EXPLORE NATURE'S MAGNIFICENT TRAILS in INDIA’S NORTH-EAST and HIMALAYAN KINGDOMS

Imphal, (State of Manipur), Guwahati, (State of Assam), Jorhat, Majuli, Sivasagar, Mon, (State of Nagaland), Dibrugarh, Wakro, (State of Arunachal Pradesh) (9 nights / 10 days)

The glory and warmth of the rising sun, the aroma of fresh flowers, the joys of simple living and the magnificence of Nature’s beauty are all showered in abundance in the North-Eastern belt of India. The beauty of this place seems to be always inviting travellers from all places to come here for once and to experience the magnificent glory called the ‘North-East and the Himalayan Kingdoms’. The sun rises here with its true colours and the fresh-flowing wind makes life seem all the more soothing and carefree for the people who hardly find time to smell the roses. Whether its Imphal or Manipur, the activity of exploring locations in these places is a unique experience in itself. Being home to majestic mountains, sloping hills, vivacious museums and awesome markets, there are plenty of experiences awaiting you. You will feel enchanted in the glory of its gardens and mesmerised by the natural beauty of this vibrant land.

Highlights of this wonderful tour package comprise the following attractions –

• Experiencing Nature’s glory at its best in North-Eastern locales
• Visiting local monuments, temples and mausoleums
• A unique shopping experience in the local markets
• Journey into the rich legacy of the North-East
• Exploring ancient temples belonging to the 15^th Century

All touring will be on a private basis with your own driver / guide. All ranges of accommodation would be available from 3* hotels upwards and to include deluxe 5* hotels and palaces as well as boutique-style / heritage properties. Just indicate your preference and budget and leave the rest to us and our expert ground handlers in India!

DAY 1 – ARRIVE IMPHAL, MANIPUR

Once you arrive at Imphal airport, you will be greeted by one of our local representatives before you are transferred to your hotel. Soon after that, you head out for exploring this small yet impressive place.

Imphal – A small hub of Manipur

The mesmerising abode in Manipur called Imphal is small yet promising when it comes to giving a fresh perspective about the North-east. Although this place is small, there is so much to experience over here that it requires a complete day out of your tour of the north-east states and Himalayan kingdoms. It is located alongside the border of India with Myanmar. This place often witnesses curfews and emergencies when the local shops and the famous markets remain closed. On other days, this city is buzzing with activity. People work here day and night in the biggest hub of entrepreneurs and small-scale industries. The IMA or the Mother’s Market is an example of good work done by around 3,000 women vendors, who have discovered the joys of life in working independently. It is also home to local tribes who come here to earn a living and a brighter future for their new generations.

The sight-seeing experience - 

Reaching this silent and soothing destination located in the lap of the Himalayas does take time, but once you come here, you will never want to go back.

The sound of chirping birds, the local smell of soil, the beauty of the majestic Himalayas and the simplicity of life at this picturesque place allow you to feel loved and admired. You can rejuvenate all by yourself by simply letting your inner-self experience this fabulous place in Manipur. On visiting the Mother’s Market, you will feel impressed by the hard work and efforts put in by women who take pride in their work and who are skilled workers to produce unique artefacts and local decorative items for using at home. You can explore the rich history, folklores and the epic tales of this land through colourful paintings at the RKCS Art Gallery. You could also just relax and absorb the positive vibes in the evening Aarti, performed at Govindajee Temple - a big Vaishnavaite temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

DAY 2 – IMPHAL, MANIPUR

Glorious Imphal -

Places like Loktak Lake bring back memories of freely-flowing water and an equally-enchanting life of childhood. This fresh-water lake is the biggest one among the other lakes belonging to the North-east of India. An old 15^th Century Vishnu temple in Bishnupur Town is remarkable due to its vivid architecture and historic prominence. Exclusive war memorials like the India Peace Memorial and Japanese War Memorial, dedicated to the soldiers who were martyred in the battles fighting for India, make you recognise their role in safeguarding the lives of the Indian people. Knowing the history and the rich legacy of the Indian army is possible because of the unique memorial called The Indian National Army (INA) Memorial Complex, housing several pieces of interest which tell its legacy of bravery. Sendra Island is the place where a full- day could be spent enjoying fresh-water splashes. Keibul National Park is the perfect place for watching Sangai deer, which is a speciality of this place as this deer can’t be found anywhere else in India.

