9 Day Highlights of North-East (Kaziranga, Cherrapunjee and Nagaland)

• Day 01 Reach Guwahati

  -Reach Guwahati and check in at hotel on your own at least by 02:00 pm.
  -Orientation meeting with your guide in the hotel lobby at 03:00 pm.
  -Visit Kamakhya Temple (No VIP entry)
  -Dinner at hotel (Included)
  -Night in Guwahati

  Reach Guwahati by Air/surface and check-in at hotel on your own. Your Tour Escort/Guide will meet you at hotel lobby at 03:00pm and after that you will proceed to visit the famous Kamakhya Temple.

  Kamakhya Temple: the beautiful Kamakhya Temple, which sits atop Nilachal Hill near the banks of the Brahmaputra River, is an iconic sight in Guwahati. It is considered to be one of the city's earliest temples, dating back to the 8th century. The temple is dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya and includes four chambers: a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), which is a cave beneath the ground level that holds a rock fissure instead of an idol, and three mandapas (outdoor halls) called calanta, pancharatna, and natamandira. The Ahom kings constructed the existing temple building.

• Day 02 Guwahati - Shillong (100 Kms/ 4 hrs)

  - Breakfast
  - Drive to Shillong.
  - En-route visit Ummaid lake
  - Lunch break (Not included)
  - Visit Ward’s Lake
  - Some free time in Shillong Local Market (if time permits)
  - Dinner at hotel
  - Night in Cherrapunjee

  Meghalaya, swaddled amidst wraith-like mists is aptly called “the abode of clouds”. It is one of India’s prettiest states inhabited by the Khasis, Jaintias and Garos. It is known for its matrilineal society, which governs lineage and ancestral inheritance through the female line. It stands out for its traditional and natural beauty among the other states. Its historical strengths have been irreversibly linked with its superlative natural setting.

  Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC): is a three-in-one Institution combining a museum with a research and publication centre, for promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of North East India -a unique fusion of all the sister states under one roof. DBCIC contains seventeen galleries displaying cultural artefacts and paintings. It offers study and research facilities throughout its specialised library of 10,000 volumes, a media hall and a conference hall. It is frequented by school students and older research students and anthropologists.

• Day 03 Shillong - Cherrapunjee - Shillong (60 Kms/ 1 ½ hrs per way)

  - Breakfast
  - Day excursion to Cherrapunjee
  - Hike to Double Decker Living Root Bridge.
  - Lunch Break (Not included/ You may buy some snacks from en-route stalls.
  - Visit Nohkalikai falls & Seven Sisters falls - (if time permits)
  - Drive back to Shillong
  - Dinner at hotel
  - Night in Shillong

  CHERRAPUNJEE is literally the high point of any visit to Meghalaya -a destination renowned all over the world for receiving the highest rainfall in the world. Set against the backdrop of breath-taking landscape, it is a place to discover the Indian summer monsoons, a unique annual meteorological phenomenon directly influenced by the south west monsoon and the north east winds. The heavy monsoon rains over these mountains undoubtedly creates in Sohra one of the rarest biodiverse vegetations in the world. Truly a beautiful corner in north-east India, waiting to be discovered and explored. The old Cherra or Sohrarim was the original Cherra village but with the coming of the British who set up their headquarters further south, the village came to be known as 'Sohra' or present day Cherrapunjee. It was here that the British realized the enormity and intensity of the rainfall and set up a meteorological office for measuring the rain. Sohra was declared by the British to be the capital of Assam in 1832, which was later shifted to Shillong in 1866 due to the inclement weather.

