TALK WITH US +91-9970620335
WhatsApp

Our Pick on the Most Romantic Hotels in India

If you’ve got that lovin’ feeling and are looking for a holiday to celebrate it, you should definitely consider some of the romantic hotels in India. The country isn’t best known for its romantic getaways but you will be surprised at the experiences that you can find here. There is, of course, a wide range of environments from the mountains to sweeping coastlines.

That gains you the benefit of your choice of background (or even mix it up a bit!). But more than that, there’s also an incredible variety of gorgeous hotels and romantic resorts in India to choose from. Here are some of our top picks for most romantic hotels in India. Which includes a mix of quiet boutique hotels, opulent palace resorts and everything in between. You’ll find options for a honeymoon, active holiday, or even family-friendly options for those of you with a brood.

Udaivilas, Romantic hotels in India
Private dinner under the lakeside dome (Photo Credit – The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur)

For a magical honeymoon: The Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

This one’s one of the most romantic hotels in India. But, we’ll argue that it’s also one of the most romantic in the world! The erstwhile palace of the Nizam of Hyderabad, this ‘mirror of the sky’ lives up to its name and is a spectacular structure. You can explore the beautifully restored antique fixtures and furnishings that fill the elegant spaces.

It’s like stepping into a fairytale! A stay here is a magical experience, right from the shower of rose petals that greets you when you arrive. And the fabulous treatment will continue throughout your time. For instance, champagne at sunset, candle-lit dinners for two, and much more is on offer here!

Taj Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad, honeymoon in India
Marvellous views of the palace courtyard and the 400-year-old city of Hyderabad (Photo Credit – Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad)

For a mountain wonderland: Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas

Places that claim to be ‘luxury honeymoon hotels’ are aplenty, but there few that fit the bill. Likewise, as Wildflower Hall, about 16 kms outside Shimla, especially if you love the mountains! Shimla was the British summer capital, and this region is full of colonial homes. But few are as lovely as this place.

The former home of Lord Kitchener has a fantastic spa, and a stunning infinity pool that overlooks Himalayan peaks. And the rooms are nothing to laugh at, either! You can opt for a few easy excursions in the area if you don’t want to stay tucked into bed all day. The staff will be happy to assist you to plan a picnic or trek. But if you feel like leaving, we’ll be surprised!

Related: Discover Luxurious Stays in India

romantic hotels in India
Enjoy mountain or valley views (Photo Credit – Wildflower Hall an Oberoi Resort)

For a tropical island escape: Jalakara, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

If you’ve got Castaway fantasies, this one should be right up your alley! Jalakara, on Havelock island in the Andamans, is a self-proclaimed hybrid between a boutique hotel and private villa. It’s got a handful of rooms and suites, each done up in a rustic-chic vibe, with dark woods and stone.

It’s a lovely, intimate space that invites you to disconnect from the rest of the world and just be. Also, Jalakara is a great choice if you’re interested in staying a bit active on your holiday. As the scuba diving and snorkelling around Havelock is fantastic!

romantic resorts
Dreamy boutique hotel in the Andaman Islands (Photo Credit – Jalakara, Andamans)

For a touch of the wild: Samode Safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh

For those of you whose idea of romance includes some time in the jungle, Samode Safari Lodge is a fantastic option. While India has many amazing safari resorts, including Oberoi’s Vanyavilas in Ranthambore and the Taj Safari Lodges, we love this one for the intimate experience it offers.

Samode Safari Lodge has 12 luxurious villas that reflect the local architecture and design styles. It also has enormous bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers. It’s complete with a deep tub that’s perfect to sink into after a day spent tiger-spotting in Bandhavgarh.

It is this, the attention to detail, and, most of all, the surprise mealtime venues. Yes, you’ll be served all your meals at a different locations! That make this one of the most memorable and romantic hotel experiences in India.

romantic hotels
Tastefully decorated and comfortably furnished (Photo Credit – Samode Safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh)

For some family-friendly ‘we-time’: Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala

A traditional, authentic Kerala experience steeped in quiet luxury is what you can expect from the Kumarakom Lake Resort. The villas here are all built from heritage homes from across Kerala. They are set around lush greenery and waterways that wind through the property. And, because of the range of activities on offer here, it’s also a good choice if you’re travelling with family.

The resort offers craft classes to keep the younger ones occupied and happy. It has a lovely infinity pool to lounge in and an Ayurveda spa. It’s housed in the carefully restored 200-year-old home of a family of famous Ayurveda practitioners, to get pampered at. What more could you want!

