Jewels of Northeast India Tour – Meghalaya, Assam and Kaziranga | 13 Days

Your journey to one of India's most fascinating and less-explored regions begins today. Ahead lie legendary tea estates, colonial elegance, magnificent landscapes and remarkable wildlife.

Board your international flight to Kolkata, the cultural gateway to Eastern India.

International flights are not included in the tour price.

After completing immigration formalities and collecting your luggage, you will be welcomed by a Travel Mart TM representative and transferred privately to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is free to relax after your international journey.

→ Accommodation: Taj City Centre New Town 5★, Kolkata
→ Meals: B

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kolkata Airport for your flight to Guwahati.

Upon arrival at Guwahati Airport, you will be met by our local representative and driven to Shillong. After checking in at your hotel, take time to settle into the relaxed rhythm of the Khasi Hills.

In the evening, you may explore Police Bazaar, Shillong’s lively commercial centre. Local markets, cafés, restaurants and handicraft shops offer an engaging introduction to the culture and daily life of Meghalaya.

Often called the “Scotland of the East”, Shillong blends traces of colonial history with Khasi heritage, pine-covered hills and a vibrant contemporary culture.

→ Accommodation: KolkataVivanta Meghalaya 5★, Shillong
→ Meals: B / L / D

→ Driving distance: approximately 180 km
→ Driving time: approximately 6 hours

First, travel to the Nartiang Monoliths after breakfast. They form one of India’s most significant collections of ancient megaliths. The Jaintia kings erected these remarkable stones to commemorate rulers, ancestors, victories and important events.

The upright menhirs are traditionally associated with male ancestors, while the horizontal dolmens honour female ancestors. Together, they offer a fascinating insight into the history and cultural traditions of the Jaintia Hills.

Nearby, you may also visit the historic Nartiang Durga Temple. Devotees regard it as one of the Shakti Peethas. Moreover, the site retains a strong connection to the former Jaintia kingdom.

If time permits, continue to Laitlum Canyon for far-reaching views across Meghalaya’s rolling green hills and deep valleys.

Finally, continue to Cherrapunji, locally known as Sohra. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening.

→ Accommodation: Cherrapunji Holiday Resort – Boutique, Cherrapunji
→ Meals: B / L / D

First, travel to Sohbar. Here, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the clear waters of the Wahrew River. Forested hills and striking rock formations reveal the quieter beauty of southern Meghalaya.

Afterwards, return to Cherrapunji and visit Nohkalikai Falls. Plunging approximately 340 metres from a mist-covered plateau, it is recognised as India’s tallest plunge waterfall. Its name is linked to one of Meghalaya’s most poignant Khasi legends.

Next, continue to Arwah Cave. It is known for natural chambers, sculpted limestone formations and ancient marine fossils. Afterwards, visit the Garden of Caves. This compact natural site features waterfalls, rock formations and other scenic points.

Finally, return to the hotel for dinner and a restful evening.

→ Accommodation: Cherrapunji Holiday Resort – Boutique, Cherrapunji
→ Meals: B / L / D

Seasonal note: Many waterfalls in Meghalaya are rain-fed. Therefore, water levels are usually lower during winter and the dry season. By contrast, the falls are at their most powerful during the monsoon from June to September.

→ Driving distance: approx. 70 km
→ Driving time: approx. 2.5 h

Next, begin the return journey to Shillong after breakfast. Along the way, visit Mawphlang Sacred Forest. Local spiritual beliefs and community traditions have protected this ancient Khasi grove for generations.

A local Khasi guide will accompany you through this remarkable forest. Towering trees, rare plants and moss-covered stones shape the landscape. Meanwhile, sacred sites reveal the deep relationship between the Khasi people and nature.

According to local tradition, every visitor should leave the forest exactly as they found it. Nothing - not even a leaf, flower or stone—should be removed from the sacred grove.

Finally, continue to Shillong and check in at your hotel.

→ Accommodation: Vivanta Meghalaya 5★, Shillong
→ Meals: B / L / D

→ Driving distance: approx. 70 km
→ Driving time: approx. 6 h

Then, leave Meghalaya and travel towards Balipara in Assam. Upon arrival, check in at Wild Mahseer. Afterwards, take time to explore the tranquil surroundings.

