Compare The Last Frontiers of India - Nagaland Hornbill Festival by Undiscovered Destination vs India in 12 days - Palaces & Deserts of Rajasthan - Charm by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 13 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 2,722 | $ 1,699 |
| Price Per Day | $ 209 | $ 142 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 11 Breakfasts. |
| Description |
Far away from the hustle and bustle of Delhi, the deserts and palaces of Rajasthan, or the tropical shores of Kerala, lies an India that few people know exists. India’s north east region could not be more different than commonly held preconceptions about the world’s largest democracy. We visit tribal cultures that are only now just beginning to move into the 21st century as we meet and interact with the Naga people, once feared headhunters. We are privileged to spend time in their villages and learn more about their very distinct customs, still maintained in the face of the onslaught of Hinduism. We travel to the jaw-droppingly beautiful region of Assam perched on the edge of the Himalayas, and search for rhino and tiger in the remote Kaziranga National Park. The highlight of this trip is the opportunity to learn more about the kaleidoscope of diverse cultures that make up India’s north east and experience the Hornbill Festival. This is a region more akin to South East Asia than to the subcontinent – and we spend as much time as possible exploring villages and meeting local people. See a different side of the country – this truly is undiscovered India. |
Experience the land of a thousand colours starting with the multicultural city of Delhi. Discover the historic cities of Mandawa and Bikaner. Explore the rose pink city of Jaipur and admire the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra - one of The Seven Wonders of the World. In Rajasthan, the golden city of Jaisalmer, The Thar Desert and the mystic Jodhpur Fort are all yours to discover. |
Day 1 - Kolkata
Arrive in Kolkata, India’s second largest city. Kolkata encapsulates modern India – a hectic and vibrant city teeming with life. Overnight at Lytton Hotel or similar.
Kolkata
Kolkata (also spelled Calcutta) burst into life with the arrival of the British East India Company, who bought land containing the small village of Kalikata in the late 17th century. Kolkata grew in importance over the years of the British Raj, and was its seat of government until 1911. This legacy has left a wealth of colonial architecture remaining in the city today, although many buildings are now starting to suffer from lack of upkeep and general wear and tear. Kolkata over the years has had a rather bad reputation, fuelled by its slums and the story of the infamous ‘Black Hole of Calcutta’, where during the siege of the city in 1756, 64 British residents were imprisoned in a guard room, with only 24 surviving the experience. However, it has always thrived as a centre for arts and culture, and its inhabitants are rightly proud of the many artistic and literary achievements that have come forth from the city. Kolkata has of course moved on from the days of the Raj, but the overwhelming impression is still of a colonial city, with bowling and golf clubs, the marble memorial to Queen Victoria and green parks reminiscent more of England than India.
Day 2 – Kolkata - Kohima
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Dimapur. On arrival transfer to Kohima, approx. 2hrs drive. Overnight at Greenwood Villa or similar (B)
Kohima
This British-built town lies in the valley between higher hills, alongside the immaculately kept war cemetery, and is the state capital of Nagaland. Kohima attracted world attention during the Second World War because it was here that the Japanese advance was halted by the British and Indian forces.
