Assam Double Adventure

Arrive at Delhi by international flight. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later transfer to hotel. Afternoon start Delhi sightseeing. We proceed to Old Delhi and visit Jama Masjid – the largest mosque of Old Delhi built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Later go for an exciting cycle rickshaw ride through lively thoroughfares and bustling alleyways of Old Delhi market rarely visited by typical tourists. Arrive at Khari Baoli and see Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. Our exploration continues as we drive past historic colonial landmarks, such as Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, and India Gate—a poignant memorial dedicated to soldiers of the First World War. (Meals: Nil)

After breakfast departure to Delhi Airport for flight to Guwahati. Meeting on arrival and drive to the Nameri National Park (4.5 to 5.5 hrs drive) and upon arrival check in to an eco-lodge. The Nameri National Park is located at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and constitutes of semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests with cane and bamboo brakes and narrow strips of open grassland along rivers. It is a birder’s paradise with nearly 400 species of birds flocking the park. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Early morning we head out for a jungle walk through the thick forest and dry riverbeds, accompanied by a forest guard. This is also a great opportunity for bird watching. Nearly 400 species of birds reside in the forest such as – White-winged Ducks, Partridge, Rufous-necked Hornbills, Kingfishers, Amur Falcon, Eagles, Silver-backed Needle-Tail, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Hill Blue Flycatcher, White-crowned Forktail, Ibisbill and many more. After the walk we return to the lodge for breakfast. In the afternoon we participate in river rafting over the gentle rapids of the Jia-Bhoroli river. This is more of an enjoyable float trip and is meant for the entire family. It is a popular and pleasant way to see birds like Ibisbill, Long-billed Plover and other water birds. River rafting is allowed in south east part of the park and usually starts 13 kms upstream and takes about 3 hours to complete without halts. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

After breakfast we drive to the Kaziranga National Park (2 to 2.5 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. 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. In the afternoon we will head for a jeep safari in search of the One Horned Rhinoceros and other wildlife species that reside in the park. (Meals: Breakfast)

Early morning we head out for an exciting elephant safari in the Kaziranga National Park. Elephant safari is the best way to explore the wide variety of wildlife at the park, particularly in the area covered by the high elephant grass. During the safari we will also have the opportunity to have a close look at the rhinos. After the safari we return to hotel for breakfast. Late 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)

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. Majuliis 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)

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)

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)

After breakfast we will be transferred to Dibrugarh airport for flight to Delhi. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later we will be transferred to hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast we will be transferred to international airport for flight back to home country.(Meals: Breakfast)