Experience Overview
Set off on a 16-day adventure through the wildlife reserves, wetlands and rambling mountain villages of northeastern India. Learn about the cultures of Sikkim, Assam and Nagaland, search for the iconic one-horned rhinoceros in Kaziranga National Park and pick tea leaves with a local farming community in Darjeeling. Explore the floating villages of Majuli Island, visit Gangtok’s controversial Rumtek Monastery and check out a living root bridge – the handiwork of the Khasi people.
Highlights
- Journey through the Kaziranga National Park and spot one-horned rhinos, wild boar, tigers, elephants and panthers.
- Learn about the proud warrior traditions of the Naga people and their resistance against colonial forces as you explore hillside villages like Khonoma and Kigwema.
- Visit Khasi village, dubbed the cleanest in India by the former prime minister, then hike to a living root bridge that looks like something out of a fairy tale.
- Join a local farming community in Darjeeling for tea leaf picking. Taste local tea and learn about the region’s history and farming practices.
- Travel India with a local leader by your side every step of the way. Learn about India’s rich history, find the best lookout points, dinner spots and hear local secrets and stories.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2116
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Plane,Private vehicle,Overnight sleeper train,Boat,Metro,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: HHSI
Starts: Kolkata, India
Finishes: Kolkata, India
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (14), Lunch (2), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Hotel (14 nights),Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4615 (CAD $288 /day)
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Kolkata – a hub for Bengali theatre, dance, poetry, art, music and film. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Victoria Memorial or walk along Howrah Bridge for views of the Hooghly River. Tonight, maybe head out for a welcome dinner and get to know your fellow travellers – your trip leader will always have some great suggestions.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, take a private transfer to the airport and board a flight to Dimapur. When you arrive, you’ll have some time for lunch before driving to Kohima – the capital city of Nagaland – stopping along the way to stretch your legs. When you arrive late this afternoon, enjoy a free evening. Maybe walk around town or simply relax in your accommodation.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Set off on a half-day excursion to Khonoma Village, learn about the community’s wildlife conservation efforts and walk through the village. Then travel through Kohima, stopping at the Kohima War Cemetery before heading to your accommodation for the night.
Included Activities:
- Khonoma Village visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, say goodbye to Kohima as you travel to Jorhat. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive this afternoon, you’ll have a free evening to relax. Maybe find some dinner or go for a walk and explore Jorhat at your own pace.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to Majuli Island today – located on the Brahmaputra River, this is one of the largest river islands in the world and has been the cultural capital of Assam ever since the 16th century. Take a ferry to the island, looking out for the many migratory birds that call this place home. When you arrive, visit the Anuati, Uttar and Kamalabari satras (monasteries that are linked with the Ekasarana tradition of Vaishnavism). Interact with the local monks here with a visit to the monk’s quarters. Then, visit the Mishing tribal village, a pottery making village and a mask making village to learn about the local handicrafts and cultural traditions.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, travel to Kaziranga National Park – this UNESCO World Heritage site is the oldest park in Assam and sits right on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Kaziranga is a natural habitat dedicated to the conservation of biologically diverse flora and fauna. The park is also home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses and shelters about 15 different species of India's most threatened mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears. After some free time for lunch, you’ll have the option to visit the Kaziranga Orchid Center before soaking up a free afternoon.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Set out on two jeep safaris through Kaziranga National Park today, scheduled for the early morning and the evening to maximise the chances of spotting wildlife. Look out for elephants, deer, wild boar and, of course, the famed one-horned rhino. Local birdlife is also plentiful, so keep an eye on the sky to spot eagles, parakeets, blue-tinged Indian rollers and more. Then, stop for lunch with Mrs Roopajyoti Gogoi – a woman known for her work turning plastic into fabric – and learn about her creative way of dealing with the plastic waste discarded around the park. The rest of today is free for you to explore your surroundings at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Kaziranga National Park - Morning Jeep Safari
- Kaziranga National Park - Evening Jeep Safari
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, travel to Shillong – a hill station known for the manicured gardens at Lady Hydari Park and Ward’s Lake. When you arrive, head out for an orientation walk with your leader. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner and try local street food dishes like momos (dumplings) or jadoh (spicy and sour rice).
