I did not feel the 6 days in Manipur and Nagaland go by – from the World War II learnings to crossing into Myanmar on a whim, spending a day with people from the Chakhesang tribe to eating exotic Naga cuisine, shopping to trekking to the Dzukou valley in pelting rain and driving around lush green hills for hours and enjoying it was an experience I never expected.
The Chakhesang Village Experience was the highlight for me – understanding the simplicity of their minds that allows them to live happily in a complex network of families in the village, the cultural experiences of art, dance, food and drink, and the human experience of their harmonious existence and bonding taught me many valuable lessons in a few hours. They did not bat an eyelid when I requested to participate with them in their rituals. In fact, they took me into their home and dressed me in their traditional clothing and jewellery so I can feel a part of their beautiful life with them. Meeting a 115 year old man who lives alone and takes care of himself and the daily ritual of communicating through song about the days happening, all of it was a truly overwhelming yet exhilarating experience for me and a must do for anyone going to Nagaland. A special thanks to Rohan and David for making this happen – I do want lots more of these experiences every time I visit.
For the adventurous foodie, do not miss the exotic cuisine of fried woodworms, silkworms, bee larvae and frog among other meats, flavors of axone and fermented bamboo shoot and the sheer heat of the Naga chillies.
I have always been very apprehensive about “Roadtrips” but this one trip gave me a whole new meaning to something I disliked in the past. I carefully packed my Avomine and barf bags when I left home not knowing what to expect but used a pill all of once during the whole experience. I’m not sure whether it was the sheer magnificence of the hills or the warmth and hospitality of the people I met and The India Trail team but I have not had enough with this sampler and I am going back for more in December 2014 and impatient to be back. The travel bug to this part of India has definitely bitten me – need I say more!
Thanks Rohan and David, the trip was well planned and executed, you guys were awesome company and more than anything I felt safe every minute I was there. See you in December!
Highlights of the trip!
The Chakhesang Village Experience was the highlight for me – understanding the simplicity of their minds that allows them to live happily in a complex network of families in the village, the cultural experiences of art, dance, food and drink, and the human experience of their harmonious existence and bonding taught me many valuable lessons in a few hours.
— Marilyn George, Bangalore
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