India is a land of diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and hidden gems that offer tranquility and unmatched beauty. Beyond the popular destinations, there are serene villages, scenic vistas, and rich cultural experiences waiting to be discovered. Journey through these peaceful landscapes, where the beauty feels untouched, and the air is filled with a sense of calm. Uncover off the beaten tracks that invite you to connect deeply with the traditions and lifestyles that have flourished for centuries. Whether you’re strolling through misty hills, exploring ancient temples, or enjoying the warmth of a remote village, each destination offers a unique charm. Let these unspoiled havens captivate your senses and offer you memories that are as timeless as the places themselves. Step off the beaten path and embrace the true essence of India.
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the cultural and natural wonders of North-East India, where the tranquil beauty of Assam and Meghalaya comes alive in perfect harmony. Explore the serene landscapes of Majuli, the world’s largest river island, and discover 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. Be awestruck by nature’s masterpieces, including cascading waterfalls and the extraordinary living root bridges. 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.
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 is referred to as the “Cultural Capital” or “Literary 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 Dalhousie Square (Binoy Badal Dinesh Bagh), the center of West Bengal's administration and commerce. Next, visit the flower market below Howrah Bridge, one of Asia's largest wholesale flower markets, filled with vibrant colors and scents. Then, head to the Jain Temple, built in 1867 and dedicated to Pareshnath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankar. Continue to the iconic Howrah Bridge, the busiest bridge in the world, spanning the Hooghly River.
Explore Kumartuli (Potters’ Colony), where master sculptors work round the clock to create clay idols of deities, of the Hindu pantheon like Durga, Kali, Saraswati, Ganesha, etc. Work peaks in the days ahead of Durga Puja. 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 / Dibrugarh
After breakfast transfer to the airport and connect flight to DIBRUGARH. On arrival check in at the hotel.
Dibrugarh, the gateway to Eastern Arunachal Pradesh and Northern Myanmar, is a picturesque town in Upper Assam, renowned for its lush tea plantations. Once home to the Ahoms who established their empire in the 13th century, it’s known as the "Camellia" town, named after the tea plant.
Later enjoy a tea tour. Take a stroll around a Tea Estate/ Tea Garden, visit a tea factory and get an insight into various teas- its origin, how it is grown, tea tasting and its quality.
Note - Visit to a tea factory is subject to it being operational on the day of the visit. There is no tea plucking between December till mid-March and hence the actual manufacturing process of tea cannot be demonstrated when one visits the factory during this period. The factory also remains closed on Monday.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 04: Dibrugarh / Jorhat
After breakfast, drive to Jorhat.
On the way visit historic Ahom monuments and temples in Sivasagar that showcase 600-year legacy of the Ahom dynasty. You will visit Shiva Dol, probably the loftiest Shiva temple in the country and the massive Sivasagar tank built by Queen Ambika in 1734 AD. Also visit Rang Ghar, that remains Asia's largest amphitheatre and was the cultural playground of the Ahom Swargadeos or kings. It was constructed in 1746 during the reign of King Pramatta Singha. The king and his officers would sit in the auditorium and watch indigenous games like wrestling, birds' fight, buffalo fights and more. There is a beautiful park near the ancient royal auditorium which enhances its picturesque setting.
Continue drive to Jorhat. Upon arrival check in at the hotel.
Jorhat, also known as one of the Tea Capitals of India, is renowned for its rich culture, beautiful tea plantations, and historical sites, with over 135 tea gardens contributing to its prominence.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05: Jorhat / Majuli / Jorhat , Assam
After breakfast, drive to Neematighat for a ferry crossing to Majuli, the largest inhabited river island in the world. It is famous for the Vaishnavite Satras (cultural houses of power) and its unique culture. Visit some of the prominent monasteries and interface with the tribes on the island, which is a mix of ethnic groups, including the Mishing people, Ahoms, and other Assamese communities. After the visit take the ferry back to the mainland.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06: Jorhat / Gibbon Wild Life Sanctuary / Kaziranga
After breakfast, explore the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its population of Hoolock Gibbon and diverse wildlife, including capped langurs, the Stump-Tailed Macaque, the Pigtail Macaque, the Assamese Macaque, the Rhesus Macaque and the Slow Loris. The sanctuary, set amidst tea plantations, spans 20 sq km along the Brahmaputra River. Continue drive to Kaziranga. On arrival check in at the hotel.
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to over 75% of the world’s total population of the great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros. The park also shelters Asiatic Water Buffaloes, Elephants, Royal Bengal Tigers, deers and over 400 species of birds, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
In the evening visit Orchid Park and Biodiversity Conservation Centre and enjoy a cultural performance.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07: Kaziranga
Enjoy morning and afternoon safaris in the national park.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08: Kaziranga / Shillong
After breakfast, drive to Shillong, often referred to as "The Abode of Clouds".
On the way stop at Umiam Lake also known as Barapani. Surrounded by sylvan hills and wrapped in the beauty of an assortment of green Khasi-pines and the azure, blue skies, it is the largest artificial lake in the state.
On arrival in Shillong, check into the hotel.
Evening is free to explore the local market.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09: Shillong / Cherrapunji / Shillong
After breakfast enjoy an excursion to Cherrapunjee that is set against the backdrop of breath-taking landscape and a destination renowned for receiving the highest rainfall in the world.
During the visit you will visit Mawphlang Sacred Forest, Wahkaba waterfall, Duwan Sing View Point, Arwah Lawshynna Cave, Mawsmai Cave, Dain-Then Falls, Nohsngithiang watefall, and Nohkalikai waterfall.
In the evening drive back to Shillong.
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.
If time permits, visit the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC) in Shillong before heading to Guwahati. It is a unique institution that combines a museum, research, and publication center to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Northeast India.
On arrival in Kolkata transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in 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.)
Inclusions
- Double room on sharing basis.
- Daily breakfast & dinner.
- All transfers and sightseeing using airconditioned vehicle.
- Services of English/Language speaking local guides for the sightseeing
- Tea tour in Dibrugarh.
- Ferry tickets for Majuli Island.
- Morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Kaziranga National Park.
- Boat ride on the Umngot River near Dawki.
- Monument entrance fee as per the program
- Currently applicable taxes
Exclusions
- 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
Lufthansa City Center