India: Diverse Ways of Life, United in Celebration

India is a country where people of multiple cultures, communities, and faiths live in their own distinctive ways, yet festivals bring everyone together in shared celebration. Across the country, both renowned and offbeat festivals reflect local traditions, collective values, and a strong sense of belonging, expressed through rituals, music, crafts, and food. From vibrant tribal gatherings to sacred pilgrimages and seasonal harvest celebrations, India offers an unmatched opportunity to experience festivals the local way - rooted in authenticity, guided by heritage, and shaped by human connection. Beyond the festivals, diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, serene villages, and scenic vistas await discovery, inviting travellers to step beyond the familiar and experience the true essence of India.

About Program

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the cultural heart of East and Northeast India, where historic cities, tribal traditions, and natural landscapes come together in a distinctive festival-led experience. From the heritage streets of Kolkata to the vibrant celebrations of the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, the journey offers meaningful encounters with local communities and offbeat cultural traditions. Wildlife exploration in the UNESCO-listed Kaziranga National Park, home to incredible wildlife. Immerse yourself in the lush hills and sacred groves of Meghalaya and experience the peaceful charm of a model village. These hidden gems offer a rare opportunity to connect with India’s untouched beauty and rich cultural heritage, promising unforgettable experiences that will stay with you forever.

Suggestive Program

Day 01: Arrive at Kolkata

Arrive Kolkata. On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

(Room will be available from 1400 Hrs onwards)

Located on the east bank of River Hooghly, Kolkata- often celebrated as the “City of Joy” is referred to as the “Cultural Capital” of India. The name Kolkata was derived from the Bengali word Kolikata, the name of one of the three villages that predated the arrival of the British in this area. The commercial, cultural, and educational center of East India, the place is known for its literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage. Under the British Raj, Kolkata served as the capital of India until 1911, when perceived geographical drawbacks and apparent political turmoil led to shifting of the capital to New Delhi.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Kolkata

After breakfast, start your sightseeing tour with the flower market below Howrah Bridge, one of Asia's largest wholesale flower markets, filled with vibrant colours and scents. Then, head to the Jain Temple, built in 1867 and dedicated to Parasnath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankar. Continue to the iconic Howrah Bridge, the busiest bridge in the world, spanning the Hooghly River.

Later visit Mother Teresa House (Nirmal Hriday), the first Missionaries of Charity institution established in 1950 (closed on Thursdays). Finally, end with the stunning Victoria Memorial, built in memory of Queen Victoria by Lord Curzon in the early 20th century (closed on Mondays).

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 03: Kolkata / Dimapur (Flight)

Dimapur – Kohima (70 Kms / 02 hrs approx.)

After an early breakfast, transfer to Kolkata Airport to board the flight to Dimapur. Upon arrival at Dimapur Airport, you will be received by our representative and transferred to Kohima.

Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, is situated in the southern part of the state at an altitude of 1,444 meters above sea level. Centrally located, it is bordered by Assam to the west, Wokha district to the north, Zunheboto and Phek districts to the east, and Manipur to the south. The district is primarily inhabited by the Angami, Rengma, and Zeliangrong communities.

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 04: Kohima (Hornbill Festival Nagaland)

Post breakfast, drive to the Kisama Heritage Complex for a full day to witness vibrant tribal performances and immerse yourself in the colourful atmosphere of the Hornbill Festival. Enjoy cultural and war dances by all 16 major Naga tribes, folk songs, indigenous games, musical performances including the Rock Beat Contest in the evening, fashion shows (traditional and modern), handloom and handicraft displays, as well as local cuisines and traditional drinks such as Zutho and Thutshe.

In the afternoon, you may explore the Angami tribal villages of Jakhama and Kigwema, offering insights into traditional village life, distinctive Angami architecture, terraced paddy fields, and interactions with local communities.

In the evening, enjoy a visit to the Night Bazaar.

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 05: Kohima – Dimapur (70 Kms / 02 hrs approx.)

