Exploring the Wonders of North East India in 5 Days

  • Day 1: Discover the beauty of Kaziranga National Park
    2h 30min (101km) from Guwahati

    Kaziranga National Park, known for its one-horned rhinoceroses, is also home to tigers, elephants, and other wildlife. Go on a jeep or elephant safari to experience the natural beauty of the park up close.

  • Day 2: Explore the charming town of Shillong
    3h 25min (99km) from Kaziranga

    The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong, is a charming hill station that boasts of ubiquitous greenery, rolling hills, and serene waterfalls. Visit the Umiam Lake and the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures to learn about the tribal culture of the state.

  • Day 3: Experience the Living Root Bridges of Cherrapunjee
    2h 30min (59.2km) from Shillong

    Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya is famous for the Living Root Bridges, made by the local Khasi tribe by training the roots of rubber trees to create natural bridges. Trek through the lush forests to experience this unique feat of human ingenuity.

  • Day 4: Revel in the natural beauty of Dawki and Mawlynnong
    2h 40min (80km) from Cherrapunjee

    Visit Dawki, a small town on the border of India and Bangladesh, to see the crystal clear water of the Umngot River. Then head to Mawlynnong, known as the cleanest village in Asia, to admire the picturesque landscape of the Khasi Hills.

  • Day 5: Sightseeing in Guwahati
    4h (173km) from Mawlynnong

    End your trip with a tour of Guwahati, the largest city in North East India. Visit the Kamakhya Temple, considered one of the holiest shrines in India, and the Umananda Temple, located on an island in the middle of the Brahmaputra River. Take a sunset cruise on the river to end your trip on a high note.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Kaziranga National Park Jeep Safari (2 to 3 hours, INR 1,000 per person)
  • Shillong Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (2 to 3 hours, INR 100 per person)
  • Cherrapunjee Living Root Bridge Trek (full day, INR 3,000 per person)
  • Dawki Boating on Umngot River (2 hours, INR 500 per person)
  • Mawlynnong Village Tour (3 hours, INR 500 per person)
  • Kamakhya Temple and Umananda Temple Tour (2 hours, INR 100 per person)
  • Sunset Cruise on Brahmaputra River (2 hours, INR 1,500 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 6,700 per person

Transportation

It is best to hire a private cab or a car with a driver to get around North East India. Public transportation is limited and not very convenient. The average cost of hiring a cab is INR 2,000 per day. All the places in this itinerary are well-connected by roads and highways, but expect long travel times due to hilly terrain and winding roads.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can consider adding a visit to the Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh or the tea gardens in Assam. If you have less time, you can skip Dawki and Mawlynnong and spend an extra day in Shillong. When traveling to North East India, be prepared for sudden weather changes and carry warm clothes and rain gear. It is also advisable to carry enough cash as ATMs are not available everywhere.

Airports

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) is the main airport in Guwahati, Assam. It is located about 20km from the city center and serves both domestic and international flights. Shillong has its own airport, Umroi Airport (SHL), but it operates only a few flights per week. The airport is located about 30km from the city center.

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