“Day 3 was a perfect blend of wildlife adventure and scenic hill journey—riding elephants in Kaziranga at dawn and entering Shillong, the Scotland of the East, by night felt like traveling through two different worlds in one day.”
🌄 Day 3 – Elephant Safari & Orchid Garden – Kaziranga to Shillong Road Trip – Entering the Scotland of the East
🐘 Before Sunrise – A Childhood Dream on Elephant Back
Day 3 began long before sunrise. At 4:30 AM, alarms rang in every room at Hotel Sneha Bhaban, and within minutes, everyone was awake—sleepy yet excited. Today was special. Today was Elephant Safari in Kaziranga, something we had dreamed of since childhood.
We didn’t waste time. Just a quick brush, a splash of water on the face, and by 4:50 AM, all of us—including the kids—were ready. The night was still dark, and the air carried a winter chill that instantly woke us up.
Our Force Traveller rolled out quietly from the hotel, carrying sleepy children and excited adults toward Bagori Range (Western Range)—the most famous zone for elephant safaris in Kaziranga. The drive took around 30 minutes, and by 5:15 AM, we reached the elephant safari parking point.
The hotel manager had joined us today, as he had arranged all our safari tickets. His presence made everything smooth and tension-free. From the parking area, we crossed a small bridge with our guide, and in just a few minutes, we reached the elephant safari starting point.
Standing on the bridge in the early morning darkness, I captured a few photos—the cold air, the mist, and the quiet forest created a magical mood. It felt like stepping into a wildlife documentary before the world woke up.
Our guide was incredibly efficient. Just like boarding a boat at a jetty, there were concrete platforms built according to the elephant’s height, making it easy to climb. Each elephant had a proper seating arrangement with safety locks, so even children could sit comfortably.
And then, we climbed onto the giants of the jungle.
At that moment, I felt like a child again—sitting on an elephant, heading deep into the forest, chasing the dream I had carried since school days.
🐘 Elephant Safari at Bagori Range – Practical Info
Elephant Safari in Bagori Range (Western Range) is one of the most popular experiences in Kaziranga. Unlike jeep safaris, elephants take you deep into grasslands where vehicles cannot go.
🕕 Timing:
- Early Morning: 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM (best slot)
- Second Slot: 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM
💰 Price (Approx):
- Indian tourists: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 per person
- Foreign tourists: ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 per person
📜 Important Rules:
- Entry is allowed only with government-issued permits
- Limited seats per elephant (usually 4–6 persons)
- Follow the mahout and guide instructions strictly
- No loud noise or standing on elephants
- Photography is allowed, but flash is discouraged
- Safari duration is around 45–60 minutes
Bagori Range is famous because it offers the closest chance to see one-horned rhinos in the wild, often from just a few meters away.
✨ As the elephants slowly moved into the misty grasslands, I realized this was not just another safari—it was the fulfillment of a childhood dream, shared with friends who once studied with me on the same school bench.
🐘 Dawn on Elephant Back – When Kaziranga Came Alive
Each elephant had a proper seating setup for six tourists, with a mahout sitting in front to guide the animal. The forest department carefully checked the total weight of passengers, balancing adults and children so the elephants were not overloaded. On each side, three people could sit comfortably, making the ride safe and stable even for kids.
🐘 Our Elephant Safari Group Distribution
To balance weight and comfort, our group was divided across four elephants:
- Joy and Indra’s family shared one elephant, making a group of six.
- Sougata, Adrija, Diya, and Papai shared another elephant along with two other tourists.
- Mou and Babu were on another elephant with four other tourists.
- Suchismita, Monika, Titli, and I shared an elephant with two fellow travelers.
By 5:30 AM sharp, the elephant safari began. The sun had not risen yet, and the sky was still cloudy, creating a mysterious, cinematic atmosphere. A thin layer of mist covered the grasslands, and the jungle slowly woke up around us.
