North East Tour Package
- Durations: 07 Nights / 08 Days
DAY 01: ARRIVE IMPHAL, MANIPUR
Receive at Imphal airport and transfer to the hotel. On arrival check in at hotel for 04 nights.
DAY 02: IMPHAL- LOCAL SIGHT SEEING
Today full day local Sightseeing of IMPHAL –
1) IMA MARKET (vendors are all women selling products ranging from handloom, handicrafts to household items),
2) II WORLD WAR CEMETRY- Along the National Highway No. 39 lies the Imphal War Cemetery that preserves the ashes of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Second World War. At present, the cemetery preserves 1,600 burials that are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission,
3) STATE MUSEUM - . Manipur State Museum, established in 1969, is located near Polo Ground, in Imphal, the capital city of Manipur. The museum exhibits objects belonging to art and archaeology of the region. It has a fabulous collection of portraits of Manipur’s former rulers, costumes, arms and armory, relics and historical documents.
4) RKCS Art Gallery, one of the finest art galleries in the North East and the only one in the state, to know more about Manipur’s history, social and political situation, way of living of the people and many more through paintings. In the evening visit the
5) Govindajee temple, a historic Vaishnavite centre, to take part in the Aarti puja. Overnight in Imphal.
6) Kangla Fort - The centre of Manipur's power till 1891, the historical embodiment of the Manipuri Rulers, Kangla holds a significant place in the hearts and minds of the people of Manipur. The Govindajee temple, the outer and inner moats and other relics are perfect reflections of the rich art and culture of Manipur and her civilization.
DAY 03: IMPHAL- LOKTAK LAKE-IMPHAL
Drive towards Loktak Lake. En route visit the India Peace Memorial, India Peace Museum and the Japanese War Memorial which are located at the base of the Red Hill, one of the battlefields of the Battle of Imphal. Another sight of interest is the 15th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu at Bishnupur town. The Indian National Army (INA) Memorial Complex, the only such complex in the world dedicated to the men of the INA, at Moirang town is also worth visiting. Proceed to Sendra Island on the Loktak Lake, the largest fresh water lake in North Eastern India. Visit the Keibul Lamjao National Park, home of the Brow Antlered Deer (Sangai) and also the only floating national park in the world, and try to spot the deer from the viewpoint. The Sangai deer is only found in Manipur. Return to Imphal for overnight -
Notes:
• State Museum, Kangla Fort, The INA Museum in Moirang, Indian Peace Museum remains closed on Monday.
• Museums, Keibul Lamjao National Park are presently not opened due to Covid restrictions. We are however hopeful that same will be opened shortly.
DAY 04: IMPHAL- MAPAO VILLAGE-IMPHAL
Today morning we visit MAPAO village (45 mins drive) inhabited by Tangkhul tribe. Later in the afternoon hike to Cheiraochin hill (30-40 mins) to get a paranomic view of Imphal city.
DAY 05: IMPHAL- KOHIMA
Today post breakfast drive to Kohima (140 kms / 05 hrs). Enroute visit Jakhama and Kigwema Villages. On arrival check in at hotel in Kohima for 03 nights. Overnight at the hotel.
Kohima, situated in the south at an altitude of 1444 m above sea level, occupies pride of place as the capital city of Nagaland. Kohima has the advantage of being centrally located - being bounded by the state of Assam on the west, Wokha district on the north, Zunheboto and Phek districts on the east and Manipur state on the south. The Angami, Rengma and Zeliangrong communities mainly inhabit Kohima District.
Jakhama & Kigwema Village: These two adjacent villages are situated on the southern Angami belt and are predominantly inhabited by the Angami tribe which is further divided into several clans. The villages are about 20 kms south of Kohima and lie on the top of the mountain with an astonishing natural view of the nearby villages. They are encircled by terraced paddy fields and have a traditional entrance gate. Within the village one can see customary Angami houses, some of which are elegant and reveal the prosperity of the villagers who live traditionally. One also gets an opportunity to explore the villages and interact with the local tribesmen and see firsthand the local life style. “SEKRENYI” is the main festival here, which is held in the month of February.
