In the limitless corners of Northeast India, you are bound to find beautiful shrines of different religion and faith, where encounters with the divine enrich your spiritual sojourn.
If you are looking for a holistic journey then there should be no time to waste to meet the destination that has been in your dreams for spiritual wisdom. Let’s go to the world of the ethereal and embrace the divine presence in the holy grounds of Northeast.
Here, let us help you on a Northeastern map to find some of the most holy places in Northeast Indian states.
List of Top pilgrimage tourism destinations to visit in North East India
- Rumtek Monastery Gangtok, Sikkim
- Gorkha Singha Devi Kohima, Nagaland
- Phodang Monastery Phodong, Sikkim
- Bhuvaneswari Temple Udaipur, Tripura
- Pemayangtse Monastery, Pelling, Sikkim
- Laxminarayan Bari Mandir, Agartala, Tripura
- Guwahati, Assam
- Kamakhya Temple, Assam
- Umananda Temple Guwahati, Assam
- Namchi, Sikkim
- Imphal, Manipur
- Sarvajanik Gorkha Temple Mokokchung, Nagaland
- Nartiang Durga Temple, Nartiang, Meghalaya
- Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
Recommended North East India Tour Packages Links
- Assam Tour Packages
- Arunachal Pradesh Tour Packages
- Sikkim Tour Packages
- Meghalaya Tour Packages
- Nagaland Tour Packages
Gangtok, Sikkim: Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery is the largest and the most visited monastery in eastern Sikkim. It is marked as an important education and spiritual centre for learners.
The design and the architecture of Rumtek Monastery follow a traditional Buddhist impression and ever since inception many other Indian Buddhist monasteries follow the same template.
Rumtek Monastery contains a shrine-temple, retreat center, monastic college, nun’s hostel, monastery, stupas and many other community administration centers.
The Monastery also has other religious institutions and it also contains a Golden Stupa which carries the relics of the 16th Karmapa. In addition, Rumtek Monastery is one of the most important centres of Kagyu lineage of Buddhism, after Tibet.
Other Monasteries and Temples in Gangtok
- Enchey Monastery
- Tsuglagkhang Monastery
- Thakurbari Temple
- Hanuman Tok
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- 15 Best Places to Visit in Sikkim
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Kohima, Nagaland: Gorkha Singha Devi
Serving as a central place for worship in Kohima, Gorkha Singha Devi has been catching the attention of believers for centuries. Dating back to the 1800’s the Gorkha Singha Devi Mandir at Chandmari, Kohima is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nagaland.
It so happens that, after the death of Maa Sati, it is believed that her dorsal part of her body fell on the spot where now a temple is erected named Singha Devi.
Built by the Gurkha’s of Northeast, this beautiful structure sits amidst the mega-mountains and slopes of the capital city of Kohima.
This temple also outlines the history of early Gorkha settlement. In addition, it is considered that whosoever bows their head before the temple with belief, loyalty, and modesty they will be blessed.
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
- Best Tourist Places in Nagaland
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Phodong, Sikkim: Phodong Monastery
An important Kagyupa Sect Monastery in Phodong district, Phodong Monastery was founded by the fourth King Gyurmed Namgyal. However, after his death, the Monastery was completed in 1740 A.D.
Due to an earthquake, the original Monastery was damaged but was soon rebuilt by the Lamas in 1977. The Phodang Monastery now is bigger than the older Monastery.
This colorful Monastery is located about 38 kilometers from the capital Gangtok and nearby attractions around it are Labrang Monastery, which is unique in its architectural style; and Phensang Monastery that sits gently with a breathtaking view of the region.
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Sikkim
Udaipur, Tripura: Bhuvaneswari Temple
Located on the bank of Gomati at Udaipur, Bhuvaneswari Temple is one of the most famous travel attractions in the Northeastern state of Tripura.
This temple has a unique architecture and it is constructed on a 3 feet high paved terrace with roof styled as a typical four-chaala with stupas./p>
Bhuvaneswari Temple is a famous Hindu temple that has been immortalised in two of Rabindranath Tagore’s plays, namely Rajarshi and Bisharjan. This temple is also located near the Royal palace.
Other Temples in Tripura
- Tripura Sundari Temple
- Jagannath Dighi
- Sagar
- Amare Sagar
- Mahadev Dighi
- Kalyan Sagar
Also Check Out: Complete Tripura Tourism Guide
Pelling, Sikkim: Pemayangtse Monastery
Pemayangtse Monastery is noted to be one of the oldest monasteries in Pelling, Sikkim. The Monastery was founded in the 17th century by Lhatsun Chempo who was one of the three lamas in Yuksom. This ancient and traditional monastery is 300 years old where monks belonging to the Bhutia family still live.
Pemayangtse Monastery is further divided into three parts; the interiors are beautifully placed with sculptures and ancient scroll paintings of Padmasambhava’s eight incarnations.
