Every region in India is diverse in nature, be it the landscape, culture, cuisine, and people. East India is scenically unconventional when compared to the other regions of India. Located along the Bay of Bengal, the eastern region of India boasts some of the best beaches in India apart from its mountains, verdant scenery, waterfalls, temples, and Buddhist monasteries.
Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal are the States in the east of India along with the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The easternmost states, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim also come under the states in East India.
Like how the other regions are famous for their tourist attractions, East India attracts a lot of tourists every year to appreciate its uniqueness in culture, cuisine, people, and natural beauty. Some of the most popular places that have put East India on the tourism map are: –
Planning a trip to East India? Then Bhubaneswar, Odisha should be on your itinerary. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of city life, get to know about the historical significance of the region, and take a stroll on Hawker Street. Soak in the charm of the Bindu Sarovar Lake, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, and the Odisha State Museum.
Odisha is known for its beautiful beaches, and Chandipur is a popular seaside village in Odisha’s Baleshwar district. It is a secluded beach where the beauty of the rising and setting sun will leave you in awe. The beach is also known for the rhythmic pattern of the tides. The locals call this place Chandipur-on-sea as it is nestled along the coast. It is a clean beach and has not yet been fully explored by tourists. If you love the ocean, then this pristine beach with its sand dunes and Casuarina trees is a must-stop destination if you are visiting the east of India.
The best time to visit Chilika Lake will be during the winter season, especially if you are a nature and bird lover. It is that time of the year when migratory birds arrive, and this saltwater lagoon is the largest in Asia. You get to see the bottlenose dolphins and the rare Irrawaddy dolphins at the Satapada viewing point if you are lucky. The lake has a unique ecosystem with sandy ridges and brackish waters. The tranquillity and serenity of this lagoon are perfect for all those looking to be away from the din of city life and hectic work schedules.
Cuttack, the capital city of the state of Odisha, is the second largest city of the state and is often said to be the Millennium City. The many tourist attractions in the city will leave the tourists amazed. Visiting the ancient monuments that speak about history, the Maritime Museum which throws light on the glorious maritime history of the place, the silver filigree shops, the horse-shoe-shaped lake, and the local cuisine are a few worthwhile things to do while visiting the city. The city has a tropical climate, so the best time to visit would be during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and favourable towards exploring the city.
One of the prominent hill stations in the east and in India, Darjeeling beckons tourists from all over the globe. Revel in the beauty of the mountains, tea plantations, exquisite sunrises, fabulous sunsets, and the old-world charm that will take you back into the past. The locals are welcoming and are 2050 feet above sea level. If you are looking for a weekend getaway or a romantic getaway, this is an ideal place to visit.
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is located at an elevation of 5410 feet and is known for its beautiful weather throughout the year, the mountains, and Buddhist monasteries. It is a perfect destination for people looking for natural beauty, treks, and mountain passes. Rumtek Monastery, the largest monastery in Sikkim is in Gangtok.
Gangtok offers a lot to discerning tourists, be it the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Deolo Hill, Lake Menmecho, Jelep La, or the Tashi View Point, this is a good choice of a place to visit if you are looking for some exciting tourist destinations in east India. Stroll through the streets and enjoy the sights and sounds of the place apart from visiting the tourist places.
Gaya, the second largest city in Bihar is a perfect place for travellers who like to know about mythology and history. It is at Gaya that Buddha preached the Fire Sermon at Brahmayoni Hill. Gaya is a place to visit for Hindu pilgrimages if you are looking for one in the east of India.
Jharkhand’s highest granite mountain peak is in Giridh, and the name Giridh means ‘land of hills and hillocks.’ Most area of the place is covered by forests, and the most common trees found here are the Bamboo tree, Sal tree, Semal tree, Mahua tree, and Palash tree. The place is a good combination of nature, adventure, and religion. It is a place for outdoor activities, you can visit the Parasnath Hills, Khandoli Lake and Park, and Usri Falls if you want to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Other popular attractions in Giridh are Hari Har Dham, Jain Museum, Shikarji, and Jharkhand Dham.
This quiet and idyllic place in West Bengal is mesmerizing with its sweeping views of the Himalayas ranges. Go to the Deolo Hill viewpoint to get the amazing views, enjoy the beauty of the garden, take the pony rides, try the local foods, and marvel at the big Buddha statue. The rolling hills, deep valleys of the Himalayas, the flower market, Tibetan and Buddhist influences, and the bustling bazaar all will fascinate travellers looking for natural beauty as well as adventure. Go river rafting in River Teesta for the adrenalin rush.
Famous for its Sun Temple, Konark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is equally known for its beaches and the annual dance festival. The five-day dance festival provides a platform for dancers across the country to perform against the backdrop of the Sun Temple. Like the dance festival, the Sun festival is equally famous. Devotees bathe in the sea and offer their prayers to the Sun God. If you are looking out for a spiritual destination to visit in East India, make sure you add Konark to your list of places to visit.
The capital of West Bengal is known as the ‘City of Joy’, and will bring you alive with its chaos, culture, and creativity. The city is a fine blend of the colonial past coupled with vibrant energy and the futuristic future of the youngsters. The best way to soak in the spirit of this city is to walk in the streets, taste the local food, and visit some of the places of interest like the Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial, Park Street, Birla Temple, Indian Museum, Belur Math, Birla Planetarium and many others.
Known for Nalanda University, the world’s first residential university, Nalanda is one of the destinations in the east that is rich in culture and history. You can explore the Nalanda University ruins, Black Buddha Temple, Kargil Park, Tara Maa Mandir, and other places of interest that will give you insights into the Buddhist history of the place and education about the ancient Pali script.
Puri is Odisha’s pilgrimage town and is known for its traditional art and culture, and scenically appealing coastlines. Religious festivals are conducted in the temples here all year round, a visit to the Puri Jagannath temple is a must if you are visiting this town. This temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is flocked by pilgrims who believe their sins can be cleansed by praying here.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site has one of the largest areas in eastern India, and is famous for its one-horned rhinoceros. Located in Assam in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain, Kaziranga National Park is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in India.
Known to have the largest number of one-horned rhinos, this National Park also has the endangered animal tiger, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo, sloth bear, and other animals and different species of wild birds. If you are travelling to east India, and love to experience nature and outdoors, this is a place to visit. Check out their hiking trails if you want to have some adventure and excitement.
The Royal Bengal tigers, thunderous rivers, the verdant forest, Gangetic plains, springs, and creeks make this a perfect spot to be in tandem with nature, wild animals, and adventure. This tiger reserve and bio reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is shared between India and Bangladesh. There are a lot of things that can be done in the Sunderbans, like the Mangrove Forest tour, Ghoramara Island, a tiny island of the Sunderban delta, Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary, and others. Take a riverboat cruise to enjoy the sights and sounds of the National Park. If you are lucky, you might be able to see dolphins.
Conclusion
The eastern region of India has its own rustic charm and grandeur that can capture the attention of any traveller who is looking to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of India. The landscape, history, culture, people, and cuisine make exploring the eastern region of India if you are looking for an exciting holiday destination. Next time you are planning to travel, keep in mind these fabulous places that will leave you enchanted forever and forever!