Northeast India is one of the most exotic places in the country. From snow-covered peaks and tall mountains to dense forests and cascading rivers, the region is blessed with nature in abundance.

Even after seven decades of independence, the northeast is still a mystery to many and is one of the least explored regions of the country. The region surprises, not just the people from outside the northeast, but also the people of the region.

If you have plans to visit the northeast, then we suggest you come soon and enjoy your time with nature.

The Story Mugs recommends visiting these four unusual and underutilised travel destinations in the northeast!

Dzuluk or Zuluk village: Dzuluk or Zuluk, Jhuluk or Jaluk, is a small village in Sikkim located at a height of 9,400 feet (2,900 m) in the Rongli Subdivision of the Pakyong district. The village is an emerging and offbeat tourist destination, and today, hundreds of tourists throng to the village to spend quality time in the lap of nature and view the eastern Himalayan mountain range, including the Kanchenjunga. Dzuluk lies within the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary and is surrounded by wild forests, some of which are completely virgin. Sightings of deer, wild dogs, Himalayan bears, and the red panda are common. Some tigers have also reportedly been sighted in the area. Several birds can also be seen, such as the Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Kalij pheasant, Snow Pheasant, and others. During the summer months, the area and its surrounding hills are covered with thousands of blooming rhododendron.

The Pakyong Airport (IATA airport code PYG) in Pakyong, Sikkim is the nearest. One can drive for around 3–4 hours from there to reach Dzuluk. Siliguri Junction and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) in West Bengal are the closest railway stations. A drive of around 7–8 hours will take one to Dzuluk.

Namphake village is located at a distance of 37 kilometres from Dibrugarh town in the Dibrugarh district of Assam. His village is home to many Tai Phakey families who reside here. The river Burhidihing flows along with this village. There is a beautiful Buddhist monastery located in Namphake Village. This monastery is considered a meditation centre and has also developed into a very popular tourist spot in this village. The serene surroundings and natural beauty of the place make it a unique location. The people living here are followers of Buddhism, and their beliefs and traditions are very strong in this regard. The village has an Ashokan Pillar built nearby and a Buddhist Pagoda. On entering the main temple, you will get to see a statue of Lord Buddha made of gold. There is a water tank inside the monastery which is named the Mucalinda Tank and is considered to be very holy. The traditional stilt houses of this village are another attractive thing to notice here. You can also enjoy a family picnic on the banks of the Burhidihing River. Tourists can travel to this village via Naharkatiya, which is the nearest town to Dibrugarh.

Molung Village: Molung, or new Molung, or Molungyimsen village, was formed on October 24, 1876. This is the village from where Christianity and the Christianisation of the people of Nagaland spread to other parts of the state. The village lies in the Changkikong Range. A leechi tree believed to have been planted by the first American missionary, Dr EW Clark, in 1878, is one of the major tourist attractions in the village. So, if you are looking for a break from the monotony of life, then head to Molung!

Reiek Village: Reiek is a typical Mizo village consisting of the distinctive traditional huts of different Mizo sub-tribes, a Mizo chieftain's house, a bachelor dormitory, etc. This gives the visitors a peek into the glorious past of the valiant highlanders. A few modern houses have also been constructed nearby to show the changes that have taken place in the Mizo way of life in keeping pace with modern developments. This village is located about 30 kilometres west of Aizawl. This is one destination that one should not miss visiting. The mountain itself, though appearing to be of gentle slopes on its eastern side, has spectacular rocky cliffs notched with caves and caverns with luxuriant natural forest preserved since the days of the Mizo chiefs. It is only an hour's drive from Aizawl, where taxis and private vehicles are available. The mountain road takes one through the lush green hills, crosses the Tlawng river as it gushes through a narrow rocky gorge, and then climbs up the hills, winding up gradually to make a comfortable drive, during which one comes across a few cascades, which are a photographer's delight.