🌫️ Misty Grasslands & Close Encounters
As our elephants slowly walked into the heart of Bagori Range, Kaziranga felt unreal—silent, cold, and magical. Unlike jeep safaris, there was no engine noise. We could hear only bird calls, rustling grass, and the rhythmic footsteps of the elephants.
Soon, wildlife started appearing one by one.
We spotted large herds of wild buffalo, followed by 5–6 deer grazing peacefully in the tall grass. And then came the stars of Kaziranga—one-horned rhinoceroses.
We saw five to six rhinos, sometimes just a few meters away. They were calmly eating grass, completely unbothered by our presence. Watching such a massive prehistoric-looking animal so close felt surreal, like stepping inside a National Geographic documentary.
Beside a large wetland area, we saw many birds flying and resting on water, reflecting the soft golden morning light. The beels (wetlands) looked like mirrors, with mist floating over them and silhouettes of birds creating postcard-perfect frames.
We captured countless photos and videos—DSLRs, normal cameras, and mobile phones all working together to freeze these moments forever. Every click felt priceless, because moments like this never repeat.
🌿 Bagori Range – The Heart of Elephant Safari
Bagori Range, also known as the Western Range of Kaziranga, is famous for its marshy terrain, thick grasslands, and multiple water bodies that attract large herbivores. That is why this zone offers the closest rhino sightings in Kaziranga.
Interestingly, Bagori Range is mostly designated for Indian nationals for elephant safaris, while the Kohora Range often hosts foreign tourists and VIP safaris. This makes Bagori extremely popular among domestic travelers seeking a close-to-nature wildlife experience.
🤍 A Thoughtful Moment – Ethics of Elephant Safari
While the experience was magical, we also noticed something that disturbed us. At times, the mahouts used sticks to control the elephants and guide them in the right direction. We requested them multiple times not to beat the elephants, but they explained that elephants sometimes refuse to move or change direction without guidance.
It was a reminder that wildlife tourism must always balance human experience with animal welfare. Even in such dream moments, respect for animals should always come first.
🌄 Sunrise, Silence & A Childhood Dream
The highlight of this safari was not just the animals—it was the feeling.
The misty grasslands, the rising sun, the reflection of wetlands, and the silence of the jungle created a spiritual experience. Sitting on an elephant with my daughter and school friends felt like traveling back to childhood, when we dreamed of such adventures from textbooks.
Bagori Range truly showed why Kaziranga is one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in India.
🕕 Safari End & Return
The elephant safari lasted for about one hour, and by 6:30 AM, we returned to the starting point. As we climbed down from the elephants, the sun was finally rising, and the forest slowly turned golden.
This was not just a safari—it was a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
🎥 Watch the Full Elephant Safari Experience
👉 Thrilling Elephant Safari at Bagori Range – Kaziranga Wildlife | Assam Vlog: Day 3 Ep 1
🌉 Morning Return – Bridges, Birds & Quiet Moments
After the elephant safari ended, we slowly walked back toward the parking area. This time, instead of rushing, we paused on the bridge for a few extra minutes. The early morning light, cold breeze, and silent river created a peaceful scene. So naturally, cameras came out again—capturing nature, group photos, and a few candid moments that felt straight out of a travel documentary.
At the parking area, some of us took a short tea break to warm ourselves up. Meanwhile, Papai and I were busy with our cameras. We spotted a baby elephant playing at a distance and a Babui Pakhi Basa (weaver bird nest) hanging beautifully from a tree branch. These tiny details of nature often go unnoticed, but for a traveler with a camera, they become priceless memories.
By 7:45 AM, we were back at Hotel Sneha Bhaban. Everyone rushed to freshen up, pack luggage, and prepare for the next chapter of our journey. After a refreshing bath, we sat down for breakfast—hot luchi and aloo curry—simple, delicious, and perfect after an early morning safari. By 9:15 AM, breakfast was done, and bags were ready.
After settling all hotel and food payments, we checked out from Sneha Bhaban. Kaziranga had given us wildlife dreams, and now it was time to move toward the hills of Meghalaya—Shillong, the Scotland of the East.