Bonus!

Luxury romantic hotels in India
Luxury resort located on the backwaters of Kerala (Photo Credit – Kumarakom Lake Resort)

For the Taj Mahal in all its glory: The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

The Taj Mahal is an eternal symbol of love. For a truly special viewing, look no further than the iconic Oberoi Amarvilas. The magical Taj Mahal is located just 600 metres away. That view itself – you can see the Taj Mahal from every room here!

This could make it one of the most romantic hotels in India. In addition, the resort itself is magnificent. It has been designed keeping in mind to reflect the Mughal heritage of Agra.

The Amarvilas has special offers for couples, including special treatments at the spa and an intimate dining experience, complete with a moonlit view of the Taj Mahal. There’s no way we could leave it off this list!

Stunning views of the Taj Mahal (Photo Credit – The Oberoi Amar Vilas, Agra)

If you’re looking for a special hotel for your romantic getaway or a personalised trip to India for your honeymoon and don’t know where to start planning, get in touch!

Homestays in Rajasthan – Castle Bera, Hem Guesthouse and Chandelao

India Someday has exposed to me to an array of accommodations. All were quite clean, had interesting architectures and were filled with characters!  I haven’t researched any of them beforehand, leaving myself open to surprise in each locale. From tastefully restored Havelis (private mansions) to hotels with exquisite rooftop views, I have had safe, comfortable and generally pleasant stays. I do wish the WIFI would work better though – getting these blogs up is sometimes a challenge! Some of my favourite accommodations have been the home-stays in Rajasthan.

Homestays in Rajasthan - Castle Bera, Hem Guesthouse and Chandelao
The view of Mehrangarh Fort from Hem Guesthouse, Jodhpur

Staying at Castle Bera

Not quite sure what I envisioned for a home-stay. Perhaps something rustic like the small Hmong village I stayed at in Northern Vietnam. I certainly didn’t picture a beautiful white castle! One with a marble-floored suite, with antique wood furniture, photos of maharanas (kings), and a chieftain to dine with. When my driver dropped me off, I thought we had just entered another walled city – it was actually the grounds of Castle Bera!

At Castle Bera, Thakur Baljeet Singh greeted me and it took me a while to grasp the nature of the place. We climbed the stairs and entered one of the many doors and sat in his personal living room. It was filled with family photos, plush furniture and a well-lived-in feel. We chatted for a bit about our late afternoon leopard safari, what time I wanted lunch and which part of the castle I wanted to stay in.

I had used the washroom in a large guestroom just off the living room – and there were other guest rooms to choose from just off the courtyard. His staff (I wish I could remember his name) walked me around a bit, pointed out the dining area where lunch would be served and we agreed on the beautiful guest room I would stay in. The arched-entry hallway, sitting area with nature magazines, king sized bed, beautiful wooden antique furniture, changing room area, large bathroom, regal carpets and working fans and AC were all quite welcoming.

Dinner time!

Curious and hungry, I went to the dining room as scheduled. I was pleasantly surprised to see two place settings set up on the long dining table. I quite appreciated this aspect of the homestay experience. As I waited for the owner to join me, I enjoyed looking at the array of family shots, photos of royal visitors filling the walls. Leopard pictures were taken by some of the most renowned wildlife photographers who had stayed there.

It was a pleasant opportunity to get a better understanding of the rich history of the castle and his family. We also talked about contemporary life in India – our jobs, travels, work philosophies and more. I can’t lie, it was a bit awkward at first to make conversation and feel my way around the situation. But it was exciting to get my first flavour of a homestay in India – and to be in a place where the proprietor opens up his home and shares experiences. After my bike ride through the area villages (accompanied by his friendly staff), we embarked on our leopard safari. While we didn’t spot any leopards, it was a beautiful excursion. We returned to enjoy drinks, popcorn, and other snacks in the restorative garden. Another delicious Indian home-cooked meal followed.

Homestays in Rajasthan - Castle Bera, Hem Guesthouse and Chandelao
Leopard safari organised by Castle Bera

HEM Guesthouse

My next homestay was at the HEM Guesthouse in Jodhpur. The driver arranged for me by India Someday dropped me off just outside the clock tower area. This was where I met one of the two exceptionally sweet brothers who carry on the legacy of their hospitable mother, Hem. Hem founded and ran the homestay before she passed away.

