Living Culture of Nagas
Nagaland and Assam are amongst the least explored destinations in India. On this journey you discover the highlights of Assam and explore the unique culture of Nagaland. Nagaland where you encounter traditional Naga tribes. The highlight of your journey is your time spent at the Hornbill Festival where you witness the traditional dance and songs of the colorful Naga communities. There are great photographic opportunities on this journey as you immerse yourselve in a little known culture dating back to the early 13th Century when the Ahom Kings travelled from Thailand through northern Myanmar to settle in Assam. Then drive to Assam where you explore the tribal villages and tea gardens. Enjoy sightings of one horned rhinos and a boat cruise on the Brahmaputra River to Majuli Island, the largest inhabited river island in the world, where you visit famous Hindu monasteries.
Colcata
Colcata
Brahmaputra
Brahmaputra
Kaziranga
Kaziranga
Kaziranga
Assam
Tag 1Arrival Kolkata
On your arrival at international airport in Kolkata and after clearing customs & immigration, our representative will greet you and transfer to the hotel. Kolkata (spelled Calcutta before 1 January 2001) is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the second largest city in India after Mumbai. It is on the east bank of the River Hooghly. When it is called Calcutta, it includes the suburbs. This makes it the third largest city of India. This also makes it the world's 8th largest metropolitan area as defined by the United Nations. Kolkata served as the capital of India during the British Raj until 1911. Kolkata was once the center of industry and education. However, it has witnessed political violence and economic problems since 1954. Since 2000, Kolkata has grown due to economic growth. Stay overnight at hotel.
Tag 2Kolkata
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Kolkata. Visit Victoria Memorial, Dalhousie House ( Heritage zone of Kolkata), Mother Theresa Children’s home, College street, Book market including the visit to heritage coffee house. The Victoria Memorial (Victoria Memorial Hall) is a large marble building in Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal, India which was built between 1906 and 1921. It is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria (1819 - 1901) and is now a museum and tourist destination under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. The Memorial lies on the Maiden (grounds) by the bank of the Hooghly river. Heritage walk of Dalhousie Square: Dalhousie Square or BBD Bagh (in the name of three valiant leaders Benoy, Badal and Dinesh) in Kolkata is the former seat of British administration and commerce. The capital of the largest British Empire in the Indian subcontinent. Reflected in the grandiose old buildings, expressed in its Georgian, Victorian, and late Gothic architecture styles. The rich architectural experience and its evolution still stand today. During the walking tour of this heritage square we can visit some important buildings like Writers Buildings, St. John’s Church, Town Hall, Metcalfe Hall, Currency Building, General Post Office & High Court. Later we can proceed to Mother Theresa Childers home where we can host lunch for these children’s & distribute sweets by the group members & spend some little time with them and enjoy the moments. Also note Mother Theresa missionaries will remain closed on Thursday. After that proceed for lunch at local restaurant, later visit College Street & Coffee house. College Street is an eminent center of Kolkata’s literary crowd.It is second home to the intellectuals, scholars, academicians, students and book lovers of Kolkata city. Also colloquially known as ‘Boi Para’ (book-mart), it houses Kolkata’s most prestigious and renowned academic institutions like University Of Calcutta, Calcutta Medical College, Presidency College, Sanskrit College, Hare School and Hindu School. The place has a unique charm of its own. Dotted with makeshift book stalls constructed with bamboo, wood, canvas and sheets of tin on both sides of the road, College Street is a paradise for book lovers. It’s a one of its kind book market place in the world which draws locals and tourists alike from every corner of the globe. It is a regular place of visit for book trotters. One can get all kinds of book here. The universal availability of books and the large