Arrive at Guwahati and meet by our representative and then drive to the beautiful Shillong – about 3 hours.

En route, stop over for a while at the Umiam lake.

Later proceed to Shillong. Check-in at accommodation and refresh. Enjoy at leisure the rest of the day.

Overnight stay at Shillong.

Meal Plan: Nil

Shillong: A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It derives its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496 meters, Shillong provides a relief from the heat across the country. This hill station is known for its picturesque sights and traditions. The soothing climate makes Shillong suitable to visit in all seasons. The light drizzles and the cooling gentle wind adds to the joy of visiting this hill station. This place is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’. One can find descendants of the Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal and Langrim tribes.

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is the home to numerous waterfalls. The exciting mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, breathtakingly beautiful golf courses, museums and the zoo are the key reasons why people visit Shillong. Apart from the natural beauty, Shillong also acts as the gateway to Meghalaya, the state famous for heavy rainfalls, caving, tallest waterfalls, beautiful landscapes and amazing people and culture. Shillong in particular has been in limelight for its jovial people and their culture. Interestingly, Shillong has a very westernized culture and it has a very young feel to it. Shillong is also famous as the music capital of India, as many prominent musicians have hailed from this place. Many music events keep happening throughout the year, making it a very lively place. 

After breakfast, prepare for an adventurous  trip to the famous Cherrapunjee – was once the wettest place on Earth and still is wet!

On the way, visit Mawlynnong village – The cleanest village in Asia. Places to see are Jingmaham/Mawlynnong Living root bridge(15mins walk).

Then move to Dawki, a small town close to Mawlynnong and famous for Umngot River and Dawki Bridge. It is in the border of India and Bangladesh.

Later, drive to Cherrapunjee. Overnight stay at Cherrapunjee.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only.

Cherrapunjee: or Sohra is a subdivisional town in the East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is the traditional capital of ka hima Sohra (Khasi tribal kingdom). Sohra has often been credited as being the wettest place on Earth, but for now nearby Mawsynram currently holds that distinction. The valleys around Sohra

are covered with lush and very diverse vegetation, containing numerous endemic species of plants, including Meghalaya subtropical forests.

There are some interesting living root bridges in villages near Sohra like the Umshiang root bridge, Mawsaw root bridge, Ritymmen root bridge and the Double Decker woot bridge at Nongriat village.

Today will be a complete sightseeing day of Cherrapunji, the wettest place on Earth. Famous for the rains of the summer Cherrapunji is a beauty to enjoy. The sightseeing includes the Mawsmai caves, the Seven Sister waterfalls, the Nohkalikai waterfalls and the living root bridges. The complete day will be day of enjoyment of a weather you never witnessed in a place you never visited.

Later drive back to Shillong. Overnight stay will be in Shillong.

Meal Plan:  Breakfast only.

After an early breakfast, get ready to leave for Kaziranga National Park – Famous for the One-horned Rhino. It will be a day of enjoyment of roadside views, curly roads, plain paddy fields and green hills.

After reaching Kaziranga if time permits, we will show the local spots and stay for the night there.

Overnight stay at Kaziranga.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only.

Kaziranga National Park: is a world heritage site where more than 75% of the world’s total population of the great One-horned Rhinoceros is found. It lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra river and is one of the oldest park of Assam. Besides Rhinos, the Asiatic water Buffalo numbering over 1200, elephants over 1000, Tigers, swamp deer, Barking deer and Hog deer can be found. About 400 species of birds are found in the park.

Today will be full of excitements as you will be going to see many wildlife species in a same day.

The day will start at the early morning with the elephant safaris. You will enjoy the wildlife on the back of an elephant (Subject to availability of allotment from forest department and on direct payment basis).

You will also get a visit to the park in the afternoon on a jeep safari. So, it will be a complete day of fun.

Other sightseeing of the places like the orchid garden, the ethnic village, the local village and the tea gardens will also be done on that day. Also, do not forget to enjoy the traditional Assamese cuisine with different fish curries in the meantime.

Overnight stay will be at Kaziranga.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only.

After breakfast, drive 6 hours to Kohima.

En route stop for lunch at Dimapur. 

Proceed to Kohima about 3 hours drive. You will pass through the green hills and small villages along the Dhansiri river. Reach Kohima. Visit the WWII cemetery if there is time. Later check-In at accommodation.

Overnight stay at Kohima.

 Meal Plan: Breakfast only.

Kohima: Kohima is the capital city of India’s north eastern state of Nagaland. With a resident population of almost 100,000, it is the second largest city in the state. Originally known as Kewhira, Kohima was founded in 1878 when the British Empire established its headquarters of the then Naga Hills.