An adorable two-year-old boy who generously handed me a toy truck greeted me. Colourfully decorated wood furniture (their other business), bean bag style chairs and hot chai, I felt the family feel of this operation. The five-year-old daughter came home from school in her endearing little school dress, sharing with great enthusiasm that she hadn’t eaten her banana! Very sweet.

The Nepalese teen who works for Hem’s walked me up a couple of flights of stairs, where we passed the family’s kitchen and on the next floor, the clean and small (only relative to the other places I’ve stayed) room and finally, the beautiful rooftop view of the fort. En suite bathroom, a small balcony and fun artwork on the walls made it a pleasant place to catch up on some sleep and take advantage of the WIFI for writing.

Home-cooked food

I was eager to experience more delicious home-cooked food. However, I was a tad disappointed by the lunch and the very thin (runny) lassi I ordered. Similarly, perhaps I should have chosen Indian style for the morning breakfast. But I was getting used to the lavish western spreads at my first few accommodations. I was let down here as well, only to later learn that Hem is very popular for its Indian cuisine.

I think my disappointment in the food could likely be attributed to the calibre I had been receiving at my other places. It was probably a big dinner meal that could have wooed me here but I never gave it a try. Working hard on writing and resting, I could not connect much with this exceptionally warm and friendly family as I’d have liked. Most regretfully, I didn’t get to know the women of the house. Pregnant and radiant, they probably would have been amazing to speak with and learn from.

Homestays in Rajasthan - Castle Bera, Hem Guesthouse and Chandelao
Hanging out with the family at HEM Guesthouse

Chandelao homestay

Chandelao, my other homestay, offered a glorious, relaxing, and restorative environment. The bright blue pool waters called my name loud and clear. I had a rich experience of personal connections. I entered the beautiful fort residence and again had to pinch myself that this is where I would be staying.

In the family for generations, the land was a gift for having fought for the Maharana centuries ago. I had the opportunity to visit the women’s empowerment and craft-making centre serving the local village. I also met three of the generations, each one warmer than the next. Enjoyed lunch with the mother/grandmother (it pains me to not recall first names) of Chandelao. Though she didn’t eat, we enjoyed our conversation, despite some language challenges! She was excited that her daughter and grandson would be joining for dinner.

It was a joy to meet them as well, to talk about everything from women’s issues to the family history and Bollywood film! We will likely get together in Jaipur to go see one. Veer, her grandson, had an infectious laugh. As I typed away with giant grasshoppers and other insects accosting me, he chatted on the phone with a friend he would connect me with in Jaisalmer, laughing hysterically for the duration of the call. Always a great sound!

Homestays in Rajasthan - Castle Bera, Hem Guesthouse and Chandelao
Chandelao Homestay, Rajasthan

Why you should consider homestays in Rajasthan

I’ve found joy in personal connections, shared elaborate meals, interesting architecture, luscious pools and a sampling of real-life living. Figuring out the norms of each place presents its own unique challenge. But overall, I highly recommend breaking away from the backpacker hostels or 5-star conglomerates to give the homestays in Rajasthan a try.

Thank you, India Someday for making sure I have some truly memorable home-stay experiences!

Homestays in Rajasthan - Castle Bera, Hem Guesthouse and Chandelao
Meeting beautiful people in beautiful places

Farm Stay at Krishna Ranch – near Udaipur

Udaipur Diaries: Krishna Ranch

Udaipur charmed me. And I was wooed. Because the breathtaking rooftop views of endless mountains in the distance; the sense of vibrancy surrounding the picturesque lakes; the constant buzz of activity; the chilled out meandering cows; the enchanting architecture; the striking colours of fruits, vegetables and women donned in exquisite saris; the maze of winding streets and even the outrageous traffic scenarios – I was enthralled by it all. Udaipur re-welcomed me to India and to this travel journey, in a whole new way. I was beginning to feel quite at home here.

Farm Stay at Krishna Ranch - near Udaipur
My wonderfully generous host, Narayani

Udaipur

I was being picked up at 10:00 hrs for my next jaunt. Eager as I was for what lay ahead, I was sad to be moving on so quickly. I hadn’t even visited City Palace or biked around the lakes. Greeted by the driver who would take me to Krishna Ranch where I would be staying for one evening.

I hopped in the car (though sort of wish I arranged to bike instead) and enjoyed his detailed descriptions. This was an unexpected guided tour as we exited the bustling city life of Udaipur. And made our way through the serene countryside.

Those glorious mountains I gazed at from the rooftops were now right in front me, lush and green. The quiet streets were filled with women in striking colours. Each carrying a silver tray as she walked away from yet another religious celebration of sorts.