network of shop owners make your book buying experience truly memorable. It is the largest second-hand book market in the world and largest book market in India. Coffee House- The famed Coffee House is located at College Street. It has been the rendezvous place of many illustrious and notable personalities like Rabindranath Tagore, Subhas Chandra Bose, Satyajit Ray, Manna Dey, Amartya Sen, Mrinal Sen, Shashi Kapoor and Aparna Sen etc. Many talented geniuses have penned down pieces of lyrics, poems, story scripts or exchanged brimming ideas related to the world of art and culture in this cafeteria. The Coffee House is a part of the Indian Coffee House restaurant chain in India, run by a series of worker co-operative societies. Presently, the place is regularly thronged by students from nearby premiere institutions, literary intellectuals and enthusiastic tourists. Later return back to hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Kolkata.(B,L,D)
Tag 3KOLKATA –DIMAPUR-KOHIMA
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to Guwahati.The flight operates only on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday. Upon arrival at Dimapur airport our representative will meet & greet you & transferred to the hotel. Kohima is the land of the Angami Naga tribe. The name, Kohima, was officially given by the British as they could not pronounce the Angami name Kewhima or Kewhira (Tenyidie for "the land where the flower Kewhi grows"). It is called after the wild flowering plant Kewhi, found in the mountains. Earlier, Kohima was also known as Thigoma. Kohima is located south of Kohima District and has an average elevation of 1261 metres. The town of Kohima is located on the top of a high ridge and the town serpentines along the top of the mountain ranges as is typical of most Naga settlements. Later proceed to Hornbill Festival. The tribes of Nagaland celebrate their festivals with gusto and fervor. More than 60% of the population of Nagaland depends on agriculture and therefore most of their festivals revolve round agriculture. They consider their festivals sacred and so participation in these festivals is compulsory. Nagaland is known as the land of festivals as each tribe celebrates its own festival with dedication and passion. Some of the important festivals celebrated are: Tsukhenyie by the Chakhesangs in January, Mimkut by the Kukis in January, Bushu by the Kacharis in January, Sekrenyi by the Angamis in February, Aoling by the Konyaks in April, Moatsu by the Aos in May, Tuluni by the Sumis in July, Nyaknylum by the Changs in July, Tokhu Emong by the Lothas in November and Yemshe by the Pochurys in October. To encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland, the Government of Nagaland organizes the Hornbill Festival every year in the first week of December. Stay overnight at hotel.(B,L,D)
Tage 4 und 5KOHIMA (NAGALAND)
see above
Tag 6KOHIMA-MOKOKCHUNG
After breakfast drive to Jorhat (145 Kms/04-05 Hours), enroute visit Ungma village. Ungma is one of the ancient Ao villages and is of great tourist interest to view the folklore, customs & traditions of Ao Naga. Ungma is one of the developed village in Nagaland & its second largest village here. It is believed as the oldest and the largest of all the Ao villages. It is considered to be the birthplace of the Ao Naga tribe. The inhabitants of the village follow and preserve the Ao culture and tradition. An old drum, a wonderful park on the outskirts and a Baptist church are some of the famous attractions of the village. The Tsungremong and the Moatsu festivals are celebrated in the village with zeal and splendor, during which people display traditional art forms and dances. The village is divided into two parts, Yimpang (North) & Yimlang (South). In the heart of village the Baptist church stands which reflects the supremacy of Baptist faith. Later check in at hotel, & visit local market in the evening. Stay overnight at Mokochung.(B,L,D)
Tag 7MOKOKCHUNG-JORHAT
Morning drive to Jorhat. On arrival check in at hotel. Late afternoon roam around the hotel. Stay overnight at Jorhat. (B,L,D)
Tag 8JORHAT-GUWAHATI-BOARD M.V.MAHABAAHU-SAIL TOWARDS SILGHAT