The sight-seeing experience –

The second day in Imphal is all about exploring its rich legacy, its traditional fervour and enjoying some amazing time with nature in the high-flowing winds near Loktak Lake. After  breakfast, you are driven towards Loktak Lake. On the way, visiting the India Peace Memorial and the Japanese War Memorial takes you to the unsung hero’s sacrifice to protect India from invasions. A 15^th Century old Vishnu Temple brings feelings of spirituality back into your mind and inspires you with its creative indulgence. Spending some quiet time at  Sendra Lake rejuvenates your soul and brings you closer to Mother Nature. Inside Keibul National Park, you can explore a wide variety of flora and fauna: of course, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the famous Sangai deer, which is found exclusively in Manipur. The INA Museum in Goirang remains shut on Fridays.

DAY 3 – IMPHAL – GUWAHATI by flight / GUWAHATI - JORHAT, ASSAM by surface (306 kms. / approx. 7 hours)  

Day three of this tour starts with breakfast before you then board a flight to the next stop on this tour, i.e. Guwahati. Having been greeted here on arrival, you continue by surface to Jorhat. You stay here for the next two consecutive nights.

DAY 4 – JORHAT – MAJULI - JORHAT, ASSAM

After breakfast in the morning, you are driven towards Neematighat.

Jorhat and Majuli Island –

Jorhat is the access point for getting across to Majuli Island. The crowded streets and the busy central market present a picture of city chaos in front of travellers. The central market in Jorhat is best connected to National Highway No. 37 to provide comfortable transport to passers-by. Majuli Island is a picturesque beach sight, located on the banks of the River Brahmaputra. This is amongst one of India’s largest river islands, having an area of 450 square kilometres. You will not notice the complete island during the monsoons as the river washes away its fragments with its forces. However, it keeps on appearing again and again and enchants travellers who come here to get thrilled by the creativity of Nature. The rows of water-submerged rice-fields and  blooming water hyacinths represent a natural painting on Earth’s canvas on this magnificent island called Majuli.

The sight-seeing experience –

On the way to Jorhat, you will notice lots of greenery, which is a speciality of this nature-loving state of Assam. Honking horns and voices of hawkers welcome you into the busy locale called Jorhat. Although chaotic, it is still the major place with a plethora of residential homestays, making it easier to get pocket-friendly accommodation as a traveller in this place. The nearest villages of Kamalabari and Garamaur are located within five kilometres and are worth visiting for their exclusive natural admirations. The rich wealth of bird species is phenomenal over here with approximately 100 species of bird. The neo-Vaishnavaite philosophy and its influence on the local culture can be seen in the daily life-style of the people living here. Local cuisine tastes are simple and provide much needed nutrition to the locals, living a laborious life on these hilly places of Assam.

DAY 5 – JORHAT – SIVASAGAR - MON, NAGALAND by surface (157 kms. / approx. 7 hours)

After enjoying breakfast, day five invites you to move to Sivasagar, Mon and Nagaland. This journey will start from the travel hub called Jorhat itself. On arrival at Sivasagar, you stay here for two nights.

Sivasagar, Mon and Nagaland (Incredible history of the Ahom’s)

Sivasagar is the central attraction and has been the main place of residence for the famous Ahom dynasty, which ruled for 600 years on the beautiful soil of Assam. Sivasagar remained the capital of this kingdom and has been witness to the rich glory of those memorable days. The tallest Hindu temple of India is built here and came to existence in the rule of the Ahom dynasty. Long before the British came to rule this land, it was peacefully managed by the Ahoms and the small tribal chiefs. In 1734 A.D., Queen Ambika ordered the construction of a 125 acre water-tank, which is accompanied by three Shiva temples along its three sides. The Shivadol is the highest among these and attracts high footfalls on auspicious occasions like Shivaratri. Mon is the motherland of the Konyak Nagas who reside here and are characterised by their facial tattoos, loud costumes and distinct armaments.

