Eastern Gems: Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya

Guwahati: Gateway to Northeast India Once known as the 'light of the East', this is a prominent business city and entry point to N.E. Assam. The busy central market contrasts sharply with the almost rural riverside feel. Tea is the main business here.

Visit the historic temples of Guwahati to understand the spiritual past of the state of Assam. Start with the famous Kamakhya Temple which is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya. An important pilgrimage destination, especially for tantric worshipers. Stroll around the complex, with a beehive-shaped architecture, which houses smaller temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Mahavidyas as well. Set on the Nilachal hilltop, savor breathtaking views of the city from here. Drive up to the ancient Navagraha temple situated on Chitrachal Hill where celestial bodies of the Hindu astronomy are worshipped. Observe the nine Shivalingams (phallic symbols of Lord Shiva) clad in different colors, representing the astronomical bodies. End the day at the 18th century Shiva temple of Sukreswar nestled on the banks of the Brahmaputra River atop Sukreswar or Itakhuli Hill. Walk down the steps leading to the river for a peaceful sunset, watching groups of people performing evening aartis (pujas). (Private Activity; Private Transfers; Fitness Level: Moderate)

Shillong is a lively hill-station dotted with quaint churches, colonial buildings, and blue lakes. Named after an important local deity, U-Shyllong, it is the capital of the moisture-laden northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya which translates to 'Abode of the Clouds'. Nearby natural waterfalls like Elephant Falls, Spreadeagle Falls, and Sweet Falls offer verdant trekking routes. Shillong is the hub of the rock music scene in eastern India and you can sample the best of this at any of the hip cafes of the city like Dylan’s or Cafe Shillong. Learn all about the indigenous cultures at State Museum and the sprawling Don Bosco Centre after which you can explore bustling local markets like Police Bazar. Drop by the Khasi Hills Archery Sports to witness the Thoh Tim, a popular betting game.

Balipara, located in India’s eastern state of Assam, offers peace and tranquility in the lap of lush greenery. There’s the promise of tea plantations, thick bamboo groves, grasslands, and yes, an elephant or two for company! Listen to the sounds of the river, catch an incredible sunrise or simply commune with nature on long, leisurely walks. Tezpur, a scenic town just a little distance away, offers fantastic views of River Brahmaputra, one of the largest rivers in Asia.

Kaziranga: A tryst with the wild! Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary, nearby Jorhat, is home multitudes of animals like swamp deer, one-horned rhinos, Indian elephants, clouded leopards and majestic tigers; it also houses varieties of exotic birds like the Rusty-bellied Shortwing, Nuthatch, Ward's Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill and Blue-fronted Robin.

Set off on early afternoon jeep safari into one of the zones of Kaziranga National Park. This is the perfect opportunity to get up close with the wild inhabitants of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay alert as your local expert guides you to spots known for sightings of the reclusive one-horned Indian rhinoceros, which is an endangered species. Encounter elephants, monkeys, deer, jackals, raptors, wild water buffaloes, and even tigers as you make your way through the sprawling expanse of grassland dotted with swampy lagoons. Try to spot as many as possible of the numerous migratory and domestic bird species that inhabit the region. Capture stunning pictures of the wildlife and the scenic landscape for memories to last a lifetime. (Time of Day:1300 hrs ; Duration: 2 hrs each; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please note that safaris are not conducted during May-October.)

Jorhat: A Nature lover's paradise Jorhat, the nerve center of the Indian tea industry, is surrounded by splendid tea gardens and various institutions. Here is the world renowned Teklai Experimental Center which researches into finding new varieties of tea and determining the therapeutic effects of green tea.

Buckle up for an hour and a half long drive to Sibsagar, that used to be the power center of the Assamese kings of the Ahom dynasty. Originally belonging to the Shan ethnic group, they converted to Hinduism at one point. Learn about their unique culture and architecture which is a curious and fascinating blend of Indian and Southeast Asian features. Explore the remains of the civilization, with its impressive palaces and peaceful temples reminiscent of stupas. Don’t forget to check out the temple tank here, whose claim to fame is that of being the world’s largest hand-excavated reservoir. (Half Day, Time of Day: Morning, Duration: 6 hrs with 1.5 hrs drive to and fro each; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Moderate)

Kohima is a quaint hill station in northeastern India. An eccentric melting pot of tribal groups from across the region, Kohima stands as a wonderful testament of diversity. Its bustling streets are filled with fashionable residents that groove to avant-garde sounds. Charming tin and bamboo houses sport pretty garden balconies between modern buildings. Every morning, hole-in-the-wall establishments serve limited batches of freshly brewed rice beer! From various viewpoints across town, witness panoramic vistas of mist-covered rolling hills and terraced rice fields. Discover war memorials, tribal museums, and light a candle or two at the Catholic church set on a hill. Kohima’s famous Mao Market is a fascinating showcase of the region’s bountiful produce that includes frogs, snails, insects, and wild herbs among others. Savor the aroma of the spicy Raja Mirch-induced Naga cuisine at friendly streetside restaurants. As night falls, travel downtown where you can sample a variety of mouthwatering dumplings. Particularly exciting is the annual Hornbill Festival, when the town’s outskirts swell up to witness the cultural extravaganza!

Begin your exploration of this hilly capital city with a visit to the Kohima War Cemetery set in serene surroundings. Wander around this simple and somber memorial dedicated to the soldiers who died in World War II. Head over to Kisama Heritage Village that is the venue of the famous annual Hornbill festival known for its vibrant displays of the region’s culture. Stroll into the cluster of 16 houses that are dedicated to the different ethnic groups that make up the indigenous population of Nagaland. Take a close look at the distinctive architectural styles and detailing in each of these houses. Amble into the World War II museum situated on the grounds with its rich repertoire of memorabilia from the battles fought in the region, rare photographs, and displays of weaponry as well as soldiers’ uniforms. Travel on to the cathedral on Aradura Hill, counted among one of the biggest in northeast India. Featuring an architectural style that is typical to Nagaland, this shrine blends with its surroundings seamlessly. Get a glimpse of the largest cross made of wood in the country before you turn back. (Half Day; Duration: 4 hrs; Fitness Level: Moderate.)

Kolkata was once the epicenter of the British Raj and a major trading post of the East India Company. Dubbed the City of Joy, it has emerged as a world of extremes. Even today, the city pays tribute to its colonial past, with its intriguing architecture, heritage routes and tales of yesteryear, whilst recognising a pulsating pace and vibrant party scene.