Signature Tours Archives - Crafted Journeys

India: Fabric, Food & Fabulous + Holi Women Only Tour – Returning in 2022

A unique small group tour that combines hands-on experiences with the must-see sights.

Key Information

12 days / 11 nights
Dates: March 2022
Departs: Delhi Ends: Mumbai
Group Size: Min 6 – Max 12
Escorted by: Natasha Sinclair
Availability: Taking registrations

Your Experience:

Discover a side of Delhi that you probably didn’t know existed – neighbourhoods that are hotbeds for the creativity of a young India. Melting pots of quirky shops, galleries, gardens and street art.
Explore Old Delhi, the crowded streets and bazaars on foot and by rickshaw. Stock up on delectable goodies at Asia’s largest spice market.
See some of India’s most iconic architecture – Humayun’s Tomb, the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, Agra & Amber Fort and the mind-blowing beauty of the Taj Mahal.
Celebrate Holi, the festival of colour in Agra hosted by a family in their garden.
Have a hands-on experience creating your own block print fabric in the village of Bagru and cooking a rustic Rajasthani meal in Jaipur.
Discover the early morning soul of Mumbai – a whole world that disappears before 8 am.
Take part in an art workshop that directly helps with the preservation of Warli, an important yet threatened form of Indian tribal art.
Have some fun (and no doubt, laughs) at a Bollywood dancing lesson.
Indulge in some retail therapy (or window shopping).
Most meals and tipping and are included for a hassle-free trip.

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN DELHI

Arrive at any time today. There is an optional outing to Khan Market with Natasha, leaving the hotel around 1 pm. This is a great place to buy gorgeous cotton clothes both Indian and Western in-style that will be super comfortable and stylish for the rest of your trip. Designed in a U-shape you can’t get lost here!
Overnight: The Lalit, Deluxe Room
Meals: None

DAY 2: DISCOVERING NOT SO NEW DELHI

Today we will explore New Delhi and discover that it is actually not that new at all. The wide avenues of the capital are built on top of and around a graveyard of cities that have risen and fallen over time.

Visit Humayun’s Tomb, travel by Metro & Auto (tuk-tuk) to Hauz Kaus, New Delhi’s own SoHo neighbourhood. Enjoy a South Indian lunch.

This evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner at Indian Accent. where Chef Manish Mehrotra is raising a toast to Indian food of the 21st century by reviving old Indian recipes and giving them a contemporary twist.
Overnight: T he Lali t, Deluxe Room
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: OLD DELHI, SPICES & HANDMADE INDIA

Be prepared for an assault on your senses! This morning we explore Old Delhi by cycle rickshaw and on foot. We spend time at the 16th century Jama Masjid (Grand Mosque), the colourful markets, the labyrinth of narrow lanes to get lost in, and Asia’s largest spice market. For those who love to cook we will stop at a spice shop that has their wares in commercial packaging so that you can bring them back to NZ if you wish. Leaving Old Delhi, we lunch at a favourite local joint.

Depending on how long we spend in Old Delhi, we may have time to visit Bangla Sahib, one of Delhi’s most prominent Sikh gurudwaras. In gurudwaras the concept of langar is practised, and all people, regardless of race, religion or prosperity may come and eat in the gurudwara kitchen (langar hall).

Later we will visit one of Delhi’s famed craft markets. The decision on which one will depend on timing and what events are on at the time. At these markets, you buy directly from the artisans and cash is essential. After a full and busy day, we return to the hotel. Dinner at your leisure and on your own account.
Overnight: The Lalit, Deluxe Room
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4: AGRA FORT & THE TAJ MAHAL

We leave Delhi behind this morning as we zoom up the Yamuna Expressway to Agra, arriving around 1-1.30pm, you will have the chance to grab a bite to eat at our hotel’s café before our afternoon of sightseeing visiting Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal at sunset. We will start our visit at Agra Fort which was the seat of power for the Mughal Empire und successive generations. The present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions. The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more.

Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in the mid-17th century. The Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture. Dinner at your leisure at our hotel.
Overnight: Taj View, Premium Room – Taj View
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5: HOLI – THE FESTIVAL OF COLOURS

This morning we will let our inner child loose and the colours will fly as we celebrate Holi. Holi is not India’s biggest festival, but it is probably the most well known outside of India. Holi celebrates the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil and a time of renewal. We will join a local family who welcomes visitors each year to join them in their garden for some fun and safe Holi celebrations.

Everything is supplied – from the white kurtas (these are delivered to our hotel the night before) that will get drenched in a rainbow of colours to the music and the delicious Holi sweets and snacks.

If you have light coloured hair you may want to bring an old hat with you. Applying some oil (such as almond) to you skin can also help minimise the staining. All the colours used are plant based and eco-friendly. The rest of the day is free to rest and relax at our hotel. We don’t recommend that you head out into the streets during Holi as celebrations can get too boisterous.
Overnight: Taj View, Premium Room – Taj View
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6: THE TAJ AT SUNRISE & FATEHPUR SIKRI

The choice is yours this morning, to get up early and see the sunrise at the Taj Mahal from across the river at Metab Bagh “The moonlight gardens” or you can enjoy a sleep in. For those getting up early you will be rewarded with a gorgeous view of the Taj, away from the crowds.

After checking out this morning we will drive to Fatehpur Sikri which used to be a town larger than London when it was originally constructed in the late 16th century. The red sandstone city complete with palaces and mosques was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an extraordinary place to wander around. Even after 300 years its buildings are in near perfect condition.

We will then carry on to Bharatpur for a relaxing lunch at The Bagh Hotel before continuing in our coach to Jaipur. To relax after a long day, we will enjoy dinner at our hotel.
Overnight: Dera Mandawa, Suite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 7: JAIPUR – FORTS, FABRICS & COOKING UP A STORM

After breakfast we will head out in jeeps to the 16th century Amber Fort. The fort is a glorious deceit: intimidating, rough and ready from the outside, while inside it is a sensuous journey through colonnaded halls of grand paintings, mirrored ceilings and intricate carvings.

Afterwards we will get a fabric fix. From a huge variety of silks, cottons, cotton-silks and linens you can opt to have some clothes tailored to fit. Other shopping excursions in Jaipur are tailored to suit the group. There is no pressure to buy anything – window shopping is welcome.

This evening our hostess will lead a hands-on lesson in Rajasthani cuisine. This wonderful experience will arm you with some delicious and simple recipes and some valuable nuggets of advice for cooking Indian food at home.
After we sample each of the dishes we have learnt to cook, we will sit down and enjoy dinner with the family.

Overnight: Dera Mandawa, Suite
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 8: BAGRU – BLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP

Leaving Dera Mandawa at 8am we will drive to the village of Bagru known for its block printing tradition where they use natural and indigo dyes to create beautiful fabrics. Here we will play with blocks and colours to create our own Bagru fabric to take home with us.

If you would like to have a quiet afternoon you can opt to be dropped off at Dera Mandawa after our morning at Bagru or alternatively join us exploring some more of Jaipur’s boutiques. Dinner at Dera Mandawa is included tonight.
Overnight: Dera Mandawa, Suite
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 9: FLY JAIPUR TO MUMBAI – A CITY WITH SOUL

We have an early breakfast today, as we will need to depart for the airport by 6.45am. Arriving in Mumbai late morning, we will check into our hotel by lunchtime and a bit of downtime before we head out to do some sightseeing.

Mumbai is a seething mass of humanity and unrelenting traffic. Ornate Victorian-Gothic buildings provide a backdrop for noisy street vendors and office wallahs rushing to work. Wide leafy boulevards are lined with monumental British construction but not all the grand architecture was courtesy of the Raj – wealthy Jains and Parsis have also left their mark. Always at the centre of the action, Bombay was at the forefront of the independence movement and it was from Gandhi’s house here that he coordinated the struggle.

