FESTIVALS OF MANIPUR AND NAGALAND: SANGAI AND HORNBILL
Manipur and Nagaland are two states in the northeastern region of India that have been blessed with a multitude of unique cultures. Both states organise a ten-day long cultural extravaganza that showcase the best of their heritage, including dance, song, indigenous games, food and more.
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The Sangai Festival of Manipur has the added bonus of being celebrated near Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world's only floating national park. Its stunning natural vistas combined with a fabulous display of colour make the Sangai Festival a photographer's dream!
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The Hornbill Festival has gained international attention as a must-do for any culture enthusiast. Interact with Naga tribes as they perform traditional dances, songs and games; taste local delicacies; and learn more about their unique customs and beliefs.
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The Sangai Festival is held from 21st to 30th November every year in Imphal, and the Hornbill Festival is held from 1st to 10th December every year in Kohima.
11 Days | Ex Delhi/Kolkata – Imphal – Guwahati – Kaziranga National Park – Kohima – Dimapur
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Take in the cultural extravagance of the Sangai Festival of Manipur
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Visit the floating villages of Loktak Lake
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Look out for the Sangai at Keibul Lamjao National Park, the last habitat of this 'dancing deer'
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Discover the unique cultures of Manipur and Nagaland
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Interact with tribal chiefs at the Hornbill Festival
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Marvel at the rich tapestry of colours through your photographer's lens
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Safari at UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kaziranga National Park, home to the world's largest population of One-horned Rhinoceros and world's highest density of Royal Bengal Tiger
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Visit Majuli, one of the world's largest river islands, and experience the way of life of the Mishing tribe
Highlights
Itinerary
DAY 1 | IMPHAL | 28 NOVEMBER 2017
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Fly to Imphal | Visit Ima market and Kangla fort
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DAY 2 | IMPHAL - DAY TRIP TO LOKTAK LAKE | 29 NOVEMBER 2017
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Shree Govindajee temple, a historic Vaishnavite center | Drive 2 hours (one way) to Loktak Lake, a national park, and look out for 'Sangai' or dancing deer | Visit the park's floating villages | Moirang local market | Enjoy Sangai festival celebrations
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DAY 3 | IMPHAL - DAY TRIP TO ANDRO VILLAGE | 30 NOVEMBER 2017
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Drive 1 hour (one way) to Andro Cultural Village | Witness traditional pottery | Interact with the villagers | Enjoy Sangai festival celebrations
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DAY 4 | GUWAHATI | 1 DECEMBER 2017
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Fly to Guwahati​ | Kamakhya Temple, an important tantric temple | Evening cruise on the Brahmaputra river
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DAY 5 | KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK | 2 DECEMBER 2017
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Drive 4.5 hours to Kaziranga National Park Safari | Jeep Safari
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DAY 6 | KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK | 3 DECEMBER 2017
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Elephant Safari | Jeep Safari | Mishing tribal village visit
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DAY 7 | MAJULI | 4 DECEMBER 2017
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Drive for 2.5 hours and then take a 1.5 ferry to Majuli, one of the world's largest river islands and seat of Vaishnavite religion in Assam | Visit the satras or monasteries | Interact with monks
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DAY 8 | MAJULI | 5 DECEMBER 2017
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Mishing tribal village visit | Observe their customs and way of life | Attend a mask-making ceremony, a traditional practice
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DAY 9 | KOHIMA | 6 DECEMBER 2017
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Ferry for 1 hour and then drive for 6 hours to Kohima | If time permits, visit local market
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DAY 10 | KOHIMA | 7 DECEMBER 2017
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Spend the entire day at the grounds of the Hornbill Festival |​ Participate in cultural festivities
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DAY 11 | DEPART | 8 DECEMBER 2017
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Transfer to Dimapur airport to fly to Delhi or Kolkata | Alternatively, check our river cruises and overland tour extensions
All our tours can be tailor-made for you and, where possible, we can be flexible with our tour departure dates too.
Please contact us for a detailed itinerary or to discuss how we can better assist you in crafting the perfect itinerary - our friendly travel specialists are here to help!
Note: All driving times are approximate. All safaris are completely dependent on permission from the Forest Department.