Nagaland – The Hornbill Experience

Arrive at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati by noon and transfer to your hotel for check-in. After some time to relax and refresh, proceed for a Brahmaputra River Cruise. Enjoy high tea on deck accompanied by live music as you sail along one of Asia’s largest rivers.

Overnight stay at Guwahati.

After breakfast, begin your drive to Dimapur, the gateway to Nagaland. This scenic journey of approximately 265 km (6 hours) passes through the verdant landscapes of Assam and the foothills of Nagaland, dotted with forests, farmlands and rural settlements. Lunch will be arranged en route.

Optional: Guests who wish may choose to visit the revered Kamakhya Devi Temple in the early morning hours (around 3:00–4:00 am), one of the most sacred Shakti Peethas in India, known for its spiritual significance and unique rituals. (Visit is optional and at personal discretion.)

On arrival in Dimapur, check in at the hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight stay at Dimapur.

After breakfast and check-out, visit the Kachari Ruins, an important archaeological site dating back to the 10th–13th century, believed to belong to the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom. The site is known for its distinctive mushroom-shaped stone pillars, offering a glimpse into the region’s ancient history.

Thereafter, drive to Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, via scenic hill roads. Proceed to Kisama Heritage Village, the venue of the iconic Hornbill Festival, where tribes from across Nagaland come together to celebrate their shared heritage. Spend the day witnessing a vibrant showcase of tribal dances, folk music, ceremonial attire, handicrafts, handloom and indigenous art forms, reflecting the diversity of Naga culture. The festival, named after the revered hornbill bird, symbolises unity, pride and the preservation of age-old traditions.

Enjoy lunch at the festival venue, sampling local Naga flavours. As the day draws to a close, transfer to your hotel in Kohima.

Overnight stay at Kohima.

After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the Kohima War Cemetery, a serene memorial honouring the soldiers who lost their lives during the historic Battle of Kohima in 1944, in World War II. Continue to the Nagaland State Museum, followed by a visit to the prominent Kohima Cathedral, one of the largest churches in the region.

Later, drive to Khonoma Village (approx. 20 km), renowned as India’s first Green Village and home to the Angami tribe. Known for its stone houses, terraced fields and strong conservation practices, Khonoma offers insight into traditional village life and sustainable living.

Following this, return to enjoy another day at the Hornbill Festival. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as Naga tribes captivate audiences with their distinctive costumes, rhythmic dances, traditional ceremonies and music. Take time to explore the food stalls offering authentic tribal delicacies, and for those interested, sample the local rice brew known as ‘Khie’, traditionally enjoyed during celebrations.

Dinner and overnight stay at Kohima.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the scenic hills and vibrant culture of Nagaland as you journey onward to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its rich biodiversity and as the stronghold of the one-horned Indian rhinoceros.

The drive takes you through Assam’s picturesque countryside, with expansive paddy fields, riverine landscapes and rural settlements offering a glimpse of life in the Brahmaputra plains. Lunch will be arranged en route.

Arrive at Kaziranga by evening and check in at your resort set amidst natural surroundings. The rest of the evening is at leisure, allowing time to relax and soak in the tranquil forest atmosphere in preparation for the wildlife experiences ahead.

Dinner and overnight stay at Kaziranga.

Early morning, set out for an Elephant Safari in the Central Range of Kaziranga National Park, offering a unique opportunity to explore the grasslands at close quarters as the forest awakens. Keep an eye out for the park’s famed one-horned rhinoceros, along with wild buffalo, swamp deer, hog deer and a variety of birdlife that thrives in the wetlands and tall grasses.

Return to the resort for breakfast. Later in the morning, proceed for an exciting Jeep Safari in the Central Range, covering a larger expanse of the park and increasing the chances of wildlife sightings amidst Kaziranga’s diverse habitats of grasslands, forests and water bodies.

In the evening, visit the Orchid and Biodiversity Park, home to numerous indigenous orchid species and cultural exhibits, followed by a lively traditional dance performance.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Kaziranga.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Guwahati. Lunch will be arranged en route. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey, taking back fond memories of Nagaland’s vibrant culture and Assam’s rich natural heritage.

• 6 Nights / 7 Days accommodation at 4 star category hotel in Guwahati, 4 star forest resort in Kaziranga and 3 star category hotels in Dimapur and Kohima on twin sharing bases (twin beds are subject to availability). We provide single sharing accommodation for a supplementary cost. In case interested, please let us know while making the booking itself. Each hotel has a very limited number of rooms and we might have to book different category rooms for our guests. The allocation of rooms would be done in the best possible manner by our tour leader.
• Please Note: Nagaland has non AC rooms.
• Breakfast(6), Lunch(3) and Dinner(6). Set menu or buffet for all meals. Breakfast will be continental, Lunch and Dinner will be mix of Indian and local naga cuisine as available during tour. 
• 1 litre of water per day per person
• Nagaland Innerline Permit. Entry ticket and permit of Hornbill festival and Kachari ruins.
• Entry Fee to Orchid Park for Cultural Show in the Kaziranga.
• 1 Wildlife safari at Kaziranga National Park including Elephant Safari and Jeep Safari.
• Toyota Innova for all transfers. 4 guests for each vehicle. A/C won't run in hills. Seats on a rotational basis.
• Pickup and drop from Guwahati Airport only in case you book your Air tickets as per our suggestion. Private pickup can also be arranged at additional cost without any service charge. To be specified at the time of booking.
• Services of Travel Buddy experienced in taking care of elderly (45+ age group).
• Toll tax and parking fee of group vehicle.
• Goods and Service Tax payable to Govt. of India
• Some of the sightseeing points might be closed on particular days. And, we reserve the right to change the itinerary, however, we will make sure everything is covered in best possible way.