Again, it is good to give the taste buds and the stomach a break from all the delicious Indian food, so grab a bite to eat at the hotel’s café for our lunch. This afternoon we will tick off all the main sights of Mumbai such as the Gateway of India, the Dhobi Ghat and Mani Bhawan.

We will head straight to dinner at a local Zoroastrian Restaurant to sample its Laganu Bhoonu – an assortment of various dishes that are served at Zoroastrian weddings.
Zoroastrianism, the world’s oldest monotheistic religion was once followed by millions in ancient Persia. Today there are as few as 124,000 adherents worldwide with Mumbai now at its heart with around 70,000 followers.
Overnight: Trident Nariman Point, Premier Room
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 10: MUMBAI STREET ECONOMICS & SOME FEISTY WOMEN

Wake up at the crack of dawn to catch a glimpse of the street economics of Mumbai. From feisty Koli women at the fish markets, newspaper distribution, fruit & vegetable markets, this is another side of Mumbai that largely disappears by 8am each morning.

Our breakfast will be a traditional Marathi one enjoyed at Natasha’s favourite ‘hole in the wall’ joint. The middle of the day is free to relax, and you can enjoy lunch in your own time at the hotel.

For those keen to explore some more there is an optional excursion this afternoon to discover some of Mumbai’s most unique nooks and crannies like Mutton Street which is a paradise for artists, designers, decorators and antique hunters. Dinner tonight is at the very cool Bombay Canteen.
Overnight: Trident Nariman Point – Premier Room
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 11: WARLI ART & BOLLYWOOD DANCING

After breakfast, we are going to get creative and do our bit to support one of India’s unique yet endangered tribal art forms. Warli dates back to 2500BC and uses a very basic vocabulary – a circle, triangle and a square – to depict human life, and indigenous customs and traditions. Under the watchful eyes of an expert we will create our own tribal artwork.

Later, we give another much more well-known Indian art form a go – Bollywood Dancing! There is no doubt there will be a few laughs as we learn of the latkas and jhatkas that Bollywood, the world’s biggest film industry, is famous for. This afternoon is free to explore or relax at the hotel.

This evening, at Trishna, you can sample a range of dishes from the Mumbai and the Konkani Coast. This is an old school joint in the narrow lanes of the Fort area but continues to be on the ‘must eat here lists’ of many local and international foodies. Overnight: Trident Nariman Point – Premier Room
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 12: DEPART

Today we transfer to the international airport for your onward flight or to the domestic airport if you are joining our extension to Varanasi. For those wanting to extend their time elsewhere in India or one of her neighbours, please talk to us and we can help craft the perfect extension to your tour.
Meals: Breakfast

India Fabric Food & Fabulous + Holi

estimate from NZD8,550

per person TWIN SHARE

Single Supplement if not willing to twin share NZ$1,655

Trip Kitty: INR10,000 per person (approx. NZ$255) paid on day one of the tour.

Tour Includes:
Return International Airfares ex Auckland
Tour Escort/Guide, Natasha Sinclair, owner of Crafted Journeys
11 Nights’ accommodation on a twin share basis at the hotels mentioned above or similar.
Domestic Flight from Jaipur to Mumbai Booked for the Group with additional luggage allowance
All group tips for guides, coach drivers and helpers, rickshaw drivers etc on the main tour.
Hands-on Workshops & Experiences
Meals (Breakfast x 11, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 7)
All included lunches and dinners include non-alcoholic drinks (water, juice, sodas). Alcohol, when available, is on your own account.
White Kurtas to wear for the Holi Celebrations
Transport in an Air-Conditioned Mini Coach.
English speaking specialist cultural interpreters who are experts in their respective fields and the special experiences as detailed in the itinerary
Monument Entrance Fees (one-time entry only) as per the detailed itinerary
Meet, greet and assistance for all airport transfers
Bottled water on our Mini-Coach
All currently applicable taxes

Tour Excludes:
Indian Visa
Expenses of personal nature like meals other than mentioned above, tips, laundry, telephone calls/fax, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, still & video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airfare, airport departure tax, any insurance
Personal tips – porters taking bags to/from your room and the person who meets you at the airport.
Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.