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Drive to Mawlynnong today. This tiny village has made a huge commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly living – efforts that saw it crowned ‘Asia’s Cleanest Village’ by India’s former prime minister. When you arrive, explore the litter-free streets among the Khasi residents. Then, hike to living root bridge – a natural wonder formed by training the aerial roots of rubber trees to grow into sturdy bridges. After, travel on to Cherrapunji, where you’ll stay tonight.
Included Activities:
- Rangthylliang - Single Root Bridge
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning is free for you to explore more of Cherrapunji. Maybe check out the Kynrem Waterfall or visit the Mawsmai Cave. This afternoon, drive to the train station to board an overnight train and take in the scenic views as you travel to New Jalpaiguri.
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
After pulling into the New Jalpaiguri Train Station this morning, travel to Gangtok – the capital of the northeastern state of Sikkim. When you arrive, maybe head to a local viewpoint and if it's clear, spot the peak of Khangchendzonga in the distance. Tonight, you’re free to find a local dinner or a good spot to watch the sunset.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit Rumtek Monastery (Dharma Chakra Centre). When you arrive, explore the colourful architecture and art, and learn about the Karmapa controversy from your leader – a lengthy battle in the Indian courts with two rival organisations each supporting a different candidate for the 17th Karmapa. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Gangtok. Maybe hike to the Old Gompa, explore the Tibetology Museum or try some local tea.
Included Activities:
- Gangtok - Rumtek Monastery
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast leave Gangtok and drive towards Darjeeling. Check in to your Tea Planation farm accommodation and take the rest of the morning to relax and enjoy the tranquil farm surroundings. This afternoon head out to explore Darjeeling where you will check out the colonial-era architecture backdropped by mountain peaks. Tonight enjoy getting to know your local hosts over a homecooked meal.
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Get up early this morning to go to Tiger Hill to catch a glorious sunrise over the snowy peak of Kanchenjunga – the world’s third-highest mountain. Then, explore the Darjeeling Toy Train Station with your leader. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its narrow-gauge tracks and steam engines, which travel through the Himalayan foothills. Learn about the station’s history and how the track became an essential travel path connecting remote mountain communities to the plains below. Later visit a local tea farm. Join in for a handmade tea expereince before sitting down to a tasting with the locals. The afternoon is free to relax in the beautiful surroundings before joining your hosts for a homecooked meal.
Included Activities:
- Darjeeling - Tea farm visit & tasting
- Darjeeling - Tiger Hill
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Drive to the airport in Bagdogra this morning, then fly back to Kolkata. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore Kolkata. Maybe walk through the botanic gardens along the banks of the Hooghly River or explore the green fields of the Maidan (also known as ‘the lungs of Kolkata’). Tonight, maybe head out to dinner with your group to celebrate a trip well-travelled.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in India, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
William Mark - Traveled, January 2024
The trip was well worth the effort. We ventured into regions rarely, it seems, visited by westerners. In 2!weeks i only briefly caught a glimpse of 2 non Indian people’s. I learned a great deal
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/04/2024
Susan - Traveled, January 2024
Good leader and good itinerary Low energy infirm older group that needed to be screened more thoroughly before participating
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/04/2024
Narelle - Traveled, January 2024
Saby was a wonderful guide introducing our group to an amazing part of India.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/04/2024
Peter - Traveled, January 2024
This trip attracts eclectic, experienced, world travelers, whom alone will enrich your travel experience. The region is unique and dose not experience Westerners, so, locals are eager to meet and engage.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/06/2024
Narelle - Traveled, January 2024
Fabulous trip led by Saby, who was a local from this area and an excellent guide. There was quite a bit of travel involved but we were able to experience a wide range of amazing places. Recommended for those who want an adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/08/2024
Sharon - Traveled, January 2024
A brilliant trip to a little-visited part of India. Wildlife, tea plantations, tribal cultures, amazing food and scenery made for a fascinating journey into India's North-East states
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/19/2024
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