Tour Highlights :
• Witness one of the most colourful and vibrant congregation of cultures and tribes – The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland.
• Explore the local tribal villages at Mokokchung and Mon
• Interact with the villagers
• Visit the Kaziranga National Park – Home to the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros
• Enjoy jeep safari through the dense forests of Kaziranga in a Jeep
To encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland, the Government of Nagaland organizes the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland every year in the first week of December from 01-10th December. This colourful festival is organized by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments. The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland showcases a mélange of cultural displays under one roof.
It is held at Naga Heritage Village- Kisama which is about 12 kms from Kohima. All the tribes of Nagaland take part in this festival. The aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its extravaganza and traditions. One can witness and understand the people and culture of Nagaland, and an opportunity to experience the food, songs, dances and customs of Nagaland within a single arena.
The week-long festival unites one and all in Nagaland and people enjoy the colourful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and ceremonies. Traditional arts which include paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures are also on display. One should consider to be a part of the opening ceremony of the festival held on 01st December, every year
DAY 01 – ARRIVAL AT KOLKATA
Meeting, assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Kolkata.
DAY 02 – KOLKATA
After breakfast, visit Kolkata City :The capital of West Bengal, Calcutta, renamed recently as Kolkata, lies on the Hoogly, distributaries of the Ganges. Its close proximity to the river and sea developed it as a major commercial center. Indian Museum,(Closed on Monday’s) Established in 1814, the building has beautiful structure. The oldest museum in India, it has one of the rarest collections of archeological importance. Some of the coin in the collection are about 2400 years old.
Victoria Memorial, (Closed on Monday’s) A fascinating piece of architecture, which has been converted to a museum, hosts the most memorable artifacts and collectibles from the days of British rule. The building was built from the white marbles of Jodhpur as a memorial to Queen Victoria. Dalhousie Square – Renamed Binoy Badal Dinesh Bagh (also BBD Bagh), Dalhousie Square is the heart of West Bengal’s administration and commerce. This is the site of all the important government institutions of the state. This is the place that houses the now famous Writer’s Building and the old Fort William.
Kali Temple : Goddess Kali is the guardian deity of Kolkata and Bengali’s worship this goddess with such frenzied passion and devotion that for a first time visitor, it makes for a heady spiritual concoction. Of the many Kali temples that abound in Kolkata and Bengal, Kalighat is one of the most sacred Kali temples. Calcutta St. Paul’s Cathedral , is the first Episcopal Church of the Orient. Bishop Wilson patronized the construction of this beautiful church in 1839.
The credit for the awesome designing of this Indo-Gothic architecture goes to Major W.N. Forbes. The work of establishing the St. Paul Cathedral of Kolkata, India got completed in 1847. It is situated at the southern end of the Maidan. Read on to know more about the Saint Pauls Cathedral, Birla Planetarium, Its one of the largest planetariums in the world, and a good place to enjoy. Inaugurated on 29th September, 1962, the internal diameter of the tomb is 82 feet. The auditorium has a capacity of 500 and it conducts regular shows in Hindi, English and Bengali.
Howrah Bridge – Howrah Bridge is an excellent example of engineering marvels of the early 20th century. The bridge is 450 m long without any pylon in the river. The bridge also has the distinction of being the busiest bridge in the world catering to around 100,000 vehicles and innumerable pedestrians.
Overnight at Hotel in Kolkata.
DAY 03–KOLKATA – DIMAPUR (BY FLIGHT) – KOHIMA, NAGALAND
After breakfast transfer to airport for flight to Dimapur , upon arrival drive to Kohima (80 kms / 02 ½ hrs). On arrival check in at the hotel for 04 nights. Overnight at the hotel.
Dimapur – Dimapur is the commercial capital of Nagaland, sharing its borders with Assam. A vibrant city, it takes pride in its historical monuments- though now in ruins, but which have immense archaeological value. It is the ancient capital of the Kachari kingdom, whose rule existed before 13th Century AD.
