The Last Frontiers of India

Itinerary

Day 1 - Kolkata
Arrive in Kolkata, India’s second largest city. Kolkata encapsulates modern India – a hectic and vibrant city teeming with life, and is a great place to start your trip into the tribal regions to the north east. Overnight Lytton Hotel or similar.

Day 2 – Dibrugarh
Leaving Kolkata behind, we fly to Dibrugarh in eastern Assam. Much of the old town of Dibrugarh was destroyed during the 1950 earthquake. The new town on the Bhrahmaputra river is surrounded by tea estates. Overnight Mancotta Chang Bungalows or similar. (B)

Day 3 - Dibrugarh
We visit Digboi and also the British Second World War cemetery, the result of a tumultuous battle with the Japanese. Nearby lies Nam-Phake, an ethnic tribal village of huge historical significance, whose ancestors migrated from Thailand and who still maintain their age-old culture. Overnight Mancotta Chang Bungalows or similar. (B)

Day 4 - Nagaland
Drive to Mon in northern Nagaland, a mountainous and narrow strip of land, bordered by Myanmar and home to over fifteen different Tibeto-Burmese tribal groups, known collectively as the Nagas. Overnight Mon View Resort or similar. (B)

Day 5 - Nagaland
We have a full day to explore villages around Mon. This area is home to the Konyak tribe who live in villages of communal longhouses decorated with the skulls of mithun (wild buffalo). Each village is ruled by an aung, or chieftain, and young men share a morung (dormitory) until they get married. The older men have elaborate tattoos and they wear feathered headgear and traditional dresses. The Konyaks are skilled craftsmen who make excellent wood carvings, daos (machetes), guns, gun powder, head brushes, headgear and necklaces. Overnight Mon View Resort or similar (B)

Days 6–7 - Mokokchung
Continue to the pretty town of Mokukchung, home to the Ao Nagas. Visit the nearby Ao village of Longkhum, located on the highest hill top in Mokokchung district. Not far away is Chuchuyimlang, a village that has won an award for being one of the cleanest villages in India. Streets are indeed amazingly clean with wonderful displays of flowers in the front of the houses. Every house opens onto a well tended garden, and the people are accustomed to visitors and welcome a chat. Stay at the Tourist Lodge for two nights. (B)

Day 8 – Sivsagar - Jorhat
Drive to Sivsagar, once the capital of the Ahom Kingdom, to see the Shiva Temple here. Afterwards continue to Jorhat, a major tea centre and conveniently located for visiting the nearby Majuli island. Overnight at the Thengal Manor or similar. (B)

Days 9-10 – Majuli Island
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 the Happy House or similar. (B)

Days 11-12 - 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 on elephant back and by jeep and hope to have good game sightings. Overnight Wild Grass Resort or similar. (BLD)

Day 13 – Guwahati
We drive to Guwahati, the capital of Assam, situated in a superb location overlooking the Brahmaputra River. We spend time exploring its temples, including the Kamakya Temple, the most important shrine in Assam, which is dedicated to the goddess Kali. We also visit the temple of Navgraha, overlooking the river and an ancient site for the practice of astrology and astronomy. Overnight Kiranshree Portico or similar. (B)

Day 14 – Kolkata
We transfer to Guwahati airport to board the flight to Kolkata. The rest of the day is free to explore the city or sit back and reflect on the amazing adventure we’ve had. Overnight Lytton Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 15 – Kolkata
Tour ends. (B)