As we drove through the quiet hills, I saw a couple of high-end resorts and a newly constructed, pretty remarkable fort being built by a wealthy family who is apparently in the marble/stone industry. The street became narrower and was lined on both sides with flowers blossoming and a fluttering butterfly welcoming me to this alternate side of Udaipur.

Farm Stay at Krishna Ranch - near Udaipur
All around Udaipur is a beautiful, serene countryside

Krishna Ranch

Having entered the grounds of the Krishna Ranch, I exited the car and was welcomed by a beautiful stable full of horses. Francine (originally from Holland) came to meet me and while I became intoxicated by the nature sounds and beautiful grounds, she showed me my cottage – a very clean, tastefully decorated room with a queen-size bed, seating area with chairs and table, a daybed alcove sitting section surrounded by windows and an outdoor seating area for taking in the unending splendour. The spacious modern bathroom looked pretty good too (still beyond grateful for my digestive health!)

Over a delicious cup of aromatic tea, we sat at the long wooden table in the main open-air structure and officially checked me into this picture-perfect farm setting where I would be the only guest during this slow travel season (they’re pretty much booked during other times.

I can’t imagine it being more beautiful – although I guess when the trees are filled with mangoes and other luscious fruits, it probably isn’t too bad here!) Dinesh, Francine’s horse-loving Indian husband, met me, and we all shared stories of travel, farming/gardening, and more. I enjoyed a peaceful rest before being served a delicious home-cooked meal using almost all Krishna or otherwise locally-grown, organic ingredients.

An inordinate amount of food was served, and I did my best to make a dent in it, dining to a chorus of chirping birds and a rich green scene in every direction. I was thrilled to see a beautiful shelf unit full of real, paper books. Don’t really care how much books weigh, I can’t imagine using an e-reader in this serene atmosphere. I meandered the grounds for a bit, saying hello to the camel, horses, goats, and chicken,s and then rested and read a bit more.

Farm Stay at Krishna Ranch - near Udaipur
Krishna Ranch Farm

Horse riding

At 15:30 hrs, I met up with Dinesh, donned my helmet, and climbed upon a beautiful horse to begin an excursion around the countryside. I haven’t had too many horseback riding experiences, so it took us a bit of time to become comfortable with one another. Although once we did, the sound of clicking horse steps became truly meditative.

We rode on dirt paths, passing through farmland and small villages, children of all ages greeting me with big hellos and goodbyes. Dinesh was a wonderful guide and pointed out interesting things along the way, from types of trees to methods of farming to the antelopes and peacocks roaming the fields.

We returned to the ranch, and we all, including the horses, got ready to relax and have some dinner. A special pile of sand was set up for the horses to each have a quick roll in before settling in for the evening.

I chilled out at my villa, taking in the array of nature sounds and the diminishing light. Animals I couldn’t begin to identify howled and cooed in the distance. I learned later that I was probably hearing monkeys. The night sky now dark, I couldn’t bear to turn on my lights and was beyond ecstatic for this tranquility.

Farm Stay at Krishna Ranch - near Udaipur
The ranch offers you horses to ride

In the evening

I returned to the beautiful wooden table where I was served yet another gorgeous home-cooked meal prepared by Narayani. I was delighted to have her join me. While I ate, I loved hearing her stories about her life as a woman in Udaipur. My thali-style meal included mutter panner, dal, chapatti (with flour made right here), halwa (absolutely amazing), and her home-made pickled sauces. Also, they offered me a steady flow of filtered water.

Thrilled to not have Wi-Fi, I retreated to my villa for some reading, writing, and full mind/body restoration. I had to pinch myself a couple of times to ensure this was all for real. I continued counting my blessings for somehow landing in this magical world of wonder.

Inviting as my villa’s bed was, I longed for a tent to savour in the fresh night breeze and twinkling stars above. I figured it out – I opened all of the windows and set up my mosquito net in the day bed area, barely separated from the steady sounds of nature and the mountain views I would wake to see as a new day dawned. And so it did.

Farm Stay at Krishna Ranch - near Udaipur
Sitting down for our evening dinner

Breakfast

A breakfast spread to dream of – fresh-made yoghurt, brilliant red pomegranate, pieces of papaya, toast with more of that delicious butter, eggs, chai, bananas, apples and of course some filtered water.

I spent a bit more time with Francine & Dinesh and asked them about the intense sounds I heard last night, loud rustling and two bursts of mysterious animal screams. Did a chicken just get killed? Did it wake from a bad nightmare?

