Morungs Tribes,Kohima, Nagaland, India

India – The Headhunters of Nagaland

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

12 Days

Prices Start from

£3,450pp (ex. flights)

This fascinating journey combines a visit to India’s north-eastern states of Nagaland and Assam. Perfect for those keen to tread a path less travelled and eager to reach India’s final frontier.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Morungs Tribes,Kohima, Nagaland, India 1

Explore Mokokchung

Spend time discovering the historic district of Mokokchung – the land of the Ao Nagas Tribe.

Hornbill Festival, Kohima, Nagaland, North East India, India 2

Visit a Konyak Village

Situated on the Myanmar border, visit the chief’s house and experience Naga hospitality.

Morungs Tribes,Kohima, Nagaland, India 3

Visit Kohima

The capital of Nagaland is home to one of the most important battles of World War II

Rhinoceros, Kaziranga National Park, India 4

Safari in Kaziranga

Explore Kaziranga National Park, the homeland of the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros.

Why we like it

This holiday idea has been created for those who enjoy the challenges of travel in the far-flung corners of our world, in order to be rewarded with great discovery. Combine a visit to Assam with the extreme north-east state of Nagaland which lies on the border with Myanmar, and not a million miles away from China. Nagaland has a unique culture, unusual traditions, different cuisine and language and extraordinarily beautiful people. This truly is India’s final frontier.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • Day 1

    Kolkata - Dimapur - Kohima

  • Day 2

    Kohima

  • Day 3

    Kohima - Mokukchang

  • Day 4

    Mokukchang

  • Day 5

    Mokukchang - Mon

  • Day 6

    Mon

  • Day 7

    Mon

  • Day 8

    Mon - Jorhat

  • Day 9

    Jorhat

  • Day 10

    Jorhat - Kaziranga National Park

  • Day 11

    Kaziranga National Park

  • Day 12

    Kaziranga National Park - Jorhat - Delhi

Day 1

Kolkata - Dimapur - Kohima

Day 2

Kohima

Morungs Tribes,Kohima, Nagaland, India

The capital of Nagaland is home to one of the most important battles of World War II

Day 3

Kohima - Mokukchang

Day 4

Mokukchang

Naga Boy, Nagaland, India

Spend time discovering the historic district of Mokokchung – the land of the Ao Nagas Tribe.

Day 5

Mokukchang - Mon

Day 6

Mon

Visit a Konyak Tribal Village when staying in Mon.

Day 7

Mon

Day 8

Mon - Jorhat

Day 9

Jorhat

Majuli Island, Assam, India

Majuli island is home to the Mishing Villages which are built high on stilts, the residents here are often potters or mask makers and both practices can be seen during your visit.

Day 10

Jorhat - Kaziranga National Park

Rhino in kaziranga national park

Explore Kaziranga National Park, the homeland of the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros.

Day 11

Kaziranga National Park

Day 12

Kaziranga National Park - Jorhat - Delhi

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Morungs Tribes,Kohima, Nagaland, India
Nagaland, India

Mon and the Konyak Tribes

The Assamese ‘carpet road’, so-called as it is smooth and pothole-free, stops at the Nagaland border and so too does the tarmac. For the unphased, the adventure is about to begin. The Assamese plains give way to the densely forested Naga Hills where hornbills flit between the trees and sixteen different feared and misunderstood tribes live in wood and thatch huts. This is where the headhunting tattooed tribes of the Konyak Nagas call home.

You’ll be glad to hear that headhunting is no longer common practice and through our local contacts, we are able to gain access to some of these incredibly remote communities. You will have the opportunity to meet the village elders and the Angh (chief) and listen to the stories of the headhunting days.

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Longwa Village, Mon, Nagaland, India
Mon, India

Accommodation in Nagaland

In a nutshell, accommodation in Nagaland is simple. Vinngoi Inn, used as a base whilst in Mon is straightforward but charming. There are five little cottages, a small garden and a dining room.

Mokokchung provides a good base to explore the Ao villages where you can still see the traditional Naga Morung. We use the best hotel available, which is clean with bright and spacious rooms. Set on a hillside, Whispering Winds offers a peaceful location and amazing views back over the town.

Although the accommodation is simple, this shouldn’t detract from the extraordinary experiences that you will have during your visit to this region.

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One Horned Rhinoceros, Kaziranga National Park, India
Kaziranga National Park, India

Go on Safari in Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga in Assam is a stunning park with a great conservation success story for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The park also provides shelter to a variety of other wildlife including tiger, wild elephant, leopard, jungle cat and otter. Safaris are often very rewarding and with tiger numbers on the rise, you may even spot some elusive stripes.

Three safaris have been arranged in the park during your stay. These are arranged with a private English speaking naturalist and a driver/guide.

