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Receive at Guwahati Airport (suggest early morning flight) and visit Kamakhya Temple Sualkuchi and Hajo. Later drive to Balipara (04 ½ hrs). On arrival check in at one of the bungalows of Wild Mahseer Tea Planters’ Bungalow for 02 night. Overnight at the bungalow.
Sualkuchi: Located on the banks of the Brahmaputra, 35 kms north of Guwahati, Sualkuchi is a weaving village that produces some of the best silk in the state. This sleepy little village exudes a charm like no other. Almost every house has an adjacent shed (karkhana) that houses the traditional bamboo loom- the gentle click-clacking of which can be heard from the streets. You can walk into any of the numerous karkhanas and observe the talented weavers weaving intricate patterns on the golden Muga silk.
In the early years of the 20th century, Sualkuchi was developed as a “crafts village”. Most of the funds for this development work came from eminent Gandhians across the country who responded to the “back to the villages” slogan of Gandhiji’s swadeshi drive. Although the weaving industry of Sualkuchi remained almost confined to the tanti community till the 1930’s , with encouragement from the government, people from other communities also took up silk weaving. There are about 17000 silk looms in Sualkuchi producing an eclectic range of silk products. Most of Sualkuchi’s silk is woven into mekhela-chadars and gamosas. Owing to the increasing demand , the weavers of Sualkuchi have diversified to saris, shawls and dress material. The silk weaving of Sualkuchi provides direct and indirect employment to more than 25,000 people throughout the year.
Hajo – the meeting point of Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu faiths on the northern bank of river Brahmaputra, has a number of temples The chief among them being the Hayagrib Madhab Temple – a place of pilgrimage both for the Hindus and the Buddhists. Hajo’s bell-metal work is renowned for the interesting artifacts made by local craftsmen.
Tezpur: Situated on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra, Tezpur is a beautiful and multifaceted city steeped in mythology and history. The city abounds in archaeological sites, hills, lakes and gardens. It’s history is further enriched by the mythological romantic story of Usha – the beautiful daughter of King Banasura- and Aniruddha – grandson of Lord Krishna, that led to a furious battle of Hari Hara between the Gods ,Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna. Truce was made when Usha and Aniruddha got married.
The Wild Mahseer Tea Planters’ Bungalows is located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River. Adabari Tea Estate, which originally belonged to the British Assam Tea Company, goes back to the year 1900. The property is a historic one characterized by its Victorian architecture. It has spacious rooms across four individual bungalows. The accommodation is located on 22 acres of tropical land surrounded by tea gardens and a wide variety of trees, plants, flowers, insects and birds. The property has been renamed Wild Mahseer (after a popular fish found in the Brahmaputra and Jia Bhorelli river).
Today morning we drive to Nameri National Park (30 mins) and later go for a jungle walk inside the park. Also option to go for rafting at Jia Bhorali river. Later in the afternoon drive back to the Bungalow and overnight
The Nameri National Park is located on the banks of the river Jia Bhorali on the northern side of the Brahmaputra. Situated on the foothills of the great Himalayas, it is a tiger and a bison country. Deciduous forests, with the river Jia Bhorali flowing by its side, have added a unique charm to it. Nameri is famous for its sizeable population of the very rare White-winged Wood Duck. Other interesting birds to be found here includes the White-cheeked Partridge, the Great, the Wreathed, and the Rufous-necked Hornbills, the Oriental Hobby, the Amur Falcon, the Jerdon's and the Black Bazas, the Pallas's, the Grey-headed, and the Lesser Fish Eagles, the Silver-backed Needletail, the Long tailed broadbill, the Long-billed Plover and the Ibisbill. Apart from these a number of forest birds like pygmy woodpeckers, woodpeckers, orioles, barbets, thrushes etc., can also be sighted here. Also 6-7 species of bulbuls can be easily seen in a day.
Birding is done while trekking inside the Reserve or while rafting down the Jia Bhorali River.
Note: No elephant or jeep safari facility is available at Nameri National Park.
The Park remains open from 1st Nov to 30th April only.
