Essence of North East

13 Days / 12 Nights
Kolkata – Guwahati – Shillong – Balipara – Kaziranga

Essence of North East

The capital of Assam, Guwahati is one of the most popular destinations in the North Eastern Part of India. The Meghalaya with kaziranga tour, from Kolkata to Guwahati and takes you to the wildlife hub of Kaziranga, Shillong and Balipara. Enjoy seven Sisters waterfalls and scenic hill station of Shillong.

Tour Highlights


  • East India Morning visit to flower market.
  • East India River Cruise on the mighty River Brahmaputra.
  • East India Enjoy the boat ride at Umiam Lake.
  • East India Excursion to Cherrapunjee.
  • East India Visit the Nyishi Tribe, the Mishing Tribe, Garos Tribe & Bodo Tribe.

Itinerary Map

Tour Itinerary

Arrive at Kolkata International Airport. Please clear immigration and visa formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel. MAGADH TRAVELS executive will wait at the arrival hall with a placard in your name to greet you. Thereafter you will be assisted with a transfer and check in at the hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Kolkata.

The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata: Fondly referred to as the Grand Dame of Chowringhee, The Oberoi Grand has been an icon on the landscape of Kolkata for more than a century; with a reputation for taking care of its guests like no other. The sense of calm that pervades the outdoor space is carried into the classically appointed rooms and suites that encircle the courtyard. Fine dining spaces, grand banqueting venues, a business centre and a spa ensure that all your needs are covered.

Morning after breakfast enjoy the guided visit to Flower market followed by The Howrah Bridge build in 1874 and stands on two 270 feet high pillars and considered to be one of the busiest bridges in the world. Drive past The Eden Gardens & Dalhousie Square; the oldest and finest cricket playground in the country, which has undergone tremendous modernization and today boasts of its ability to accommodate about 1, 20,000 persons. Appreciate the architecture and history of the city's many unique and spectacular buildings during the drive past Dalhousie square now a World Heritage Site. Next visit the Jain Temples, also known as Prashant Jain Temple which is a striking place of worship, decked up with coloured stones and mirrors. It has a lush garden and houses of four different temples, with the main one dedicated to the 10th Jain Avtaar, Sri Sital Nath Ji. From here we proceed to Kumartulli-Potter's lane, the centuries old tradition-bound studios of the idol makers ceremonially add life to the goddess Durga by creating her lotus-shaped eyes that wordlessly tell volumes of life divine. You experience a true artistic work of these Kumar's. During the day visit the Marble Palace (Closed on Monday's & Thursday's); a resplendent building full of breathe taking pieces of opulence that speak about the over-the-top luxurious life that the Raja once lived. Stay overnight at hotel in Kolkata.

Morning after breakfast start guided city tour with a visit to Victoria Memorial (Closed on Monday's); a fantastic museum that will take you into the world of past history, where one can view the photos and effigies of prominent personalities who made an incredible contribution to the glory of India and houses a group of mind-blowing figures above the north porch that epitomize prudence, learning and motherhood. Stop at St Paul's Cathedral which is acknowledged as the first Episcopal Church of the eastern. Continue to his ancient Kali temple which is Kolkata's holiest spot for Hindus and possibly the source of the city's name. While admiring the contrast of colonial and modern architecture at the heart of this wonderful city Kolkata's famed Park Street, slip through a mossy stone wall enclosure. The Park Street Cemetery, previously known as Burial Ground Road, it is one of the oldest cemeteries of Kolkata. The mausoleums and memorials are architecturally impressive and represent the grandeur of the colonial period. It houses the tombs of distinguished expatriates who were once an integral part of Kolkata's history. During the day visit Mother House (Closed on Thursday's) to witness the generosity of her spirit. Stay overnight at hotel in Kolkata.

Morning after breakfast transfer to Kolkata airport to board your schedule flight to Guwahati. On arrival transfer to hotel for check-in. The former name of Guwahati was Pragjyotishpur which means the city of eastern lights. Situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and surrounded by the Shivalik Hills, Guwahati serves a perfect getaway. Later enjoy the sightseeing tour of Guwahati visiting Kamakhya Temple; is indeed a unique temple with a unique festival. Dedicated to Devi Kamakhya, the temple shut for five days everywhere, as it is believed that the deity experiences menstruation during the period. On the sixth day, the temple is opened for the devotees, after the deity is bathed and rituals have been performed. This day is full of celebrations as locals gather for the grand fair. Evening enjoy the River Cruise on the mighty River Brahmaputra. Stay overnight at hotel in Guwahati.

