Manipur Sangai Festival with Hornbill Festival of Nagaland 2019, 5N/6D

Every year the State of Manipur celebrates the “Manipur Sangai Festival” from 21st to 30th November. The ‘Festival’ is named after the State animal, Sangai, the brow-antlered deer found only in Manipur. It started in the year 2010 and has grown over the years into a big platform for Manipur to showcase its rich tradition and culture to the world. The festival is labeled as the grandest festival of the State today and helps promote Manipur as a world class tourism destination. Every edition of the festival showcases the tourism potential of the state in the field of Arts & Culture, Handloom, Handicrafts, Indigenous Sports, Cuisine, Music and Adventure sports of the state.

The eagerly awaited Hornbill Festival, is one of the most cherished festivals of Nagaland, It is also called the ‘Festival of Festivals‘. India’s Far North Eastern state. Locals celebrate the fiesta with much enthusiasm and zeal. The festival is named after Hornbill, one of the most venerated bird species in the state. This festival usually takes place between the 1st and the 10th of December every year in Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.

Itinerary Overview-Imphal 2 Nights & Kisima 3 nights

Pickup & Drop-Imphal Airport & Dimapur Airport

Key Attractions-

• Imphal Local Sightseeing
• Moirang INA Museum
• Ima Keithel (World’s only women’s market)
• Loktak Lake
• Keibul Lamjao National Park (World’s only floating national park)
• Manipur Sangai Festival,2019
• Hornbill Festival opening ceremony, 2019 @ Kisama
• Khonoma Village Tour
• Dzukou Valley Trek (optional)

Hornbill festival is an annual event held in Kisama Heritage Village in Nagaland, a tribal state in India. It usually runs from the 1st – 10th December of every year and celebrates the culture and heritage of Naga tribes.

It’s predominantly a festival to promote tourism to Nagaland and has done an amazing job. Hornbill is now a major event which should be on any traveller’s calendar when they find themselves in North East India.

During the festival you can get up close and personal with 17 major tribes of Nagaland. These are;

Angami – Ao – Chakhesang – Chang – Dimasa Kachari – Garo – Khiamniungan – Konyak – Kuki – Lotha – Phom – Pochury – Rengma – Sangtam – Sumi – Yimchungru – Zeliang 

Interestingly, the importance of the bird is reflected in a number of tribal cultural expressions, songs and dances. Almost 85% of the state’s population still depends upon agriculture. So most of their festivals revolve around agriculture which they consider sacred. The Hornbill Festival is one of the largest celebrations of the indigenous warrior tribes of Nagaland.

Naga people have a rich tradition of maintaining their unique heritage and customs. For this reason, people plan Nagaland Hornbill Festival tours. In spite of the tremendous modernity entering into their lives, the people have preserved their customs and legacy. Doing so, they have kept the torch of their tribal identity lighted. The state is called the ‘Land of festivals’ and people dwelling here have a fondness of celebrating the deeds of their ancient warriors and folk heroes. Moreover, the medleys that immortalize love stories, folk tunes and gospel songs are also cherished.

Each of the tribes and subtribes in the state have their own way of cultivating their individual culture. In addition to their traditional ceremonial attires which is different for each tribe, there are multi-colored spears, doas with dyed goat’s hair. Add to that the exotic headgears and ivory armlets which steal the show. In earlier times, the fighters had to prove their bravery, in order to wear these. The Hornbill Festival is indeed the largest celebration in Nagaland. There is a huge gathering for merrymaking in the form of drinking, eating, singing and dancing.  

When is the Hornbill Festival Nagaland in 2019?

Hornbill Festival is celebrated annually during the first week of December, i.e. from 1st-10th. However, during the year 2013, it was extended for a few more days. It now normally concludes on December 10.

Where is the Hornbill festival held?

The festival is held at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, located around 12 kilometers from the capital of the Nagaland, Kohima. It begins at 9 am every day. You can reach the venue by booking a taxi. Purchase the tickets at the entry gate and pass through the security check. However, make sure you have a valid pass to park the vehicle at the site.

How is the Hornbill festival Nagaland celebrated?

Hornbill festival, also known locally as the ‘Festival of Festivals’, is organized by State Tourism and Arts and Culture Department, Government of Nagaland. The fiesta is celebrated to encourage inter-tribal harmony and promote colorful local culture and traditions. The visual retreat further displays the unique customs, rituals and practices as well as preserve the heritage. Tourists are warmly welcomed and are treated well. The celebrations are attended by all the major tribes of Nagaland who present themselves with various arts, folk songs, dances and games. There are numerous displays of handicrafts, handloom, multi-cuisines, local food stalls. While a rich amount of rice beer is always at hand to indulge in.

Evenings are lighted by the thrilling Hornbill National Rock Concert in which bands from all over the country and abroad participate to compete. This is followed by the amazing Night Market in the town. But the most attractive event at the festival is Naga chilly eating competition. Additionally, the pork eating festival which draws a lot of crowd evokes much fanfare and excitement.

