Embarking on a tour encompassing Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty, cultural heritage and adventure.
Arrive at Guwahati airport and drive to Shillong. En route witness the Umiam Lake or Barapani - is the biggest artificial lake in Meghalaya in midst of sylvan hills adorned by Khasi pines & peerless beauty.
If time permits visit Cathedral of Marry and Ward’s Lake. Evening free at leisure to explore the region on own. You may take a walk to the famous Police Bazaar for shopping. Overnight in Shillong.
Barapani (Umiam Lake): As per the legends, two heavenly sisters decided to make their way to Meghalaya. However, one of them had reached the destination and the other could not due to some reason. So the former could not traced out her sister and started crying with her broken heart. She cried so much that and a lake was formed with her tears. Locally known as Umiam Lake, Barapani means vast waters. Today it becomes a hub for the water sports activities such as speed boats, sailboats and water scooters. Adjoining to the lake, the Nehru Park offers an aviary and a collection of orchids and butterflies.
Wards Lake: Wards Lake is located in the heart of the Shillong City adjoining to the Governor’s Residence. Shaped like a horseshoe, it is one of the prominent hang-out spot in Shillong. This century old lake was built by an engineer named Mr. Pollock. Hence it is also known to be as “Polok’s Lake”. One can opt for boating and pleasant walks on the cobbled sand stone pathways covered with varieties of flowers. The lake also has an arched bridge from where one can feed the fish.
Cathedral of Mary: Situated in At Laitumkhrah, it is the largest Cathedral in Meghalaya attracts thousands of devotees. The colorful glasses of the skylight window along with the paintings of the Jesus spreading the messages of God are influenced by the European art and architecture.
Today morning after breakfast excursion to Cherrapunjee. Visit DwanSyiem view point, Noh kalikai falls, Mawsmai caves, Seven Sister falls, Eco park etc. Later drive back to Shillong. On the way visit to Shillong Peak & Elephant Falls. Overnight stay at Shillong.
Shillong Peak: It is the highest point of Shillong, located in the upper Shillong an an altitude of 1961 meters (6,433 feet). The name Shillong originated from “Leishyllong” meaning god who is believed to live on the Shillong peak, overlooking the city. It is located 5 kilometers away from Shillong and on a clear day one can enjoy the beautiful view of the entire city.
Elephant Falls: Located in the Upper Shillong 10 kms away from the Shillong town it is one of the majestic waterfalls in Meghalaya. The water of this three steps falls comes down in flows from different levels over the fern-covered rocks and falls into the canyon down below. In the morning it forms a wonderful sight when the sun rays fall on the cascades of water creating the rainbow colors. The best time to visit the waterfalls is during the monsoon when it offers a breath-taking scenery. The forests covered with ferns and thick bamboo grooves are also worth visited for the nature lovers to find the presence of various species of butterflies, birds and orchids.
Nohkalikai falls: This waterfall located 4 kms away from Cherrapunjee and is possibly between 1500 and 2000 feet tall. Known to be the fourth longest fall in the world it carries a pathetic legend behind its name. A woman named Ka Likai had a illegitimate child. After marriage the husband became jealous of her love for her daughter. One day Ka Likai was out for work and her husband killed the daughter, cooked her flesh into a meal. When the woman inquired about her daughter, her husband showed the sign of ignorance. Before she went to look for her daughter, she thought of eating something and had the meal that her husband prepared for her. After having the meal she found both the wrist of her daughter in the betel-nut basket. Then she realized what had happened, killed her husband with a dagger and threw herself off this cliff of this falls. This is how the falls got its name which means “Fall of Ka Likai.”
Nohsngithiang Falls (also known as the Seven Sisters Waterfalls or Mawsmai Falls)
Mawsmai Cave: This 250m long cave is the major attraction for the tourists in Cherrapunjee. This cave is located 6 kms away from Cherrapunjee near to Mawsmai village. This natural limestone cave is wide enough for a person to walk comfortably, and one can see the myriads of stalagmites and stalactites all over the caves which are growing gradually. The caves are dark inside and electric torches are installed for the convenient of the tourists.
