Rich Meghalaya landscapes, Kaziranga's one-horned rhinos, Assam tea plantations, and the ancient tribal culture of remote Nagaland.
Tour Highlights
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Day by Day Itinerary
On arrival into Kolkata you will be greeted by our representative and transferred directly to your hotel for check in.
Today you will transfer to Kolkata airport and fly to Guwahati and then make your way into the hill station of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya state.
Today with your guide and driver head out today to discover nearby Cherrapunjee, which holds the record as being one of the wettest places on earth. Explore this fascinating and rarely visited region of India, with some of the spectacular scenery — most notably the spectacular waterfalls and valleys — which makes up the so-called 'Scotland of the East'. Whilst here you can undertake an adventurous walk to see some of the much-photographed living root tree bridges, including the famous Double Decker Root Bridge near the village of Nongriat. The walk involves a 7km return trek with a descent (and subsequent ascent) of approximately 250m. Most of the descent/ascent is on steps and there are also rope bridges to cross. This may prove a challenge for some but the rewards make it undeniably worthwhile. Later in the day you will return to your accommodation in Shillong.
With another early start, today you will leave Meghalaya and embark on a full day's drive across the state line into Assam. En route stop off at Shillong's acclaimed Don Bosco Museum which provides a great introduction into the many indigenous peoples who reside in India's diverse northeast. Your final destination today is Kaziranga National Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It is probably India's foremost national park in terms of conservation success, variety and accessibility of species. The park lies on the flood plain of the mighty Brahmaputra River and vast acres of tall grass provide grazing for herds of wild elephant, gaur and wild Asian buffalo, among many others.
You will have the opportunity today for both morning and afternoon jeep safaris as you pass through wilderness of grasslands, flood plain, forests and wetlands. Spotting the one horned rhinoceros is a treat, whereas the tiger population remains elusive. Search for other species such as elephants, bison, wild boar, the rare Hoolock gibbon and the endangered wild Asian buffalo. A myriad of birds will also captivate your attention.
After breakfast you guide and driver will take you to Neematighat jetty to board the ferry to Majuli Island. India's largest river island for a 2-day stay, it is home to a fascinating and unique culture including the Vaishnavite Satra tradition, its extraordinary ecology and its disappearing indigenous cultures. Majuli is an island of remarkable character and is host to a number of Buddhist and Hindu monasteries that have existed for centuries.
Today you will explore the island, visiting the remarkable Auniati Monastery and exploring the rice-farming villages before crossing to the mainland and driving to Ziro Valley.
Explore the Ziro Valley — home of the extraordinary Apatani tribal community, one of Northeast India's most distinctive cultures, famous for their traditional knowledge of land management and their remarkable festivals. Visit the local Apatani winery producing rice wine.
Drive through the remarkable Arunachal Pradesh countryside to Aalo, passing through extraordinary mountain and river scenery.
Explore Aalo and the surrounding Galo tribal villages — meeting community members, visiting local markets and learning about the extraordinary diversity of tribal cultures in this remote region.
Fly or drive to Mon, deep in the heart of Nagaland — home of the remarkable Konyak tribe.
Spend the day visiting Konyak tribal villages, meeting the last generation of tattooed warriors and learning about the extraordinary transformation of Naga society over the past century.
Long driving day back through Nagaland and Assam to Jorhat or Dimapur for the flight back to Kolkata.
A final day in Kolkata for any last exploration — the Victoria Memorial, the flower market at Mullick Ghat, or the book stalls of College Street.
After breakfast the tour concludes. International flights can be arranged from Kolkata.
About This Journey
Discover India’s most extraordinary and least-visited region — the Northeast — on this tailor-made private journey through Kolkata, Meghalaya, Kaziranga, Assam, Nagaland and the remarkable living root bridges that have become one of the iconic images of responsible travel. A journey through landscapes and cultures that have remained largely untouched by mass tourism, offering encounters with tribal communities, extraordinary wildlife and landscapes of genuine wilderness.
Highlights
Kolkata — the fascinating former capital of British India with its extraordinary Bengali cultural life. Cherrapunji and the UNESCO-listed living root bridges — bridges grown from tree roots over generations. Kaziranga National Park — home to 70 per cent of the world’s one-horned rhinos. Nagaland and the remarkable tribal cultures of Northeast India. Unique cultural encounters with communities rarely visited by international travellers.
Accommodation Used On This Tour
The Claridges
The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950s. Refurbished, redesigned and revitalized, the hotel offers guests an experience that is new and yet so familiar. In an excellent location just a short auto ride from Khan Market and Connaught Place, this four star hotel has 132 rooms and suites designed with an elegant blend of 19th century character and contemporary style, a refreshing outdoor pool, indoor gym and relaxing spa.
Kabini River Lodge
The original safari lodge of South India, Kabini River Lodge occupies the former hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Mysore on the banks of the Kabini reservoir. Run by Jungle Lodges & Resorts, its colonial bungalows, boat safaris and expert naturalists have made it a legend among Indian wildlife destinations.
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. Please refer to the detailed itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
Where You Stay
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
October to March is the most comfortable period, with clear skies and pleasant daytime temperatures across North India. December and January mornings can be cold and foggy in Delhi and Agra. April to June is very hot; July to September is the monsoon.
Yes — this route is well-established with excellent hotels and infrastructure, and our experienced guides and drivers handle every practical detail. First-time visitors consistently find it a superb introduction to India.
Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers throughout. For longer distances we use India's excellent express trains or domestic flights where they improve the journey.
Absolutely. Duration, hotels, route and experiences can all be tailored to your preferences and budget — this itinerary is a starting point, not a fixed product. Contact us to plan your ideal trip.
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