North East December 2019
We were supposed to take the kids to Kufri and beyond December of 2016, to spend time in the snow. Hotels were booked, the toy train seats were reversed, the flights were all aligned. Unfortunately, had to cancel it all. The kids never once complained, never pointed a finger, never raised the subject. They simply understood. Good kids.
This year we had the opportunity to fulfil that promise. A few suggestions, including primary destination, got tossed in, and it became destination North East. All part of the adventure.
This trip was for the kids, the little ones.
20th December 2019 - Guwahati
Caught the flight at 0515 with my daughter and her kids. They were ready on time and we got thru security as the flight was being announced.
Landed in Guwahati with some apprehensions on the situation. The media had been painting something where one would not take school kids in for a holiday. But it all turned out full of flab. It was cool.
Reached our destination after a long drive thru town. My younger daughter and her husband were up and waiting. Met a couple of youngsters working with their NGO - Conservation Initiatives - a wildlife conservation initiative, primarily focused on the North Eastern states.
Went for lunch to my son-n-law’s grandmother’s house. She had this fantastic spread laid out, as usual. Given the meagre quantum I eat, did not do justice. But happy that the grandkids introduced themselves to some fantastic fish.
Walked out for some panipuri in the evening, and then settled down for spiritual bonding. Still got no real clue from the wildlifers on the vehicles to take and the estimated departure time. Only knew that we were to leave after breakfast. And, make it to Kaziranga in time for the evening elephant safari, which was at 3PM. The drive was estimated to take 4 hours. We needed time for lunch. So calculated that 9.30am was a reasonably safe estimation.
21st - 22nd December - Kaziranga
Was handed the keys to the Gypsy the next morning at 10am. The decision was to load all the luggage in the gypsy, and the kids in the Thar with the wildlifers. My elder daughter would be with me, taking much needed respite from her kids.
That's the Thar getting cleaned out. The Gypsy may come up later.
The route out of Guwahati to Kaziranga initially swings thru the hills. And the gypsy was tail loaded. Took me a while to work out the dynamics of the tail swing combined with the bounce. Was fun. Top speed of the gypsy was approved unto 90 kmph by the regular users of this vehicle. So, both vehicles had to stay at that.
My elder daughter took the wheel of the Thar couple of hours into the drive. That slowed us down further. By the time we stopped for lunch, we were running behind schedule. So, after lunch we pushed hard. Realised that the gypsy could do a lot more than 90, with a shove. Braking was dicey, had to be judged well.
But, soon had to decide that all we would manage on the day was good food, no safari.
But, soon had to decide that all we would manage on the day was good food, no safari.
Spent the evening around a meji, lit by some retainers. We were joined by the Kaziranga team from CI. They brought in some great food. As it got dark and chill, the spirits rose. The food went down very well. As you will note, gets dark really early in the NE states. Sure I imbibed much more than I should have. But short drive back, and it was not me driving. Obviously, all did so. People were astonished by food still in the vessels, the next morning.
The next morning we went on a Elephant back safari into the western range of Kaziranga. Will let the pictures speak of the fun we had.
After the elephant safari, we went to the middle range for a jeep safari. Seamlessly arranged by the wildlifers.
And, in the afternoon, to the eastern range. So we covered all the ranges where tourists are allowed. My favourite is the Eastern range.
Absolute delight. For all ages.
23rd - 26th December - Shillong
We left Kaziranga early as we wanted to get into Shillong before sunset. Being in the east, sun set was at around 5PM.As you will note, early is in the mind. Was still foggy when we walked the highway from our hotel to the CI camp. We were ready earlier !!
Stopped immediately for breakfast. And, got into Shillong in good time. Around 3PM.
The girls decided that we needed to buy stuff at the local street market. So walked out as the sun set. Longish walk. It was crowded, as all street markets are, Plus it was christmas. Then participated in shopping, as I have never ever done before. My wife never made me do these long walks. But my kids did. Will hold it against them for a while. Sure this is why the soles of my shoes weakened.
The girls decided that we needed to buy stuff at the local street market. So walked out as the sun set. Longish walk. It was crowded, as all street markets are, Plus it was christmas. Then participated in shopping, as I have never ever done before. My wife never made me do these long walks. But my kids did. Will hold it against them for a while. Sure this is why the soles of my shoes weakened.
