Meghalaya, Kaziranga with Downstream Cruise (3 nights Cruise)
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Duration8 Days
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Region
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Best Time
- October - April
Introduction
- One time entrance of all Entrance fees at the Monuments/ National Park as per the itinerary.
- English speaking accompanying guide in Shillong
- Visit to Shillong.
- Explore Cherrapunjee including Nahkhalikai Falls and Mwasmai Cave.
- Visit to Mawlynnong Village (Cleanest village) & trek to living root bridge.
- Visit India/Bangladesh Border, "Dawki', and boat ride (Direct Payment) on the Crystal Clear Umgot River.
- Visit Mishing Tribal Village.
- Visit Majuli Island (Largest river island in the world)
- Monk Dance performance.
- Visit Sibsagar.
- Visit Shiva Dol (Temple) - The Tallest Shiva Temple.
- Lunch at Tea Garden.
- Yoga on the Deserted Island.
- Cultural Dance Performance.
- Boat Safari on river Brahmaputra.
- One Elephant & Jeep Safari in the Kaziranga National Park.
Destinations Covered
Shillong
The Scotland of the EastShillong is the capital city of the State as well as the District headquarter of East Khasi Hills District. The name Shillong is derived from U-Shyllong, a powerful deity and is situated at an altitude of 1,491m above sea level. This beautiful city is 103kms. from Guwahati, the nearest air and train link. The presence of many well reputed educational institutions, many of them established by various missionary groups make Shillong the hub of education for the entire north-east.
Kaziranga National Park
The haven of one-horned rhinosA UNESCO World Heritage site, Kaziranga is famous as the abode of the one-horned rhinoceros. Made unique with a vibrant, well preserved and sustained ecology this park has a very versatile bio diversity which makes Kaziranga National Park a very important and popular tourist destination.
Guwahati
The Gateway to the North-EastGuwahati is the largest city in Assam and Northeast India. The slow, meandering Brahmaputra River is a focal point of the downtown while the lush hills of the Shillong Plateau provide a verdant backdrop for the suburbs.
History and Culture
There is a magical aura that still lingers over the ever-expanding city. The demon king Narkasura is said to have built this ancient city. Another reason for Guwahati's charm is its being the ancient 'Kamrup', the birthplace of Kamdeva, the God of Love.
Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival Guwahati - Shillong by road: Approx. 120 kms / 2 ½ hrs drive
Shillong
Arrive Guwahati and drive to Shillong - the capital of Meghalaya. On arrival check into your hotel.
Shillong is a hill station in northeast India and capital of the state of Meghalaya. It’s known for the manicured gardens at Lady Hydari Park. Nearby, Ward’s Lake is surrounded by walking trails. North, the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures features displays on the region’s native people. Waterfalls include the Elephant Falls to the southwest. East of here, forested Shillong Peak offers city views.
Later in the evening visit – Shillong’s prime market Police Bazaar.
Overnight at the Hotel (No Meals)
Accomodation -
Day 2
Shillong – Day trip to Cherrapunjee - Approx. 56 kms / 2 ½ hrs drive
Shillong
This morning after breakfast proceed for local sightseeing of Cherrapunjee: Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Nahkhalikai Falls, Dainthlen Falls, Thangkharang Park and Mwasmai Cave. The stalactites and stalagmites caves have innumerable forms, shapes and sizes inside leaving one to imagine as many life forms as possible. This magnificent natural wonder is the handiwork of years of natural abrasion and underground water. Later, visit Kho Ramhah Rock or Motrop to see a single gigantic cone shaped rock formation.
Later return to hotel & relax for the evening. (Please note that during dry season waterfalls may not have enough water)
Overnight at the Hotel (B)
Accomodation -
Day 3
Shillong – Day trip to Mawlynnong - Approx. 90 kms / 3 hrs drive & Dawki Approx 35 kms / 1 hr drive
Shillong
After breakfast, proceed for a full day excursion to Mawlynnong (known for its cleanliness). The village offers picturesque natural beauty. Take a short trek to the living root bridge at a neighbouring village Riwai. The village also offers a sight of natural balancing rock, a strange natural phenomenon of a boulder balancing on another rock. Explore the village & proceed for our nest destination Dawki.
Dawki Border, located in the Jaintia Hills, is the crossing between India and Bangladesh. One can take a boat ride on the glass-like, emerald green waters of the Umngot - the water is so clear that one can see the river bed 12 feet below.
Later, drive back to Shillong and relax for the evening.
Overnight at the Hotel (B)
Accomodation -
Day 4
Shillong to Kaziranga by road -Approx. 252 kms / 6 hrs drive
Kaziranga National Park
Today morning after breakfast, checkout from the Hotel & drive towards Kaziranga National Park.
Kaziranga National Park is a protected area in the northeast Indian state of Assam. Spread across the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, its forests, wetlands and grasslands are home to tigers, elephants and the world’s largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. Ganges River dolphins swim in the park’s waters. It’s visited by many rare migratory birds, and gray pelicans roost near Kaziranga village.
On arrival, check into the Hotel and relax for the evening.
Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D)
Accomodation -
Day 5
Kaziranga to Silghat & board MV Mahabaahu: 45 kms | 1.5 hours drive
Kaziranga National Park
Early this morning drive towards Kohora Mihimukh range of the Kaziranga National Park and get ready to start our morning adventure; once-in-a-lifetime elephant-backed safari where we search for the elusive rhinoceros, tigers, swamp deer and hog deer and more and a large number of very interesting birds. The park never ceases to surprise us.