They suggested it was likely a peacock killed by some type of wildcat or possibly a leopard. The farm property abuts the wildlife preserve, and many have been spotted. Startling as it was, it sure beats the sound of cop cars in NYC.

Just a few minutes before my ride would pick me up. Intrigued and animated for what I knew would be another wondrous chapter, I couldn’t help but mourn the end of my time at the beautiful Krishna Ranch. I took many deep breaths and inhaled the healing tranquility I vowed to carry with me. I am also sending sweet little doses of it to you all.

Thank you, universe.

And I would like to thank you, India Someday.

Lastly, thank you, You Wander We Pay.

Namaste.

Farm Stay at Krishna Ranch - near Udaipur
The wonderful breakfast prepared for me

My first nights in India: Staying at the Travellers Inn

I made it to India!  A lifelong dream finally realized, thanks to India Someday and the amazing contest called #YouWanderWePay, which basically has my name on it! A social worker from New York City with a deep passion for all things local and an insatiable zest for experiencing life around our globe, I devoured my delicious Indian food aboard my Jet Airways flight and eagerly awaited the adventure of a lifetime.

My first nights in India: Staying at the Travellers Inn
Colaba vegetable market (Photo Credit – Tjeerd Wiersma)

The Journey Begins

After a smooth landing, I donned my well-travelled backpack and exited the air-conditioned terminal. Experienced my first dose of the hot, astoundingly humid air, immediately feeling my curls frizz. I connected with Harsh, one of the India Someday founders, and his exceptionally warm and friendly wife, Arpita. They pampered me with good water, my first late-night veggie roti, and a fun drive orienting me to the layout and design of Bombay. Driving alongside the sea, scores of people lined the walls overlooking the water. I found the streets mostly empty, but the size, sound,s and shapes of the various vehicles (and animals on the street) quickly reminded me that I had almost magically entered this mind-stirring land.

My first nights in India: Staying at the Travellers Inn
Marine Drive, Mumbai’s iconic curved coastal boulevard (Photo Credit – Stephaniemonot)

Travellers Inn

Harsh dropped me off at my first accommodation, the Travellers Inn – a clean, basic, well-located hotel in the Fort neighbourhood. Not having any perspective on accommodations, I was pleased with the smooth late-night check-in and the helpful staff. My air-conditioned room had a full-size bed, en-suite bathroom (with showerhead basically right above the toilet) and cable television. This provided the perfect background (who doesn’t love an Indian cooking show!). while I settled in and used their speedy Wi-Fi network to connect with family and friends back home. I confirmed my safe arrival and shared my excitement for some epic travel.

My bed was adequately comfy. I enjoyed a solid night of sleep and loved the breakfast of eggs, fruit, deliciously buttered toast and Indian tea. It was delivered to my room in the morning  (included in the room price). Getting ready to venture out into the streets of Bombay/Mumbai, I had hoped to run into some fellow backpackers. Besides a couple of computers and a book-swap shelf, there didn’t seem to be much common area for socializing. The very sweet owner, however, brought me to the roof to show me the great work in progress for a new community space. He even sought my ideas for what would make it best.

Keeping aside other accommodations in Mumbai to compare to, Travellers Inn is safe, well-located, clean and perfect for my fellow budget travellers. The ambience might not yet be its strong point but it does seem like it’s on its way. The helpful staff, cable TV, strong AC and good Wi-Fi surely enhanced my first experiences of India.

My first nights in India: Staying at the Travellers Inn
Comfy room at Travellers Inn, Mumbai

Mumbai

Huge thanks to the India Someday team! The “clean” food vendors whose flavors I loved (and I haven’t yet gotten sick from), to the cows and goats on the streets! The beautiful people and amazing banyan trees, Harsh’s family for their wonderful Indian hospitality and to the fun characters like my friend Aditi’s friend Joseph. What a fabulous welcome to India you have offered.  Next up
train to Ahmedabad. Can’t wait for more!

#YouWanderWePay

My first nights in India: Staying at the Travellers Inn
Eating thali with Harsh from India Someday

Travel to North East India

Northeast India is one of the most remote regions in India. It’s untouched by the overbearing tourism industry, which makes it an incredible place to visit. It consists of seven states; Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. If you planning to travel to North East India expect to find  one of the largest and irreplaceable biodiversity hotspots in the world, with more than 60% of the area under forest cover. Although the cultures are often dismissively grouped together, they’re incredibly diverse and worth discovering.

If you’d like to plan a trip in one of these states or in any other place in India, let us know and we can help you out.

