DAY 01 ARRIVE GUWAHATI

Upon arrival in Guwahati, transfer to hotel. P.M. visit Kamakhya Temple:  one of the greatest ‘Shaktipeeth’, the Shakti shrine of Goddess Kamakhya is situated on the Nilachal Hills and is the oldest center of Tantric Shaktism. The legend regarding the birth of the Kamakhya temple narrates that Lord Shiva, rage with anger at his wife Sati’s death, wandered the entire earth carrying Sati’s corpse. An organ of Sati fell here, eventually the place became a temple of worship. The temple features stone inscriptions, terracotta works, sculptures and idols of Ganesha and Chamundeswari which are worth mentioning. Also, visit the Umananda temple located on a small island with the cleanest waters. Srimantra Sankardev Kalakshetre – a cultural institution in the Panjabari area of Guwahati, named after the medieval poet- and reformer Srimanta Sankardev. It includes a cultural museum, library and various facilities for preserving, demonstrating and performing cultural items, besides a children’s park. In addition to being Northeast India’s largest cultural congregation, the artistic excellence of Assam and rest of the north-eastern region is displayed here. Other places in Guwahati..  Tirupati Balaji Temple, Nabagraha Temple, Assam State Museum.   Overnight stay at Guwahati.

DAY 02 GUWAHATI (HAJO & SUALKUCHI EXCURSION)

After breakfast drive towards Sualkuchi – the silk village of Assam. Here we shall visit a household to see the processing of Silk from cocoons to finish product. All the weaving is still done on handloom. Later visit Hajo – the place popularly known as where the three religions meet namely: Hindu , Muslim and Buddhism. Here we shall visit Hygrib Madhab Temple and Puwa Mecca followed by visit to Sualkuchi Silk

Or choose any of the following options
Day visit to Pobitra wildlife sanctuary (02hrs drive one way) – This is a small but nice anctuary.  Famous for density of one horned rhinos, multiple sighting opportunities. Wild buffalo, boar, foxes, eagles and other migratory birds can also be seen.
Or
Visit Chandubi Lake – Chandubi Lake is an earthquake-born natural lake located at the foot of the Garo Hills and surrounded by Assam and Meghalaya. A calm and peaceful lake surrounded by tea gardens, deep forests and tiny villages. The lake is free from pollution, and also boast of rich flora and fauna.

Evening sun-set cruise in Brahamputra River or a dinner cruise in the river. Return to hotel for night stay. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 GUWAHATI – MANAS NATIONAL PARK (135 kms 3hrs)

After breakfast, leave for Manas National Park. Arrive and check into hotel.  Manas National Park is situated within the foothills of Himalaya in the north bank of the Brahmaputra River. Enjoy the vicinity around the resort with the amount of time. Overnight stay in Manas.

Day 04             Manas National Park

This morning we will start our day little early and will move for our first Jungle ride to the Manas National Park. The wildlife safari is the best medium to explore a wildlife sanctuary and view the wildlife from a very close. This one hour safari will take us to the dense and narrow paths to increasing the chances of animal sighting. Later we will return to the resort for fresh-n-up and breakfast.

After breakfast we will be ready for our first vehicle safari to the national park. The vehicle safari to the national park will be for two to two and half hrs. Here we will be moving on the wild path of Manas National Park to explore the most stunning pristine wildlife habitat.

Return to the guest house for lunch. After lunch we will again move on our wildlife jungle safari to explore the Brahmaputra valley with its semi-evergreen forest. The forest is very rich in species of all Indian wildlife. Here you will have a chance to view the only known home for the rare and endangered Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur and Pygmy Hog. Later in the evening return to the resort. Dinner and overnight stay at guest house.

DAY 05             MANAS NATIONAL PARK TEJPUR KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK (268 KMS/6-7 HRS BY ROAD )

After breakfast leave for Kaziranga en route enjoy Tezpur sightseeing including Agnigarh, Mahabhairab Temple etc. Arrive Kaziranga by afternoon and check into hotel.

