THE SANGAI AND HORNBILL FESTIVAL TOUR

Hotels

  • Classic Grande

Activities

  • Private boat excursion across Loktak Lake’s floating islands.

  • Rare Sangai deer viewing at Keibul Lamjao National Park.

  • Exclusive access to Manipur’s vibrant Sangai Festival celebrations.

  • Classical Manipuri dance and Thang-Ta martial arts performances.

Concierge Services

  • VIP airport handling

  • Private chauffeurs

  • English-speaking expert guides

  • Smooth intercity transfers

  • Personal concierge support

Hotels

  • Niramaya Retreat Aradura

Activities

  • Exclusive access to Hornbill Festival tribal celebrations.

  • Traditional morungs showcasing heritage of seventeen Naga tribes.

  • Vibrant tribal dances, ceremonial rituals, indigenous music.

  • Curated artisan markets with textiles, beadwork, woodcraft.

Concierge Services

  • VIP airport handling

  • Private chauffeurs

  • English-speaking expert guides

  • Smooth intercity transfers

  • Personal concierge support

Hotels

  • DIPHLU RIVER LODGE
  • AGORATOLI JUNGALOW

Activities

  • Exclusive elephant safari tracking Kaziranga’s one-horned rhinoceros.

  • Private jeep safaris across Kaziranga’s diverse wilderness landscapes.

  • Scenic sunset wildlife viewing and photography experiences.

  • Luxury eco-lodge stay overlooking tranquil Diphlu River.

Concierge Services

  • VIP airport handling

  • Private chauffeurs

  • English-speaking expert guides

  • Smooth intercity transfers

  • Personal concierge support

Hotels

  • VIVANTA BY TAJ

Activities

  • Private visit to evocative Madan Kamdev temple ruins.

  • Discover exquisite silk weaving at Sualkuchi village.

  • Explore Hajo, rare multi-faith pilgrimage destination.

  • Leisure evening at luxury hotel before departure

Concierge Services

  • VIP airport handling

  • Private chauffeurs

  • English-speaking expert guides

  • Smooth intercity transfers

  • Personal concierge support

Highlights

Cities Covered

Imphal – Kohima – Kaziranga – Guwahati

Best Time To Visit

October – march

Activity Level 

Moderate

Included
  • 5-star accommodation
  • Flexible – extensions, room & flight upgrades

  • Express train travel in air conditioned executive class

  • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles

  • Experienced local tour manager
Contact Us
Plan Your Escape

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Imphal

Arrive in Imphal, the cultural heart of Manipur, where lush hills and vibrant traditions set the stage for your journey.

You are warmly welcomed and privately transferred to Classic Grande Imphal, a contemporary luxury hotel offering refined comfort and warm Manipuri hospitality.

Later, begin your exploration with a visit to the remarkable Ima Market, the world’s largest women-run marketplace. Here, generations of women traders offer colourful textiles, handcrafted goods, and regional delicacies. Continue to the serene Govindajee Temple, one of Manipur’s most revered spiritual sites.

This evening experience the opening atmosphere of the Manipur Sangai Festival, a vibrant celebration of local culture, dance, music, and cuisine.

Hotels

Classic Grande

a contemporary luxury hotel in the heart of Imphal, offering elegant rooms, refined dining, and warm Manipuri hospitality.

After breakfast, explore the historic Kangla Fort, once the royal seat of Manipur’s kings and a powerful symbol of the region’s heritage.

Continue to Slims Bungalow, a charming colonial residence set amidst tranquil surroundings.

Later journey to the spectacular Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, famed for its floating islands known as phumdis. A scenic boat excursion reveals fishermen, floating villages, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Nearby lies Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating wildlife reserve and home to the rare Sangai deer, Manipur’s graceful state emblem.

En route back to Imphal, visit the Indian National Army Museum and Red Hill, where poignant memorials recall the historic WWII battles fought in this region.

Return to the city this evening for further Sangai Festival celebrations.

Hotels

Classic Grande

a contemporary luxury hotel in the heart of Imphal, offering elegant rooms, refined dining, and warm Manipuri hospitality.

Today is dedicated to experiencing the extraordinary Manipur Sangai Festival, a celebration that captures the spirit and cultural identity of the region. Spend the morning exploring festival pavilions showcasing Manipuri textiles, bamboo crafts, pottery, and traditional artistry.

