Assam, Nagaland & Megalaya – Place, People & Culture

This itinerary is specially curated to expose and connect with different ethnic cultures in the North East Indian States of Assam, Nagaland & Meghalaya. Be it Vaishnavite culture in Majuli island or fierce Konyak headhunters, valiant  Angami, musical Ao Naga tribes in Nagaland or Khashi tribe in Meghalaya, this odyssey empowers interaction with them, seeks insights into social structures. Sample local cuisine,  explore the tribal market in Kohima and then life bustling Burabazaar in Shillong. Take a look from close quarters at myriad wild lives that pulsate in Kaziranga National Park through elephant and Jeep Safari. Incorporating people, culture and wildlife, immerse yourself in each destination and learn from people firsthand. 
Nagaland epitomises quaintness and rustiness, especially in terms of its road condition, no electricity, etc. Most villages exude as if one is stepping back in time, life pulsates at the same rhythm as in days of yore. Its nascent form, quaintness, is its true charm. Potentially, this trip can be a pursuit of new life experiences, especially if one is looking for “off the beaten one”.

Assam Itinerary -In Brief

Day 1. Arrive  in Jorhat
Unlike other parts of India, this region has less numbers of flights operating and generally in the afternoon. Upon arrival, meet a representative and transfer to Thengal Manor (heritage bungalow), which lies in the periphery of Jorhat town and in a village. In the evening, take a stroll to visit interesting villages close by. 

Day 2. Excursion to Majuli
Early breakfast for an exciting excursion to Majuli island – one of the biggest river islands in the world. Drive to Nemitighat Pier and cross the mighty Brahmaputra in the public ferry to the other bank -Kamalabari Pier. In Majuli, visit the mask-making unit, a few Satara (monastery), pottery village, the interesting Missing (tribe) and their social structure, if winter, then sights of visiting migrant birds in the marshy land. Make sure not to miss the last ferry at 4 P.M. to Jorhat. Overnight in Thengal Manor.

Day 3. Drive from Jorhat (Assam) to Mon (Nagaland) – Approx 150 km/ 6 hours.
 In this itinerary, there will be a couple of necessary long drives. Today will be one of them. It will be a long drive, so early leaving is advised, coupled with stopping at the Nagaland border for immigration formalities. However, we will break this long journey by stopping at a couple of villages. Firstly, visit Phuktong village and its 2 great Morung (Men’s dormitories). Also visit Angh’s (Chieftan) residence. Overnight in Naga’s home or Khalsa resort.
Note: As we enter Nagaland, road conditions get relatively bad, governed by potholes in some places.

Day 4. In Longwa village
The drive to Longwa village takes around 2 hours. Longwa village is an interesting village as the Chieftain’s residence transcends international boundaries, some part lies in India and other parts in Myanmar. Inhabited predominantly by the captivating Konyak Tribe -Historically known for their headhunting as a prized trophy. Another interesting feature is that Angh has 60 wives, which extends his purview up to Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh, besides Nagaland. Visit Sangha to see head-hunting trophies and typical Naga architecture with palm leaves roofing.  Overnight in Spartan Naga House.

Day 5. Drive to Mokochung ( 178 km/ 6 -7 hr)
Nagaland is the land of many tribes. After Konyak, the Ao Naga tribe chiefly inhabits Mokokchung, a cultural hub of the tribe and known for its colourful dance.  Another day of a long drive, but we will stop intermittently to visit villages such as  Chuchyimlang village, also known as friendship village and Mopunchyukit village that harbour the oldest church in North East. Mokochung is a scenic town. Overnight in a hotel /Lodge.

Day 6.  Mokochung to Kohima ( 182 Km/ 6 hours)
After breakfast, drive to Kohima – the capital of Nagaland. The drive is again quite long, but we will stop to visit Wakha village – home to the Lotha Tribe. Further, we will stop to stretch our legs and interact with roadside villagers along the course. Overnight in the Hotel.

Day 7. In Kohima 
Like any capital in the world, Kohima has enough attractions and sights to keep one occupied. We begin with a short excursion to Khonoma village, belonging to the Angami tribe known for their bravery and courage. Also, historically, this village was the patron and guardian of other villages. After visiting the war cemetery of World War II, a Museum showcasing fine specimens of articles from various tribal communities. Also, visit the local tribal market. If time permits, visit  Kigwema village and Jakhama village. Overnight in the Hotel.

Day 8 Kohima to Kaziranga National Park ( Approx 225 Km / 6- 7 hours)
Today, we will be reentering Assam, and it entails a long drive to reach Kaziranga National Park. Along the drive, we will stop regularly to visit some roadside villages. Upon arrival, visit one of the famed Assam Tea Gardens. Overnight in the Bogros resort or similar

Day 9. Kaziranga – Shillong ( 285 km/ 7 hours) 
Today is action packed day, starting from early morning.  Wake up early, around 5 am, for an Elephant ride from the central zone of the park area. Chances of sighting one-horned Rhinoceros, Asiatic elephant, and various species of deer from close quarters are prime. After breakfast, jeep safari in Bogori  ( western range). Subsequently, embark on the longest drive of this trip to Shillong – the Capital of Meghalaya. If time permits, though less likely, we will visit Burabazaar. Overnight in Shillong.

Day 10. Shillong -Mawlynnong village via Dawki
Shillong hills oozes out with colonial charms with its churches, architecture, ambience, etc. In the morning, visit Don Bosco Museum – a huge building showcasing the regional cultures and tradition of various communities. After driving to Mawlynnong – dubbed as the cleanest village in Asia however, we will take a tour to Dawki, which borders Bangladesh. Along the course, we will traverse across the bettle nut plantation and the Broom grass. We can stop and interact with the Khashi tribe and visit the village. Also, we can watch people harvesting beetle nuts and broom grass. Dawki is also the name of the river, we can take a short boat ride over the azure Dawki River or watch people fishing. On arrival, take an evening stroll around Mawlynnong village. Overnight in a Home stay. 

Day 11. Drive to CherrapunjiThe 
Cherrapunji region catches the world’s attention as the wettest place on earth. Today, along the way, we will be doing a lot of activities before we drop anchor for the night in Cherrpunji. After breakfast, the first stop is at Nongrait for a short hike to the living root bridge. After a while landscape changes,  thick tropical vegetation gives way to granite and dwarf vegetation – typical moorish with perpetual cloud and rain, so some call it “Scotland of the East”. After visiting Seven sister water fall, Mawsmai Limestone caves, the old Presbyterian church, and walking in the village. Overnight in Cherrapunji.
Note: To visit double double-decker living root will take 1 extra day as it entails covering 3500 steps to reach one way, so it can be one whole affair.

Day 12. Drive to  Gawahati ( 120 Km/ 2 -3 hours).
The road conditions in Meghalaya are very good. It will take around 2 -3 hours to reach Guwahati. Free afternoon. Or you may visit some museum, Uma Nanda – the world’s smallest river island, Kamayaka Temple, etc. Overnight in Gawahati  

Day 13. Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.