Route Map
Hornbill Festival tour of Nagaland
Soft adventure and Cultural tour
10 Days
THE TOUR AT A GLANCE
One of India's last remaining frontiers travel to the northeastern tribal state of Nagaland is challenging but hugely rewarding. A land of spectacular beauty and timeless history indelibly linked to the colorful indigenous tribal groups which form such an important part of the region, this tour visits Tuophema, Mokokchung and Mon stopping in many fascinating villages on the way. The highlight of this journey however is a two-day visit to the Hornbill Festival - a grand celebration, held annually in December and attended by the sixteen tribes of Nagaland.
EXPERIENCES AND VISITS IN THIS TOUR
- Victoria Memorial Palace – Marvel At The Architecture
- Howrah Bridge – Capture The Beautiful Landscape
- The Marble Palace – Peep Into The 19th Century
- Tram Ride – Explore The City As Bengalis Do
- Traditional welcome by the exotic Naga Tribes
- Pay respects at World War II Cemetery in Kohima
- Enjoy local culture and cuisines at the incredibly exciting Hornbill festival
- Witness unique traditions and customs of Naga people and get thrilled by the stimulating contests at the festival
- A spectacular celebration of the region’s identity, the festival is attended by tribes
- Mokokchung is the cultural hub for the Ao people and an important town in northern Nagaland.
- The town and district of Mon were once famous for headhunting. Peopled by ethnic Konyak and Ao tribes,
- A splendid boat ride in the Brahmaputra River
VIEW FULL ITINERARY
Upon arrival in Kolkata, you will be welcomed by our representative and escorted to your hotel.
Early morning proceed to Malik Ghat Flower Market is India’s biggest flower market more than 130 years old, this market lies beneath the eastern end of the Howrah Bridge. By using a railway over a bridge, visitors can reach this market. The boisterous sounds and frenzied energy of Kolkata city are most colorfully and fragrantly evident at Malik Ghat Flower Market. Back to the hotel for breakfast.
Morning explores the city of Joy. You will visit the Victoria Memorial. Built between 1906 and 1921, Victoria Memorial is a huge marble building signifying commemoration of Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. Architecture has a huge influence on both English and Mughal culture. The statues of King George V facing his wife, Mary; the soaring central chamber remains in the hallway are very imposing.
Indian Museum -It is the largest museum across India and boasts exquisite collections of armor, antiques, ornaments, skeleton, fossils, mummies and beautiful Mughal paintings.
Dalhousie Square: Renamed Bombadil Dinesh Bagh (also BBD Bagh), Dalhousie Square is the hub of West Bengal/’s administration and commerce. This is the site of all the important government institutions of the state. This is the place that houses the now-famous Writer/’s Building (clerks were known as writers in British India) and the old Fort William.
Afternoon visit Temple- Goddess Kali is worshiped as the Mother Goddess in the city- the most prominent and popular being the Kalighat Temple. It is said that the city of Kolkata has derived its name from this temple.
Visit Mother Teresa’s home features a huge Mother Teresa’s sober tomb. The museum displays the sandals used to be worn by her and the battered enamel dinner bowl. On the floor above is the room where she used to sleep and work. The room has been well preserved in all its simplicity with her bed.
Optional:
Enjoy the city of Joy in a Tramo Ride -Started in 1902 (tram system runs only in Kolkata in the whole country) It is one of those distinct features that offers a very special look to Kolkata, unlike other metros.
Morning, transfer to airport to board flight for Dimapur
Upon arrival, you will meet our representative and transfer to Kohima, arrive and check-in at Camp or at Hotel.
In the afternoon, you will visit Kohima City: Kohima is the capital of Nagaland state. It has its name in history and is known for changing the world politics during the 2nd World War as it was here that Allied forces with the help of Naga people stopped winning spree of Japanese forces in this part of the world. A memorial was built to honor those who lost their lives during the war. Visit Kohima Museum, known for a rare collection of artifacts of Nagas. Also, visit Cathedral and Kohima World War Cemetery.
In the morning you will proceed to Kisama Heritage Village which comes alive during the Hornbill festival, a cultural extravaganza where great cultural traditions and dances of Nagas are on display. The name of the festival is derived from the bird which plays a very important role in the folklore of these tribes. The whole day is dedicated to witnessing the Hornbill festival. As you take your seat in the amphitheater which is like an open-air museum, sixteen Naga tribes perform dances and dramas enacting scenes relating to war and their way of life. It is not only the music and dance which mesmerize you but the exquisite local handicrafts and handlooms are equally captivating. This is also a perfect opportunity for those who love photographing ethnic people and their ceremonies. The Nagas are one of the most elaborately dressed tribal people and are stunning in their colorful dresses. There are many food stalls serving local cuisine which also includes smoked pork, a local delicacy.
