North East
Trip Overview
The land of undulating hills, spellbinding azure lakes, gushing waterfalls and verdant greens – India’s Northeast is as culturally varied as its topographically diverse. Blessed with fabulous natural graces, this portion of India resembles an ornately-tinted tapestry owing to the distinctive ways, traditions and cultural heritage of its many indigenous peoples. Peerless destinations and experiences like the stupendous root bridges of Cherrapunjee, rare wildlife at Kaziranga National Park, spiritual bliss of the Tawang Monastery, infectious mysticism of the Kamakhya Temple coupled with the best of nature lend the North East of India a unique, pleasurable edge. Prepare to be wowed by unspoilt natural beauty, impressive diversity and warm hospitality of the sister states as you embark upon an extraordinary adventure. The entire journey will weave its way through a diverse terrain of chaotic villages, picturesque countryside, and extraordinary roads where adrenalin rush will be high and you will return home with a feeling of contentment and happiness.
About the trip
Duration
10 Nights / 11 Days
Trip Cost
INR 105000 Per Person (EMI Option available)
Excluding 5% GST Per Person (EMI Option Available)
Trip style
Solo / Family / Couple / Friends
Landscapes
Forest, Mountains
Activities
Architecture, Day Hike, Jungle Safari, Road Trip
Upcoming Dates
Download
Brochure
Route Map
Itinerary
Guwahati
Start your tour from the capital of the state of Assam – Guwahati. Situated on the southern bank of Brahmaputra River, Guwahati is a major port in the region and known popularly as the ‘Gateway to Northeast India’. It’s known for holy sites like the hilltop Kamakhya Temple, featuring shrines to the Hindu deities Shiva and Vishnu. To the east, 18th-century Navagraha Temple is an astronomical center with planetary shrines. Umananda Temple, dedicated to Shiva and covered with engravings, stands on Peacock Island in the river. With assistance at hand on arrival, your transfer from the airport to the hotel in Guwahati will be a seamless affair. In evening, you can take a cruise on Brahmaputra river followed by dinner on the cruise. Overnight at hotel.
Guwahati – Mawlynnong – Cherrapunjee
A delectable early breakfast, and you will be ready to hit the road going towards Mawlynnong and thereafter Cherrapunjee. Located 170 km from Guwahati, this idyllic village of Mawlynnong had been adjudged ‘Asia’s Cleanest Village’ in 2003 and the cleanest in India in the year 2005. Pretty as a picture, Mawlynnong comes replete with flowing waterfalls, bubbling streams, luxurious greenery and clusters of colourful orchids hanging from every nook and cranny. Being located on the India-Bangladesh border, the village also offers breath-taking view of the Bangladesh plains. Having experienced the spellbinding prettiness and simplicity of Mawlynnong, drive on and finally reach Cherrapunjee (aka Sohra) – which holds the all-time record for the highest rainfall in a calendar month and year.
Cherrapunjee
Today is the day you get to explore Cherrapunjee further. Explore stunning spots like the Mausmai Caves (150 m-long limestone caves containing ancient monoliths), along with a plethora of refreshing waterfalls which pepper the façade of this fabulous destination. Next up on the list of attractions is one of the most celebrated features that draws tourists to Meghalaya – Living Root bridges. The double-decker man-made wonder in Cherrapunjee is almost 150 years old and has been fashioned out of the secondary roots of the rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica). Shaped by Khasi tribesmen over a period of decades, these spectacular creations are formed as the resilient roots of the rubber fig tree slowly grow to form a cantilevered and entwined web that is then used as a bridge over rivulets and other waterways.
Cherrapunjee – Kaziranga
The agenda for Day Four is to drive to the famed Kaziranga National Park, a protected area in Assam that is home to tigers, elephants and the world’s largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. The route to Kaziranga will have us cruising upon the iconic Asian Highway I (AH I), which is the longest route of the Asian Highway Network, running 20,557 km from Tokyo, Japan via Korea, China, Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran to the border between Turkey and Bulgaria. The total stretch of the historic AH 1 in India is approximately 2648 km, out of which 2640 km is two-lane and more. Journey along this momentous path all the way to Kaziranga National Park and retire for the night.
Kaziranga
One of the most distinguished wildlife-viewing destinations in India, Kaziranga National Park entices nature lovers with 430 sq. km of bright green meadows, marshlands and thick forests. Home to 2/3rd of the world’s entire population of the native one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1985. Start Day Five early, and with a bang! After tucking in a scrumptious breakfast at the lodge, embark upon a 2-hour long Jeep Safari within the park. An invigorating visit to an Orchid Garden and nearby Tea Estate will be followed by a lively Cultural Evening, which will feature folk dance performances by supremely talented local artists.