Early morning drive to Guwahati (300 Kms/06 Hours). On arrival board M.V.Mahabaahu in the Assamese tradition. We check into our cabins and immediately gather in the restaurant for the essential safety briefing and drill followed by a familiarization tour of MV Mahabaahu. The tour takes us to the Donyi Polo Deck to experience the first sail where we raise a traditional toast to Goddess Kamakhya to give us a safe passage on the River Brahmaputra that carves the valley of Assam where we will be spending the next 7 nights and 7 days. We relax here sipping Assam tea/coffee or Indian ‘masala chai’, whatever the taste buds crave for and enjoy the snacks. We pass by the smallest river island called the Peacock Island where the Umananda temple is located. Peacock Island is famous for the highly endangered Golden Langur. It would be a good idea to have one’s binoculars and cameras at hand. We proceed into the evening with a talk on ‘Kamakhya and the occult in Assam’. Soon MV Mahabaahu drops anchor and the evening follows into a ‘Kamrup Swaagat Bhoj’ or welcome dinner in the Mungri Mungram Restaurant with the Chef’s lavish spread of Asian, continental and oriental cuisine that demands a buffet display. Stay overnight on board M.V.Mahabaahu. (B,L,D)
Tag 9SAILING TOWARDS SILGHAT
We start this morning with Yoga for those who love to pay homage to the forces of nature. The ultimate ‘Sun God’ perhaps on an island or on the deck for an hour. Others scan the river for a fleeting sight of the Gangetic Dolphins and the birders inspect the skies for the winged species. We move on to breakfast while M.V.Mahabaahu heads on for a full day sail passing by inhabited and deserted islands that may or may not survive the flood season. It is the non- permanency of these islands and the strength of the people to re-establish themselves is what catches ones attention. This is a day for sunbathing on the Donyi Polo Deck or a dip in the pool or indulging in massages or sitting in the warm waters of the Jacuzzi or enjoying a steam/sauna and getting rid of one’s tiredness from the journey. We make ourselves comfortable for the week to follow and observe the beauty of this pristine river. We indulge in a relaxed lunch and then after tea we proceed for a talk on ‘The River Brahmaputra and the tribal life that exists alongside’. Dinner and interactions with all on board is a happy get together and we take this opportunity to know the crew this evening. Stay overnight on board M.V.Mahabaahu. (B,L,D)
Tag 10SILGHAT
As we indulge in some Yoga, M.V.Mahabaahu sails towards Silghat. We pass by the famous town of Tezpur and under a famous 3 Km 15 m long arched bridge called Kolia Bhomora Setu. After breakfast we indulge in a talk on ‘Kaziranga and wild life in India’. We sail on for the next couple of hours and enjoy a relaxed lunch. We reach Silghat and M.V.Mahabaahu drops anchor. We take a short drive to a tea estate where we can stretch our legs and enjoy a leisurely walk through the tea estate watching the tribal women picking tea leaves. Here we stop for a talk with the Manager of the tea estate who familiarizes us with the essentials of running a tea- estate, the lay of the land and the climate. We proceed to the tea factory to see the process of finally producing Assam Tea and coming to terms with ‘all that goes into preparing a cup-of- tea. By sunset we are ready to drive back to MV Mahabaahu to enjoy a cultural evening on board and proceed for dinner and retire early for the next morning elephant safari. Stay overnight on board M.V.Mahabaahu. (B,L,D)
Tag 11SILGHAT/KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK/SILGHAT/BISHWANATH GHAT
Rise before the sun and after a warm cup of tea and some biscuits to snack on, set off for the Kaziranga National Park’s Kohora Gate and an once-in-a-lifetime elephant-backed safari where we search for the elusive rhinoceros. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Kaziranga National Park is located in the flood plains on both sides of the Brahmaputra. The most prized inhabitant of Kaziranga is the Great One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros, but the Park is home to as many as 180 different mammals including wild elephants, tiger, deer, bison, and a rich variety of birds. Kaziranga means the "Land of red goats (Deer)", as the word Kazi in the Karbi language means "goat", and Rangai means "red". After breakfast at a resort in Kaziranga, we drive on to Bagori, the Western Range of Kaziranga and get into the open jeeps that are lined up to take us for some more wild life adventure and an extensive coverage of this magnificent park dotted with large