20-Day East India and Northeast India Explorer from Gorakhpur: Culture, Nature & Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Ghats Tour

Varanasi, India on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Chaat Bhandar

Start your day with a traditional Kachori Sabzi and chai at this beloved local eatery, open from 6am to 9pm.
INR100, 1h0m

9:00am

Boat Ride at Sunrise on the Ganges

Experience the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi’s Ghats at sunrise with a serene boat ride along the river. Boats are available from dawn.
INR300, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore this iconic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the holiest in India. Open 6am to 10pm, except during special rituals.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Shiv Shakti Restaurant

Enjoy authentic vegetarian Thali meals offering a variety of local flavors. Open 11am to 9pm.
INR250, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll through local markets

Browse colorful shops selling silk scarves, brassware and religious items near the Ghats.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Attend Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing evening prayer ceremony at the main Ghat, starting at sunset (around 7pm).
Free, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

Try their excellent North Indian and fusion dishes at this cozy cafe open till 10:30pm.
INR400, 1h

Day 2: Temples & City Walk

Varanasi, India on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Blue Lassi Shop

Relish refreshing mango lassi or sweetened yogurt drinks, open from 7am to 9pm.
INR80, 30m

8:30am

Visit Sarnath Archaeological Site

Explore where Buddha gave his first sermon. Open 6am to 6pm with entry fee.
INR30, 2h

11:00am

Explore Ramnagar Fort

Visit the museum showcasing antiques and royal artifacts. Open 10am to 5pm.
INR100, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Keshari Restaurant

Taste traditional Banarasi cuisine including poha and litti chokha. Open 11am to 10pm.
INR300, 1h

3:00pm

Floral & Silk Market Shopping

Visit Vishwanath Gali for Banarasi silk sarees and local handicrafts.
Variable, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy wood-fired pizzas alongside Indian dishes; open till 11pm.
INR450, 1h

Day 3: Travel and Explore Kolkata

Kolkata, India on May 30, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light Indian breakfast before departure, hotel breakfast hours typically 6am-8am.
Included, 30m

7:00am

Train to Kolkata

Board the overnight train from Varanasi to Kolkata (approx. 12 hours).
INR800 AC Sleeper, 12h

Day 4: Kolkata Sightseeing

Kolkata, India on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Flurys

Start with classic continental breakfast including pastries at this historic cafe open from 7:30am.
INR400, 1h

9:30am

Victoria Memorial Tour

Explore grand British-era architecture and the museum inside. Open 10am to 5pm.
INR30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Oh! Calcutta

Relish authentic Bengali dishes like macher jhol and shorshe ilish. Open 12pm to 3pm.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Walk on Howrah Bridge and Riverfront

Enjoy the bustling vibe and scenic views of the Hooghly River.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Visit this famous temple on the riverbank, open till evening around 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Peter Cat

Try their iconic Chelo Kebab in a vintage ambiance, open till 11pm.
INR700, 1h

Day 5: Markets & Culture

Kolkata, India on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Savour South Indian coffee and light snacks in a heritage setting, open 8am to 5pm.
INR100, 30m

9:00am

Explore College Street and Coffee House

Browse extensive bookstores and soak in intellectual Kolkata's vibe.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Marble Palace

Discover exquisite art collections and colonial architecture. Open 10am to 4pm except Mondays.
INR50, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at 6 Ballygunge Place

Taste refined Bengali cuisine in a heritage bungalow, open 12pm to 3pm.
INR650, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Eden Gardens

Walk around one of the most iconic cricket stadiums in India. Stadium tours require prior booking.
INR100, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bohemian

Enjoy eclectic décor and creative Bengali cuisine, open till 11pm.
INR700, 1h

Day 6: Fly to Guwahati

Guwahati, India on June 2, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before transfer to Kolkata airport, hotel breakfast hours typically 6am-8am.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Flight to Guwahati

Fly from Kolkata to Guwahati (approx. 2 hours).
INR2500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Paradise

Enjoy local Assamese and Indian dishes in central Guwahati, open 12pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm.
INR400, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kamakhya Temple

Explore this important Tantric Hindu pilgrimage site, open till 5:30pm.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Walk along Brahmaputra Riverfront

