Explore Assam and Meghalaya

  • 10 Nights / 11 Days
  • Best During November - April

Tour Highlights

  • Visit the pious Kamakhya Temple at Guwahati
  • Visit Sualkuchi – the Silk Hub of Assam
  • Enjoy the picturesque landscape of Cherapunjee in Meghalaya
  • Enjoy a nature walk in the Mawphlang Sacred Forest
  • Visit the Kaziranga National Park – Home to the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros
  • Enjoy jeep safari through the dense forests of Kaziranga in a Jeep
  • Visit the Ahom monuments and temples at Sivasagar
  • Tour through the lush Tea Estates of Upper Assam
  • Visit Majuli – the largest inhabited river island in the world
  • Stay at a Heritage Bungalow and relieve the colonial era
  • Enjoy a cultural evening at the bungalow

Tour Description

Assam Meghalaya tour package is a complete treasure for the nature lovers. This 10 Night and 11 Days itinerary will make you travel and explore the natural clearing in the regions of Guwahati, Shillong, Cherrapunji, Kaziranga, Majuli, Sivasagar and Dibrugarh. Assam Meghalaya tour package is always first on priority for local or international traveler who wish to visit amazing North East. Purvi Discovery is known for its affordable and value for money tour and we have designed our itinerary in such manner where you will see eternal beauty of Assam and Meghalaya.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 - Guwahati– Shillong, Meghalaya

Received at Guwahati airport later drive to Shillong (130 kms/ 03 ½ hrs). On arrival check in at hotel for 03 nights. Evening option visit Police bazaar. Overnight at the hotel.

SHILLONG - Shillong is the capital city of the state as well as the district headquarter of East Khasi Hills District. The name Shillong is derived from U-Shyllong, a powerful deity, and is situated at an altitude of 1,491m above sea level. This beautiful city is 103kms from Guwahati, the nearest air and train link. The presence of many well reputed educational institutions, many of them by missionary groups make Shillong the hub of education for the entire north-east.

DAY 2 - Shillong-Cherrapunjee-Shillong

Today we take a day excursion to Cherrapunjee (55 kms / 01 ½ hrs), 1300mt – once the heaviest rainfall area in the world. The drive will give us a spectacular view of deep gorges and the rolling hills luxurious with tropical vegetation that boast an innumerable variety of ferns, moss and orchids. At Cherrapunjee, we explore the Arwah Lumshynna cave, Nohkalikai Falls, Nohsngithiang Falls, etc. En-route we also visit the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, for a nature walk. We then return to the hotel for the night. 

Cherrapunjee - Cherrapunjee is 56 kms from Shillong and is literally the high point of any visit to Meghalaya -a destination renowned all over the world for receiving the highest rainfall in the world. Set against the backdrop of breath-taking landscape, it is a place to discover the Indian summer monsoons, a unique annual meteorological phenomena directly influenced by the south west monsoon and the north east winds. The heavy monsoon rains over these mountains undoubtedly creates in Sohra one of the rarest biodiverse vegetations in the world. Truly a beautiful corner in north-east India, waiting to be discovered and explored. The old Cherra or Sohrarim was the original Cherra village but with the coming of the British who set up their headquarters further south, the village came to be known as 'Sohra' or present day Cherrapunjee. It was here that the British realized the enormity and intensity of the rainfall and set up a meteorological office for measuring the rain. Sohra was declared by the British to be the capital of Assam in 1832, which was later shifted to Shillong in 1866 due to the inclement weather. 

The Arwah Lawshynna Cave Location: East Khasi Hills District, Sohra This Cave lies in the slope of U Lum Lawshynna Hill. It is approximately one kilometre in length. It is adorned with different types of carving and formation designed by nature itself which adds lot of beauty to the place. A stream runs through the cave from beginning till the end, making us feel as if we are walking in a river. The height is very high and the breadth is very wide, but it gets narrower and narrower as we move further. Birds and bats frequently visit this cave and make it their home. The cave is covered by a thick forest, called the ‘Law Shynna’. Different types of local species of trees, orchids, wild flowers, shrubs, bamboos and coloured leaves are found in this forest. On the way to the cave, there is a viewpoint, from where we can see the beautiful Wahkaba Falls, the natural landscape and the river which flows to Bangladesh through Nongpriang Village and Sohkhmi Village. The hill where the cave is located is called ‘U Lum Shynna’. This hill is very high and it overlooked the Sohra town and even the plains of Bangladesh could be seen from this hillock. That is why it is called Lum Shynna which literally means Clearview. All through this hill, from North to South runs the David Scott Bridle path build by the British which once upon a time connects the Brahmaputra Valley and the Surma Valley in Bangladesh. This path was used by people to go to Shillong or Laban, to the market and to Bangladesh for trade. This path is still visible now, while some parts are destroyed due to soil erosion and landslide caused by coal mining. Resting places for those who are tired are also found along the route. At the foot of this hillock, there are the remnants of the ‘Kyntursniang Village’ a historical site where foundation of the present Sohra Syiemship was laid by Buh Sing Syiem and his myntris.