After breakfast, enjoy the Hornbill Festival in the morning & driving back to Dimapur. Upon arrival, at Dimapur visit the Kachari Ruins and the Heirloom Naga Craft Centre.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Dimapur – Kaziranga (04 ½ hrs approx.)

Post breakfast, drive to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity. The park is globally known as the stronghold of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros and supports significant populations of wild elephants, Asiatic water buffalo, swamp deer, and Royal Bengal tigers. Its vast grasslands, wetlands, and riverine forests create an outstanding landscape for wildlife viewing and birdwatching, with a remarkable variety of resident and migratory species.

Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

Later in the evening, visit the Kaziranga Orchid Park & Biodiversity Conservation Centre, offering insight into Assam’s rich floral diversity alongside cultural presentations that reflect the region’s traditional music and classical dance forms.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Kaziranga

The day is devoted to immersive wildlife exploration within Kaziranga National Park through guided jeep safaris scheduled in the morning and afternoon. Traversing selects zones across the Central, Western, and Eastern ranges, the safaris pass through a striking mosaic of tall elephant grass, wetlands, ox-bow lakes, and forest corridors, offering exceptional opportunities to observe the Great Indian wildlife and an impressive diversity of birdlife in their natural habitat.

Jeep Safari Timings:

Morning Safari: 07:30 – 10:00 hrs (No entry after 1000 Hrs)
Afternoon Safari: 13:30 – 15:00 hrs (No entry after 1500 Hrs)

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: Kaziranga – Guwahati (230 Kms / 04 ½ hrs approx.)

Post breakfast, drive to Guwahati, with en route visits to Sualkuchi and Hajo.

Sualkuchi, set along the banks of the Brahmaputra and often referred to as the “Manchester of the East,” is renowned for its rich tradition of producing high-quality silks, particularly Muga, Eri, and Pat. The village offers insight into Assam’s age-old handloom heritage, where skilled artisans continue to weave exquisite fabrics that form an integral part of the region’s cultural identity.

Continue to Hajo, a unique pilgrimage centre reflecting the harmonious coexistence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic traditions. The site is noted for its sacred shrines and traditional bell-metal craftsmanship, offering a brief cultural interlude en route.

Proceed onwards to Guwahati, the vibrant gateway to Northeast India and a major cultural and commercial hub along the Brahmaputra River.

On arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Guwahati – Shillong (02 ½ hrs approx.)

After breakfast, drive to Shillong. En route, visit Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, one of the most revered Shakti shrines in India, followed by a stop at Umiam Lake, a scenic reservoir marking the gateway to Meghalaya. Continue onwards to Shillong.

On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening, there is an option to visit Police Bazaar.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Shillong / Dawki / Mawlynnong / Shillong

After breakfast, drive to Dawki, near the Bangladesh border, and enjoy boating on the crystal-clear waters of Umngot River.

Continue drive to visit Mawlynnong village that has earned the distinction of being the cleanest village in India. The village is famous for its natural beauty, including the Living Root Bridge and cascading waterfalls. Mawlynnong is a model of sustainability, with its environmentally conscious villagers practicing cleanliness and waste management. The village, with 100% literacy, promotes conservation and tree planting.

In the evening drive back to Shillong.

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 11: Shillong / Guwahati / Kolkata

After breakfast transfer to Guwahati airport and connect flight to Kolkata.

On arrival in Kolkata transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Kolkata / Back Home

In time transfer to the airport and connect flight back home.

(IMP: Room will be available till 1200 Hrs.)

Included services:

Double room on sharing basis.
Daily breakfast & dinner.
All transfers and sightseeing using air conditioned vehicle.
Services of English/Language speaking local guides for the sightseeing.
Morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Kaziranga National Park.
Boat ride on the Umngot River.
Monument entrance fee as per the program.
02 bottles of Mineral water per person per day during the drives.
Currently applicable taxes.

Recommended travel period:

November to December

Excluded services:

Any airfares / airport taxes.
Any meals not mentioned in the program.
Any expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, tips, laundry, telephone charges etc.
Any new tax imposed by the Government.

Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours
Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours
Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours
Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours
Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours
Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours
Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours
Image Source: LCC Indo Asia Tours