But before leaving Kaziranga, we had one beautiful stop planned.
🌸 Kaziranga National Orchid Garden – Colors Before the Hills
At 9:45 AM, we reached Kaziranga National Orchid Garden, and by 9:50 AM, after buying entry tickets, we entered the park. Our first destination inside was the Orchid Garden itself.
Walking into the garden felt like stepping into a colorful world completely different from the wild jungle we had seen in the morning.
🌺 What is Kaziranga National Orchid Garden?
Kaziranga National Orchid Garden is one of the largest orchid parks in Northeast India, located near Kohora, Kaziranga National Park, Assam. The park was established to preserve and showcase Assam’s rich orchid diversity and tribal culture.
Assam is home to more than 500 species of orchids, and this garden displays many rare and exotic varieties found in the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India.
🕰️ Kaziranga Orchid Garden Visitor Information
📍 Location:
Near Kohora, Kaziranga National Park, Assam
⏰ Timing:
- 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (varies slightly by season)
🎟️ Entry Fee (Approx):
- Indian Adults: ₹100–₹200
- Children: ₹50–₹100
- Cultural show tickets charged separately
📜 History & Purpose:
The garden was developed to promote eco-tourism, orchid conservation, and Assamese tribal culture. Along with orchids, the park showcases traditional village houses, folk dances, and handicrafts.
🌺 A Walk Through Colors – Kaziranga National Orchid Garden
Inside the Kaziranga National Orchid Garden, we were welcomed by a friendly guide, and her guidance was already included in our ticket price. She walked with us through the garden and explained everything in detail—each orchid’s name, scientific identity, origin, and even its uses in daily life and medicine.
It felt like a live classroom, but surrounded by nature instead of walls.
As we walked deeper, we were amazed by the variety of orchids in different colors and fragrances. Some were tiny and delicate, while others looked bold and exotic. One of the most interesting discoveries was the Vanilla Orchid, the natural source of vanilla flavor used in ice creams and desserts. Seeing vanilla growing as a flower felt unreal, as we usually experience it only as a flavor.
The kids enjoyed the garden even more than we did. They kept asking questions, pointing at flowers, and posing for photos. Time flew so fast that we didn’t even realize 45 minutes had already passed inside the garden.
🌿 Orchid Diversity & Rare Species
Our guide explained that Northeast India is home to more than 900 orchid species, out of the 1,200 found in India. Unfortunately, many of these species are endangered due to deforestation, pollution, and climate change. That made us realize how important such conservation parks are.
We saw many unique and rare plants, including:
🌸 Bulbophyllum Orchid – one of the most unusual orchid varieties with strange shapes and textures.
🌱 Pitcher Plants – fascinating carnivorous plants that trap insects inside their cup-shaped leaves.
🖤 Black Orchid – a rare and mysterious flower that looks almost unreal.
🌼 Kopou Phool (Foxtail Orchid) – the State Flower of Assam, traditionally worn by Bihu dancers in their hair and deeply connected with Assamese culture.
The guide also explained the difference between epiphytic orchids (which grow on trees) and terrestrial orchids (which grow in soil). Special climate-controlled environments are maintained in the park to help these sensitive plants survive and flourish.
🌱 Beyond Orchids – A Biodiversity Paradise
The park is not only about orchids. We also walked through:
🌿 Medicinal plant gardens
🌵 A cactus house with exotic species
🎋 A bamboo garden featuring varieties from across Northeast India
The lush greenery, clean pathways, and peaceful environment made the park feel like a nature retreat. It was a perfect contrast to the wild jungle safari we had experienced just a few hours earlier.
The park also hosts traditional cultural shows like Bihu and Sattriya dance, though we focused mainly on the botanical tour during our visit.
📍 Why Kaziranga Orchid Garden is a Must-Visit
Located near the Kohora Range of Kaziranga National Park, the Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park is one of the largest orchid parks in Northeast India. It offers a colorful and educational journey for travelers, students, photographers, and nature lovers.