Things to Do 

• Learn about traditional arts, folk songs & games.
• Know more about tribal life exploring replicas of tribal huts, wooden carvings and drum instruments beats at end of the day.
• Binge on delightful gastronomy, the massive amount of food stalls along with rice beer to enjoy.
• Participate in Naga Chili eating competition recognized as the hottest event festival.

Tips for Travelers visiting the Hornbill Festival

The following travel tips will be handy if you are planning to attend the Hornbill Festiva. Another key point to note is that the festival begins from December 1, which is also celebrated as the Nagaland Formation Day.

• The festival is one of the top tourist attractions thus, draws a lot of tourists from in and around the Nagaland State. So, make sure to have your bookings well in advance to avoid any last minute hassles and inconvenience.
• There is an option of bargaining at various stalls and souvenir shops. So tourists can exercise this option to get the best deals.
•  Foreigners are no longer required to possess the Entry Permit to visit Nagaland. However, they must register themselves with the Foreigner’s Registration Office (District Superintendent of Police) within 24 hours of their entry into the state.
• There is a very helpful Information Center located near the festival site. You can have the brochure which lists the festival events and other attractions in Nagaland from here. 

How to reach Kohima, Nagaland

By Road:

NH39 which is an interlink connecting Kohima to Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur. The state highways co-joins from Guwahati to Shillong where other states are accessed. Personal cabs and buses are available to reach Kohima.

By Rail:  

Kohima does not have a Railway Station of its own because of its tough hilly terrain. The closest rail link is in Dimapur, which is connected to the important towns of Guwahati and Kolkata. Although traveling by train can be a slow affair, it nevertheless is the best way to reach Kohima. Not only it is the cheapest but it leads through some of the most scenic views of the amazing mountain valleys and hills.  

By Air:  

Again Kohima does not have an airport of its own and the nearest airport is in Dimapur, at a distance of 74 kilometers. Dimapur operates only domestic flights and is connected to Kolkata and Guwahati from where there are direct flights. International travelers will first have to get off at either Kolkata or Delhi international airports and then catch a connecting flight to Dimapur. From Dimapur, it’s a two-hour cab ride to Kohima for which many taxi operators run to and fro which can be hired. However, the option of a 30-minute helicopter ride from the airport is also available in case you are in a hurry.

Attend the celebration of the diversity of tribes of Nagaland at the Hornbill Festival in Kohima. Before you attend the festival make bookings for your stay choosing from our collection of hotels in Kohima. Enjoy the natural blessings with a stay in hotels that are equipped with modern luxuries. If you want to explore more of the state and other delights of North East, you can browse through our collection of Nagaland tour packages. Also, check North East tour packages that include the visit to the other mountains states. Book comfortable and hassle-free travel plans to the unexplored North East with us.

Places to Stay

Partake in the Hornbill Festival in Kohima while soaking in the comforts of some of the best hotels. There are multiple luxurious hotels like Hotel Japfu, Hotel Vivor, Hotel Kohima and Razhu Pru.There are so many Temporary Campsite are available for stay beside Kisama Heritage Village.

Where is the Sangai festival held in Manipur?

The main venue for the festival will be at the Hapta Kangjeibung (Palace Compound) and Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT). These venues will host a number of cultural programmes as well as showcase the rich culture and tradition of Manipur. The venue at Hapta Kangjeibung will feature the indigenous huts of the varied tribes that inhabit Manipur.

Things to Do in Manipur Sangai Festival

• Kayaking in Loktak Lake
• Trekking Expedition
• Indigenous Sports
• Adventure Sports

How to reach Imphal for Manipur Sangai Festival

By Air to Imphal

Imphal Tulihal Airport is located about 8km from the heart of the City and is well connected directly from the major cities of India namely Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati and major cities of North Eastern States on daily basis with the Domestic Air services like Air India, Indigo, Air Asia etc. Other major cities of India is connected to Imphal via Kolkata/Guwahati.

By Bus to Imphal

1. From Guwahati daily on the NH 27, NH 29 and NH 2 via Dimapur and Kohima many private buses available.
2. From Dimapur daily on the NH 2 via Kohima Manipur many private buses available.
3. From Silchar daily on the NH 37 via Jiribam many private buses available.

By Train to Imphal

There is no direct train service to Imphal. But travellers can travel upto Guwahati or Dimapur (nearest rail head from Imphal) and then rest by bus or by air.

Weather of Manipur

Manipur’s climate is classified as tropical. When compared with winter, the summers have much more rainfall. … The average annual temperature in Manipur is 26.9 °C. The rainfall here averages 1517 mm

DETAILED ITINERARY

29th Nov: Arrive Imphal and transfer to Moirang . Afternoon visit Loktak lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only national park famous for Sangai Deer. After visit the festival venue at Moirang. O/N at a beautiful property.