The next day afternoon we went to the golf course to play football. Fun, running around. The kids absolutely enjoyed the fun, To the extent that a vehicular excursion the day after was vetoed in favour of more football. And, my weakened sole gave way.
Therefore, I had to go back to the local market and buy myself shoes. Fortunately we remembered a Bata. Went there and to our pleasant surprise, got an over 60 percent discount !!!!
In between all the above, went for a couple of dinners, and a terrace lunch. All the 'at home' eat in's were just amazing. Great food all around. Lovely spirits. Spoilt us silly.
27th - 28th December - Nameri
Departed well and truly early for Nameri. Long run.
Had to get in to Guwahati. Park the vehicles we were in. Pick up the zoom car XUV that had been booked. The zoom car office was near the Guwahati airport. That was an hour out from our place of switching cars. And then drive out. We had to drive south of the Brahmaputra, and then cut across, go thru Tezpur, then head north to Nameri, which was on the banks of the river Jia-Bhoroli, on the border with Bhutan.
I had actually scoffed at the distance, since we were picking up a XUV. Could cover roads much faster that a gypsy and Thar combination. Till, my daughter got a message informing her that the speed governor in the XUV was set at 80kmph. I gave up all driving rights immediately.
By the time we got into Nameri it was dark. Great place we stayed in. Looked after us very well. Had a fire going both evening we were there. Cooked food we wanted.
The next morning we left after breakfast to the river, for some rafting. Was a gentle river. So expected no moments. It turned out to be fun, with all of us getting into the water at a mid river stop. The water was freezing. The sun drier was very good.
29th December - 31st December 2019 - Dirang
Drove towards Balukhpong and saw the snow covered peaks rising high over the other peaks. It never ceases to whack me, to bring sunshine.Times have changed in Balokhpong. They police are so much more friendly. The alcohol is sold at a price that us mere mortals from the south swoon.
Were told that a portion of the road in under construction. We were lucky that over the weekend the workforce is off duty. Else, we were royally screwed. Anyhow, we drove thru.
Were told that a portion of the road in under construction. We were lucky that over the weekend the workforce is off duty. Else, we were royally screwed. Anyhow, we drove thru.
Reached Dirang as the sun was deciding to sink. And, let the animals out to play !!
Huge hotel, set in a valley. We got these huge rooms on the top floor. My room got the setting sun, was the warmest.
Went for a stroll after we checked in. Temperatures were already in the single digits.
Next morning we drove out to Sela pass. This was me getting all the help in honouring the promise I had made my grandkids in 2016 that I would take them to snow. Circumstances screwed that up. Now, we were doing it. The drive was simply amazing. And, we got an iced lake at Sela.
Went for a stroll after we checked in. Temperatures were already in the single digits.
Next morning we drove out to Sela pass. This was me getting all the help in honouring the promise I had made my grandkids in 2016 that I would take them to snow. Circumstances screwed that up. Now, we were doing it. The drive was simply amazing. And, we got an iced lake at Sela.
And, snow, for all to frolic. They built a snowman.That got kicked down and stomped on, by someone who got ganged up against in the snow fight.
The next day we went to a place called Mandala. Buddhist temple. Great drive. Beautiful culture.
The next day we went to a place called Mandala. Buddhist temple. Great drive. Beautiful culture.
1st January - Mangaldoi
We took a different route down. Given that the road from Balukhpong had closures, made sense for us to have a sure route to the plains.
Reached Mangaldoi after sunset. Learnt that all hotels were full as there was a Ranji match to be played, between Assam and Puducherri. Well, got 2 rooms, Checked in, dank and ate well.
Slept beautifully, it was so warm.
Slept beautifully, it was so warm.
2nd January - Guwahati and Chennai
Woke up and washed without freezing any body part.
Woke up and washed without freezing any body part.
Drove into Guwahati north of the Brahmaputra.
Had a relaxed beer lunch.
Had a relaxed beer lunch.
Got to the airport well in time.
Plans for December of 2020 have begun.
Plans for December of 2020 have begun.
What a fabulous you guys have had. Nothing like travel to open the soul
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