Kaziranga National Park: Internationally popular forest reserve and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park is situated on the northern banks of the mighty river Brahmaputra, spreading wide on both the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam. It covers an area of over 430 sq km. Its landscape is characterized by swamps, beels, tall elephant grass, flat grasslands with streams.

The park supports a variety of flora and fauna and an undistributed residence of the Great One horned Rhinoceros. It is also a home to a large population of Indian Elephant, Wild Water Buffalo, Swamp Deer, Indian Boson, Royal Bengal Tiger, Sloth Bear, Hog Deer, Leopard Cats, Otter, Hog Badger, Capped Langur, Hollock Gibbons, Wild Boar, Jackal, Pythons, Monitor Lizard, and Fishing Cat etc. Small mammals like the rare Hispid Hare, Indian Gray Mangoose, Large Indian Civet, Small Indian Civet, Bengal Fox, Golden Jackal, Chinese Pangolin, Indian Pangolin, Hog Badger, Chinese Ferret Badger, Parti-colored Flying Squirrels etc. are also found here.

More than 500 species of birds have been recorded in Kaziranga National Park including 26 species of globally threatened category. Migratory birds like Lesser White Fronted Goose, Ferruginous Duck, Baer’s Pochard Duck and Lesser Adjutant, Greater Adjutant, Black Necked Stork, Asian Openbill Stork etc. migrate to this park during the winter season every year. It is also a habitat of threatened species like Blyth’s Kingfisher, White Bellied Heron, Dalmatian Pelican, Spot-billed Pelican, Nordmann’s Greenshank, Black-Bellied Tern and other birds like the Eastern Imperial Eagle, Palla’s Fish Eagle, Grey Headed Fish Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Indian Vulture, Slender billed Vulture, Indian White-rumped Vulture, Swamp Francolin, Bengal Florican, Pale- Capped Pigeon, Black Breasted Parrotbill and Rufous vented Prinia etc. It is also a home to the endangered Gangetic Dolphin. Besides there are more than 40 species of fishes and 42 species of reptiles are found in Kaziranga National Park.

DAY 06 KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK

Elephant Safari: In the early morning, enjoy an elephant ride in the western range (Bagori) / central range (Kohora) of Kaziranga National Park.
Return to hotel for breakfast, after that a visit to the Ethnic Village of Kajir Ronghangpi Aklam, Kohora and explore the way of living of North Eastern People. Have a glimpse of Assam tea plantation. Observe the teams of colorfully dressed tea garden female workers plucking the delicate buds and leaves with their nimble fingers. Also, visit the company outlet of Hathikuli Tea Estate for purchasing different kinds of organic Tea.

Later visit – Kaziranga National Orchid and Bio-diversity Park: Witness more than 500 varieties of wild orchids collected from different parts of North-East Indian states, 132 species of sour fruits and leafy vegetables, 12 species of cane, 46 species of bamboo and a large variety of local fishes in Kaziranga National Orchid and Bio-diversity Park, located in Durgapur.

Also visit – Souvenir shops of bamboo and wooden products near Orchid Park at Kaziranga.

Jeep Safari: In the afternoon post lunch, enjoy one round of Jeep safari in the central range (Kohora) / western range (Bagori) of Kaziranga National Park.

If interested, visit in the evening – Kaziranga Orchid Park again to enjoy special cultural show of different folk dances of Assam. Overnight: Stay jungle resort.

DAY 07: KAZIRANGA – MAJULI ISLAND (113 kms, 2 & 1/2 mins drive & 1/2 hr ferry ride)

In the early morning after breakfast, take transfer to Majuli Island. En-route cross- the Brahmaputra River by local ferryboat.

Majuli Island: Majuli, the largest river island in the world, is being short listed for future status of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The formation of this river island dates back to 1691 AD, when a great flood swept Assam and created a new island in the midst of river Brahmaputra. Majuli is acclaimed mainly as the main centre of vaishnavite culture and satras of Assam. Srimanta Sankardeva, the Vaishnava saint and religious reformer of vaishnavism and his disciple Madhavdeva took forward the vaishnavite culture at Majuli. The first satra (monastery) was established at Belguri, the western part of
Majuli.