Today we drive to Kaziranga (02 ½ hrs) and check in at hotel for 02 nights. Later in the afternoon visit Orchid Park cum and Biodiversity Conservation Centre and enjoy cultural programme
The Kaziranga Orchid Park cum Biodiversity Conservation Centre is spread across 16 bighas of land. It also has a photo gallery of 500 orchids, a greenhouse, lakes with boating and angling facilities and small tree-houses, among other attractions. The basic purpose of opening this park was to conserve local varieties of orchids, flowers, fruits, fish and also to spread cultural awareness knowledge . Those visiting the park will also be able to taste juices of local fruits, pithas (local cakes) and enjoy Borgeet and Xattriya dance performances as well. Experts have been involved to give shape to the park. Khonjit Gogoi, a teacher who has been preserving orchids for the past 20 years pitched in to shape the park. As did Mahan Bora, a farmer, with his 10-year experience in collecting paddy varieties, Kunti Bora, an expert in medicinal plants, who helped in opening a medicinal plants sales counter, Bihu expert, Dhaneswar Saikia who showcases the original Bihu dance forms and music while Xattriya expert, Biplob Baruah for Xattriya dance training.
NOTE: National Park in this sector remains open from 1st Nov to 30th April every year. However during October like previous year, we are hopeful that this coming October also the Forest Dept. will be able to keep the National Park open for Safari's wef 01 Oct. However, this can only be confirmed nearer to date, which Forest Dept. will declare keeping the weather and other factors in mind. Incase park is opened in Oct there is limited access as full access to all the ranges are normally not permitted due to weather and road condition. Alternatively 01 Nov to 30 Apr is confirmed date for opening of park
Full day game drive inside the park with morning and afternoon Jeep Safari.
JEEP SAFARI-
Forenoon: Entry time between 0730 to 1000 Hours. No entry after 1000 Hrs
Afternoon: Entry time between 1330 to 1500 Hours. No entry after 1500 Hrs .
Jeep Safaris are permitted on pre-defined tourist circuits within Kaziranga National Park- currently at the following four points. Each of these circuits takes about one and half to two and half hours (or even more depending upon interest of the tourists), subject to local range conditions and weather. Jeep Safari may be cancelled / curtailed due to any reason by the Park Authorities without prior notice.
The Central Range passes through the entire habitat spectrum from ox-bow lakes, savannah woodland to swamp forests. It is very good for mammal sightings as well as for birds (Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Great Hornbill, Rufous Woodpecker). While driving along the trail, one can see rows of Indian Roofed and Tent Turtles (Kachuga tecta and Kachuga tentoria). Water Monitors Varanus salvator are sometimes spotted in the beels.
The Eastern Range abounds in water birds such as bar-headed geese, falcated duck, grey-headed lapwing and spot-billed pelican (a colony of 200 pairs of this globally threatened species nesting on the Bombax trees can be found here).
The Western Range has the highest density of rhinos as this part of the park is swampier. It has grassland birds and raptors (swamp francolin, pallas's fish eagle etc). Smooth Indian Otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) can sometimes be seen fishing in it’s ox-bow lakes.
Today early morning drive to Neematighat (01 ½ hrs) for a ferry boat crossing (1hr downstream boat cruise - the time taken depends upon the water level of the river) to Majuli - the largest inhabited river island in the world. And famous for the Vaishnavite Satras or monasteries (Kamalabari Satra, Auniati Satra, Benganti satra, and many more) and culture. It is nestled between the confluence of the Subansiri and the Brahmaputra River. Visit the monasteries and interface with the tribes on the island. Later in the afternoon ferry back to mainland and overnight at Jorhat.
MAJULI ISLAND - Majuli Island-A World Heritage Site, is located in the Brahmaputra River and is the largest inhabited riverine island in the world. The island has long served as a monastic retreat to the Vaishnavite community and is known for its beautiful rural setting and traditional Assamese and Mishing architecture. Majuli, is the largest freshwater river island (1250 sq km) in the world and is contesting for a position in the "World Heritage” list. It is located 20 kilometers from the city of Jorhat, Assam. Since water bodies cover most of the island, it attracts a number of local and migratory birds. About twenty six Satras or cultural houses of power are located in Majuli- of which the Kamalabari, Auniati and Garmur are worth a mention. These Satras propogate the religious ideology of medeival Assam’s Vaisnavite saints like Sankardev and Madhavdev.
The Mishings- The Mishings belong to the Tibeto-Burman clan of the Mongoloid race. It's not known exactly where they migrated from, but it is believed that they were dwellers of the hills of present day Arunachal Pradesh. This explains the cultural and linguistic similarities they have with the people of the Adi (erstwhile Abor) tribe, and to some extent of the Hill Miri and Dafla tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. Somewhere around the 13th century, they started migrating towards the plains of Assam, most probably in search of fertile land. This exodus continued for at least 2-3 centuries. As fate would have it, they found one of the most fertile river-beds (that of the mighty Brahmaputra) and settled on both banks along the length of the river, starting right from Sadiya in the east, to Jorhat in the west. They continued their practice of living in thatched houses raised on bamboo stilts, known as chang ghars. It was a protection against flood waters during the rainy season, although the original logic behind raised houses was protection from wild beasts. The yearly floods ensured that the Misings lived a life of abject poverty and misery. Agriculture being their main occupation, floods affect them in more ways than one. Their chief festival is Ali-Aye-Ligang, held in the month of February, which celebrates the agricultural harvest. Most Mishings follow both the Donyi-Polo and Hindu religions, but some Mishings also follow the Catholic or Baptist faith. The language of the Misings is known as Mishing language.