Taj Vivanta, Guwahati: OIt is an urban retreat designed for global business travellers, adventurers and connoisseurs of the good life. Offering world-class comforts in an environment with a strong local character, the hotel is uniquely positioned as a gateway to the Seven Sisters (the seven scintillating North East Indian states). Five acres of manicured gardens, betel nut groves and water bodies usher guests into a space awash with motifs that evoke the soul of Assam. The striking entrance to the main building which houses 150 contemporary rooms and suites is modelled after Rang Ghar, the royal amphitheatre of the mighty Ahom dynasty. Design inspiration is further drawn from the cupola (rounded dome) of the Kamakhya Temple, the gamocha handloom reflected in a modern bamboo interweave, Xingkhap patterns in the rooms, a stunning mural of 1008 cascading sacred bells in the grand lobby and marigold motifs across the hotel.

Morning after breakfast travel to Shillong – 'abode of clouds', is a breathtaking hill station which is nestled amidst the paradisaical Garo and Khasi hills. With sparkling waterfalls, manicured gardens, azure lakes, and distinct culture, this alluring hill town beckons you to witness the natural charm of Northeast. On arrival check-in at hotel. Afternoon enjoy the sightseeing tour of Shillong, visit the Mary Help of Christian Cathedral; Featuring high arches and stained glass windows, it is one of the most famous churches in Shillong. The white marble building along with Mother Mary statue looks grand and elegant. Inside the Cathedral, there are some beautiful terracotta stations of the cross that showcases life events of Jesus. Perched high on a hill, one can also visit the Grotto Church which carved out the same hill and is located right below the Cathedral. Later enjoy the boat ride at Umiam Lake; surrounded by thick coniferous forests and East Khasi Hills, Umiam Lake is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Shillong. Popular as Badapani, this is a sprawling man-made water body, formed by damming Umiam River. The lake is dotted with few small islands and the adjoining Lum Nehru Park is an ideal place for strolling and picnic. Evening visit the Shillong Peak for a stunning view of the surrounding hills and valleys, which happens to be the highest view point. Located at an elevation of 6449 feet and mostly surrounded by fog, Shillong Peak offers 360-degree bird's-eye view of the distant hills, waterfalls, Shillong city, and plains of Bangladesh. Stay overnight at hotel in Shillong.

Tripura Castle, Shillong: Tripura Castle was built in the early 1920's by the then Maharaja of Tripura who came to Shillong and fell in love with the place. It became the summer retreat for the Royal Family of the Manikya dynasty. Today the main palace is the home to the current head of the Manikya dynasty, Maharaja Pradyot Bikram Kishore Debbarma, who also oversees the hotel. On the castle grounds is The Heritage Club – Tripura Castle, a hotel nestled atop a hill and spread over 9 acres of green, barely 5 minutes from the city yet secluded and serene. With 38 rooms, each elegantly refurbished, 4 restaurants – bars each serving a variety of cuisine and drinks and club carts to take you from one wing to the other, The Heritage Club – Tripura Castle offers you an ambience that no other in Shillong does.

Morning after breakfast day excursion to Cherrapunjee. High above misty valleys and foaming rivers, ensconced in swirling clouds and perched on an escarpment, lies Cherrapunji (4,500 feet). This is a stunning location and the year-round rain earned Cherrapunji coveted entry long ago into the Guinness Book of World Records as the wettest place on earth, the place where the rainfall can be recorded in feet rather than in millimeters. Today, climatic changes have edged Cherrapunji out of the topmost 'wet' slot, but it still retains its pristine beauty, its unusual facets, the perpetual clouds, and the perpetual mists…. Appropriately, Cherrapunji lies in the heart of the State of Meghalaya-the abode of clouds. After visit return back to Shillong. Stay overnight at hotel in Shillong.

Morning after breakfast travel to Balipara. Join a handful of spirited souls and explore the well-kept secret of Assam, the tea-growing state in North East India, until recently forbidden to visitors. On arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure. Evening enjoy the tea testing. Stay overnight at hotel in Balipara.

Wild Mahseer, Balipara: It is located in the centre of Assam, Northeast India, on the North bank of the Brahmaputra River. It is a beautiful oasis set in the midst of the Balipara division of Addabarie Tea Estate, established by the British Assam Tea Company in 1864. Named after one of the toughest game fish in the world, Wild Mahseer is a unique haven for legendary conventions of the erstwhile British planters of Assam. There are 5 independent bungalows with 14 double bedrooms and suites with individually attached bathrooms. The Silver Tips has 3 bedrooms and was originally Doctor Sahib's Bungalow, The Golden Tips has 2 bedrooms and was the Group Accountants Bungalows, the Basha was originally the Visiting Agents office and now houses 4 spacious bedrooms, The Ambrosia with 2 spacious bedrooms and last but not the least Wild Mahseer Heritage Bungalow, which was the Visiting Agents Official residence with 3 bedrooms. Wild Mahseer's old-world charm and gracious living, together with its lush surroundings and vast range of activities, make it an ideal getaway for people from all over the planet.