Assam, Nagaland & the Hornbill Festival Nov-Dec 2021

An adventure by plane, boat, train & road, exploring the unique cultures, landscapes & wildlife of Assam & tribal Nagaland.

Key Information

14 days / 13 nights
Dates: 25th November – 8th December 2021*
Departs: Auckland Ends: Auckland
Group Size: Min 10 – Max 16**
Escorted by: Natasha Sinclair this tour is jointly run and marketed with Project Expeditions www.projectexpedtions.co.nz
Availability: 11 places

* pre or post tour arrangements can be added in India.
**locally guided tour option will be offered if the minimum of 10 is not reached by 15th October 2020. Deposits need to be made well in advance for accommodation due to limited room availability. Note the deposit due by date may move depending on the situation regarding COVID-19.

Your Experience:

Sightseeing in Kolkata, including the ‘idol makers’ colony in Kurmartuli, Asia’s biggest flower market & Victoria Memorial. Lunch one of Kolkata’s most iconic buildings – The Oberoi Grand
Ferry across the mighty Brahmaputra River to Majuli, the world’s largest river island and centre of Assamese culture. Here we spend 3 nights visiting the unique monasteries, visit the Hummingbird School, optional village cycle tour and enjoy a traditional meal prepared by the tribal Mishing community.
Lunch at a Historic Assamese Tea Estate in Jorhat
Two night stay at Kaziranga with 3 game drives in the National Park, home to one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, primates including India’s only ape, the Hollock Gibbon and often elusive Bengal Tiger.
Morning Train Journey from Jorhat in Assam to Dimapur in Nagaland,
Attend the Hornbill Festival. The ‘Festival of Festivals’ brings together the 16 major tribes of Nagaland to celebrate and share their dance, sport, food and religious traditions. We attend two sessions a day over two days.
Visit the Kohima World War 2 Cemetary, where Allied Forces defeated the Japanese in one of the wars most decisive battles.
Visit an Angami Naga Village, for an insight into village life away from the Hornbill Festivel Site.
Free day in Kolkata before flying home. Relax or join Natasha on an optional excursion to the Weaver Textile Study Centre to view their extensive textile collection and a block-printing workshop.

DAY 1: DEPART AUCKLAND, FLY VIA SINGAPORE TO KOLKATA

Our arrival into Kolkata will be our only taste of ‘India’ as you possibly know it. Kolkata is a heady mix of vibrancy and decay as the former all-powerful seat of British India until the capital was moved to Delhi in 1911.

The flight from Singapore arrives late evening and we will check into our hotel to get some much-needed rest. We will regroup the following morning for breakfast.

Overnight: The Holiday Inn or similar – Deluxe Room
Meals: None

DAY 2: KOLKATA SIGHTSEEING [B L-]

This morning we will meet as a group for breakfast at the hotel before leaving for a day of sightseeing.

Some of the most enduring images of Kolkata are the beautifully sculpted, painted and clothed idols that captivate the city during the Durga Puja Festival. During this festival, the city comes to a virtual standstill as people flock to Kolkata for the celebrations.

Each of these idols is painstakingly created from clay and bamboo in Kumartuli in the north of the city. Kumartuli literally translates to ‘potters locality’ with 550 different workshops creating idols year-round. We will wander the maze of alleyways lined with gods and goddesses in various states of creation. Kumartuli offers a fascinating insight into the rituals and skills involved in idol making and the area is a photographer’s dream.

From Kumartuli we will take a public ferry to the Mullick Ghat Flower Market, the biggest in Asia and to see the grand marble edifice of the Victoria Memorial.

We will lunch at the Oberoi Grand; not just a hotel but one of Kolkata’s most iconic structures.

Returning to the hotel the rest of the time is free and you can dine when you wish (on your own account)

Overnight: The Holiday Inn or similar – Deluxe Room
Meals: None

DAY 3: KOLKATA VIA JORHAT TO MAJULI ISLAND [B L D]

This morning we fly to Jorhat, arriving just after midday. From the airport we stop at the 115-year-old Haroocharai Tea Estate in Jorhat for a spot of lunch – Pinky Fingers Up!

