There is something so mystical and exciting about being in a forest that for many of us, a visit to the wilderness ranks as one of our best holiday experiences. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that we are in a land where the rules are different, where a day is marked with sunrise and sunset. Perhaps it comes from the knowledge that the survival is only of the fittest. Whatever the reason, the very sight of an animal in its own territory, on its own terms, makes for a breathtaking moment and can change your perspective forever.
Like any other typical Indian, who only take a holiday or two annually, deciding the perfect holiday destination was not an easy task for me and my husband. We were clear from the very beginning that we wanted to take up a wildlife tour of India along with some scenic and cultural experiences. With options like Ranthambore in Rajasthan or Bandavgarh in Madhya Pradesh or umpteen other wildlife national parks in India which are probably better connected what made us choose this lesser known North East India Tour? Besides, there are many other celebrated places that we had not been to, then why Shillong and Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya. I rejoice having made that choice. Some pictures of my tour:
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| Entrance to Kaziranga National Park |
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| Jungle Fowl |
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| The Great Indian Hornbill |
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| Spotting Rhinos in Kaziranga National Park, Elephant Safari |
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| Jeep Safari in Kariranga National Park |
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| The Famous one-horned Rhinoceros |
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| Poaching of One-Horned Rhinos for their horn. |
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| A small stream on the way to Shillong |
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| Mawsynram 65 kms from Shillong |
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| Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunjee |
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| A sight to behold - Seven Sister Falls, Cherrapunjee |
The north-eastern part of India is largely an unexplored land. With handful of population and several remote regions, the seven states of the north-east haven’t really caught travelers’ fancy. However, if you are ready to explore, there is a world of surprises waiting for you in this part of the country. From fantastic treks to lush jungles, natural caves and much more, there is so much to do and experience in the north-east.
Kaziranga National Park is situated in the Indian state of Assam. The park is known as the abode of rhinoceros. . A World Heritage Site, the picturesque reserve gives shelter to almost two-thirds of the total population of world's Great One-horned Rhinoceroses on Earth.
There are three tourist routes that you can opt for inside Kaziranga, and you can go in either for a Jeep safari Tour in Kaziranga or an elephant safari Tour in Kaziranga. The safari almost assures you of an unforgettable glimpse of Kaziranga’s spectacular wildlife.
A lot of travellers frequently ask about the reopening date of the Kaziranga National park after the monsoons. The official date for the reopening of the park is from 1st of November onwards. The park, safaris and forest treks remain closed until then.
The itinerary that I took up gave me immense time at each location without making the trip too hectic and tiring. It takes most people 7 days to experience this part of North east India, but there’s every reason to make the journey last longer ;)
The itinerary is copy pasted below:
GREEN TRIANGLE
· Duration: 7 Days- 6 Nights
· Places Covered: Guwahati - Kaziranga – Shillong - Guwahati
This tour takes you to Kaziranga National Park- to see the one horned Rhinoceros, Guwahati the Gateway City to North-East of India and to Shillong, home of the Khasi Highland tribe, also known as the Scotland of the east.
Day 01:Arrival at Guwahati
After a brief welcome ceremony on arrival at Guwahati drive to city and check into your hotel room. Overnight stay at Guwahati.
Day 02: Guwahati-Kaziranga National Park
After breakfast visit Kamakhya Temple, a Major Hindu Pilgrimage site. During the festival of Ambubashi more than a million devotees throng this holy place. Return to hotel after paying homage to the mother goddess Kamakhya and drive on to famous Kaziranga National park (220 kms 4 hrs drive). Check into a Jungle resort on arrival. In the afternoon visit nearby Tea Estate. Evening cultural show at Guwahati. Stay overnight at Kaziranga.
Day 03: Kaziranga
Early morning (5:30 am) explore central Range of Kaziranga National Park on Elephant Safari. On return explore the eastern range on a jeep safari. Return for lunch and proceed to Western Range of Kaziranga National Park on jeep. Stay overnight at Kaziranga.
Day 04: Kaziranga-Shillong
After an early morning breakfast drive to Shillong (280 kms 6 hrs drive). Have Lunch en-route at Borapani Umiam Lake, a majestic placid lake with its surrounding sylvan hills. Check in at your hotel. In the afternoon visit the local market. Stay Overnight at your hotel in Shillong.
Day 05: Shillong: Cherrapunjee, Waterfalls, Cave, Lake
After breakfast drive to Cherrapunjee (60 kms 1and 1/2 hr)which is the wettest place in the world. The beautiful waterfall-Noh-ka-likai is at Cherrapunjee you can also explore some of the caves in and around Cherrapunjee. Return to Shillong, en-route visit Elephanta falls and Shillong peak for some breathtaking views. Stay overnight at your hotel in Shillong.
Day 06: Shillong-Guwahati: Ward lake, Hydari Park
Morning sightseeing at Shillong, visit Ward Lake and Hydari Park. Admire the beauty of Shillong, also called Scotland of the East. It is erstwhile capital of undivided Assam and present Northeast and home to the Khasi highland tribes. After lunch drive back to Guwahati (100 kms). In the evening take a cruise on Mighty Brahmaputra River. Stay overnight at your hotel in Guwahati.
Day 07: Depart
After breakfast day at leisure till you depart for your onward journey.
Some Tips Finally
- Guides in Kaziranga: The forest guard who travels with you in your vehicle in the park doubles as a guide.
- It is important to have your own survival kit, such as a torch, medicines, and toiletries. An outdoor jacket is necessary in winters. While it can be quite warm in the day, evenings can get cold.
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunjee is a must trek. Minimum 6 - 7 hours depending upon the amount of time you want to spend on the bridge. Leave as early as possible in the morning as it gets dark early in the evening (by 5 PM it starts getting dark). Also, in order to fit this in your itinerary you need to take a night’s halt at Cherrapunjee.
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