Highlights of North East 11 Days
11 Days: Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, Kaziranga, Jorhat
Tour overview:
The ‘City of Joy’ Kolkata is one of the most popular places to visit in India. It has once served as the capital of India under the British Empire. Being the center of British in India, Kolkata is more than just a city of old British buildings and literature-loving people. The adventure continous Guwahati which is a sprawling city beside the Brahmaputra River in the northeast Indian state of Assam. This 11 days itinerary is designed to the most popular wildlife destinations in the north eastern region "Kaziranga National Park"offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to catch a glimpse of these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. This is the smallest zone of the national park and is reputed to have the maximum density of the one horned Rhino.
Day 1 - Arrive Kolkata
Upon arrival in Kolkata; the capital of India's West Bengal state; you are met and escorted to the hotel.
The ‘City of Joy’ Kolkata is one of the most popular places to visit in India. It has once served as the capital of India under the British Empire. Being the center of British in India, Kolkata is more than just a city of old British buildings and literature-loving people. The cultural legacy of the city is matchless and one of the best experiences in the country.
Day 2 - Kolkata
After a leisurely morning; this afternoon, we proceed to visit South Park Street Cemetery - one of the earliest non-church cemeteries in the world, and probably the largest Christian cemetery outside Europe and America in the 19th century. And If guest's prefer following this experience, we may then proceed to visit Mother House - the last resting place of Mother Teresa, regarded as a peaceful, serene place amongst the bustle of the city. Built in 1950, Mother's House is the Head Quarter of the Missionaries of Charity that pulls thousands of visitors from all around the world and serves the single purpose of selfless service towards the underprivileged. Evening enjoy the boat cruise.
Boat cruise up the River Hoogly. In a private river boat, guests are able to discover a hitherto unseen side of Kolkata, with a ring-side view of the myriad happenings on the river’s ‘Ghats’. One will sail past Belur Math, headquarters of The Ramakrishna Mission, as the city’s two huge and famous bridges, Howrah and Vidyasagar Setu pass by. As an experience we would recommend some music to accompany the cruise, in the genre of classical or acoustic.
This evening, an evening of the Calcutta lifestyle & dinner (direct payment) would be suggested at one of the highlights of the city including venues such as Trincas or similar historic locations, to take one back in time to the true flamboyant ambiance in Calcutta. A special musical act may also be suggested as a part of the evening experience. (B)
Day 3 - Kolkata.
Early morning, the guest will embark on their first experience of "‘the second city of the Empire". This hop on hop off heritage walk through the ‘European’ areas of what was once the capital of the British Empire in India. We start with visiting the Dalhousie Square area – The Second City of British Empire in India. The area near around the Dalhousie Square provides one of the most interesting tour through the eighteenth and nineteenth century history and architecture of Calcutta, visiting Governor’s House (Raj Bhawan), Treasury Building, St. John’s Church, Calcutta General Post Office (GPO), Collectorate Office, Writer’s Building, St. Andrew’s Kirk, Old Court House Street, the Old Currency Building, the Central Telegraph Office, Wellesley Place(now Red Cross Place), the Great Eastern Hotel and Curzon Park.
Option: The guests can enjoy a quick breakfast behind Old Court House Street.
This walk is followed by a visit to Mullick Ghat Flower Market - a 130 year old flower market, the largest in Kolkata, and one of the biggest in Asia. After the visit, we drive back to the hotel.
After breakfast, we further proceed & drive past the oldest Hanging Bridges in the world with no pillars supporting its suspension over the Hooghly River - Howrah Bridge. This is followed by a visit to Jorasanko - house of Tagore, College Street Book Market - the largest book market in India as well as Asia and the largest second hand book market in the whole world. Also visit the Indian Coffee House - started in 1876, this Coffee House is, till date, a regular hang out and a renowned meeting place (adda) for intellectuals and students (and ex-students) of various institutions in and around the area.
Lunch (Direct Payment) may be recommended at a local Bengali cuisine venue, with Anecdotes being shared of the growing cultural and artistic rise of theatre & art in Bengal, over the meal.
We will not miss the opportunity to visit Victoria Memorial from the garden (remains closed on Monday) - built in dedication of the memory of Queen Victoria, Empress of India from 1876 to 1901. This memorial is one of the largest monuments in the world which is dedicated to a royal and is now maintained by Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The trip end with a visit of St. Paul's Cathedral - built in 1847, it is regarded as the first Episcopal Church in Asia and is a perfect example of Indo-Gothic architecture. This church is also the biggest church in Calcutta. Proposed dinner at a selected venue within the city. (BD)
Day 4 - Kolkata / Guwahati
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel & drive to Kolkata airport to board flight to Guwahati. (Flight at 10:10 / 11:25 hrs) Upon arrival in Guwahati airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in.
Guwahati is a sprawling city beside the Brahmaputra River in the northeast Indian state of Assam. It’s known for holy sites like the hilltop Kamakhya Temple, featuring shrines to the Hindu deities Shiva and Vishnu. The lunch will be arranged in the restaurant of the hotel.
