The Exotic Odyssey

8N/9D Hornbill festival Majuli Island Kaziranga 

Destination covered: Guwahati (1N)- Kaziranga (2N) – Majuli Island – Jorhat (1N) – Kohima (3N) – Guwahati (1N)

Best Time to Visit: October – April ( Nov – April for Kazirangka National park. The remaining months from June – September remains closed due to floods)

Starting price: On request (+5% gst applicable as per Govt. tax rule)

itinerary details

Arrive at Guwahati airport. Our representative will meet and greet you. Drive to accommodation. After short brief and check-In formalities, you can refresh in your room.  Later visit the famous Kamakhya temple (depends on your arrival timing ). 

Meals: Nil.

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 ia 124 fet 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, drive to Kaziranga. En route visit Saulkuchi village (35Km/1hr, from Guwahati) – a silk weaving village in Assam where you can see the traditional weaving process in the traditional loom by local weavers in the house. Later proceed to Kaziranga. From Saulkuchi to Kaziranga is 4hrs40mins.

Upon reaching  Kaziranga, check-In to accommodation. Evening will be at leisure.

Overnight stay @ Kaziranga

Meals 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 a whole day experience in Kaziranga national park. You will experience an Elephant ride (Elephant ride will be subject to availability) and jeep safari in the park.

Go for an elephant ride in the early morning before breakfast – Timing: 05:00AM/06:00AM/07:00AM. Return back to the accommodation and refresh. After breakfast, a hiking around.

Later after lunch and refreshments, get ready for a jeep safari in the West/Central area of the park ( Timing: 1:30PM/03:30PM).

Overnight stay @ Kaziranga

Meals: Breakfast only.

After breakfast, drive to Majuli ( About 3hrs). Arrive at Nimati Ghat and take a ferry 1:30hrs across the mighty Brahmaputra river. Arrive at Majuli island. Explore the island, visit the Vaishnavites monastery, and in Kamalakara – Uttar Kamalabari, enjoy the traditional Satriya dance performance. If there is time, can also visit the mask making monastery.

Later drive to Kamalabari ghat and cross the river. Drive to the accommodation in jorhat( 50mins/25Km) to the accommodation. Spend the night in a tea house.

Overnight stay @ Jorhat.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only

Majuli Island: Majuli is the biggest river island in the world which is located on the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam. This island is formed by the River Subansiri in the north and River Brahmaputra in the south. It has been known as the cultural capital of Assam ever since the 16th century. The main village of the Majuli Isand is Naghmar where many events and festivals are being held even today. This place being pollution free and covered by greenery on all sides is an environment-friendly destination. The festivals celebrated here are very colorful and vibrant which is the prime cause for which tourists from different parts of the country travel to this location. Raas Purnima is one such important event which people celebrate here in a grand manner. It is lovely to see the dance performance which is being organized on this day based on the life of Lord Krishna. The Paal Naam and Bathow Puja are the other notable festivals of Majuli. The destination has 22 Vaishnava Satras which were established during the 15th century. Many travelers visit these Satras each year and they are also the most famous tourist spots of the region. Some of the important Satras here are Dakhinpat Satra, Kamalabari Satra, and Garamurh Satra. Bird watching is another attraction which you will enjoy on your visit here.

Jorhat: Jorhat is one of the major cities of Assam. Jorhat acts as a gateway to upper Assam and to the state of Nagaland. It was the last capital of the Ahom Kingdom and home to many historical monuments of Assamese culture. In the north of the district, the Brahmaputra River forms the largest riverine island of the world, Majuli, which spreads over 924.6 square kilometres with a population of about 150,000. The island, threatened with constant erosion by the mighty and unstable Brahmaputra River, had been the principal place of pilgrimage of Vaishnavites since the age of the Ahom rulers. Several Sattras (monasteries) resembling those of medieval times are headed by Satradhikars teaching Vaishnavism, which was introduced by Srimanta Sankardeva (1449-1568). Each Sattra has an unknown wealth of Vaishnavite scriptures and extensive revenue-free lands cultivated by the Bhakats (celebated monks) of the Sattras. The cultural diversities which prevailed in Jorhat nearly a century ago has inspired the people to participate in cultural activities through the decades and as a result Jorhat has been able to produce many creative writers, musician, actors, historians and journalists, terming Jorhat “The Cultural Capital of Assam”.

After breakfast, drive to Kohima. Stop for lunch in Dimapur.

After lunch, drive another 3 hrs to Kohima. Check-in @ Accommodtion.

Evening a leisure.

Overnight stay @ 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, visit WWII cemetery. 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.

Later, way back, visit Phesama village in Jakhama.

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.

Evening visit the Kohima Night carnival.

Overnight stay in Kohima.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only.

After a very early breakfast, drive to Gwahati ( 425Km/9hrs). Today will be a long drive, however, the tea garden, farm lands and lush green lands will keep you entertained. We will stop for lunch mid way. Reach Guwahati and check-in to accommodation. Overnight stay in Guwahati.

Meal Plan:  Breakfast only.

Our tour ends here.  After breakfast, we take you to the airport. Bid adieu.

Meal Plan:  Breakfast Only.

  • Land transportation from start to end of the itinerary. Vehicle type AC Innova/or similar (max 4 pax in one vehicle)
  • All accommodation on twin sharing basis.
  • Permits
  • Local guide (English speaking).
  • First aid.
  • All meals that are mentioned included in each itinerary.
  • +5% Gst applicable as per Govt. rule.
  • International flight tickets.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Visa
  • Khamakya Temple visit fee
  • Any personal expenses occurring during operational tours and any extra meal ordered.
  • 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.

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.

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