Very hard, very demanding, very cold, VERY REWARDING. The first view of a snow leopard, like my first encounter with a tiger, was highly emotional and, unashamedly, induced tears !
There were 6 highlights on the trip.
- Guwahati
- living tree bridges
- Hornbill Festival
- Kaziranga NP
- Majuli island
- Longwa head hunters village.
Each were excellent.
The accommodation and food were generally much better than I expected. Most meals were included. All were good except for a couple of 'locally' prepared meals. The choice of restaurants and hotels were as good as could be expected considering where we were.
Our guide Sanjeev was very professional and organised. If there were any issues they were kept behind the scenes.
This is a trip for the experienced traveller. I would suggest that there are other parts of India to visit before putting Assam on the list. The reason I give is because of the distances between each of the highlights. Long days, some of them uncomfortable. Our 2 drivers did an excellent job looking after us given the driving. However the highlights made up for the travelling at least as far as I was concerned. There aren't many trips to this part of India and is very much off the Western tourist trail with no MacDonalds in sight, which, for me, is a huge bonus
In this 16-day tour, you will be exploring all the popular destinations of India. Besides visiting places, you will also be learning about India's rich cultural heritage and storied past.
Delhi will surprise you with its interesting mix of history, art, culture and architectural wonders. Enjoy a rickshaw ride in the bustling streets of Old Delhi, visit the street markets, and learn more about the daily lives and occupations of locals.
Up next is Agra, where you will explore Mughal era architectural wonders, including the iconic Taj Mahal. After the tour of Agra, we are off for some wildlife adventure in Ranthambore National Park, most famous for its Bengal tiger population. Go on a jeep safari to spot these endangered big cats and several other wildlife species in their natural habitat.
Continue your India tour with a visit to Jaipur, which is known for its magnificent royal forts and palaces. Here you will visit various sites such as Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and City Palace. If you are visiting during the month of March, you are in for a treat, as the Hindu population of India celebrate Holi, the festival of colors. Jaipur is one of the best places to experience this festival.
Then you will head to another historical city of India, Jaisalmer, situated in the middle of the Thar Desert. Enjoy the tour of Jaisalmer Fort, temples, and havelis (traditional homes). Experience Jodhpur next, where you will get to explore its historical monuments and local markets.
End your tour in Udaipur, also known as the 'Venice of the East,' where you will visit the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and take a boat cruise in Lake Pichola.