Kaziranga – Dirang
Start day six with a hearty breakfast and move out of your lodgings to be soon on your way to the gorgeous town of Dirang in Arunachal. It is located on the bank of Kameng River. This scenic hill station is home to the Mahayana Monpa Tribe, and offers sweepingly beautiful valley views all around along with a glimpse into the unique traditions and cultural heritage of its tribal inhabitants. En route to Dirang, subject to availability of time, make a stop at the picturesque constituency of Bomdila and visit the Orchid Research Centre in Tipi. Quite popular with visitors and locals alike, the main attraction at this multi-functional facility is the Glass House which has on display a whopping 1000 varieties of orchids in assorted hues. Prepare to channelize your inner romantic and say it all with flowers!
Dirang – Tawang
Home to 26 major tribes, covered 82% in forest and exposed with over 1600 km border line with China, Myanmar and Bhutan, it is not surprising that even Indian Nationals require special permits to go deeper into Arunachal Pradesh. Today, you will proceed towards Sela Pass – one of India’s famous high-altitude mountain passes located in Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh. With an elevation of 13,700 ft, Sela connects the Buddhist city of Tawang to Tezpur and Guwahati and also acts as the main highway connecting Tawang with the rest of India. The nearby Sela Lake, also referred to as Paradise Lake owing to its exquisiteness, adds infinitely to the charm of this destination which affords visitors plenty of breath-taking sights of Eastern Himalayas. Having relished a view of what can only be described as heaven on earth, cruise along to Tawang where a well-appointed hotel room awaits.
Tawang
The first half of the eighth day of your journey is to be excellently spent in exploration of the world’s second largest Buddhist Monastery Complex. Founded by the Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso in the year 1681 in accordance with the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, the Tawang Monastery houses a library stocked with highly valuable volumes, a marvellously decorated prayer hall that contains an 8 m-high Buddha statue and a museum. It holds a very high position in Buddhist circles as this is where the sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, was born. Return towards the city centre in the second half of the day in order to pay a visit to the War Memorial, located at a distance of 1 km from the town. An elegant Stupa has been erected here to honour the memory of the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives in 1962 Indo-China war.
Tawang – Dirang
Begin this day early with a drive to Jang Waterfall. Also known by the name Nuranang Falls, this cascading water feature stands approximately 100 m high and is mesmerizing to say the least. Also, stop to pay homage at the Jaswant Garh War Memorial, which commemorates the memory of rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat of the 4th Battalion of Garhwal Rifles Infantry Regiment. Jaswant Singh was posthumously decorated with the Mahavir Chakra Award for display of exceptional courage during the 1962 Indo-China war. It will be a downhill drive from here back to the town of Dirang.
Dirang – Guwahati
Leave Dirang post breakfast and head towards the bustling nerve center that’s Guwahati. If time permits, you can also stop to seek blessings at the much-feted Kamakhya Temple. Situated on the Nilachal Hill in western part of Guwahati, the Kamakhya Temple is dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya and enjoys the distinction of being one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas. Reach Guwahati, check in to your hotel and relax. Enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel.
Guwahati
After a thoroughly uplifting adventure through some of the most striking states of India, which are sure to have left an indelible impression, we transfer you to the airport for the return journey back home. This will be a road trip that will rouse your senses, pleasantly jolt you into appreciating the treasures that nature has endowed upon us and inspire and challenge you to let go of any inhibitions. Northeast India will not only surprise you; it will also charm its way into your heart and soul. And though we will part ways now, it won’t be without a promise to continue this spirited discovery of our magnificent country and the world.
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Trip Inclusions
Accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast Chauffeur driven vehicle including fuel and parking fees Activities & Sightseeing as per itinerary Meal – Breakfast, Lunch, Tea And Dinner Local Guide tour monument visitor Entry Fee All Inner Line Permits For Restricted Areas Private Airport Transfers
Trip Exclusions
Any Flight Ticket Lunch on Day 1 Meals And Drinks Not Mentioned Alcoholic Beverages Insurance And Documentation Cost Such As Travel Insurance, Visa Applications Etc. Any Cost Arising Out Of Unforeseen Circumstances Like Ill-health, Vehicle Breakdown Or Repairs Damage Accruing From Land Blocks, Bad Weather Additional Accommodation Charges Due To Unforeseen Delays In The Journey Any Charges For Carrying Video Camera Or Still Camera Any Hotel, Subsistence Or Other Cost Incurred Prior To The Official Start Date Of The trip And After The Official End Date Of The trip 5% GST
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