Reminiscences of the glory of this kingdom can be found in the ruins that are scattered in and around the town. These ruins throw evidence on a culture that probably had a touch of Hinduism, but were predominantly Non-Aryans.
Kohima – Kohima, situated in the south at an altitude of 1444 m above sea level, is the capital city of Nagaland. Kohima has the advantage of being centrally located – bounded by the state of Assam on the West, Wokha district on the North, Zunheboto and Phek districts on the East and Manipur state on the South. The Angami, Rengma and Zeliangrong communities mainly inhabit Kohima District.
DAY 04 TO 05- AT KOHIMA
We drive to the Kisama Heritage Complex (12 kms / 30 mins), for the full day, to observe the different tribal performances and to soak in the atmosphere of the rather colourful and vibrant Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. Enjoy Cultural Dances (All 16 major tribes), War Dances (All 16 major tribes), Folk Songs, Indigenous Games, Music (Rock Beat contest in the evening), Fashion Show (Cultural & Modern), Handloom & Handicrafts, Local Cuisines , Local drinks (Zutho, Thutshe) etc.
In the afternoon, have the option to explore the village of the Angami tribe, Jakhama or Kigwema. In the evening, enjoy the Night Bazaar. Overnight at the hotel.
Zakhama&Kigwema Village: These two adjacent villages are situated on the southern Angami belt and are predominantly inhabited by the Angami tribe which is further divided into several clans. The villages are about 20 kms south of Kohima and lie on the top of the mountain with an astonishing natural view of the nearby villages.
They are encircled by terraced paddy fields and have a traditional entrance gate. Within the village one can see customary Angami houses, some of which are elegant and reveal the prosperity of the villagers who live traditionally. One also gets an opportunity to explore the villages and interact with the local tribesmen and see firsthand the local life style. “SEKRENYI” is the main festival here, which is held in the month of February.
DAY 06 – AT KOHIMA
Today morning visit WWII Cemetery, Khonoma Village, and State museum. Later also enjoy the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. In the evening, enjoy the Night Bazaar. Overnight at the hotel.
KOHIMA WORLD WAR-II CEMETERY: Overlooking Kohima amidst scenic environs, the Kohima War Cemetery is a memorial in the honour of those officers and soldiers killed during the World War II. Formerly known as Garrison Hill it is designed as a series of terraces with magnificent stone steps, bearing testimony to one of the most stubborn, close and bloody fighting in the whole of the Second World War.
On the 18 plots of the cemetery, there are 1421 slabs erected in memory of soldiers who were killed in the Battle of Kohima. The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Before leaving Kohima the British erected a moving memorial in memory of their fallen comrades: “When you go home, tell them of us, and say: ‘For your tomorrow, we gave our today.”
STATE MUSEUM: Located at Bayavü Hill, about 1½ km from the main town, it houses a rare collection of artifacts of each Naga tribe. The State Museum also has authentic Naga precious stones on display. Here one can see the most valued and expensive necklaces used by the Nagas. They are an assortment of precious stones which include cornelian, tourmaline, coral, core of xancus, ivory and other beads, brass and silver bells. Another interesting displays are the Naga Morung/hut models.
From these models one can discern that the villages were located on hilltops-perhaps to survey/watch the valley below for approaching friends or foes. The variations in architecture among the different tribes is just amazing. Musical instruments are also displayed. The various instruments give an insight into how music formed an integral part of Naga life. Log drum, Tati, a single stringed instrument, and other instruments made of bamboo and buffalo horns are used during festivals and other social gatherings. For the art lovers, the state museum has an art gallery which houses collections of paintings by different local artists. The themes vary from traditional to modern.
Khonoma Village: Located 20 kms West of Kohima is Khonoma village.The village referred to as “Khwünoria” by the residents is estimated to be around 700 years old and is surrounded by hills that are as high as 9000 ft. It was here that the Naga warriors made their last stand against the British in 1879. The village is named after a plant locally known as “Khüno” that grows in the area. The alder tree (Alnus Nepalensis) is found in abundance in this region.
