The Northeast States of India are culturally and geographically quite different from ‘main-land India’, as the northeasterners themselves refer to the rest of the country. Still relatively unaffected by tourism, the northeast can be considered one of the last true wilderness areas of India, with an unusually rich diversity of ethnic groups, religions, wildlife, climate and landscapes. The journey is planned to coincide with the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, a colourful gathering of the major tribes of the region.
Assam, one of the largest states in the northeast, is famed for its tea gardens & silk production. It is also the habitat of the highly endangered one-horned rhinoceros and our journey will encompass all these aspects of the state.
Nagaland is home to 16 major tribes. The main focus of this part of the tour will be the Hornbill Festival; this annual event is organised by the Nagaland Tourism department as an opportunity to showcase, protect and preserve the culture of Nagaland and give a closer understanding of the people of this region. Nagaland was strategically important during World War II and our tour will also encompass this period of history.
The trip will be a fascinating journey combining the very best this area of India has to offer. We Will be assured of a warm welcome and the whole experience will be memorable and particularly exciting for photographers.
Emma will personally accompany the trip and she will be joined by expert local guides.
24 November | Monday
DELHI OR KOLKATA/GUWAHATI
Fly from Delhi or Kolkata to Dimapur. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Overnight The Guwahati Address
25 November | Tuesday
GUWAHATI/KAZIRANGA
Morning visit to the famous Kamakhya temple, situated on top of Nilachal hill. This temple is revered as one of the most sacred and ancient 51 Shakti Peethas in the Indian subcontinent and is devoted to the eternal feminine, the goddess of desire, “Kamakhya” – granter of desires. It symbolizes the "fusion of faiths and practices" of Aryan and non-Aryan elements in Assam. Drive to Diphlu Lodge on the edge of Kaziranga National Park (approximately 4 hours’ drive).
Overnight Diphlu Lodge.
26 November | Wednesday
KAZIRANGA
Wildlife viewing in the Kaziranga National Park. Morning and afternoon safaris will be included. Applauded for its greater One-horned Rhinoceros conservation efforts, Kaziranga National Park is located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam. The popular national park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses two-thirds of the total world population of the greater One-horned Rhinoceros. Bordered by the Brahmaputra River to the north and the Karbi (Mikir) Hills to the south, Kaziranga National Park sprawls in a total area of 1,090 sq. km, having a core area of 430 sq. km. Apart from the One-horned Rhinoceros, it also boasts a high density of Tigers and a large breeding ground for Elephants, Swamp Deer and Wild Water Buffaloes. The national park is also recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) making it not only an ideal wildlife sighting destination in India but a birdwatcher’s paradise as well.
Overnight Diphlu Lodge
27 November | Thursday
KAZIRANGA
Wildlife viewing in the Kaziranga National Park. Walks in the villages and tea plantations can also be arranged.
Overnight Diphlu Lodge
28 November | Friday
KAZIRANGA/JORHAT
Depart Kaziranga and drive to Jorhat (approximately 3 hours’ drive). Rest of day at leisure. The Banyan Grove bungalow is located in the heart of the Gatoonga Tea Estate. Overnight Banyan Grove Tea Bungalow
29 November | Saturday
JORHAT/MAJULI ISLAND
After breakfast we will depart on a day trip by ferry to Majuli Island, a river island in the Brahmaputra, this is the seat of Vaishnavite culture in Assam.
Once on the island we will visit some of the many Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries) which maintain the ancient traditions, manuscripts, religious plays and dance forms, before taking the ferry back to the mainland. Overnight Banyan Grove
30 November | Sunday
JORHAT/DIMAPUR
After breakfast depart for the drive to Dimapur, the entrance to Nagaland (approximately 3 hours’ drive). We will arrive in time for lunch at the Heirloom Naga Centre, a vibrant creative platform supporting and showcasing the richness and diversity of Naga culture. There is an opportunity to purchase some of these beautiful items and an interesting museum of traditional handicrafts. Overnight Heirloom Naga Guesthouse
01 December | Monday
DIMAPUR/TOUPHEMA
After breakfast we will drive to Touphema (approximately 3 & half hours’ drive). Touphema, one of the ancient heritage villages of Nagaland, and a wonderful introduction to a traditional Angami Naga village. Rest of day exploring the village. Overnight Touphema Tourist Village
02 December | Tuesday
TOUPHEMA/KOHIMA
After a leisurely breakfast we will depart for the drive to Kohima (approximately 90 minutes’ drive). After checking in at our hotel we can spend the afternoon exploring the town, visit the WW2 cemetery and take an evening walk to the bustling ‘Night Market’ which is organised by the students during the festival period.