The best blooming season is March to May, when most orchids flower in full glory. However, October to April is ideal for sightseeing due to pleasant weather.
Walking through this garden after an adventurous elephant safari felt refreshing. In the morning, we saw wild rhinos and elephants. By mid-morning, we were surrounded by delicate flowers and rare plants. Kaziranga showed us its wild heart and gentle soul in just a few hours.
🎥 Watch the Orchid Garden Experience
👉 Kaziranga Orchid Garden – Assam’s Largest Orchid Park Tour | Assam Vlog: Day 3 Ep 2
🎶 Cultural Soul of Assam – Traditional Bihu Dance at Kaziranga Orchid Park
After exploring the beautiful orchid garden, we walked deeper inside the Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park. Suddenly, we heard rhythmic beats of drums and cheerful music. As we followed the sound, we discovered a live Assamese cultural program happening on the main stage.
It was Gobinda Bihu – a traditional Bihu dance performance, and the energy of the place instantly changed. We sat down and enjoyed the full program, capturing photos and recording videos of the dancers. After the show, we also clicked some pictures with the artists, which became one of the most memorable moments of our Kaziranga trip.
💃 What is Bihu Dance?
Bihu is not just a dance—it is the heart and identity of Assamese culture. It is closely connected with agriculture, seasons, and the happiness of harvest time. The dance is famous for its fast footwork, graceful hand movements, and joyful expressions, which reflect the simple and happy life of rural Assam.
In this performance, we witnessed Gobinda Bihu, a festive and celebratory form of Bihu that spreads joy, rhythm, and togetherness.
👗 Traditional Assamese Attire & Music
The performers looked stunning in their traditional Assamese outfits:
👨 Men wore Dhoti and Gamosa, symbolizing Assamese heritage and pride.
👩 Women wore Muga Silk Mekhela Chador, one of the most beautiful traditional dresses in India, shining with golden silk and traditional jewelry.
The dance was accompanied by traditional Assamese musical instruments, including:
🥁 Dhol – the main rhythmic drum that sets the tempo
🎺 Pepa – a unique horn instrument made from buffalo horn
🔔 Taal – metallic cymbals that add rhythm
🎋 Gogona – a bamboo-made reed instrument that produces a unique vibrating sound
Together, these instruments created a festive atmosphere that made everyone feel the rhythm, even without understanding the language.
🌿 Culture Meets Nature – A Complete Kaziranga Experience
One of the best things about Kaziranga Orchid Park is that it combines nature, wildlife, and culture in one place. After morning safaris and orchid gardens, watching a Bihu dance felt like a perfect cultural ending to our Kaziranga journey.
The park regularly hosts cultural performances to give visitors a glimpse of Assamese traditions, making it one of the top things to do in Kaziranga.
🕒 Bihu Dance Show Timing & Visitor Info
- Cultural shows usually start in the afternoon or evening
- Schedules may vary depending on tourist season and crowd
- Special shows are organized during festivals and peak tourist months
💰 Entry Fee:
- Most cultural shows are included in the Orchid Park entry ticket
- Some special events may have separate charges
🌤️ Best Time to Watch:
- October to April is ideal for tourists and performances
- Winter and spring offer the best weather
- Monsoon season may have fewer shows
🎒 What to Carry:
- Camera or smartphone for photos and videos
- Power bank for long recording sessions
- Comfortable clothes and shoes
🌍 Responsible Cultural Tourism Tip
- Respect local traditions and performers
- Avoid disturbing dancers during the performance
- Follow park rules and keep the area clean to support cultural preservation
🎥 Watch Our Bihu Dance Experience
👉 Traditional Bihu Dance – Gobinda Bihu at Kaziranga Orchid Park | Assam Vlog: Day 3 Ep 3
🌟 Conclusion
This episode beautifully showcases the cultural heartbeat of Assam. From wildlife safaris to orchid gardens and finally to traditional Bihu dance, Kaziranga gave us a complete experience of nature, culture, and heritage in just one day. Watching Bihu dance in Kaziranga is truly unforgettable and should be on every traveler’s bucket list when visiting Assam.
