Tribal and Culture Tour

Welcome to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, where you will board your connecting flight for Aizawl. On arrival at Lengpui Airport, Aizawl, our representative will assist and escort you by air-conditioned car to the booked hotel. During check-in, the room key and all required documents related to the tour will be arranged, followed by a detailed briefing about the tour and services, with assistance for any queries. The remainder of the day is free for leisure and relaxation. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive towards Reiek Mountain, visiting a typical Mizo Village established by the State Government to showcase and promote Mizo ethnic culture. The village provides an introduction to traditional Mizo life, customs and architecture. Continue to Reiek and hike to the peak, with the uphill trek taking around 30 minutes at a leisurely pace. From the summit, enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding hills and valleys. Lunch will be at the Tourist Cafeteria. In the evening, drive back to Aizawl for dinner and overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed towards Silchar. The journey passes through the changing landscapes of Mizoram and Assam before reaching the Barak Valley. On arrival in Silchar, transfer to Hotel Borail View and settle in after the long drive. The remainder of the day is free for individual activities and relaxation. Silchar, situated on the banks of the Barak River, serves as an important commercial and cultural centre of southern Assam and provides the base for exploring the historic sites and natural attractions of the region. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After early breakfast, visit Khaspur, located 20 km from Silchar and known for the ruins of the historic Dimasa Kingdom. The main attractions include the Lion Gate, Sun Gate and the aged kings' temple. Continue to Dolu Lake, one of the beautiful lakes around Silchar and a peaceful spot for photography and relaxation. Later visit the Maniharan Tunnel, situated only a few kilometres from Silchar. According to Hindu tradition, the tunnel was constructed during the time of Lord Krishna and was once used by him. After sightseeing, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Kailashahar. En route visit Unakoti, an important archaeological and religious site located on the slopes of the hills, where rock-cut and stone images dating from the 7th to 9th centuries can be seen. The name Unakoti means one less than a crore, referring to the traditional belief surrounding the vast number of carved images at the site. The enormous Shiva head, the approximately thirty-foot-tall Ganesha statue and the pebble walls are among its principal features. The site is also noted for its remarkable large-scale bas-relief sculptures. Continue to Kailashahar and transfer to the Government Guest House in Kailashahar or Dharmanagar. Dinner and overnight stay.

After early breakfast, visit the Chouddo Devotar Mandir, also known as the 14 Deities' Temple, situated approximately 14 km from Agartala. The temple is dedicated to Ama, or the mother of the people of Tripura, also known as Tripuri, and represents an important part of the state's religious traditions. Continue to Lakhi Narayan Bari, a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and associated with Krishnanada Sevayet, who installed the temple's deity. The visit provides an opportunity to experience the religious heritage and traditional temple culture of Tripura away from the main tourist centres. Afterwards return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Agartala. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and, after refreshment, begin sightseeing with the Ujjayanta Palace, one of Agartala's principal tourist attractions, built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya. The palace is known for its grand architecture and association with the former royal family of Tripura. Continue to the Jagannath Temple, one of the most revered temples in Agartala and an architectural landmark with an octagonal form and an impressive Pradakshin Patha around the sanctum. Afterwards return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur. En route visit Neermahal, meaning Water Palace, constructed by Emperor Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya as a summer resort in 1930. Built in the middle of a lake covering an area of about 5.3 square km, the palace combines Muslim and Hindu architectural influences and reflects the royal heritage of Tripura. In the afternoon, visit Tripura Sundari Temple, locally known as Matabari, one of the earliest holy places of Hinduism in this part of Tripura. The temple is an important pilgrimage site and is dedicated to the goddess Tripura Sundari. Afterwards drive back to Agartala for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Today after breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the scheduled flight for Imphal. On arrival at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal, assistance will be provided and you will be transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free for individual activities and relaxation. Imphal, the capital of Manipur, provides the base for exploring the state's natural landscapes, historic sites and distinctive cultural traditions. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Today after breakfast, visit Loktak Lake and Sendra Island, situated about 50 km from Imphal. Loktak is the largest freshwater lake in the country and is one of Manipur's best-known natural attractions. Located in the Imphal Valley, it receives the rivers and rivulets that flow through the state and is distinguished by its floating phumdis, or vegetation masses, that give the lake its distinctive landscape. Continue to Kangla Fort, also known as the Palace of Kangla, situated on the banks of the Imphal River and historically serving as the royal palace of King Pakhangba. Afterwards return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Today after breakfast, proceed to Ukhrul, also known as the land of the Shirui Lily. This small hill-station town north of Imphal is dominated by the Tangkhul Nagas, a community with a rich cultural heritage in which many traditional activities are centred on the propitiation of the deity known as 'Kameo'. Their traditional folk dance, Pheichak, occupies an important place in Tangkhul life, with different forms expressing aspects of the people's lives and traditions. On arrival, check into the hotel. Visit Nungbi, famed for its distinctive black pottery, and experience the local craft tradition. An optional alternative for guests particularly interested in trekking and hiking is Dzukou Valley, which requires an early start and approximately 3 - 4 hours' drive from Imphal followed by a 4 - 5 hour trek for moderate walkers. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After early breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. En route, time permitting, visit the tribal villages of the Kuki tribes, Mao Nagas and Southern Angami Nagas. These village visits offer an opportunity to see the varied tribal cultures of the region, including traditional settlements and local ways of life. The long journey passes through the hill landscapes of Nagaland before reaching Kohima. On arrival, check into the hotel and settle in after the drive. Dinner and overnight stay at Kohima.

