exploring the Wonders of India's North east - This was my first time to India's North Eadt. It was a 5n/6d trip starting with 2 days at the magnificent Kaziranga and culminating at Cherrapunji. However due to flight timings we had to spend a night at Guwahati. The Al Fresco cruise on the mighty Brahmaputra was the activity we chose to set the mood for the next 5 days. The cruise on the Brahmaputra is for about 2 hours in a vessel with about 50 seats and had a bar . The ticket to the cruise included buffet dinner which was well made. Next day we left at around 10am by cab to Kaziranga. it's about 200 from Guwahati and takes close to 5 hours with a lunch break. One thing travellers should bear in mind while travelling to NE is the early sunset..by 430pm it's end of day for sightseeing. therefore you shud plan to start your day early say 7am. but all hotels start serving breakfast only by 730. We checked in to the Landmark Woods at Kaziranga. The accomodation was comfortable though not very fancy. But the hotel staff were extremely friendly and provided us with late lunch or early dinner as per our sight seeing plans. the vegetarian food was always freshly made and tasty. The early morning elephant trek in Kaziranga is one of a kind experience. depending on which season you travel there it could be a misty morning at dawn with a mesmerizing sunrise. There are multiple elephant trek operators so tourists should embark on the elephant only when their name is called out. The trek gives an opportunity to meet the rare one horned rhinoceros up close. one can also spot wild buffaloes, wild boar, swamp deer, sambhar and if lucky tigers too. not to forget birds like jungle fowl, fishing eagles among other birds. One can visit the Orchid park to see some orchids and get a taste of local dances and cuisine. The juice counter offers interesting juice options of which the star fruit juice is a must try. One can also experience Kaziranga on a jeep safari , we specifically asked for the eastern region for bird watching and were enthralled with the number of birds we saw. Black necked heron, Partridges, Open billed storks, kingfishers , mallards were a beautiful sight. one can even get a glimpse of the mighty Brahmaputra. The Jeep drivers are fairly knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and are eager to show tourists. they are happy to stop every now and then and allow you to observe and click photos. Day 3 we headed to Shillong from Kaziranga. A lunch stopover at Anurag dhabha is a must... one can savor the local Assamese thali and it is a real treat with the ladies more than happy to give you extra servings. As you enter Shillong you are welcomed by the magnificent man made Umiam lake. As it was almost time for sunset we took a few pics and proceeded to check-in to our hotel. Shillong was freezing at 6 degrees and by morning it was 3 degrees.After breakfast we comenced our journey towards Dwaki. Enroute iscrlephsnt falls a pretty waterfall. A shirt climb down tales you to this picturesque waterfall. We continued our journey to Dwaki, a beautiful drive through massive green hills and winding roads.Boating in Dwaki is a must. The clear waters, the shadow of the boat gives one an illusion of floating boat..you can easily sped close to 2 hours at Dwaki. On the way back had lunch at very clean Kabri War pure veg restaurant. After lunch we headed to Cherrapunji . Enroute there's a zip-line spot for the adventurous. We checked into 7 sisters falls inn a clean property serving good food and awesome view of the breathtaking 7 sister falls. There was very little water but during monsoons this will be an awesome experience. After breakfast we straight away went to Maswami caves. Itcwas a first time experience inside natural caves. We were mesmerised by the natural formations and the experience of wading through the uneven surface was awesome.After the caves our next destination was the famous Living route bridge. Onebhas to trek down 2000 steps very steep ones to reach the dinhe root and another 1500 steps to get to the double decker bridge. This one is a natural beauty. It wil take 4-5 hours to complete the experience.After the tiring but exhilirating trek we headed to another pure veg restaurant Orange roots for a delicious meal.And after lunch at around 4pm we visited the beautiful Nokhlikai falls. The waterfalls forms s blue water pool and it's a unforgetrable sight. After enjoying a beautiful sunset at the wstergalls we got back to shillong. The next morning we had to drive back to gueahati for our flight back to Bangalore. Enroute we had yet another delicious meal at Jiva Veg, Nongpho. India's Nort East is mesmerising as it offers tourists diverse landscapes and exeriences. We were surprised by the cleanliness at every tourist place, restaurant.And authentic veg food, that too south Indian food like idli dosa was a bonus. Special thanks to Nature Wings, our travel agent who organised this memorabe trip.

Really Good - Instead of Kaziranga National Park I would suggest Pobitora , there are very high chances of seeing Rhinos in Pobitora. In pobitora you can have elephant safari as well. Kaziranga is really far from Guwhati and Shillong both. Mawsmai Caves are really good, must visit. Double Decker Living Root Bridge, you have to have athletic body to go there. 3500 steps down and up. total of 7000 steps. Really tiring. Reserve full day for that. But worth visit. You will also see single decker living root bridge in between.