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A Week in North East India: Exploring the Hidden Gems

Friday, February 9: Guwahati

Arrive in Guwahati, the gateway to North East India. Start your day with a visit to the Kamakhya Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. In the afternoon, explore the Assam State Museum, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region. As the evening sets in, take a sunset river cruise on the Brahmaputra River, enjoying the scenic beauty of Guwahati.

  • Kamakhya Temple: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
  • Assam State Museum: Cost - INR 10 (approx. $0.14), Time - 2-3 hours
  • Brahmaputra River Cruise: Cost - INR 400-800 (approx. $5.56-$11.11), Time - 1-2 hours
Saturday, February 10: Shillong

Head to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. Start your day at the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, where you can learn about the diverse tribal communities of North East India. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque Ward's Lake for a leisurely boat ride. As the evening approaches, explore Police Bazar, a bustling market known for local handicrafts and street food.

  • Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures: Cost - INR 100 (approx. $1.39), Time - 2-3 hours
  • Ward's Lake: Cost - INR 10 (approx. $0.14) for boat ride, Time - 1-2 hours
  • Police Bazar: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
Sunday, February 11: Cherrapunji

Embark on a day trip to Cherrapunji, known as the wettest place on earth. Start your day with a visit to the Nohkalikai Falls, one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India. In the afternoon, explore the Mawsmai Caves, famous for its limestone formations. As the evening unfolds, witness the mesmerizing sunset at the Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint.

  • Nohkalikai Falls: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
  • Mawsmai Caves: Cost - INR 20 (approx. $0.28), Time - 1-2 hours
  • Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Monday, February 12: Kaziranga National Park

Travel to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Start your day with an exciting early morning elephant safari to spot wildlife. In the afternoon, take a jeep safari to explore different zones of the park. As the evening sets in, enjoy a cultural performance by the local Bodo tribe.

  • Elephant Safari: Cost - INR 1,500-2,000 (approx. $20.83-$27.78), Time - 2-3 hours
  • Jeep Safari: Cost - INR 2,500-3,000 (approx. $34.72-$41.67), Time - 2-3 hours
  • Bodo Cultural Performance: Cost - Free (donations appreciated), Time - 1-2 hours
Tuesday, February 13: Majuli Island

Take a ferry to Majuli Island, the largest river island in the world. Spend the morning exploring the unique satras (monastic institutions), known for their dance and music traditions. In the afternoon, visit the Auniati Satra to witness the mask-making art form. As the evening approaches, enjoy a traditional Mishing tribe dinner.

  • Satras Exploration: Cost - Free (donations appreciated), Time - 2-3 hours
  • Auniati Satra: Cost - Free (donations appreciated), Time - 1-2 hours
  • Mishing Tribe Dinner: Cost - INR 500-800 (approx. $6.94-$11.11), Time - 2-3 hours
Wednesday, February 14: Tawang

Travel to Tawang, a town nestled amidst the Himalayas. Start your day with a visit to the Tawang Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in India. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Pankang Teng Tso Lake, also known as Madhuri Lake. As the evening sets in, stroll through the local market and try some traditional Tibetan cuisine.

  • Tawang Monastery: Cost - Free (donations appreciated), Time - 2-3 hours
  • Pankang Teng Tso Lake: Cost - INR 30 (approx. $0.42), Time - 1-2 hours
  • Local Market: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Thursday, February 15: Guwahati

Return to Guwahati for departure. Spend the morning exploring the Umananda Temple, located on an island in the Brahmaputra River. In the afternoon, visit the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, a cultural complex showcasing the art, dance, and music of Assam. Bid farewell to North East India with memories of its enchanting beauty.

  • Umananda Temple: Cost - INR 20 (approx. $0.28), Time - 1-2 hours
  • Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra: Cost - INR 50 (approx. $0.69), Time - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring North East India, don't miss the opportunity to visit the living root bridges in Meghalaya, which are natural wonders created by intertwining the roots of trees. Another off the beaten path attraction is the Dzukou Valley in Nagaland, known for its stunning landscapes and seasonal flowers. Locals also recommend visiting the Tawang War Memorial in Arunachal Pradesh, a tribute to the soldiers who fought in the 1962 Indo-China war.

Planning your trip to North East India? Check here for hotel and flight prices.

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