Manipur Sangai Festival and Hornbill festival are two of the most exotic colourful cultural festivals celebrated in one of the most unexplored and pristine parts of the world. Sangai festival, in last week of November, and Hornbill festival, in the first week of December, are celebrated in the pristine unexplored states of Manipur and Nagaland, located in.
The two festivals are a dazzling melange of cultural performances, art & crafts, sports, food fairs, games and an unforgettable adventure of exploring the hidden world of tribal culture, and lifestyle of India’s North East, a paradise to be discovered.
Enroute the journey takes you through the mighty Brahmaputra River,
Kaziranga National Parks’ majestic one-horned Rhino, Tiger and Elephants in the wild and world’s largest river island Majuli
Imphal: Sangai Festival, Loktak Lake, INA (Indian National Army) Museum
Kohima:Hornbill Festival, Shree Shree Govindajee Temple, Khonoma village & Cinnamara Tea Estate
Jorhat: Nimati Ghat, Majuli Island & Cruise sailing at Majuli Island
Kaziranga National Park: Jeep safari & Elephant Safari
Manipur Sangai Festival and Hornbill festival are two of the most exotic colourful cultural festivals celebrated in one of the most unexplored and pristine parts of the world. Sangai festival, in last week of November, and Hornbill festival, in the first week of December, are celebrated in the pristine unexplored states of Manipur and Nagaland, located in.
The two festivals are a dazzling melange of cultural performances, art & crafts, sports, food fairs, games and an unforgettable adventure of exploring the hidden world of tribal culture, and lifestyle of India’s North East, a paradise to be discovered.
Enroute the journey takes you through the mighty Brahmaputra River,
Kaziranga National Parks’ majestic one-horned Rhino, Tiger and Elephants in the wild and world’s largest river island Majuli
Imphal: Sangai Festival, Loktak Lake, INA (Indian National Army) Museum
Kohima:Hornbill Festival, Shree Shree Govindajee Temple, Khonoma village & Cinnamara Tea Estate
Jorhat: Nimati Ghat, Majuli Island & Cruise sailing at Majuli Island
Kaziranga National Park: Jeep safari & Elephant Safari
Day 01: – Imphal (By: Filght)
On arrival Imphal Meet and assistance by our representative and transfer to your hotel. Later in the afternoon attend Sangai Festival (Starts from 1400 hrs. every day). Overnight hotel. Overnight in Imphal
Day 02: Imphal
Morning after breakfast excursion to Loktak Lake- the largest freshwater lake, 48 kms. from Imphal city. Later visit INA (Indian National Army) Museum, where the first INA flag was unfurled on April 14th, 1944 in Indian Soil. After the visit drive back to Imphal. Later in the afternoon attend Sangai Festival. Evening drive back to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Overnight in Imphal
Day 3 : Imphal – Kohima (By: Surface)
After breakfast checkout from the hotel and visit Shree Shree Govindajee Temple. Later drive to Kohima (Approx. 140 KMS/4-5 HRS Drive) en-route visit to visit World War II Cemetery. Evening on arrival at Kohima transfer to your hotel for overnight stay. Overnight in Kohima
Day 04 : Kohima Full day
Enjoy Hornbill Festival. Evening drive back to your hotel for overnight stay. Overnight in Kohima
Day 05 : Kohima
Morning after breakfast proceed for a half day excursion to Khonoma village (25 km), explore the village and return. Khonoma village is the last village where Nagas fought their last battle against the Britishers in 1879. This village is famous for its citizens protecting their wildlife and maintaining a wild life sanctuary known as Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) and for beautiful terraces which grow over 40 types of paddy at different elevations. Afternoon drive back to Kohima and visit to the festival venue. Evening visit the local market and drive back to your hotel for overnight stay. Overnight in Kohima
Day 06 : Kohima – Jorhat (By: Surface)
Morning after breakfast drive to Jorhat (APPROX. 320 KMS. 7-8 HRS). Enroute visit Cinnamara Tea Estate (first Tea Estate of India) and 09 kms away from Jorhat town is the oldest and largest institution dedicated to tea research in the world-Tocklai Tea Research Centre. It was in 1911 when this pioneer institute was incorporated and since then research on tea cultivation and processing has been carried out here, making it a significant contender for nomination as an institution of National Importance. This institute is situated in Assam’s first tea estate, Cinnamora. Later visit Jorhat Gymkhana, second oldest golf course of Asia. Afternoon return back to the hotel for overnight stay. Overnight in Jorhat
Day 07: Jorhat – Majuli Island – Jorhat
After an early breakfast drive to Nimati Ghat (15 kms/45 mins) and then board local ferry (country boat fitted with motor). Note: Cruise sailing is approx. 1 ½ hrs to Majuli. Majuli is the largest fresh Water mid-river deltoid island in the world. It is situated in the upper reaches of the river Brahmaputra in Assam. This Island, with a population of 1.6 Lakhs, majority being tribal, is endowed with rich heritage and has been the abode of the neo-vaishnavite culture. The island is a bio-diversity hotspot and has rich ecology with rare species of flora and fauna. Majuli for the past five centuries has been the cultural capital of Assam. The main depositories of cultural and spiritual heritage are the Sattras, which are just like Gurukul (hermitages) of yore. Here up to 400 celibates’ stay for life preserving spiritual and cultural heritage, renouncing worldly desires. From the time of the great Vaishnavite renaissance of 14th and 15th century AD, under SrimantaSankardeva, Srimanta Madhab Deva and other saints this island became the seat of Vaishnavite religion, art and culture. The famous SatriyaNritya (Dance) and AnkiyaBhaona (Traditional Drama) created by Sankardeva are now internationally acclaimed and nationally honoured. Majuli is equally famous for Tribal Folk Culture and Heritage. It is said to be the cradle of Missing and Deori cultures. Explore in and around Majuli. Afternoon visit Satras, Missing tribal village, Mask making village & Pottery village. After the excursion of Majuli board the ferry to return to Jorhat. Overnight in Jorhat.
