Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1 - 3	Guwahati	Kamakhya Temple, Vashistha Ashram, Navagraha Temple, Shiva Temple on an Island	Guwahati Address, Vivanta Guwahati
3 - 6	Shillong	Hill Station, Waterfalls, Trekking, Rock Music	Rock Cliff Homestay, Tripura Castle
6 - 8	Balipara	Tea Plantations, Verdant Landscape, Brahmaputra River Cruise	Wild Mahseer Heritage Bungalow
8 - 10	Kaziranga	Rhinoceros, Jeep Safaris, Tea Estate, National Park	Iora Retreat, Kaziranga, Diphlu River Lodge
10 - 12	Jorhat	Teklai Experimental Center, Majuli Island, Tea Plantation Walks	Puroni Bheti Resort, Thengal Manor Bungalow
12 - 15	Kohima	Hill Station, War Memorials, Mao Market	De Oriental Grand, Niraamaya Retreats Aradura
15 - 16	Dimapur	Authentic Local Culture, Art & Craft, Triple Falls	Niathu Resort

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 3

International Arrival

We will welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel

Guwahati

2 Nights

Guwahati: Gateway to Northeast India Once known as the ‘light of the East’, this is a prominent business city and entry point to N.

Included Activities

A Spiritual Tour of the Temples of Guwahati
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)

Sunrise Visit to Uzan Bazaar
Explore one of the oldest settlements of Guwahati during an early morning visit to Uzan Bazaar. Just as the sun is breaking out on the eastern horizon, set off on a drive to the northern part of the city where the mighty Brahmaputra River flows. By the side of the river, pause at the Maas Ghat or Fish Port, which is the biggest wholesale market for freshwater fish in the region. Witness the ringing call for bids as the morning catch is auctioned off in this atmospheric thatched roof market. Take in the bustle of early morning trade as you walk along its quaint lanes and soak in the amazing energy of the place till it is time to head back to the hotel. (Morning Activity; Time of the Day: 0530 to 0730 hrs; Duration – 2 hrs; Fixed time; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Moderate)

Hotel Options

Guwahati Address – Opt 1

Room	Executive Classic
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Vivanta Guwahati – Opt 2

Room	Superior Charm
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 3 - 6

Drive from Guwahati to Shillong (100 km, 3 hrs)

Shillong

3 Nights

Shillong is a lively hill-station dotted with quaint churches, colonial buildings, and blue lakes. Named after an important local deity, U-Shyllong, it is the capital of the moisture-laden northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya which translates to ‘Abode of the Clouds’.

Included Activities

Market Magic in Shillong
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.)

Visit to Picturesque Mawlynnong Village
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)

Natural Wonders of Cherrapunji
Discover a slice of paradise tucked into the picturesque northeast corner of India on this day trip around Cherapunjee. After an early breakfast in your hotel, drive out from Shillong to Cherrapunjee, the second wettest spot on our planet, after the neighboring town of Mawsynram, which tops the charts with record rainfall. Admire the wonderful vistas of the Eastern Himalayas and the Khasi Hills as you ride past lush cloud forests and tumbling waterfalls. Make a pit stop at Mawkdok Dympep to soak in the otherworldly views of the velvety highlands. On reaching misty Cherrapunjee, note the Khasi monoliths strewn around town, which are erected by the local community in the memory of their ancestors. Drop by the majestic Seven Sisters Falls and Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Enjoy a swim in one of the many natural pools nearby before setting out to explore the mysterious caves of Mawsmai. Drive back to Shillong at dusk(Full Day; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 7 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Note: Please wear light clothes and waterproof shoes. Carry waterproof bags for all batteries and electronics, towel & change of clothes).

Hotel Options

Rock Cliff Homestay – Opt 1

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Tripura Castle – Opt 2

Room	Heritage Wing Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 6 - 8

Drive from Shillong to Balipara (260 km, 7 hrs)

Balipara

2 Nights

Balipara, located in India’s eastern state of Assam, offers peace and tranquility in the lap of lush greenery. There’s the promise of tea plantations, thick bamboo groves, grasslands, and yes, an elephant or two for company!

Included Activities

A Cup of Assam ‘Chai’
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).

