Resorts in Northeast that you should visit once in your lifetime

Zizina is located in a historically endowed, exotic place Mayong, Morigaon. For history buffs this is an ideal, calm getaway.

1. Zizina Resort

Zizina is located in a historically endowed, exotic place Mayong, Morigaon. For history buffs this is an ideal, calm getaway. While as the land of ancient magic the place may give you the jeepers and the creepers, the beauty of the calm surroundings will linger on for a very long time. You should know that most relics in Mayong are from the Neolithic age, and hence are sometimes, surreal.

How to reach: The best way to reach the resort is to travel till Guwahati either by air or train, as Guwahati is well connected. Take a short ride from there by bus or by car to the resort, through the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

2. Diphlu River Lodge

Awarded by Lonely Planet as the Best Wildlife Resort in India, 2013, the resort just added another feather to its hat by hosting the Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge. Making memorable experiences for guests since 2008, the lodge is situated on the banks of the Diphlu River. It provides comfort with the adventure of wildlife and allows guests wander into the unknown.

The common area ‘jungle ground’ or ‘Machan’ has a dining area and wide verandahs, overlooking the Diphlu River and Karizanga National Park. There are activities such as Dolphin boat Safari, open jeep safaris, and tours to the Mising, Bodo and Karbi villages.

How to reach: The easiest way to reach Diphlu River Lodge is to fly till Guwahati, and take a cab till Kaziranga. Alternatively, you can take a train or a flight till Tezpur or Jorhat, and take a cab till Kaziranga.

3. Sendra Park and Resort

The Sendra Park and Resort is a group of cottages and hotel rooms by the Classic Group, Imphal, located in Moriang – the place where the Indian flag was hoisted for the first time by the Indian Army during World War II. Built around the Loktak Lake, the resort makes sure that its guests have the best of times. There are boats to take you to the floating islands to experience the rich wildlife.

How to reach: There are connecting flights from Guwahati to Imphal, from where the resort is located at a 30-km distance.

4. Wild Mahseer Lodge

The Wild Mahseer Lodge is in Balipara, approximately 30 kms from Tezpur. It is a boutique resort/lodge that has a beautiful bungalow, tea gardens surrounding it and a stunning 19th century dining area. You can get a glimpse of the old days of the colonial era with its tea parties, angling, bird watching, safaris and so on.

How to reach: Take a flight to Tezpur. An hour’s drive from there will take you take you to the lodge.

5. Aerodene Cottage

Aerodene Cottage is a 66-year old bungalow turned lodge/resort in Shillong, Meghalaya. Perhaps Shillong’s only boutique house, with an old-world charm comprising intimate garden spaces, reading spots, white interiors and cosy dining space.

How to reach: The closest airports are Shillong and Guwahati. From Guwahati, it is about a 2-hour drive.

6. The Konyak Tea Retreat

This is the place you should head to if you want to soothe your soul, mind and body. Located amidst orange orchards and tea plantations, this retreat gives you a first-hand experience of Nagaland’s Konyak Tribe. The owner, the great granddaughter of a head hunter, was also the first individual to translate Hutton’s Diaries of the two tours in the Naga Hills in 1923.

How to reach: Mon district is accessible through Kohima, Dimapur and Jorhat (Assam). Travelling via Sonari in Assam would be the best option. From there you can reach Kohima or Dimapur, and travel to Mon.

7. Heritage North East or Thengal Manor

Dating back to 1929, Thengal Manor or Heritage North East takes you back to the vibrant colonial era and its lifestyle. It is a boutique inn with luxuries of all kinds. As the mansion is situated right in the middle of a tea garden, visitors can witness Assamese women plucking tea leaves.

How to reach: From Guwahati, you can reach Jorhat in a 4-hour drive. The other option is to fly till Tezpur and board a cab. It is about an hour’s journey from there.