  Double Decker Root Bridge and Natural Swimming Pools - Total distance of approximately 10 + 10 km of which 5 + 5 km is by a beautiful mountain skirting road commanding a beautiful view of the valley and through three interesting Khasi villages and can be done by vehicle if anyone wants to save time and energy. This is one of the most beautiful and very popular treks. The high points of this trek are the Double Decker Root Bridge and the natural swimming pools in the river bed. The people of the gorge village Nongriat where the Double Decker Root Bridge is located are very friendly and very special. The trek down stone steps is steep for almost half of the trek down. This trek is open through-out the year and are being used by the villagers of Nongriat, Nongthymmai and Mynteng daily, when it rains and when the sun shines. The steps become slippery during the monsoon months and have to be negotiated with little care to avoid slipping. The rivers in space and streams and waterfalls in full flow during the monsoon months add magnificence to the root bridges spanning these rivers and streams. Contemplate the raw force of nature, when the river is in spate after very heavy rainfall, standing on the Steel Rope bridges strung taut across the river 45 feet above normal water level, . You need to be strong willed and brave. Before reaching the Double Decker Root Bridge you come across more Living Root Bridges and Steel Rope bridges. The valley scenery is very impressive. Beyond the Double Decker Root Bridge you walk on level ground another 2 km (say 20 minutes) to reach Mawsaw Steel Rope Bridge. From here you access our famous natural swimming pools. The larger pool is deep and we recommend only good swimmers to attempt it. The smaller pool can be used by others. However, when the river is in spate please don't attempt swimming. When the flow is normal, you see the bottom of the pools very clearly, so clear is the water. The colour of the water is so inviting for a swim.

  Nohkalikai Falls - A hauntingly beautiful waterfall, cascading down from the top of the gorge to the mystic deep green pool below, reminds one of the tragic legend associated with it- of a grief stricken mother who plunged to her death, unable to overcome her sorrow of the murder of her daughter by her husband.

• Day 04 Shillong - Kaziranga (290 Kms/ 7 hrs)

  - Early Breakfast
  - Visit Don Bosco Museum
  - Move to Kaziranga
  - Lunch break en-route (Not included/ You may have lunch on direct payment basis)
  - Dinner at resort (Included)

  Today, after early breakfast we drive to Kaziranga. Enroute visit DBCIC Museum.

  Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC) [SUNDAY CLOSED]: is a three-in-one Institution combining a museum with a research and publication centre, for promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of North East India -a unique fusion of all the sister states under one roof. DBCIC contains seventeen galleries displaying cultural artefacts and paintings. It offers study and research facilities throughout its specialised library of 10,000 volumes, a media hall and a conference hall. It is frequented by school students and older research students and anthropologists.

  KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK - Kaziranga National Park - is a World Heritage Site, where more than 75% of the world’s total population of the great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros can be found. It lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River and is one of the oldest parks of Assam. Besides rhinos, the Asiatic Water Buffalo, Elephants, Royal Bengal Tigers, Swamp deer, Barking deer and Hog deer can be seen. About 400 species of birds are found in Kaziranga National Park. To name a few- Swamp Francolin, Great Hornbill, Pallas Fish Eagle, Pied Falconets, Greater Adjutant Stork, Long Billed Vulture. There is no telling what one might find in Kaziranga but it is always a great experience. The specialty here is the Blue naped pitta among a host of Raptors and Waterfowl. The adjoining buffer areas are worth a try too, as numerous rare sightings are reported regularly.

• Day 05 Kaziranga, Assam

  - Morning Jeep Safari to Kaziranga NP.
  - Breakfast
  - Lunch (Not included/ You may have lunch on direct payment basis)
  - Afternoon Jeep Safari to Kaziranga NP
  - Evening visit Orchid Park for a Cultural evening (Mishing Tribal Dance/ Bihu dance/ Karbi bamboo tribal dance)
  - Dinner at hotel (Included)

  SAFARI-
  Forenoon: Entry time between 0730 to 1000 Hours. No entry after 1000 Hrs
  Afternoon: Entry time between 1330 to 1500 Hours. No entry after 1500 Hrs
  

  Elephant safari entirely depends on the sole discretion of the Park Authority depending upon the weather/flood condition, even if the park remains open, and subject to availability only.

  Jeep Safaris are permitted on pre-defined tourist circuits within Kaziranga National Park- currently at the following four points. Each of these circuits takes about one and half to two and half hours (or even more depending upon interest of the tourists), subject to local range conditions and weather. Jeep Safari may be cancelled / curtailed due to any reason by the Park Authorities without prior notice.

  1. Mihimukh in Central Range at Kohora
  2. Bagori in Western Range at Bagori
  3. Agaratoli in Eastern Range at Agaratoli
  4. Ghorakati in Burapahar Range at Ghorakhati

  The Central Range passes through the entire habitat spectrum from ox-bow lakes, savannah woodland to swamp forests. It is very good for mammal sightings as well as for birds (Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Great Hornbill, Rufous Woodpecker). While driving along the trail, one can see rows of Indian Roofed and Tent Turtles (Kachuga tecta and Kachuga tentoria). Water Monitors Varanus salvator are sometimes spotted in the beels.

