Hornbill Festival Nagaland: A Cultural Journey Through Northeast India
Experience the vibrant Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, one of India’s most distinctive cultural celebrations, on a carefully curated journey through Nagaland and Assam. Held at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima, the festival brings together Naga communities to showcase traditional music, tribal dances, indigenous sports, local cuisine, handicrafts, art and cultural traditions.
This Hornbill Festival tour in India goes beyond the festival grounds. Begin in Delhi before travelling to Dimapur and Kohima, where the hills, villages and cultural heritage of Nagaland provide the setting for an immersive Northeast India experience. Spend dedicated time at Kisama Heritage Village, exploring traditional Morungs, witnessing cultural performances and discovering the diverse traditions of Naga communities.
The journey continues to Khonoma, a historic Naga village known for its distinctive cultural heritage and scenic mountain setting, before moving into Assam. Explore the river island of Majuli, known for its satras and distinctive cultural traditions, followed by Kaziranga National Park, home to the iconic one-horned rhinoceros. Conclude the journey in Guwahati with an opportunity to explore the city’s cultural and spiritual landmarks.
Designed for travellers interested in culture, photography, heritage, nature and authentic local experiences, this Hornbill Festival holiday combines India’s Northeast with comfortable travel, carefully selected experiences and private touring.
Highlights of the Tour
- Experience the Hornbill Festival at Kisama Heritage Village
- Witness traditional Naga music, dances, costumes and indigenous sports
- Explore traditional Morungs and Naga cultural heritage
- Discover the historic village of Khonoma
- Experience the cultural landscape of Majuli Island
- Explore Kaziranga National Park and its wildlife
- Visit Guwahati and the sacred Kamakhya Temple
- Combine cultural immersion with the landscapes of Nagaland and Assam
- Enjoy a private, thoughtfully planned Northeast India luxury tour
The Hornbill Festival is traditionally held in December, with the current official Nagaland Tourism calendar listing the 2026 festival from 1–10 December 2027. Festival schedules and individual events should always be reconfirmed closer to departure.
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, spend the evening at leisure or take a short introduction to the city.
Overnight: Delhi
Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing
Explore some of Delhi’s most important historical and cultural landmarks, including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk and Lotus Temple. The day provides an introduction to India’s diverse history before your journey into Northeast India.
Overnight: Delhi
Day 3: Delhi – Dimapur – Kohima
Fly from Delhi to Dimapur, the gateway to Nagaland. Continue by road to Kohima, travelling through the scenic Naga Hills. On arrival, check in and relax.
Overnight: Kohima
Day 4: Kohima – Hornbill Festival at Kisama
Travel to Kisama Heritage Village, the principal venue of the Hornbill Festival. Explore traditional Morungs and experience the opening celebrations, tribal performances, music, costumes and cultural displays.
Kisama is located approximately 10–12 km from Kohima and was created to showcase and preserve the cultural heritage of Nagaland’s communities.
Overnight: Kohima
Day 5: Hornbill Festival
Spend another full day experiencing the Hornbill Festival. Discover traditional dances, indigenous games, Naga cuisine, handicrafts, textiles and cultural performances.
The festival programme can also include music, arts, crafts, food events and sporting activities, depending on the year’s official schedule.
Overnight: Kohima
Day 6: Kohima – Khonoma
Travel to Khonoma, a historic Naga village surrounded by forested hills. Walk through the village, discover its traditional architecture and learn about local customs and community life.
Return to Kohima later in the day.
Overnight: Kohima
Day 7: Kohima – Dimapur – Jorhat – Majuli
Travel from Kohima towards Assam and continue towards Jorhat. From here, take the ferry to Majuli, one of India’s most distinctive river islands.
Arrive in Majuli and settle into your accommodation, with the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Majuli
Day 8: Explore Majuli
Discover Majuli’s cultural heritage through visits to traditional satras, local villages and artisan communities. Experience the island’s unique relationship with Assamese Vaishnavite traditions, crafts and performing arts.
Overnight: Majuli
Day 9: Majuli – Jorhat – Kaziranga
Take the ferry back to the mainland and continue by road to Kaziranga National Park.
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy the surrounding landscape of Assam’s Brahmaputra floodplains.
Overnight: Kaziranga
Day 10: Kaziranga National Park
Enjoy a wildlife safari in Kaziranga National Park, with opportunities to see the greater one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, deer and a wide variety of birdlife.
Safari zones and timings will depend on the park’s operating schedule and seasonal conditions.
Overnight: Kaziranga
Day 11: Kaziranga – Guwahati
Drive to Guwahati through the landscapes of Assam. On arrival, check in and relax.
If time permits, enjoy an evening exploration of the city.
Overnight: Guwahati
Day 12: Guwahati Sightseeing
Visit the Kamakhya Temple, one of Assam’s most important pilgrimage sites. Depending on time and opening schedules, continue with selected cultural or historical attractions in Guwahati.
Overnight: Guwahati
Day 13: Guwahati – Delhi
Fly from Guwahati to Delhi. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time for shopping, relaxation or additional sightseeing depending on your flight schedule.
Overnight: Delhi
Day 14: Delhi – Additional Experiences
Enjoy a flexible day in Delhi. Depending on your interests, explore Humayun’s Tomb, Hauz Khas, museums, markets or other landmarks.
This day can also be customised around your onward travel plans.
Overnight: Delhi
Day 15: Departure from Delhi
Transfer to Delhi airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your Hornbill Festival and Northeast India experience.
