Authentic North East India

Delve into an untouched corner of India and experience the magical Hornbill Festival which takes place in December, before spotting tigers and rhinos in Kaziranga, staying at a luxury tea estate in Darjeeling and finishing in the bustling city of Delhi. This is a fantastic itinerary is for those that have already started their love affair with India and want to explore further.

1. Days 1-3: Calcutta

   The annual Hornbill Festival takes places in Kohima in Nagaland and is one of the most remarkable events you could possibly imagine. We have teamed up with the Ultimate Traveling Camp who lay on a luxury camp each year, so you can experience this wonderful spectacle in style without sacrificing your creature comforts. The festival takes place in the first week of December. Should you want to travel outside of this time, we can tailor the itinerary to incorporate other destinations and elements and showcase the tribal culture of the Nagas.

   Starting in Calcutta, spend your first two nights in the city taking in all the cultural sites. Visit the Victoria Memorial and relax and enjoy some delicious Bengali cuisine. From here, you are just a short flight away from Dimapur, where you will begin your journey to Nagaland.  

   Accommodation: The Oberoi Grand (2 nights)

2. Days 3-6: Nagaland, Northeast India

   You will fly from Calcutta to Dimapur and from here you will take between a three to four hour transfer to Kohima where The Ultimate Traveling Camp awaits. You will visit the Hornbill festival and spend three nights at The Ultimate Traveling Camp's Kohima base, a luxurious glamping experience. Here enjoy the chance to explore the local area during this once in a lifetime trip. Should you want to spend a few more nights at the camp, there will be more opportunities to visit local villages, maybe learn a little of the history of Kohima during World War Two and take day walks through the countryside.

   Accommodation: The Ultimate Traveling Camp - Kohima Camp, Nagaland (3 nights)

3. Days 6-8: Kazaranga National Park, India

   From Kohima you will continue on to Kaziranga Naitonal Park, which is quite a long journey of between six to seven hours, however we think that it is absolutely worth it. Kaziranga National Park is a wildlife reserve positioned on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and one of the least visited parks in India. During game drives you will likely see rhino, but there are also chances to see tiger, leopard, water buffalo, deer, bear and langur monkey. In addition, there are over 400 species of birds who reside in the park.

   Accommodation: Diphlu River Lodge (2 nights)

4. Days 8-11: Darjeeling

   From your base in Kaziranga Naitonal Park next drive four hours to Guwahati where you will catch a flight to Bagdogra. You then weave your way into the foothills by car for three hours before reaching  your countryside retreat in Darjeeling. Here you will have three nights to enjoy the beautiful countryside with walks through tea estates. You are very close to Darjeeling so that you can explore the town during the day.

   Accommodation: The Glenburn Tea Estate (3 nights)

5. Days 11-13: Delhi

   You end by driving back to Bagdogra airport where you will take your flight to Delhi to spend your final two nights of the trip. You might well have been to Delhi before, but we promise we can show you some of the more interesting hidden corners of the city you may not have experienced first time around.

   Accommodation: The Imperial (2 nights)

• Delhi by night

  Delhi has some of the most amazing restaurants. We always keep our ear to the ground about the latest places to dine, and speak to all our guests about dinner reservations before they travel.

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• Diphlu River Lodge - Morning Safari

  Enjoy a truly wild morning safari through Kaziranga National Park during your stay at Diphlu River Lodge. The early hours of the day are often the best time to spot the different elusive animals and rare bird species that inhabit the park.

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• Evening Aarti Ceremony

  The Varanasi Ganga aarti takes place every sunset at the holy Dasaswamedh Ghat, near Kashi Vishwanath Temple. A sight to behold when visiting Varanasi, we can reserve seats for you if you would like to watch it close up.

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• Explore Calcutta with an Uber Guide

  Explore Calcutta with an expert guide, getting under the skin of the destination. Explore colonial Calcutta on foot, before having tea with a local socialite in his home before seeing the Marble Palace, Park St Cemetery and a cruise up the Hoogly to end.

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• Salaam Baalak walk in Delhi - Paharganj

  During Salaam Baalak Trust City Walk, you will be guided by a young adult who used to live in the streets of Delhi before joining Salaam Baalak Trust. Your walk will give you a unique perspective and at the same time empower a worthwhile program.

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Calcutta, Kohima, Kaziranga, Singritan near Darjeeling & Delhi

The itinerary begins in Calcutta staying at The Oberoi Grand before you fly to Dimapur followed by a three hour thirty minute drive to Kohima where The Ultimate Traveling Camp awaits. It then takes around six hours thirty minutes to drive to Kaziranga. The drive from Diplhu River Lodge to Guwahati is around four hours, where you will then fly on to Bagdogra and drive three hours to Glenburn Tea Estate. Heading to Bagdogra, fly to Delhi, ending with two nights at Scott Dunn favorite, The Imperial.