North East Tour of India with Hornbill Festival of Nagaland - 17 Days
Guwahati – Shillong – Mawphlang - David Scott Trail - Cherrapunjee – Mawlynnong – Dawki – Tezpur – Ziro - Majuli - Kaziranga – Kohima – Imphal - Fly
Hornbill festival starts from 01st Dec and ends on 10th Dec. So please do tickets as per dates. As per Hornbil festival dates this tour will be start from 19th of November. It's 10 days festival so you can start this tour between 19th November to 28th November because accordingly we can arrange hornbill festival exprience for you.
DAY 01: GUWAHATI – SHILLONG - MAWPHLANG (MEGHALAYA)
Today Arrive at Guwahati, received and transferred to Mawphlang (05 ½ hrs drive). Enroute stop at the scenic viewpoint of the Umiam Lake (the largest manmade lake in Northeast India). Later reach Mawphlang and check into Maple Fine Farm. Evening at leisure and overnight stay.
SHILLONG is the capital and hill station of Meghalaya, also known as "The Abode of Clouds", one of the smallest states in India. It is the headquarters of the East Khasi Hills district and is situated at an average altitude of 4,908 feet above sea level, with the highest point being Shillong Peak at 6,449 feet. Shillong is the 330th most populous city in India with population of 143,007 according to the 2011 census. It is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the European settlers of Scotland. Hence, they would also refer to it as the "Scotland of the East".
Umiam Lake Shillong
DAY 02: MAWPHLANG – DAVID SCOOT TRAIL – CHERRAPUNJEE (MEGHALAYA)
Today we will start a trek of known as David Scot Trail for 16kms/05 hrs, reach Mawladh and then you will be picked up and taken to Cherrapunjee.
Evening at leisure and overnight stay.
David Scot Trail, Meghalaya
DAY 03: CHERRAPUNJEE (MEGHALAYA)
After breakfast set off on a trek to Nongriat village, A War-Khasi village situated at the bottom of a deep valley. Enroute meet local Khasi villagers in Mawshamok, Tyrna, Umsohphie and Nongthymmai. See the longest Living Root Bridge, Double Decker Root Bridge and go for a swim in Natural Swimming Pools (IF WANTED). It is a trek of about 4 to 5 hours. Back to Cherrapunjee, after lunch visit local sightseeing in Cherrapunjee. At Cherrapunjee we visit the Nohkalikai Falls (the fourth highest falls in the world), Seven Sister Fall and Krem Falls.
Overnight at Cherrapunjee.
Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji
DAY 04: CHERRAPUNJEE – MAWLLYNNONG – DAWKI SHILLONG (MEGHALAYA)
Today after breakfast we start our day for a day long excursion to Mawlynnong village (100kms / 03 hrs drive from Cherrapunjee), leave at 8:00 A.M. Reach Mawlynnong and explore the cleanest village in Asia, we will also experience the wonder of the Khasi war Tribes – The Single Decker living Root Bridge at Riwai village. Also experience the panoramic view of the Bangladesh from 85 ft high skywalk made of bamboo by the locals. After exploring the village we can drive to Dawki village (12kms from the village), and go for a Boat ride in Umngot River bordering India and Bangladesh, also known as crystal clear lake. Back to Shillong and overnight stay.
Mawlynnong/Mawlynnong Village located in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, also referred as ‘God's own garden’ has won the acclaim of being the cleanest village in Asia in 2003. The village known for its cleanliness is located around 90kms from Shillong and is a community based eco-tourism initiative. The community has made collective effort to maintain the ambience of a clean village. The village offers picturesque natural beauty, a trek to the LIVING ROOT BRIDGE at a neighbouring village Riwai. The village also offers a sight of natural balancing rock, a strange natural phenomenon of a boulder balancing on another rock.
Mawlynnong Village, Meghalaya
DAY 05: SHILLONG – TEZPUR (ASSAM)
Today after breakfast we drive to Tezpur (270kms/6 hrs), and check into hotel and overnight stay.
DAY 06: TEZPUR - ZIRO (ARUNACHAL PRADESH)
Today proceed to Ziro (300 Kms/10 Hrs) – the land of the Apatani Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, enroute you will pass through many tiny pockets of Assamese, Bodo and Nishi Tribal villages, on reaching Ziro check into hotel.
Overnight stay.
Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
DAY 07: ZIRO (ARUNACHAL PRADESH)
Full day explore the Apatani Tribes of Ziro valley. Overnight stay Ziro.
DAY 08: ZIRO – MAJULI (ASSAM)
After breakfast the tour continues to the North Lakhimpur district, Majuli (7 Hrs including river crossing by Ferry) and then cross the river Brahmaputra to reach Majuli.
The check-in at the hotel upon arrival in Majuli. Later after refreshment enjoy Satriya dance (Gayan Bayan).
Overnight at hotel.
Sattriya Gayan Bayan Dance
DAY 09: MAJULI – KAZIRANGA (ASSAM)
Today after breakfast first half, we visit Kamalabari Satra, Garmur Satra and Auni Ati Satra.
