Cherrapunjee, Manas National Park & Guwahati 07 Nights & 08 Days

Day- 01

Arrival at Guwahati & transfer to Shillong - Our representative will be receiving guests on arrival & assist them to get transferred to shillong - Shillong is approximately 125 kilometres and is nearly 02½ - 03½ hours drive by scenic road -  Shillong popularly known as the 'Scotland of the East' - Enroute visit Umium Lake, a majestic placid lake with its surrounding sylvan hills - Irreverent Shillong was the capital of colonial and post-Independence Assam (which embraced almost the whole Northeast) until 1972 when it became the capital of the newly carved-out state of Meghalaya - Typical modern Indian town, including urban sprawl, a lot of concrete, and snarled-up traffic along its winding streets - However, it retains some old-time charm and a strong sense of individuality and difference, with its many Christian churches and its residents' tastes for hanging out in cafes, playing and watching rock music and football, driving around in spruced-up automobiles and gambling on archery - On arrival check-in to your hotel - Rest of the day at leisure or one can stroll around the local market or police Bazaar - Overnight stay in Shillong

Note: The heart of town is Police Bazar (PB to locals) where seven roads meet at a hectic roundabout. Yellow-and-black shared taxis charge anywhere between ₹50 and ₹150 (negotiable) for trips of 02 to 03 kilometers. There's a stand at Police Bazar roundabout. 

Day- 02

Excursion to Cherrapunjee - Today morning after breakfast excursion to Cherrapunjee - It is approximately 60 kilometers and is nearly 02 hours drive one way by road - Cherrapunjee (also called Sohra), sitting near the lip of the escarpments, is the obvious base for exploring this spectacular landscape - Cherrapunjee was once feted as the wettest place on earth, though nearby Mawsynram is nowadays reckoned to be a few drops damper - The swift-flowing rivers and streams flow in a southerly direction to the plains - Cherrapunjee's peak season runs from about May to August - The landscape is picturesque, and the sights are breathtakingly beautiful - Other attractions are Caves & view of Bangladesh (Neighbouring country) - Visit Dwan Syiem view point, Noh kali kai falls, Mawsmai caves, Seven Sisters Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, Thankarang Park and Koh Ramhah - Later drive back to Shillong - On the way visit to Shillong Peak & Elephant Falls - Evening at leisure or one can stroll around the local market or police Bazaar - Overnight stay in Shillong

Day- 03

Excursion to Dawki & Mawlynnong - After breakfast start for the excursion to Dawki & Mawlynnong - The drive is nearly 90 kilometers and is nearly 02½ hour drive one way - Dawki or Dauki is a town in West Jaintia Hills - Dawki border crossing is on Dawki-Tamabil is one of the few road border crossings between India and Bangladesh in West Jaintia Hills district in the state of Meghalaya, India, the corresponding post in Bangladesh is Tamabil post. - The Indo Bangladesh Border and then to Mawlynnong (The cleanest village in Asia) - Mawlynnong village on the Shillong-Dawki Road, 30 kilometers from Pynursla, is a village of 75 households with a population of 400 with idyllic location - This village epitomizes a standard, which all other villages need to aspire to be - Dubbed the cleanest village in India - Paved walkways and beautiful flowerbed all along mark the village, with waterfalls, a living root bridge, hilly rivulets, acacia plantation and an excellent view of the faraway plains of Bangladesh all contribute to the ambiance of this village - An engineering marvel of Indigenous Khasi Tribesmen - Drive back to Shillong - Evening at leisure or one can stroll around the local market or police Bazaar - Overnight stay in Shillong
 