After lunch we drive to Neematighat to board our private ferries to cross the Brahmaputra River to Majuli. Checking to our accommodation on arrival, the rest of the day is free to relax and question yourself for the first time ‘Am I really in India?’

Majuli Island

Majuli is the world’s largest river island but it is slowing disappearing as the land is eroded away by floods. At the beginning of last century, it covered an area of 880 km2 and today that had been whittled away to 352 km2.

The island is considered the centre of Assamese culture and is home to the medieval Xatras (monasteries) where monks, since the 16th century, have been leading an austere life mastering religious scripts, art, music, dance and handicraft.

The first such Xatra was established in Majuli by the Vaishnavite seer named Srimanta Shankardev who is revered for his path-breaking contribution to the field of indigenous theatre, dance, music and visual art and craft. He believed that a harmonious society can be created only by individuals who are motivated by the need for harmony. Music was at the heart of Shankardev’s vision of a harmonious society just like Confucius of China. He combined Yoga and dance moves to create a unique dance form – Xatriya- now a classical dance form of India.

Overnight: Enchanting Majuli – mix of Deluxe & Executive Rooms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4: MAJULI ISLAND [B L D]

Today we need to dress modestly with nothing short or sleeveless. Shoes which can be easily taken off are recommended as we will be spending time at the Xatras (monasteries).

We will visit two Xatras including Dakshinpaat Xatra where monks lead a celibate life and the Natun Samaguri Xatra where monks are allowed to marry. It provides a good contrast.

Also, Natun Samaguri Xatra is world-famous in Majuli for its Masks and Mask Making; thanks to the efforts of its Xatradhikar (Head Monk) and expert Mask Maker Sri Hem Chandra Goswami.

This craft is 400 + years old and was started by the Vaishnavite Seer Srimanta Shankardev for religious plays. The Masks are made of a particular clay, found only in Majuli, cow dung, bamboo, jute and cloth. They are then moulded to represent different emotions of the character and coloured. Traditionally they were coloured with indigenous dyes but now poster paint is used. It takes about a week to make a mask.

We return to our accommodation for lunch and the remainder of the day is free for you to soak up the atmosphere of beautiful Majuli.

Overnight: Enchanting Majuli – mix of Deluxe & Executive Rooms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 5: MAJULI ISLAND [B L D]

Today we will cycle to Hummingbird School (7 km one way) and spend time with the children there and share a meal with them.

Later cycle around the village before cycling back to Enchanting Majuli

Cycles are hired from the Majuli Cycle Café – an initiative of the Root Bridge Foundation which promotes sustainable tourism practices in India’s Northeast and the Eastern Himalayas. Transport is provided for those that don’t wish to cycle.

The remainder of your time at leisure to relax or explore until our special dinner.

Dinner tonight will be authentic food of the tribal Mishing community who make up nearly half the population on the island living in houses that are traditionally built on stilts.

Here’s what to expect: – Porag Aapin -rice cooked in a leaf which is locally called Tora Paat. It gives a distinct flavour to the rice. Then there will be Pamnam (fish baked in banana leaf), Pamnam Chicken (chicken baked in banana leaf) and Mamsing, chutney of dry fish. And delicious home-brewed rice beer -Apong. They also serve fish, chicken and pork cooked in bamboo pipes, a traditional technique of the Mishing tribe. Vegetarian? No problem. There will be vegetarian dishes too.

Overnight: Enchanting Majuli – mix of Deluxe & Executive Rooms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 6: MAJULI ISLAND TO KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK [B L D]

After breakfast, we board our private ferries to cross over to Neematighat and then continue by road to Kaziranga National Park. Checking into our accommodation on arrival. Our delightful River Lodge was where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stayed during their tour of India in 2016.

Kaziranga National Park

We will have 3 jeep safaris in the park covering the following ranges:

The Central Range is most sought after as there are good chances of a Tiger sighting here (40 minutes one way from Diphlu River Lodge).