Travel to North East India
In many paths of these states, you’ll find root bridges like this one in Meghalaya, making trekking so much fun

How to get around in North East India?

A remote and hilly area, the infrastructure is not well developed. With the exception of Assam, where they have 4 lane cement highways, roads can be pretty bad. In Arunachal and Nagaland, roads are winding and poorly maintained, with a top speed of 30 km/h. This makes journeys between places long and arduous. Nevertheless, the views are spectacular and will keep you spellbound for the entirety of your trip.

Travel to North East India
Magnificent view en route to Zero Point, Sikkim (Photo Credit: Tripoto)

How’s Accommodation in North East India?

Accommodation is fairly basic in the majority of the region. Hotels often do not have geysers or showers so buckets with hot water could be provided. Also, some places won’t have Western-style toilets so prepare yourself to squat. Assam, Sikkim and Gangtok do have some extremely comfortable housing for travellers. A growing interest in visiting these endangered and beautiful areas will only bring newer options for tourists venturing there.

Checkout our Guide on India’s Most Luxurious Hotels!

Travel to North East India
The beautiful green grass and mountain in Sangti Valley at Arunachal Pradesh (Photo Credit: SetMyTrip)

Who is it for?

The northeast has a very raw and rugged beauty, bearing a closer affinity to Southeast Asia than to the general perception of India. If you like to travel rough and truly experience the lives of other cultures then it’s the place for you. Expect the complete unexpected when voyaging through the region.

Despite the idea and perception that the northeast is incredibly primitive and backwards, they have the most widespread rock music scene in all of India. Look up college festivals, local concerts and competitions to get a chance to experience something terrific. They also host quite a few music festivals that draw crowds and bands in from across the country.

There are very few luxury hotels in the northeast India and those that exist are found in selected places like Kaziranga, Shillong, Jorhat and Dibrugarh. So, if you’re a luxury traveller, you might want to look elsewhere in terms of luxurious experiences.

Travel to North East India
On an elephant safari at Kaziranga National Park (Photo Credit – Travel News)

Cost of travel in North East India

Because of its remoteness, the cost of trips in northeast India is nearly 20% higher than any similar trip elsewhere in India. This is due to the transportation cost which is quite high because of the roads steepness and poor condition. We’d say travelling in groups of 4 or more is the most economical way of doing it. Hotels are also more expensive. A big bonus is that the cost of living is low, and there’s very little chance you’ll meet someone trying to scam you.

Seasons in North East India

November to May is a good time to visit northeast India, but it truly depends on the kind of trip and places you’d like to visit. This is because certain months might be more favourable than others. The northeast is considered in the world as one of the places that receives the most rainfall in the world, so prepare for constant rainfall during many months of the year. The good thing about rain is that it gives it the green luscious touch that makes the region stunningly beautiful.

Learn More: Calculating the Travel Expenses in India

Travel to North East India
Double Decker Living Root Bridge constructed by weaving the roots of Banyan trees (Photo Credit – Tripzy Go)

The delicious food

While sticky rice is the staple diet of almost every tribe in the northeast of India, they compliment it with a dazzling array of meats, pickles, vegetables and beans cooked in various different ways. They love meat, pork being the favourite but also chicken, fish, snail and smaller game also vying for the top candidate. The residents are famous for cooking anything that moves, a topic you probably shouldn’t bring up directly with your host or residents there. Nevertheless, it’s definitely something to look forward to if you really want to dive into a new culture. Alcohol goes well with all the meat they eat. Rice and millet make the base for delicious local brews.

Travel to North East India
Small kids are fishing

Permits for Northeast India

Foreigners don’t require permits to enter any of the northeastern states besides Arunachal Pradesh. For this particular state you need a PAP (Protected Area Permit), which costs USD 100 for 2 people and is granted for the duration of 30 days. You have to apply for the permit through a tour operator recognised by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

In conclusion, we at India Someday recommend that you keep 10 days minimum for a trip to the northeast. 10 days is necessary as there’s so much to discover and the remoteness means there is very slow internal travel. Road journeys are long and tiresome, so take a couple more days to visit if you’re looking to relax. Most routes through Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh will require 15 to 20 days. This is to properly experience the varied culture and the beauty northeast India has to offer.

Additional Resource: India Travel Essentials for UK Visitors

Cool places, right? Let us know if you’d like more information or if you’d like to plan a trip with us, and we’d be more than happy to help.

Let India Someday handle it and plan your best trip.

PLAN MY TRIP subtext