Khonoma is famous for its management of jhum (shifting agriculture) fields with alder trees, which fixes nitrogen in the soil and checks soil erosion. With its mission “Green Khonoma”, it has become the Model Village for eco-tourism. The Village Council has made it mandatory for every household to have dustbins. Once a month, sanitation drives are carried out and the community’s garbage is burnt. The ashes and residue are then used as manure. The combination of rich bio-diversity and stunning landscape makes Khonoma an excellent candidate for eco-tourism.
DAY 07 – KOHIMA-MOKOKCHUNG
Today after breakfast drive to Mokokchung (165 kms/06 hrs).En-route we visitthe Tuophema Village, the Longsa village (inhabited by Lotha tribe at Wokha)and the Longkhum Tribal Village (inhabited by the Ao Nagas)..On arrival check in at hotel for02 nights. Overnight at the hotel.
Mokokchung – Mokokchung, one of the districts in Nagaland,is the home of the Ao Naga tribe. It is bounded by Assam to its North, Wokha to its West, Tuensang to its East, and Zunheboto to its South.
Longkhum: A vanguard village of the Ao’s in the days of head hunting, Longkhum is strategically situated at an altitude of 1,846m. The people of the village are hard working and its exquisite handcraft and handloom items are renowned for miles around.
On a clear day it is possible to see the eastern Himalayas of Arunachal and beyond. The Ao’s have a belief that Longkhum is the resting place of the spirits of the dead on their onward journey to paradise. Local legend goes that a single visit to Longkhum is not enough and that the dead have to return to the village again to collect their souls.
DAY 08 – MOKOKCHUNG
Today full day explore Mopungchuket,Chuchuyimlang and Ungmavillages at Mokokchung. Explore the villages and interact with the villagers to know about their lifestyle, culture and tradition. Overnight at the hotel at Mokokchung.
Ungma: This is the oldest and the largest of all the Ao villages and the second largest village in Nagaland, next only to Bara Basti of Kohima. It occupies a unique position in the history of the Ao Nagas, for it is said that the whole Ao tribe founded this village when they first entered the land from their ancestral home at Chungliyimti (now within the Sangtam Naga Territory). The rich Ao culture and tradition is zealously guarded and practiced by the villagers even today, and the place is considered to be a living museum of the traditions of the tribe.
CHUCHUYIMLANG : It is the village of festivals for the Ao Nagas. The Moatsu festival, based on community bonding, takes place here from the first of May till the third. During this period, the villagers express their friendship towards villagers by exchanging gifts. The tourist village established here showcases this spirit of the villagers in the most natural and uncontaminated manner.
Mopungchuket is an Ao village. Legend has it that the village was chosen by “Mopung“ – a palm leaf in their dialect. The village is enriched with many folklores depicted by the Time-Pillar erected there. There two monuments cum watch towers in the village dedicated to Jinah and Etipheni.e Romeo and Juliet of the village. Small museums and morungs in the area are worth a visit.
DAY 09 – MOKOKCHUNG-MON
Today post breakfast drive to Mon (260 kms/08 hrs) – the village of the Konyak Nagas. On arrival check in hotel for 02 nights. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Mon – situated at an altitude of 897 metres above sea level, is the home of the Konyak Nagas. Hereditary chiefs known as Anghs (Chief) rule the Konyaks and the institutions of Anghship prevail only in the Konyak Naga tribe. It is interesting to see their tattooed faces, head gear and traditional war dresses. They are known for their excellent wood carving, handicrafts and blacksmithery.
DAY 10 – MON,NAGALAND
This morning drive to LongwaVillage which is a (57 kms / 01 ½ hrs) drive. One of the biggest villages in Mon district, the village straddles the international boundary between India and Myanmar with half of the Angh’s houses falling within India and the remainder in Burma. Enroute also visit Tang Village. Overnight at the hotel.