The amazing sight-seeing experience –

The Ahom dynasty has left its marvellous footprints on every nook and corner of Sivasagar. You will find yourself completely lost in observing the remnants of the city’s palace, its ancient monuments and places of local significance. All these portray a rich legacy of the once-thriving kingdom that lived through time to strengthen and bless this land for more than 600 years. Moving towards Shivadol Temple, the grandeur and the religious vibes of the locals inculcate a strong desire to indulge in the worship of Lord Shiva. Standing on the banks of the artificial and vast water-tank, you can only admire the wonderful work done by Queen Ambika. Special occasions like Shivaratri are observed with great enthusiasm as chants and mantras fill the air with an incense of spirituality. Observing the local Konyak Nagas and getting a feel of their tribal lifestyle also adds something more to your perceptions and thrills you too.

DAY 6 – MON, NAGALAND (The Angel’s Blessing)

Day six includes a brief visit to the local village called Longwa. It is situated at a distance of 57 kilometres from Mon and takes around one and a half hours to reach.

Mon and its adjoining villages –

After travelling around 57 kilometres from Mon, the small village of Longwa appears, sitting peacefully near the indo-Burmese border. It certainly is an ancient village, having its origin in the dynasty of the local king called Angh. Being the motherland of Konyak Nagas, this place is full of greenery, yet much of the forest has been deforested to make way for the cultivation of crops, which fulfil the eating requirements of its inhabitants. The major attraction in this village is the king’s home and the surrounding small buildings. Watching locals prosper by selling bones and opium products is interesting. Getting accommodation and food is costlier due to the competitive travel scenario. The next stop is Shangnyu Village. Here, a magnificent wooden monument stands tall despite the years of harsh weather. It is believed, according to the folklore, that it was crafted by angels themselves and it is indeed a blessing given to the locals living on this land.

DAY 7 – MON - DIBRUGARH, ASSAM by surface (155 kms. / approx. 7 hours)

After breakfast, you travel to Dibrugarh from Mon, which is the home of the Konyak Tribals. Dibrugarh is located at a distance of 160 kilometres and it takes around seven hours to reach this travel destination. You will receive a warm welcome from the local staff before checking-in  for your night’s stay in the famous Mancotta or Chowkidinghee Heritage Chang Bungalow.

Dibrugarh – The tea-plantations in the lap of Nature

This mesmerising ‘Heaven-on-Earth’ is based near eastern Arunachal Pradesh and Northern Myanmar. It is believed that the famous Ahom people came through to India via northern Myanmar and lived for many centuries and empowered this place by ruling over here. The geographical location of this place is crucial too as it joins Kaziranga National Park with the Pasighat Route of Arunachal Pradesh. Specifically popular for its tea gardens and hilly climate, this pristine place in Assam is on every traveller’s wish-list. Whether it’s the enchantment of the comfortable wooden-bungalows or the melodious chirping of birds, this place on earth invites you into its lap, to receive comfort and to leave completely energised.

Staying in the Mancotta Bungalows is like coming back to that rich time in history when British officials used to sit amidst the abundant land with tea-gardens and enjoyed sipping a fresh cup of garden-tea, coming directly from the local tea plantations.

The sight-seeing experience –

Dibrugarh is one of the few places in India where the air is pollution-free and Nature has blessed this place with so much of scenic beauty. The rest of the magic is being done by the vast tea- plantations. Amidst these mesmerising scenes are situated the Chang Bungalows. These are traditional-style wooden bungalows, made on stilts and which are known for their simplicity and eco-friendly nature. In previous times, British people used to inhabit these places of merry-making with their families, places which have now been converted into tourist residencies. The comforting atmosphere and friendly staff welcome you inside the Mancotta Bungalows, where you will spend this day, free of the outside chaos. You can cherish walking amidst the exquisite tea-gardens and talking to locals about the type of tea grown over here. You could enjoy the local Bihu dance by a group of performers in the evening. The sounds of love and  laughter will fill your soul for beautiful dreams in the night.