Full-day enjoy the performance of traditional dances not only from Nagaland but from all the North-Eastern states of India names as ‘seven sisters’. You will also get a chance to see tribal houses as the Kisama village Complex consists of a cluster of sixteen houses of each tribe created in the indigenous typical architectural design and concept. The tribal house is called “Morung or Youth Dormitory” in the local langauge which depicts the Colourful life and culture of 16 recognized Naga tribes.
Full-day excursion to visit tribal villages near Kohima. Visit of Khonoma village known for valor and courage of its tribal people. It is also a fine example of an alternative form of living in full harmony with nature. The naga tribes who live here used to go for a mass hunt for their food and used to indulge in other practices which would harm nature. Now it has been converted into an eco-friendly village and has a unique water system as the water is piped long distances using bamboo. This village is very scenic and surrounded by green rice terraces. Then explore the charming Kigwema village which is a charming old village of the Angami tribe. Kigwema means ‘inheritance of the house’, as it is said that many other Angami villages originated from here only. Walkthrough the lanes of the village and see their traditional houses with wooden pillars
Later also visit Jakhama village to experience the real Angami Naga tribal way of living before returning to your hotel / Camp in Kohima
In the morning you will drive to Mokokchung, which is a picturesque town. It is also the cultural and intellectual hub and headquarters of Nagas who are famous for their colourful attire and dance.
Enroute visit Tuophema. Home of the northern Angami tribe, Tuophema is situated deep in the central Naga Hills. Visit the village which is inhabited by the Angami tribe then continue by road to Mokokchung. This picturesque town is the cultural centre of the Ao tribes who are famous for their colourful dances. In the evening visit Ungma village, the largest of the Ao villages and, according to legend, where the early Ao's first settled. The village is many centuries old and has much folklore, ancient customs and unique traditions
In the morning you will drive to Mon, located along the India-Myanmar border, is a mystic and ethic paradise for the rich tribal heritage of Nagaland. The drive is as interesting as the destination as you pass through valleys. It is home to KonyakNagas, the tattoedwarriers who are known for their tattooed faces, blackened teeth and head-hunting prowess. The tattoos on their faces and the exquisite jewellery on their body was the symbol of their achievements during that period. A visit to Mon will not be complete without a visit to Angh’s house (the ruler of the village) as it is adorned with skulls and superb woodwork. The earrings, tattoos and headgear are signs of his power and glory. It will be interesting to meet the villagers and get to know about their traditions. Arrive and check-in at Hotel.
Day proceed your tour of characteristic Shangnyu village of Konyak tribe. Here visit the human skull collection at KonyakMurungs. In ancient times, the chief hunter used to keep the head of his enemies like a trophy. The Angh’s house here is believed to be more than 500 years old. The uniquely carved structure stands tall even today and the memorial stones are also found in front of the house.
Then visit Longwa, one of the biggest villages in the area situated right on the India – Myanmar border. The village lies in two countries and the most interesting is Angh’s house here as half of the house is in India and the other half is in Myanmar. The chief (Angh) has dozens of wives and his house is decorated with trophies of various animal skulls. He is so powerful that his jurisdiction extends up to Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh. Also, visit Hongphui village. The lifestyle of the people here is not yet influenced by the modern world.
After breakfast, drive to Dibrugarh, which is located along the Brahmaputra river. The town is surrounded by tea plantations and misty contours of the Himalayas in the background makes it a fascinating place.
En-route to visit the village of Chui- an ethnic village that exhibits a rich Konyak culture and tradition. Museum depicts the old tradition of hunting skills from the arrays of skulls of different stags arranged inside the Morung.
Arrive in Dibrugarh and check-in at Hotel.
Afternoon, go out for a “tea tour”. The tea gardens are full of tea pickers dressed in colorful dresses who are mostly women as they are considered better than men to “pinch” the delicate buds and youngest leaves.
Later in time transfer to International airport to board flight back home.
End Of Tour
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IN YOUR TOUR COST
- Accommodation for a total of 09 nights sharing a Twin / Double room on Bed & Breakfast basis.
- Meals: full board plan at Kohima in Hotel or Camp.
- Transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program by air-conditioned vehicle.
- All entrance fees to the monuments as mentioned in the program
- English speaking Local guide in Kolkata as per program,
- Escorted English Speaking guide throughout from Day 03 to Day 09 as per program
- Company representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers.
- All permits as required.
- Entry fee for the Hornbill Festival venue on all days.
- All presently applicable taxes including the GST charges levied recently by the Government.
- Two bottles of mineral water each day during sightseeing.
TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE FOLLOWING EXPENSES
- International / Domestic Airfare
- Any new admission fees / taxes / fuel surcharges/ Visa fees
- Meals not mentioned
- All personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, trip cancellation and personal insurance, gratuities, excess baggage fees
- Early check-in/late check-out (except as noted)
- Camera/video fees at monuments
- Communication costs
- Any additional expenses due to unforeseen problems like a natural disaster, war or strikes, cancellation or misconnection of flights or a last-minute change of timings, etc.
- Any other service, which has not been specified as "included".
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