OR
Excursion to Krang Shuri & Laitlum - Morning after breakfast & start for the excursion to Krang Shuri waterfall - It is approximately 90 kilometers and is a drive of around 02 - 02½ hours & Located in the East Khasi Hills of Shillong, Laitlum Canyons is a little-explored region - Laitlum translates to ‘end of hills’ and this beautiful hilltop is worth visiting - Krang Suri Falls nearby in West Jaintia Hills District in Meghalaya - Krangsuri is one of the best waterfalls in the country. A small trek of about 10 to 15 minutes to the waterfall where you can see the beauty of it - Life jackets are available in case one feels to go for a swim - Tents for camping (At own cost) in case guests feel the need to sleep under the stars overnight - The Laitlum Canyons in one such spot from where the vast, verdant and fascinating panorama of Meghalaya could be viewed and admired - Drive back to Shillong - Evening at leisure or one can stroll around the local market or police Bazaar - Overnight stay in Shillong

Day- 04

Transfer to Manas National Park - Early morning breakfast - Next drive to Manas - It is approximately 250 kilometers and is nearly 06 - 07 hours drive - The name of the park is from the Manas River, named after the serpent goddess Manasa - The Manas river is a major tributary of Brahmaputra River, which passes through the heart of the park - Manas National  Park, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, is located in the Himalayan foothills and is famed for being a habitat to Tigers and Golden Leaf Monkeys -  The park is known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur, and pygmy hog - The Manas river flows through the National  Park which acts an international border diving India and Bhutan - The Park is Project Tiger, Rhino & Elephant Reserve - Also visit Manas for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur and Pygmy Hog - Not to forget, Manas is a birding paradise with more than 450 species of birds like Giant Hornbills, Pheasants, Jungle Fowl, Scarlet Minivet, Partridge, Florican and variety of water birds seen here - The last population of the Pygmy Hog survive in the wilds of Manas and nowhere else in the world - Evening free to spend time in resort or Hotel - Overnight stay at Manas

Note: It is declared as World Heritage Site (Natural) by UNESCO for outstanding universal value &  Declared as Biosphere Reserve under the Man & Biosphere Programme of UNESCO (2837 square kilometers).

Day- 05

Forest Activities at Manas National Park - Elephant ride is the morning option and Jeep safari is morning afternoon & evening - It is upto guests to avail the same - After breakfast proceed for a jeep safari in the most beautiful point of Manas National Park - Back to hotel or Resort for breakfast - After breakfast, visit tea factory & see the tea preparations, completion get back to the hotel - [Optional] Post lunch i.e. after 01 PM go for a jeep safari to the park, via Indo Bhutan jungle road till Mathunguri - Manas National Park is contiguous with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan - It extends over an area of 2837 square kilometers from Sankosh river in the west to Dhansiri river in the east, with a core area of 500 square kilometers of the National park, which declared in 1990 - The river Manas flows into the national Park from the gorges of Bhutan and split into two major streams of which the main water course comes out of the National Park about 30 kilometres downstream is known as ‘Beki” - Taming the Beki (White water Rafting) one can drive to Mathanguri and Raft down the River Beki to Narayanguri - Mathanguri is located amidst the gushing river and views of the misty Bhutanese Hills - Evening free to stay back at hotel or resort - Overnight stay at Manas

Note: Jeep rental, toll tax, entry fees, guide charges, escort charges, boatman charges, raft rental & river cruiser charges on spot payment are required - The Elephant ride & Jeep Safari based on Government Prescribed Rate to be paid on spot or the option is open for you to book your own Elephant ride seat & Jeep Safari directly at Manas National Park at the government prescribed rate

Day- 06

Transfer to Guwahati - Elephant ride or Jeep Safari are the morning option - It is up to guests to avail the same - Back to hotel or Resort for breakfast - Post breakfast drive approximately 180 kilometers and is nearly 04 hours drive by road - On the way visit Kamakhya Temple - Situated on top of the Nilachal Hill, Maa Kamakhya Temple is the most sacred among the Tantrik (Black Magic) shrines of Shakti worship in the world. Kamakhya temple is also famed for the annual Ambubachi Mela held for 4 days during monsoon season - There are images of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Chamundi, and many dance fixtures - Situated on the Nilachal Hill, the temple structure resembles a Shikhara - There are temples of 10 Mahavidyas in and around the temple - These include Bhuvaneshvari, Bagalamukhi, Chinnamasta, Tripura Sundari, Tara, Kali, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Matangi and Kamala Temples - [Temple doors open - 08:00 AM to 01:00 AM & 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM] - Reach Guwahati - Situated on the southern bank of the mighty Brahmaputra river in Kamrup district of Assam -  Check into Hotel - [Optional] In the evening set out on a River cruise to watch the sun go down the Brahmaputra River and feel why the river is locally called ‘Luit’- the color of blood (Optional) - Evening free to stroll around the area or visit the local market - Overnight stay at Guwahati

