10-Day North East India Road Trip from Allahabad

Day 1: Allahabad – Patna (Travel)

Morning: Depart from Allahabad early and head north on NH19, enjoying the sunrise over the Ganges plains. The drive to Patna takes about 6 hours with a few scenic stops.

Afternoon: Arrive in Patna, check into the hotel and have a relaxed lunch featuring local Bhojpuri cuisine. Take a short walk to the historic Patna Museum to stretch your legs.

Evening: Stroll along the Ganga Riverfront and watch the sunset before a group dinner at a riverside restaurant.

Day 2: Patna – Siliguri (Gateway to the Northeast)

Morning: Begin the journey towards Siliguri, crossing the fertile Gangetic belt and entering the foothills of the Himalayas.

Afternoon: Stop at the historic town of Rajgir for a quick lunch and a glimpse of the ancient ruins. Continue the drive, enjoying the changing landscape.

Evening: Reach Siliguri, check into the hotel and explore the bustling North Bengal Mall for local snacks and souvenirs.

Day 3: Siliguri – Guwahati (Assam)

Morning: Cross the mighty Teesta River and drive through the tea‑garden country of Darjeeling before entering Assam.

Afternoon: Arrive in Guwahati and visit the revered Kamakhya Temple, perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the Brahmaputra.

Evening: Relax at the scenic Umananda Island for a sunset cruise and enjoy a dinner of Assamese thali at a local dhaba.

Day 4: Guwahati – Shillong (Meghalaya)

Morning: Depart for Shillong, the “Scotland of the East,” winding through lush green valleys and waterfalls.

Afternoon: Explore the tranquil Umiam Lake, where you can indulge in boating or simply enjoy the cool mountain air.

Evening: Climb up to Shillong Peak for a breathtaking panorama of the city, followed by a hearty dinner at a local café.

Day 5: Shillong – Cherrapunjee

Morning: Drive to the spectacular Cherrapunjee, famous for its record‑breaking rainfall and living root bridges.

Afternoon: Visit the awe‑inspiring Nohkalikai Falls and trek to the mystical Mawsmai Cave, feeling the cool mist on your face.

Evening: Settle into a homestay, enjoy a traditional Khasi dinner and listen to folk songs around a bonfire.

Day 6: Cherrapunjee – Mawlynnong & Dawki

Morning: Head to Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village, and wander through its immaculate streets and bamboo bridges.

Afternoon: Continue to the crystal‑clear waters of Dawki River, where you can take a glass‑bottom boat ride and marvel at the turquoise flow.

Evening: Return to Mawlynnong for a quiet night, savoring local delicacies and the serene mountain ambience.

Day 7: Mawlynnong – Kaziranga National Park (Assam)

Morning: Drive back into Assam, heading to the world‑renowned Kaziranga National Park, home of the one‑horned rhinoceros.

Afternoon: Embark on a thrilling jeep safari in the eastern sector, spotting rhinos, elephants and a variety of bird species.

Evening: Stay at a wildlife lodge, enjoy a campfire dinner, and share stories of the day’s wildlife sightings.

Day 8: Kaziranga – Majuli Island

Morning: Depart for the unique river island of Majuli, the largest river island in the world, accessible by a short ferry ride.

Afternoon: Explore the island’s vibrant satras (monastic institutions) and witness traditional Mising dance performances.

Evening: Relax at a riverside eco‑cottage, enjoy fresh fish from the Brahmaputra and watch the sunset over the water.

Day 9: Majuli – Sivasagar (Ahom Heritage)

Morning: Return to the mainland and travel to historic Sivasagar, the former capital of the Ahom Kingdom.

Afternoon: Visit the magnificent Sivasagar Tank and the iconic Rang Ghar and Talatal Ghar monuments, marveling at the ancient architecture.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant serving authentic Assamese dishes such as duck curry and pitha.

Day 10: Sivasagar – Allahabad (Return)

Morning: Begin the long drive back to Allahabad, stopping for breakfast at a roadside dhaba in Bihar.

Afternoon: Cross the Ganges once more near Patna and continue the scenic journey through the plains.

Evening: Arrive in Allahabad, unwind and reflect on the unforgettable Northeast adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Patna city tour – 2 hrs – Rs 2,000
• Siliguri arrival & market stroll – 2 hrs – Rs 1,500
• Kamakhya Temple visit – 2 hrs – Rs 1,000
• Umananda Island sunset cruise – 2 hrs – Rs 2,500
• Umiam Lake boating – 3 hrs – Rs 3,000
• Shillong Peak viewpoint – 1.5 hrs – Rs 500
• Nohkalikai Falls & Mawsmai Cave trek – 4 hrs – Rs 2,000
• Mawlynnong village walk – 2 hrs – Rs 800
• Dawki River glass‑bottom boat – 2 hrs – Rs 2,200
• Kaziranga Jeep Safari (Eastern Zone) – 3 hrs – Rs 5,000
• Majuli satra tour & ferry – 3 hrs – Rs 3,500
• Sivasagar Ahom monuments – 3 hrs – Rs 1,200
• Fuel (≈2,350 km @ 15 km/l, Rs 100/l) – – Rs 15,700
• Tolls & parking – – Rs 5,000
• Accommodation (3 rooms, Rs 3,000/night) – 10 nights – Rs 90,000
• Food (Rs 500 per person/day) – 5 people × 10 days – Rs 25,000
• Miscellaneous (permits, snacks, souvenirs) – – Rs 7,800
• Total Estimated Cost – Rs 175,000

Tips

To extend the trip, add a day in Guwahati for a wildlife excursion to Manas National Park or a river cruise on the Brahmaputra. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the Majuli leg and allocate that time to a more relaxed stay in Shillong, reducing travel fatigue while still experiencing the cultural highlights.