Paradise on Earth: Exploring the Far East of India/Beyond the Bustling Crowds in the Far East of India
In the days of today when we are inundated with heavily filtered discoveries on Instagram and unlimited check-in suggestions from Google, the Northeast of India offers a glimpse of a part of India often neglected by visitors and its existence is unknown to many. A region of rugged beauty adorned with magnificent hills, glistening lakes, ancient monuments, exotic wildlife and a collision of indigenous cultures – the northeast region of India is a holiday destination just waiting to be explored.
This fascinating journey takes you to Assam, Nagaland and Manipur – three of the seven sisters (the seven states in the northeastern part of India). Begin your journey in the City of Joy, Kolkata. Transport yourself to the era of the British Raj as you visit the prominent landmarks of the city. Also, experience a slice of the vivid Bengali culture through our special experiences. Explore the enchanting state of Assam renowned for the one-horned rhinoceros on a safari in its natural habitat at Kaziranga National Park. The park also houses Asiatic elephants, deer, reptiles, over 500 resident and migratory bird species and so on. Take a river cruise along the Brahmaputra and experience rural Assamese idyll as you visit tribal settlements, neo-Vaishnavite monasteries at Majuli and tea estates along the river.
You will also have an opportunity to meet and interact with the last descendants of the tattooed Konyak headhunters in Nagaland. Gain an insight into their unique culture, habits and listen ardently as the village chief narrates fascinating legends of his erstwhile headhunting days. We are certain this will be one of the highlights of the journey! A stop at the beautiful hill terraced World War II cemetery in Kohima, will leave you emotional as you are reminded of the bravery and sacrifices of the war hero’s. For a truly immersive experience into the Naga culture, time your visit in a way that you witness the festivities of the Hornbill Festival. Held from the 1st-10th of December in Nagaland each year, the festival is an endless celebration of music, traditional dances, sport, art, colorful headgear, elaborate costumes, delicious food and indigenous games – all adding to the visual mélange. This festival is on our must experience list- mark your calendar and book your tickets soon!
Next, discover the intricate dance forms, sumptuous cuisine and historical sites of Manipur. You will also visit Loktak Lake, Northeast’s largest freshwater lake known for its circular floating swamps (called phumdis in the local language); Keibul Lamjao National Park, the last natural habitat of the endangered brow-antlered deer or sangai and the many World War II sites present here. You will not want to miss stopping at the Ima Bazaar, the only market in the world that is run entirely by women!
