‘The Festival of Festivals’ – The Hornbill Festival, Kisama Heritage Village, Nagaland, Incredible India!

Every year during the 1st week of December the North East of India gathers to celebrate what is called the ‘Festival of Festivals‘. Not very far away from Kohima, the capital of the State of Nagaland, in a small picturesque heritage village of Kisama where you will find a congregation of Tribes, Tradition and the Modern world! This ‘Festival of Festivals‘ is better known as the ‘Hornbill’ Festival – A week long festivity that is organised by the Government of Nagaland to encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland – the ‘Switzerland of the East’.

The Hornbill festival is named after the bird species of the Indian Hornbill. The Indian Hornbill is the most admired bird species by the Naga people for its qualities of alertness and grandeur – a trait very similar to the ‘Naga Warrior Tribe’ who are known for their fierceness and their majestic attire. The Indian Hornbill is linked closely with the social and cultural life of the people of Nagaland which is displayed in folklore in most of the state’s tribes. The Naga people’s admiration for the bird is symbolically displayed on most of the traditional tribal headgears worn during festivals across Nagaland.

In the week long festivity at the Hornbill Festival one can experience the rich and diverse culture of Nagaland. The Hornbill Festival unites one and all in Nagaland and people from across North east India and around the globe. One can visit the Hornbill festival to enjoy the colourful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and ceremonies of Nagaland. In addition to the festivities you also get to see traditional arts which include paintings, wood carvings, sculptures which are on display. One of the highlights of the crafts put on display are the Naga beaded jewellery. These jewellery are home made by the ladies of Kohima and are sure to impress the female visitors to the Hornbill Festival from a distance.

Main events/highlights of the Hornbill Festival are:

Cultural events spread throughout the festival highlighting traditional dances, music, indigenous games
Port Fat Eating Contest
The Hornbill Rock Festival
North East Cultural Ensemble
King Chilly Eating Contest
Hornbill Adventure Rally
The Kohima Night Bazaar
World War Peace Rally

Jungleideas welcomes you to India’s North East and be a part of the celebrations of the ‘Festival of Festivals’ – the Hornbill Festival at Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima, the State of Nagaland, Incredible India!

Recommended Itinerary for your Visit to the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland ~

Day 1 ~ Guwahati

Arrive at Guwahati Airport. On arrival you will be received by our representative at the airport offering a warm welcome in traditional Assamese style. From the Airport drive to the Holy Kamakhya Temple. Dedicated to the revered Goddess of Maa Kamakhya, the Kamakhya Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India and the most revered shrine in North East India famous for its cult of Tantric practices in the early era. Travel to your Hotel/Homestay in Guwahati city. In the evening we will visit the Srimanta Kalakhetra at Guwahati city which details the History and Culture of the State of Assam.

Night Stay: Comfortable Hotel at Guwahati

Meals Included: NA

Day 2 ~ Guwahati – Sonapur – Kaziranga National Park

After Breakfast we will proceed to Sonapur to visit the Treasured Wheels Museum that has on display vintage Cars and Motor Bikes from the Era of World War II. Later we will depart to the Kaziranga National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kaziranga National Park is home to the highest population of the Endangered One Horned Rhinoceros species anywhere in the world. On arrival check into a Comfortable hotel/Guest House. Visit the nearby tea gardens in the late afternoon. Evening Bon fire and cultural performances (Bihu Dance of Assam) on request.

Night Stay: Comfortable Hotel at the Kaziranga National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 ~ Kaziranga National Park – Kaziranga Orchid Park

Early morning go for a Jeep Safari into the Kaziranga National Park from the Bagodi/Kohora Safari Range at the National Park. Later in the day visit the Kaziranga Orchid and Bio-Diversity Park at Kaziranga National Park. The Kaziranga Orchid and Bio-Diveristy Park is the Largest Orchid Park in India.

Night Stay: Comfortable Hotel at the Kaziranga National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 ~ Kaziranga National Park – Kohima

After Breakfast depart to Kohima. Upon Arrival, visit the Kohima World War II Cemetery near the venue of the Hornbill Festival and relive the memoirs of the Battle of Kohima. Also visit the Kohima Cathedral which is the largest Cathedral in North East India. Later, check into the Hornbill Camp near the Kisama Heritage Village (the Venue of the Hornbill Festival). Enjoy night Bonfire to beat the chilly weather. Savor freshly brewed traditional Naga wine with traditional Barbecue.

Night Stay: Open Air Tents at Camp Hornbill/Hotels or Resorts at Kohima Town

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 ~ Hornbill Festival at Kisama Heritage Village

Today, spend your day witnessing the Festivities of the ‘Festival of Festivals ~ the Hornbill Festival’ at the Kisama Heritage Village in Kohima.

Night Stay: Open Air Tents at Camp Hornbill/Hotels or Resorts at Kohima Town

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 & 7 ~ Kisama Heritage Village – Dzukou Valley

Embark on your trek to visit the Pristine Dzukou Valley at the border of the States of Nagaland and Manipur. Night halt at Tents at Dzukou Valley. Return back to Camp Hornbill the next day.

Night Stay: Open Air Tents at Camp Hornbill/Hotels or Resorts at Kohima Town

Meals Included (for Dzukou Trek): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 ~ Depart

Depart to the Dimapur/Jorhat (Airport of your choice) to board your flights to your onward destination. Tour Ends. Bid Adieu!

Meals Included: Breakfast