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Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival and Brahmaputra Expedition – Explore Northern India

Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival and Brahmaputra Expedition – Explore Northern India

From USD $7,745

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Description

Nagaland is known as the land of festivals and each December, the Hornbill Festival takes place in Kohima uniting the various Naga tribes for a yearly celebration of the culture and traditions of the region. Famed for its fierce and distinct Naga Warriors, Nagaland is a must-see for travellers in India’s North East and for the first time Pandaw is offering a guided tour of this unique annual celebration, combined with a 10 night expedition along the mighty Brahmaputra River.
This special one-off departure sails in December and is the perfect way to experience the once-in-a-lifetime festival and experience North East India with Pandaw.

Trip Name
Nagaland's Hornbill Festival and Brahmaputra Expedition - Explore Northern India
Days
17
Overview
Vessel Type: River Boat Length: 57 metres Passenger Capacity: 36 Built / refurbished: 2014 The original Kindat was built in 1886 by Yarrows in London and sank in 1920. She was named after a small Upper Chindwin town. Following experiments with the Katha and Angkor Pandaws, in this build we perfected this concept of a two deck shallow draft vessel and repeated the formula again with her sister the Kalaw. What we managed to produce in 2014 was a very shallow draft vessel that could go just about anywhere anytime that was big enough to carry 30-40 passengers with lots of outdoor deck space. We did this by reducing weight and stripping both hull and superstructure down to the bare essentials. We had found with the experimental Katha that about half our passengers want to eat outside and the other half inside so we created a flexible bistro space offering passenger indoor or outdoor dining depending on inclination, often prompted by the season. This makes for a very happy ship! The ship has quality mountain bikes for your independent exploration. ACCOMMODATION 8 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms - 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass - Panoramic French window - Kimonos and slippers - Spa-branded amenities - Unlimited mineral water - Electric mini safe - AC with individual control - Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows - Premium mattresses - Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift - Mirror - Multi-configuration plugs - Generous closet space and under-bed storage - Hair dryer - Nightly turndown service - 24h laundry service - Complimentary evening canapés - Yoga mats in all cabins WINING & DINING Bistro style dining room with outside seating and air-conditioning inside - Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team - Semi-buffet breakfast, semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners - Daily lean & light menu options - Complimentary local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes - Extensive wine list with premium wines - Welcome drink on arrival - Welcome cocktail - Farewell reception - Theme dinners - 24hrs hospitality bar - Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls ON EXCURSIONS Admissions - Shoe cleaning after excursions - Bottled drinking water - We give away aluminium water bottles - Cold towel service after excursions - Refreshing drink following excursions - 1st aid trained assistant guide to follow all tours and excursions - Quality mountain bikes available for independent exploration SAFETY & SECURITY All onboard crew is trained and certified as per international marine standards - Fire alarm system in all cabins, public areas and back areas - Fire fighting system in all ship areas - Expert marine superintendant - 24 hrs watch on duty ONBOARD STAFF Captain - River Pilot - First Officer - Chief Engineer - 1st Engineer - Electrician - Bosun & nautical crew - Ship manager - Housekeeping - Dining - Bar keeper - Chefs - Local tour guides