Day 3 – Kohima – Opening of the Hornbill Festival
Today is the opening ceremony of the Hornbill Festival, which takes place at Kisama Heritage Village. This open-air museum has a representative selection of traditional Naga houses and morungs (bachelor dormitories) with full-sized log drums. Performances begin at 9am. The festival is attended by all of Nagaland’s major tribes. It features traditional arts, dances, folk songs and games. All this takes place amidst immaculate replicas of tribal hutments complete with wood carvings and hollow log drums, which are beaten in haunting symphony at the end of the day. There is plenty of handicraft and food stalls as well as heady rice beer to indulge in. After sundown, the main attraction is the Hornbill National Rock Concert, where bands from all over the country come to compete. This is followed by a night market in town. Overnight at Greenwood villa or similar (B)
Day 4 - Kohima
This morning, visit the Kohima World War 2 cemetery, a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the Japanese invasion of the Second World War. After the visit, attend day 2 of the Hornbill festival. Overnight at Greenwood Villa or similar (B)
Day 5 – Kohima
Today visit Khonoma Village, a picturesque village outside of Kohima and home to the Angami tribe. After visiting Khonoma village, attend day 3 of the festival. Overnight at Greenwood Villa or similar (B)
Day 6 – Kohima – Jorhat
Today we travel to Jorhat (approx. 6hr drive), a major tea centre conveniently located for visiting the nearby Majuli Island. Overnight at Thengal Manor or similar (B)
Day 7- Kaziranga – Majuli
Take the local ferry on the mighty Brahmaputra River to Majuli Island, noted for its beautiful rural setting and the traditional Assamese architecture. It is also famous for its monastic retreats where the worship of Lord Vishnu is through dance, music and poetry. Overnight at Happy House or similar (B)
Majuli Island
Majuli Island is the largest riverine island in the world and has been a key pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites (followers of Vishnu) for centuries. The island has several monasteries, for the Vaishnavite community, some of which contain ancient artefacts, handicrafts and jewellery – the island has been the traditional center of Assamese culture for many centuries.
Day 8 – Majuli Island
Today we take a walk around the village and visit one of Majuli’s unique monasteries, established in the 15th Century, where you will witness a special dance performance by some young monks. Overnight at Happy House or similar (B)
Day 9 – Majuli – Kaziranga National Park
Take the ferry back to Brahmaputra and drive to Kaziranga, which was declared a game reserve in 1926 to save the Indian one-horned rhino from extinction. Overnight at Wild Grass Resort or similar (BLD)
Day 10 – Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is a World Heritage Site offering great opportunities to spot the iconic Indian Horned Rhinoceros – more than 75% of the world’s population reside within its boundaries. Other wildlife is also plentiful and includes water buffalo, elephants, tigers, swamp deer, barking deer and hog deer as well as 400 species of birds. We explore the park and hope for good game sightings. Overnight at Wild Grass Resort or similar (BLD)
Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is one of only two places where the Indian One Horned Rhinoceros can now be found. Although they once roamed freely across India, Kaziranga and Manas National Park, also in Assam, represent their total habitat today. The park covers a wide diversity of habitats, from grassland to swamps and forest and this ensures a good mix of flora and fauna. In particular, the birdlife here is excellent, with numerous birds of prey circling the skies.
Day 11 – Kaziranga – Shillong
Drive from Kaziranga to Shillong (approx. 7 hours), the capital of Meghalaya state. This evening you may want to stroll around the Police Bazaar, the ‘hip and happening’ area with fancy shops and restaurants, where local bands offer the latest in rock and rap. Overnight at Tripura Castle or similar (B)
Shillong
Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya, one of north-east India’s most attractive states. It has a wealth of green, thick forested hills with an amazing ecological diversity, and is populated by tribal groups who follow a matrilineal system of inheritance. The best way to explore is on foot. With no significant monuments, the attractions here lie in the scenic beauty, parks, waterfalls and panoramic views.
Day 12 – Shillong
Today we take a scenic route to the village of Mawlynnong, ‘God’s Own Garden’. Visit the Sky View, a viewing platform 60ft high. On a clear day you can see the canopy of Meghalaya’s forests and the plains of Bangladesh stretch into the horizon. You can also see another spectacular natural phenomenon – a living root bridge – which is approx. 500 years old and used by the villagers on their daily commute. Overnight at Tripura Castle or similar (B)
Mawlynnong
Voted the cleanest village in the whole of Asia in 2005, Mawlynnong’s residents ensure that their environment is clean and their way of living sustainable to the environment. Rainwater is harvested in natural stone basins with large cavities. Placed outside every house, these basins collect rainwater which is later put to use. The local people have also mastered the art of waste disposal over generations.
A strong emphasis is placed on education, and the town boasts a 100% literacy rate. The village has its own English school with local teachers. There is also a quaint church for the locals. All 90 families that live here function as one unit and help out families that cannot afford basic sanitation and other amenities.
