Arrive at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) and transfer to a centrally located hotel in Pan Bazaar or Paltan Bazaar to rest and store luggage.
Visit the hilltop Kamakhya Temple for cultural context and panoramic views of Guwahati; confirm puja times (typically early morning and late afternoon) before you go.
Short ferry ride to Umananda Temple on the Brahmaputra for relaxed riverside strolls and sunset photography; ferries run in daylight—confirm last crossing with your hotel.
Popular for Assamese and multi-cuisine dinners; a good place to try Assamese thali or local fish specialties. Most restaurants open until late evening.
Short guided walk around the resort grounds or attend a naturalist talk to learn about Kaziranga’s rhino conservation efforts; activities are scheduled by resorts in the afternoon.
Sunrise elephant-back safari gives close encounters with one-horned rhinos; limited seats and seasonal—book in advance. Elephant safaris generally operate around sunrise (approx 5:30–8:00am).
Morning jeep safari in one of the park ranges to spot rhino, elephant, swamp deer and many bird species; park safaris run in specific windows (morning and afternoon) — confirm and prebook.
Daytime ferry from Nimati Ghat/Jorhat to Majuli—ferry schedules vary seasonally so confirm timings locally; the crossing is scenic and takes about 30–60 minutes.
Explore Vaishnavite Satras to see mask-making, pottery and weaving; Satras are usually open daytime—ask permission before photographing monks/artisans.
Hire a bicycle or local guide to visit remote hamlets, weavers and mask-makers; most artisans work daytime, making this the best window to observe craft demonstrations.
Take an early ferry to Jorhat then drive toward Guwahati; depending on connections you can stop briefly in Guwahati or continue directly toward Shillong. The full transfer can take 6–8 hours including breaks.
Short drive to Shillong Peak for panoramic views (weather-permitting) and a visit to Elephant Falls; both sites are open during daylight hours and great for photos.
Stroll around Ward’s Lake and browse handicrafts, locally woven shawls and Khasi souvenirs at Police Bazaar where shops typically stay open into the evening.
Option A: Return to Shillong (1.5–2h). Option B: Continue to Mawlynnong for overnight in the village (1.5–2h) to experience village life—choose based on preference for travel vs. time in the village.
Morning walk in Mawlynnong to see the clean village initiative, bamboo pathways and the view tower; the village is open all day but mornings are less crowded.
Short scenic drive to Dawki (approx 45–60 minutes) to reach the crystal-clear Umngot River—aim to arrive mid-morning when boat operators are active (approx 9am–4pm).
Take a short transparent-boat ride on the Umngot River to marvel at the water clarity and limestone scenery; boats operate during daylight hours and are seasonal.
Return to Guwahati by road (approx 5–6 hours depending on traffic). Plan for stops en route and time buffer for evening flights—arrive at airport 2 hours before domestic departures.