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 ARRIVAL KOHIMA
Arrive at Dimapur Airport or train station. Upon arrival you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to Kohima. Rest of the evening at leisure or join our expert guide who will give a talk on the Battles of Kohima and Imphal of the WWII’s Burma Campaign in the evening with welcome dinner.Overnight in KohimaMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 - DAY 2 KISAMA HERITAGE VILLAGE
The first part of today’s tour will give you an introduction to Nagaland and its people through a guided tour of Kohima town. Some of the places to visit include Kohima village, Nagaland State Museum and the Kohima War Cemetery, one of the most iconic WWII battlefields in the world also known as the ‘Stalingrad of the east’. Post lunch in Kohima, you will be driven to Kisama Heritage Village – the main venue of the Hornbill Festival. Experience all the vibrant activities in this ‘festival of festivals’.Overnight in KohimaMeals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 - DAY 3 KIGWEMA AND NIGHT CARNIVAL
After breakfast, prepare yourself to spend the day at the festival venue. There is never a dull moment at the venue of the Hornbill Festival with dances, music, food, drinks, different people from several tribes with their colorful attires, traditional sports and many other exciting things. Try out the traditional Naga food items for lunch and if you are interested, visit the neighboring Angami village of Kigwema which has a rich heritage. After taking some rest in your hotel at Kohima, visit the bustling Night Carnival in the town where we try out another set of local food items for dinner there.Overnight in KohimaMeals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - DAY 4 KHONOMA GREEN VILLAGE
After breakfast, you will be taken to Kisama Heritage Village to enjoy the Hornbill festival again. Each day is a different experience during the festival and you can enjoy the colorful dances and several traditional games performed by members of various tribes. In the afternoon we visit Khonoma, also known as ‘India’s first green village’, and an important home of the Angami tribe. On reaching this village with full of history, you will be able to see the Naga age-group houses (Morungs), forts, ceremonial gates and the Angami way of living through an engaging village walk. While returning to Kohima, if time permits, stop by Maj. General John Grover’s memorial in Jotsoma village. You can visit the Night Carnival again today, if interested.Overnight in KohimaMeals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - DAY 5 MOUNT PULIEBADZE
A late start today, after breakfast, for a short hike to Mt. Puliebadze (2300 m) just outside Kohima. This is a moderate trek between 1 to 2 hours, depending on one’s fitness. While walking up Mt. Puliebadze, one can imagine the much harder climb embarked upon by the allied soldiers looking to rout the Japanese upon Aradura Spur during the battle of Kohima in the WWII. A hike on the legendary Mt. Puliebadze is always a good way to connect with nature and you will also get to enjoy spectacular views over Kohima and the surroundings from the peak. A picnic lunch will be arranged at the base of Puliebadze. Return to Kohima in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.Overnight in KohimaMeals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - DAY 6 DIMAPUR TO GUAWHATI
After breakfast drive to Dimapur for your train journey to Guwahati. No journey to India is complete without experiencing one of the most extensive rail networks in the world and this local train journey provides unrivalled views of this mountainous region. Upon arrival to Guwahati transfer to your hotel for the night.Overnight in Taj Vivanta Hotel or similarMeals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - DAY 7 EMBARK GUWAHATI
Check out after breakfast and transfer to your Pandaw vessel via a visit to the ‘Kama-khya Temple’, devoted to the goddess of desire. Set sail passing Peacock Island, famous for the endangered Golden Langur. Enjoy an evening welcome dinner and talk.Check out after breakfast and transfer to your Pandaw vessel via a visit to the ‘Kama-khya Temple’, devoted to the goddess of desire. Set sail passing Peacock Island, famous for the endangered Golden Langur. Enjoy an evening welcome dinner and talk.
Day 8 - DAY 8 MYSTICAL MAYANG
Stepping ashore in Mayang, a sizeable village along the shores of the Brahmaputra, we learn about the history of magic and sorcery that was prevalent in the region. We visit the fascinating Mayang museum which explains how various mantras were used for anything from curing ailments to identifying a thief. We are then welcomed into the home of a local Mayang resident for a discussion and perhaps demonstration of some tricks.
Day 9 - DAY 9 SUTARGAON RIVER VILLAGE
Today we stop at a local village consisting of migrant populations that have settled and been provided with official status by the government. Their charming village is the perfect place to learn about life along such a dramatically changeable river.
Day 10 - DAY 10 KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
Our expedition continues with a visit to the UNESCO accredited Kaziranga National Park where we enjoy a full day Jeep safari searching for Indian One-Horned Rhinos, Buffalos, Elephants plus a host of birdlife, including hornbills and kingfishers. Tiger spotting at Kaziranga is extremely rare despite having the highest density of tigers in the world.
Day 11 - DAY 11 BISWANATH
We sail upstream to Biswanath, a charming riverside village where we stop and explore. Of interest is the Bordol Temple, a brick built temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and built in the 1700s. Enjoy a walk through the village and along the riverfront before returning to your ship.
Day 12 - DAY 12 TOWARDS MAJULI
As we sail upstream toward Majuli, we visit a local village and learn about the Bihu culture. Our chef will entertain us in the afternoon with a cooking demonstration as we continue our sailing before we moor for the evening on a sandbank. Enjoy a special sandbank BBQ dinner with your crew and fellow travellers.
Day 13 - DAY 13 MAJULI
Arrive at the ancient town of Majuli on what is the world’s largest river island and home to the ethnic ‘Mishing’ people. We explore the impressive Satras dating back to the 15th century and meet a family who have been making the famous masks of Majuli for over 150 years. After lunch ashore, we travel to Auniati monestary to witness a special drum performance from the monks.
Day 14 - DAY 15 JORHAT GIBBON SANCTUARY
Travel 30 minutes from Nemati Ghat to Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, home to India’s only ape and gibbon species, the Hoolock Gibbon as well as the Bengal Slow Loris. This protected area has been reserved for preservation since 1881 and is rich in biodiversity.
Day 15 - DAY 16 SIBSAGAR
We continue to Sibsagar, capital of the Tai-speaking Ahoms who came from Yunan and China in the 13th Century AD. Explore the Shiva Dol, built in 1734 it is the highest Shiva temple in India. We continue our exploration at the Royal Pavilion built by King Pramatta and said to be one of the oldest surviving amphitheatres in Asia.
Day 16 - DAY 17 DISEMBARK
Disembark and transfer from Sibsagar to Dibrugarh for your onward flight. Journey time of 3 hours, except during high water situations where we will sail further and dock near Bogibeel bridge at Dibrugarh. We advise booking your flights for afternoon departure.
Day 17 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-12-202420-12-2024USD $7,745Main Deck Twin Sharing
04-12-202420-12-2024USD $9,119Upper Deck Twin Sharing

Inclusions

    • Hornbill Festival in Kohima: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Nagaland through traditional dances, music, and cuisine at this renowned festival.
    • Kaziranga National Park Safari: Experience a thrilling jeep safari to spot the Indian One-Horned Rhinos, elephants, and diverse birdlife in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
    • Majuli Island Exploration: Visit the world's largest river island, home to the ethnic 'Mishing' people, impressive Satras, and traditional mask-making artisans.

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