Here is our itinerary if you are planning a trip to the wonderful North-East part of India.
We visited during Cherry blossom season which is usually mid-November. It can vary due to various reasons so do check for exact dates before your travel.
Day 1: Mumbai to Guwahati to Shillong
Took an early morning flight to Guwahati. We were picked up by our tour operator and headed for Shillong.
Homestay at Shillong
Day 2: Shillong
Enjoy cherry blossoms in the garden and local site seeing. A visit to the museum is a must.
Homestay at Shillong
Day 3: Shillong to Cherrapunjee
Depending on the season water level might be low for the falls. Visit limestone caves.
Homestay at Cherrapunjee
Day 4: Cherrapunjee to Dwaki to Mawlynnong
Next morning visit beautiful Dwaki lake, crystal clear water. There is always some sort of madness in getting a boat. So mentally be prepared for it.
Visit the living root bridge near Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong is one of the cleanest villages in the world. It is also on the border with Bangladesh, so if you go to the end of the village your watch or mobile time will automatically switch. That was fun 🙂
Homestay at Mawlynnong
Day 5: Mawlynnong to Kaziranga
After breakfast, we headed back to Guwahati where our tour operator trip ends. However, we took a drop near the junction where the road heads towards Kaziranga. We had booked Savaari for our Kaziranga trip.
Stay at Kaziranga: Nature Hunt Eco Camp Kaziranga, No.1 Kohora, Assam 785609
Day 6: Kaziranga
Early morning Elephant Safari, which was followed by Jeep Safari and then we headed back to Guwahati
Stay at Guwahati: Debadaru Guest House 3 Bhuban Road Uzanbazar Guwahati, 781001
Day 7: Mizoram
Morning sightseeing in Guwahati and leave for Aizawl
Stay at Aizawl: ZOBAWM Homestay ZOTLANG, Aizawl Vaivakawn road, Aizawl, 796009
Day 8: Mizoram
We hired a vehicle for a day and travelled around Aizawl
Stay at Aizawl: ZOBAWM Homestay ZOTLANG, Aizawl Vaivakawn road, Aizawl, 796009
Day 9: Mizoram to Guwahati
Fly back to Guwahati. You can go for a sunset cruise over the Brahmaputra river.
Stay at Guwahati: Debadaru Guest House 3 Bhuban Road Uzanbazar Guwahati, 781001
Day 10: Guwahati
City visits, local sightseeing, shopping, regional food hopping, thalis
Stay at Guwahati: Debadaru Guest House 3 Bhuban Road Uzanbazar Guwahati, 781001
There are really good eating places at a walkable distance from the Guest House so do enjoy different cuisines 🙂
Day 11: Guwahati to Mumbai
Travel day, fly back to Mumbai
Make sure to buy sweets and other delicacies for your family and friends.
References:
Our Meghalaya part was planned by Northestexplorers Here is their detailed itinerary. We did tweak a bit based on what we wanted to visit. I would highly recommend them, Rajiv was very friendly and helpful.
Places to visit in Aizawl: http://azassk.blogspot.com/2017/06/best-places-to-visit-in-aizawl-mizoram.html
Kaziranga Park remains closed from 01 May till 31 Oct every year for visitors. Therefore November to April is the best time to visit Kaziranga National Park. Their official site.
Afterthoughts:
Kaziranga: You might want to spend a couple of days at Kaziranga, it’s nice and relaxing.
Meghalaya: Visit Laitlum Canyons, Krem Puri and if you have more time consider North East Circuit which includes: Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills. Visiting Meghalaya in the monsoon is a totally different experience, so you can also consider that.
Assam: Visit Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Majuli