🚗 Road Trip Begins – Kaziranga to Shillong (Scotland of the East)
After spending some more time inside the Kaziranga Orchid and Biodiversity Park, the kids enjoyed the swings and open spaces. Finally, around 11:10 AM, we said goodbye to this beautiful park and prepared for our long road journey towards Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya.
Outside the garden, there were small local markets and food stalls. We enjoyed hot tea, fresh pineapple (Anaras), mixed muri, and sweet laddu—a perfect quick snack before starting our hill journey.
Around 12 noon, our Force Traveller started rolling on the highway again. Now it was time to enter the famous hills of Meghalaya—also known as the “Scotland of the East.”
🗺️ Kaziranga to Shillong Distance & Route Details
The road journey from Kaziranga to Shillong is one of the most scenic and important travel routes in Northeast India, as it connects the wildlife-rich plains of Assam with the misty hills of Meghalaya.
- Approximate Distance: 270–280 km
- Average Travel Time: 6.5 to 8 hours (with breaks)
- Route:
- Kaziranga → Nagaon → Jagiroad → Guwahati → Nongpoh → Shillong
🛣️ Route Highlights
Kaziranga to Nagaon:
A smooth highway drive passing through Assamese villages, green paddy fields, and tea gardens.
Nagaon to Guwahati (NH27):
A fast but busy stretch, especially near Guwahati city traffic.
Guwahati to Shillong (NH6):
One of the most beautiful hill roads in Northeast India. After crossing Umiam Lake (Barapani), the landscape suddenly changes to rolling hills, pine forests, and cool mountain air.
This was the same route we traveled in the opposite direction on Day 1, but now we were heading back to the hills again.
🎶 Road Trip Fun, Sleep & Photography
The journey started with songs, gossip, and laughter inside the Force Traveller. But since we woke up very early for the elephant safari, many of us slowly fell asleep during the drive.
I personally enjoyed the road journey a lot and kept capturing beautiful highway views, villages, greenery, and mountain roads from the window. Road trips in Northeast India always feel magical.
🍽️ Lunch Break at Anurag Dhaba
Around 3:00 PM, we reached Anurag Dhaba, the same place where we had our tea break on Day 1. This time, it was lunch time.
We ordered Assamese Vegetarian Thali, served in a traditional Kasha (bronze) plate. The thali included:
- Hot steamed rice
- 7–8 varieties of Assamese vegetables
- Dal
- Famous Assamese pickles
The food was delicious and authentic, but since it was vegetarian, kids did not enjoy it much 😄
After lunch, Papai clicked some beautiful photos on the sandy area beside the dhaba. Then, without wasting much time, we resumed our journey towards Shillong at 3:45 PM, as we still had a long distance to cover before reaching our destination.
🌇 Sunset on the Highway & Road Trip Fun
As we continued our long road journey from Assam to Meghalaya, nature gifted us a beautiful sunset on the highway. The sky slowly changed colors—from golden orange to deep blue—marking the end of a long and adventurous day.
Inside the Force Traveller, we again started Antakshari, laughing, singing, and enjoying every moment together. These small fun moments made the long road journey unforgettable.
☕ Tea & Fuel Break Before Entering Meghalaya
Around 5:10 PM, we took our last major break before entering the hills. We stopped at Rajasthan Hotel & Bhojnalay, Kala Pahar, Guwahati, the same point where we entered Kaziranga on Day 1.
Here we enjoyed hot tea and snacks. Our driver also refueled the vehicle, as fuel prices are cheaper in Assam compared to Meghalaya. To prepare for the long hill drive, we bought 3 full packs of drinking water (total 30 bottles, each 1 liter) for our group.
After this break, we decided no more stops until Shillong, otherwise it would get too late at night.
