North East India Tour Itinerary | Assam & Meghalaya

North East India Tour Itinerary covering Assam and Meghalaya State from 7 Sisters State.

In the beginning of 2019, I had a chance to finalise my trip to explore 2 states of North East India – Assam & Meghalaya. These places were in my bucket list as they are some of the unexplored destinations in India and have something incredible, one of a kind attraction which you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

Instead of writing detail blog on various cities I visited, I thought it is better for me to share my entire North East India Tour Itinerary for anyone who is planning to visit North East India.

Day 1 : Guwahati

With early morning flight to Guwahati, on arrival at Guwahati Airport we straight went to our hotel. After freshen up and lunch, we went to Umamanda Temple on the Brahmaputra River. With a short boat ride, we reached the temple island, known as Peacock Island. On the top of the island, there is Lord Shiva Temple. While we headed back to main island, it was almost a sunset time, indeed a scenic view.  (There are sunset cruise available on the Brahmaputra River with dinner)

Later, we went into the city to visit Kalakshetra’, a place where Assamese history and culture is presented through Light and sound show. Unfortunately during my visit it was not available due to some technical issue. The museum showcase history and culture of Assam. It also has display of Ramayana Manuscripts.

Overnight stay at Radisson Blu Guwahati

*We started with Guwahati due to unavailability of rooms in our preferred hotel in Kaziranga. Otherwise, Day 1 start with heading to Kaziranga. Guwahati stay and sightseeing comes on the last day.*

Day 2 : Guwahati to Kaziranga (220 kms / 5 hrs)

After early breakfast, we visit MAA kamakhya Temple. The temple is again dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is most worship temple in Guwahati, means, you have to stand in queue for atleast 2 hours to visit inside. Since we were short on time, we visited the temple from outside.

Later we continues our journey to Kaziranga National Park, the home of “One Horned Rhinoceros”. Before we check into our hotel, we bought the ticket to one of the core zone of Kaziranga for next day Jeep Safari.

Overnight stay in Resort Borgos, Kaziranga 

Day 3 : Kaziranga National Park

Early morning, we started our Jeep Safari to the Central zone of Kaziranga National Park to try our luck at spotting Bengal Tiger. Apart from Tiger and Rhino, Kaziranga is Home to many other species – Hog Deer, Swamp Deer, Wild Buffalo, Elephants and many more. It is also home to pelicans, storks and darters as there are a number of water bodies inside the Park and if you are lucky, you can spot Hornbill as well. The safari inside the park was pleasant and we manage to spot many rhinos and some birds. Sadly, no tiger in the sight!

We returned to the resort for breakfast and some sleep.

In the afternoon, we headed for second jeep safari and this time it was through the Western zone of the National Park to see Rhinos up and close. If good luck is in our favour, tiger spotting in western zone is possible. I definitely got some good shots of rhinos. We saw mother rhino feeding baby rhino and one rhinos crossing the road (almost).

Overnight stay in Resort Borgos, Kaziranga 

Note: Jungle Safari in Kaziranga National Park can be booked at the counter of the forest officials. You can also do Elephant safari in the morning to get the close up view of various animals, mainly rhinos. 

Day 4 : Kaziranga National Park – Shillong (295 kms / 7 hrs)

After breakfast, we headed to Kaziranga Orchid and Biodiversity Park. There are 17 areas at the park dedicated to showcasing variety of orchids, bamboo, cactus, rice and much more. The park also has 15 minute Assami dance performance including Bamboo dance.

After spending sometime exploring Orchid Park, we proceeded for Shillong (4,900 ft.), also known as ‘Scotland of the East”.

Enroute we did a photo-stop overlooking the Umium Lake, a majestic placid lake with its surrounding sylvan hills for a sunset view!

After checking into hotel, we went to explore the Police Market of Shillong for some shopping and souvenir purchase.

Overnight stay in Centre Point, Shillong

Day 5 : Shillong – Cherrapunjee (60kms 2hrs) – Enroute visit to Dawki and Mawlynnong

After early breakfast, we started our journey to the next stop, Cherrapunjee (4,400 ft.), the wettest place in the world.

Enroute we first went to Dawki to visit India-Bangladesh Border. Unlike other borders, India-Bangladesh Border is safe and friendly. We met soldiers of both side and also stepped into Bangladesh and met the local. Just like us, there were Bangladeshi tourist exploring India.

