Hornbill Festival and Kaziranga Experience
The state of Nagaland in the North East of India is home to several tribes each of which are distinct in their language, culture and customs. The festivals are important to the tribes as these revolve around agriculture, which is a major profession in the state. The Nagas consider their festivals sacred and so participation in these festivals is essential. To encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland, the Government of Nagaland organizes the Hornbill Festival every year in the first week of December. The festival is named after the Indian hornbill, the large and colourful forest bird, which is displayed in folklore in most of the state’s tribes. If you are headed to the Hornbill festival, it’s a great opportunity to combine this trip with a stay and safari at the popular Rhino destination – Kaziranga National Park. This experience will allow you to do just that.
Tribe follows tribe, and nation follows nation, like the waves of the sea. It is the order of nature, and regret is useless.
Chief Seattle
Overview
- Destination: Nagaland, Assam
- Nearest City (Airport): Dimapur, Guwahati
- Nearest City (Railway Station): Dimapur, Guwahati
- Dates: 5-10 Dec (Itinerary customisable based on request)
- Level: Easy
- Price: On request
Experience
If you are going to the North East India, experience the best of the best in the wild Nagaland and Assam.
Hornbill festival is one of the most colourful festivals. It’s a celebration of local tribal art & culture, food coupled with natural beauty of the place and people. Theres quite a bit of history too – Kohima was site for one of the bloodiest battles between the British and INA supported Japanese army during the World War II. The beautifully silent war cemetry and a thoughtful World War II memorial is a testimony to that.
From colourful Nagaland, we move onto the wild Assam right in the heart of Kaziranga National Park with safaris, and stay in the wild with the Rhinos, Elephants and more such abundant wildlife.
Itinerary
- Day 1 / Arrive in Dimapur. DIMAPUR TO KOHIMA (75 KM/2-2.5 HRS)
- Upon arrival at Dimapur airport, embark on a journey to Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, located 75 km away (approximately a 3-hour drive). En route, you may choose to stop at Dimapur, Nagaland's largest town, to explore the fascinating ruins of the Kachari Dynasty. The evening in Kohima offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the local markets, savor the flavors of traditional cuisine, and enjoy the lively carnival night fair. Conclude your day with an overnight stay in Kohima.
- Day 2 / ATTEND THE HORNBILL FESTIVAL AT KISAMA. EXPLORE KOHIMA.
- Experience the vibrant Hornbill Festival at Kisama Heritage Village, where you can immerse yourself in the rich cultural programs, traditional dances, indigenous sports, and diverse culinary delights of Nagaland's sixteen tribes. Marvel at the traditional architecture of their Morungs (dormitories) and visit the World War II Museum within the complex. In the afternoon, explore the charming town of Kohima, including the Reconciliation Cathedral, the State Museum, and the World War II cemetery. In the evening check out the events at Kisama Village. End your day with a comfortable overnight stay in Kohima.
- Day 3 / EXPLORE KHONOMA VILLAGE AND DZULEKE FOREST AREA
- Embark on a day trip to Khonoma, a historic Angami tribe village located 20 km away (approximately a 1-hour drive). Known as the 'Green Village' for being the first in Nagaland to ban hunting, Khonoma offers a unique glimpse into traditional Angami life. Stroll through the fort area, admire the old houses, and immerse yourself in the village's rich heritage. Continue your journey to the picturesque Dzuleke village, surrounded by scenic landscapes. Enjoy a walk around the terraced rice farms and community forests. Return to Kohima (25 km / 1 hour) by sunset for an overnight stay at Cimorb in Kohima. In the evening check out the events at Kisama Village.
- Day 4 / EXPLORE KOHIMA OR GO FOR A DAY HIKE TO DZUKOU VALLEY: DRIVE TIME ONE-WAY: 2 HRS | TREK TIME: 7-8 HRS
- Spend an additional day at Kisama Heritage Village to enjoy more events of the Hornbill Festival, culminating in the spectacular closing ceremony. In the evening, take some leisure time to further explore the charming town of Kohima. Conclude your day with an overnight stay in Kohima. OR Dzükou Valley, often referred to as the "Valley of Flowers" for its celestial charm, captivates all who behold its beauty. In summer, wild herbs, flowers, and shrubs flourish along the stream banks, while during the monsoon, the valley is adorned with a vibrant array of white and pink lilies, euphorbias, aconitums, and hundreds of other botanical species in various colors. With its picturesque meadows and stunning trails, this day hike is a rewarding adventure for those who are reasonably fit.
- Day 4 / Kohima – Kaziranga ( 6 hrs approx)
- After breakfast, visit World War II Memorial and then drive to Kaziranga (around 6 hours). Overnight stay in Kaziranga National Park.
- Day 5 / DEPART FROM KOHIMA TO DIMAPUR (75 KM/2-2.5 HRS) OR DRIVE TO KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK (225 KM/5HRS) - OPTIONAL
- After breakfast, transfer to Dimapur airport (75 km / 3 hrs) for departure. End of tour. OR Drive to Kaziranga National Park.
- Day 6 (Optional) / Kaziranga National Park
- After breakfast, experience the Elephant Safari on the back of an elephant. Really unique way to discover the wildlife here esp. the one horned rhinoceros. After breakfast visit the Orchid Garden (optional). After lunch take the Jeep Safari to look for the elusive tigers and other wildlife. Overnight stay in Kaziranga National Park.
- Day 7 (Optional) / Departure
- After breakfast drive to Guwahati airport/railway station (5 hrs approx) for the return journey.
- Please Note:
- (1) We are not responsible for any law and order, natural calamity, strikes etc. (2) Every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes, landslide, heavy snowfall etc., which are beyond our control, all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes without prior notice and any additional cost, will be borne by the guests directly. (3) Elephant seat subject to availability. (4) Booking process will be done after deposition of 50% as advance and rest you are requested clear 30 days prior to start of the tour. (5) Terms and conditions apply. (6) For permits in Nagaland , you are requested to mail us the scanned copy of Driving License or Passport or Voter ID Card of each member Also 2 Passport size photos of each person. It takes minimum 2 days to get. Saturday and Sunday closed. (7) Permits are required for Indian Nationals only in Nagaland. (8) Rates may be changed if there is any hike regarding the jungle safaris and fuel. (9) The trip runs if we have a minimum of 6 confirmed travellers. In the event that we don’t get the requisite numbers we can run with less than 6 travellers if the traveler are willing to pay slightly extra. Alternatively we reimburse the amount paid to the participants minus any minimal bank charges that may have been cut.
Inclusions
Inclusions
- All Accommodation twin sharing with breakfast in an authentic home stay (Kohima) and resort (Kaziranga).
- Transportation (All sightseeing, long drive, airport pick up & drop).
- 1 Elephant Safari ( Elephant seats subject to availability).
- 1 Jeep Safari in Kaziranga National Park.
- Kaziranga National Park Entry Fees.
- Drivers Allowances.
- Car Parking.
- Local Guide in Nagaland.
- All Permits for Nagaland.
Exclusions
- Camera fees.
- Cost for Evening snacks & Tea and lunch,Dinner and other meals.
- Cost for service not mentioned under the “cost includes” heads.
- Cost for airfare, train fare or any other internal fare.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, mineral water, porter, tip etc.
- Liability for or insurance against injury, loss of life, accidents or loss of goods.
- Expenses incurred due to change in oil price, mishaps, landslide, strike, political unrest etc. In such case, extra will be charged as per actual which will be collected directly from the guest.
- GST and other taxes applicable, if any.
- All entries.
- Items not mentioned in inclusions.
Map
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