18D/17N Nagaland Hornbill Festival + Golden Triangle + South India Tour
Destination covered: New Delhi – Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur – Kohima – Guwahati – Fort Kochi – Munnar – Madurai – Periya – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Cochin ( Departure)
Best time to visit: Between November and March
- Starting Point: New Delhi/Cochin airport/ Railway station
- End Point: New Delhi/Cochin airport/ Railway station
- Maximum No. of person: 8 person.
- Customization: Available on request
Starting price: On request (+5% gst applicable as per Govt. tax rule)
itinerary details
Upon arrival at New Delhi airport, our representative will be there to greet you and then take you to the accommodation. After check-in formalities, rest of the day will be free for your own leisure activities.
Overnight at Hotel in New Delhi
Meal plan: Nil.
Today morning after breakfast, check out and drive to Agra “City of Love”, en route visit to Sikandra Fort (Akbar’s Tomb). Upon arrival at Agra check-in to your hotel for night stay. After some relaxation at the hotel, proceed for guided tour to Agra – visit Agra Fort (Moti Masjid, Octagonal Tower, Jahangir Palace, Diwan-I-Aam, Diwan-I-Khas), Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb and Jama Masjid.
Overnight at hotel in Agra.
Meal plan: Breakfast only
Early morning before breakfast, sunrise visit to the world’s most popular and beautiful monument Taj Mahal – one of the seven wonders of the world and Mehtab Bagh.
Later back to your hotel and enjoy your breakfast. Check out from hotel and drive to Jaipur, en route visit to Fatehpur Sikri, the oldest deserted town built by Mughal Kingdom in 1571 and built by red stone, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, Buland Darwaza, Diwane e Khas and Panch Mahal.
Continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival at Jaipur, check-in to your hotel for night stay.
Overnight at hotel in Jaipur.
Meal plan: Breakfast only
Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal, literally means ‘ crown of the palace’ is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the southern bank of the river Yamuna in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (reigned from 1628 to 1658) to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall.
After breakfast, check-out from hotel and drive to airport to board flight for New Delhi. Upon arrival at New Delhi, check-in at the hotel and rest of the day at your own leisure.
Overnight stay in New Delhi.
Meal plan: Breakfast only.
After breakfast, check-out from hotel and then our representative will transfer you to New Delhi airport to board flight for Dimapur, Nagaland.
Upon arrival at Dimapur airport, our representative will greet you and then drive to Kohima – the capital of Nagaland. Check-in at the hotel in Kohima and rest of the day at your own leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel in 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. Kohima was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of World War II.
In 1944 during World War II the Battle of Kohima along with the simultaneous Battle of Imphal was the turning point in the Burma Campaign. For the first time in South-East Asia the Japanese lost the initiative to the Allies which the Allies then retained until the end of the war. This hand-to-hand battle and slaughter prevented the Japanese from gaining a high base from which they might next roll across the extensive flatlands of India.
After breakfast, drive to Kisama heritage village- the 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.
Lunch @ the venue where you can savour the exotic local naga cuisine. Try the famous local rice wine called Zouthou. Ala carte menu (Self payment)
Later, way back, visit Phesama village in Jakhama.
Overnight 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 the ‘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, Kisama, about 12Km from Kohima, the capital. 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 folklore songs, dances and customs of Nagaland and the exotic food of the land.
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.
The Hornbill festival has contributed significantly to enhancing the state’s tourism brand. The festival allows tourist to have an insight into the different tribes of Nagaland and also clearer understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the state.
Kohima night Bazaar
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 lined up with various food stalls serving out some of the finest delicacies and its simply amazing walking through the buzzing street with glowing festive mood.
After breakfast, a village tour to Kigwema village. Later visit hornbill venue. Experience more of the colorful tradition. Visit art and crafts. Shop souvenirs.
Lunch at the venue.
Evening visit the Kohima Night carnival.
Overnight stay in Kohima.