🏞️ Entering Meghalaya – Magical Hill Roads & Night Views
After crossing Umiam Lake (Barapani), we officially entered the hill roads of Meghalaya. This stretch is considered one of the most scenic drives in Northeast India.
At night, the view was simply magical. The small lights glowing from houses on the hills looked like stars on the mountains. Cool mountain air, silent roads, and misty surroundings made the journey feel like entering a different world.
🏨 Reaching Shillong – Our Stay for the Night
Finally, after a long and tiring journey, we reached Shillong at 9:30 PM. Our hotel for the night was Hotel Rockski Boutique, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, Meghalaya.
As Shillong city roads are narrow and confusing at night, Joy called the hotel in advance. Two hotel staff members were waiting for us at Shillong market and guided our Force Traveller safely to the hotel.
After checking in, we were tired but excited, because we had officially entered the Scotland of the East – Shillong.
🌍 About Shillong – Scotland of the East
Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya, one of the most beautiful hill states in Northeast India. It is often called the “Scotland of the East” because of its rolling hills, pine forests, waterfalls, and cool climate.
📜 History of Shillong
Shillong was the capital of undivided Assam during British rule. The British developed this hill station as a summer retreat due to its pleasant climate and scenic beauty. After Meghalaya became a separate state in 1972, Shillong became its capital city.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Shillong
- October to April: Best for sightseeing, waterfalls, and pleasant weather
- March to June: Perfect for nature lovers and blooming flowers
- July to September: Monsoon season, best for waterfalls but roads can be risky
📍 Top Places to Visit in Shillong
🌊 Natural Attractions
- Umiam Lake (Barapani)
- Elephant Falls
- Shillong Peak
- Ward’s Lake
- Sweet Falls
🏞️ Nearby Destinations
- Cherrapunjee (Sohra)
- Mawlynnong (Cleanest Village in Asia)
- Dawki & Umngot River
- Jowai & Krang Suri Falls
🛍️ City Attractions
- Police Bazaar
- Laitumkhrah Market
- Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
- Don Bosco Museum
🚶♂️ Last Walk to Our Shillong Hotel with Luggage
Our hotel was located inside a narrow uphill road in Laitumkhrah, and our 23-seater Force Traveller could not enter the lane. So, we had to walk around 500 meters with all our luggage, and the road was slightly uphill.
After a long day of travel, carrying bags on a slope was not easy. Thankfully, the hotel boys helped us with luggage, and after some struggle, laughter, and teamwork, we finally reached Hotel Rockski Boutique.
🛏️ Room Distribution Drama – Kids Edition 😄
Just like previous nights, we followed our group rule to distribute rooms fairly. But here came a funny yet emotional kids’ drama.
Papai’s room was much bigger than others. Adrija loved that room instantly, but Diya was not ready to leave it. A small debate started between them.
As always, Sougata handled the situation perfectly, making sure no one felt bad. Finally, everything was settled peacefully, and the kids went back to their rooms happily.
🏨 Hotel Experience – Good Stay with Few Issues
The hotel rooms were good and comfortable, but we faced some issues with hot water and kitchen facilities. The hotel did not have an active kitchen, but they provided a dining area where guests could bring outside food and eat comfortably.
🍽️ Late Night Shillong Dinner from Market
After settling everyone in their rooms around 10:00 PM, we went to the Shillong market to arrange dinner.
Around 10:45 PM, we bought fried rice and chilli chicken for the group, along with cold drinks. After serving kids and ladies first, we completed our dinner around 12:00 midnight.
Despite being extremely tired, we still enjoyed the food and shared stories of the day.
🍹 Midnight Fun – Sougata’s Special Mojito Moment
Even after such a long day, our group spirit never faded.
Sougata made a simple Mojito-style drink using cold drinks and Bitnoon, which added a fun ending to the night.
Tanushree helped serve food to the “daddies,” and we all laughed, chatted, and relived the day’s safari and road trip moments.
😴 End of a Long Day – Time to Sleep
It was already 12:30 AM when we finally went to bed.
