities.

The best season to visit Kanchenjunga waterfall is the time right after the monsoon. The rain helps it to flow in its full glory. The vegetation too grows alongside it and accentuates its beauty.

Akashiganga Waterfalls, Assam

Dropping down from a densely forested hill at the elevation of 3000 feet, Akashiganga is easily most remarkable waterfalls in northeast India. Leaving the onlookers feeling awestruck it plunges down an amazing 140 feet. The natural beauty of the waterfall is spellbinding, to say the least; hence you will see both tourists and locals gathering here.

You can enjoy a serene picnic day here while you relish the mesmerizing beauty of the falls. It is also a famous pilgrimage site. You can pay a visit to the Shiva temple that is connected to the much-revered Sati’s legend.

The waterfall is located in the Hojai district of Assam, on the Dabaka-Dimapur road. You can go there by road or take a taxi from the nearest Chaparmukh railway station which is 28 km from Nagaon. September is the most ideal time to visit Akashiganga.

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Kakochang Waterfalls, Assam

Those who follow the wanderlust cannot do without a northeast India trip. In that case, the elegant Kakochang waterfall of Assam is a must-visit for you. It is gushing down inside the unexplored parts of the green forest that is bound to captivate the traveller’s heart for the magical view.

You can enjoy the waterfall or arrange a picnic with your friends and family near it. The historical Numaligarh and Deopahar ruins are also visible from the site. It is situated near Kaziranga National Park, so you can consider exploring the wildlife from there if you want.

The location is well-connected by major roads. Plenty of public and private transportation is available to reach there. The post-monsoon season is the best time to enjoy the waterfall.

Elephant Falls, Meghalaya

It is impossible to miss the beautiful state of Meghalaya when your goal is to explore the northeast Indian tourist places. Meghalaya is home to some of the most enchanting waterfalls in North-East India as well as the country. Elephant falls in Shillong is one such gem that you absolutely cannot miss. 12 km from the city, you can reach there by bus from any north-eastern town. You can also get there by train and flight, through Guwahati. Although the waterfall is gorgeous all year round, months after monsoon are still the best to visit.

Originally known as “Ka Kshaid lai Pateng know Siew” in the Khasi language, the British renamed it Elephant falls. This stunning water body is separated into three stages. However, only the largest fast step is visible, surrounded by pleasant vegetation.

Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya

Another absolutely stunning waterfall of Meghalaya is the Nohkalikai falls. It plunges down at the height of a whopping 1115 feet, at an elevation of 4065 feet making it one of the tallest waterfalls in India. At the foot of the fall, it creates a plunge pool of water in the most unique shade of green.

Surrounded by legends and myths on the ground and clouds at the top, Nohkalikai falls is a must-visit for your northeast India travel itinerary. You can reach there via the nearest airport or railway station in Guwahati. From there you can reach the location via bus or car. Since it is a rainwater fed waterfall, you can visit it after the monsoon.

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Nuranang Falls, Arunachal Pradesh

In recent times northeast India tourism has made significant progress. It is therefore a wonderful time to visit the beautiful Arunachal Pradesh. You can put the elegant Nuranang waterfall on your list without a doubt. Locally it is also known as Jang falls or Bong falls.

Due to the scenic beauty of the lush green landscape that embraces the waterfall, it has become a favourite spot for photographers. It may not be one of the tallest plunges at 100 meters, it is located at 6000 feet in the mountains. Trodden by a few, the thick forests shrouded in clouds are heaven for nature lovers and explorers.

You can reach the waterfall in Tawang via the Guwahati-Tawang road. You can also avail The Arunachal Pradesh Helicopter Service from Guwahati Airport.

Triple Falls, Nagaland

If you want to explore northeast India in October-June, the Triple Falls of Nagaland will be a treat to your eyes. This picturesque waterfall is in fact made of three different streams that cascade down from 280 feet high to form a natural pool. This offbeat destination in Seithekima village, of Dimapur, Nagaland boasts of enthralling natural beauty preserved by the tourism department. So, take plenty of pictures!

At the Triple falls, there are ample opportunities for multiple activities. You can have a picnic at the spot, or go trekking in the pristine woodlands. You can also go sightseeing, explore Kachari ruins, and observe wildlife at the Rangapahar Reserve Forest. Triple Falls is ideal for a northeast India road trip of short duration.

You can reach there by private taxi or by bus. Auto-rickshaws are available from Dimapur bus station.

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Barak Waterfalls, Manipur

The Barak Waterfalls in Tamenglong, Manipur is one of the most popular tourist places in Manipur. Lovers of offbeat destinations will certainly appreciate this underrated but stunning waterfall. The most striking feature of Barak is the seven waterfalls complementing it in close range. Together they not only enhance the scenic beauty but also provide water for irrigation.

You can enjoy a quiet day at the site away from the crowd- have a picnic, enjoy the splendour of the untouched nature there. The soft gurgling sound and the aqua blue water are pleasing to the soul. Adventurous people can go rafting and do other water sports there. Mountain climbing is also possible at this site.

The winter months between October-February are the best season to visit Barak Falls. You can visit it at any time of the day. There is public transport available from Tamenglong to reach the site.

Vantawng Falls, Mizoram

Vantawng Falls is another treasure of northeast India that is safely tucked inside the thick green forests. It is one of the highest and most astonishing waterfalls in the state of Mizoram. Located in the Vanva River, this tiered waterfall drops down 750 feet into a gorge. Although you cannot go near it, there is a viewing platform near it. You can see the entire waterfall in its full glory from there.

Vantawng has situated 137 km from Aizawl. You can land at Lengpui airport and take the NH54 to reach the location. You can also go there via Bairabi Railway station. Public transport by road is also available. September to January is the ideal window of time to visit this waterfall.

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Dumboor Waterfalls, Tripura

With legends and religious significance attached to it, Dumboor waterfalls are one of the most important and popular sites in Tripura. It is a well-frequented site not only by the tourists but also by the locals. According to locals, you can find a footprint of Lord Vishnu there. The mouth of the waterfall called Tirthamukh is also considered auspicious. Like the other waterfalls in northeast India, this one too sits surrounded by blooming vegetation.

You can plan your trip around July-August and you can witness a unique tribal festival called Karachi. Dumboor Waterfalls is in the Gandacherra subdivision, 120km from Agartala. The nearest railway station is 75km away in Ambassa. You can also easily travel via road.

Plan Your Trip with Us!

You cannot really travel to India completely without exploring the amazing north-eastern Indian states. Especially if you love some quiet time within nature, you can check out these aforementioned waterfalls of northeast India. You can plan your trip with us for a hassle-free, comfortable travelling experience. You can also read our other northeast India travel blogs to get further exposure to the treasure the North-Eastern states hold.