Northeast Odyssey: A Journey Through Diversity

Shillong became the first capital of the State of Meghalaya. Located in undulating pine covered hills, the city has a milder climate than tropical India. The city centre is 1496m above sea level and currently has a population of around 270,000. 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.

Overnight at Shillong.

Morning drive to Dawki, visit Indo-Bangladesh border and Umngot River (one can enjoy country boat ride here on direct payment basis). Later, proceed to the Mwallynnong village. Mawlynnong Village located in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, also referred as ‘God’s own garden’ has won the acclaim of being the cleanest village in Asia in 2003. The village known for its cleanliness is located around 90 kms from Shillong and is a community based eco-tourism initiative. The community has made collective effort to maintain the ambience of a clean village. The village offers picturesque natural beauty, a trek to the living root bridge at a neighboring village Riwai. The village also offers a sight of natural balancing rock, a strange natural phenomenon of a boulder balancing on another rock. Evening return to Shillong.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Cherrapunjee. Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya is one of the wettest places on the planet and the only place in India to receive rain throughout the year. The town of Cherrapunjee is nestled in the East Khasi Hills about 50 km southwest of the state’s capital, Shillong. Cherrapunjee, also known as Sohra or Churra, means ‘the land of oranges. The cliffs of Cherrapunjee also offer stunning views of the plains of Bangladesh. Visit to Arwah Cave, Nahkhalikai Falls, Mwasmai Cave, Seven Sister Falls, Dainthlen Waterfalls and Eco Park and Wei Sawdong Waterfalls. Return to Shillong, en-route visit Elephant Falls is a mountain stream gorging down two successive falls set in dells of fern covered rocks.

Overnight at Shillong.

After breakfast drive from Shillong to Kaziranga.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast drive towards bank of Brahmaputra River at Kaliabhomora to experience a dolphin Boat ride (boat ride is subjected to river conditions and permission). This boat is for couple of hours and the primary objective is to spot the endangered Gangetic River Dolphin. Return to hotel. Afternoon proceed for a jeep safari through the villages in the fringes of the park covering Rubber, Coffee & Pepper Plantation, Ethnic Village and Kaziranga Orchid & Biodiversity Park (jeep safari in subjected to water level in villages of Kaziranga).

Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast drive from Kaziranga to Guwahati. The gateway to the northeast and the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the region. It is a somewhat featureless city – a prosaic heap of glass and concrete for the most part – but there is a scattering of interesting temples to explore. Walk its back alleys and old quarters, however, and you will be able to salvage a generous amount of local flavour that lingers amid mansions. Evening enjoy Sunset River Cruise on the Brahmaputra River (Subjected to operational/weather conditions/water level)

Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast visit to Kamakhya Temple - The temple is dedicated to goddess Kamakhya an incarnation of Sati. It is on Nilachal hill, says the Shiva Purana, that the yoni or creative organ of Sati fell when Vishnu, in a bid to save the world from the Shiva’s tandavanrittya or dance of destruction, cut her dead body into 51 pieces with his Suddarshan chakra. Later, transfer to the airport/railway station in time for onward connection.