Nagaland Culture and Festival Tour

01 Day: Arrive Aizawl

Welcome to India! Assistance on arrival at the Aizawl airport and transfer to the hotel. Our representative will met, assist and escort you to the booked hotel. Tour documents will be handed over to you accompanied by a tour brief and discussion related to your holiday and our services. Rest of the time is for leisure and dinner and overnight stay.

02 Day: Aizawl – day trip to Reik (29 kms: 1 hr)

After breakfast we drive towards Reiek Mountain Tourist resort. Visiting Mizo typical village. (State Govt. has set up Mizo typical village for show casing & implementing of Mizo ethnic culture). Hike to the peak (30mins uphill trek at leisure. the peak has 360 degree view). Lunch at Tourist resort Cafeteria. Evening back to Aizawl for dinner and overnight stay.

03 Day: Aizawl – Silchar (168 kms: 7 - 8 hrs)

After early breakfast, proceed towards Silchar. On arrival check into Hotel Borail View. Dinner and overnight.

04 Day: SSilchar – Unakoti / Kailashahar

After breakfast, drive to Unakoti. On the slope of the hills, you can see rock cut stone images belonging to 7th to 9th century. The word Unakoti means one digit less from a Core (Ten Million). The pebbly walls, the enormous Siva’s head & the thirty feet tall statue of Ganesha catch special interest. This is the biggest bas relief statue of India. Dinner and overnight stay at guest house in Kailashahar or Dharmanagar.

05 Day: Kailashahar – Agartala (158 kms: 4-5 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Agartala. Check into hotel on arrival. Later time permitting visit state Museum. Dinner and overnight stay at Agartala.

06 Day: Agartala – Day trip to Udaipur (56 kms: 1˝ hrs)

Morning after breakfast drive to Udaipur, en route visit NeerMahal, which means water palace & constructed by Emperor Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya as a Summer resort in 1930. This water palace has a fine combination of architectural design among Muslim & Hindu. Neermahal is located in the middle of a lake & Covers an area about 5.3 Square Km. This wonderful constructions reflects the sign of the ancient times glory till today. Afternoon, visit one of the most popular temple of Udaipur, named Tripura Sundari. Locally called as Matabari, this is an earliest holy place of Hinduism in this part of Tripura state. Later drive to Agartala. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

07 Day: Agartala – Imphal (fly)

Today, transfer to airport to board flight to Imphal, on arrival meet and transfer to Hotel. Afternoon visit Kangla fort which was opened to visitors only in the year 2004. This fort is the ancient capital of Manipur. From the ancient times down till the year 1891, the Kangla fort is regarded as the most important historical and archeological site of Manipur. Regarded as the holiest place for the Manipuri’s faith. It is also one of the most popular centres of pilgrimage for all the Manipuri’s residing in Manipur, Assam, Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bangladesh and Myanmar etc. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

08 Day: Imphal – Day trip to Loktak Lake

After breakfast drive to Loktak Lake, this is the largest fresh water lake in India. Also known as the only Floating lake in the world due to the floating phumdis (which is a mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matters at various stages of decomposition) on it. Because of this unique feature, this is also home to the endangered sangai or Manipur brow-antlered deer. Enroute visit the Indian National Army (INA) museum, and Bishnu Temple built in 1467 at Bishnupur. Architecture of this temple is a fusion of architectural styles of Hindus and Chinese. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

09 Day: Imphal – Day trip to Andro village (25 kms: 1 hr - one way)

Morning go for a day trip to Andro Cultural Village. Visit the Cultural Heritage Complex. Here the practice of fire worshipping is still continued in the temple of Panam Ningthou. It is prepared in turn by every house-hold member of the village.The community of Andro has occupied a major portion in the map of traditional pot making culture. They still preserve the traditional rituals and norms relating to the process of pot making. Moreover, the villagers are nature loving people and always maintain a good relation with nature to keep a pollution free ecosystem. In brief, we can call the village as the living heritage village. Interact with the villagers and see pottery making Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

