Hornbill Festival Tour – Nagaland Cultural Spectacle
Hornbill Festival Tour – Nagaland Cultural Spectacle
- 08 Nights / 09 Days
Join Samisha Holiday’s exclusive Hornbill Festival tour and immerse yourself in Nagaland’s living traditions. Witness spectacular Naga tribal performances, colorful handloom handicrafts, authentic ethnic cuisine, and time-honored competitions against a backdrop of rolling hills and verdant forests. Celebrate the “Festival of Festivals” from December 1–10, featuring 16 Naga tribes united in a joyous display of culture, community, and camaraderie.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Maha Mrityunjay Temple - Ancient Shiva Sanctuary
- World War II Cemetery - Tribute to Fallen Heroes
- Hornbill Festival at Kisama Heritage Village - Festival of Festivals
- Auniati Satra & Kamlabari Satra - Vaishnavite Monastic Heritage
- Mishing Tribal Village - River Island Community Life
- Kamakhya Temple - Powerful Shakti Peetha
- Kohima - Nagaland's Hillside Capital
- World War II Museum at Kisama - Interactive History
- Majuli Island - World's Largest River Island
- Samoguri Satra - Artistic Monastic Tradition
- Kaziranga National Park - UNESCO Wildlife Sanctuary
Tour Plan
01
Arrival Guwahati → Nagaon (120 km | 2.5 hours)
Gateway to Northeast & Sacred Temple Visit
Arrive at Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and begin your journey to Nagaon. Check into your hotel and relax before visiting the sacred Maha Mrityunjay Temple in the evening. This revered Shiva temple draws devotees seeking blessings for health and longevity. The temple’s serene atmosphere and traditional architecture provide a peaceful introduction to Assam’s spiritual heritage.
Overnight: Nagaon, Assam
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
02
Nagaon → Kohima via Dimapur (230 km | 6 hours)
Journey to Nagaland’s Hill Capital
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kohima, Nagaland’s picturesque capital perched at 1,444 meters elevation. Travel through Dimapur, Nagaland’s commercial hub, before ascending winding mountain roads offering panoramic valley views. Arrive in Kohima and check into your hotel. Evening at leisure to explore local markets and experience the unique blend of Naga tribal culture and modern amenities.
Overnight: Kohima, Nagaland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
03
Kohima Heritage → Hornbill Festival Opening
War Memorial & Festival Inauguration
Begin your day visiting the poignant World War II Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in India, honoring 1,420 Allied soldiers who died during the 1944 Battle of Kohima. The beautifully maintained graves and touching epitaphs provide a moving historical experience.
After lunch, drive 12 km to Kisama Heritage Village, the vibrant venue for the Hornbill Festival. Witness the grand opening ceremony featuring spectacular performances by all 16 Naga tribes in their traditional warrior attire. Experience folk dances, traditional songs, and the ceremonial bonfire that launches this 10-day cultural extravaganza. Explore craft bazaars showcasing bamboo artifacts, handwoven shawls, and tribal jewelry.
Overnight: Kohima, Nagaland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive over the roaring rivers and winding roads to Tawang. En route, pause at Sela Pass (13,700 ft) and serene Paradise Lake, then visit the Jaswant Garh War Memorial honoring 1962 heroes. Arrive in Tawang town and unwind against a backdrop of Himalayan peaks.
Overnight: Tawang | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
04
Hornbill Festival Full Day Immersion
Cultural Showcase & War Museum
After breakfast, return to Kisama Heritage Village for a full day at the Hornbill Festival. Begin at the World War II Museum located opposite the festival grounds, featuring authentic wartime artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits documenting the Battle of Kohima.
Spend the day experiencing diverse Naga traditions: watch archery and wrestling competitions, witness the intricate Naga folk dances on the main amphitheater, sample authentic Naga cuisine including smoked pork with bamboo shoots and local rice beer (zutho), and shop for unique handicrafts. Attend the evening cultural concert blending traditional music with contemporary performances.
Overnight: Kohima, Nagaland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
05
Kohima → Jorhat (205 km | 6 hours)
Return to Assam’s Cultural Hub
After breakfast and check-out, journey back to Assam, traveling to Jorhat—the gateway to Majuli Island and center of Assamese tea culture. The drive takes you through lush tea plantations and traditional Assamese villages. Check into your hotel upon arrival. If time permits, explore the bustling Jorhat Bara Bazaar (Big Market), where locals shop for fresh produce, traditional handicrafts, and Assamese textiles.
Overnight: Jorhat, Assam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
06
Jorhat → Majuli Island Ferry → Satra & Village Exploration
World’s Largest River Island Discovery
Early morning departure to Neematighat Ferry Point (18 km, 30 minutes) to board the ferry crossing the mighty Brahmaputra River to Majuli Island—the world’s largest river island spanning 352 square kilometers. The 45-minute ferry ride offers stunning river and sandbar views.