Throughout the day witness spectacular classical Manipuri dance performances, demonstrations of the ancient Thang-Ta martial art, and the historic sport of Sagol Kangjei, considered the original form of polo. Live folk music, culinary tastings, and cultural exhibitions offer a fascinating insight into the traditions of Manipur’s diverse communities.

As evening falls, the festival transforms into a vibrant cultural gala, with music, dance, and illuminated performances creating a magical atmosphere beneath the hills.

Hotels

Classic Grande

a contemporary luxury hotel in the heart of Imphal, offering elegant rooms, refined dining, and warm Manipuri hospitality.

After breakfast depart for a scenic drive through the forested hills to Kohima, the capital of Nagaland.

En route visit traditional Angami villages, where terraced fields cascade down the mountainsides and traditional wooden homes reflect centuries-old craftsmanship.

Here you gain insight into the fascinating culture of the Angami tribe, renowned for its agricultural traditions, warrior heritage, and community life.

Arrive in Kohima and check into Niraamaya Retreats Aradura, a tranquil luxury retreat perched among rolling hills with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

The remainder of the evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain setting.

Hotels

Niramaya Retreat Aradura

a serene luxury retreat nestled in the hills of Kohima. Offering refined accommodations, elegant dining, and warm local hospitality, it provides tranquil comfort and scenic views, perfect for discerning travelers exploring Nagaland.

Today you experience the legendary Hornbill Festival, Nagaland’s most spectacular cultural celebration.

Explore the traditional morungs, or tribal houses, representing Nagaland’s seventeen tribes. Each pavilion offers insight into unique customs, architecture, and community traditions.

Throughout the day enjoy vibrant folk dances, ceremonial rituals, and indigenous music performances.

Browse artisan pavilions showcasing intricate wood carvings, beadwork, textiles, and handcrafted jewellery, while culinary stalls offer the opportunity to sample authentic Naga cuisine.

As evening approaches, attend the grand cultural showcase, where dramatic choreographed performances bring tribal legends and heritage to life in a spectacular celebration of identity and pride.

Hotels

Niramaya Retreat Aradura

a serene luxury retreat nestled in the hills of Kohima. Offering refined accommodations, elegant dining, and warm local hospitality, it provides tranquil comfort and scenic views, perfect for discerning travelers exploring Nagaland.

Continue your exploration of the Hornbill Festival with deeper cultural experiences.

Participate in interactive demonstrations showcasing traditional warrior techniques, storytelling, and indigenous musical instruments. Stroll through vibrant craft bazaars and regional food markets, where artisans present handmade creations reflecting the region’s rich traditions.

Later join guided heritage talks or photography walks, offering insight into tribal life and the surrounding mountain landscapes.

This evening attend the dynamic Hornbill Music Festival, where international artists perform alongside Naga musicians, creating a remarkable fusion of contemporary music and ancient cultural traditions.

Hotels

Niramaya Retreat Aradura

a serene luxury retreat nestled in the hills of Kohima. Offering refined accommodations, elegant dining, and warm local hospitality, it provides tranquil comfort and scenic views, perfect for discerning travelers exploring Nagaland.

After breakfast travel to Khonoma, India’s first officially recognised green village.

Surrounded by terraced rice fields and forested hills, Khonoma is renowned for its pioneering conservation initiatives and traditional Angami lifestyle. Explore the village with a local guide and learn about its inspiring environmental stewardship.

Following lunch, continue your scenic drive to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity.

Your residence is Diphlu River Lodge, an intimate eco-retreat overlooking the tranquil Diphlu River and surrounded by lush wilderness.

Spend the evening relaxing as the sounds of the forest accompany sunset.

Hotels

Diphlu River Lodge

a serene eco-lodge nestled along the banks of the Diphlu River near Kaziranga National Park. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers comfortable accommodations, nature-inspired dining, and easy access to wildlife safaris

AGORATOLI JUNGALOW

a charming eco-friendly homestay nestled in the serene surroundings of Kaziranga National Park's Eastern Range, known as a bird watcher's paradise.

Rise early for a truly unforgettable elephant safari, gliding quietly through misty grasslands as the sun rises across the park.

Kaziranga is the stronghold of the greater one-horned rhinoceros, and sightings are often spectacular. The park also shelters elephants, wild buffalo, swamp deer, and an impressive diversity of birdlife. Later, embark on a jeep safari exploring Kaziranga’s varied landscapes of riverine forests, wetlands, and open grasslands.

