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Off the Beaten Path: A 7-Day Shoestring Budget Adventure in North Eastern India

Sunday, August 13: Guwahati

Start your trip by exploring the bustling city of Guwahati, the gateway to North Eastern India. In the morning, visit the Kamakhya Temple, a sacred site dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Brahmaputra River from the Umananda Temple located on Peacock Island in the afternoon. End your day with a serene sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra River.

  • Kamakhya Temple: Entrance fee - INR 50, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Umananda Temple: Entrance fee - INR 10, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Brahmaputra River Cruise: INR 500 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Monday, August 14: Shillong

Embark on a scenic drive to Shillong, the "Scotland of the East." Start your day by exploring the picturesque Ward's Lake and its surrounding gardens in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures to learn about the rich tribal heritage of the region. End your day with a visit to the lively Police Bazar, a local market perfect for shopping and trying local street food.

  • Ward's Lake: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures: Entrance fee - INR 100, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Police Bazar: Variable cost, Time spent - 2 hours
Tuesday, August 15: Cherrapunjee

Head towards Cherrapunjee, known for its breathtaking waterfalls and living root bridges. In the morning, visit the mesmerizing Nohkalikai Falls, one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India. Explore the ancient double-decker living root bridge in the village of Nongriat in the afternoon. Marvel at the beauty of the Seven Sisters Falls before returning to Shillong in the evening.

  • Nohkalikai Falls: Entrance fee - INR 20, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Nongriat Living Root Bridge: Free, Time spent - 3-4 hours
  • Seven Sisters Falls: Entrance fee - INR 10, Time spent - 1 hour
Wednesday, August 16: Kaziranga National Park

Embark on an early morning journey to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Take a thrilling jeep safari to spot various wildlife species in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Orchid Park to witness the diverse flora of the region.

  • Kaziranga National Park: Entrance fee - INR 1,000, Jeep safari cost - INR 2,000 (shared), Time spent - 4-5 hours
  • Orchid Park: Entrance fee - INR 100, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Thursday, August 17: Majuli

Take a ferry ride to Majuli, the largest river island in the world and a cultural hub of Assam. Spend your morning exploring the various Satras, which are monastic institutions known for preserving traditional dance, music, and art forms. In the afternoon, visit the Auniati Satra, known for exquisite handcrafted masks and pottery. Witness a mesmerizing sunset at the riverbank before returning to the mainland.

  • Ferry ride: INR 30, Time spent - 7-8 hours
  • Exploring Satras: Free (donations appreciated), Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Auniati Satra: Free (donations appreciated), Time spent - 1 hour
Friday, August 18: Tawang

Embark on a scenic road trip to Tawang, nestled amidst the Himalayas. Visit the majestic Tawang Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the world, in the morning. Explore the beautiful Pangong Tso Lake in the afternoon, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. End your day with a visit to the stunning Nuranang Falls.

  • Tawang Monastery: Free (donations appreciated), Time spent - 2 hours
  • Pangong Tso Lake: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Nuranang Falls: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Saturday, August 19: Guwahati

Return to Guwahati to conclude your trip. Spend your morning exploring the Assam State Museum, which showcases the diverse cultural heritage of the region. In the afternoon, visit the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, a cultural center promoting traditional arts and crafts. End your day with a peaceful sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra River.

  • Assam State Museum: Entrance fee - INR 10, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra: Entrance fee - INR 50, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Brahmaputra River Cruise: INR 500 per person, Time spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path experiences, consider visiting the quaint village of Mawlynnong, often referred to as the cleanest village in Asia. Explore the living root bridges of Nongriat, a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts. For an authentic local experience, try the traditional Assamese cuisine at local eateries in Guwahati, such as Khorikaa and Paradise Restaurant.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.

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