It is a perfect soul seeking destination in Pelling where you can see the traces of Rabdentse from the monastery which is the second capital of the former kingdom of Sikkim.
Other Monasteries in Pelling
- Sanga Choeling Monastery
- Dubdi Monastery.
Also Read: Pelling Tourism Information
Agartala, Tripura: Laxminarayan Bari Mandir
Dedicated to the Hindu God Lakshminarayan, this temple is located in the capital of Tripura, Agartala. This famous temple is located within the Ujjayanta Palace grounds.
This white colour temple is an important pilgrimage site and is a must visit not only for its significance but for its grand architecture.
Agartala Laxminarayan Bari Mandir has rituals to look out for; you can certainly be a part of it in the month of September for grand celebration in Janmashtami, including other rituals like Nitya Puja.
Other Temples in Agartala
- ISKCON Temple
- Jagannath Bari
- Ummaneshwar Temple
- Durga Bari
Other Interesting Blog to Read
- Top Things to Do & See in Tripura
Guwahati, Assam
Situated on the banks of River Brahmaputra, Guwahati is one of the most popular tourist attractions to visit in India. It houses some of the most elegant and magnificent Hindu Temples. In fact, Guwahati is also known as the ‘City Of temples’. Some of the most prominent temples in Guwahati are –
- Kamakhya Temple
- Umananda Temple
Kamakhya Temple Guwahati
Undoubtedly, a visit to Assam is incomplete with a run uphill to Kamakhya Temple. This holy ground located atop a hill in Guwahati is one of the holiest and greatest temples in India.
Inside the complex, you will find six temples dedicated to different idols. In Kamakhya Temple, millions of devotees from across the world come to get a darshan of the goddess.
Just like a dorsal that fell on Singha Devi Mandir in Kohima, a Yoni of Maa Sati fell in this place after the incident of Daksha Yagna where Kamakhya was formed.
Besides, the temple is a great example of medieval Assamese architecture and it certainly will leave you awestruck by its beauty. Thus, this is a beautiful place of special relevance for Hindus.
Umananda Temple Guwahati
Umananda Temple is a Shiva Temple placed at the Peacock Island in the middle of River Brahmaputra. This island is one of the smallest islands in the world, it was once identified as Umananda Island which was renamed as Peacock Island by the British.
Resting in the middle of River Brahmaputra, the only way to reach the island and Umananda Temple is via ferry ride. You can hire a ferry from Sukleshwar Ghat or Fancy Bazar Ghat.
As per the Hindu belief, this island was created by Lord Shiva for his wife and it is also said that Lord Shiva resided in Umananda in the form of Bhayananda. Hence, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with great zeal in Umananda.
Other Temples in Guwahati
- Tirupati Balaji
- Lankeshwar Temple
- Navagraha Temple
Also Read:
- Pilgrimage Tourism in Assam
- Heritage Tourism in Assam
Namchi, Sikkim
Namchi, the name signifies the “top of the sky”. It is one of the most beautiful places in South Sikkim. Apart from its picturesque surroundings in the form of snowcapped mountains, vast valleys, it is also one of the most important divine destinations in Sikkim. Some of the most prominent divine destinations are –
- Solophok Chardham
- Samdruptse Temple
Solophok Chardham
One of the most sacred places in Sikkim, Solophok Chardham is located in Namchi, Sikkim.
This holy ground is spread over an area of 7 acres and the complex houses various shrines like Sai Baba Temple, Kirateshwar statue beside the Nandi bull, Sai Dwar, Sai Temple, Kirat Dwar, Kirateshwar Statue, Shiv Dwar and Musical fountain.
The temple is built on top of the Solophok Hill and has87 feet long statue of Lord Shiva. This mega tower statue is the first sight you see as soon as you get near the Solophok Chardham.
The best feature about this holy ground is that you can take a spiritual tour around where one can learn about the culture and, religious discourses, indulge in nature study and passive recreation.
Samdruptse Temple
The temple has an enormous 138 feet statue dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava and is also known to be the biggest in the world. Samdruptse Temple is a must visit abode which was built 1,200 years ago.
This temple lies close to Namchi in south Sikkim and the foundation stone of the temple was laid by the Dalai Lama in the year 1997.
It took approximately three years to complete the construction of the statue. This holy ground also has a statue of Lord Shiva as a version of Char Dham.
Apart from the temple exploration, you can also visit a Rock Garden if you feel a picnic fiesta with your family and friends is a good idea. And get a spectacular view of the Grand Kanchenjunga.