LONGWA VILLAGE: Longwa, 46 kms from mon town is one of the biggest village in Mon district. It is an interesting sight to behold- the village straddles the international boundary line (Myanmar), one half of the Anghs house falls within the Indian Territory, whereas the other half lies in the Myanmar . However, the whole village is controlled by the Angh (Chief). There are four rivers running from the village, two rivers run into the Indian side called Tegi and Tapi and the other two to Myanmar called Tejak and Shumnyu.
DAY 11 – MON-KAZIRANGA
Today post breakfast drive to Kaziranga (240 kms/07 – 08 hrs). On arrival check in hotel for 02 nights. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK – is a World Heritage Site, where more than 75% of the world’s total population of the great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros can be found. It lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River and is one of the oldest parks of Assam. Besides rhinos, the Asiatic Water Buffalo, Elephants, Royal Bengal Tigers, Swamp deer, Barking deer and Hog deer can be seen. About 400 species of birds are found in Kaziranga National Park.
To name a few- Swamp Francolin, Great Hornbill, Pallas Fish Eagle, Pied Falconets, Greater Adjutant Stork, Long Billed Vulture. There is no telling what one might find in Kaziranga but it is always a great experience. The specialty here is the Blue naped pitta among a host of Raptors and Waterfowl. The adjoining buffer areas are worth a try too, as numerous rare sightings are reported regularly.
Note : National Park in this sector remains open from 1st Nov to 30th April every year. However during October like previous year, we are hopeful that this coming October also the Forest Dept. will be able to keep the National Park open for Safari’s wef 01 Oct. However, this can only be confirmed nearer to date, which Forest Dept. will declare keeping the weather and other factors in mind. Incase park is opened in Oct there is limited access as full access to all the ranges are normally not permitted due to weather and road condition. Alternatively 01 Nov to 30 Apr is confirmed date for opening of park.
DAY 12 – KAZIRANGA
Spent the full day exploring the beautiful forests and grasslands of the National Park morning and afternoon jeep safari. Evening visit to the Kaziranga Orchid Park cum Biodiversity Conservation Centre and enjoy a cultural evening.
JEEP SAFARI- Forenoon: Entry time between 0700 to 1000 Hours. No entry after 1000 Hrs
Afternoon: Entry time between 1330 to 1500 Hours. No entry after 1500 Hrs
Jeep Safaris are permitted on pre-defined tourist circuits within Kaziranga National Park- currently at the following four points. Each of these circuits takes about one and half to two and half hours (or even more depending upon interest of the tourists), subject to local range conditions and weather. Jeep Safari may be cancelled / curtailed due to any reason by the Park Authorities without prior notice.
The Central Range passes through the entire habitat spectrum from ox-bow lakes, savannah woodland to swamp forests. It is very good for mammal sightings as well as for birds (Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Great Hornbill, Rufous Woodpecker). While driving along the trail, one can see rows of Indian Roofed and Tent Turtles (Kachuga tecta and Kachuga tentoria). Water Monitors Varanus salvator are sometimes spotted in the beels.
The Eastern Range abounds in water birds such as bar-headed geese, falcated duck, grey-headed lapwing and spot-billed pelican (a colony of 200 pairs of this globally threatened species nesting on the Bombax trees can be found here).
The Western Range has the highest density of rhinos as this part of the park is swampier. It has grassland birds and raptors (swamp francolin, pallas’s fish eagle etc ). Smooth Indian Otters (Lutrogaleperspicillata) can sometimes be seen fishing in it’s ox-bow lakes.
In the evening enjoy a cultural programme called RANG SANDHYA in Kaziranga show casing the local dance form- Bihu. Jhumur (a tea tribe dance form) is another dance of Assam which can be enjoyed in the programme.
DAY 13 – KAZIRANGA – GUWAHATI, GUWAHATI – KOLKATA (BY FLIGHT)
After breakfast transfer to Guwahati airport (04 ½ hrs) to Kolkata, upon arrival transfer to hotel for check in .
Rest of the day free for own activity.
DAY 14 KOLKATA – Depart
in time transfer to Kolkata airport for flight to onward journey