Assam – Meghalaya – Arunachal Pradesh Tour – 8Nts/9Dys

Day 01: GUWAHATI – SHILLONG (100 KM. / 03 hrs approx)
Welcome to Guwahati. Meet and be assisted by our representative at the Airport / Railway Station & proceed to Shillong, also called “Scotland of the East”. En route visit:

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.

 

Lady Hydari Park: Nestled in the heart of Shillong, Lady Hydari Park is a serene oasis that offers a delightful escape from the city’s noise. The park, now known as Phan Nonglait Park, is a favourite spot for locals and tourists, as it is known for its beautifully manicured gardens, vibrant flower beds, and lush greenery. But beyond its tranquil environment, Lady Hydari Park holds a special place in Shillong’s history and heritage.

 

Arrive Shillong and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 02: SHILLONG – CHERRAPUNJI  (65 kms 2½ hrs Drive)
Morning after breakfast full day excursion to Cherrapunji.

Cherrapunji is a small hamlet, situated at an altitude of about 4823 feet (1484 m). Locally known as ‘SOHRA’. Cherrapunjee is located in the southern most point of Khasi hill sharing the border of Sylhet district of Bangladesh. Cherrapunji offers a panoramic view of the hilly terrains, deep gorges and valleys with its spectacular waterfalls. It was once having the record of being the wettest place on earth, with an average rainfall of about 1150ms. However, this record has been overtaken by a nearby place Mawsynram.In Cherrapunjee visit:

 

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) : The Seven Sisters Waterfall, also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, is a segmented waterfall in Meghalaya, India, and is a popular tourist destination. It’s known for its seven distinct streams cascading down a cliff, creating a mesmerizing spectacle, especially during the monsoon season.

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.

 

Overnight in Cherrapunji.

After breakfast, checkout from hotel and transfer to Shillong, enroute visiting the following attractions:

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.

 

Donbosco Museum: Don Bosco Museum in Shillong is a major tourists’ spot providing a glimpse of the rich and multi-cultural lifestyles of the indigenous peoples of North East India. Seven storeys of fascinating visuals, colours, and treasures – that is one way to describe Don Bosco Museum. You will first be greeted by the traditional wear of all the different North-Eastern communities as you enter the building, including well-researched sections on the neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal.

Cathedral of Mary: The Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians in Shillong is a breathtaking architectural gem and a symbol of Meghalaya’s pride. Situated in the heart of the city, it’s a must-visit for every traveler seeking beauty and serenity.

Botanical Garden and Golf Course.

Evening you are free for your personal activities. Overnight stay in Shillong.

Day 04: SHILLONG – KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK (365 Kms – 8 Hrs Drive)

After morning breakfast, transfer to Kaziranga National Park, the home of the “One Horned Rhinoceros”, Check in at your hotel/Lodge/resort, Evening free for leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Kaziranga.

 

Day 05: KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK – DIRANG (250 Kms / 7 Hrs)
Early morning explore Western Zone of Kaziranga National Park on back of elephant. Apart from world’s endangered One-horned Rhinoceros, the Park sustains half the world’s population of genetically pure Wild Water Buffaloes, over 1000 Wild elephants and perhaps the densest population of Royal Bengal Tigers anywhere. Kaziranga is also a bird watcher’s paradise and home to some 500 species of birds. The Crested Serpent Eagle, Palla’s Fishing Eagle, Greyheaded Fishing Eagle, Swamp Partridge, Bar-headed goose, whistling Teal, Bengal Florican, Storks, Herons and Pelicans are some of the species found here. We will return to the resort for breakfast & then we will experience a jeep safari through the Central Zone of the National Park. After then leave Kaziranga for Dirang.

 

Dirang is famous for its apples. It has also started Kiwi cultivation in the winter. En-route visit:

 

Nag Temple and Asia’s third largest Orchidarium at Tipi where you can see over 7500 orchids from a collection of about 300 species, some of them are very rare. On arrival Dirang, check in at hotel. Evening free for leisure.Overnight stay at hotel in Dirang.

 

Day 06: DIRANG – TAWANG (146kms. / 5hrs Drive)

Early in the morning, leave for Tawang. On the way to Tawang lies the world’s second highest pass – the Sela Pass which runs through a small ridge and along a placid Lake called the Paradise Lake. On the way cross the National Yak Research and Breeding Centre, Natural Hot Water Spring and Jaswantgarh. Jaswantgarh is a memorial to the brave soldier who single handedly tried to hold of the approaching Chines from the pass during the 1962 Indo – Chinese war. The stupa like Tawang war Memorial also salutes the heroes of the war. On arrival at Tawang, check in at your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Tawang.

 

Day 07: TAWANG
In the morning go for sightseeing in and around Tawang. Visit the War Memorial, the Handicrafts Centre, 6th Dalai Lama’s Birth Place  and finally the three hundred year old Tawang Monastery, the second largest Buddhist Monastery after Lhasa’s Potala. Overnight stay at hotel in Tawang.

 

Day 08: TAWANG – BHALUKPONG/NAMERI  (285 KM. / 07 hrs approx)
After morning breakfast, we will depart for Bhalukpong. 

Bhalukpong is on the border of the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh is a place of enthralling scenic beauty. The sparking river Jia Bhorole which passes through Bhalukpong is an adventure lover’s paradise. By the side of the river is the Nameri National Park which falls under Project Tiger. On arrival at Bhalukpong, check in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Bhalukpong.

 

Day 09: BHALUKPONG – GUWAHATI (240kms. / 6hrs.)
In the morning explore Nameri National Park, the home of the near extinct White Winged Wood duck. Besides, the parkabounds in elephants, Leopards, Sāmbhar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Gaur, and a variety of birds including four species of Hornbill. In the afternoon proceed to Guwahati the Capital of Assam and with everlasting memories transfer to Guwahati airport/railway station for onward journey.