After breakfast, drive to Khonoma Village, renowned for the valour and courage of its people and its history of resistance to British forces. The Khonoma Gate tells the story of British infiltration into the Naga Hills and the village's place in the region's history. Drive back to Kohima and visit the famous Kohima War Cemetery, a symbolic memorial raised in recognition of the supreme sacrifice made by officers and men of the Allied forces during World War II. Later visit the State Museum, which provides an insight into Nagaland's tribal heritage through its collection of traditional artefacts, costumes and cultural objects. In the late afternoon, visit the Emporium for souvenirs and ethnic crafts. Afterwards return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive to Touphema Village, inhabited by the Angami tribe, and visit a nearby village inhabited by the Rengma tribe. Touphema offers an opportunity to experience the traditional village environment and tribal way of life of Nagaland. After lunch, continue to Mokokchung in north-central Nagaland. En route or around Mokokchung, visit Mopinchuket Village, situated close to Mokokchung and known for its traditional crafts and woodwork. The journey provides an introduction to the cultural landscape of the Ao-inhabited areas of Nagaland. On arrival in Mokokchung, transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, visit nearby villages of the Ao tribes of Nagaland to experience their traditional settlements, local culture and way of life. Afterwards drive to Jorhat, an important centre of Assam's tea-growing region. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and settle in. The remainder of the day is free for individual activities and relaxation. The journey follows the practical route from Mokokchung towards Jorhat, allowing time for the nearby Ao tribal village visits before leaving Nagaland. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Today after breakfast, proceed towards Neemati Ghat. From here, take a ferry across the mighty Brahmaputra River to Majuli, one of the biggest river islands in the world and the heart of Assamese culture. Explore the island as an important seat of Vaishnava culture in Assam. The great 15th-century Assamese reformer and saint Shankardeva came here and established Satras, or Vaishnavite monasteries, to promote culture and religion. Visit these Satras and interact with the monks and local people. In the afternoon, visit a Mishing tribal village. The Mishing tribes migrated from the hills of Arunachal Pradesh and settled around the island's outer rim and near rivers and water bodies. Known as skilled fishermen, they are also noted for their ability to navigate the ever-changing sandbanks of the Brahmaputra. After the visit, return to Jorhat for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, transfer to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spread over approximately 858 sq. kms across the floodplains on both sides of the Brahmaputra. The park hosts two-thirds of the world's Great One-horned Rhinoceros and is divided into five ranges: Central, with entry at Kohora; Western, at Bagori; Eastern, at Agratoli; Western-most Burha Pahar, at Ghorakati; and Northern. The first four lie on the southern side of the river while the last is on the northern bank. Kaziranga is also home to nine of the 14 primate species found across Northeast India, the purest breed of Asiatic water buffalo and one of the largest herds of Asian elephants. In the evening, visit a Tea Garden, Orchid Garden and Coffee Garden. Dinner and overnight stay at Kaziranga.

Early morning at around 5 AM, proceed for an Elephant Safari, subject to availability, offering an early opportunity to explore the grasslands and wildlife habitat of Kaziranga National Park. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Afterwards proceed for a Jeep Safari in the Central Range, entering from Kohora and exploring one of the principal wildlife areas of the park. The safari provides opportunities to observe Kaziranga's characteristic landscapes and wildlife, including the Great One-horned Rhinoceros, Asian elephants and Asiatic water buffalo. Return to the hotel after the safari. Dinner and overnight stay at Kaziranga.

Early morning, an additional Elephant Ride in Kaziranga National Park can be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability. After breakfast, transfer to Shillong. En route visit the holy shrine of Maa Kamakhya, a famous Hindu pilgrimage site in Assam, and later enjoy the scenic surroundings of Umiam Lake near Barapani. On arrival, check into the hotel. Shillong derives its name from Leishyllong, described as the Superpower or God believed to reside on Shillong Peak overlooking the city. Meghalaya was also historically referred to as the Scotland of the East because of its perceived similarity to the Scottish Highlands. Dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive to Cherrapunjee, situated at approximately 1,300 metres, and explore its surrounding landscapes of cool springs, thick green jungle foliage, mountain streams and waterfalls descending into deep gorges. During the monsoon months, the clouds lift over the valley for fleeting views of the landscape. Cherrapunjee has long been associated with some of the highest rainfall records on Earth. Explore the Mawsmai and Mawmluh Caves, remarkable limestone caves known for their geological formations and natural passages, making them a destination for cavers and adventure enthusiasts. Other attractions include Cherrapunjee View Point, Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sister Falls and Eco Park. Return to Shillong for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Guwahati. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and, after refreshment, take a sightseeing tour of the city, visiting the famous Kamakhya Temple, the Umananda Temple and the astronomical Navagraha Temple. These sites offer an introduction to the religious and cultural character of Guwahati, with the temples representing different traditions associated with the city and the Brahmaputra landscape. In the evening, the time is free for visiting the local market and exploring the city at leisure. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay at Guwahati.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, to board the scheduled flight for your onward journey. On departure, the Tribal and Culture Tour concludes with happy memories of the diverse tribal communities, cultural traditions, historic sites and landscapes experienced across Northeast India.