Eco Park: The Eco Park has been designed by the Meghalaya government to facilitate tourist to enjoy the ‘Green Canyons” ofSohra as well as the waterfalls that lie around it. There is a stream inside the park and one has to cross a bridge to get near the edge of the canyon.
The scenic beauty from the edge is awe inspiring. On the other side of the Eco Park is a view point to see the Bangladesh plains. The Eco Park also houses a wide variety of orchids, courtesy the Shillong Agri-Horticultural society.
After breakfast drive to Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia, also known as ‘God’s own Garden’. With over 80 households, the village gives the ambiance of walking in a well maintained park ! Climb the 80 ft Sky Walk at Mawlynnong village for a bird’s eye view of the Village, the plantations and faraway plains of Bangladesh. You will also be acquainted with the Khasi lifestyle, their culture and economy.
A trek to the nearby Rewai Village is another interesting activity. Walk down a flight of almost 100 steps to witness nature’s wonder, living-root bridge. The bridges are tangles of massive thick roots, which the local people intertwined to form a bridge that can hold several people at a time. The root bridges, may be up to over a hundred feet long, take ten to fifteen years to become fully functional, but they become very strong in the process. The bridges live and keep growing and strengthen over time. The useful lifespan of the bridges, is thought to be 500–600 years.
Later drive to Dawki, a village of the Jaintia community whose prime occupation of fishing. Be mesmerized by the beauty of the Umngotriver, the venue of the annual boat race held during March - April at Umsyiem. The Umngot itself is a prime fishing spot for fishermen of the villages. The river is also famous for its crystal clear water, so clear that when seen from a distance, it appears as if the boat is floating in mid-air! The Umngotriver is the natural boundary between RiPnar or Jaintia Hills with HimaKhyrim of Khasi hills over which is a single span suspension bridge was constructed. This is the gateway to Bangladesh where major export and import transactions take place. Enjoy an amazing country boat river ride. Drive up to the Bangladesh border.
Later proceed to Shillong for overnight stay.
Note: It is advisable to carry packed lunch to Mawlynnong.
After Breakfast drive to Kaziranga. Check in at the hotel. Evening enjoy a cultural dance show of Assam. Overnight at Kaziranga.
In Kaziranga to enjoy cultural show you have options, as some local youth organized Cultural show in Kohora in auditorium or open field and also you can go to Orchid And Biodiversity Park which is approx. 3 Kms far from Kohora(Main Market area). They usually organize 3 to 5 types of cultural dance along with famous Bihu dance. We suggest you not to MISS THE PROGRAM.
Early morning go for Elephant ride (Elephant riding time: 1st Ride-5.15-6.15 AM; 2nd ride: 6.30-7.30 am). After Elephant ride return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast Jeep safari to the Central Range / Western range. Afternoon enjoy Local Village & Tea Garden (Outer View).
Overnight at Kaziranga.
Morning after breakfast, drive to Dirang (4910 ft). Enroute visit Tippi Orchid Centre. Arunachal, the ‘Orchid Paradise’ is famed to have the largest variety of orchids in India. The Orchidarium at Tipi shelters 500 or more varieties of orchids which are available in various parts of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a premier Institute of excellence in orchid research and development, under the State Forest Research Institute (Department of Environment and Forests , Arunachal Pradesh).
Overnight stay at Dirang.
Morning after breakfast, drive to Tawang (10,000 ft). En route witness the unique Dirang Valley famous for its monasteries, hot Springs, Apple & kiwi Orchards, sheep breeding farms & charming valleys. Also witness the snowcapped Sella Pass at 13700 ft, the JaswantGarh War Memorial and Jung Falls. Overnight in Tawang.
JaswantGarh War Memorial : Legend has it that Jaswant (Mahavir Chakra Awardee (Posthumous) of 4th BatallionGarhwal Rifles), fought a lone battle against the invading Chinese during the 1962 war. His spirit is still believed to protect the place.