Kamalabari Satra- Founded by Bedulapadma Ata, it is a centre of art, culture, literature and classical studies. The finest boats on the island are made here. It's branch, Uttar Kamalabari Satra, has showcased the Satria Art in several states of India and abroad.
Auniati Satra : Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva, the Satra is famous for "Paalnaam" and Apsara dances. Also remarkable is it's extensive assortment of ancient artefacts, Assamese old utensils, jewellery and handicrafts.
Bengenaati Satra- It is a storehouse of antiques of cultural importance and an advanced centre of performing art. Muraridev, the grandson of Sankardeva's step mother founded this Satra. The royal robes belonging to the Ahom king Swargadeo Gadadhar Singha, is preserved here. Also on display is the royal gold umbrella.
JORHAT - Jorhat is the gateway to the state of Nagaland & to Majuli, the largest river island. It was the last capital of the Ahom Kingdom and is home to many historical monuments. Jorhat is another tea hub in the Upper Assam region. Many small and big tea estates surround this town. Cinnamora Tea Estate - the first commercial tea estate, was planted by the British in this area.. Jorhat also boasts of the Tea Experimental Station at Tocklai, where tea scientists continuously endeavor to introduce new and better agricultural practices- some of which include developing of new clones and saplings.
Today post breakfast drive to Dibrugarh (140 kms/03 hrs). Enroute visit the Dhekiakhowa Bornaamghor at Teok and Ahom Monuments and Temples at Sivasagar that encompass the 600 year old history of the Ahom Dynasty. Later continue drive to Dibrugarh and on arrival check in at Mancotta / Chowkidinghee Heritage Chang Bungalow for 02 nights. Evening enjoy a dance performance by an ethnic dance group on the bungalow lawns. Overnight at Mancotta/Chowkidinghee Heritage Chang Bungalow.
Dhekiakhowa Bornamghor is a namghar (prayer hall) in Jorhat, Assam, that was established by the saint-reformer Madhavdeva in 1461. He kindled an earthen lamp in 1461, which has been burning since then being religiously re-fueled by priests till date. It is located at Dhekiakhowa village of Jorhat, 15 km east of Jorhat town. The namghar is situated in a complex of facilities spread over 13 bighas of land and is maintained by a managing committee. It is funded with donations from devotees. Besides the maintenance of the complex, the managing committee sponsors various social and cultural programs. There is an anecdote related to the name of Dhekiakhowa namghar- Guru Madhavdeva after taking up the duty of reforming people and spreading the Ekasharan Nam Dharma came to stay in this small and very poor village. He took shelter for the night in the hut of an old woman, who served him rice with Dhekia Saak (believed to be poor man's veggy, but a very popular and tasty ). Though the old woman was very embarrassed to have served the Saint guru a frugal meal as this, he was immensely pleased with the dinner. So he established a namghar there and gave the responsibility of kindling the earthen lamp to the old woman. Thus the namghar got it’s name- Dhekia khowa namghar. There are many stories associated with this Bornamghar. It is said that the main pillar of the namghar is made of a Sal tree. One night, one of the bhakats (monk) of the namghar dreamt that the river near the Bor namghar ( known as Dhekiakhowa jaam ) was flowing in the opposite direction and was carrying a Sal tree meant for the construction of the Bor namghar. This was uncannily true. So the next morning when the villagers learnt of it, they decided to make the main pillars of the Bor namghar from this tree. The lamp in Dhekiakhowa Bor Namghar lamp is said to have been burning since 1461.
SIVASAGAR - Sivasagar was once the capital of the Ahom Kings. The Shans who came from Thailand through Northern Myanmar to this area in the early 13th century, ruled from here for 600 years. Thus the ruins of Ahom palaces and monuments dot the landscape around this historical town. The Siva Temple situated in Sibsagar was built by the Ahoms and is believed to be the tallest of all existing hindu temples. Centuries, before the arrival of the British, this part of the world was controlled by a number of tribal chieftains.
