This North East India tour is a chance to venture into a relatively less visited area by foreign tourists.
The North Eastern part of India is home to ancient tribes that are still unaffected by the urbanisation. With a few long drives deep into the interiors and some basic accommodation, this tour is not for the faint hearted. However, the intermittent lack of creature comforts are more than compensated with authentic experiences and places, not witnessed by most visitors to India. This journey is steeped in unspoilt natural beauty and wonderful experiences such as visiting colourful hill tribes and island dwellers. You will also explore ancient Ahom palaces and monuments commemorating the soldiers of WW2. While the accommodation in the interiors is simple and basic, the tour does include a stay at a charming tea bungalow and a deluxe period hotel in Kolkata.
Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this tour is just an example to help inspire you. If you would like we can also arrange your flights for a fully ATOL protected holiday. Contact the team for more information on 01792 315499 or email info@aitholidays.com
On arrival at Kolkata airport you will be meet by your driver and taken to the iconic Oberoi Grand where you will stay for two nights. Your hotel is in Chowranghee, a very central Kolkata location.
Most flights arrive in the morning and the rest of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of your first class hotel which includes a swimming pool and wellness centre. Alternatively you could go for a leisurely walk on Park Street to visit the South Park Street Cemetery or visit the nearby New Market, the heart of shopping in Kolkata, offering bargains form one of its myriad of stalls.
Today your full days excursion will introduce you to Kolkata, also known as ‘the City of Joy’. Located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, Kolkata (or Calcutta) is one of India’s largest cities and is the commercial and cultural centre of East India. Its teeming streets and constant hum of activity leaves visitors astonished and amazed.
Your day will start with an early morning boat ride on Hooghly River and a chance to witness the colourful flower market. This is followed by a visit to the Victoria Memorial which is an iconic symbol of Kolkata. This imposing marble edifice contains memorabilia of the British Empire. Then it’s a chance to see the Marble Palace, one of the well-preserved and most elegant houses in Kolkata.
The tour continues in the afternoon, with a visit to the Indian Museum which houses an excellent art gallery and treasures of ancient civilizations. Followed by the Asiatic Society, a research academy founded by Sir William Jones in 1784 concluding with the neo Gothic St. Paul’s Cathedral.
This morning, you will be taken to the airport for the short flight to Dimapur.
After clearing formalities, you will be met by your driver for 3 to 4 hour journey to Kohima, the capital of this region. Your stay is at the Neeramaya Retreat Aradura for the next two nights.
There’s plenty to see today with a visit to the famous Second World War Cemetery, a reminder of the Allied soldiers who died during the Battle of Kohima in 1944. This famous battle, fought by British and Indian troops, was the turning point of the Japanese offensive in India and is often referred to as the ‘Stalingrad of the East’.
Also included is a visit to the State Museum and Bara Basti, the Naga settlement overlooking the town of Kohima.
Today your journey into Nagaland really begins with a morning drive for about 2-3 hours to Touphema.
In the afternoon there is plenty of time to explore Touphema Village, one of the most noteworthy ancient heritage villages of Nagaland where you can get an insight of the Naga social system and their culture.
This morning the drive from Tuophema to Mokokchung includes a visit to Wokha to see a tribal village and a stop at Longkhim.
Today you explore the tribal villages of the Ao Naga community visiting Sungkotnem Park at Mopungchuket village. There is a chance to learn about Ao customs, traditions and folklore which reflects their background, philosophy, religion, culture, superstitions and taboos. There are numerous legends and folk tales about the origin of the people of Nagaland and other hill areas of North East India. In the famous Ao folk tale, “Longkongla”, the hornbills feather turns into a stone, the stone into a bamboo vessel and later into a baby boy!
This is followed by a visit to Impur to see Stanley’s hut, Tribes Museum and a local hospital as well as a visit to the oldest Church in North East India, built by Dr E W Clark in 1872.
