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Located in North East India, The Seven Sister States and their only Brother hold some of the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders safe within their folds. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura are these Seven Sisters, and together with Sikkim, they make for stunning destinations. And now, you can spoil yourself with some luxury when you decide to visit. There’s a handful of excellent luxury hotels in North East India, each offering a different and indulgent way to experience the surrounding region.
The lush forests and mist-shrouded mountains of the North East seem like the perfect escape from our corona-affected day-to-day life. However, while the spaciousness of the North East can indeed make social distancing easy, remember that following Covid protocol remains the need of the hour. While these properties all have Covid precautions in place, ensure that you remain a responsible traveler by wearing a mask and sanitizing often.
Located in the green hills of Gangtok, the Mayfair is an abode of luxury in Sikkim. Set across 48 acres of forested lands, the Mayfair offers top-notch amenities and personalized service. Pick your choice of accommodation based on your budget and need, from villas dripping in luxury to spacious family rooms. Every room is aesthetically furnished, with private balconies and bathrooms and a flat-screen TV. You get a breathtaking view of the nature around you from wherever you are.
The Mayfair Hotel has a fitness center for those who want to catch up on some exercise, and their award-winning spa has customized treatments. There’s a billiard room and a library to while away the time, and a number of dining options ensure you get your fill of delicious food. International cuisine is served at The Orchid, while the Jungel Cafe is great for a small bite or two. Sip on cocktails with your barbeque on the pool deck, or pick your choice of a fine collection of champagne and cigar at the Tongba Bar.
The hotel offers a range of casino games and event venues as well. It is 56 minutes away from Sikkim’s Pakyong Airport, and 4 hours from West Bengal’s Bagdogra Airport, which has better connections than the one in Pakyong.
Average rates for one night: ₹14,500
Also Read: 7 Unique Things To Do In Northeast India
Located on the Guwahati - Shillong Highway and intended to be a gateway to the Seven Sisters, lies the luxurious Vivanta by Taj. Located amidst 5 acres of lush manicured gardens, modern luxuries meet age-old Assamese culture at the hotel in more ways than one. The gardens are interspersed with waterways and motifs that evoke Assam’s culture, while the main entrance is modeled after Rang Ghar, the Ahom dynasty’s royal amphitheatre. Furthermore, the hotel’s main dome is inspired by the dome of the Kamakhya Temple.
This stunning inspiration continues into your rooms with traditional Xingkhap patterns. Rooms also have a kettle, a private bathroom with bathrobes and slippers, and other modern comforts. There’s avant-garde Chinese, Japanese and classic North and South Indian cuisines up for grabs, prepared with fresh produce from the Brahmaputra River and valley. Afterwards, settle down with a drink in your hand and party away at Octave bar lounge.
The hotel also has an outdoor pool, a fitness center and the award-winning Jiva Spa. There’s a babysitting service available, as well as a concierge service with loads of inside tips and knowledge to explore Assam. Along with a load of other activities you can opt for, Vivanta will make your trip a memorable one. Vivanta is located an hour away from Assam’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
Average rates for one night: ₹8,250
Also Read: 10 Things To Do In Assam For An Exciting Holiday
With a name that means “Serenity by the Lake” in Khasi, Ri Kynjai - Serenity By The Lake is the perfect luxurious escape. The hotel is a great way to experience the culture and food of the local region without having to go out of your way. The cottages that you will stay in are built with a merge of traditional Khasi building practices and modern principles of architecture. The roofs are in the shape of inverted boats, inspired by the roof forms of the Cherrapunji-Mawsynram belt, designed such to withstand the record-setting rainfall that Meghalaya receives. Your rooms will be indulgent, equipped with every modern comfort, and boasting a view of either the Umiam Lake or the lush green forests.
The resort has been designed keeping conservation and sustainability in mind. You can also undergo traditional Khasi spa treatments, go on hill treks, take boat rides on the Umiam Lake, and go on an island picnic; truly, the connect with nature and local culture here is a strong one. Ensure you also spend a day at the Shillong Golf Course, dating back to 1889, and still referred to as the ‘Gleneagles of the East’. Continuing the Khasi traditions and warm hospitality, the Sao Aiom (Four Seasons) fine-dine restaurant serves a range of cuisine. But most notable is the feature of local dishes, prepared with the finest fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Ri Kynjai is 30 minutes away from the Umroi Airport at Umroi, but it isn’t very well connected. You’re better off flying into the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Guwahati and then taking the 3 hour drive to the hotel.