The Bagori Range is where Rhinos, Elephants and Water Buffaloes are abundant (5 minutes one way from Diphlu River Lodge).

The Burapahar Range is for primate lovers. This is where to spot the Hollock Gibbon (India’s only Ape) and Capped Langurs (30 minutes one way from Diphlu River Lodge)

Safari Timings:

Unlike the Tigers Parks of Central India, Corbett or Ranthambore you do not have to wake up in the dark of the night to get ready for the morning jeep safari at the crack of dawn. Jeep Safaris in Kaziranga start from 07:00 hrs/07:30 hrs. Entering the Park up until 09:30 hrs. But everyone has to exit by 12 noon. For an afternoon safari, you can enter the park from 13:00/13:30 hrs till 15:30hrs. You have to exit before sunset. Sunset Timings in November: between 16:30/17:00 hrs.

Overnight: Diphlu River Lodge – Cottage
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 7: KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK [B L D]

There is nothing quite like the excitement of a safari!

Today we will head out both morning and afternoon on game drives in the National Park. Which range is covered on which drive will be decided with our naturalist/safari guide.

Overnight: Diphlu River Lodge – Cottage
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 8: KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK TO JORHAT [B L D]

This morning we will enjoy our final safari drive in Kaziranga National Park.

Later we will drive to Jorhat, our staging post for our next adventure into the tribal north-eastern state of Nagaland*.

*After checking in we will sort out our luggage and handover whatever is not required which will then be transported via the awful roads to Dimapur to meet us the next day at the railway station. That way we will travel light on the train the next morning.

The train stops at Mariani Station (where we get on) and Dimapur Station (where we get off ) for only 5 minutes and the stations may or may not have porters – so travelling light is essential! There is nothing to worry about as in addition to your tour escort, our local guide will be travelling with the group on the train so there is no chance anyone will miss our stop.

Overnight: Kaziranga Golf Resort – Cottage Room
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 9: JORHAT VIA MARIANI & DIMAPUR TO KOHIMA, NAGALAND [B – D]

This morning we have an early start. Drive to Mariani Station to board the Shatabdi Express to Dimapur.

The Shatabdi Express (Mon/Wed/Fri) departs Mariani at 07:20 hrs and arrives Dimapur at 09:03 hrs (Dimapur is the second station after Mariani).

On arrival in Dimapur we will have a late breakfast at a local hotel and then continue to Kohima. When we arrive in Kohima we will check into our accommodation. Lunch today is on your own account.

KOHIMA
Kohima is the state capital of Nagaland, a town originally established by British Raj in 1878. The name is purely a British invention when they couldn’t manage to pronounce the indigenous Angami tribal name of Kewhira.

Later this afternoon we will visit the World War II cemetery. Here the Allied Forces won a decisive battle over the Japanese. There were heavy losses on both sides with war historians claiming that some of the fiercest hand-to-hand combat took place at Kohima. Located on Garrison Hill, the site of one of the battles, 1420 Commonwealth Graves are marked along with a memorial to the Sikh and Hindu soldiers who lost their lives and to the 2nd British Division who came to reinforce the Allied troops who had held a much larger Japanese Army at bay for a number of weeks.

Overnight: Niraamaya Retreats Aradura – Mix of Classic & Superior Rooms
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 10: HORNBILL FESTIVAL & KIGWEMA VILLAGE [B – D]

After breakfast, we head to the Hornbill Festival for our first immersion into the rich customs of song, dance and food of the tribes of Nagaland. We will attend both sessions until around 2.30 pm.

Lunch at the Festival Site (on direct payment).

Leaving the festival site, we will visit Kigwema Village which is home to the Angami Naga people, one of the major Naga ethnic groups. It is interesting to get an insight into village life beyond the cultural activities of the Hornbill Festival.

After our visit, we return to our accommodation for the night.

The Hornbill Festival

Also known as the ‘Festival of Festivals’ it is organised by Nagaland State Departments of Tourism and Arts & Culture and has been running annually since 2000. The Festival takes its name from the Hornbill Bird which is common to the folklore of all the tribes.