Day out at Nameri National Park
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)

Hotel Options

Wild Mahseer Heritage Bungalow – Opt 1

Room	Second Flush
Meals	Full Board
Style	Heritage

Day 8 - 10

Drive from Balipara to Kaziranga(120 km, 3 hrs)

Kaziranga

2 Nights

Kaziranga: A tryst with the wild! Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary, nearby Jorhat, is home multitudes of animals like swamp deer, one-horned rhinos, Indian elephants, clouded leopards and majestic tigers; it also houses varieties of exotic birds like the Rusty-bellied Shortwing, Nuthatch, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill and Blue-fronted Robin.

Included Activities

Jeep Safari in Kaziranga
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.)

Jungle Adventure at Diphlu River Lodge
Set off on this thrilling jungle adventure as you make your way to the floodplains of Kaziranga National Park, home to the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Stay in comfortable cottages with uniquely themed décor and all modern conveniences. Take your pick of exciting experiences to come up close with the wildlife in their natural habitat. Every day, accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist, head out on jungle safaris in the morning and in the afternoon in your quest for the elusive rhino. Settle into comfortable, open, windowless vehicles as you watch out for various inhabitants of the national park, such as tigers and elephants as well as exotic bird species. Set off on nature and river walks to acquaint yourself with the endemic species of flora and fauna. Or, saunter around the lush tea gardens as you breathe in the aroma of the fragrant leaves and learn all about the techniques of cultivating and processing the famed Assamese brew. Stroll out to the nearby village for a glimpse into the lifestyle of the different ethnic groups that live there. Back at the lodge, laze around in the sitting area with a book from the library or curl up by the fireplace on chilly evenings. (Overnight activity; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note that accommodation in an air-conditioned cottage, two jungle safaris per day (morning and afternoon) with the services of the resident naturalist, village visits, birdwatching, nature and river walks and a tea garden walk are included in this activity).

Hotel Options

Iora Retreat, Kaziranga – Opt 1

Room	Luxury Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Resort

Diphlu River Lodge – Opt 2

Room	Cottage
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Resort

Day 10 - 12

Drive from Kaziranga to Jorhat (88 km, 2.5 hrs)

Jorhat

2 Nights

Jorhat: A Nature lover’s paradise Jorhat, the nerve center of the Indian tea industry, is surrounded by splendid tea gardens and various institutions.

Included Activities

Exploring Sibsagar, the Historic Abode of the Ahom Kings
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)

Hotel Options

Puroni Bheti Resort – Opt 1

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Homestay

Thengal Manor Bungalow – Opt 2

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 12 - 15

Drive from Jorhat to Kohima (200 km, 7 hrs)

Kohima

3 Nights

Kohima is a quaint hill station in northeastern India. An eccentric melting pot of tribal groups from across the region, Kohima stands as a wonderful testament of diversity.

Included Activities

Kohima’s Attractions Uncovered
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.)

Khonoma Village and War Memorial Tour
Spend a day at Khonoma village, home to the Angami tribe that is known for its courage and heroism. After breakfast, head to Khonoma which is just a short drive away from Kohima. En route, hear the story behind the Khonoma gate from your guide – it’s the story of how colonial forces had infiltrated the Naga hills many years ago. Once you reach Khonoma, spend time exploring the village, observe its people go about their daily lives and communicate with them. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the local style of dressing, customs, and culture.

Hotel Options

De Oriental Grand – Opt 1

Room	Grand Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Niraamaya Retreats Aradura – Opt 2

Room	Superior Suite
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Resort

Day 15 - 16

Drive from Kohima to Dimapur (75 km, 4.5 hrs)

Dimapur

1 Night

Welcome to Dimapur, Nagaland’s largest city and the gateway to the colorful tribes, culture, and heritage of this little explored state! Tracing its origins to the Middle Ages when it was the capital of the Dimasa Kachari kingdom, Dimapur still retains remnants of its glorious past fortress and the curious toadstool-like structures at Rajbari Park.

Hotel Options

Niathu Resort – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Queen
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Resort

Transfer to the Airport

Board your flight from Dimapur to Kolkata (Flight duration: 1.5 hrs)

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 5,090 /person
Option 2 From $ 6,090 /person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact supporting you during your trip

Not Included

Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
Tips and personal expenses
Visa and tourism fees
Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
International airfare

Eastern Gems: Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Guwahati

Shillong

Balipara

Kaziranga

Jorhat

Kohima

Dimapur

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes

Not Included