We start our journey in Shillong, known as the Scotland of the east, the capital city of Meghalaya is the home to the Khasis. It is set among pine-covered hills and adorned by numerous waterfalls. Cool climate and beautiful natural setting lends this city,a very special charm. We travel further South West to the Dawki on the border with Bangladesh and later on to rainy Mawlynnong and Cherrapunji,located in the Khasi hills and facing the plains of Bangladesh. Such heavy rainfall gives birth to numerous waterfalls, beautiful streams and the root bridges which are unique to the region. Later we explore the grasslands and marshes of Kaziranga National Park spotting one horned rhinos and other animals. We end our journey at Majuli, largest fresh water mid-river delta island in the country where Assamese Vashnavite culture flourishes.
ITINERARY
Guwahati, Shillong, Mwallynong, Cherrapunjee & Kaziranga National Park (7n / 8d)
Day 1 – Guwahati to Shillong : Arrive at Guwahati airport and drive to Shillong. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya (meaning ‘the abode of the clouds’)is located in undulating pine covered hills, the city has a mild climate. Home to several waterfalls, it is also known as the Scotland of the East. The British legacy is still visible in the architecture and food habits of the population. The Assam style houses with slanting roofs, large number of windows and wooden floors look like a piece of art. Overnight in Shillong.
Day 2 – Shillong to Mwallynong via Dawki : After breakfast drive to Dawki on the Meghalaya – Bangladesh border.See fishermen fishing in small canoes in the green colored waters of the Dawki river and go till the Bangladesh border. Later drive to Mwallynong which has been dubbed as the cleanest village in Asia by Discover India Magazine. Paved walkways and beautiful flowerbed all along mark the village, with waterfalls, living root bridges, hilly rivulets, acacia plantation and an excellent view of the faraway plains of Bangladesh all contribute to the ambiance of this village. Overnight at Mwallynong.
Day 3 – Mwallynong to Cherrapunjee : After breakfast drive to Cheerapunji ( also known by its historical name of Sohra ) is a town in East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya. En route take a light 15 minutes trek through the jungle to visit a secluded waterfalls. Swim at the pool, formed at the base of the falls and stand under the falls for a refreshing feel at the waterfalls where no other tourist will be there. Cheerapunji, one of the wettest places on earth is home to numerous waterfalls, jungles and limestone caves. It is a pleasant drive to see roaring waterfalls leaping into deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngithiang Falls and Nohkalikai Falls ( the highest plunge waterfall in India ). Later visit the Khasi Monoliths and Mawsmai Cave. This long stalactites and stalagmites caves ( of which only 150 meters is open for tourists ) have innumerable forms, shapes and sizes. This magnificent natural wonder is the handiwork of years of natural abrasion and underground water. Overnight at Cherrapunjee.
Day 4 – Cherrapunjee : Today we go for a day trek to visit the double decker root bridge at Nongriat village close to Cherrapunjee. Deep in the dense tropical forest around Cherrapunjee, and shrouded in cloud and rain for much of the year, are some astonishing man-made natural wonders known living root bridges which inventive members of the Khasi tribe have trained to grow from the roots of ancient rubber trees, native to the northeast region. The root bridges provide a stable alternative to wooden bridges, which decay and get destroyed during the lengthy monsoon seasons. On this day of adventure you get up close with nature, trekking through thick jungles, crossing crystal clear streams on root and hanging bamboo bridges, taking a swim in one of the numerous natural pools in the stream, spot different kinds of butterflies and insects, admire the beauty of nature and of course visiting and walking on the double decker bridge. Back to Cherrapunjee by evening. Overnight at Cherrapunjee.
Day 5 – Cherrapunjee to Kaziranga National Park : Leave your hotel early morning after breakfast for Kaziranga National Park. On the way visit Thangkharang Park that is home to a large number of rare and exotic orchids and the beautiful Umiam lake. From high elevations en-route have a panoramic view of the plains of Bangladesh. Kaziranga is a vast expanse of tall elephant grass, marshland and dense tropical moist broad leaf forests, crisscrossed by four major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, and the park includes numerous small bodies of water. Check-in at an eco-camp close to Kaziranga and enjoy your dinner and overnight stay..
Day 6 – Kaziranga National Park : After breakfast take an exhilarating jeep safari in the Kaziranga National Park. Return to your hotel for lunch and get some rest. Around 2:30 PM take an elephant safari in the park that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to two-thirds of the one-horned rhinoceroses in the world. Kaziranga National Park also boasts of the highest density of tigers and is a major bird;ife habitat.Located on the edge of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, the park combines high species diversity and visibility. Some of the animals that can be easily spotted here are the rhino, elephants, water buffalo and swamp dear. Return to eco-camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7 : Kaziranga National Park to Guwahati : After breakfast leave for Guwahati and en route visit some tea gardens and pick up some Assam tea to take home. Evening take a leisurely cruise on the Bhramaputra River in Guwahati. Overnight at Guwahati.
Day 8 : Departure : After breakfast transfer to airport. End of tour.
THEMESCulture
Nature
Adventure
Wildlife
DESTINATIONSGuwahati
Shillong
Mwallynong
Cherrapunjee
Kaziranga
HIGHLIGHTS
– Spot one horned rhinos riding on elephant back at Kaziranga National Park
– Trek across forest and streams to the double decker root bridge at Cheerapunjee
– Explore stalagmite caves in Cheerapunjee
– Visit to Dawki on the Bangladesh border
– See Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India
– Ferry ride to Majuli island, the largest river island in India
– Visit Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia
COST Spoiler content INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
INCLUSIONS :
5 Nights stay at home stay / resort with breakfast, 1 Night stay at houseboat with all meals, All transfers and excursions in private vehicle including all vehicle charges – driver cost, toll, parking etc. , service charges and taxes, Wildlife Safari Charges.
EXCLUSIONS :
Other than mentioned, Entry tickets and camera charges at sightseeing places ( if applicable )
STAY & TRANSPORT
As this is a customised tour, you can choose the accommodation and transport as per your preference . Accommodation types available – Resorts, Cottages, Home stay, Houseboat. Transport – Private Vehicle ( SUV or Car )
NOTE :
COST MENTIONED IS INDICATIVE.
This is a customized trip. Cost might vary depending on your group size and type of accommodation required. Please contact us for details
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