When it comes to the best places to see on the Nagaland tour, the first place that comes to our mind will be War Cemetery, the final resting ground of the soldiers who lost their lives in the England- Japan war. An inscription at the base of one the two large crosses here reads,’ When you go to home tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow, we gave our today.’ Overlooking the cemetery, there’s Cathedral of Reconciliation; built in 1965, and partly funded by the Japanese government. Another fascinating tourism place in Kohima is State Museum. Located right in the north of the bazaar, the state museum exhibits the excellent anthropological collection of Naga mask, textiles, jewelry, and totem pillars from all the 16 Naga tribes. 

After breakfast, drive to Kisama heritage village- the hornbill festival venue. Experience the vibrant culture of the Nagas. Witness the traditional attire, exquisite customs and livelihood of the different Naga tribes. Visit the Morungs (boys dormitories) of each tribe. Check out the rich display of traditional arts such as paintings, wood carvings and sculptures. Enjoy some memorable photography.

For lunch, savour the exotic local naga cuisine. Try the famous local rice wine called Zouthou. Later, way back, visit Phesama village in Jakhama.

Back to accommodation. Ovenight stay in Kohima.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only.

Hornbill festival:

The Hornbill festival of Nagaland is one of the biggest cultural extravaganza in the North East of India. In Nagaland, it is also called “festival of festivals”. This festival is held every year from 1-10 Dec in Nagaland. The significance of this festival is to encourage inter-tribal interaction, to revive, protect, and promote the richness of the Naga heritage and traditions.

The Hornbill festival takes place at the Naga heritage village in Kisama, about 12km from Kohima- capital of Nagaland. During this event, all the tribes of Nagaland come together and take part to showcase the age-old rich tradition. for visitors, it means a closer understanding of the people and culture of Nagaland, and an opportunity to experience the exotic food, folk songs, dance and customs of Nagaland.

This week-long festival unites one and all in Nagaland and people enjoy the colorful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and ceremonies. also, rich display of traditional arts includes paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures. The warrior log drums colorful head gear, the soulful war cry, the exquisite customs etc. all are simply remarkable. Delicious local cuisine and delicacies that are typical to each of the Naga tribes are served in their respective  Morungs (Boy’s dormitory) along with the finest local rice beer called Zutho.

The Hornbill festival has contributed significantly to enhancing the states tourism brand. The festival allows tourist to have an insight into the different tribes of Nagaland and also foster understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the state.

Kohima Night Bazar: The Kohima night bazaar is also an interesting aspect of the Hornbill festival. The stretch of the Kohima main town comes alive for 10 nights with food, music and fun. The street is crowded with various food stalls serving out some of the finest delicacies and its simply amazing walking through the hustle-bustle.

After breakfast, a village tour to Kigwema village.

Visit hornbill venue. Experience more of the colorful tradition. Visit art and crafts. Shop souvenirs.

Later back to accommodation.

Evening visit the Kohima Night carnival.

Overnight stay in Kohima.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only.

After breakfast, today will be a tour to Khonoma village- first green village in the country. At Khonoma you will find culture, history and Nature intact together.

Explore the village. Visit the ceremonial gate, Morung, cairn circles, Khonoma fort, historical sites, age group house, meet local craftsman, weaving shawls and cane basket making. Post lunch, drive back to Kohima and visit Jakhama/ Kigwema village tour.

Overnight stay at Kohima. Evening at leisure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast + Lunch.

Khonoma: Khonoma village is located about 20 km from the state capital, Kohima. The village, referred to as Khwunoria (named after the tribe of Angami term for a local plant, Glouthera fragrantisima), is estimated to be around 700 years old and is spread over an area of 123sq.km. The total population of the village is about 3000, settled in 600 households. Khonoma is famous for its forests and a unique form of agriculture, including some of the oldest terraced cultivation in the region. The terrain of the village is hilly, ranging from gentle slopes to steep and rugged hillsides. The hills are covered with lush forestland, rich in various species of flora and fauna. The state bird, Blyth’s tragopan, a pheasant now nationally endangered, is reportedly found here. Over a hundred years ago, advancing British troops found themselves facing a determined warrior tribe in the highlands of Nagaland. The Angami men of Khonoma, famed for their martial prowess and strategic skills, fought a resolute battle to safeguard their territory, inflicting heavy casualties on the foreign soldiers. The village is recorded to have resisted British rule in the region from 1830s to 1880.

After an early breakfast, today will be a long 9 hour drive to Guwahati. But the journey will be enjoying. You will pass through the plains of Assam – Tea garden. Villages, farms along the way.

Reach Guwahati and overnight stay at Guwahati.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only.

Our beautiful trip ends here. We drop you at the airport or railway station. Bid Adieu. Until we meet again for another adventurous trip in another different place with The Exotic Odyssey. Thank you for travelling with The Exotic Odyssey.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only.