Rhinos & Rivers: An Assamese Adventure in Kaziranga & Guwahati
Complete Journey Overview
Rhinos & Rivers: An Assamese Adventure in Kaziranga & Guwahati
Rhinos & Rivers: An Assamese Adventure in Kaziranga & Guwahati
Embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing experiences
Day 1: Gateway to Assam & Brahmaputra Sunset
Arrival in Guwahati
Arrive at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU). Welcome to Assam! Collect your luggage and proceed to the exit.
Check-in to Hotel
Check into your pre-booked hotel and freshen up. We recommend staying in the Paltan Bazaar or Pan Bazaar area for easy access to attractions and restaurants.
Umananda Temple (Peacock Island)
Take a short ferry ride from Umananda Ghat to Peacock Island, the smallest inhabited river island in the world. Visit the Umananda Devaloi, a Shiva temple, and spot the resident Golden Langurs.
Brahmaputra Sunset Cruise
Experience a breathtaking sunset over the mighty Brahmaputra River. The Alfresco Grand cruise offers a wonderful experience with music, snacks, and stunning views of the city skyline.
Dinner at Paradise Restaurant
Savor an authentic Assamese Thali at Paradise, one of Guwahati's oldest and most famous restaurants for traditional cuisine. Try dishes like 'Khar', 'Masor Tenga' (sour fish curry), and various 'pitikas' (mashes).
Day 2: Sacred Hills & Journey to Kaziranga
Visit Kamakhya Temple
Start your day with an early morning visit to the Kamakhya Temple, a powerful Shakti Peeth located atop the Nilachal Hills. It's one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India.
Road Trip to Kaziranga National Park
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin the scenic road journey to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Check-in at Kaziranga Resort
Arrive in Kaziranga and check into your jungle lodge or resort. Most accommodations are located near the Kohora (Central) Range.
Evening Cultural Show
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Assamese cultural performance, often featuring Bihu dance. Many resorts organize this, or you can visit the one near the Kaziranga National Orchid Park.
Dinner at the Resort
Enjoy a hearty dinner at your resort's restaurant. Prepare for an early start the next day for the elephant safari.
Day 3: Encounters with the One-Horned Rhino
Early Morning Elephant Safari
Embark on the iconic elephant safari in the Western (Bagori) or Central (Kohora) Range. This is the best way to get up close to the magnificent one-horned rhinoceros in their misty morning habitat.
Breakfast and Relaxation
Return to your resort for a well-deserved breakfast. Spend the late morning relaxing and recounting your rhino sightings.
Kaziranga National Orchid Park
Visit the largest orchid park in India. It showcases over 600 species of wild orchids, a section for medicinal plants, a bamboo garden, and a museum. It's a great place to spend a couple of hours.
Lunch
Have lunch either at the Orchid Park's restaurant or back at your resort before the afternoon safari.
Afternoon Jeep Safari
Explore a different zone of the park with a jeep safari. The Central Range (Kohora) is popular for its high density of rhinos, while the Western Range (Bagori) is also excellent for rhino and water buffalo sightings.
Day 4: Birdwatcher's Paradise & Return Journey
Morning Jeep Safari - Eastern Range
Take a final safari in the Eastern Range (Agoratoli). This zone is a paradise for birdwatchers, with vast water bodies attracting a variety of migratory and resident birds, including pelicans and hornbills. You might also spot otters.
Breakfast and Check-out
Return from the safari, have a quick breakfast, and check out from your resort.
Drive back to Guwahati
Begin the 4-5 hour drive back to Guwahati. You can stop for lunch on the way.
Check-in to Guwahati Hotel
Arrive in Guwahati and check into your hotel for the next two nights.
Dinner at Khorikaa
For dinner, head to Khorikaa, another excellent restaurant renowned for its authentic Assamese cuisine, especially its smoked and grilled meat and fish dishes (Khorika style).
Day 5: The Silk Route & Assamese Heritage
Day Trip to Sualkuchi
Take a day trip to Sualkuchi, the 'Manchester of Assam'. This town is the textile center of the state, famous for producing the golden Muga silk, pristine Pat silk, and warm Eri silk.
Explore Weavers' Workshops
Walk through the town and visit the weavers' workshops and homes. You can see the entire process of silk production, from reeling and spinning to weaving the intricate designs on traditional throw-shuttle looms.
Lunch and Return to Guwahati
Have a simple, local lunch in Sualkuchi before heading back to Guwahati in the early afternoon.
Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra
After returning to Guwahati, visit the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, a cultural institution that preserves and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Assam and the Northeast. It has a museum, library, art gallery, and open-air theatre.
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant of your choice. You could try The Urban Mantra for a modern dining experience or revisit a favorite spot for Assamese food.
Day 6: Farewell Assam
Breakfast
Enjoy a final Assamese breakfast at your hotel.
Souvenir Shopping
If time permits, do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Visit Fancy Bazaar for a variety of goods or a government emporium like Pragjyotika for authentic handicrafts, tea, and silk products.
Transfer to Airport
Check out from your hotel and transfer to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) for your flight home.
Departure
Depart from Guwahati with wonderful memories of Assam's wildlife and culture.