While each of the tribes of Nagaland has its own distinct festivals during the year, the Hornbill Festival has developed into an important annual social and cultural event. It has also been a boon for the tribes of Naga’s to preserve, showcase and promote understanding of their tribal customs, foods, games, dances and religious ceremonies.

Overnight: Niraamaya Retreats Aradura – Mix of Classic & Superior Rooms
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 11: THE HORNBILL FESTIVAL & KOHIMA CATHEDRAL [B – D]

We regroup at breakfast and again head to the Hornbill Festival site to attend both sessions till around 2.30 pm. You will have another chance to sample Naga cuisine for lunch (on direct payment).

We will return to our accommodation, stopping on the way at Kohima Cathedral.

Nagaland is a predominately Christian state and the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral was interestingly mostly funded by Japan to commemorate its fallen soldiers at the Battle of Kohima. For those that may not be interested in the architectural or religious features of this unique cathedral, its hilltop site offers panoramic views of Kohima.

Overnight: Niraamaya Retreats Aradura – Mix of Classic & Superior Rooms
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 12: KOHIMA VIA DIMAPUR TO KOLKATA [B – -]

Breakfast at the hotel before we farewell Kohima and drive to Dimapur. Board your nonstop flight to Kolkata arriving mid-afternoon.

Meet and greet at Kolkata Airport and transfer to Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport. The remainder of your time at leisure.

We stay tonight in Kolkata as flight delays/cancellations from Dimapur are relatively common.

Overnight: The Holiday Inn or similar – Deluxe Room
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13: KOLKATA – DEPART TO SINGAPORE [B –]

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is free or perhaps you will like to join an optional excursion to the Weaver Studio. Later this evening we transfer to the airport and check-in for our flight home.

Weaver Studio Excursion

The Weaver Studio Textile Study Centre a pioneering private initiative by Kolkata local Ms Darshan Shah dedicated to the study and sharing of knowledge on the rich textile traditions of Bengal and India. They have a collection of 1200 rare and old textiles.

Here you can enjoy a creative and fun block printing workshop, creating your own piece of fabric to take home as a souvenir. After a lunch break at the Taj Bengal, there is time to browse the Weavers Studio’s retail outlet before we return to our hotel.

Overnight: Flying – In Transit
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14: SINGAPORE to AUCKLAND [- – -]

Connecting in Singapore, we arrive back in Auckland late this evening.

Assam, Nagaland & The Hornbill Festival

Estimate NZD8,970

Per person Twin Share

Estimate Per Single Room: NZD 11,327.00

Tour Includes:
Tour Escort, Natasha Sinclair, owner of Crafted Journeys from Auckland to Auckland
Return International flights ex Auckland booked with Project Expeditions
• Transportation using following air-conditioned vehicles:
– Air Conditioned Innova Cars from Jorhat to Jorhat
– Air Conditioned Mini-Coach for Kolkata portion
• English speaking accompanying guide travelling throughout the tour (Separate in Kolkata and Separate guide from Jorhat to Jorhat)
• Entry fees, monuments fees, parking fee, road taxes, village visits and local sightseeing as per the itinerary
• Park entry fees and 03 Jeep Safaris at Kaziranga
• Private ferry charges to and from Majuli Island (our transport on Majuli Island will be by Non A/C Tata Sumo / Similar vehicle with optional cycling excursion)
Regular ferry in Kolkata
• Train tickets from Mariani to Dimapur
• Economy class flights Kolkata to Jorhat & Dimapur to Kolkata
• Assistance on arrival-departure by a local representative
• A bottle of mineral water per person per day on days we travel by vehicle between destinations
All currently applicable taxes

Tour Excludes:
Indian Visa
• All beverages incl. water consumed at hotels/restaurants,
• Expenses of personal nature like meals other than mentioned above, tips (we will operate a Trip Kitty which Natasha will manage), laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, still & video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airfare, airport departure tax, any Insurance.
• Any optional excursions
• Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.