The satras represent the preservation and propagation of socio-cultural ethics and ideals of Assam. There were about 66 satras at Majuli. At present, only 31 of them are survived. These satras are great places of visit during the Raas festivals. Majuli also appeals tourists for its various attractions like rare seasonal migratory birds, display of various collection of traditional handicrafts, pottery, various ethnic dance forms, religious and mythological-based dramas etc.

At Majuli, a rare sight of Gangetic River Dolphin in the mighty Brahmaputra River may be an experience for lifetime. Arrive at Majuli and check-in at hotel / traditionally built bamboo cottage. Later visit –

Auniati Satra: Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva, the main attraction of this vaishnavite satra are its Paal Naam Ceremony, Dashavatar dance and Puppet shows. The satra also offers a magnificent display of ancient collection of utensils, jewelry and handicrafts representing Assamese culture.

Uttar Kamalabari Satra: Uttar Kamalabari satra, a part of the actual Kamalabari Satra was founded by Padma Aata or Badula Aata, a disciple of Shri Shri Madhavdeva. It is a centre of Assamese art, culture and cultural studies. The satra is famous for Ankia Naat drama and Saali dance forms. It also has a branch in Guwahati. This branch has displayed Sattriya dance in many states of India and abroad.

Natun Samaguri Satra: Globally famous for traditional art of mask making culture, Natun Samaguri Satra is a newly instituted branch of Samaguri Satra, originally established by Chakrapani Ata, an illustrious disciple of vaishnavite saints Srimanta Shankardeva and Shri Shri Madhavdeva. Experts of this monastery make masks for the performers of religious plays and also for decorative purpose. Masks crafted in this monastery are exported on demand made by the tourists from time to time.

Mishing Tribal Village: The Mishings are the largest ethnic tribal group in India. Earlier called Miris in the historical days, this group belongs to greater Tani people community, which comprises other Tani tribes such as Adi, Apatani, Nyishi, Padam, Minyong etc. in India and in Tibet Autonomous Region in China. The cultural, linguistic and ritual aspects of all Tani tribes are quite similar. The Mishings specifically belong to a Southeast Asian sub-race of the Mongoloid race. There are no written records about the migration of Mishings from hills to the plains of Assam. Historical and folklore sources regard that the Mishings were the Adis who migrated to Assam. Legend narrates of the Mishings coming in contact with the more civilized communities residing in the plains of Assam during early 16th century.

The Mishings originally believed the Donyi-Polo religion, but later on a majority of them converted to Hinduism and a minimal group took to Christianity. Ali-Aye-Ligang is the major festival of this tribe celebrated during the month of February. They also observe other festivals such as Pohrag and Dobur. Mishing culture exhibits traditional craft of weaving colourful cotton cloths. Mishing women weave cotton jackets, light cotton towels, endi shawls, thick loin cloths and shirting. Mishing women weave ‘ege’, ‘rihbi’, ‘gaseng’, ‘gero’, ‘seleng gasor’, ‘riya’, ‘segreg’ and ‘potub’. All these are beautiful cloth sheets with broad & narrow stripes of bright contrastive colours worn by Mishing women. They also weave ‘niseg’ so that mothers can carry their babies in their back.

If time permits, visit – Pottery culture: Pottery is an ancient culture of Majuli. It is one of the traditional forms of cottage industry in Assam. At present, more than 4000 people at Majuli live on pottery culture for their livelihood. The potters at Majuli practice a peculiar technique in which they beat the clay by hand to make the utensils. Visit Kumhar Gaon to have a glimpse in the rural lives of the potters at Majuli working without the wheels which indicate a historic origin of this culture.

Later, enjoy a magnificent Sunset view in the Brahmaputra River from Ferry Point. Overnight: Stay in hotel / bamboo cottage.

