Undiscovered Northeast: Wild Landscapes & Ancient Tribes
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
The majestic landscapes of India's Northeast receive far fewer visitors than other parts of the country. With many of its inhabitants sharing more in common with their Burmese and Tibetan neighbours, this remote region makes for a fascinating destination, ideal for the adventurous traveller. For years, access to the area was restricted for political and security reasons, but now that the situation has improved we are delighted to guide you around this little-known stunning part of India....
The majestic landscapes of India's Northeast receive far fewer visitors than other parts of the country. With many of its inhabitants sharing more in common with their Burmese and Tibetan neighbours, this remote region makes for a fascinating destination, ideal for the adventurous traveller. For years, access to the area was restricted for political and security reasons, but now that the situation has improved we are delighted to guide you around this little-known stunning part of India.
On this unforgettable journey you'll travel first to the living root-tree bridges and wild landscapes of Meghalaya before heading to the wildlife-rich lands of Kaziranga National Park and the tranquil verdant acres of Assam’s tea gardens. You'll also stay on an island in the middle of the mighty Brahmaputra river, and mix with some of the varied local tribes who inhabit these frontier lands. Finish this adventure in the amazing Nagaland, where you'll discover animist tribal villages and ancient cultural capitals.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE KOLKATA
DAY 1: ARRIVE KOLKATA
On arrival into Kolkata you will be greeted by your Wild Frontiers representative and transferred directly to your hotel for check in.
DAY 2: KOLKATA - GUWAHATI - SHILLONG
DAY 2: KOLKATA - GUWAHATI - SHILLONG
Today you will transfer to Kolkata airport and fly to Guwahati and then make your way into the hill station of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya state.
DAY 3: SHILLONG - CHERRAPUNJEE - SHILLONG
DAY 3: SHILLONG - CHERRAPUNJEE - SHILLONG
Today with your guide and driver head out today to discover nearby Cherrapunjee, which holds the record as being one of the wettest places on earth. Explore this fascinating and rarely visited region of India, with some of the spectacular scenery – most notably the waterfalls and valleys – which makes up the so-called "Scotland of the East". Whilst here you can undertake an adventurous walk to see some of the much-photographed living root tree bridges, including the famous Double Decker Root Bridge near the village of Nongriat. The walk involves a 7km return trek with a descent (and subsequent ascent) of approximately 250m. Most of the descent/ascent is on steps and there are also rope bridges to cross. This may prove a challenge for some but the rewards make it undeniably worthwhile. Later in the day you will return to your accommodation in Shillong.
DAY 4: SHILLONG - KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
DAY 4: SHILLONG - KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
With another early start, today you will leave Meghalaya and embark on a full day’s drive across the state line into Assam. En route stop off at Shillong’s acclaimed Don Bosco Museum which provides a great introduction into the many indigenous peoples who reside in India’s diverse northeast. Your final destination today is Kaziranga National Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It is probably India’s foremost national park in terms of conservation success, variety and accessibility of species. The park lies on the flood plain of the mighty Brahmaputra River and vast acres of tall grass provide grazing for herds of wild elephant, gaur and wild Asian buffalo, among many others.
DAY 5: KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
DAY 5: KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
You will have the opportunity today for both morning and afternoon jeep safaris as you pass through wilderness of grasslands, flood plain, forests and wetlands. Spotting the one horned rhinoceros is a treat, whereas the tiger population remains elusive. Search for other species such as elephants, bison, wild boar, the rare Hoolock gibbon and the endangered wild Asian buffalo. A myriad of birds will also captivate your attention.
DAY 6: KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK - MAJULI ISLAND
DAY 6: KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK - MAJULI ISLAND
After breakfast you guide and driver will take you to Neematighat jetty to board the ferry to Majuli Island, India’s largest river island, for a 2-hour crossing. On arrival drive to the lodge which will be our base for the next 2 nights. This afternoon you will get the chance to explore the Auniati Satra, or Hindu Vaishnavite monastery, and take a walk around the monk quarters and the prayer hall, with a chance to interact with the bhakats or monks. Time allowing you may also visit a community tribal village before returning to your lodge for the evening.
DAY 7: MAJULI ISLAND
DAY 7: MAJULI ISLAND
After breakfast this morning your guide and driver will take you to the village of Samaguri to see the art of traditional mask making. These masks are used in bhaonas or one-act plays in the Satras, mostly during festival times. You will also have the chance to visit another Satra to witness a Satriya or monastic dance and enjoy a simple vegetarian lunch here. In the afternoon explore another local village where you may witness weaving and see rice beer made in the traditional way – and maybe get to try it!
DAY 8: MAJULI ISLAND - SIVASAGAR - DIBRUGARH
DAY 8: MAJULI ISLAND - SIVASAGAR - DIBRUGARH
After breakfast your driver and guide will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the jetty for the ferry ride back to the mainland. From here continue by road to Sivasagar and visit the Ahom Dynasty remains that are here. The Shans, who came to this area from Thailand through Northern Myanmar in the early 13th century, ruled for around 600 years. The Siva Temple in Svasagar, built by the Ahoms, is believed to be the tallest of all existing Hindu temples. Then continue on to Dibrugarh, known as the gateway to the “Hidden Land” of North East India and also a major centre for tea plantations during the days of the Raj. The British built many chang bungalows here (chang meaning “raised on stilts" in the local language) which served a dual purpose of keeping the house cool by allowing the breeze to blow underneath and to keep both water and animals out!