Day- 07

Excursion to Saulkuchi - Early morning breakfast - After breakfast drive to Saulkuchi for sightseeing - Sualkuchi  is a census town in Kamrup district in the Indian state of Assam - It is situated on the north bank of the river Brahmaputra - Nearly 35 kilometers from Guwahati, Sualkuchi is a block of Kamrup District - It has a large number of cottage industry engaged in handloom, for which it is also known as the "Manchester of Assam" - This is the textile center of Assam - Muga silk and Pat silk along with Eri silk and Endi cloth from this region is famous for its quality - Mekhela chadors and Gamosas made from this indigenous materials is in demand throughout Assam and the rest of India -  Back to Guwahati & visit Kamakhya Temple atop the Nilachal Hills, the foremost shrine of Assam, Kamakhya is an ancient seat of Tantrik and Shakti cults of Hinduism - The temple offers grandstand views of the river Brahmaputra and its surroundings - The reigning deity here is Goddess Parvati (Sati) - Legend has it that the body of sati was dismembered and it is believed that of the pieces of her body which were scattered across the land and fell on the Nilachal hill - The temple here is called Yoni Pith  - Back to Hotel - Evening enjoy the sunset River cruise over the river Brahmaputra (Cruise is subject to weather conditions & availability of ticket with Payment on Spot) - Or free to visit the Local Market & Restaurant  - Overnight stay at Guwahati

OR

Guwahati Local Sightseeing - Early morning breakfast - It is best to strat with visit to Kamakhya Temple Kamakhya temple or after 03 PM as per the time frame set by the Temple Management - Situated atop the Nilachal Hills, the foremost shrine of Assam, Kamakhya is an ancient seat of Tantrik and Shakti cults of Hinduism - The temple offers grandstand views of the river Brahmaputra and its surroundings - The reigning deity here is Goddess Parvati (Sati) - Legend has it that the body of sati was dismembered and it is believed that of the pieces of her body which were scattered across the land and fell on the Nilachal hill - The temple here is called Yoni Pith - The shrine finds mention in the inscription of King Samudragupta’s pillar at Allahabad - A rush of devotees throngs the temple during the Ambubachi Puja - Close to Kamakhya temple is Bubhaneshwari temple from where one can have a panoramic view of the Brahmaputra River and the city - Visit Bashista Ashram -  Visit to Navagraha Temple, Umananda Temple, State Zoo & Guwahati Museum - where one can see largest assamese ethnic & traditional, cultural collection - Back to Hotel - Evening enjoy the sunset River cruise over the river Brahmaputra (Cruise is subject to weather conditions & availability of ticket with Payment on Spot) - Or free to visit the Local Market & Restaurant  - Overnight stay at Guwahati

Day- 08

Departure Transfer to Railway Station, Airport Or Bus Terminus - Early morning breakfast - After breakfast check out of the hotel - Depending on time either visit Srimanta Kalakshetra and Dadash Jyotilinga Or Kamakhya Temple or some last-minute shopping - Few facts about Assam worth mentioning is the  ancient cities of Pragjyotishpura and Durjaya (North Guwahati) were the capitals of the ancient state of Kamarupa under the Varman and Pala dynasties - Many ancient Hindu temples are in the city, giving it the name City Of Temples"- Dispur, the capital of Assam, is in the circuit city region located within Guwahati and is the seat of the Government of Assam - Four major trading center and places of interest fro tourist are Pan Bazaar, Paltan Bazaar, Fancy Bazaar, and Uzan Bazaar  - Drop to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) / Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) or Rupnath Brahma Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) -  Forwarding Journey