10 Day: Imphal – Ukhrul (83 kms: 2 ½ hrs)

After breakfast will proceed to Ukhrul, also called as the land of the Siroy Lily. Check in on arrival. Ukhrul is a small hill station town north of Imphal. Dominated by the Tangkhul Nagas. They have a rich culture. Each cultural activity is centered on the propitiation of deity known as 'Kameo". They have their own traditional folk dance known as 'Pheichak'. Pheichak occupies an important place in the lives of the Tangkhul. There are many forms of pheichak and every pheichak depicts or expresses the live of the people. We will visit Nungbi- which is famed for black pottery. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Note: Ukhrul is a nice mixture of landscape and scenery with glimpses of cultural expects. Dzukou valley, on the other hand is beautiful in terms of its scenic landscapes; and mostly recommendable to guests who are highly interested in trekking/hiking; in order to cover the same on this day, they will have to drive from Imphal for about 3-4 hrs. The trek usually takes 4-5 hrs for moderate walkers - it is always better that we start the trek in the early morning hours. We have suggested Ukhrul. If you would prefer to visit Dzukou, please let us know.

11 Day: Ukhrul – Kohima (230 kms: 7 hrs)

After early breakfast we drive to Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. Enroute, time permitting, visit the tribal villages of the Kuki tribes, Mao Nagas and the Southern Angami Nagas. On arrival check into hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

12 Day: Kohima – Khonoma – Kohima (20 kms: 1 hr – one way)

After breakfast, drive to Khonoma village, a place renowned for its valor and courage. The Khonoma gate tells the story of British infiltration into Naga Hills. Drive back to Kohima and also visit State Museum (closed on Mondays). Later visit the famous war cemetery, a symbolic memorial raised as citation for the supreme sacrifice made by the officers and men of the Allied forces during World War II. Late afternoon visit Emporium for souvenirs and ethnic crafts. Dinner and overnight stay.

13 Day: Kohima – Touphema (42 kms: 1 ½ hrs)– Mokokchung (152 kms: 5 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Touphema village inhabited by Angami tribe. Also visit a nearby village inhabited by the Rengma tribe. After lunch drive to Mokokchung in north-central Nagaland. We will also visit Mopinchuket village, close to Mokochung and known for crafts and woodwork. Dinner and overnight at Mokokchung.

Note:  From Kohima, Dimapur (75 kms / 2 ½ hrs) and Mokokchung (171 kms /7 hrs), fall in two different directions. Moreover, Dimapur is a modern town, and more of a commercial place, with very few places of interest/sightseeing. We would recommend to visit Touphema on your way to Mokokchung.

14 Day: Mokokhung – Jorhat (120 kms: 4 hrs)

After breakfast, visit nearby villages of the Ao tribes of Nagaland. Driven to Jorhat. Check into a hotel on arrival. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Note: You have requested for a drive from Mon to Mokokchung & then to Jorhat. However, Mon to Mokokchung is 270 kms i.e. 7-8 hrs and then Mon to Jorhat is 160 i.e. 6 hrs. It is is not logistically feasible to cover both places on the same day. However, you can visit nearby villages of the Ao tribes of Nagaland before you drive to Jorhat.

15 Day: Jorhat – Majuli – Jorhat (1½ hrs)

Today we will proceed towards Neemati Ghat. From here we will take a ferry across the mighty river Brahmaputra to one of the biggest river islands in the world and also the heart of the Assamese culture – Majuli. Here in Majuli, we will be exploring this cultural place and the seat of Vaishnava culture in Assam. The great 15th century Assamese reformer and saint, Shankardeva had come down here and set up ‘satras’ or Vaishnavite monasteries to make the people motivated towards culture and religion.

We will be visiting these ‘satras’ and interact with the monks and other locales there. Afternoon visit a tribal village of the Mishing - the Mishing tribes migrated all the way down from the hills of Arunachal Pradesh. They are found settled on the outer rim of this island or near rivers and water bodies in general. Very good fisherman – they are well known for their skill in navigation on the ever changing sand banks of the Brahmaputra. Afternoon return to Jorhat. Dinner and overnight stay.

