The Hornbill Festival is a significant event in Nagaland for a number of reasons. First, it is a celebration of the state’s rich cultural heritage. The festival features a variety of traditional dances, music, food, and crafts from all of the different tribes of Nagaland. This helps to promote understanding and appreciation of Naga culture, both within Nagaland and beyond.
Second, the Hornbill Festival is a powerful symbol of Naga unity. The festival brings together people from all of the different tribes of Nagaland to celebrate their shared culture and traditions. This helps to promote unity and cooperation among the tribes, and it also helps to strengthen the sense of Naga identity.
Third, the Hornbill Festival is a major tourist attraction. The festival draws visitors from all over India and the world, and it helps to generate significant revenue for the state. This has helped to boost the local economy and create jobs.
The Hornbill Festival is held from December 1st to 10th every year.
The festival takes place at the Kisama Heritage Village, which is located about 12 kilometers from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland.
The festival grounds are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
However, the main events of the festival, such as the cultural performances and competitions, typically take place in the afternoon.
Key Considerations for the Trip:
1. A family of two covering Nagaland and Assam for ten days. The trips start and end in New Delhi.
- Keeping the trip very relaxing and not hectic.
- Unwind with local food and drinks.
- Explore some jungle safaris and wildlife tracking experiences.
- The choice of hotels in a good location would be moderate and include a local breakfast.
Here is a possible itinerary for a 10-day relaxing trip to Northeast India, covering Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival on 1st Dec and Kaziranga, Assam, for jungle safaris and wildlife tracking experiences. Everything else is open throughout the year. There are a lot of scenic places to explore, including the Naga life style.
Link to Expedia and Amazon are also available to book your tickets and buy what you might need for the travel. You can pick the hotel according to your budget.
Flights:
Here are some sample flight options from New Delhi to Kohima (round-trip):
- Airline: IndiGo
- Departure: New Delhi (DEL)
- Arrival: Kohima (DMU)
- Departure: Kohima after 10 days
- Arrival: New Delhi (DEL)
- Price: INR 14,000 per person (approximately USD 170)
Hotels:
Here are some moderately priced hotels in good locations in Nagaland and Assam:
Nagaland: XXXXXX
Phone number: +91 XXXXXXX
Price: INR 2,500 per night (approximately USD 30), including breakfast
Assam: XXXXXXX
Phone number: +91 XXXXXXXX
Price: INR 3,000 per night (approximately USD 36), including breakfast.
Local travel:
You can get around Nagaland and Assam by taxi or bus. Taxis are more expensive, but they are more convenient. Buses are cheaper, but they can be more crowded and less reliable.
Food:
There are a variety of restaurants in Nagaland and Assam that serve local food. You can also find many street food stalls that sell local snacks and dishes.
Itinerary:
Days 1-3: Kohima
Day 1: Arrive in Kohima and check into your hotel.
Day 2: Visit the Hornbill Festival at the Kisama Heritage Village. (Time required: 6-8 hours, including local travel)
Day 3: Visit the Kohima War Cemetery and the Nagaland State Museum. (Time required: 4-5 hours, including local travel)
Days 4-6: Kaziranga
Day 4: Travel to Kaziranga National Park and check into your hotel. (Time required: 6-8 hours, including local travel)
Day 5: Go on a jungle safari in Kaziranga National Park. (Time required: 4-5 hours)
Day 6: Go on a wildlife tracking experience in Kaziranga National Park. (Time required: 6-8 hours)
Days 7-9: Kohima
Day 7: Travel back to Kohima. (Time required: 6-8 hours, including local travel)
Day 8: Visit the Dzükou Valley, a beautiful alpine valley located on the border of Nagaland and Manipur. (Time required: 6-8 hours, including local travel)
Day 9: Take a cooking class and learn how to make some of your favorite Naga dishes. (Time required: 4-5 hours)
Day 10: Depart from Kohima.
Estimated cost:
Here is an estimated cost for your trip for two people, assuming current prices:
- Flights: INR 28,000 (approximately USD 340)
- Hotels: INR 11,000 (approximately USD 130)
- Local travel: INR 15,000 (approximately USD 180)
- Food: INR 15,000 (approximately USD 180)
Total cost: INR 69,000 (approximately USD 830)
Note: This is just an estimate, and the actual cost of your trip may vary depending on your travel style and budget.
Average temperature in the area:
The average temperature in Nagaland and Assam during December is around 15-20 degrees Celsius (59-68 degrees Fahrenheit). However, it can get colder at night, especially in the mountains.
Shopping:
Some of the essential items are listed below. Get it from Amazon. You might need to bargain. Language could be an issue to express your opinion.