Later drive to Kaziranga National Park (120kms / 4 hrs including Ferry crossing), reach Kaziranga and check into hotel.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight stay at Kaziranga.
Auniati Satra
DAY 10: KAZIRANGA (ASSAM)
Today you will go for safaris and elephant ride inside the national park.
Early morning go for an Elephant ride (timing 5:00 AM/ 06:00 AM/ 7:00 AM) then return back to the lodge and after breakfast go for a Jeep Safari (timing 8:00 AM / 9:00 AM) for 03 hrs, after the safari come back to hotel.
After lunch and refreshment go for another Jeep Safari in the Western/ Central range of the park (timing 2:00AM / 3:00 AM) for 02 ½ hrs (also depending on the sunset as in winters the sun sets early in Northeast India), evening at leisure.
Overnight stay at Kaziranga.
Elephant Safari Kaziranga National Park
DAY 11: KAZIRANGA – KOHIMA (NAGALAND)
Today after breakfast we drive to Kohima (230kms/7 hrs) the Capital city of Nagaland, on reach Kohima, check into hotel.
Overnight stay in Kohima.
DAY 12: KOHIMA (NAGALAND)
Morning after breakfast drive to Khonoma village (20km).
Khonoma village has been declared as the first “Green village" in India because of the initiative taken by the village to stop hunting, logging, and forest fire. The village has taken an odd step by declaring 27sqkms of its territory as "Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary" (KNCTS). At Khonoma, you will find Culture, History and Nature intact together.
As we go through the village we will see ceremonial gates, morung, cairn circles, forts, historical sites, age group house, meet local craftsmen weaving shawls and cane basket. Post lunch, we shall get down to see the terrace fields and see how terrace cultivation is being done. Towards the evening, we shall witness some indigenous games which will be demonstrated by the local youth and thereafter we shall try the locally prepared brew. Back to Kohima and overnight stay.
You can also visit WWII Cemetery at Kohima and Kisama Village.
Khonoma Village, Nagaland
DAY 13: KOHIMA (NAGALAND)
Full day at Hornbill Festival. Overnight at Kohima.
NOTE:-
HORNBILL FESTIVAL STARTS FROM 01ST DEC AND ENDS ON 10TH DEC. SO PLEASE DO TICKETS AS PER DATES.
Hornbill Festival of Nagaland
Usually held in the first week of December in the Naga Heritage Village of Kisama, which is about 12 km from Kohima City. The festival takes place between the 1st and the 7th of December every year. The weeklong festival unites one and all in Nagaland and showcases a mélange of cultural displays under one roof. The aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its history, culture and traditions. This is an increasingly commercialized festival yet it attracts tribes from across Nagaland who participate with full fervour. The Festival is named after the Hornbill bird, which is mentioned in the folklore in most of the state’s tribes. Hornbill Festival has successfully blended old traditions and cultures with the contemporary trend to get attention from youngsters. It is one important factor for the success of the festival.
The Hornbill Festival was first initiated and proposed as Winter Carnival 2000 by BASN (Beauty and Aesthetics Society of Nagaland) before it was taken over by the Government of Nagaland who launched it in December 2000 as Hornbill Festival to encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote the cultural heritage of the state. It is organized by the State Tourism and Art and Culture Departments.
People enjoy the colourful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and ceremonies. Traditional arts which include paintings, woodcarvings, and sculptures are also on display. Festival highlights include Traditional Naga Morungs Exhibition and sale of arts and crafts, food stalls, herbal medicine stalls, shows and sales, cultural medley – songs and dances, fashion shows, beauty contest, traditional archery, naga wrestling, indigenous games and musical concerts. Additional attractions include the Konyak fire eating demonstration, pork-fat eating competitions, the Hornbill Literature Festival (including the Hutton Lectures), Hornbill Global Film Fest, Hornbill Ball, Choral Panorama, North East India Drum Ensemble, Naga king chilli eating competition, Hornbill National Rock Contest, Hornbill International Motor Rally and WW-II Vintage Car Rally.
Hornbill Festival is changing the way India looks at Nagaland. Today the Hornbill Festival is one of the fastest growing festivals in India.
Hornbill Festival of Nagaland
DAY 14: KOHIMA – IMPHAL (MANIPUR)
Today after breakfast transferred to Imphal (170kms / 06 ½ hrs drive), check into hotel, and later explore the Ima Market, Govindajee Temple and Kangla Fort (if time permits).
Overnight in Manipur.
Govindajee Temple Manipur
DAY 15: IMPHAL (MANIPUR)
After breakfast visit Kangla Tongbi II WW memorial 30kms, Maram Khullen Village 85kms (A Manipuri Naga Village), back to Imphal.
Overnight stay.
Maram Khullen, Manipur Naga Village
DAY 16: IMPHAL (MANIPUR)
After breakfast we will drive for a day long excursion to visit Loktak Lake, Sendra Island ( 48kms), Keibul Lamjao National Park, Karong Island, (Motor Boating), INA Museum (Monday Closed), IPM Japanese Memorial, at Nambol back drive to Imphal.