Monasteries in Namchi
- Ngadak Monastery
- Serdup Choling Monastery
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
- Top Places to Visit in South Sikkim
- Best Places to Visit in North Sikkim
Imphal, Manipur
Imphal, the name means ‘Land of many Villages’. It is the most beautiful city of Manipur, decked with hills, valleys, forests and rivers like Sekmai and Khuga. It is a land of serenity dipped in eternal peace. There is a plethora of divine destinations which add to the serenity and peace of this capital city of Manipur. Some of the most prominent divine hubs are –
- ISKCON Temple
- Mahabali Temple
ISKCON Temple
Established in Sangaiprou, Imphal, the majestic ISKCON Temple draws millions of devotees from around Northeast every year. The worshippers come to adore Sri Radha Krishna Chandra and to seek unity and stability. The best time to visit the temple is during the celebration of Rath Jatra and also during Janmashtami.
As you enter the gates of ISKCON you may be captivated by the holy chants of Hare Rama, Hare Krishna that will leave you high spirited all day.
ISKCON Temple in Imphal has a natural lighting system that provides a clear view of the Sankirtan area, this area of the temple has a collection of precious stones imported from France.
Mahabali Temple
Dedicated to the great Bajrang Bali, Mahabali Temple is set in the middle of the dense Mahabali Jungle of Imphal. This forest area has a large number of monkeys scattered everywhere hence; this temple suitably has Hanuman as its deity.
Like any Hindu temples, even before you step in the premises of the temple, you will notice rows of flower sellers at the gate. A visit to Mahabali Temple will certainly leave you awestruck and you shall certainly feel that the temple is truly blessed by Lord Hanuman himself.
Other Temples in Imphal
- Shri Govindaji Temple
- Sanamahi Temple
- Radha Krishnachandra Iskcon Temple
Also Read: Information About Imphal Travel & Tourism
Mokokchung, Nagaland: Sarvajanik Gorkha Temple
Sarvajanik Gorkha Temple is a popular Hindu (Nepali) temple in Mokokchung. Locally known as Nepali Mandir, you will find an immense presence of unity amongst the worshippers.
Inside the premises, you will find a Shiva temple and Durga temple, but if you are in for a festival, undoubtedly, Sarvajanik Gorkha Temple will take you on a cultural tour as all joyous holy festivals are widely celebrated here.
Durga Puja, Kal Ratri, and even Buddha Jayanti are actively celebrated, where dance, songs, and kirtan are undertaken.
The significance of the temple is not only to bring unity amongst Gorkha but you will also find a mild mixture of Biharis, Bengalis, Marwaris and so on.
Also Read: Popular Fairs & Festivals in Nagaland
Nartiang, Meghalaya: Nartiang Durga Temple
This temple is one of the sacred sites for followers of the Shakti sect of Hinduism. Most importantly it is another site where a part from Maa Sati’s body fell.
Nartiang Durga Temple is located in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya and it is a 500-year-old Temple.
This shrine is quite unique and does not perform the conventional way like other temples, in fact, this temple has a blend of Hindu and ancient Khasi tradition forming a mixed cultural experience for the devotees.
As a sacrifice during the early practice, a human was offered at the temple; nowadays, however, the practice still exists but only animals are sacrificed. But the most interesting thing about this practice is, the animals (goats) are made to wear human masks and then sacrificed.
Other Temples in Meghalaya
- Matri Mandir
- Mahadev Khola Dham
- Borghat Temple
Also Check Out: Complete Meghalaya Tourism Guide
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh: Tawang Monastery
Standing on the top of a hill about 10,000 feet above sea level, Tawang Monastery is the second largest monastery in Asia after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.
The three stories high monastery is enclosed by a 925 feet long compound wall. And within the complex, there are about 65 residential buildings.
This peaceful and colorful monastery belongs to the Gelug school of Mahayana Buddhism and here resides more than 450 monks. If you wish to see its wonders then the best time to visit will be during the festival of Torgya. This festival takes place annually and is celebrated to extract any kind of outside invasion and to protect from natural disasters.
Other temples and Monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh
- Bomdila Monastery
- Akashganga Temple
- Parsuram Kund
Also Check Out: Tawang Tourism Guide
These captivating temples in Northeast are bound to catch your imagination. So, wait no more and head out for a temple run to some precious gems that will leave you high spirited and light hearted throughout your holy journey in Northeast India.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What are the top 10 pilgrimage destinations in northeast India?
Top 10 pilgrimage destinations of Northeast India are –
- Kamakhya Devi Temple, Assam
- Billeswar Temple, Assam
- Parsuram Kund, Arunachal Pradesh
- Unakoti Hill Temples, Tripura
- Shri Govindaji Temple, Manipur
- Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim
- Enchey Monastery, Sikkim
- Asvakranta Temple, Assam
- Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
- Tripura Sundari Temple, Tripura
Q.Do you need any permit to visit Northeast India?
Yes, you need an Inner line permit to visit Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram. It is not mandatory for other states in Northeast India. You can get Inner line permit from Guwahati International Airport and also from Arunachal Bhawan, Nagaland Bhawan and Mizoram Bhawan.
Q.What is the best time to visit Phodong Monastery in Sikkim?
The best time to visit Phodong Monastery in Sikkim is from March to May and October to December.