In the Lap of Nature

The North Eastern States of India are unique and home to some magnificent landscapes, exotic flora and fauna, and diverse talent and adventure offerings, and incredible natural scenery make it a must-visit destination. The offerings here include Living Root Bridges- grown over hundreds of years, in the rain forests; Caves –Meghalaya Caves have been listed as longest and deepest in the world; National Parks; Waterfalls ; picturesque Hills; River Islands – Ranging from the smallest to the largest in the world; Hill Stations; Lakes- including the Largest freshwater lake and only Floating National Park in the World and more……

ASSAM Assam provides the gateway to the North East. The Kaziranga National Park is famous for its’ Safaris both Elephant and Jeep to encounter the one-horned rhino of Assam. A green drive through the refreshing lush tea gardens of Assam to enjoy a relaxed stay at Kaziranga is a must do. The best time to visit is Summer (Feb to May) or Winter (Nov to Feb). Enjoy the early morning Elephant Safari at 5.30 or 6.30 am. A visit to Agratoli range for a satisfying Birding experience and to see a large variety of the two-legged beauties is a bonus.
MEGHALAYA Meghalaya, literally meaning the “Abode of the Clouds”, once famed for the wettest place in the world, is now well-known for, amongst many other things, the Living Root Bridges To get a good feel of Meghalaya, visit the golden quadrangle - Shillong/Cherrapunjee/Mawlynong/Dawki- Shnongpdeng. Situated at an altitude of 1496 meters above sea level, Shillong offers a perfect holiday destination. Be it a stunning birds eye view of the city from Shillong Peak, or the several waterfalls - see Natures’ bounty here with the beautiful fragrance of flowers. For Golfing enthusiasts, Shillong offers a beautiful 18-hole Golf Course, set up in 1898, besides a picturesque setting and salubrious climate. Dreamland of fog and clouds, the slopes of Cherrapunjee towards Bangladesh are famous for its living root bridges, - Indian Rubber Trees with their strong, flexible roots, guided across rivers and streams with the help of bamboos, which die down, leaving the living root bridge behind. In both Cherrapunjee and in the cleanest village in India- Mawlynnong, experience these amazing bridges. And for a mesmerizing experience do visit Mawphlang Sacred Grove, 25 kms from Shillong to see an amazing life form of plants, flowering trees, orchids and butterflies, which make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Enjoy beautiful sunset boat rides on the river Dawki and in the crystal-clear transparent waters of Shnongpdeng. The adventurer in you has plenty of options from trekking, camping, caving, rock climbing, diving to various water sports. The best time to visit during the dry season: Dec -Jan.

In the Lap of Nature Itinerary

Arrive at Guwahati and drive to Kaziranga (approx. 239 kms) arriving in 4 hours. Check in the hotel and relax today. Overnight stay at the hotel on bed & breakfast basis.
These are the areas where you are most likely to see animals – especially the one-horned Rhino. Your morning safari starts around 0530hrs / 0630 hours for 1 to 1.5 hours. Return for breakfast to the hotel. After lunch can go for optional Birding trip. Return to resort for dinner and overnight stay. (B)
Depart after breakfast by 9:00 amd for Shillong, Meghalaya- (264 kms) and enjoy the spectacular views at Umiam Lake, on the way. While in Shillong relax and enjoy a boat ride on Ward’s Lake or a trip to the 18-hole golf course, set up in 1898. Check in the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. (B)
Breakfast, leave for Shillong City tour. Enjoy the overview of Shillong from the Shillong peak. Enjoy Elephant Falls and walking around the city or a day trip to the Sacred Groves of Mawphlang, 25 kms from Shillong, to see an amazing life form of plants, flowering trees, orchids and butterflies, which make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Return to the resort after an action-packed day for dinner and overnight stay. (B)
Breakfast. Today can go for zip lining through the picturesque beauty on route as an optional activity. Visit the Limestone caves and the 7 Sister falls in Cherrapunjee. Transfer back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight. (B)
Breakfast, leave around 7:00 am for trek to the Living root bridge and visit the mesmerizing rainbow Falls. Return to resort, call it an early night. (B)
Leave early morning by 7:00 am after breakfast for Mawlynong – the cleanest village in Asia. By noon hit the crystal waters of Shnonpdeng. Enjoy the water acivities here or simply glide on the river in a boat. Head to the Dawki river for a sunset boat ride and hit the roads back to Guwahati from there- a long 175 km ride, approx. a 5 hours ride or enjoy a night stay at Shillong and leave for catching your flight the next day. (B)
Breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight back home. (B)

Activities

Trekking
Sight-seeing at various locations
Shillong city tour

Possible Extensions

Mawlynong Village visit
Boat ride on River Dawki
Snorkelling / Swimming / Camping at Shnongpdeng
Visit Mawphlang Sacred Grove

What’s Included

Accommodation on bed & breakfast basis
1-day trek at Cherrapunji
Packed meals while trekking
Services of guides at trek

Things to Carry

Woollens for chilly mornings and evenings.
Hats, stoles, sunglasses, sunscreen, hiking boots, trekking stick, gloves and hat.
Waterproof jackets and pants(trousers) Hand gloves and warm clothing and thermal suit
Extra sports shoes or sandals, getter, thermal suit, raincoat and umbrella
Torch-light, Binoculars, 3-way adapters - 220 volts and rectangular pins
Camera – you will need extra storage for digital photos with good zoom lens
Medication and toiletries (lodge provides basic toiletries)
Snacks and drinks for the journey

Gallery

Testimonials

Have you ever marvelled at human ingenuity to carve its path amidst rocks and mountains? Have you ever wondered how people travelled before concrete roads were a reality, especially in places where it rained a lot? Like always, Nature held an answer. Living root bridges.

In the Lap of Nature