Nohkalikai falls: A hauntingly beautiful waterfall, cascading down from the top of the gorge to the mystic deep green pool below, reminds one of the tragic legend associated with it- of a grief stricken mother who plunged to her death, unable to overcome her sorrow of the murder of her daughter by her husband.

Nohsngithiang Falls also known as Mawsmai falls, is 1 km south of Mawsmai village and derives its name from where the waterfalls are situated- in a south westerly position and get illuminated by the sun from dawn to sunset. The vibrant colours of the setting sun on the waterfalls make it a sight to behold as at times one can even see the colours of the rainbow emitting from them.

Mawphlang Sacred Forest - Just 28 kms away from Shillong is Mawphlang Sacred Forest, one of Meghalaya’s most celebrated sacred forests, as the world over, are steeped in spiritual belief and held in great veneration. They also represent some of the earliest representations of preserving the ancient ecosystems. This is a dense forest where the Lyngdoh (chief) used to offer sacrifices and prayers. Not a branch should be broken or else a curse may befall on that person. This grove is surrounded by a lush green valley and a great variety of plants like orchids, include the carnivorous varieties and ferns grow here.

DAY 3 - Shillong- Dawki-Mawlynnong- Shillong

Post breakfast we drive to Dawki (03 hrs) close to Bangladesh border. Later we visit Mawlynnong Village. Place of interest to be found here includes natural beauty, excellent day walks for birding, a haven for botany, living root bridge crossing numerous streams, rivers and cascading waterfalls. Later drive back to Shillong and overnight

Dawki-Just across the border of Bangladesh near the Tamabil-Dawki checkpost flows the beautiful Dawki river with greenish-blueish water so clear that one can see the bottom of the river even from as high as the bridge over the river. It flows very close to the customs checkpost at Dawki with Jaintia Hills District on one side and East Khasi Hills District on the other. As it enters the plains of Bangladesh it loses its beautiful color and becomes heavily strewn with rocks and small boulders

Mawlynnong Village has earned the distinction of being the cleanest village in India. It is situated 90 kms. from Shillong and besides the picturesque village, offers many interesting sights such as the Living Root Bridge and a strange natural phenomenon of a boulder balanced on a rather small rock. Mawlynnong nestled in the pristine hill state of Meghalaya, is very close to the Indo-Bangla border. This cute and colourful little village is known for its cleanliness. The main occupation of the villagers is agriculture. They mostly grow betel nut. About 82 households live in Mawlynnong. Keeping the surrounding environment clean is an age old tradition. Discover India magazine declared the village as the cleanest in Asia in 2003. Dustbins made out of bamboo are found all along the village. Everyone makes it a point that dirt and waste are not thrown everywhere. All the waste from the dustbins is collected and kept in a pit, which the villagers use as manure. The villagers are now on a mission to ban plastic. The village with cent per cent literacy is conscious and they are spreading the message of conservation and protection of the forest. Locals plant trees to ensure that the virgin forest is kept intact and also replenished. Mawlynnong's fame is now drawing an endless stream of guests from across the country and abroad. Mawlynnong is an artist's delight and the sort of getaway that would titillate creative writers and poets.

DAY 4 - Shillong-Guwahati, Assam

Post breakfast drive to Guwahati (130 kms/ 03 ½ hrs). Enroute to Visit DBCIC Museum. On arrival check in at hotel for 01 night. Evening visit Kamakhya temple and Srimanta Shankardeva Kalashetra. Overnight at the hotel.

Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC): is a three-in-one Institution combining a museum with a research and publication centre, for promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of North East India -a unique fusion of all the sister states under one roof. DBCIC contains seventeen galleries displaying cultural artefacts and paintings. It offers study and research facilities throughout its specialised library of 10,000 volumes, a media hall and a conference hall. It is frequented by school students and older research students and anthropologists.

DBCIC Museum : The Museum has the following holidays – All Sundays, January 1, January 26, January 31, August 15, November 2, Second last Monday in November, December 22-25 (both days inclusive), December 31, Thursday before Easter to Easter Monday (both days inclusive).

Kamakhya Temple: Situated atop the Nilachal hills, the foremost shrine of Assam, Kamakhya Temple dominates Guwahati, as much as the great Brahmaputra river. Kamakhya is an ancient seat of tantric and shakti cults of Hinduism. A rush of devotees throng the Temple during the Ambubachi Puja celebrated in June

Srimanta Shankerdeva Kalashetra - a multi-art complex portrays the rich cultural diversity and life of Assam as well as that of the North-east. This art complex has been named after the greatest Vaishnavite saint and integrator of Assamese society. It is also the venue for many cultural activities. Enjoy the sound and light programme on the history of the region here

DAY 5 - Guwahait-Sualkuchi-Hajo-Kaziranga

Post breakfast we visit Sualkuchi and Hajo. Later drive to Kaziranga national park. On arrival check in at hotel for 02 nights. Overnight at the hotel.