You will also visit a traditional Assamese silk weaving cooperative where you will experience Assamese hospitality and have a delicious home-cooked lunch.

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Brahmaputra River, Assam, India
India

Tea and the Mighty Brahmaputra River

Assam, the birthplace of Indian tea is a land carpeted in bright-green rice paddies, tea gardens and lush jungles. The mighty Brahmaputra River runs through the state, feeding an abundant flora and fauna.

Our journey visits Jorhat, a small Indian town from which you board a small boat to cross the Brahmaputra River to access the extraordinary river island of Majuli.

The island is home to the Mishing Villages which are built high on stilts, the residents here are often potters or mask makers and both practices can be seen during your visit. The monasteries on the island are home to practising monks. Take a bike ride to the Auniati Satra, established in 1653 AD, which accommodates more than 400 monks. Spend time with your guide meeting the local inhabitants of this unique community.

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Hornbill Festival, Kohima, Nagaland, India
India

Tribal Festivals

Depending on your dates of travel, we would highly recommend that you coordinate your dates with the annual Hornbill Festival in early December or with the Aoling Festival in the first week in April.

The 10-day Hornbill Festival is an annual melange of cultural displays from all 16 tribes of Nagaland, known as the last head-hunters, includes colourful pageants showcasing the cultural treasures of the Land of the Nagas.

Our local guide will dedicate his time to you, enabling access to different parts of the festival and making sure you get the most out of your experiences.

Aoling Festival is a celebration of Spring. On display are the fascinating colourful tribal dress, headgear and traditional ornaments. The days are spent singing, dancing, feasting and practising ancient rituals. Also, you will witness the re-enactment of the Konyak headhunting practice.

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Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Diphlu River Lodge £££££

  • India
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Nestled on the banks of the Diphlu River, environmentally friendly Diphlu River Lodge is our first choice when visiting Kaziranga National Park.

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The Ultimate Travelling Camp – Kohima Camp £££££

  • India
  • Tented Camps

The Ultimate Travelling Camp showcases Kohima Camp, operational for 14 days during the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. The Hornbill Festival is an annual melange of cultural displays from all 16 tribes of Nagaland, showcasing their rich heritage in this colourful pageant. Kohima Camp offers high comfort camping in individually designed tents, with en-suite bathrooms, crisp linen and the services of your very own butler.

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £3,450 Per person

When to travel

India in January

January is a very popular time to travel to India, due to mild temperatures and very little rainfall. The climate varies across India from snow in the Northern States to the Southern regions experiencing daily sunshine – perfect for an escape to Kerala’s beaches.

India in February

During peak season, February is an ideal month to travel to India, experiencing all regions of the country from Rajasthan in the North to Karnataka in the South.

India in March

Temperatures begin to rise with March typically being the last month of the peak season. A significant month for religious, Hindu festivals, March can become busy in some regions however also a perfect time to travel to experience Indian culture and wildlife.

India in April

With temperatures starting to rise, regions in Northern India start to become more accessible with excellent opportunities to discover hiking trails and the wildlife of these regions. Temperatures can sometimes exceed 40°C, with high levels of humidity in Southern India.

India in May

From May to September, Monsoon rains affect the North and Central states of India with daily rainfall and thunderstorms. During the Monsoon season, it is best to experience high altitude regions and avoid beach resorts.

India in June

Most regions of India will experience the Monsoon season in June alongside high daily temperatures and high levels of humidity. Whilst, not a popular time to travel, experience the mountainous regions as opposed to Central India to experience slightly cooler temperatures at the start of the month.

India in July

At the peak of the Monsoon season, most of the country experiences frequent, heavy rainfall. Whilst travel plans may be interrupted due to the climate, it is a great time to visit India to experience the national parks and the great outdoors.

India in August

As the Monsoon continues, the climate is very similar to that of June and July. Whilst not a suitable time to travel to India’s Southern beaches, other Northern Regions are popular with locals for hiking and outdoor pursuits.

India in September

As the final month of the Monsoon season, rainfall will be less frequent with the occasional sunny spell showcasing the lush, green vegetation that has flourished during the heavy rains.

India in October

As the monsoon rains have finished, humidity levels remain high and the peak travel season begins. During the month of October, there are lots of religious festivals, including Diwali, where some regions may become busier with domestic tourists.

India in November

As one of the best times to visit the country, November brings comfortable temperatures for sightseeing with the monsoon rains dying out from October. As the temperatures drop, however, Northern India and the Himalayas will become less accessible.

India in December

In December, temperatures and climate will be dependant on the region. In the Southern States, India will see a pleasant and mild climate, ideal for sightseeing, whereas, in Northern India and mountainous regions, snow and cold temperatures are likely.

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