Overnight Niramaaya Aradura
03 December | Wednesday
KOHIMA/HORNBILL FESTIVAL
Drive to Kigwema for the Hornbill Festival; as well as dance and music performances there are many stalls show casing the Naga handicrafts and offering excellent retail experiences. Small restaurants give you the opportunity to try the local cuisine. The Kohima WW2 Museum is located at the festival site and is well worth visiting. Overnight Niramaaya Aradura
04 December | Thursday
KHONOMA VILLAGE
We will begin the day with a visit to the Kohima war cemetery and memorial of the Allied forces during World War II. Continue to Khonoma Village (approximately 1 hour’s drive). Also known as the ‘Green Village’, this village occupies a remote and beautiful location and gives an excellent introduction into the life of the Angami tribe. The residences of Khonoma were known for their valour and courage against the British infiltration into the Naga Hills. Lunch in the village prior to returning to Kohima. Overnight Niramaaya Aradura
05 December | Friday
KOHIMA/HORNBILL FESTIVAL
A morning walk in the markets of Kohima prior to final visit to Hornbill Festival. Full day at the Hornbill Festival. Overnight Niramaaya Aradura
06 December |Saturday
KOHIMA/DIMAPUR/ DELHI or KOLKATA
Drive to Dimapur airport for the flight to Delhi or Kolkata for onward international flight.
End of arrangements
Price:
INR335,000 per person based on double occupancy room
Single supplement: INR90,000 per person extra
Please note the price is based on a minimum group size of 6
Economy Airfare: Delhi or Kolkata/Guwahati & Dimapur/Delhi or Kolkata– INR33,000 per person (subject to change prior to issue)
Price Includes:
All arrangements, transport and transfers as per the itinerary
Full board accommodation starting with dinner on 24th November and ending after breakfast on 6th December
Transport in private chauffeur driven AC Innova/SUV
Services of an English-Speaking escort guide throughout
Monument Entry Fees
Entry to Hornbill Festival
Jungle activities in the Kaziranga National Park
Protected Area Permit
Government Taxes (subject to change)
Price Excludes:
Any arrangements in Delhi or Kolkata
Domestic airfare – quoted separately
International airfare
Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, visa fees, insurance, camera fees
Extra costs incurred due to change in the itinerary for reasons beyond our control
Notes on itinerary:
The tour begins in Guwahati and ends with a flight from Dimapur. Either Delhi or Kolkata can be used as an entry/exit point and if needed we can provide extra arrangements in Delhi or Kolkata - currently not included.
Please note that the infrastructure in the Northeast is not sophisticated. The roads in Nagaland are mountain roads and in places not in good repair so the drives can be slow and bumpy. We will be using comfortable Innova vehicles (or similar) and the cost is based on 3 people per vehicle allowing for plenty of space.
The accommodation is varied and interesting, with a local flavour.
In Kohima & Jorhat we will stay in older heritage hotels, in Dimapur it is a comfortable, stylish guesthouse, the accommodation in Touphema is relatively basic but more than made up for by the location, in Kaziranga the lodge is an excellent 5 star property and in Guwahati it is a modern 4 star hotel.
At 1,500ms above sea level temperatures in Kohima at this time of year will be cold. Night falls early making for particularly chilly evenings! Day time temperatures are very pleasant.
Due to local conditions and specific events the exact itinerary may change but rest assured all Itinerary changes are made to improve your overall travel experience.
I look forward to travelling with you and showing you the of this special corner of India. Come prepared and you will be in for a wonderful & memorable journey.
Please contact us for further information: