Essence of North East
Kolkata – Guwahati – Shillong – Balipara – Kaziranga
This tour is specially designed to discover the culture of all the tribes in the North Eastern state and the most famous Hornbill Festival. This is an annual feast for the senses, when the 16 Naga tribes come together to put on a stunning showcase of the unique sights, sounds, tastes and experiences of the region. The 10-day long festival is held in December each year in the model village of Kisama. The beautiful venue, built into the steep slope of a mountainside, is about 12 kilometres from the state capital.
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 transfer to the Kolkata airport to board your schedule flight to Imphal. Assisted arrival at Imphal airport and transfer to hotel. Imphal: it is the capital of Manipur, a state in northeastern India. On the Imphal River, Kangla Fort was once the seat of local rulers, and now houses relics. On the south side of the centuries-old Polo Ground, Manipur State Museum has displays including tribal artifacts and a large royal boat. Next to the former Royal Palace, Shri Shri Govindajee Temple has twin domes, a large hall and shrines to Hindu gods. Later evening visit Shri Shri Govindajee Temple: This symbolic temple in Imphal adjoining the palace of the former rulers of Manipur, is a historic center for Vaishnavite culture. It is a simple and beautiful structure with gold domes, a paved court and a large, raised congregation hall. Stay overnight at hotel in Imphal.
Classic Grand, Imphal: One of The best hotel of the city, it provides you the best services with great food experience.
Morning after breakfast visit Khwairaman Bazar: One of the main attractions of Imphal. It is the main market of Imphal, capital of the state of Manipur in India. The main feature of this market is that all its shops are owned and operated by women. In the center of Imphal is the so-called "Women Market" where only the women are allowed to sit. Kangla Palace: The Palace of Kangla is an old palace at Imphal in Manipur. It was situated on both sides of the bank of the Imphal River. But now it remains only on the western side of the bank. Only the ruins remain now. Kangla means "dry land" in old Meetei. It was the traditional seat of the past Meetei rulers of Manipur. Matai Garden: It is located about 8 km away from the town of Imphal, is also known as Ibudhou Asheiningthou Garden. Matai is one of the local Gods and has been derived from the word Ibudhou Asheiningthou. Conclude your day by visiting Khonghampat Orchidarium that has more than a hundred rare varieties of orchids. The best time to visit the Orchidarium is in the months of April and May when the orchids are in full bloom. Stay overnight at hotel in Imphal.
Morning after breakfast travel to Kohima. Kohima is the hilly capital city of India's north eastern state of Nagaland. With a resident population of 99,039 it is the second largest city in the state. Originally known as Kewhira, it was founded in 1878 when the British Empire established its headquarters of the then Naga Hills. On arrival check in at hotel. Hornbill Festival: It represents the rich culture and traditions of Nagaland. They perform traditional dances, play musical instruments, sing folk songs, and play a variety of games and sports. Various traditional forms of art are also exhibited in the festival including paintings, wood carvings, bamboo works and sculptures by modern Naga artists. The festival continues until the evening when musical concerts are held. This festival plays a vital role in uniting the diverse culture of Nagaland. And then drive straight to the venue of Hornbill festival at Kisama village. Stay overnight at camp in Kohima.
TUTC Kohima Camp, Nagaland: Set amidst verdant forest land, with the sounds of a mountain brook nearby, is Kohima Camp, Nagaland. Here, our luxury tents offer you a glamping experience like never before. Each Tent has a private sit-out that overlooks scenic mountain vistas. The tents come with a plush four poster bed, and tastefully curated signature camp furniture inspired by safari canvas luxury interspersed with colonial charms. The venue of the Hornbill Festival is a few minutes' drive from our camp location. Kohima camp offers travellers a warm embrace of home after a day of fun and festivities at the Hornbill Festival and also our well curated signature experiences.
Morning after breakfast enjoy full day at Hornbill festival. Stay overnight at camp in Kohima.
Morning after breakfast enjoy full day at Hornbill festival. Stay overnight at camp in Kohima.
Morning after breakfast enjoy full day at Hornbill festival. Later afternoon experience the grand closing ceremony of the Hornbill festival. Stay overnight at camp in Kohima.
Morning after breakfast travel to Kaziranga National Park. 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 Sqkms along the river Brahmaputra on the North and the KarbiAnglong hills on the South. Park has become synonymous with successful conservations of Great One Horn Rhinoceros and also a home of many other threatened species. In winter one can observe a large breeding population of Spot Bill Pelicans about one thousand breeding nests are found in a place which has been named as Pelican Colony in the Eastern Range. Later afternoon on arrival check in at hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Kaziranga.
IORA - The Retreat, Kaziranga: Nestled amidst the rolling hills of lush green tea gardens, a perfect blend of the tranquility of Assam and the comforts of a modern Luxury resort. IORA - The Retreat offers a serene, rejuvenating experience with liberal doses of warm Assamese hospitality and supported by the best state-of-the-art amenities. This 20 acre resort is the perfect place for a perfect holiday. Whether you are sipping a cocktail on the private balcony of one of the 42 spacious rooms or chilling out in the beautiful swimming pool or in the spa or working out in the gym, you will find total relaxation. Bonfire & folk dances with snacks & beverages in our lawns create the perfect ambience for a winter evening. The multi-cuisine restaurant Scarlet Flame and Assamese specialty restaurant Bhatbaan are the perfect places for food lovers.
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. Driving along one can see rows of Indian Roofed and Tent Turtles. 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 hotel 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. Smooth Indian Otters Lutrogale perspicillata is sometimes seen fishing in the ox-bow lakes. Stay overnight at hotel in Kaziranga.
Morning after breakfast travel to Guwahati. Guwahati is situated on the Southern bank of the mighty River Brahmaputra in Kamrup district of Assam. Previously it was known as Pragjyotishpur (The City of the eastern Light) Guwahati is the fast growing premier city and it is also the gateway to the North Eastern states of India. This city subsequently got the name Guwahati. 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. Afternoon on arrival arrive checkinto hotel. Later city tour of Guwahati visiting the Kamakhya Temple - The origin of Temple is pre Aryan situated atop the Nilachal Hill. The Kamakhya Temple is a temple dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya. It is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas. The foremost shrine of Assam. 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 transfer to the Guwahati airport to board your schedule flight to Kolkata. Assisted arrival at Kolkata airport and transfer to hotel. On arrival check in at hotel. Later enjoy guided city tour of one of the largest cities in India, situated on the banks of the Hoogly River; Kolkata was once the capital of India under the British Raj till 1912. Your day tour starts with visit to Victoria memorial hall - a fabulous museum that was established in the year 1921. Visit to 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. Also 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 your onward destination.
Tour Ends…
Kolkata – Guwahati – Shillong – Balipara – Kaziranga
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