Post lunch, proceed to visit the Assam State Museum (closed on Mondays and 2nd & 4th Saturdays). To delve into the rich history and cultural heritage of Assam, head to the Assam State Museum. This treasure trove of artefacts, sculptures, and manuscripts provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s diverse traditions. In the early evening, around 18:00 hrs, we head to the pier to board (Reporting time: 19:00 hrs) the Brahmaputra Cruise (subjected to operational due to bad weather/water level of Brahmaputra river). Enjoy a serene and unforgettable journey along the majestic Brahmaputra River. Experience the traditional Bihu Dance, a vibrant folk dance from Assam associated with the Bihu festival, and savor a delightful dinner on board. Drive back to the hotel around 2200 hrs.(BLD)
Day 5 - Guwahati / Shillong – Surface
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and proceed for Shillong, an estimated 2-2.5 hour drive. En-route stopover at the largest manmade lake of northeast India, the Umiam Lake. Upon arrival at Shillong further drive to Mawphlang Sacred Forest, an estimated 1-hour drive. It is an untouched forest that is the soul of Khasi culture. It is a home to the most celebrated of all the ‘law-kyntang’ or ancient sacred groves of Meghalaya.
Later drive back to Shillong and check-in at the hotel. Established during the latter part of the 19th century by the British, the capital city of Meghalaya state seamlessly combines historical charm with a vibrant, modern atmosphere. This serene haven offers a plethora of attractions including waterfalls, parks, peaks, landscapes, and museums, ensuring travellers are captivated by its lively spirit. It is also the district administrative centre for East Khasi Hills. Evening proceed to visit the local bazar of Shillong. The guests can visit the Police Bazar, which is just a walking distance from the hotel. (BLD)
This evening around 18:30 hrs, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a special experience, an Authentic Khasi Cuisine Dinner at a local Khasi Home.
Day 6 - Day Excursion to Mawlynnong
After breakfast around 8am, check-out from the hotel and we will proceed to visit Mawlynnog, an estimated 70 kms / 2 - 3 hours’ drive. We will have a simple Indian food lunch at a Stream Side Guest House, which is also close to the root bridge. After lunch, we will visit the most famous icons of Meghalaya - the Nohwet Living Root Bridge. This 500 year old bridge was created by weaving the roots of the Ficus Elastica tree around a framework and continuing this process for generations. An example of Khasi traditional architecture, living root bridges are important for the villages located in the steep valleys and mountains for people to connect with each other and travel to the plains to trade. These fascinating bridges are built in harmony with nature and get stronger as they grow older Further, you will explore the Mawlynnong village - the cleanest village in Asia. The mainly inhabited by Khasi tribe, the famous tribe which has left behind the patriarchal rule of the society. After visiting the village, we will drive back to Shillong city, an estimated 3-hours’ drive. (BLD)
Day 7 - Shillong / Kaziranga
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and driven to Kaziranga, an estimated 5 - 6 hour drive. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Kaziranga National park is located in the edge of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspots – Golaghat and Nagaon district. In the year 1985, the park was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The park is an abode of more than 600 species of wild orchids collected from all across the north-east India region and hence, it is considered as the largest orchid park in the Northeast belt of India. (BLD)
Day 8 - Kaziranga National Park Jeep Safari
Morning after breakfast, propose to visit Kaziranga National Park including a Jeep safari in the Western range of the national park. Explore the national park and spot the variety of flora and fauna. You will also find a range of wildflowers, trees, and rich vegetation. It is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. After the morning safari, the guests are return back to the hotel. Lunch at the resort. After lunch, visit the national park for our afternoon Jeep safari. The guests will board the open Jeep & explore the Central zone called Kohora. This is the smallest zone of the national park and is reputed to have the maximum density of the one horned Rhino. The safari will take us to the very narrow path of the national park within the elephant grass and will enhance the chances to get closer to the wildlife. The central range of the national park is a mix of Grassland and Woodland. Evening free at leisure. (BLD)
Day 9 - Kaziranga / Jorhat
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and driven to Jorhat, an estimated 3-3.5 hour drive. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel or a tea bungalow. Jorhat is the cultural capital of Assam; home to the largest Tea research station, there are as many as 135 tea gardens in Jorhat. Inhabited by the people of different cultures, Jorhat has intriguing history to tell; it was the last capital of Ahom dynasty, which reigned supreme in Assam for more than six centuries. Jorhat is one of the prime tourist places of Assam as it also houses the largest river island in the world named Majuli, which is on Brahmaputra River. This afternoon, we will visit the Tea Estate and observe the process of making tea and also sample of different type of tea. (Subject to availability) Drive back to the hotel or bungalow for an overnight stay. (BLD)
(Due to arid winter from November till first/mid-week of April, the minimal growth of the tea leaves results in declination of plucking activities in the Tea Estate of Assam every year. That’s why, processing of tea leaves in the manufacturing units cannot be demonstrated to the visitors its real sense. Besides, some of the tea factories may remain close every Monday.)
Day 10 - Excursion to Majuli Island
After breakfast, today we will visit the World Heritage Site of Majuli Island. We will drive till Neemati ghat and take a ferry to Majuli Island, it is an estimated 1.5-hour ferry. There are regular ferries operates from Neemati Ghat - Majuli and back. Majuli Island is one of the most beautiful destinations in Northeast India. The large river island in Assam is home to important cultural and religious centers, as well as, the fascinating indigenous Mishing tribe. The guests can visit some picturesque villages and hamlets that are home to aboriginals and tribals with rich culture and rituals. You may experience & Savor the tribal food and locally-made rice beer. Also, explore the Satras and marvel at the architecture and design of the structures made years ago. The peace and serenity of the Satras will cleanse your mind and spirit. After the visit, we will board the ferry to Nimati Ghat. (BLD)
Day 11 - Jorhat / Kolakata – Depart
Following breakfast, we will check-out from the hotel & drive to Jorhat airport to board flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival in Kolkata, the guests transfer to the International terminal to board flight to onward journey. (B)