Afterwards we proceeded to Dawki River, the cleanest river in Asia for a short boat ride. Dawki river is shared by India and Bangladesh. We rowed towards the India side and stopped on a small island for a photo and to immerse ourselves in the beauty of river and it’s peacefulness.

Post beautiful boat ride, we explored Mawlynnong Village – “Asia’s Cleanest Village”. Mawlynnong offers many interesting sights such as the living root bridge and another strange natural phenomenon of a boulder balancing on small rock. Before we entered the main village, we did small trek to see Living Root Bridge. It is amazing to see how the roots of tree is used to create a bridge for the locals to cross over the river. It is unique experience and something which you can’t find anywhere else, except India.

After seeing the marvel, we headed to take a stroll across Mawlynnong Village. It is small village where you can find local restaurants and souvenirs shops. The village is clean and quite. The locals have a peaceful life and the walk was only to see how small village managed to keep themselves clean even after visit from many tourist.

Overnight in Polo Orchid, Cherrapunjee 

Day 6 : Excursion to Double Decker Living Root Bridge and Rainbow Falls

After breakfast, it’s time to put on your trekking shoes for a steep down trek to see the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. One of the natural phenomena, Double Decker Living Root bridge is one of the best attraction in Cherrapunjee. The living Root Bridge we saw earlier was single bridge, in this trek, we will see two bridges build over each other by the villagers.

If your stamina is high and wish to explore more, move ahead in the trek to see the Rainbow Falls, aka, Blue Lagoon. There is also a midpoint in the trek where you can take dip inside the river, if you don’t visit to do full trek till waterfalls. The trek towards Rainbow Fall is another hour long trek, going upwards. You will forget all the pain with the first of the Cristal clear blue waterfall. For non-trekker, trek back to the starting point will be a challenge, but it is worth putting effort!

Overnight stay in Polo Orchid, Cherrapunjee 

Note: Those who do not wish to do the trek (as it is very tiring and difficult) explore Cherrapunjee. You can see the beautiful waterfall known as Nohkalikai and 7 sisters falls. You can also explore the caves known as Mawsmai Cave and Mawjymbuin Cave. If you have extra day in Cherrapunjee, you can do both the sightseeing. 

Day 7 : Cherrapunjee – Shillong  (60kms 2hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point. Those who love adrenaline, you should opt for Zip line across Mawkdok Valley. There are two options of Zipline, short and long one. To do long one across the valley, you have to do short one as mandate.

Post lunch, on our way back to Shillong, we visit Elephant Falls. The fall has three layer, ending with wider fall at the bottom.

Overnight stay at Centre Point, Shillong.

Note: Those who did Trek on Day 6, can start their day by visiting one or both Mawsmai Cave or Mawjymbuin Cave. 

*If time and day permit, explore Laitlum Grand Canyon showcasing beautiful mountain range of Meghalaya.*

Day 8 : Shillong Sightseeing – Guwahati (100 kms / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, visit Don Bosco Museum & Ward’s Lake. For those who missed boating in Umiam lake, you can do it on your way back to Guwahati.

Since our flight was in the evening, we headed directly to the Guwahati airport after few photo-stop near Umiam Lake for our flight back to home!

General note: 

• The sunset in North East India happens early in the day at around 5 pm. Ensure to start your journey early in the morning to cover maximum attractions.
• Meghalaya especially in Cherrapunjee, it can rain anytime any day, be prepared to experience drop in the temperature or rain pouring.

North East India is a hidden jewel which many of the tourists have not yet explored, making it a preserved beauty. It was great to interact with locals as they are not just friendly but self-sufficient. The place is the perfect combination of natural beauty and welcoming locals.

Category: Nature and Mountains

Location: North East India – Assam and Meghalaya. Direct Flights operate from Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata to North East India.

Time: Most of the flights head to Guwahati and from there all the other places are 5-6 hours away. The roads are curvy and going up and down on the mountain, hence, those with motion sickness, be ready with the medicine.

Carry: In winter time, it is cold, so keep sweater and jacket handy. In places like Cherrapunjee, rains are unexpected, hence do pack umbrella and raincoat.