Day 08 : Jorhat – Kaziranga
Morning after breakfast drive further to Kaziranga National Park (Approx 245 KMS 5-6 Hrs. Drive) on arrival check in at hotel. Overnight in Kaziranga.
Day 09 : Kaziranga National Park
Early morning enjoy Elephant safari to visit central range of the park. Return back to your hotel for breakfast. Afternoon after lunch enjoys your last Jeep safari into the park. Jeep safari timings:
Morning Safari starts from 07.00 am till 09.30 am for 02 hours.
Afternoon Safari starts from 01.30 pm till 03.30 pm for 02 hours.
Elephant safari timings: Central Zone of the park at 05.30 am and at 06.30 am for 40 minutes respectively.
Overnight in Kaziranga.
Day 10 : Kaziranga – Guwahati Departure (By: Surface & Flight)
Morning after breakfast Drive to Guwahati airport (Approx.250 KMS 6 HRS DRIVE). Up on arrival transfer to airport to board the flight to Delhi/Kolkata.
Tour Ends.
This package includes car Car is on PRIVATE and no sharing basis.
Car will accompany Traveloearth EXPERIENCE Driver throughout the trip.
Assistance on Arrival & Departure.
Is Traveling to the North East Safe?
One of the most frequently asked questions that we get from people who want to visit the region but are apprehensive because of the past of this region (most of it was anyway blown-out news in the media). The short answer to this question is, Yes, traveling to Northeast India is generally very safe, with most of the region’s seven states experiencing a steady decline in political violence and insurgencies over the last decade. Major tourist hubs like Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh are consistently ranked among the friendliest and safest destinations in India, particularly for solo female travelers and families.
What is the best time to visit North East India?
This is yet another question that we come across almost regularly. What we know as the North East of India is a significantly big geographic region. Which means, the north east has a lot to offer and in different seasons, one part of North East India is more gorgeous than another and vice-versa. For example, a trip to Meghalaya during the monsoons is a fantastic way to experience the low – hanging clouds, the greenery and the gorgeous waterfall of the state but at the same time it is not a great time for a trip to Kaziranga National Parks of Assam during this season.
So, in short, there is no single answer to this question.
Seasonal Breakdown
Because the region spans from the Himalayan peaks to low-lying river plains, the weather varies by season:
Winter (October to February): This is the peak tourist season. The weather is pleasant in plains like Assam, while high-altitude areas like Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) and North Sikkim receive heavy snowfall. Water bodies like the Umngot River in Dawki (Meghalaya) become completely transparent and crystal clear.
Spring/Summer (March to May): A beautiful time to visit as flowers and rhododendrons bloom across Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Temperatures are moderate in the hills, making it a perfect escape from the scorching heat of the rest of India.
Monsoon (June to September): The region experiences some of the heaviest rainfall in the world. While the waterfalls in Meghalaya are at their most spectacular.
I am a vegeterian, will I have any problems in terms of vegeterian food in the North East?
No, you will not face significant problems finding vegetarian food in Northeast India, but your dining experience will require a shift in expectations. While the region is culturally known for its meat consumption, vegetables form an integral part of every native meal. You will find plenty of fresh, organic greens and unique local preparations, though you must plan ahead for strict preferences regarding separate kitchens or specific staples like rotis.
The ease of finding vegetarian food varies notably across the region:
Assam : Abundant North Indian food, roadside dhabas, and traditional vegetarian thalis.
Sikkim : Widespread Buddhist culture ensures plenty of dedicated vegetarian and vegan-friendly cafes.
Meghalaya & Tripura : Tourist hubs like Shillong have excellent pure veg restaurants, but rural routes have fewer choices.
Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal, Manipur : Heavily meat-focused. Local vegetarian options are mostly boiled seasonal herbs, shoots, or roots.
Can I travel Solo to North East India?
Yes, you can absolutely travel solo to North East India, and it is widely considered one of the safest and most culturally rewarding regions in the country for independent travellers. A lot of other solo travelers from India and beyond comes here to enjoy the unique beauty, wonderful food and the undisturbed calmness of North East India.
How hot is North East in the Summers?
Depending upon when you are visiting the North East and also depending upon where in the North East are you planning your trip to, the weather can be anything between humid & warm to extremely cold and snowed-out.
Summers in North East India:
If you are planning a trip to North East India, the weather in the plains of Assam will primarily be hot and humid. Places like Majuli, Tezpur, Sibsagar – the historic town will be comparatively cooler, courtesy their proximity to the river.
The higher areas of the North East will be pleasant. And in some cases, even cold.
Places like Shillong, Cherrapunjee & Mawlynnong, and Meghalaya in general will be very plesant, specially in the evenings. Arunachal Pradesh in the summers is very plesant too and is one of the best times to visit Tawang, Dirang, Bomdila etc. for people who are not big fans of cold weather.
The best thing about planning a trip to the North East is the scenery around. Everything is lush – green and fresh. Also a great season to relish some tasty local fruits.
How cold is North East in the Winters?
Winters in the North East are generally cold. From the plains of Assam to the high mountains, everywhere, the mercury dips, completely changing the weather from what it was a few months back.
While the plains remain charmingly pleasant to nippy, higher places like Shillong and Cherrapunjee become cold in the winters. Higher areas of Arunachal Pradesh in the winters remain between cold and freezing. Tawang in winters sees snowfall and wears a beautiful coat of fresh white.
If you are somone who likes and enjoys cold weather and places, you will absolutely love Tawang in winters.
Will I get warm rooms and hot water in the Winters?
All our homestays are equipped with room heaters and geysers / immersion rods for hot water. The hosts also provide hot water to the guests from their kitchen, as needed (at places where geysers are not available).
In winters, the stays have room-heaters and to keep you warm in the bed, enough blankets are provided. If you feel you don’t have enough, just let us or your host know. None of the homestays/stays have centralized heating however. Something the region does not really have when it comes to homes or homestays.
Will there be Electricity and Mobile connectivity issues?
While almost all the places we visit as part of our tours, are electrified and has mobile connectivity, on the way, as you drive from one place to another, there might be times where there will be no mobile data or network.
This is nothing to be worried about as, given the terrain and population density and logistical challenges, some areas remain outside the mobile network coverage.
Please also note that, as winters and the monsoons are mostly extreme in the North East, in smaller places like Cherrapunjee, Mawlynnong, Bomdila, Dirang, etc. there can be situations where there might not be electricity and/or mobile network for days, due to sever bad weather (rains, snow, etc.). In such scenarios, your hosts will try to keep you as comfortable as they can, in the given situation by providing electricity through generators, and hot water from the kitchen.
Given the geographical limitations of this otherwise gorgeous region, these thing come with the pros.
As long as you take things with an open mind, as they come, you will have a great time here in the North East.
What is the difference between a Driver-cum-guide, a Dedicated Guide and a Local Guide?
A driver-cum-guide is someone who is familiar of the places to be visited as per your tour plan. He will be responsible for taking you to the attractions and spots that are on the route and the destinations and drop you near them from where you can walk ahead and proceed to explore the attraction while he will wait for you, back at the vehicle. Your driver-cum-guide might or might not give you extensive information about the places you visit.
A dedicated guide is a full-time guide who stays with you throughout the trip, morning to evening. As you move from one place to another while on the tour, he shares with you, various types of information (including stories) regarding the region/place or attraction.
A local guide is someone who will meet you and keep you company for a particular stretch or destination. For example, when you go for the Double decker Living Root bridge trek in Meghalaya, a local guide accompanies you for the trek.
He shares stories, shows you things/places of interest that you come across and helps you with the entire trek in general.
Are there reliable ATMs and banking facilities available throughout the region?
While all bigger towns do have ATMs, smaller and/or remote regions mostly don’t. UPI works at most places but sometimes, if the weather is not conducive and the mobile networks are down, even they might also not work, when in remote places.
Hence, it is always suggested carry enough cash to meet the essentials, if you are coming on a north east India tour that takes you to remote places.
What permits are required for traveling to certain areas in North East India, and how can they be obtained?
There are two types of permits that are needed if you wish to visit most of the states of North East India. For Indian citizens, all the states except for Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is needed. Different states have different procedures that needs to be followed in order to procure the same.
For non-Indians, a Protected Area Permit (PAP) is needed to visit most of the states of North East India. Some states, such Arunachal Pradesh, also needs a declaration form along with the PAP.
Both the permits however, are procured by us on behalf of our guests so, you don’t have to worry about getting these on your own.