DAY 08                    MAJULI – GIBBON WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (01hr ferry and 01 and half hour by car)

Visit Auniati Satra: Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva, the main attraction of this vaishnavite satra are its Paal Naam Ceremony, Dashavatar dance and Puppet shows. The satra also offers a magnificent display of ancient collection of utensils, jewelry and handicrafts representing Assamese culture. Uttar Kamalabari  Satra: a part of the actual Kamalabari Satra was founded by Padma Aata or Badula Aata, a disciple of Shri Shri Madhavdeva, is a centre of Assamese art, culture and cultural studies. The satra is famous for Ankia Naat drama and Saali dance forms. It also has a branch in Guwahati. This branch has displayed Sattriya dance in many states of India and abroad. Natun Samaguri Satra: Globally famous for traditional art of mask making culture, Natun Samaguri Satra is a newly instituted branch of Samaguri Satra, originally established by Chakrapani Ata, an illustrious disciple of vaishnavite saints Srimanta Shankardeva and Shri Shri Madhavdeva. Experts of this monastery make masks for the performers of religious plays and also for decorative purpose. Masks crafted in this monastery are exported on demand made by the tourists from time to time. Mishing Tribal Village  The Mishings are the largest ethnic tribal group in India. Earlier called Miris in the historical days, this group belongs to greater Tani people community, which comprises other Tani tribes such as Adi, Apatani, Nyishi, Padam, Minyong etc. in India and in Tibet Autonomous Region in China. The cultural, linguistic and ritual aspects of all Tani tribes are quite similar. The Mishings specifically belong to a Southeast Asian sub-race of the Mongoloid race. There are no written records about the migration of Mishings from hills to the plains of Assam. Historical and folklore sources regard that the Mishings were the Adis who migrated to Assam. Legend narrates of the Mishings coming in contact with the more civilized communities residing in the plains of Assam during early 16th century. The Mishings originally believed the Donyi-Polo religion, but later on a majority of them converted to Hinduism and a minimal group took to Christianity. Ali-Aye-Ligang is the major festival of this tribe celebrated during the month of February. They also observe other festivals such as Pohrag and Dobur. Mishing culture exhibits traditional craft of weaving colorful cotton cloths.
By afternoon we leave for Gibbon wildlife sanctuary.  Arrive by evening and check into hotel. Rest of the time at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 09                   GIBBON WLS – NAMERI NATIONAL PARK (220 kms 5hrs)

In the morning after breakfast, take transfer to Nameri National Park. Nameri National Park: Nameri National Park is situated in the foothills of Eastern Himalayas and covers an area of about 200 sq km, stretching along both banks of the Jia Bhoroli River in the district of Sonitpur. The park is identified with its rich diversity of flora and fauna. It consists of semi-evergreen vegetation, moist deciduous forests and open grasslands along with about 600 species of flora.
It is the famous resident place for Asian Elephants. It is also a homeland to Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Indian Bison, Gaur, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Capped Langur, Indian Giant Squirrel, Pygmy Hog, Indian Wild Dog and Civet Cat. Various beautiful birds like White Winged Wood Duck, Great Pied Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Black Stork, Ibis Bill, Blue-bearded Bee Eaters, Babblers, Plovers, Rufous Necked Hornbill etc. are also found here.
Arrive at Nameri and check-in at jungle cottage. Evening: Free at leisure to explore the nature by your own. Overnight: Stay in jungle cottage.

DAY 10 NAMERI

After breakfast enjoy a nature walk around the forest accompanied with the experienced naturalist. The park is the most scenic national park of Assam and the river Jia Bhoroli bifurcating throughout. During the forest trekking there will be opportunity to sight view some of the most endangered wildlife species like white winged wood duck, Sloth Bear, Tiger Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Sambar, Gaur, Indian Wild Dog, four varieties of Hornbill and many other species of avifauna. We can also see herds of elephants, due to high density of Elephant population in this region.

Later in the day return to the resort/camp for Lunch. After lunch it’s time for leisure activity around the resort or one can opt for Angling in River Jia Bhoroli. The river is home to the Golden Mahseer or the tiger of the Jia Bhoroli. Angling is very popular in Jia Bhoroli though and an annual competition is regularly held at Jia Bhoroli in the month of November every year in collaboration with the forest department of Assam.

DAY 11 NAMERI NATIONAL PARK – GUWAHATI (189 KMS)

Breakfast at hotel. At pre-arranged time transfer to Guwahati airport

*******BON VOYAGE*******