India is a country of myriad beauties; from the Himalayas in the north to the backwaters in Kerala, and pristine beaches in Goa, the options are plenty. The important cities of the East, some with their cosmopolitan glamour and some with their age-old colonial and Mughal beauty, will make your India visit worth every penny. There are many great places to visit in East India, but cities such as Kolkata, Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Shillong are among the very best. With Calcutta, the erstwhile British capital (now Kolkata) as your base, you can easily visit the most amazing cities of east India.

Shillong, Meghalaya

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is among the most beautiful places to visit in East India. Abound with dense forest, rolling hills, and mesmerizing waterfalls, Shillong is just a two-hour drive from Guwahati, which has the nearest airport. Known as the Scotland of the East, Shillong, with its mountainous roads and clouds enveloping the city almost every day, makes for a great holiday destination.

Visit the many amazing churches, Ward’s Lake with its verdant parks, the Elephant Falls, and the forever buzzing popular market, Police Bazaar. Shillong, with its winding roads, amazing views all around, and abundance of flora, makes for a relaxing holiday. The Umiam Lake with its many watersports options, such as water scooters, kayaking, and boating, is a must-visit. For adventure seekers, the Laitlum Canyon trek is a great way to enjoy the panoramic views that Shillong has to offer.

Kolkata, West Bengal

Kolkata, in the eastern part of India, will take you down memory lane with its colonial buildings, memorials, horse racing turf, and clubs. Popularly known as the City of Joy, this idyllic city by the Hooghly River will make you fall in love with its mesmerizing beauty and is one of the best places to visit in East India. The city is steeped in history; the Victoria Memorial, a grand white marble memorial, showcases significant collections from the Victorian era.  The Indian Museum built in 1814 is the 9th oldest museum in the world and the largest in India, the majestic Writer’s Building, and the colossal St. Paul’s Cathedral, all offer a glimpse of Kolkata’s regal past.

Take a leisurely ride on the oldest working trams in India and enjoy an evening sunset on a cruise across the pristine Hooghly River. The prestigious Calcutta Club, Bengal Club, and Tollygunge Club still stand tall serving people with equal grace and class. When in Kolkata, do not miss treating yourself to the world-famous Rasgulla (dessert dumpling made with condensed milk).

Darjeeling, West Bengal

Nested amidst the majestic mountain ranges, Darjeeling is an ideal escape for nature lovers. A quaint hill station with many legendary tea gardens, Darjeeling showcases an entire cultivation culture that is truly unique. Enjoy the panoramic view of the tea gardens with locals plucking the tender tea leaves. This blanket of green under the open blue sky above makes a perfect site for shutterbugs.

You can enjoy the slow ride on the Darjeeling Toy Train. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, operational since 1881, is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. This toy train goes around the cut and crevices of Darjeeling, providing the most amazing views of the exquisite landscape. The highest railway station of Darjeeling, Ghum, at 2257 metres, leads to an iconic train journey with a descent of about 1000 metres into the city.

The very popular Tiger Hill is the place from where you can see the most mesmerizing sunrise. A surreal experience on a clear day, one can also catch a glimpse of one of the world’s highest peaks, Kanchenjunga.

Gangtok, Sikkim

The alluring hill station in Sikkim, Gangtok welcomes you with the most scenic landscape and a plethora of adventure activities. The Tashi View Point in Gangtok offers a clear view of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world, with an elevation of 8,586 metres. The many monasteries in Gangtok, including the very popular Rumtek Monastery, Tsuk La Khang Monastery, and the quaint Pemayangtse Monastery, are perfect places to calm every tired soul. The breathtaking architecture of these monasteries in vibrant colours leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.

Visit the Seven Sisters Waterfall for its captivating view. In the midst of lush green mountains, the cascading waterfall is a soul-touching sight. Gangtok, with its breathtaking views, trekking trails, and pleasant weather, is among the top places to visit in East India.

Manas National Park, Assam

The northeastern state of Assam is home to the most amazing biodiversity hotspot, the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, which stretches along the meandering Manas River. The sanctuary is spread over 39,000 hectares of open land that is a habitat for rare and endangered species, including the tiger, pygmy hog, Indian rhinoceros, and the Indian elephant. The sanctuary, located at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, has a variation of scenic landscapes and is one of the greatest places to visit in East India. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is exceptionally important as one of the most significant remaining natural areas in the region.

An elephant safari through the lush green habitat of the sanctuary is the best way to explore Manas. The sight of one-horned rhinoceros, wild elephants, and the rich flora of the region will leave you mesmerized. Manas offers a perfect jungle experience that makes for memories of a lifetime.