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.

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK - Kaziranga National Park - is a World Heritage Site, where more than 75% of the world’s total population of the great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros can be found. It lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River and is one of the oldest parks of Assam. Besides rhinos, the Asiatic Water Buffalo, Elephants, Royal Bengal Tigers, Swamp deer, Barking deer and Hog deer can be seen. About 400 species of birds are found in Kaziranga National Park. To name a few- Swamp Francolin, Great Hornbill, Pallas Fish Eagle, Pied Falconets, Greater Adjutant Stork, Long Billed Vulture. There is no telling what one might find in Kaziranga but it is always a great experience. The specialty here is the Blue naped pitta among a host of Raptors and Waterfowl. The adjoining buffer areas are worth a try too, as numerous rare sightings are reported regularly.

Kaziranga National Park remains open from 1st Oct to mid May. 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. However, this can only be confirmed nearer to date, which Forest Dept. will declare keeping the weather and other factors in mind. Alternatively 01 Nov to 30 Apr is confirmed date for opening of park

DAY 6 - At Kaziranga national Park, Assam

Full day game drives 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.

1. Mihimukh in Central Range at Kohora

2. Bagori in Western Range at Bagori

3. Agaratoli in Eastern Range at Agaratoli

4. Ghorakati in Burapahar Range at Ghorakhati

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 its ox-bow lakes.

DAY 7 - Kaziranga- Jorhat

Today post breakfast we visit Kaziranga Orchid Park cum Biodiversity Conservation Centre. Later drive to Jorhat (90 kms / 02 ½ hrs). On arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon option to explore Jorhat Town.

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.

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.

DAY 8 - Jorhat- Majuli island- Jorhat

Post breakfast we drive to Neematighat (30 mins) 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.

DAY 9 – Jorhat- Sivasagar-Dibrugarh, Assam

Today morning visit Dhekiakhowa Bornamghor and later continue drive to Dibrugarh (140 kms / 03 hrs). En-route we visit the Ahom monuments and temples at Sivasagar which encompass the 600 year old history of the Ahom Dynasty. Check in at the Mancotta/Chowkidinghee Heritage Chang Bungalow for 02 nights. Evening enjoy a dance performance by an ethnic dance group on the bungalow lawn. Overnight at the 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 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 its 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 plantatons. 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.

DAY 10 - At- Dibrugarh

Post breakfast take a tea tour around a tea estate known for producing high quality CTC teas- 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 drive to visit Namphake the beautiful Tai Village and Digboi the first oil town of Asia. Evening back to Dibrugarh. 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). Orthodox tea: The manufacturing process of orthodox tea is quite different from CTC. Instead of the tea leaf been crushed, the leaves are rolled in a machine that twist and break the leaves to release the natural chemicals that later react with oxygen in the air and give the tea its characteristic aroma and taste. It is the leafy variety of tea.

Visit to a tea factory is subject to it being operational on the day of the visit. 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. The factory also remains closed on Monday’s of the week. 

Namphake is a beautiful ‘Tai’ village situated on the banks of the river Buridihing in Upper Assam.At Namphake one can see traditional houses built on stilts made of bamboo. Their roofs are made of ‘tokou pata’ (fan palm leaves).The Tai-Phakes are Buddhists, who have maintained their traditions and customs, and wear hand woven clothes. They weave beautiful mekhlas and bags of various designs. The people are very hospitable. The Buddhist monastery at Namphake is well maintained and is worth a visit.

Digboi the first oil town of Asia, is believed to have derived its name from a command- "dig-boy-dig!"- given by the original explorers to their laborers to dig when they found traces of oil in this area. Digboi takes pride in having the second oldest oil refinery in the world which is still partially operational and it also has the distinction of establishing the first oil museum in India. Its 18 hole golf course is an added attraction which lies adjacent to the Upper Dehing Reserve Forest. This golf course is known for its scenic beauty. A visit to the nearby 2nd World War Cemetery and the centenary park offers a unique experience.

Note: Digboi museum remains closed on Monday of the week.

DAY 11 - Dibrugarh-Fly out

Later in time transfer to the Dibrugarh airport to board flight for onward destination.

Inclusions

Exclusions

Cancellation Policy

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Explore Assam and Meghalaya
Explore Assam and Meghalaya
Explore Assam and Meghalaya
Explore Assam and Meghalaya
Explore Assam and Meghalaya
Explore Assam and Meghalaya