North East India Adventure

Arrive at Kolkata by international flight. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later transfer to hotel. Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, is steeped in history and tradition. From its colonial past to its role in the Indian independence movement, the city bears witness to centuries of triumphs and tribulations. From the iconic Howrah Bridge to the vibrant bustle of New Market, Kolkata is home to numerous famous spots and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. So in the afternoon get out to explore the cultural capital of India. We visit the Victoria Memorial – a beautiful marble monument built by the British in memory of Queen Victoria. Next destination is St. Paul’s Cathedral – first Episcopal Church of the eastern world. Later we start exploring the heritage side of Kolkata. Reach Dalhousie Square and walk through the colonial part of Kolkata exploring the colonial buildings like Writers Buildings, Governor House, GPO Building, Town Hall, Lal Dighi, Job Charnock’s Mausoleum and other heritage buildings.
(Meals: Nil)

After breakfast departure to Kolkata airport for morning flight to Guwahati. Meeting on arrival and drive to Cherrapunjee (4 – 5 hrs drive) and upon arrival check in to the hotel. Cherrapunjee is one of the wettest places on the planet and the only place in India to receive rain throughout the year. The heavy monsoon rains over these mountains, creating one of the rarest bio-diverse vegetation in the world..
(Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

An exciting day today as we enjoy a scenic walk through the beautiful Khasi hills to the double-decker living root bridge, a 250 year old living bridge located in the remote village of Nongriat, spanning between two grand old rubber trees. This bridge is only reachable by foot but it’s a very beautiful and interesting walk. The first part of the trail takes you down a series of steep stone steps, passing small remote villages. We will enjoy a packed lunch upon arrival at the bridge and spend some time to rest and enjoy the area. It is then a steep climb back to the coach, following the same steps, which may take a couple of hours and can be quite challenging. It is a moderate trek and we recommend wearing walking shoes with good grip. It might also be good to take walking-pole or get hold of a stick locally if you have problems with your knees. It will take approx. 6-7 hrs for the whole trip including the trek. Return to the hotel and relax. Optional visit to Moasmi Cave can be arranged.
(Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Today we visit Mawlynnong village, which is often referred to as ‘God’s Own Garden’ after being labelled as the cleanest village in Asia. From the bamboo waste baskets lining the main road of the village, to the bamboo fences enclosing houses with neat gardens, you can see why this pretty little village has won its status. Locals are proud of their pretty village and the upkeep of its cleanliness is part of their lifestyle. Leaving the village we will make our way to the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, with its plentiful flowering trees, orchids and butterflies. From here it is just a 1 hr drive to Shillong where we will check in to our hotel and have time to relax. Shillong is referred to as “the Scotland of the East”.
(Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

After breakfast we visit the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, a famous museum which preserves the culture of various tribes and communities of North-east India. Later we drive to the Kaziranga National Park (5 – 6 hrs drive) and upon arrival check into the hotel. The Kaziranga National Park is a World Heritage Site and famous for the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros.
(Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

The landscape of Kaziranga is of forest, tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, marshes and shallow pools. Kaziranga also has a good number of tigers and is the home to large breeding population of elephants, wild water buffalo and swamp deer. Today we will head for two jeep safaris – the first drive is early in the morning, and the second is in the afternoon. We will search for the One Horned Rhinoceros and other wildlife species that reside in the park.
(Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Morning we drive to Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary (2 to 3hrs drive). Upon arrival we proceed for a jungle walk through the forest canopy under the guidance of a Forest Guard. The Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary an isolated protected area of evergreen forest located in Jorhat district of Assam. This rich biodiversity is home to Hoolock Gibbon – the only apes in India, as well as Bengal Slow Loris – the only nocturnal primate found in northeast Indian states. Other primates found include the stump-tailed macaque, northern pig-tailed macaque, eastern Assamese macaque, rhesus macaque, and capped langur. Also found at the sanctuary are Indian elephants, leopards, jungle cats, wild boar, three types of civet, four types of squirrel, among others. We then drive for around 45 mins to Jorhat and check into the hotel.
(Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

After breakfast we will drive for around 30 mins to Nimati Ghat, from where we board the ferry to Majuli Island across the mighty Brahmaputra river. Majuli is the second largest riverine island in the world. The island had been the principal place of pilgrimage for Vaishnavites since the age of the Ahom rulers. Majuli is also known for the Mishing tribal culture. Today we explore the island of Majuli and learn about the history and culture of the place. We visit the Sattras, the Vaishnavite centre of learning art & culture, which has an unknown wealth of Vaishnavite scriptures. The monasteries are still seen as centers for learning, drama and dance. Later we visit the village of Mishing tribe that comprises 45% of Majuli’s population and whose ethnic culture remains unchanged since centuries. We also see the missing community pillar houses, which are generally stilted and have a thatched top with bamboos used for the flooring, ceiling and walls. After the visit we board the ferry back to Nimati Ghat and drive back to Jorhat.
(Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

After an early breakfast we start for a long day on the road to get to Mon (6 to 7 hrs drive, depending on the road condition). Upon arrival we will check into the guest house. Mon is one of the most mystical places in Nagaland that boasts of rich tribal heritage. Its geographical location, being situated at the northeastern part of the state, adds to its mystic appeal. The place is nature lover’s delight as the landscapes are spectacular. One of the best views from here is of the Assam plains.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
( Stay: Guest House )

Today is an interesting day as we will visit Longwa Village (2.5 to 3.5hrs. drive one way). Longwa is one of the largest villages of Mon district, an interesting place situated on India-Myanmar border. The villagers have a dual citizenship. As the village straddles an international boundary line, one half of the Angh’s (chief of the tribe) house falls within Indian Territory, whereas the other half lies under Myanmar’s control. However, the Angh and the village council chairman control the whole village. Another interesting feature of this village is that the Angh of the village has 60 wives and his jurisdiction extends up to Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh. The natural beauty is immense as a total of four rivers flow through the village, two in India and two in Myanmar. After visiting the village, we return to Mon.
(Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

After breakfast we visit Hongphoi village to meet one of the last surviving former headhunting tribes in this region. At the Angh’s house, we meet elders of the village dressed in tribal clothing which signifies they belong to the Naomei Cult. After the visit we return to Mon. Later we will drive to Dibrugarh (4 to 5hrs drive) and upon arrival check into the hotel. Dibrugarh is called “Camelia” town of Assam, an undisturbed heaven with its rich tea gardens resembling lush green carpet.
(Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

After breakfast we will be transferred to Dibrugarh Airport for flight to Delhi or Kolkata. Upon arrival connect onward flight back to home country.
(Meals: Breakfast)