water bodies called ‘beels’ in the local language. We return to the ship for lunch and set sail towards Bishwanath Ghat. Lunch is followed by a short orientation in Bishwanath Ghat. We can then snatch a couple of hours of sleep we lost in the wee hours of this morning. On arriving Bishwanath Ghat (also called ‘Gupta Kashi’), we take the smaller boats to visit this charming village. We visit the Shiva Dol in reverence of Lord Shiva and there is no way that we can avoid the women with their weaves and enjoy an excellent bargaining hour for the home-spun weaves as we watch the ladies busy at their handlooms. You can carry cash to the village to buy the handicrafts made by the villagers to encourage local craft. We walk through the streets near this Ghat and move towards a quaint little pretty rocky inlet of the Brahmaputra. We return to M.V.Mahabaahu and get ready to spend the evening in the Soma Lounge and then to Mungri Mungram for dinner. We can then choose to watch a documentary or retire for the evening. Stay overnight on board M.V.Mahabaahu. (B, L, D)
Tag 12BISHWANATH GHAT/TOWARDS MAJULI
Early morning Yoga is on the charts as M.V.Mahabaahu sails on. Breakfast is followed by a talk on ‘Sibsagar and the culture of the Ahoms’. We enjoy leisure hours till lunch time. After lunch, we are ready for a boat safari on the Eastern range of Kaziranga where the two waters of River Dhansiri and River Brahmaputra meet. Here, the presence of hovering pied kingfishers is an indication of fish life & the fallen branches of trees into the river support roof turtles. Monitor lizards as well as otters are very much a part of this area. Asiatic water buffaloes are known to swim over from the park to the sand banks on the other side of Dhansiri. Endangered vultures and eagles too can be spotted. Several migratory birds depending on the time of the year feature themselves in this area. We must keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best. We gather our experience of the evening and return to M.V.Mahabaahu where the Chef awaits our return to involve us in his cooking demonstration. Our chef talks of the ingredients while we pour ourselves a cup of tea. We enjoy these freshly prepared dishes and snack on them. This evening we can enjoy a relaxed quiet walk on a deserted island or a game of cricket or volley ball etc. We take some time to get ourselves together for a comfortable evening under the stars with cocktails to order on the sandy island (expect sand between your toes and the breeze could be comfortable to chilly, a light jacket would be advisable) and of course a bonfire is on the charts. NOTE: (Bonfire may be avoided if a suitable sandbank cannot be found or if we experience inclement weather conditions) Stay overnight on board M.V.Mahabaahu. (B, L, D)
Tag 13SAILING TOWARDS MAJULI
Yoga enthusiasts enjoy an early morning Yogic walk or a Yoga session as M.V.Mahabaahu sails on. We arrive at a ‘Mishing’ village and disembark on smaller boats to reach the village banks. The ‘Mishing’ are an ethnic group inhabiting a number of districts in Assam. It is popularly believed that they were dwellers of the hills of present day Arunachal Pradesh and migrated to the plains of Assam in search of fertile land as well as in search of civilizational progress. Almost all ‘Mishing’ women are expert weavers on handlooms. We get a ‘Mishing’ man to give us a ‘Dhoti’ tying demonstration and a woman to show the ‘Mekhela Chaddor’ tying demonstration. Dhoti & Chaddor are the traditional dresses of the Mishing. After climbing up the house platform and exploring Mishing homes, purchasing some of their weaves/fresh vegetables etc. we return to the comfort of MV Mahabaahu for a fine leisurely lunch and a relaxed afternoon while our vessel brings us closer to our destination. You can carry cash to the village to buy the handicrafts made by the villagers to encourage local craft. This evening we get together in the restaurant for a cup of chai and a talk on ‘Majuli and Vaishnavism’ and get acquainted with one of the largest river island systems of the world. After some leisure we try our hand at the Assamese dresses that we had watched the demonstration for, this afternoon. We enjoy a cat walk in the Mungri Mungram and indulge in a lavish dinner by the Chef. Stay overnight on board M.V.Mahabaahu. (B, L, D)
Tag 14ARRIVE MAJULI/NEAMATI GHAT/SIBSAGAR/NEAMATI GHAT