30th Nov: After B/fast Excursion to , INA Museum ( 1st place of India’s mainland where INA raised Indian flag, Visit Floating Huts by Local boat at Loktak Lake Moirang bazaar and transfer to Imphal. Afternoon visit Govindaji Temple, Sangai Festival venue. Enjoy the closing ceremony of Sangai Festival. O/N at Imphal Hotel.

1st Dec: At 6 am directly transfer to Kisama Heritage Village (Hornbill venue)and check in and visit the festival venue. Enjoy the opening ceremony of Hornbill Festival.

2nd Dec: Kohima (Khonoma tour): After breakfast experience the festival venue or depart for Kohima and Khonoma village tour or Dzukou Valley Trek.

3rd Dec: Kohima (Hornbill venue): After breakfast Witness the Naga Heritage and cultural shows throughout the day and evening.

4th Dec: Kohima-Airport: After breakfast, check out from the campsite/ home stay and get transferred to the airport. Tour ends

HOTEL USED

Imphal- City Hotel

Loktak-Sendra Park

Kisama-Campsite or Homestay or City Hotel in Kohima

INCLUSIONS/ EXCLUSIONS

The Tour Includes

• 2 nights at Manipur with sight seeing at Loktak Lake, Khwairamband Keithel(Women Local Market) Loktak Lake,Sendra Island,Keibul Lamjao National Park(The Only Floating National Park in the World),INA Museum,Visit Floating Huts by Local boat, Moirang bazaar with Sangai Festival.
• 3 nights at Nagaland with sight seeing at Kisima Village, Hornbill Festival, Optional Dzoukou valley trek or Khonoma Village ( on extra cost)

Hotels Included

Standard Hotels at Manipur and Camps (Camping Tent) or Homestays ( Extra Cost) at Nagaland. Hornbill Festival Sangai Festival.

Vehicle: Winger/ Sumo or similar

Hornbill Festival Sangai Festival Extra Cost

• Homestay at Nagaland- Rs 3000/head.
• Guided Dzoukou Valley Trek ( Rs 3500/ head if it is between 5 to 7 persons).
• Kohima and Khonoma village tour ( Rs 2000/ head if it is between 5 to 7 persons).
• Even can provide 3/4 star category properties on extra cost.
• You can visit Moreh/ Tamu India Myanmar border, Ukhrul the hill station etc on extra cost and extending your stay.
• GST- 5% extra.

COST

• Rs 19990 +5% GST for a persons including sightseeing, accommodation on double/ triple sharing and food on CP ( breakfast with room included).

• Hotels Included

  Standard Hotels at Manipur and Camps (Camping Tent) or Homestays ( Extra Cost) at Nagaland. Hornbill Festival Sangai Festival.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Terms & Conditions

• The price does not include –
• Expenses of personal nature, such as laundry, telephone calls, room service, alcoholic beverages, mini bar charges, tips, portage, camera fees etc.
• Any meals and services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
• Airline seats and hotel rooms are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• In case of unavailability in the listed hotels, arrangement for an alternate accommodation will be made in a hotel of similar standard.
• Check-in and check-out times at hotels would be as per hotel policies. These are generally pre-decided as per operation schedules.
• Transportation shall be provided as per the itinerary and will not be at disposal.
• Rates are based on above mentioned pax travelling together, any change in no of pax, days and date of journey will attract re-quote.
• THE WEEKENDER reserves the right to modify the itinerary at any point, due to reasons including but not limited to: Force Majeure events, strikes, fairs, festivals, weather conditions, traffic problems, overbooking of hotels / flights, cancellation / re-routing of flights, closure of / entry restrictions at a place of visit, etc. While we will do our best to make suitable alternate arrangements, we would not be held liable for any refunds/compensation claims arising out of this.
• It is mandatory for all guests to carry valid photo ID’s (Passport/Driving License/Voter ID Card). PAN Card is not accepted at many places as a valid photo ID.
• If your flights involve a combination of different airlines, you may have to collect your luggage on arrival at the connecting hub and register it again while checking in for the return journey to your origin.
• Service GST 5% shall be applicable over and above the mentioned prices.
• Payment of 25% of Package Cost at the time of booking and balance within 7days prior travel date. Booking is confirmed on payment of booking amount.

Cancellation Policy-

• Less than 7 Days Prior to Travel Date: 100% of the Package Cost as Cancellation Charge
• 7-15 Days Prior to Travel Date: 75% of the Package Cost as Cancellation Charge
• 16-30 Days Prior to Travel Date: 75% of the Package Cost as Cancellation Charge
• More than 30 Days: Full Refund of Package Cost Excluding Processing Fees

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Imphal Sightseeing, Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur Sangai Festival 2019, Nagaland Hornbill Festival 2019, Dzukou Valley Trek, Ukhrul-Shirui Lily, Manipur Tour Package 5N/6D, Manipur & Nagaland Tour Package 7N/8D.