1

Arrival at Kolkata airport and transfer to hotel. Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta was once glorious Capital during British Raj. The city was once a small fishing village on Hooghly River which is a tributary of Ganges and used to be called as “Ganga” traditionally in Bengal. Kolkata can also be called cultural Capital of India as it has been home to many artists, painters and poets. Rabindranath Tagore, noble prize winner for Literature in 1913 from the city remain intellectual cradle of India even today. The importance of Kolkata in this field is established by the fact that four out of only five Indianswho have so far won the Nobel Prize, have a Kolkata connection. Kolkata is also known as city of Mother Teresa, known in the Catholic Church as Saint Teresa of Calcutta where she spent nearly four decades working with the poor and the destitute.

2

Morning visit Kolkata and start your tour by first visiting Victoria Memorial, a truly majestic structure made of white marble. It was built in memory of Queen Victoria, as the name suggests, during British Raj. The architecture is a blend of Mughal and European style. The Memorial also houses a museum where many specimens of the past and artefacts are kept. Also visit Howrah Bridge, the Icon of Kolkata was built in 1939 but is was opened for public only in the year 1943. The bridge was constructed with 26500 tons of steel with support of two massive 90 meters high pillars. The next stop is at Indian Museum which is not only the largest but also on of the first Museum not only in India but in entire Asia-Pacific region. The visit of Kolkata remains incomplete without visiting The Missionaries of Charity’s Mother House. It is a place of reverence for anyone searching for his meaningful existence. Mother House was established by the Saint Mother Teresa in 1950 with the purpose of selfless service to mankind. Later visit Belur Math, which is headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission, founded in 1900 by Swami Vivekananda, the world acclaimed philosopher and yogi who was disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhansa. The place is so calm and peaceful that it gives a relief from hustle and bustle of the city. Later we proceed to river bank to catch a boat for visiting Dakshineswar Kali Temple which almost looks like a painting on the canvas. The temple complex has huge courtyards and is surrounded by 12 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Before finishing city tour, we stop at Indian Coffee House, the best place to experience local traditions and culture. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

3

Morning transfer to Kolkata airport to catch flight to Dimapur. Arrival at Dimapur airport and transfer to Kohima, the capital of Nagaland state in North East India. Kohima has its name in history and is known for changing the world politics during 2nd World War as it was here that Allied forces with the help of Naga people stopped winning spree of Japanese forces in this part of the world. A memorial was built to honour those who lost their lives during the war. Afternoon visit Kohima Museum, known for a rare collection of artefacts of Nagas. Also visit Cathedral and Kohima World War Cemetery. Overnight stay.

4

 Morning drive to Kisama Heritage Village which comes alive during Hornbill festival, a cultural extravaganza where great cultural traditions and dances of Nagas are on display. The name of festival is derived from the bird which plays a very important role in the folklore of these tribes. The whole day is dedicated to witness Hornbill festival. As you take your seat in amphitheatre which is like an open air museum, sixteen Naga tribes perform dances and dramas enacting scenes relating to war and their way of life. It is not only the music and dance which mesmerize you but the exquisite local handcrafts and handlooms are equally captivating. This is also a perfect opportunity for those who love photographing ethnic people and their ceremonies. The Nagas are one of most elaborately dressed tribal people and are stunning in their colourful dresses. There are many food stalls serving local cuisine which also includes smoked pork, a local delicacy. Overnight stay.

5

 The day is to enjoy performance of traditional dances not only from Nagaland but from all the North Eastern states of India names as ‘seven sisters’. You will also get a chance to see tribal houses as the Kisama village Complex consists of a cluster of sixteen houses of each tribe created in the indigenous typical architectural design and concept. The tribal house is called “Morung or Youth Dormitory” in local langauge which depicts Colourful life and culture of 16 recognized Naga tribes. Overnight stay.

6

The whole day is dedicated to visit tribal villages near Kohima. We start tour with visit of Khonoma village known for valor and courage of its tribal people. It is also a fine example of alternative form of living in full harmony with nature. The naga tribes who live here used to go for mass hunt for their food and used to indulge in other practices which would harm nature. But, today, it has been converted into an eco-friendly village and has unique water system as the water is piped long distances using bamboo. This village is very scenic and surrounded by green rice terraces.Then explore the charming Kigwema village which is a charming old village of the Angami tribe. Kigwema means ‘inheritance of the house’, as it is said that many other Angami villages originated from here only. Walk through the lanes of the village and see their traditional houses with wooden pillars.Later also visit Jakhama village to experience the real Angami Naga tribal way of living before returning to your hotel in Kohima for overnight stay.

7

After breakfast, departure for Mokokchung which is a picturesque town situated at altitude of 1325 metres. It is also the cultural and intellectual hub and headquarter of AoNagas who are famous for their colourful attire and dance. We shall en-route visit Ungma village which is an ancient village and gives an insight into folklores and tradition of tribal people in this area. The drive on the way through winding roads and forest is an unforgettable experience. Arrive at Mokochung and you can feel a distinct colonial atmosphere here. Afternoon we can visit Longkhum village which lies at an altitude of 1846 meters. The town also offers view of eastern Himalayas and the panoramic view of surrounding hills is truly breath-taking. You can find exquisite handicraft and handloom items here in the town. Overnight stay.

8

After breakfast, leave for Mon located along the India-Myanmar border,is mystic and ethic paradise for rich tribal heritage of Nagaland. The drive is as interesting as the destination as you pass through valleys. It is home to KonyakNagas, the tattoedwarriers who are known for their tattooed faces, blackened teeth and head hunting prowess. The tattoos on their faces and the exquisite jewellery on their body was symbol of their achievements during that period. A visit to Mon will not be complete without a visit to Angh’s house (the ruler of the village) as it is adorned with skull and superb woodwork. The ear rings, tattoos and headgear are sign of his power and glory.It will be interesting to meet the villagers and get to know about their tradition. Overnight stay.

9

After breakfast, go for tour of characteristic Shangnyu village of Konyak tribe. Here visit the human skull’s collection at KonyakMurungs. In ancient time, the chief hunter used to keep the head of his enemies like a trophy. The Angh’s house here is believed to be more than 500 years old. The uniquely carved structure stands tall even today and the memorial stones are also found in front of the house.
Then visit Longwa, one of the biggest villages in the area situated right on the India – Myanmar border. The village lies in two countries and the most interesting is Angh’s house here as half of the house is in India and other half is in Myanmar. The chief (Angh) has dozens of wives and his house is decorated with trophies of various animal skulls. He is so powerful that his jurisdiction extends up to Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh. Also visit Hongphui village. The lifestyle of the people here is not yet influenced by modern world. Overnight stay.

10

After breakfast, leave for Dibrugarh which is located along the Brahmaputra river. The town is surrounded by tea plantations and misty contours of the Himalayas in the background makes it a fascinating place. Afternoon, set out for a “tea tour”. The tea gardens are full of tea pickers dressed in colourful dresses who are mostly women as they are considered better than men to “pinch” the delicate buds and youngest leaves. Overnight stay.

11

After breakfast, transfer to Dibrugarh airport to catch a flight for onward destination.