Overnight stay.
Loktak Lake, Manipur
DAY 17: IMPHAL FLY (MANIPUR)
Today drive to Imphal airport for onward destination.
HOTELS:
| CITY | HOTELS | NIGHTS |
|---|---|---|
| MAWPHLANG | MAPLE PINE FARM | 01 |
| CHERRAPUNJEE | CHERRA HOLIDAY RESORT | 02 |
| SHILLONG | POINISUK | 01 |
| TEZPUR | FERN RESIDENCY | 01 |
| ZIRO | BLUE PINE | 02 |
| MAJULI | ME – POKUM | 01 |
| KAZIRANGA | IORA | 02 |
| KOHIMA | DE ORIENTAL GRAND | 03 |
| IMPHAL | CLASSIC GRAND | 03 |
INCLUSIONS:
• Accommodation as mentioned
• All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Transportation using 01 NOS AC TOYOTA INNOVA
• All sightseeing as per itinerary
• Parking and road toll
• 5% GST (Goods & Service by Gov. of India)
• 01 Trip of Elephant ride at Kaziranga National Park
• 02 Rounds of Jeep Safari at Kaziranga National Park
• Park entry charges at Kaziranga
• Majuli ferry crossing charges
• Boating charges for day 16.
• 01 English Speaking Guide during tour
• 01 local guide at Imphal for 03 days
• Sightseeing entry charges as per itinerary
• 01 Ltr Mineral Water per Person daily
• Mawphlang and Cherrapunjee local guide charges
• Restricted Area Permit charges for Arunachal Pradesh
• Ziro river crossing charges
• All Goverment taxes and road taxes.
Hornbill Festival Nagaland
EXCLUSIONS:
• Tea and snacks
• Camera Charge
• Tips, laundry and telephone bills
• Travel Insurances
• Any up gradation cost
• Other Expenses of personal nature
• Air/ Train Fares
TOUR PRICE:
$2899 (PRICE PER PERSON) X 02 Pax (BY USING 01 DOUBLE SHARING ROOM)
$2199 (PRICE PER PERSON) X 04 Pax (BY USING 02 DOUBLE SHARING ROOM)
HOTEL IN KOHIMA IS ALMOST SOLD OUT DUE TO HORNBILL FESTIVAL, SO PLEASE NEED EARLY APPROVAL.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
• We have not categorized rates as Budget, Standard, Deluxe and Luxury, as we have Budget and Standard hotels in Northeast India and few Deluxe hotels and there is no Luxury Hotels as such, we try to give a clear picture of the hotels we used and categorize them so that expectations are not high when clients travels here. So in some places the room category differs the price where good hotels are not available.
• For wildlife itineraries, we have added the minimum activities that are required to cover respective area, if any clients would mind to change the activities then the itinerary can be customized accordingly.
• PLEASE READ ABOUT MAPLE PINE FARM:- www.culturalpursuits.com/understanding
• THE MAIN THING TO UNDERSTAND IS THAT WE ARE A BED AND BREAKFAST AND WE LIVE HERE, WE ARE NOT A 'RESORT'.
• MEALS: WE MAKE HOME COOKED MEALS ALONG WITH A FEW SPECIAL MEAL. WE WOULD WANT TO KNOW YOUR CHOICE FOR DINNER ON THE FIRST DAY - FIND CHOICES AT: www.culturalpursuits.com/meals
• WE DO NOT SERVE LUNCH ON ARRIVAL DAY - IF YOU BY CHANCE WANTED LUNCH ON OTHER DAYS, WE STILL NEED TO KNOW AHEAD OF TIME.
• DINNER: will be put out, the latest at 8:30 pm - even if you are eating later we ask that you come to the dining room and acknowledge what we have put out. Then you can eat at whatever time of the night without us being responsible.
• MAJULI (ASSAM) AND ZIRO (ARUNACHAL PRADESH) STAY IS VERY STANDARD ACCOMMODATION.
• Hotels in Arunachal Pradesh are Non-star category
• Restricted Area Permit is required to enter Arunachal Pradesh.
• Road condition in Arunachal Pradesh is not good including some parts of Assam.
• We avoid taking tours in Monsoon Season (June, July and August) however some places in Northeast are best during this season.
• Guest with adventurous mind should travel to Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and some parts of Northeast India.
• In this region, there are no relevance between the distance and time travelling as it depends upon the conditions of roads and congestion of traffic.
• Mobile services may not be active in all destinations. Pre-paid roaming and International roaming connection does not work in this region.
• Credit Cards / Travellers cheques are not freely accepted.
• Every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes, landslide etc., which are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes and any additional cost, will be borne by the guests directly.
• Please do note that the car will be there with the clients for 09 hrs and over and above that it would be chargeable.
Your most welcome to north east India during Hornbill festival of Nagaland. Namaste!!