16 Day: Jorhat – Kaziranga National Park (100 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Kaziranga National Park. Check into lodge on arrival. Post lunch go for a jeep safari inside the park. Kaziranga National Park is a World Heritage Site and Tiger reserve - is home to more than 80% of the world’s population of the Great One Horned Rhinoceros. It has a significant population of Asian Elephant and Water Buffalos living here. It has a wide variety of flora and avifauna in a unique habitat of mainly grasslands, close tangled and thorny rattan cane, Elephant grass and tall trees of evergreen forest and numerous water bodies. More than 400 species of birds both resident and migratory are found here. Dinner and overnight stay.

17 Day: Kaziranga National Park – Shillong (320 kms: 7 hrs)

Early morning Elephant Ride in the Park. After breakfast, transfer to Shillong. On the way visit the holy shrine of Maa Kamakhya, a famous Hindu pilgrimage site and later enjoy the ‘Umiam Lake’ near Barapani. Check into hotel on arrival. The city of Shillong derives its name from "Leishyllong" - the Superpower or God who is believed to be residing on the Shillong Peak overlooking the Shillong City. The general area of the state of Meghalaya is often referred to as the "Scotland of the East" in the olden days due to its striking similarity with the Scottish Highlands. Dinner and overnight stay.

Note:  As this day will be spent mostly in transit from Kaziranga to Shillong, you will not have much time for the festivals. Moreover most of the activities in festivals take place in the first half of the day. We have suggested one night in Kaziranga (afternoon and next day morning safari)and two nights in Shillong so you can witness the dance festival.

18 Day: Shillong – Nongkrem Dance Festival

Nongkrem Dance Festival is considered as the grand carnival that includes rituals like sacrifice of animal, and uses of money along with some of the popular folk dances which entertain not only the participants but also the viewers who visit the place to enjoy the festival.

It is celebrated at Smit which is the cultural centre of the Khasi hills in Meghalaya. The festival was originally named after Ka Pemblang Nongrem which later on came to be known as Nongkrem dance Festival. This ceremony is usually performed by the Syiem of Khyrim along with the eldest priest of the community. It includes sacrifice of animals like a cock which is offered as an obligation to Lei Shyllong; the god of Shyllong peak. The offer is made to the ancestors of the ruling clan.

Besides the religious practice, the festival is equally entertaining owing to the cultural programmes which are organised during the festival. Often the young and unmarried boys and girls participate in it. The dances performed by the young people ooze with energy and grace. They usually dance with a sword which they carry in their right hand and a bunch of white hair of the Yak in their left hand while keeping pace with the changing tunes of the drums and pipes.

This is one of the most colourful religious festivals of Meghalaya which is celebrated to pay homage to the local god of Meghalaya. This is one of the most revered festivals which is celebrated with full enthusiasm by all the farmers who wish to have some of the most profitable harvests of the year. Dinner and overnight stay.

Note: Dates for Nongkrem Dance Festival are not fixed. It might take place either in last week of October or first week of November.

19 Day: Shillong – Cherrapunjee – (56 kms: 2 hrs) – Guwahati (150 kms: 4 hrs)

After breakfast go for a day trip to Cherrapunjee (56 kms / 2 ½ hrs) – known as the rainiest rain belt in the world, this lovely town is also famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. Sightseeing in Cherrapunjee includes visit to Khrem falls, Mawsmai cave - the illuminated cave provide tourist an experience of caving. Myriads of stalagmites and stalactites can be seen all over the caves, Mawsmai Falls, seven sister’s falls, Thangkharang Park, Nohkalikai Falls (the fourth highest fall in the world).  Afterwards drive to Guwahati for overnight stay.

20 Day: Guwahati – Hometown (By Air)

Morning sightseeing tour of Guwahati including the Kamakhya temple, the Umananda temple, the astronomical temple of Navagraha and the local market. Transfer to Guwahati airport to board a schedule flight for onward journey. On departure tour concludes with happy memories.