Meal Plan: Only Breakfast.
After breakfast, drive to Khonoma village- Asia’s first green village. Explore Angami tribes. Enjoy a guided tour of the village. Visit the ceremonial gates, morung, Khonoma fort, visit age group house, meet local craftsmen, and witness the weaving of shawls and cane basket making.
Lunch @ Khonoma local place
Post lunch, drive back to Kohima. Evening at own Leisure.
Overnight stay in Kohima.
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 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. Finally a truce between the two stopped further bloodshed, but meanwhile Khonoma village had etched its name into the history of Indian resistance to the colonial invasion. Christianity was introduced in the village in 1890, and today most of the villagers are of this faith.
After breakfast, check-out from hotel and drive to Dimapur airport to board flight to Guwahati.
Upon arrival at Guwahati, our representative will greet you and then transfer you to the hotel.
Post lunch, visit half day tour around Guwahati. Visit Khamakya Temple, Umanada – the smallest river island in the world, river cruise of the great river Brahmaputra, Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetraare some of the places to check out in Guwahati.
Overnight stay in Guwahati.
Meal plan: Breakfast only.
Guwahati: The capital city of Assam situated on the south bank of river Brahmaputra. It is the gateway to the North-eastern region of India. Guwahati is famous for several temples including the Kamakhya.
Brahmaputra river: The Brahmaputra river is the 9th largest and 15th longest river in the world, with a length of 3969 Km. The average depth of the river is 124 feet and maximum depth is 380 feet. It flows through the Tibet Himalayas through china, India, Bangladesh and end falls in the Bay of Bengal Sea.
After breakfast at the hotel. check-out and proceed to Guwahati airport to board flight to Cochin.
Upon arrival at Cochin airport, our representative will greet you and then take you to the hotel.
After refreshing yourself, later proceed for guided tour to Cochin. Visit Fort Kochi, Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing Net, Indo Portuguese Museum and Marine Drive. Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.
Overnight at hotel in Fork Kochi.
Meal plan: Breakfast only.
Cochin: Kochi (also known as Cochin) is a city in southwest India’s coastal Kerala state. It has been a port since 1341, when a flood carved out its harbor and opened it to Arab, Chinese and European merchants. Sites reflecting those influences include Fort Kochi, a settlement with tiled colonial bungalows and diverse houses of worship. Cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, typical of Kochi, have been in use for centuries.
After breakfast, check out from hotel and then explore more around Fort kochi. Visit Mattancherry palace, Jewish synagogue and Tripunithura hill palace on the way to Munnar (if time permits).
Later post lunch, drive to Munnar “Scenic hills of Kerala”. En route enjoy the scenic beauty & the marvelous waterfalls of Kerala, with high mountains and the low flying clouds passing by. Upon arrival at Munnar check-in to the hotel for night stay. In the evening, enjoy a walk at Tea Estate or free for own activities.
Overnight at hotel in Munnar.
Meal plan: Breakfast only.
Munnar: Munnar is a town in the Western Ghats mountain range in India’s Kerala state. A hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite, it’s surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century. Eravikulam National Park, a habitat for the endangered mountain goat Nilgiri tahr, is home to the Lakkam Waterfalls, hiking trails and 2,695m-tall Anamudi Peak.
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour to Munnar. Visit the Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Old Munnar Town and the town market. Evening enjoy the walk at Tea Estate or free for own activities.
Overnight at hotel in Munnar.
Meal plan: Breakfast only.
After breakfast, check out from hotel and drive to Madurai. Upon arrival at Madurai check-in to your hotel for night stay.
After refreshing yourself, later proceed for half day tour to Madurai, visit Meenakshi Sundareshwar, one of the largest temple complex in India. later visit Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple, Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak’s Palace, Alagar Koil and Gandhi Museum. Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.
Overnight at hotel in Madurai.
Meal plan: Breakfast only.
