Eastern Gems: Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya

Visit the historic temples of Guwahati to understand the spiritual past of the state of Assam. Start with the famous Kamakhya Temple which is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya. An important pilgrimage destination, especially for tantric worshipers. Stroll around the complex, with a beehive-shaped architecture, which houses smaller temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Mahavidyas as well. Set on the Nilachal hilltop, savor breathtaking views of the city from here. Drive up to the ancient Navagraha temple situated on Chitrachal Hill where celestial bodies of the Hindu astronomy are worshipped. Observe the nine Shivalingams (phallic symbols of Lord Shiva) clad in different colors, representing the astronomical bodies. End the day at the 18th century Shiva temple of Sukreswar nestled on the banks of the Brahmaputra River atop Sukreswar or Itakhuli Hill. Walk down the steps leading to the river for a peaceful sunset, watching groups of people performing evening aartis (pujas). (Private Activity; Private Transfers; Fitness Level: Moderate)

Discover a vibrant fusion of historical and cultural delights in Shillong. Head to the Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures for a journey through the living heritage of myriad ethnic groups of northeastern India. Marvel at the exhaustive collection of ornaments, artifacts, attires, weapons and handicrafts on display in numerous galleries across the naturally lit honeycomb shaped hexagonal building. The next stop on your tour is the majestic All Saints Cathedral whose colonial architecture and graceful arches add to the historic wealth of the city. Give your afternoon a shot of adrenalin with a visit to the Shillong polo field now christened as the Khasi Hills Archery Institute. Catch an archery competition in action and an even keener betting game known as Thoh Tim or Teer or Siat Khnam. Wind up the tour with a walk through the colorful Police Bazaar where you can shop for a variety of traditional items from handicrafts and fabrics to local spices and vegetables. (Half Day; Time of the Day: Afternoon; Duration: 4 hrs; Fitness Level: Difficult; Please note that Don Bosco Museum and Kashi hill Archery club are closed on Sundays.)

Following breakfast, navigate Meghalaya’s scenic countryside on winding roads through Shillong plateau and the valley beyond, to reach the tidy Mawlynnong village. Discover narrow clean roads flanked by bamboo shrubs, and a plethora of flowering plants, including lush orchids. Charming stilted village homes line these streets, surrounded by tiny gardens guarded by bamboo fences, and pits used for rainwater harvesting. Wonderfully clean, you’ll notice bamboo basket dustbins scattered everywhere across the village. Your local guide is happy to share insights about Mawlynnong’s community-based ecotourism initiative and introduce you to local village folk who are all incredibly well-educated. Later, visit the Church of Epiphany nestled amid an orange orchard, and the Balancing Rock nearby. You could head to nearby Riwai and marvel at the superbly engineered living root bridges – rustic passages over the Thyllong river that locals have built with banyan tree roots from opposite banks. Climb up bamboo watch towers and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the surroundings before returning to Shillong. (Full Day; Duration: 6 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Savor the hearty flavors of a refreshing cup of Assam ‘chai’ at this tea tasting session for in-house guests. The Assam brew is noted for its strong body, bright color, and malty flavor. Famous for the robust variety of black tea grown in the valley since the colonial era, get an insight into the factors that go towards determining the quality of tea from an in-house expert. Your introduction to the subtle art of tea tasting will begin at the dining pavilion where nearly 60 different varieties and grades of tea are showcased from around the globe. Begin by evaluating the visual appeal of the dried tea leaf, followed by studying the appearance of the tea infusion, and then tasting a perfectly brewed cup for determining the final quality. Take a sip of your fragrant cup of tea, while soaking in tranquil views of the rolling tea gardens all around you. (Time of Day: Afternoon; Duration: 1 hr, 1530 –1630 hrs; Shared activity; Fitness level: Easy).

Experience the natural beauty of Nameri National Park, situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in India. Amid dawn chorus and jungle thrum, follow your guide on sun-speckled trails through tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Home to over 300 species of birds and butterflies, the region is a birders’ paradise! Expect to spot hornbills, bazas, flowerpeckers, babblers, ibises, mountain imperial-pigeons, and white-cheeked partridges among others. You might also encounter endangered creatures such as white-winged wood ducks, dholes, Himalayan black bears, and Indian giant squirrels, apart from clouded leopards, bison, and sambars. Break for lunch and refreshments at an eco-camp nearby, and share wildlife anecdotes. Shortly after, experience a leisurely rafting cruise navigating the gentle rapids of Jia Bhoroli that passes through the forest, and hopefully sight herds of elephants hanging out along the banks. Finally, visit the Pygmy Hog Foundation to witness the brilliant conservation breeding efforts of the critically endangered pygmy hogs, before calling it a day. (Full Day; Time: 0800 – 1700 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Lunch included; Fitness level: Moderate; Notes: The park is open for safaris only between November and April)

Set off on early afternoon jeep safari into one of the zones of Kaziranga National Park. This is the perfect opportunity to get up close with the wild inhabitants of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay alert as your local expert guides you to spots known for sightings of the reclusive one-horned Indian rhinoceros, which is an endangered species. Encounter elephants, monkeys, deer, jackals, raptors, wild water buffaloes, and even tigers as you make your way through the sprawling expanse of grassland dotted with swampy lagoons. Try to spot as many as possible of the numerous migratory and domestic bird species that inhabit the region. Capture stunning pictures of the wildlife and the scenic landscape for memories to last a lifetime. (Time of Day:1300 hrs ; Duration: 2 hrs each; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please note that safaris are not conducted during May-October.)

Buckle up for an hour and a half long drive to Sibsagar, that used to be the power center of the Assamese kings of the Ahom dynasty. Originally belonging to the Shan ethnic group, they converted to Hinduism at one point. Learn about their unique culture and architecture which is a curious and fascinating blend of Indian and Southeast Asian features. Explore the remains of the civilization, with its impressive palaces and peaceful temples reminiscent of stupas. Don’t forget to check out the temple tank here, whose claim to fame is that of being the world’s largest hand-excavated reservoir. (Half Day, Time of Day: Morning, Duration: 6 hrs with 1.5 hrs drive to and fro each; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Moderate)

Begin your exploration of this hilly capital city with a visit to the Kohima War Cemetery set in serene surroundings. Wander around this simple and somber memorial dedicated to the soldiers who died in World War II. Head over to Kisama Heritage Village that is the venue of the famous annual Hornbill festival known for its vibrant displays of the region’s culture. Stroll into the cluster of 16 houses that are dedicated to the different ethnic groups that make up the indigenous population of Nagaland. Take a close look at the distinctive architectural styles and detailing in each of these houses. Amble into the World War II museum situated on the grounds with its rich repertoire of memorabilia from the battles fought in the region, rare photographs, and displays of weaponry as well as soldiers’ uniforms. Travel on to the cathedral on Aradura Hill, counted among one of the biggest in northeast India. Featuring an architectural style that is typical to Nagaland, this shrine blends with its surroundings seamlessly. Get a glimpse of the largest cross made of wood in the country before you turn back. (Half Day; Duration: 4 hrs; Fitness Level: Moderate.)