This morning, the scenic drive from Mokokchung to Tuensang will take about 6-7 hours with some comfort stops on route.
Your stay at Hotel KC for next two nights offers basic but efficient accommodation.
Time to get your camera ready today for a fascinating excursion as you explore Tuensang, the largest district in Nagaland which borders Myanmar
Spectacular rolling hills, high ridges, deep gorges and narrow valleys are the staple terrain of the area. You will also explore nearby villages with fine examples of traditional huts. There will be a chance to indulge in a little retail therapy as many of the women of the region are renowned weavers and jewellery makers, and sell their produce in local markets and from their homes.
This morning, enjoy a long but scenic drive of about 7-8 hours to Mon, the home of Konyak tribes. On the way, there is a stop at Hakchang village.
The Konyak Nagas were some of the last to be evangelized by Christian missionaries and many of their traditions still survive. There will be an opportunity to meet the Konyak Nagas and photogrpah them in their natural setting.
You will stay for the next two nights at Helsa Morung or Vinnigoi Resort. These venues offer simple accommodation built in local style.
Mon district of Nagaland is an authentic place to see tattooed warriors in loincloths. Its remote geographical location offers a glimpse of a tribal life far different from ours. On a guided tour you will have plenty of time to fully explore this fascinating region and visit the interesting tribal villages of Longwa and Hongpoi. There is also a chance to meet The Ang (chief) of the village in their traditional attire.
A visit to Rock memorial and the Wangkhao Angh’s house in Chui village is also included in the day’s activities.
The drive to Jorhat includes stopping off to visit Sivasagar, the capital of the Ahom kings of Assam from 1228 till 1826 AD. Your tour will include a visit to the Ahom palaces, temples and monuments dating from the thirteenth century. The main attractions include the Rang Ghar, the Royal Observatory, Sivasagar Water Tank and ancient temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu.
Jorhat is known as the ‘city of tea’ and depending on your time of arrival hopefully there will be time to enjoy your tea estate home for the next 2 nights, relaxing amidst the grounds and tasting the exquisite varieties of tea.
This morning you will be taken to the boat jetty to board the ferry to Majuli Island. Majuli is the largest fresh water mid-river deltoid island in the world, situated in the upper reaches of the River Brahmaputra. This land, with a population of about 1.6 million people, is endowed with rich heritage and is home to neo-vaishnavite culture. There will be time to explore the island’s many monasteries which, by way of their colourful interiors, represent the vibrant culture of Assam.
Other attractions include meeting the local Mising and Deori tribes and learning about neo-vaishnavite philosophy at one of the 22 ancient satras, Majuli’s socio-religious institutions.
One last chance for an exquisite cup of tea from the tea estate before your transfer to Jorhat airport and the short flight to Kolkata for a night at Oberoi Grand.
You will be transferred to the airport to board your return or onward flight which could be via the Middle East or one of the major airports in India.
On day 14, drive from Jorhat to Kaziranga National Park and stay for two nights at the Infinity Resort (or Diphlu River Lodge for a supplement). Enjoy jeep safaris in the different zones of Kaziranga National Park to see its rich wildlife including (hopefully) the famous one horned Rhino. Drive back to Jorhat airport on day 16 and fly to Kolkata for an overnight stay at Oberoi Grand. Fly back home on day 17.
Price guide for this 16 day North East India tour is:
Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.
Please get in touch with your dates and we will be pleased to provide you with your personal itinerary and accurate quote.
Included with this Ancient Tribes of North East India Tour are the following:
Price does not include:
The prices mentioned above are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication may be subject to change, based on your date of travel and local market fluctuations. You will be informed of any price differences prior to booking.
For a quote based on your dates of travel, any alternative accommodation or changes to this itinerary, please call Authentic India Tours on 01792 315499 or email us at info@aitholidays.com
Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this North East India tour is just an example to help inspire you.
For more information please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.