Day 13 – Shillong – Kolkata - Departure
Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Kolkata to connect with your onward flight or further accommodation can be arranged in Kolkata (B)
Day 1: US - Night on board
Arrive at your US departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight * to Delhi. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: Delhi
Arrive in India’s capital and transfer to hotel. Delhi is a city with a wonderful architectural legacy from its Islamic conquerors together with its spectacular historic city centre. The rest of the day free to start to get to know this fascinating city. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 3: Delhi - Mandawa
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road to Mandawa. En-route, pass through authentic villages and start to enter some of the most rural parts of India. On arrival in Mandawa, enjoy a walking tour through the streets of the city. See the amazing Havelis - mansions noted for their frescoes depicting images of British colonial rule. Overnight stay in Mandawa.
Day 4: Mandawa - Bikaner
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road through the arid lands leading to the Bikaner Desert Kingdom - a major centre of trade during the 16th century. In the afternoon visit the spectacular Junagarh Fort, with its impressively decorated interiors. End the day with a memorable Tuk-Tuk ride from the ancient city bazaar. Overnight stay in Bikaner.
Day 5: Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Breakfast at the hotel. Enter the Thar Desert by road on your way to the city of Jaisalmer. This was an important trading centre for many centuries and presently one of the few forts that are still inhabited. Transfer to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon is free for more discovery of this city. We recommend to visit the Thar Heritage Museum or the Maharaja's Palace for a taste of kingly splendour. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 6: Jaisalmer
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a tour of the golden city of Jaisalmer. Discover the magical Gadisar Lake and the magnificent Golden Fort. Walk through the narrow streets of the city, to visit the famous palatial houses characteristic of the city such as Nathmal and Patwon. In the afternoon, take an excursion to Sam to see the dunes in the beautiful sunset light. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 7: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Breakfast at the hotel. Continue the trip towards Jodhpur, known as The Blue City and enjoy a visit to the impressive Mehrangarh Fort with its bird’s eye view of the old city. Later continue to Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph. Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
Day 8: Jodhpur - Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by road to Jaipur. Arrive at your hotel and the rest of the day is free to start to get to know the Rose-Pink City of India. We recommend a wander through some of the markets in the area to see the unique handicrafts and jewellery on offer. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 9: Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Amber Fort - The Old Capital of Thunder. En-route, take a brief photo stop at Hawa Mahal, The Palace of Winds. Arrive at Amber Fort by Jeep. Once inside, visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. In the afternoon, take a city tour, beginning with a visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace. Later, visit The Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 10: Jaipur - Fathepur Sikri - Agra
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Agra, and on the way, visit Fatehpur Sikri, an impressive ghost town, where the tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal, is located. Arrive in Agra, capital of sultans and great Mughal emperors. Enjoy an unforgettable tour of the famous and spectacular Taj Mahal - one of The Seven Modern Wonders of the World. Overnight stay in Agra.
Day 11: Agra - Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, return by road to Delhi and once you have arrived, visit the Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Afterwards, transfer to the Gateway of India, the residence of the country's president, and visit the impressive Humayun's Tomb, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1993. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 12: Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel. The rest of the day free to visit this fascinating city. We recommend an optional excursion to discover Delhi's most iconic temples.* Overnight stay in Delhi. * Optional Full-Day Delhi Temples Tour: Explore Delhi's most iconic temples. Experience the peace and tranquillity of the Lotus Temple, dedicated to the Baha'i faith, and discover the extraordinary architecture of Akshardham Temple, dedicated to 10,000 years of Hindu culture. See the huge Jama Mosque and the downtown Sikh Temple with its golden dome before ending the tour at Lakshmi Narayan Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. Note: The Lotus Temple & The De Akshardham Temple are closed on Monday. For all the departures on Thursday will not be able to do the Full-day Delhi Temples tour.
Day 13: Delhi - US
Breakfast * at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
