Hornbill festival and rock-contest in Nagaland

DURATION: 8 days

DATES: Dec 4 – Dec 11 , 2011

COST: Rs. 23,500 per person, Includes: Stay at medium budget good accomodation on a twin sharing basis, breakfast, lunch and dinner, services of a coordinator, travel by private comfortable vehicle, airport pick-up and drop-off. Does not include: Any items of personal nature, any other items not mentioned above such as entry fees.

GETTING THERE AND AWAY: The trip starts and ends at Guwahati, capital of the state of Assam in the North-East region of India. Guwahati is connected to major metros of India by flight, and by rail.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 (Dec 4): Start from Guwahati, driving down to Kaziranga National Park. This is a 5 hour drive along the highway, through some soothing greenery and rural scenery. In the evening, take a stroll through the tea gardens, views of which you will be seeing when you enter the Kaziranga area.

Day 2 (Dec 5): Get up really early ( unearthly hour of 4:30, remember this is the East, morning happens earlier) for an Elephant safari where you will see rhinos up close and personal. After breakfast, drive to Kohima ( 4 hrs) through some beautiful hilly terrain. Late afternoon or evening stroll around Kohima town, check out local markets.

o/n: Kohima

Days 3 & 4 (Dec 6, Dec 7): Hornbill festival : The hornbill festival held annually at Kisema village ( 10 km from Kohima) is a gathering of all the tribes of Nagaland – you’ll be able to eat the local food, see the traditional homes, and watch the dances and other performances. Be part of the  electrifying rock concerts with rock groups from all over India. o/n: Kohima

Day 5 (Dec 8 ): Drive to Khonoma village ( 2hrs) – Explore Khonoma village ( a village close to Kohima, yet in a world of its own), and its environs. Khonoma village is known for its freedom fighters, with the many memorials around the village. It is extremely picturesque, situated on a hill in the middle of thick forests. We will do some short hikes near the village in the forests, and take long walk through the village interacting with the villagers. o/n: Khonoma village

Day 6 (Dec 9): Hike in Dzukou valley ( depending on the situation in the area), covered with white frost in the winters, and full of wildflowers in the summer months. Its the North-Easts very own valley of flowers. Its a surprise to many that a frozen river can actually be found in this part of the country at this time. Return back to Khonoma.

Day 7 (Dec 10):  Full day’s drive back to Guwahati. Overnight in Ghy.

Day 8 (Dec 11):  Departure.