DAY 06: AT KOHIMA, NAGALAND
Today post breakfast we visit Kohima World War-II Cemetery, Kohima State Museum, Handloom and Handicraft Emporium, local market. Overnight at the hotel.
KOHIMA WORLD WAR-II CEMETERY : Overlooking Kohima amidst scenic environs, the Kohima War Cemetery is a memorial in honor of those officers and soldiers killed during the World War II. Formerly known as Garrison Hill it is designed as a series of terraces with magnificent stone steps, bearing testimony to one of the most stubborn, close and bloody fighting in the whole of the Second World War.
On the 18 plots of the cemetery, there are 1421 slabs erected in memory of soldiers who were killed in the battle of Kohima. The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Before leaving Kohima the British erected a moving memorial in memory of their fallen comrades:
“When you go home, tell them of us, and say: ‘For your tomorrow, we gave our today.’’
STATE MUSEUM: Located at Bayavü Hill, about 1½ km from the main town, it houses a rare collection of artifacts of each Naga tribe. The State Museum also has authentic Naga precious stones on display. Here one can see the most valued and expensive necklaces used by the Nagas. They are an assortment of precious stones which include cornelian, tourmaline, coral, core of xancus, ivory and other beads, brass and silver bells. Another interesting display is the Naga Morung/hut models. One can make out that the villages were located on hilltops. Perhaps it was to survey/watch the valley below for approaching friends or foes. The variations in architecture among the different tribes are just amazing. Musical instruments are also displayed. The various instruments give an insight into how music formed an integral part of Naga life. Log drum, Tati, a single stringed instrument, and other instruments made of bamboo and buffalo horns are used during festivals and other social gatherings. For the art lovers the state museum has an art gallery which houses collections of paintings by different local artists. The themes vary from traditional to modern.
The State Emporium displays the finest collection of tribal shawls, handbags, wood carvings, mekhalas, cane and bamboo handicrafts and readymade garments of traditional weaves, designed to modern taste.
Note:
• State Emporium at Kohima remains closed on Sundays and Govt. Holidays.
• State Museum at Kohima: Visiting Hours: Timings: 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. (Closed on all Holidays and Sunday of the week)
• The Kohima War Cemetery, Kohima is closed on Sundays and sometimes after lunch on Saturdays. It is also closed on government holidays.
DAY 07: KOHIMA- KHONOMA-KOHIMA, NAGALAND
Today drive to Khonoma (01 hr) later we shall trek towards the "Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary". On the trail we shall come across Alder based cultivation which is an indigenous way of jhuming and has been practised for centuries by the locals. It has only recently been acknowledged to be a very scientific method for sustainable cultivation. We can also spot mithuns the state animal grazing, herbal plants and many birds. Enjoy a picnic Lunch. Post lunch option to either drive back or trek back to the village on an alternate route. Thereafter we will return to Kohima (20km/1hr).
Khonoma Village: Located 20 kms West of Kohima is Khonoma village.The village referred to as “Khwünoria” by the residents is estimated to be around 700 years old and is surrounded by hills that are as high as 9000 ft. It was here that the Naga warriors made their last stand against the British in 1879. The village is named after a plant locally known as “Khüno” that grows in the area. The alder tree (Alnus Nepalensis) is found in abundance in this region. Khonoma is famous for its management of jhum (shifting agriculture) fields with alder trees, which fixes nitrogen in the soil and checks soil erosion. With its mission "Green Khonoma", it has become the Model Village for eco-tourism. The Village Council has made it mandatory for every household to have dustbins. Once a month, sanitation drives are carried out and the community’s garbage is burnt. The ashes and residue are then used as manure. The combination of rich bio-diversity and stunning landscape makes Khonoma an excellent candidate for eco-tourism
DAY 08: KOHIMA- DIMAPUR FLY OUT
In time transfer to Dimapur Airport (80 kms / 03 hrs) to board flight for onward destination