Madurai: Madurai is an energetic, ancient city on the Vaigai River in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Its skyline is dominated by the 14 colorful gopurams (gateway towers) of Meenakshi Amman Temple. Covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods, the Dravidian-style temple is a major pilgrimage site. Millions attend the processions and ceremonies of April’s Chithirai Festival celebrating Meenakshi and Lord Vishnu.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Periyar. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of biggest wildlife sanctuaries in India, which covers 777 Sq. Kms (300 Sq. miles) for a Tiger Reserve.
Upon arrival at Periyar National Park, check-in to your hotel for night stay. Later proceed for a visit to cardamom plantation areas.
Overnight at the hotel in Periyar.
Meal plan: Breakfast only.
Periyar: Periyar National Park, also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve, is in the mountainous Western Ghats of Kerala, southern India. This wildlife sanctuary is home to tigers and a significant elephant population, as well as rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bison. In the park’s north, Periyar Lake is popular for boat rides. Farther north, spice plantations surround the town of Kumily.
Today morning after breakfast, proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of Periyar. Enjoy the Bamboo Rafting & Border Hiking, Elephant safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and also visit Kumily, Mangala and Devi Temple.
Overnight at hotel in Periyar.
Meal plan: Breakfast only.
After breakfast, check out from hotel and drive to Kumarakom “Town of Backwaters”. Upon arrival at Kumarakom check-in to your hotel for night stay.
After refreshing yourself, proceed for Kumarakom sightseeing tour – visit Vembanad Lake, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Beach, Kumarakom Backwaters, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Pathiramanal Island, Juma Masjid and Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple.
Overnight at hotel in Kumarakom.
Meal plan: Breakfast only.
After breakfast at hotel, later check out and proceed to Alleppey for backwater to enjoy the houseboat journey.
Upon arrival at Alleppey check-in to your houseboat for night stay. Later proceed for backwaters & lagoons on Alappuzha, Enjoy your lunch and dinner at houseboat. Evening walk around the local street of Alappuzha.
Overnight at Houseboat.
Meal plan: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Alleppey: Alleppey: Alappuzha (or Alleppey) is a city on the Laccadive Sea in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It’s best known for houseboat cruises along the rustic Kerala backwaters, a network of tranquil canals and lagoons. Alappuzha Beach is the site of the 19th-century Alappuzha Lighthouse. The city’s Mullakkal Temple features a traditional design. Punnamada Lake’s snake boat races are a well-known annual event.
Our beautiful trip ends here. We drop you at the airport or railway station. Bid Adieu. Until we meet again for another adventurous tripwith The Exotic Odyssey. Thank you for travelling with The Exotic Odyssey.
Meal Plan: Breakfast only
- Land transportation from start to end as mentioned in the itinerary.
- All accommodation on twin sharing basis.
- Permits
- Local guide (English speaking).
- First aid.
- Meals that are mentioned included in each itinerary.
- 5% GST applicable as per govt. rules
- International/domestic flight tickets
- Travel insurance.
- Visa
- Entry fee and darshan at Khamakya temple
- Monument entry fees
- Entrance fees at sightseeing spots which are not mentioned included.
- Any personal expenses occurring during operational tours and any extra meal ordered.
- Any optional activities like Boating at Munnar and Thekkady, Entrance fee, Entertainment charges,trekking, Jungle safari,Elephant safari and ayurvedic massages etc.
- Meals not specifically mentioned under ‘what is included’.
- Any extra – laundry, phone calls, Camera charges and shopping.
- Any kind of beverages – Alcoholic and aerated drinks.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under ‘what is included’.
- Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary or stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks or any factors beyond control.
All bookings are handled by The Exotic odyssey. In order to confirm the tour booking –
- A deposit of 50% of the total amount of the booking must be paid either by bank transfer or credit card within 7 days of the issuance of the booking confirmation. If the payment is not received within this time, the booking may be cancelled without notice.