  The Eastern Range abounds in water birds such as bar-headed geese, falcated duck, grey-headed lapwing and spot-billed pelican (a colony of 200 pairs of this globally threatened species nesting on the Bombax trees can be found here).

  The Western Range has the highest density of rhinos as this part of the park is swampier. It has grassland birds and raptors (swamp francolin, pallas's fish eagle etc). Smooth Indian Otters ( Lutrogale perspicillata) can sometimes be seen fishing in its ox-bow lakes.

  BIHU is the most popular folk dance of Assam. It has a unique position amongst other Indian dances given its rhythmic exuberance. ‘Bihu’, is performed by young men and women during the spring season accompanied by songs woven around the theme of love and reflects youthful passion and joy in them. The dance is performed by all- irrespective of caste, creed and religion.

• Day 06 Kaziranga- Kohima, Nagaland (220 Kms/ 5-6 Hrs)

  - Early Breakfast
  - Drive to Kohima
  - En-route visit Hot Water Spring and an Old Temple.
  - Lunch break (Not included)
  - Dinner at hotel
  - Night in Kohima

  Kohima - Kohima, situated in the south at an altitude of 1444 m above sea level, is the capital city of Nagaland. Kohima has the advantage of being centrally located - bounded by the state of Assam on the West, Wokha district on the North, Zunheboto and Phek districts on the East and Manipur state on the South. The Angami, Rengma and Zeliangrong communities mainly inhabit Kohima District.

  LOCAL MARKET - A visit to the market is recommended to savour local flavours. It has stalls piled up with local fruit, vegetables, herbs, chillies (the hottest in the country), edible insects, fish and meat. Women sell local honey and bamboo shoot by the roadside

• Day 07 Kohima (Khonoma Village)

  - Breakfast
  - Sightseeing- 2nd World War Cemetery and State Museum
  - Visit Khonoma village
  - Folk dance performance by Angami Tribe in Khonoma Village
  - Lunch break (Not included)
  - Dinner at hotel
  - Night in Kohima

  Post breakfast we visit 2nd World War Cemetery and State Museum, and then we drive to Khonoma Village (01 hr) - inhabited by the western Angami tribe and is famous for its cleanliness measures. We explore the village, interacting with villagers, and enjoy a folk dance and song performance performed by men and woman of Angami Tribe inhabited at Khonoma Village in their traditional attire. Later in the afternoon drive back to Kohima.

  KOHIMA WORLD WAR-II CEMETERY: Overlooking Kohima amidst scenic environs, the Kohima War Cemetery is a memorial in the honour of those officers and soldiers killed during the World War II. Formerly known as Garrison Hill it is designed as a series of terraces with magnificent stone steps, bearing testimony to one of the most stubborn, close and bloody fighting in the whole of the Second World War. On the 18 plots of the cemetery, there are 1421 slabs erected in memory of soldiers who were killed in the Battle of Kohima. The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Before leaving Kohima, the British erected a moving memorial in memory of their fallen comrades: "When you go home, tell them of us, and say: ‘For your tomorrow, we gave our today."

  STATE MUSEUM: Located at Bayavü Hill, about 1½ km from the main town, it houses a rare collection of artifacts of each Naga tribe. The State Museum also has authentic Naga precious stones on display. Here one can see the most valued and expensive necklaces used by the Nagas. They are an assortment of precious stones which include cornelian, tourmaline, coral, core of xancus, ivory and other beads, brass and silver bells. Another interesting displays are the Naga Morung/hut models. From these models one can discern that the villages were located on hilltops-perhaps to survey/watch the valley below for approaching friends or foes. The variations in architecture among the different tribes is just amazing. Musical instruments are also displayed. The various instruments give an insight into how music formed an integral part of Naga life. Log drum, Tati, a single stringed instrument, and other instruments made of bamboo and buffalo horns are used during festivals and other social gatherings. For the art lovers, the state museum has an art gallery which houses collections of paintings by different local artists. The themes vary from traditional to modern.

  Note:
  • State Museum: Visiting Hours: Timings: 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. (Closed on all Holidays and Sunday of the week)
  • Kohima War Cemetery remains open from 08:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. (Summers) and 08:30 A.M. to 03:30 P.M. (Winters). The Kohima War Cemetery, Kohima is closed on Sundays and sometimes after lunch on Saturdays. It is also closed on government holidays. It remains closed on 01st December.

