CYCLE TOUR TO HORNBILL FEST

This cycle expedition takes you from beautiful Shillong (Meghalaya) to Kohima (Nagaland) via the Dima Hsao and Karbi Anglong districts of Assam. For most parts the route takes you through little used back roads. Your destination is the Hornbill Festival at Kohima. Often cited as “festival of all festivals”, The Hornbill Festival is a grand celebration that is brought to life each year in Nagaland. The festival is a powerful representation of the Naga culture through splendid traditional music, dance, traditional games and performances. For a visitor it means a closer understanding of the people and diverse culture of Nagaland, and an opportunity to experience Naga food which is no less varied, as are the songs, dances and customs of the place. Travelers are welcomed warmly to the traditional huts of each tribe showcasing respective traditions. For those interested, one may seat with the youths and elderly people of the tribes alike and interact with them. One can also take part in various contests such as Naga chilly eating, pork eating besides traditional games and other traditional competitions. Options of a hike to the beautiful Dzoukou Valley, visits to Angami villages around Kohima, swimming in prestine waterfalls, lakes and rivers, cycling through forests, villages and much more on offer in this expedition.

Often cited as “festival of all festivals”, The Hornbill Festival is a grand celebration that is brought to life each year in Nagaland. It is named after a bird, who is a symbol of ‘‘Respect’’ and ‘‘Folklore’’ among the Nagas. The festival is a powerful representation of the Naga culture through splendid traditional music, dance, traditional games and performances. For a visitor it means a closer understanding of the people and diverse culture of Nagaland, and an opportunity to experience Naga food which is no less varied, as are the songs, dances and customs of the place. This colourful festival is a certain paradise for a foodie, particularly if one happens to be a non- vegetarian. Nagas love to feast and feed, and at Kisama one can try all kinds of Naga traditional food and also watch them being made during the Hornbill Festival days. Travellers are welcomed warmly to the traditional huts of each tribe showcasing respective traditions. For those interested, one may seat with the youths and elderly people of the tribes alike and interact with them. One can also take part in various contests such as Naga chilly eating, pork eating besides traditional games and other traditional competitions.