Wild Mahseer lies within 22 acres of gardens on the historic Addabarie Tea Estate. Its carefully restored British-era bungalows have genuine character. Here, history, nature and warm Assamese hospitality come together.

Finally, take a leisurely walk around the estate or simply relax amid the gardens.

→ Accommodation: Wild Mahseer – Heritage Tea Bungalow, Balipara
→ Meals: B / L / D

Depart early with a packed breakfast. Then, drive to the starting point of your guided nature walk in Nameri National Park.

First, cross the Jia Bhoreli River in a Forest Department dinghy. Then, accompanied by a local naturalist and forest guard, explore the park on foot for approximately two hours.

Walking through Nameri offers a rare and immersive wilderness experience. In addition, the park is renowned for its birdlife. More than 300 species have been recorded here. They include Assam’s state bird, the endangered white-winged wood duck.

Afterwards, continue to a point approximately 25 km upstream. From there, begin a gentle rafting experience on the Jia Bhoreli River. Experienced boatmen accompany you, and life jackets are provided. Then, drift downstream with the natural current.

This is a scenic river journey rather than conventional white-water rafting. Therefore, you can enjoy the landscape at an unhurried pace. The route also offers opportunities to observe birds and other wildlife along the riverbanks.

Nameri lies in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. Moreover, it shares an ecological boundary with Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh. Its forests and grasslands support elephants, gaur, deer, capped langurs and varied birdlife. Wildlife sightings, however, can never be guaranteed.

Finally, return to Wild Mahseer for dinner.

→ Accommodation: Wild Mahseer – Heritage Tea Bungalow, Balipara
→ Meals: B / L / D

Activity note: The rafting experience uses a PVC inflatable raft and follows the natural river current. Water levels, weather and local safety conditions may affect its operation.

→ Driving distance: approx. 110 km
→ Driving time: approx. 2.5 h

Next, travel to Kaziranga National Park after breakfast. Upon arrival, check in at your wildlife resort.

In the afternoon, set out on your first open-jeep safari in the nearest park range. As the light softens, watch for greater one-horned rhinoceroses and Asian elephants. Wild water buffalo, deer and abundant birdlife may also appear.

Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, it is the world’s principal stronghold of the greater one-horned rhinoceros. Its varied landscapes also provide important habitat for tigers and other threatened species.

Finally, return to the resort after your safari.

→ Accommodation: Borgos Resort 4★, Kaziranga
→ Meals: B / L / D

First, drive to your allocated range after breakfast. Your guide and driver will accompany you on an open-jeep safari. The morning safari generally lasts between two and three hours.

Each range reveals a different side of Kaziranga. For example, grasslands, forest tracks and wetlands provide changing perspectives. Riverine habitats offer further opportunities to observe wildlife.

Afterwards, return to the resort for lunch. In the afternoon, set out on a second jeep safari in another range of the park and return by dusk.

→ Accommodation: Borgos Resort 4★, Kaziranga
→ Meals: B / L / D

Optional elephant safari: Elephant safaris are subject to Forest Department permission and availability. Upon request, we will be pleased to assist with permits and tickets on a direct-payment basis.

Moreover, today offers two further opportunities to experience Kaziranga’s exceptional wildlife. First, set out on a morning jeep safari in another allocated range. Your naturalist will interpret the landscape and identify wildlife along the way.

Afterwards, return to the resort for lunch and time to relax. Later, set out on your final afternoon jeep safari and return by dusk.

Overall, five safaris are included across three days. As a result, you can explore several areas of Kaziranga at different times.

→ Accommodation: Borgos Resort 4★, Kaziranga
→ Meals: B / L / D

→ Driving time to Guwahati Airport: approximately 5 h

Finally, leave Kaziranga after breakfast and begin the approximately five-hour drive to Guwahati Airport. From there, fly to Kolkata. Upon arrival in Kolkata, you will be met and transferred privately to your hotel.

→ Accommodation: Taj City Centre New Town 5★, Kolkata
→ Meals: B

Finally, check out after breakfast and transfer to Kolkata International Airport for your onward flight.

You leave with memories of cloud-covered hills, sacred forests, tea gardens and unforgettable encounters with the wildlife of Assam.

→ Meals: B