Nagaland Hornbill Festival Tour

9 Days / 8 Nights

About Nagaland Hornbill Festival Tour

Plan a journey to Nagaland, an eastern Indian state known for preserving and practicing its centuries-old traditions.

Embark on a vibrant cultural adventure through Nagaland and Assam, where ancient customs come alive at the iconic Hornbill Festival and the charming Assam Tea Festival.

This 9-day journey promises an immersive look into the tribal heritage of Nagaland, thrilling wildlife safaris in Kaziranga National Park, the breath-taking Majuli – the world’s largest river island, and the verdant tea estates of Dibrugarh.

Experience traditional dances, savour authentic local dishes, and explore stunning landscapes – all packed into one unforgettable itinerary.

Destination Covered

Kolkata

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01Dimapur - Kohima

Upon arrival at Dimapur Airport, a friendly representative from Indian Panorama will greet you and take you on a scenic drive to Kohima, the capital of Nagaland (about 3 hours). After checking into your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to unwind. Kohima, home to the Angami, Rengma, and Zeliangrong tribes, serves as the ideal base for experiencing the vibrant celebrations of the Hornbill Festival.

Day 02Kohima - Hornbill Festival

After breakfast, make your way to the Kisama Heritage Complex, the heart of the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. Spend the day immersed in vibrant celebrations featuring traditional tribal dances, warrior demonstrations, folk music, indigenous games, cultural fashion shows, and the rich flavours of authentic Naga cuisine. You can also take a trip to nearby tribal villages to witness their unique traditions. Return to Kohima for a cosy overnight stay.

Day 03Hornbill Festival, Kohima

Keep the Hornbill Festival spirit alive! If you're up for a short excursion, head to Khonoma Village – just 20 km from Kohima – an eco-tourism gem renowned for its sustainable farming practices, including Alder-based agroforestry and traditional Jhum cultivation.
After your exploration, head back to Kohima to enjoy the lively night bazaar, brimming with local street food and handcrafted treasures.
Overnight stay in Kohima.

Day 04Kohima - Kaziranga (Assam)

Start your day with breakfast, then take a quick detour to the Kisama Heritage Complex for any last-minute festival fun. After that, hit the road to Kaziranga National Park in Assam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its population of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros.
Located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga National Park is the oldest national park in Assam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Asiatic water buffalo, elephants, tigers, various species of deer, and over 400 species of birds.
Once you arrive, check into your hotel and take some time to unwind. Overnight stay in Kaziranga.

Day 05Exploring Kaziranga

Dedicate a day to exploring Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its thriving population of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros. Start your day with an early morning elephant safari, where you'll get an incredible view of the wildlife.
After breakfast and lunch, dive deeper into the park with jeep safaris to catch sight of tigers, wild elephants, swamp deer, and over 400 species of birds. In the evening, enjoy a cultural dance performance and take a stroll through the Kaziranga Orchid and Biodiversity Park.
Another overnight stay awaits you in Kaziranga.
Note: The Park is open from November 1st to April 30th.

Day 06Kaziranga - Majuli - Jorhat

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before hitting the road to Neematighat, a two-hour drive away. From there, hop on a ferry to Majuli Island, the largest inhabited River Island in the world, nestled in the Brahmaputra River.
Once you arrive, immerse yourself in the island’s rich heritage by visiting its renowned Vaishnavite monasteries, known as Satrashorn. Engage with the resident monks and gain deeper insights into Sri Vaishnavism, a captivating Hindu subsect. Just a quick tip - be sure to remove your shoes before entering these sacred spaces.
On your way, don’t miss the chance to stop by traditional Mishing tribal villages, famous for their unique bamboo stilt houses and lush agricultural lands. After immersing yourself in the island's vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, make your way to Jorhat, the gateway to Upper Assam, and settle into your hotel for the night. Enjoy your overnight stay in Jorhat!

Day 07Jorhat - Sivasagar - Dibrugarh

After breakfast, drive to Dibrugarh, known as the gateway to Eastern Arunachal Pradesh and Northern Myanmar, famous for its lush tea gardens and serene charm. En route, explore Sivasagar, the ancient capital of the Ahom dynasty, home to centuries-old temples, palaces, and monuments.
Wander through time as you discover the region’s rich Assamese history and architecture.Continue to Wakro, inhabited by the Mishmi tribes, known for their distinctive attire and nature-worshipping traditions.
The Mishmis are vibrant festival celebrators – Reh Festival being the most prominent.Arrive in Dibrugarh, check into your hotel, and unwind. Overnight stay in Dibrugarh.

Day 08Dibrugarh Tea Tour - Tea Festival

Start your day with breakfast before diving into a guided tour of a tea estate, where you’ll get to savour a fascinating tea tasting session led by experts. Later, hop in the car and head to Tinsukia (a 90-minute drive) to experience the lively Assam Tea Festival.
This vibrant celebration features folk music, traditional Assamese dance, local handicrafts, and mouth-watering regional dishes. In the evening, you’ll return to Dibrugarh for another cosy overnight stay.
Note: If you’re planning to visit tea factories, the best time is between March and November, and Tea factories are closed on Mondays and non-operational during the off-season.

Day 09Diburgarh - Fly Out

FAQs

What is the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland?

The Hornbill Festival is an annual cultural event in Nagaland that celebrates the traditions, customs, and art of the indigenous tribes. Held in December at the Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima, it features colourful dance performances, traditional music, local cuisine, and vibrant displays of handicrafts and handlooms. The festival is a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists.

When is the Tea Festival in Assam held?

The Tea Festival in Assam, typically held in November, showcases the region’s rich tea culture. Visitors can enjoy tea tastings, explore lush tea gardens, and experience local dances, arts, and ethnic food. It’s a vibrant celebration of Assam’s tea legacy and its cultural heritage.

What can I expect from a Nagaland cultural tour?

A Nagaland cultural tour offers an immersive experience of the rich heritage of the Naga tribes. You’ll explore traditional villages, and festivals like the Hornbill Festival, and enjoy authentic tribal dances, music, and handicrafts. Visitors can also discover eco-tourism initiatives and interact with local communities to understand their history and lifestyle.

Why is Kaziranga National Park a must-visit for wildlife lovers?

Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses. It also houses a wide range of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and various bird species. A wildlife tour here includes safaris, nature walks, and birdwatching, offering visitors an unforgettable wildlife experience.

What can I expect on a tea garden tour in Assam?

Assam’s tea garden tour offers a deep dive into the tea production process. Visitors can stroll through sprawling tea plantations, participate in tea-tasting sessions, and learn about the art of tea cultivation. The lush greenery, coupled with the fragrance of fresh tea, creates a unique experience.

What are the best festivals to experience in North East India?

North East India hosts a variety of unique festivals like the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, the Tea Festival in Assam, Baisakhi in Sikkim, and Losar in Arunachal Pradesh. These festivals celebrate the region’s diverse cultures, music, dance, traditional crafts, and cuisine, offering travellers a chance to experience its rich heritage.

When is the Hornbill Festival in Kohima held?

The Hornbill Festival is held annually in early December at the Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima. It is a celebration of the indigenous Naga tribes’ culture, featuring traditional dances, music, crafts, and rituals. The festival attracts thousands of tourists every year and is a key event in Nagaland’s tourism calendar.