Relax and enjoy sunset views by the river.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Rice Bowl

Taste authentic Assamese cuisine with fresh local ingredients, open till 10pm.
INR500, 1h

Day 7: Explore Guwahati

Guwahati, India on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Hendrix

Casual cafe serving continental and Indian breakfasts, open from 7am.
INR350, 1h

9:00am

Visit Assam State Museum

Discover the rich culture and history of Assam, open 10am to 5pm except Mondays.
INR20, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Khorika

Sample delicious charcoal-grilled Assamese dishes, open 12pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm.
INR450, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Nabagraha Temple

Small temple renowned for astrological significance, open till evening.
Free, 45m

4:00pm

Relax at Ugro Tara Temple Park

Quiet park with temple views and nature trails.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Monalisa Restaurant

Offers a range of Indian and Chinese dishes, open till 10:30pm.
INR500, 1h

Day 8: Day Trip & Leisure

Guwahati, India on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before excursion.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Day trip to Madan Kamdev Archaeological Site

Explore ancient temple ruins known as ‘Khajuraho of Assam’; open 9am to 5pm.
INR50, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch Picnic or Local Eatery

Enjoy packed lunch or visit nearby local restaurants.
INR300, 1h

3:00pm

Return and relax at hotel

Free time for rest or optional spa treatments.
Variable, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Zoe’s

Fusion restaurant with European and Indian dishes, open till 11pm.
INR600, 1h

Day 9: Travel to Shillong

Shillong, India on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before road transfer.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Shared Taxi or Bus to Shillong

Scenic 3-hour journey from Guwahati to Shillong through Meghalaya hills.
INR400, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Shillong

Try local Khasi dishes and coffee, open 11am to 8pm.
INR350, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Elephant Falls

Picturesque waterfalls about 12 km from the city open 8am to 5pm.
INR30, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Ward’s Lake and Botanical Gardens

Peaceful gardens in the heart of Shillong, open 7am to 5:30pm.
INR20, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dylan’s Cafeteria

Casual spot for continental meals popular with locals and tourists, open till 10pm.
INR400, 1h

Day 10: Shillong Exploration

Shillong, India on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Jiva

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and light snacks, open 8am to 5pm.
INR300, 45m

9:00am

Visit Shillong Peak

The highest point in Shillong offering panoramic views, open sunrise to sunset.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria

Italian cuisine with local twists, open 12pm to 3pm.
INR500, 1h

2:00pm

Local Market Shopping

Browse markets like Police Bazaar for spices, bamboo crafts and souvenirs.
Variable, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Neil’s Kitchen

Known for Khasi traditional food, open till 9pm.
INR400, 1h

Day 11: Relax and Cafe Hopping

Shillong, India on June 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Umami

Great coffee and light breakfast options, open 8am to 6pm.
INR350, 1h

10:00am

Visit Don Bosco Museum

Renowned for its extensive collection on Northeast India’s culture and tribes, open 9:30am to 5pm.
INR50, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at City Hut Family Dhaba

Enjoy homestyle Indian and North Eastern food, open 12pm to 9pm.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Relax and Cafe Hop

Visit other popular cafes like Greta’s, Cafe Shillong and The Eatery for light snacks and atmosphere.
Variable, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cafe Shillong

Savour fusion and local favorites in cosy setting.
INR450, 1h

Day 12: Travel to Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji, India on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before taxi transfer.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Taxi to Cherrapunji

About 2 hour drive through scenic mountainous terrain.
INR1200 per taxi, 2h

11:00am

Check-in and Lunch at Local Homestay

Try Khasi traditional food served fresh at homestays or local eateries.
INR400, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Nohkalikai Falls

Witness the highest plunge waterfall in India, accessible until evening.
INR40, 1h30m

4:00pm

Mawsmai Caves Exploration

Explore stunning limestone caves entrance open till 5pm.
INR50, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Orange Roots

With farm-to-table food, enjoy organic Khasi cuisine, open till 9pm.
INR500, 1h

Day 13: Waterfalls & Root Bridges

Cherrapunji, India on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a filling breakfast.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Seven Sisters Falls

Enjoy views of the iconic seven-segmented waterfall, best in the morning light.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Trek to Living Root Bridges