Morning after breakfast excursion to visit the 3 to 4 tribes around ark like The Nyishi Tribe, The Mishing Tribe, Garos Tribe & Bodo Tribe.

The Nyishi Tribe is one of the principal inhabitants of Arunachal Pradesh in north-eastern India. Nyi refers to "a man" and the word shidenotes "a being", which collectively refers to a civilized human being. Their population of around 300,000 makes them the most populous tribe of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Mishing or Mising Tribe is one of the most colourful tribes of Assam with their unique style of living and even unique culture. They are also known as Miris. The Misings as they would love to be called are probably the mixture of East Asian and South Asian sub-race of the mongoloid race. The Misings live at the fertile land in at the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra especially in upper Assam districts.

Garos Tribe are the second largest tribe of Meghalaya state of India. They are brought to Assam by the British rulers. They are settled mostly in the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh. A large part of the Garo community follows Christianity. The Garo language belongs to the Bodo–Garo branch of the Tibeto-Burman language family. The Garos are one of the few remaining matrilineal societies in the world. The individuals take their clan titles from their mothers.

Bodo Tribal Community of Assam is considered as the earliest immigrants of Assam. & plays very important role in the culture and tradition of the state. This ethnic community is mainly concentrated in Brahmaputra valleys. It is the largest minority group of the state. It is believed that this tribe arrived in Assam from the Tibet through Bhutan passes. As, the primitive settlers of Assam valley, the bodo community is considered to be the most traditionally and culturally rich community of the state.

Bodo people speak Bodo language. For writing they used Roman script and Assamese script. Now they have taken up the Nagari script for their writing.

Morning after breakfast day excursion to Nameri National Park is just a 30-minute drive from Wild Mahseer. Located in the foothills of the eastern Hamalayas about 35 km from Tezpur it shares its northern boundary with the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary of Arunachal Pradesh and together they total over 1,000 sq kms of semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forest with cane and bamboo brakes and narrow strips of open grassland along the rivers. Enjoy the jeep safari in national park. With its hills of deciduous forests and the Jia Bhoroli River flowing through, it is excellent elephant country and the ideal habitat for a host of other animals too, including tigers, clouded leopards, bisons, sambars, dhole (Asiatic wild dog), hog deer, wild boar, sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, capped langur and the Indian giant squirrel. It is also a butterfly and birding enthusiast's paradise. It is home to more than 300 species of birds including four species of hornbills and an abundance of mynas, bee eaters, barbets, babblers, bulbuls, plovers and ibis. After visit return back to hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Balipara.

Morning after breakfast travel to Kaziranga National Park a world heritage site is famous for the Great Indian one horned rhinoceros, the landscape of Kaziranga is of sheer forest, tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, marshes & shallow pools. It is the oldest park in Assam covers an area of 430 Sq kms along the river Brahmaputra on the North and the Karbi Anglong hills on the South. On arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure. Stay overnight at hotel in Kaziranga.

Early morning you will be taken to Kaziranga entry point to take a safari on Elephant back. This safari will provide you a close encounter of wildlife. With packed breakfast, we will proceed into the park for a jeep safari. The Central Range passes through the entire habitat spectrum from ox-bow lakes, savannah woodland to Dillenia Swamp Forest. It is very good for mammal sightings as well as birds (Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Great Hornbill, Rufous Woodpecker). Driving along one can see rows of Indian Roofed and Tent Turtles (Kachuga tecta and Kachuga tentoria). Water Monitors Varanus salvator is sometimes seen in the beels. The elephant ride also takes place in this part of the park and one gets good views of the Rhino while traversing through its terrain of swamps and tall grass. Return to the lodge by lunch time. Post Lunch for a jeep ride in another range of the park. The Western Range has the highest density of Rhinos, as this part is swampier with extensive Haemarthia compressa stands. It is also good for grassland birds and raptors (Swamp Francolin, Pallas's Fish-Eagle). Smooth Indian Otters Lutrogale perspicillata is sometimes seen fishing in the ox-bow lakes. Stay overnight at hotel in Kaziranga.

Morning after breakfast transfer to Guwahati airport to board your schedule flight to Kolkata. On arrival at airport transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the hotel services or you can go for shopping in near local markets. Stay overnight at hotel in Kolkata.

Morning after breakfast transfer to Kolkata international airport to board your schedule flight to onward destination.

Tour Ends…

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