Average rates for one night: ₹11,400
Assam’s Kaziranga National Park is one of India’s treasures, boasting a range of biodiversity and natural scenery that is rarely found. You can now explore the wonders of this park in luxury that is not only indulgent, but is also eco-friendly, at the Diphlu River Lodge. It is located on the grounds of the UNESCO designated park, and has been built with a core focus on responsible tourism and seamless connection with the park. The lodge is separated from the park by its namesake river, where you can often spot elephants and wild buffaloes coming down to drink and bathe.
There are 8 individual cottages and 4 semi-detached thatch-and-bamboo cottages on stilts, inspired by the architecture of Mishing tribal homes. Inside the cottages are weaves and artifacts artfully handmade by local artisans. Each lodge is cozy and luxurious, containing a seating area and writing desk, a mini-bar, a mini fridge, a kettle, and a complimentary selection of fine teas and coffees. Each cottage has a wide folding glass door that opens out onto a verandah, so you truly can get the best of the views.
The staff that serve you are from the villages in and around the park, and it is their devotion to their guests and the lovely park that truly is the cherry on top of the wonderful Lodge. Machan, the common area and restaurant, has some delicious food that is prepared with locally-sourced organic ingredients, and any waste goes into a compost pit. Your meals are further heightened with the view of the mighty Diphlu River.
Every year in the monsoon, the Diphlu river swells in size. At this time, the Diphlu RIver Lodge gives animals safe passage and sanctuary from the floodwaters as their lodge is located on an elevation. A lodge that cares so much about its surroundings while ticking every last detail to make for a luxurious stay, is one that must be experienced. The Diphlu River Lodge is 6 hours away from the Guwahati Airport.
Average rates for one night: ₹10,000
A short drive from the center of Guwahati and yet located in a peaceful spot, Radisson Blu is the last of our top luxury hotels in North East India. Each room at the Radisson Blu is contemporary, and fitted with modern luxuries like a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee maker, and the indulgence of 24-hour room service. The hotel has an outdoor infinity pool where you can soak up the scenery unfolding for miles ahead. Maintain your exercises in their health club, post which you can treat yourself to some self-care in their spa.
The Radisson Blu offers 5 on-site dining options; there’s Pan-Asian, Indian and international food up for grabs. Plus, you can sip on a specially crafted cocktail at their bar. Sightseeing is a breeze when staying at the Radisson Blu, as the hotel is a stone’s throw away from major tourist attractions nearby. The Radisson Blu is a 45 minute drive from Guwahati Airport.
Average rates for one night: ₹9,000
Which Is The Most Beautiful State In North East India?
With rolling hills covered in mist and rich tribal culture, each state of North East India has its own beauty. Where you want to go would depend on which state is most accessible and has what you want to experience.
Which Is The Best Time To Visit North East India?
The months from March to June are the best time to visit North East India. Spring is in bloom, and the fresh flowers and grass add a different vibe to the hills. The clear weather makes it a great time to experience the tribal cultures as well.
Which Is The Important Plain In North East India?
The Tripura Plains extend over 4,150 sq km and the Barak Valley plains are the significant plains in North East India.
Is North East India Safe?
North East India is one of the safest tourist destinations in India. At one point of time, insurgent groups were once active in the region but that activity has long since died down.
What Is The Famous Food Of Meghalaya?
When in Meghalaya, make sure you get a bit of Jadoh (rice and pork with vegetables, garnished with eggs/fried fish), Nakham Bitchi (fish and vegetables), Dohkhlieh (pork salad), Pumaoi (a type of steamed rice) and of course, momos!
Is Meghalaya Safe For Tourists?
Meghalaya is definitely a safe state for tourists, even for solo travelers. The crime rate is low and the locals are helpful.
How Much Does A Trip To Shillong Cost?
The cost of a trip to Shillong depends on many factors such as your mode of transportation, number of destinations, budget and hotels. However, the budget range is between ₹20K-30K, while the luxury budgets can go as high as over ₹70K.
Does It Snow In North East India?
Yes, it does snow in North East India, but not everywhere. The regions at higher altitudes and those closer to the north experience snowfall from the months of December to February. Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh see snowfall, whereas lower states like Mizoram and Tripura only see a dip in temperatures.
Who Is The Brother Of The Seven Sisters?
The state of Sikkim is known as the brother to the seven sisters of the North East. It doesn’t share state borders with any of the seven sisters, but due to geographical proximity and similarities, it became the brother to the seven states.
Why Are The Seven Sisters Called The Seven Sisters?
The contiguous states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura are the Seven Sisters of India, as they are interdependent on one another and are all connected to India via the Siliguri Corridor, the only way to reach them.
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