- The remaining outstanding 50% balance is to be paid 30 days prior the departure of the tour by bank transfer or credit card payment.
- A delay in the payment of the balance may result in the cancellation of the booking and the company is not responsible for any charges incurred.
- 25% of the total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees if cancellations are made 30 days before the start of the trip.
- 50% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees if cancellations are made between 15-30 days before the start of the trip.
- No refund i.e., 100% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees if cancellations are made 0-15 days before the start of the trip.
- In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain trips or activities may get cancelled. In such circumstances, the operator will try their best to provide an alternative feasible. However, a cash refund will not be applicable for the same.
- All cancellations are strictly subjected to the cancellation policies mentioned on the website.
- The guest must carry photo identification like Passport, Voter ID Card or Driving License IN ORIGINAL at the point of check in at the hotel and for Inner line permits
- The Exotic Odyssey does NOT have any HIDDEN CHARGES.
- If someone asks for extra money during the journey, Please inform us. We will not be responsible if you pay the amount without our knowledge and consent.
- Booking will be confirmed only after receiving the advance payment.
- There is no star category hotel available in all places. However, we provide the best possible option as per your tour category.
- Credit Cards / Traveler’s check are not freely accepted in many places.
- We advise you to check the temperature/weather of the places you are going to visit, and bring necessary clothes accordingly.
- Woollen clothes, Jacket, Raincoat/Umbrella etc. are advisable to carry according to weather conditions.
- Any extra breakfast for kids which is not mentioned has to be paid directly by guest as per the hotel policy.
- The normal check-in time for a hotel is 12 PM, and normal check-out time for a hotel is 11 AM. However, this is subjected to change as per the hotel policies. The timing of meals and/or inclusions of a certain hotel room are as per the hotel policies.
- Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in flight and train schedule; cancellations of flight/trains, political disturbances, cause of natural phenomenon, other force majeure, etc. will not be accommodated in the cost.
- Consumption of alcohols and other intoxicants are at your own cost. We request you to be very minimal with such activities during your trip.
- The vehicle for sightseeing is available on an itinerary basis only, and will not be on disposal unless some cases of emergencies.
- Price will vary according to the number of people in the tour.
- The tour will be taking place through Eco-friendly, exotic local destinations. We kindly do not encourage littering the local sites and campsites.
- We encourage you to carry water bottle which can be refilled, so that we prevent uses of plastic water bottles which only increases the waste disposal.
- Kindly conduct courtesy and respect towards cultures and traditions at all the destinations you visit.
- We encourage you to always be a responsible traveler wherever you go.
- The Exotic Odyssey is not responsible for acts of God or force majeure events, sanitation problems, lack of medical care, weather conditions, strikes and other labor activities, acts of terrorism, acts of war (declared or undeclared), quarantines, embargoes, blockades, criminal activities or any other act or event beyond the direct control of The Exotic Odyssey; and, not responsible for the additional costs for stay and/or meal and/or other expenses incurred by the consequence of such unfortunate events.
- Thank you & wishing you happy holidays with The Exotic Odyssey.
Please note, the inner line permits (ILP) are to be fill in only by Indian Nationals. Foreigners are exempted.
Foreign (International) Tourists
In a bid to boost tourism, the North East states of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland all scrapped the requirement for Foreign Visitors to apply for a Protected Area Permit (RAP, PAP) on the 1st Jan 2011.
So for travel to Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, permits are not required for foreign passport holders.
Arunachal Pradesh – Visitors still require permits.
Sikkim – Visitors still require permits.
This relief is not applicable to citizens of Pakistan and China who still require permits to visit Nagaland.
Foreign tourists will still need to register themselves at the nearest local Police station upon their arrival to Nagaland.
Domestic (Indian) Tourists
An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for Indian (Domestic) tourists entry into Nagaland.
Exception: Citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and foreign nationals having their origin in these countries will require prior approval from the Ministry of Home affairs before entering the state.