It was one of the longest and most adventurous days of our tour—starting with elephant safari, orchid garden, cultural show, and ending with a long road journey to Shillong.
🌄 Plan for Tomorrow – Shillong to Cherrapunjee
Tomorrow’s plan was Shillong to Cherrapunjee (Sohra), one of the wettest places on Earth.
We decided to start a little late around 9:30 AM, so that everyone could get enough rest and recover from the tiring journey.
A new day, new hills, waterfalls, and memories were waiting for us in Meghalaya.
🧭 Day 3 Travel Tips – Kaziranga Elephant Safari, Orchid Garden & Shillong Road Trip
🐘 Elephant Safari Tips (Bagori Range)
- Book in advance: Elephant safari tickets are limited and sell out quickly, especially in peak season (Nov–April).
- Reach early: Safaris start around 5:00 AM, so leave your hotel by 4:30 AM.
- Wear warm clothes: Winter mornings in Kaziranga are extremely cold inside the forest. Carry jackets, gloves, and caps.
- Carry camera with zoom: Wildlife sightings can be very close, but birds and buffalo herds are far away.
- Follow forest rules: Maintain silence and listen to forest guards for your safety and wildlife protection.
🌸 Kaziranga Orchid Garden Visit Tips
- Best time to visit: March to May for blooming orchids, but October to April is best for sightseeing.
- Use the free guide: Guides are included in the ticket and provide amazing knowledge about orchids and biodiversity.
- Do not touch plants: Many orchids are rare and endangered species.
- Carry water & hat: The garden is large, and walking can be tiring.
- Plan for cultural shows: Try to time your visit to enjoy the Bihu dance performance.
🚗 Kaziranga to Shillong Road Trip Tips
- Start early: The journey takes 6.5 to 8 hours, including breaks.
- Fuel & water stop at Guwahati: Fuel is cheaper and facilities are better than Meghalaya highways.
- Carry snacks for kids: Food options are limited after Nongpoh.
- Be prepared for hilly roads: Motion sickness tablets may help, especially for kids and elders.
- Avoid night driving: Fog, sharp curves, and low visibility make night driving risky in hills.
🏨 Shillong Stay Tips
- Hotels in Laitumkhrah & Police Bazaar are best locations for tourists.
- Check hot water & kitchen facility before booking, especially in budget hotels.
- Parking can be difficult in Shillong; choose hotels with parking or nearby drop points.
🌄 End of Day Three Summary – Elephant Safari to Scotland of the East
Day 3 was one of the most adventurous and memorable days of our Assam and Meghalaya tour. The day started before sunrise with the world-famous Elephant Safari at Bagori Range, where we experienced the silent jungle, misty grasslands, and close encounters with one-horned rhinos, buffalo, deer, and countless birds. Riding on elephants in the early morning forest was truly a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
After the thrilling safari, we explored the Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park, where colorful orchids, rare plants, and educational guided tours amazed both kids and adults. Watching the Traditional Bihu Dance (Gobinda Bihu) added a beautiful cultural touch to our wildlife journey, showcasing the vibrant heritage of Assam.
Later, we began our long road journey from Kaziranga to Shillong, crossing Assamese plains, Guwahati city, and finally entering the scenic hills of Meghalaya. The road gradually transformed into magical hill landscapes, and the night view of Shillong hills with glowing house lights felt like entering another world.
Finally, after a long and tiring journey, we reached Shillong – the Scotland of the East, checked into our hotel, and ended the day with a late-night dinner and laughter with friends and family.
Day 3 was a perfect blend of wildlife adventure, nature, culture, and scenic road trip, making it one of the most unforgettable days of our Northeast India journey. Tomorrow, we were all excited to explore Cherrapunjee (Sohra), the land of waterfalls, clouds, and living root bridges.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Hotel Rockski Boutique, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, Meghalaya
🦏 Day 4 – Shillong to Cherrapunjee | Where Clouds Become Neighbors – Coming Soon…
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