After breakfast, we drive on to Bagori, the Western Range of Kaziranga and get into the open jeeps for some more wildlife adventure.
On return to the hotel, check out & drive towards Silghat to board MV Mahabaahu.
Later, take a short drive to the Kaliabore tea estate, which is a vast undulating expanse of land with tea bushes. We proceed to the tea factory to see the processing of the Assam Tea and getting an insight into all that goes into preparing a cup-of-tea.
(The tea factory is not operational from mid-December to mid-February as it is time for pruning the tea bushes)
We return to where the ship is anchored. Close by a co-operative Jute Mill is an interesting place to understand how the Jute fibre takes the form of very eco-friendly gunny bags. At sunset, we enjoy a cultural evening on the ship followed by an early dinner.
Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)
Accomodation -
Day 6
Sail towards a Deserted Island
Kaziranga National Park
Today proceed for Yoga/walk on the deserted island and have relaxed breakfast on board. You can enjoy some leisurely hours reading a book or indulging in a steam, Sauna, Jacuzzi or an Ayurvedic Massage or any other treatment. You can also enjoy a dip in the swimming pool or be on the sun deck to enjoy the river in its process of devouring or adding to the sand of the sand bars.
After leisurely lunch and a relaxed afternoon. In the evening, we proceed for a traditional Assamese theme dinner.
Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)
Accomodation -
Day 7
A village visit/ Full day sail/Peacock Island
Guwahati
We catch up on Yoga on an island or on the deck for an hour and move on to breakfast while MV Mahabaahu lifts anchor and heads on towards an island that is occupied predominantly by a ‘Bangla’ speaking Muslim community who are involved in the extensive farming. After lunch, we enjoy a talk on ‘Kamakhya and the Occult and Peacock Island’. After a visit to this village, we return to the ship for lunch and sail towards the Peacock Island. It would be a good idea to have one’s binoculars and cameras at hand.
We later sail towards Pandu Port.
Get ready for the Dinner ‘Alvida Bhoj’ and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu (B, L, D)
Accomodation -
Day 8
Deboard MV Mahabaahu & Drive to Guwahati Airport
Guwahati
After breakfast, we drive to the Kamakhya Temple. This Temple is devoted to the eternal feminine; the goddess of desire whose name is Kama Khya, granter of desires.
Later proceed to airport in Guwahati and bid farewell to the land of Kamakhya.
(B, Packed Lunch)
Accomodation
Dates & Prices
| Day | City | Hotel/Accomodations | Meal Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shillong | Hotel Polo Towers, Shillong
Premier Room
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| 2 | Shillong | Hotel Polo Towers, Shillong
Premier Room
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B
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| 3 | Shillong | Hotel Polo Towers, Shillong
Premier Room
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B
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| 4 | Kaziranga National Park | Hotel Borgos
Executive Room
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B, L, D
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| 5 | Kaziranga National Park | MV Mahabaahu
Superior Cabin
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B, L, D
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| 6 | Kaziranga National Park | MV Mahabaahu
Superior Cabin
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B, L, D
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| 7 | Guwahati | MV Mahabaahu
Superior Cabin
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B, L, D
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| 8 | Guwahati |
B, Packed-L
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*B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner
Prices
| Particular | Prices Per Person |
| Per Person prices for minimum 2 paying guests staying in twin sharing | INR 121599 |
| Single Room Supplement | INR 96255 |
Valid from 1st October 2020 till 15th April 2021 (Not Valid from 20th December 2020 till 5th January 2021)
Available Departure Date for Cruise
| S. No. | Boarding Date | De-Boarding Date | Status |
| 1 | 27-Dec-2020 | 03-Jan-2020 | Available |
| 2 | 28-Feb-2021 | 07-Mar-2021 | Available |
| 3 | 21-Mar-2021 | 28-Mar-2021 | Available |
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis as per the above mentioned Hotels OR Similar
- Meal Plan: As specified above
- One time entrance of all Entrance fees at the Monuments/ National Park as per the itinerary.
- Visit to Shillong.
- Explore Cherrapunjee including Nahkhalikai Falls and Mwasmai Cave.
- Visit to Mawlynnong Village (Cleanest village) & trek to living root bridge.
- Visit India/Bangladesh Border, "Dawki', and boat ride (Direct Payment) on the Crystal Clear Umgot River.
- Visit to Kamakhya Temple.
- Visit Umananda Island.
- Visit Remote Village on Brahmaputra River.
- Visit Tea garden factory (Subject to Operations)
- Yoga on the Deserted Island.
- Cultural Dance Performance.
- One Elephant Safari in the Kaziranga National Park.
- One Jeep Safari in the Kaziranga National Park.
- Land transport by exclusive using Air Conditioned Vehicle.
- All applicable government taxes.
- Accommodation at M.V Mahabaahu on twin sharing basis on a full board plan.
- All Entrance fees at the Monuments and National Parks as per the itinerary.
- All excursions/lectures/performances and activities as per the itinerary.
- Services of English speaking naturalist / Destination Manager during sightseeing at all the places as per the itinerary.
- Assistance on all Arrival & Departure transfers with Representative at the airport and Land transport by Air-Conditioned vehicles.
- Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, internet, imported wines & spirits, camera/video camera fee at monuments/National Park, medical expenses, Salon/massages, etc.
- Any Insurance.
- Any further tax levied by the government of India.
- Evacuation charges in case of medical emergencies, insurance is available on request.
- Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and airplanes delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc.
- Any tipping
- Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Supplement of peak period from 20th December 2020 till 10th January'21 will be advised on booking request for that period.