We sail on towards Majuli Island while an early morning Yoga session or bird watching is on. Majuli which literally means land between water is a cosmos of Assamese culture where various philosophies co-exist and thrive. Ancient monasteries dedicated to preservation and development of culture and art have existed here since the 15th Century. The treasures of Majuli are undoubtedly its Monasteries or Satras that promulgate a form of Hinduism that is called Vaishnavism. These Satras are the hub of culture, art, religion and lifestyle. The Satras preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewellery and other articles of cultural importance. After breakfast, we take a short boat ride to the mainland where a drive takes us to a scenic corner of ‘Garamur Satra’ for an interesting cultural performance by Satriya singers and dancers. The art of relating mythical tales through dramas and masks is an important part of Majuli culture. After soaking in the untouched beauty of the area and a tête-à-tête with the performers, we move to ‘Kamlabari Satra’ to witness another performance by the Vaishnavite priests in the temple premise. We walk through the humble dwellings of the monks and talk about their daily chores and this is an insight into their chosen path. We then take the short boat ride back to M.V.Mahabaahu and sail towards Neamati Ghat. On arriving Neamati, we disembark and drive to to Sibsagar, the ancient city of the Ahom Kings; a town that literally means 'ʹthe ocean of Lord Shiva’. The district is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire of the Ahoms. Sibsagar was the capital of the Tai-speaking Ahoms who came to the area from Yunan and China in the 13th Century AD. We go on to visit the Talatal or Karen Ghar which was the palace of the Ahom Kings and after a leisurely stroll in and around the monument we go on to Rang Ghar which was a place for hosting wrestling bouts and buffalo fights and other entertainment for the royals and their guests. We proceed to Sibsagar town that is built around a huge man made water tank ordered by the queen and dug over 200 years ago. On its banks are located some of the famous temples of Sibsagar. The Shiva Dol, constructed in the year 1734 is believed to be the highest Shiva temple in India. We then drive on to a Tea Estate for an evening with the Tea-estate family to get a peep into the lifestyle of the families that have been involved in the tea business for generations. As we sip our beverages and explore the lawns the cultural performances begin followed by a Talk by the professionals on ‘Different types of Tea’ especially the ones produced in Assam along with a tea-tasting session. Thereafter, return to M.V.Mahabaahu for our farewell dinner where we again raise a traditional toast to the journey completed and the one ahead. Stay overnight on board M.V.Mahabaahu. (B, L, D)
Tag 15NEAMATI GHAT/JORHAT/KOLKATTA
Yoga for those of us who may create time, or maybe an early morning indulgence in the spa or a hair do and settling of all extras before breakfast and we proceed to place our suitcases in the corridor before breakfast and enjoy a relaxed breakfast before disembarking and driving with packed lunch for our drive to the Rowriah Airport in Jorhat to board your flight to Kolkatta. Meet upon arrival & transfer to airport hotel for wash & change only. Later transfer to airport & board flight to onward destination.This is the end of your booked journey.
Unsere Leistungen
- Übernachtungen wie angegeben in 3 - 5 Sterne - Unterkünften (Ü) oder auf dem Boot. Verpflegung wie angegeben (FS -Frühstück, AE-Abendessen, L-Lunch)
- Flüge (Economy class inkl. 15kg Freigepäck) und Flughafengebühren
- Örtliche indische englischsprachige Reiseleitung
- In den Parks sind Fahrer und Natur- Guide inklusive
- Unterbringung in 2 – Bett – Zimmern
- Einzelzimmer – Unterbringung gegen Aufpreis (auf Nachfrage)
- Spezial Permits wo nötig
- Sämtliche Transfers in geeigneten Fahrzeugen
- Eintrittsgelder in die angegebenen Objekte
Nicht im Preis enthalten
- Internationale Flüge (Preise ab Europa ab circa 800 €, Stand 01/2023)
- Indien – Visum (circa 90 €, Stand 01/2023)
- Kamera und Video - Gebühren
- Trinkgelder, die in Indien üblich sind
- Reiserücktrittsversicherung
- Dinge des persönlichen Bedarfs
- Alle Sonderkosten, die hervorgerufen werden durch unvorhersehbare Ereignisse (Naturkatastrophen, Politik, Arbeitskämpfe etc.)