After lunch and time to relax at the lodge, venture out again for an afternoon safari, when the golden light of sunset brings the wilderness vividly to life.

Hotels

Diphlu River Lodge

a serene eco-lodge nestled along the banks of the Diphlu River near Kaziranga National Park. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers comfortable accommodations, nature-inspired dining, and easy access to wildlife safaris

AGORATOLI JUNGALOW

a charming eco-friendly homestay nestled in the serene surroundings of Kaziranga National Park's Eastern Range, known as a bird watcher's paradise.

After breakfast depart for Guwahati, the gateway to Assam.

En route visit the evocative Madan Kamdev temple complex, often called the Khajuraho of Assam, where intricately carved stone ruins lie hidden within forested hills. Continue to Sualkuchi, Assam’s renowned silk-weaving village, celebrated for producing exquisite Muga and Pat silk textiles.

Your final stop is Hajo, an extraordinary pilgrimage town revered by Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists alike, reflecting centuries of spiritual harmony.

Arrive in Guwahati and check into Vivanta Guwahati, a stylish contemporary hotel offering refined comfort and elegant hospitality.

Hotels

Vivanta By Taj

a stylish, upscale hotel offering contemporary rooms, refined dining, and excellent amenities. Set in the heart of Guwahati, it combines modern comfort with warm hospitality, ideal for discerning travelers.

After breakfast, transfer privately to Guwahati Airport for your onward journey.

Your travels conclude with unforgettable memories of festival celebrations, tribal heritage, and remarkable wildlife across India’s captivating Northeast.

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The specialist who designs your trip to India will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

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When To go

City

Temperature

Rain

Imphal

13 °C
13 MM

Kohima

11 °C
05 MM

Kaziranga

18 °C
31 MM

Guwahati

18 °C
13 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Imphal

16 °C
28 MM

Kohima

13 °C
06 MM

Kaziranga

20 °C
64 MM

Guwahati

20 °C
26 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Imphal

20 °C
58 MM

Kohima

15 °C
101 MM

Kaziranga

23 °C​
157 MM

Guwahati

24 °C
68 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Imphal

23 °C
90 MM

Kohima

18 °C
187 MM

Kaziranga

24 °C
378 MM

Guwahati

25 °C
179 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Imphal

24 °C
201 MM

Kohima

20 °C
312 MM

Kaziranga

26 °C
558 MM

Guwahati

26 °C
323 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Imphal

26 °C
285 MM

Kohima

21 °C
489 MM

Kaziranga

27 °C
728 MM

Guwahati

27 °C
551 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Imphal

26 °C
277 MM

Kohima

22 °C
551 MM

Kaziranga

28 °C
740 MM

Guwahati

28 °C
690 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Imphal

26 °C
222 MM

Kohima

22 °C
514 MM

Kaziranga

28 °C
688 MM

Guwahati

28 °C
618 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Imphal

25 °C
162 MM

Kohima

21 °C
386 MM

Kaziranga

27 °C
536 MM

Guwahati

27 °C
398 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Imphal

23 °C
107 MM

Kohima

18 °C
209 MM

Kaziranga

25 °C
197 MM

Guwahati

25 °C
141 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Imphal

18 °C
27 MM

Kohima

15 °C
52 MM

Kaziranga

22 °C
23 MM

Guwahati

22 °C
21 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Imphal

14 °C
13 MM

Kohima

12 °C
22 MM

Kaziranga

19 °C
19 MM

Guwahati

19 °C
10 MM

What They're Saying

Susan Kind

United Kingdom, Tailor made Tiger Safari tour

We are home now after our wonderful tiger safari holiday. We were very pleased with all the aspects of the arrangements. The hotels, the drivers and the care you took to make sure it all went smoothly – everything was excellent.

Kim OppenHeim

Switzerland, Tailor made Kerala Group Tour

My husband and I, along with our 2 daughters and a group of 5 students from the international high-school where we teach in Switzerland, just returned from a two-week tour of Kerala organized by Newton Singh at Royal India Holidays. 

Hannah Oustroumoff

United Kingdom, Tailor made tour of North India

The itinerary as perfect, two nights in each and 1 night in Pushkar gave us enough time to see the interesting sites and places and gave us enough time to relax.