Assam Land of Tea and Rhinos

Our tour features the following locations

DELHI: The largest mosque, the biggest temple, honky auto-rickshaws; it’s easy to distinguish Delhi. The city has been at the centre of the Indian civilisation for centuries and a major seat of power ever since the Mughals built their capital here. Modern Delhi presents a mix of colonial-era architecture, Mughal forts, and mausoleums, ancient bazaars, glitzy malls and world class restaurants. It often feels overwhelming, but given a chance, it always grows onto you. Be sure to visit Humayun’s Tomb, a 16th-century Mughal wonder inspired by the iconic Taj Mahal and Lodi Gardens, the best spot for sunsets in Delhi. There’s also the Hauz Khas Village, a throbbing hub that gained popularity with its Open Nights when those narrow alleys are transformed into cultural wonders, adorned with lights and decorated with streamers. There really is no better place to discover Delhi’s rich culture and mingle with its locals.

DIBRUGARH: The largest tea exporting town in India, located on the banks of the River Brahmaputra, it is the gateway to the three tea producing districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat. These three areas account for approximately 50% of India’s Assam tea crop, and this gives Dibrugarh it’s rightly earned its name as the ‘Tea City of India’.

JORHAT: The second largest city in Assam to Guwahati and once the capital of the Ahom Kings, this city has an ancient heritage which makes a good base for exploring the unique Vaishnavite culture of Majuli, the largest river island in the world. North of Jorhat lies Sibsagar, the former capital of the Ahoms and home to numerous tombs, temples, and palaces. Side-by-side, you can see remains of the British Raj, which developed the tea industry here. Annual tea festival in Jorhat is another attraction, along with temple of Buri Gohani, British imperial mementoes, and the hanging platform to hang Freedom Fighters in front of the jail and many others.

KAZIRANGA NP: One of the country’s most famous mascots can be seen at the immensely beautiful Kaziranga National Park. The one-horned rhino is a true beauty, and with more than two-thirds of the world’s population of rhinos represented here, you’re sure to have a blast. Early morning elephant safaris are perhaps the best ways of getting closer to these majestic beasts, as the rhinos are often unfazed by these large mammals and you really get to see them from up close. Other popular sightings at the park include wild boar, gaur, deer, monkeys, langur, leopard, sloth bear, Indian civet, golden jackal, tigers, Asiatic black bear and the Bengal fox. The best time to visit Kaziranga is between November to February, as the skies are clear and there are greater chances of spotting the rhino.

SHILLONG: Once a capital of British Assam, Shillong now prospers as the state capital of Meghalaya in its new role as a modern Indian town with colonial-era relics scattered everywhere. You’d expect it to be just another beautiful hillock, one of the many in this part of the world, but Shillong truly surprises you with its perfect balance between natural beauty, a simplistic charm and modernization. Its landscapes are dotted with beautiful cottages, and it has also emerged as a major educational centre in the country. Some of the key destinations of Shillong are the iconic Shillong Peak, the stunning Elephant and Sweet Falls, Ward’s Lake and the Shillong Golf Club.