Hornbill Festival
One of our most popular tours to the Mother of all festivals, showcasing the vibrant culture of various Naga tribes
Snapshot
- Dates: 01 Dec – 08 Dec 2018
- Region: Nagaland
- Duration: 8 days
- Activity: Culture
- Grade: Easy
- Price: Rs.38,500 + 5% GST
Rich in cultural and natural beauty, Nagaland will enthrall you from the moment you arrive. Think lush green valleys and roads lined with cherry blossoms, postcard villages that have the distinction of being amongst the cleanest in the country and Nagas, erstwhile ferocious headhunters, with beatific smiles. Nagaland indeed draws a very alluring picture in the minds of tourists.
Hornbill Festival
With 16 tribes participating, each showcasing its unique customs and traditions, the Hornbill Festival is a great way to experience the cultural diversity at one single place.
Celebrated every year from 1st to the 10th of December in the heritage village of Kisama , the Hornbill Festival provides a window into the culture that Nagas take pride in. With great pomp and glory, the Nagas present their rituals and traditional sports of their tribes over a period of seven days. Dance troupes from all the other North Eastern states also join the extravaganza, giving us an exclusive glimpse into the cultural diversity of the entire North East.
To feel the pulse of Nagaland more closely, we shall stay in one of the Naga villages where the traditional way of life is more or less intact. Khonoma is one such village, where will get a chance to interact with the locals at close quarters.
- Visit the Mother of all festivals
- Witness dances and traditions of 16 different Naga tribes
- Taste traditional food and brew of various Naga tribe
- Stay in Khonoma, the first green village in India and the most picturesque in Nagaland
Photos
Day 1: Imphal
Pickup from Imphal airport and drive to the city . Relax for the remainder of the day . O/n at Hotel Imphal or similar
Day 2: Imphal
Start our day with a visit to Kangla fort, once the epicenture of power of the Manipuri rajas. Explore the complex on cycle , absorbing the greenery of the place. From here we move on to the vibrant Ema market, run primarily by women . A walk through the market will give us a good idea about the diversity and culture of the local Meiti people.
In the second half we visit the Govindji temple, one of the most iconic temples in all of Imphal . O/n at Hotel Imphal or similar
Day 3: Excursion to Loktak
We will visit Loktak, the largest fresh water lake in North East India . This 200 odd sq. kilometer lake is drained by two main rivers, namely Barak and Imphal . Since the past 10 years there has been a substantial environmental degradation of the lake due to the construction of a dam, and over fishing .
We will set out in country boats across this unique landscape , enjoying the scenic beauty as well as interacting with the local communities on the issues being faced by them. Have a local lunch in one of the floating masses in the lake .
By evening drive back to Imphal . O/n at hotel Imphal or similar
Day 4: Imphal to Khonoma 154 kms; 6 hours
After breakfast drive to Khonoma, one of the most picturesque villages in all of Naglanad. In the evening relax and unwind in the tranquility of the village. O/n at a homestay in Khonoma
Day 5: Khonoma
The picturesque village of Khonoma is a stronghold of the Angami tribe. Over here you will experience the vibrant culture of the Angami tribe, known for its weaving skills and farming practices. The terraced fields surrounded by verdant forests are sure to steal your heart. It also holds the distinction of being the first green village in India, having banned hunting and logging in the village territory.
In the morning walk around this beautiful village, to learn about the history and culture of the Angami tribe. Along the way interact with the locals and spend time with some master basket and shawl weavers, admiring their skillful work. In the evening visit the KNCTS sanctuary for a forest walk. O/n at a homestay in Khonoma.
Day 6: Khonoma to Kohima 21 kms; 1.5 hour
After an early breakfast we start our drive to Kohima. On the way we stop at the World War II cemetery which was built to commemorate all those who lost their lives in the epic 1944 Battle of Kohima.
On reaching Kohima head straight to Kisama Heritage village where we enjoy the ongoing festivities of the Hornbill festival. O/n at a homestay in Kigwema
Day 7: Kohima
For the second day we go to the Kisama Heritage village to reveal in the vibrant dances of various Naga tribes performing at the Hornbill festival.
In the afternoon visit the fresh food market in Kohima, the most interesting one in all of North East. Grasshoppers, frogs, wasp larvae and many more interesting items find their way over here, revealing a lot about the local food habits. O/n at a homestay in Kigwema village
Day 8: Khonoma to Dimapur 68 kms; 3 hours
After breakfast drop to Dimapur airport
Cost per person: Rs. 38,500 + 5% GST
Included
- Accommodation on a twin sharing basis
- Transportation using Xylo or similar luxury vehicle
- All meals starting from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
- Permits for Nagaland
Not Included
- Flights
- GST
- Excess stay & meals due to bad weather conditions or strikes, resulting in delay of flights or any other form of transport
- Tips, soft drink charges, bottled water, laundry, cigarettes, telephone expenses, beer and liquor charges
- Any other costs not mentioned in the "Included" section above
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