Experience trekking through stunning rainforest to mysterious living root bridges, allow half day.
Free, 5h

4:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Rest after an invigorating trek.
Included, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cloud 9

Enjoy local specialities in relaxed ambiance.
INR450, 1h

Day 14: Explore Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji, India on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Refuel before day outings.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Visit Thangkharang Park

Beautiful gardens with views over waterfalls and limestone hills.
INR30, 1h

10:30am

Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint

Experience panoramic views of the valley and natural beauty.
INR20, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Eatery

Try simple local Khasi cuisine at a recommended spot.
INR350, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Seven Hills viewpoint

Perfect spot for selfies and nature appreciation.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Relax or Optional Visit to Krang Suri Falls

Experience another spectacular waterfall about 30-min taxi ride away.
INR100, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Jai Hind Restaurant

Relish Indian and local Khasi dishes, open till 9pm.
INR450, 1h

Day 15: Travel and Explore Dawki

Dawki, India on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early meal before taxi transfer.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Taxi to Dawki

Approx 1.5-hour drive through scenic routes.
INR1000, 1.5h

10:00am

Boat Ride on Umngot River

Enjoy a memorable boat trip on crystal-clear waters, open 9am to 5pm.
INR300, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Dawki Market Eateries

Use the opportunity to try local fish and vegetable dishes.
INR350, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Dawki Market

Shop handmade cane products, local textiles and souvenirs.
Variable, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Cherrapunji or Stay in Dawki

Relax and enjoy local hospitality.
Variable, Evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Local Guesthouse

Sample home-cooked meals reflecting Meghalaya cuisine.
INR400, 1h

Day 16: Leisure Day in Dawki

Dawki, India on June 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy fresh local produce for breakfast.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Nature Walks and Village Visit

Explore nearby villages and natural surroundings with guides.
INR200, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Home-style Eatery

Experience Khasi hospitality with traditional dishes.
INR350, 1h

2:00pm

Leisure or Optional Visit to Mawlynnong Village

Famous for cleanliness and living root bridges, about 1-hour drive.
INR800, Half day

7:00pm

Dinner at Dawki Guesthouse

Savor warm welcoming meals after a busy day.
INR400, 1h

Day 17: Travel to Kaziranga

Kaziranga, India on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Early breakfast before long journey.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Taxi to Kaziranga National Park via Guwahati

Long drive approx 6-7 hours, breaks recommended.
INR3500, 7h

3:30pm

Check-in and Relax

Settle into hotel or safari lodge.
Included, Rest of day

7:00pm

Dinner at Lodge

Enjoy local cuisine with fresh ingredients.
INR600, 1h

Day 18: Kaziranga Safari & Culture

Kaziranga National Park, India on June 14, 2025

5:30am

Morning Rhino Safari

Explore the park for Indian one-horned rhinoceros sightings; safaris open 5:30am to 7:30am.
INR1500, 2h

8:30am

Breakfast at Lodge

Recharge after morning safari.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Bird Watching Tour

Guided walk focusing on Kaziranga’s birdlife, available till afternoon.
INR800, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Lodge

Relax with meals featuring local produce.
Included, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Nearby Villages

Experience local tribal culture and crafts.
INR500, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lodge

Enjoy a calm evening meal with fellow travelers.
INR600, 1h

Day 19: Return to Guwahati

Guwahati, India on June 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lodge

Start with a nourishing breakfast.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Taxi to Guwahati

Approx 5-hour drive; break stops en route recommended.
INR2500, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Guwahati

Dine at Paradise or local restaurant after arrival.
INR400, 1h

3:30pm

Shopping for Souvenirs

Visit local markets for Assam tea, handicrafts, and textiles.
Variable, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Relaxed dinner before journey home.
Included, 1h

Day 20: Return to Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur, India on June 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy final hearty Assam breakfast.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Flight to Gorakhpur

Fly from Guwahati back to Gorakhpur with likely one connection.
INR4000, Approx 4h

1:00pm

Relax and Souvenir Organizing

Take time to rest and organize purchases from the trip.
Free, Afternoon

7:00pm

Dinner at Home or Local Restaurant

Celebrate trip’s end with local traditional meal or family gathering.
INR300, 1h