Shiva Dol and Shiva Sagar(tank): A huge 125 acres water tank was built in Sibsagar by Queen Ambika in 1734AD. On its bank are three temples – Shivdol, the most important of three, attracts a large number of devotees on Shivaratri. It is probably the loftiest Shiva temple in the country.
Rang Ghar: It remains Asia's largest amphitheatre and was the cultural playground of the Ahom Swargadeos or kings. It was constructed in 1746 during the reign of King Pramatta Singha. The king and his officers would sit in the auditorium and watch indigenous games like wrestling, birds' fight, buffalo fights and more. There is a beautiful park near the ancient royal auditorium which enhances it’s picturesque setting.
Talatal Ghar: Ahom architecture over the centuries has resulted in some very defining edifices. The Talatal Ghar at Sivasagar is a seven storied building with four floors below the ground and three floors above the ground- an amazing palace for the Ahom Kings but at the same time an exceptional architectural concept given the period of history in which it was built.
DIBRUGARH - Dibrugarh is the gateway to the “hidden land” of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh and Northern Myanmar. The Ahoms from Thailand came through Northern Myanmar to this area in the 13th century to establish their empire which thrived in the ancient land of Assam. It is the “Camellia” town of Upper Assam, an undisturbed, unspoiled and undistributed paradise on earth with breath- taking scenic beauty surrounded by a lush green expanse of tea plantations. Tea incidentally is a variety of the camellia plant. Experience and enjoy the richness of these tea gardens while staying at the Heritage Chang Bungalows. These are constructed on stilts and are situated in a serene atmosphere free from pollution.
In Dibrugarh, Purvi Discovery provides to you, two of its well appointed mid 19th century Chang Bungalows constructed on stilts, Chowkidinghee Chang Bungalow is one such heritage bungalow which welcomes you to Dibrugarh- the “camellia” country! It is ideally suited for a private family holiday allowing you to experience the luxurious raj period hospitality that the British manager and his memsahib enjoyed. When the British established tea plantations in the mid-19th century, they built comfortable bungalows designed to make life as pleasant as possible in what, was to them, a hostile and strange land. Mancotta Chang Bungalow is another heritage property located on the outskirts of Dibrugarh town. It is conveniently accessible from both Dibrugarh railway station and Dibrugarh airport. It provides a base for a unique holiday set amidst the tea plantations.
Bihu is the most popular folk dance of Assam. It has a unique position amongst other Indian dances given its rhythmic exuberance. ‘Bihu’, is performed by young men and women during the spring season accompanied by songs woven around the theme of love and reflects youthful passion and joy in them. The dance is performed by all- irrespective of caste, creed and religion.
Post breakfast, take a tea tour around a tea estate known for producing high quality teas i.e. Ethelwold Tea Estate. Also experience a tea tasting session of different types of tea with a knowledgeable person in the field of tea / practicing estate manager. Later in the afternoon we visit Jagarnath Temple and India’s longest road cum railway bridge – the Bogibeel Bridge to enjoy view of sunset and also option to go for boat ride in the mighty Brahmaputra (subject to same been operation on the day of visit). Overnight at the bungalow.
A Tea Tour through a 160 years old heritage tea garden will give you an insight into the different activities that vary from season to season. It will teach you all about tea- its origin, how it is grown, tea tasting and its quality. The estates come alive with teams of colourfully dressed tea pluckers, predominantly ladies, who pluck the delicate buds and leaves. The harvest is taken every day to the factory where it undergoes an age old process of being turned into the finished product. All stages of the process are carefully controlled to ensure that the product which leaves the factory is only of the highest quality, a quality that has made Assam tea world famous.
CTC (Crush, Tear and Curl) tea is a method of processing tea. In this process the leaves instead of being rolled, are passed through a series of cylindrical rollers with hundreds of small sharp "teeth" that Crush, Tear, and Curl.This style of manufacture has the advantage that the finished product brews quickly, gives a dark infusion rapidly, is well suited for tea bags, and yields more cups per kg. In the Indian domestic market, this product has virtually taken over - over 80% of the tea produced is of the CTC type. It produces a rich red-brown color when the tea leaves are boiled and so is best suited for tea made in the Indian style. This is done by boiling leaves in a mixture of milk, water and sugar and some spices (producing Masala Chai).
Note: There is no tea plucking between December till mid March and hence the actual manufacturing process of tea cannot be demonstrated when one visits the factory during this period. Guests can however enjoy tea walk in the tea plantation and also experience tea tasting session.
In time transfer to Dibrugarh airport to board flight for onward destination.