SelaPass : @13700 ft, the Sela Pass is is snow-covered (full or partial) all through the year and has breathtaking mystic views. Close to the Pass is the beautiful Sela Lake, a heart-shaped lake chiseled between the mountains, which intensifies the beauty of the region. The Lake is mostly frozen in winter. The Sela Pass is the main route to access Tawang town and is located 78 km before reaching Tawang.
Jung Falls : TheNuranang falls (original name) @6000 feet is located about 40 km before reaching Tawang is famed as one of the most stunning waterfalls in North East India. The falls height is about 100 meters. The legend about the waterfalls goes that it is named after a Monpa girl Nura who aided an Indian soldier during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
Tawang is the beautiful land of the Monpa tribes. ‘The Land of Dawn-lit Mountains’ at 3500 mts gives you unparallel purity of nature. After breakfast, visit the Tawang Monastery, Urgelling Monastery, AniGompa.
The Tawang Monastery, also known as the “GALDEN NAMGYEL LHATSE” is one of the largest Lamaseries of Mahayana sect in Asia and is the largest of its kind in India. The Monastery is 400 year old and is adorned with the 18 feet high statue of Lord Buddha. It stands at 10,000 feet amidst the exotic Himalayan ranges and overlooks the Tawang-Chu valley. The Urgelling Monastery is located 5 km from Tawang city, and is the birth place of the 6th Dalai Lama, born in the 17th century. The monastery was established by the Lama UrgenSangpo in the 15th century.
Later visit the War Memorial commemorating the bravery of the Indian heroes of the Indo-China war of 1962. Witness the light & sound show in the evening. Overnight in Tawang.
Morning drive back to Bomdila. At a height of 8OOO ft., Bomdila is a small town famous for its Buddhists monasteries, magnificent valleys and Himalayan landscapes.
Evening free at leisure.
Overnight in Bomdila.
After breakfast drive to Guwahati. Check in Hotel. Overnight in Guwahati.
Today morning after breakfast transfer to Guwahati airport or Railway station. If time permits visit Kamakhya Temple.
Kamakhya Temple: The origin of Kamakhya Temple is pre Aryan situated atop the Nilachal Hill. The formost shrine of Assam, The Kamakhya is an ancient seat of Tantric and shakti Cults of Hinduism. The original temple was destroyed by the invading Muslims in their crusade against Hindu temples and idols in the early part of 16th century. Ultimately it was restored from ruins by King Naranarayan of the Koch dynasty and rebuilt in its present forming 1665 AD.
1. 10 Nights accommodation as per the itinerary
2. Meal Plan – CPAI as per selection
3. All transfers & sightseeing as per itinerary by Selected Vehicle
4. Rates are valid for INDIAN NATIONALS only.
5.Inner Line Permit for entry to Arunachal Pradesh
1. Any travel or medical insurance
2. Cost for Airfare, Train fare, Insurance Premiums, Rafting Charges.
3. Cost for service provided on a personal request
4. Any expenses of personal nature like tips, laundry, etc
5. Alcoholic beverages
6. Guide & Entry Fees
7. Cruise Cost
8. Camera fees
9. Special Entry Tickets to Kamakhya Temple
10. GST5%
11. Anything not included in the above inclusions
12. Boating at Umngot River (Dawki)
13. Any cost arising due to natural calamities, landslides, road blockage, political Disturbances, fuel price hike (to be borne by the client which is directly payable on the spot and as per actual)
14. Elephant Ride & Jeep Safari. (Seat and Time allotments depend on forest department guidelines)
Here is a must take list that you should carry while traveling:
SPECIAL NOTE FOR ARUNACHAL PRADESH:
INNER LINE PERMIT FOR ENTRY TO ARUNACHAL PRADESH:
CHINA BORDER:
HEALTH ADVISORY:
We are a Travel Boutique house which specializes in the personalized travel experiences . We have travelled the length and breadth of these regions repeatedly, just to ensure that our clients are visiting the right places at the right time on the right days, eating hygienic & tasty food, staying at the best properties which are cheap and fantastic as well. We have every answer to your query pertaining to the destinations.
Cities
Bhalukpong, Dirang, Tawang, Bomdila, Guwahati