# TEA TASTER'S CHOICE: 9 NIGHTS/10 DAYS

JORHAT - GARDEN VISIT - SIBSAGAR - MAJULI - KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK - GUWAHATI AUCTION - DARJEELING

Meet and assist by JTI staff. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit the bustling Jorhat town and take a walk in the busy market area. Visit tea shops to sample fresh Assam tea. Overnight.

Day 02: JORHAT

After breakfast visit a nearby tea garden to see plucking of tea leaves. You may try your hand at it too! At the tea estate the entire process of tea manufacturing will be explained to you. Afternoon, visit the Tea Research Centre and go through the various departments of the research center, see miniature tea machines and museum. Overnight.

Day 03: JORHAT - DAY TRIP TO SIVASAGAR
(Drive from Jorhat to Sibsagar - 55 kms 1½ hours)

Today after breakfast we will go to Sivasagar, 55 kms away, the erstwhile capital of the Ahoms rulers of Assam. The various archeological attractions in this place are, the largest hand excavated tank in India, Shiva Sagar, the famous Shiva temple Shivadaul, the two storied amphitheater called Rang Ghar, the main palace Kareng Ghar and other interesting sites. Overnight.

Day 04: JORHAT - DAY TRIP TO MAJULI
(Short drive from Jorhat and then by ferry)

After early breakfast we start our journey to Majuli, supposedly the largest river island in the world and the seat of Vaishnava culture in Assam. After a short drive from Jorhat we will come across the mighty Brahmaputra River and we will cross it by ferry which will take us to Majuli. Majuli Island possesses unique Vaishnava monasteries famous for their dance drama performances - the whole island is now short listed for future UNESCO World Heritage status. We will visit a few prominent monasteries in the island, take a glimpse at the simple ways of life of the monks, interact with them, visit the prayer halls and see the unique artifacts. Evening return to Jorhat and overnight.

Day 05: JORHAT - KAZIRANGA
(Drive from Jorhat to Kaziranga - 80 kms/2hors)

After breakfast we will be driving down to Kaziranga National Park, some 80 km west of Jorhat, which is home to the famed one horned rhino. We can see lush green tea estates along the way. On arrival check into a resort or a hotel. Afternoon a jeep safari in the western range of the National Park. Back to the resort for dinner and overnight.

Day 06: KAZIRANGA

Early morning we will see the National Park (Central range) on elephant back. Apart from the Rhino, other species found are hog deer, swamp deer, wild buffalo, elephants and if you are lucky, the tiger. It is virtually a paradise for bird watchers, with a variety of migratory and resident birds darting from tree to tree. It is also home to pelicans, storks and darters as there are a number of water bodies inside the Park. We will return to the resort for breakfast. Afternoon, go inside the park once again for a jeep safari in the Eastern range. Overnight.

Day 07: KAZIRANGA - GUWAHATI
(Drive from Kaziranga to Guwahati - 230 kms/5 hours one way)

Today we will be going further westwards to Guwahati, the capital city of the state of Assam. On arrival check in to Hotel. In the afternoon we will take you to The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, the largest in the world for CTC tea. You will experience the excitement of the bidding scene by various buyers for different grades of tea. Here the experts in the field will give you the feedback of the finer points of a tea auction. After the auction, visit a Broking House to see how tea is tasted and other related activities of a Broking House. As today is our last day in Guwahati we can go for a little shopping in the various emporia and pick up souvenirs. Overnight.

Day 08: GUWAHATI - BAGDOGRA - DARJEELING
(Guwahati - Bagdogra by air and Drive from Bagdogra to Darjeeling - 100 kms/3 hours)

We will bid goodbye to Guwahati and Assam today. Morning we will drive down to the airport and board the plane to Bagdogra. You will be received, upon arrival, by our representative who will transfer you to Darjeeling by road. Check in at Hotel. Evening is kept free to acclimatize yourself to your new surroundings. Overnight.

Day 09: DARJEELING

Today we will visit to a tea factory to see the making of world renowned Darjeeling Orthodox tea famous for its flavor. Late afternoon we can go to the Tibetan Craft Center to see Tibetan men and women making carpets, woolen garments, vests and various other artifacts. In the evening walk around Darjeeling mall. Overnight.

Day 10: DARJEELING - BAGDOGRA

Today morning you will be transferred to Bagdogra airport in time to catch g flight to Delhi/ Calcutta.

END OF TOUR

# KAZIRANGA SPECIAL: 3 NIGHTS/4 DAYS

# WILD LIFE & NATURE: 7 Nights / 8 Days

# ABODE OF CLOUDS - SHILLONG & CHERRAPUNJEE: 3 NIGHTS/4 DAYS

# EASTERN HIMALAYAN MONASTIC TOUR: 6 NIGHTS/7 DAYS

# HILL TREKS & TRIBALS: 7 NIGHTS/8 DAYS

# FABLED LAND: 6 NIGHTS/7 DAYS

# DANCING DEER OF MANIPUR: 3 NIGHTS/4 DAYS