DAY 9: DIBRUGARH
DAY 9: DIBRUGARH
This morning pay a visit to a local tea factory for a tour and have a chance to explore the tea plantations in the vicinity. After lunch with your guide head out of town to visit a traditional Assamese village and market, as well as a local weaving centre before returning to your bungalow for the evening.
DAY 10: DIBRUGARH - MON
DAY 10: DIBRUGARH - MON
After an early breakfast your driver and guide will collect you from your hotel and drive to Mon today. On the way you will cross the state border into Nagaland, one of the smallest but most mountainous states in India, where the allied forces finally stemmed the flow of the Japanese army from Burma. As you enter the state you will notice the change in terrain as you enter the hills and the roads become windier and rougher, with the views becoming more and more spectacular. The people of Nagaland are known for their tattooed faces and bodies, and until quite recently the headhunting Naga tribes bravely fought off intruders. The hill town of Mon serves as an access point for the many Konyak villages in the area and you will spend the next two nights here to explore these villages.
DAY 11: MON
DAY 11: MON
Today explore the nearby area and experience the traditional aspects of Konyak villages. Visit Longwa village which straddles the border between India and Myanmar. Much of this whole area still displays its old world charm and you can see the mansion belonging to the chief Angh and plenty of other houses which are built in the traditional Konyak style with palm leaf roofing and the main pillars jutting out. The inhabitants of the village are well known for their excellent wood carving, handicraft and blacksmith skills which you will have a chance to see. After lunch visit a second village, Hongphoi, where you may have a chance to meet the village elders – all former head-hunters and proud of their traditions. After exploring, return to Mon for the evening.
DAY 12: MON - MOKOKCHUNG
DAY 12: MON - MOKOKCHUNG
The journey today takes you to Mokokchung and will be a long one, but you will travel through some fascinating areas with lush scenery to enjoy. The town of Mokokchung sits at an altitude of 1350 metres above sea level in a picturesque area with a white water river running nearby. It is the cultural centre of the Ao Nagas who live in the many surrounding villages, and here you will learn more about the history and traditions of this area.
DAY 13: MOKOKCHUNG - KOHIMA
DAY 13: MOKOKCHUNG - KOHIMA
Today your driver and guide will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Kohima, a drive of around six hours. Arrive and check into your hotel and rest of the evening free.
DAY 14: KOHIMA
DAY 14: KOHIMA
With your guide explore Kohima today, starting with the vibrant and colourful market. From here continue to the Catholic Cathedral which houses the biggest wooden cross in Asia, before visiting the very moving War Cemetery. This marks the infamous Battle of Kohima, the last post for the allied forces against the Japanese in World War II, and is beautifully maintained by the War Graves Commission. As you exit you will pass an epitaph that reads: “When you go home tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today.” Next continue to the State Museum located on Nayava Hill, which is home to a wonderful collection of artefacts from the different tribes of Nagaland. Top tip, we recommend timing your trip so you are in Kohima during the Hornbill Festival which happens every year during the first week of December.
DAY 15: KOHIMA - DIMAPUR - KOLKATA
DAY 15: KOHIMA - DIMAPUR - KOLKATA
Today you will be transferred from Kohima to Dimapur airport and fly back to Kolkata.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Diphlu River Lodge, Kaziranga National Park
Only opened in 2008, the Diphlu River Lodge has already created buzz, with Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge here in 2016. Located along the banks of the Diphlu River and overlooking the Kaziranga National Park, the lodge aims to have communion with the surrounding nature. Holding only 24 guests at a time, the lodge features 8 individual cottages and 4 semi-detached cottages, ensuring an exclusive and serene experience. The raised cottages are made of natural materials like bamboo and wood, topped with thatched roofs to blend in with the forest surroundings. Each individual cottage has a wide folding glass door opening onto a verandah with inviting cane chairs. Wander along the bamboo walkways, over the lodges private farm to the 'Machan', which means 'jungle platform', raised along and above the river. The air-conditioned sitting and dining area opens onto two verandahs, perfect for watching birdlife, and there is also a television and library room. The Diphlu River Lodge recycles grey water for irrigation, converts organic waste into compost, grow their own crops and use woven objects from the neighbouring villages. Included in your stay is a jeep safari with the lodges in house naturalist.
The Astor Hotel, Kolkata
Located at the heart of Kolkata's Retail District, The Astor has recently undergone extensive renovations and boasts modern facilities and services. The hotel offers complimentary WIFI to all its guests, and has a good selection of restaurants to choose from including the most popular bar in Kolkata, Plush Lounge & Bar, as well as the evergreen Kebab-e-que (now in it's 30th year of operation). Rooms are spacious with ornate decor, balancing the romance of old world charm with modern amenities.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258