  Khonoma Village: Located 20 kms West of Kohima is Khonoma village.The village referred to as “Khwünoria” by the residents is estimated to be around 700 years old and is surrounded by hills that are as high as 9000 ft. It was here that the Naga warriors made their last stand against the British in 1879. The village is named after a plant locally known as “Khüno” that grows in the area. The alder tree (Alnus Nepalensis) is found in abundance in this region. Khonoma is famous for its management of jhum (shifting agriculture) fields with alder trees, which fixes nitrogen in the soil and checks soil erosion. With its mission "Green Khonoma", it has become the Model Village for eco-tourism. The Village Council has made it mandatory for every household to have dustbins. Once a month, sanitation drives are carried out and the community’s garbage is burnt. The ashes and residue are then used as manure. The combination of rich bio-diversity and stunning landscape makes Khonoma an excellent candidate for eco-tourism.

• Day 08 Kohima

  - Breakfast
  - Visit Handloom & Handicraft Emporium and Kohima Cathedral
  - Visit Naga and Kigwema villages
  - Lunch break (Not included)
  - Afternoon visit local market of Kohima
  - Farewell Dinner at hotel
  - Night in Kohima

  Today we visit Handloom & Handicraft Emporium, Kohima Cathedral and Naga& Kigwema villages.

  THE STATE EMPORIUM: displays the finest collection of tribal shawls, handbags, wood carvings, mekhalas, cane and bamboo handicrafts and ready-made garments of traditional weaves, designed to modern taste.

  The Naga and Kigwema villages are situated on the southern Angami belt and are predominantly inhabited by the Angami tribes which are further divided into several clans. The villages are about 20 kms south to Kohima and are lay out on the top of the mountain with an astonishing natural view of the nearby villages and its surroundings. This entire village is encircled by terraced paddy fields giving it a pleasant look. Each village has got a traditional entrance gate. Within the village one can see the customary Angami houses some of which are elegant and shows the prosperity of the villagers in a traditional way. Here one can explore the village and interact with the local tribes and can be customized with the local life style.“Sekreyni” is the main festival here, which is held in the month of February.

  Note:
  • State Emporium remains closed on Sundays and Govt. Holidays.

• Day 09 Kohima - Dimapur- Departure

  Tour ends after the breakfast at hotel.

  Tour Ends

Guaranteed Departure Dates :

Cost Includes

• 08 nights’ accommodation on twin sharing at hotel mentioned above.
• Daily Breakfast and Dinner.
• All land transfers. Driver will be non-English speaking.
• Entry fees, monuments fees, Parking fee, road taxes, village visits and local sightseeing as per programme
• AM + PM Jeep Safari at Kaziranga National Park (04 guests in a jeep)
• Cultural evening at Orchid Park (Mishing Tribal Dance/ Bihu dance/ Karbi bamboo tribal dance)
• Folk dance performance by Angami Tribe in Khonoma Village
• Inner line permit (ILP) for Indian Nationals visiting Nagaland
• Services of accompanying English-speaking escort.
• GST

Not Included

• Arrival or Departure transfer in Guwahati or Dimapur
• Any Camera/Video Camera Fees
• Any Insurance
• Any Airfares / train fares
• Any expenses of personal nature like laundry, phone calls, beverages, snacks or refreshment, room service orders, mini bar usage, conveyance, porterage etc apart from those clearly mentioned above.
• Any other expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances
• Any change / new tax imposed by the Government
• Supplement charges charged by hotel during Christmas, New Year’s period, festival time, if any
• Tips and gratuity to the drivers/ escorts and porterage in the hotels.
• Any other services not mentioned in the "package include" section

Other Important Information

• Mobile phone service is available in the region for selective networks only. It may not be active at all destinations.
• In India there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• General hotel Check in / Checkout time: 12 noon
• Prices are subject to change with any increase in the tariff, fuel prices, forest fees, amendment in Government taxes etc.
• Supplement charges charged by hotel during Christmas, New Year’s period, festival time, if any
• Itinerary is subject to last minute change due to local strikes etc

Following documents would be require in order to process the Inner line permit (ILP) for Indian Nationals visiting Nagaland:

1. Copy of photo ID card such as Driving License, Aadhar Card, Passport and Voter ID Card etc. of each person with address mentioned in it. (Pan Card not accepted).
2. Recent coloured passport sized photograph.

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