DAY 8 – DIBRUGARH - WAKRO, ARUNACHAL PRADESH by surface (183 kms. / approx. 5 hours)

On this day, after breakfast your journey starts towards Wakro, situated around 190 kilometres from Dibrugarh. You will reach the destination after five hours. Short stops in-between will take place for visiting the Khampti tribals in Empong Village and for sightseeing of the Buddhist Gompa. You check-in to Mishmi Retreat for the next two nights and enjoy a stay in the traditional Mishmi huts.

Wakro –

This is a high-altitude place on the map of Assam. Providing a home for the local mishmis, this place has long been the den of mongoloid Tibeto-Burmese tribals. These people derive their love for life from the very essence of this forest. The life-style of these people is festival-loving and these people observe a lot of festivals, where dance and singing take the prime spot. Khamptis are a small tribe, mainly dispersed across the whole area of Lohit district. The life-style of this tribe has been very much influenced by the ethics and sacred teachings given in Buddhism. This tribe belongs to the Theraveda school of Buddhism and Khamptis have their very own script for the special language that these tribals use for inter-action. The main staple food of these tribals is rice and they frequently cultivate it. Harvest of the crop is celebrated with dance and songs and this has become the spirit of life in this tribe.

The sight-seeing experience –

The Wakro region brings the much-forgotten rawness of Nature into consideration. Here, you can witness that life is and has always been very simple. All we need for a blissful life is – love, laughter and a close proximity with Mother Nature. Seeing the plethora of Nature and greener pastures, your soul will always want to breathe in the fresh mountain air of Wakro. The amazing and vibrant lifestyle of the Khampti tribals is a window to the rural and tribal life of this region. Celebrations and festivities do not require a reason to celebrate:  in fact, having a life and sufficient food on your platter mark celebration time for this hard-working tribe.

You can feel the glory of their rich traditions and embrace their love of life if you come here during the harvest-festival season  and you can feel completely lost in the energetic life on this part of our planet.

DAY 9 – WAKRO, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

On day nine of this tour, you have a brief visit to some local Mishmi villages. After breakfast, you gear up to move towards the local villages and you will also see the Parshuram Khand, which is based twenty kilometres away from Wakro.

Parshuram Kund –

Today brings you to a place where Lord Parshuram himself appeared and beheaded his very own mother only to keep the promise given to his father. Folklores say that the axe, with which he killed his mother, got stuck to his hands and he travelled far and wide to get it removed. He tried washing his sins in the holy waters of all the sacred rivers of that time. But, he only got that axe removed when he came to this Kund, now known as the Parshuram Kund. This place holds so much significance in Hindu mythology that pilgrims keep coming here throughout the year. One can see huge gatherings on occasions like Makar Sankranti, when special puja is performed. The origin of this Kund is from the Lohit River and this goes further into the holy waters of the magnificent and sacred River Brahmaputra.

The sight-seeing experience –

You can experience the true colours of mythology, beliefs and faith when coming to this Kund called Parshuram Kund. Taking a holy dip in its waters brings refreshing vibes and washes away one’s sins, as per the Hindu beliefs. The ancient story of Lord Parshuram washing away his sins in this Kund and keeping his promise to his father thrills people to this day. Special prayers being performed at occasions like Makar Sankranti bring the festivities and spirituality together. This place is picturesque, filled with so much positivity and invites travellers who are interested in knowing the ancient religious tales of the region. The historical importance of this place excites people and fills the soul with so much goodness. The melodious sound of water falling down through the mountains and going into the mighty Brahmaputra River feels more than fabulous. Coming here is shaking hands with wisdom and enchantment.

DAY   10   –   WAKRO -  DIBRUGARH AIRPORT by surface (188 kms. / approx. 4 hours) - FLY   OUT from ARUNACHAL PRADESH

On this last day of your tour, you have an early breakfast and travel by road for four hours to reach Dibrugarh Airport. On reaching here, you board your flight to your onward destination.

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