Upon arrival at Kamalabari, explore Majuli’s renowned Vaishnavite monasteries (satras):
Auniati Satra: Majuli’s largest monastery founded in 1653, housing ancient manuscripts and practicing the Paalnaam tradition
Uttar Kamalabari Satra: Famous for preserving Sattriya dance, an UNESCO-recognized classical Indian dance form
Samaguri Satra: Renowned for traditional mask-making art using bamboo and clay for Bhaona performances
Visit a traditional Mishing tribal village to experience indigenous river island lifestyle. Observe stilt houses, handloom weaving, and traditional fishing techniques. Interact with friendly villagers maintaining centuries-old customs.
Overnight: Majuli Island, Assam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
07
Majuli → Kaziranga National Park (Ferry + 150 km | 5 hours total)
From River Island to Rhino Sanctuary
After early breakfast, proceed to Kamalabari port for the 8:00 AM return ferry to Neematighat. Continue your journey to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros population.
Check into your jungle resort and prepare for an exciting afternoon jeep safari through Kaziranga’s grasslands and swamps. Spot the magnificent one-horned rhinos, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, and diverse bird species including the rare Bengal florican. The park’s success story represents India’s finest conservation achievement.
Evening free for shopping at local markets selling tribal handicrafts and organic tea.
Overnight: Kaziranga, Assam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
08
Kaziranga Morning Safari → Guwahati (162 km | 4 hours)
Final Wildlife Encounter & Capital Return
Rise early for a thrilling morning jeep safari when wildlife activity peaks. Navigate through tall elephant grass searching for rhinos, elephants, and if fortunate, the elusive Royal Bengal tiger. Kaziranga boasts the highest tiger density worldwide among protected areas. The morning light creates perfect photography conditions with mist rising from the grasslands.
After breakfast and check-out, drive to Guwahati along the Brahmaputra’s southern bank. Check into your hotel and spend the evening shopping at Fancy Bazaar or Paltan Bazaar for Assam silk, traditional jewelry, and regional handicrafts.
Overnight: Guwahati, Assam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
09
Guwahati → Mumbai Departure
Kamakhya Temple & Farewell
After breakfast, visit the powerful Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal Hill, one of India’s 51 Shakti Peethas and the most revered tantric shrine. The temple’s unique architecture and spiritual atmosphere provide a fitting conclusion to your Northeast journey. Enjoy panoramic views of Guwahati city and the Brahmaputra River from the hilltop.
Transfer to Guwahati Airport for your departure flight to Mumbai, carrying memories of Naga festivals, river island monasteries, rhino safaris, and Northeast India’s incredible cultural diversity.
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Concludes with Unforgettable Hornbill Festival & Northeast Memories
Tour Cost per Head
Adult on Twin sharing
Rs 64900 + Airfare
Adult / Child above 8 yrs with extra Mattress
Rs 38900 + Airfare
Child without Mattress 3 – 8 yrs
Rs 64900 + Airfare
Single Occupancy
Rs 86900 + Airfare
Cost Inclusions
- Deluxe hotel accommodation on twin sharing in base category rooms at Nagaon, Kohima, Jorhat, Kaziranga & Guwahati.
- Standard hotel accommodation on twin sharing in base category rooms at Majuli.
- Entire transport by AC Tempo Traveler (AC except in hilly areas and not on disposal)
- Veg / Non Veg food on entire tour as mentioned in the itinerary. (Lunch – pure veg only)
- All Entry fees & Inner line Permits etc.
- To & Fro Ferry tickets for Nimati Ghat to Kamlabari Port.
- Local Guide for Majuli sightseeing.
- 2 Jeep Safari in Kaziranga National Park. (As per 6 persons per Jeep)
- Experienced tour escort on entire tour.
- Valid for Indian Nationals only.
Cost Exclusions
- Airfare, GST as applicable.
- Any optional activities like Rides, Boating charges, Camera fees etc.
- Expenses which are personal in nature like Mineral Water, Cold Drinks, and Laundry etc.
- Expenses during Air/ Train Journey.
- Cost for extended stays or change in itinerary on account of factors beyond our control (for instance bad weather, civil disturbances, change in schedule etc)
- Any item not mentioned under Cost Includes.
Please Note
1. All Group Departures with bookings of less than 15 passengers will be organized on Customized basis with the assistance of a local tour Escort.
2. Passenger Sharing in Vehicles could differ depending on Group Size.
3. All hotels in Majuli are of basic / standard category
4. Extra person in a room will be provided with Mattress and not bed.
5. If Elephant safari is not available then one more Jeep safari will be arranged as an alternative. Please submit copy of Passport / Aadhar card / Voter’s Id and 1 passport size photograph at the time of booking and carry the original on tour.
* Disclaimer: Prices are subject to market rates at the time of booking | Services subject to availability | Terms and conditions apply | Airfare excluding
