A small travel company that grows by word of mouth
We’re a boutique travel company specialising in immersive tours across North East India. True to our name, most of our guests come to us through word-of-mouth referrals. What sets us apart is our dedication to crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to each guest’s interests.
We cater to both independent travellers (FITs) and small groups, and run just a handful of tours each year. This deliberate choice lets us give every guest an exceptionally personal and attentive service.
01Bespoke itineraries, tailored to your interests
02Independent travellers (FITs) and small groups
03Just a handful of tours each year
04Guests who come to us by word of mouth
Rajan Dowerah, founder of Word of Mouth Tours
“The journey with Word of Mouth Tours begins with a promise: the promise of an experience that transcends the ordinary. This is not a typical travel agency; it’s a gateway to a world where culture thrives, wildlife roams, and memories are etched in the heart forever.”
The seven states of North East India are a paradise for the wanderer’s soul: a place where lush green landscapes, majestic mountains, pristine rivers and vibrant cultures converge. From the living root bridges of Meghalaya to the ancient monasteries of Arunachal Pradesh and the colourful festivals of Nagaland, the region is a tapestry of cultures, traditions and natural beauty.
Word of Mouth Tours takes pride in unravelling the hidden treasures of North East India, so that travellers experience more than just the surface. Whether you’re an adventurer or a soul yearning for tranquillity, we have it covered. It’s about immersing yourself in the culture, engaging with the communities, and forming lasting connections with the land and its people.
02
Personalisation
Crafting your dream journey
One of our standout features is our commitment to personalisation. At Word of Mouth Tours we understand that every traveller is unique, with their own desires, interests and pace. That is why every journey is meticulously crafted and tailored to the preferences of each guest.
Before your adventure begins, we hold insightful conversations with you to make sure the itinerary aligns seamlessly with your dreams and expectations. This bespoke approach turns a holiday into a transformative odyssey, where every moment feels tailor-made and every experience feels personal.
03
Culture tours with a touch of wildlife
Word of Mouth Tours specialises in culture tours, woven with the vibrant threads of North East India’s diverse tribes and communities. We create opportunities for guests to meet local people and experience their way of life, traditions and rituals. It’s a chance to share stories, learn about ancient customs, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of indigenous cultures.
While culture tours are our forte, we also offer a taste of the wild. North East India is home to a rich variety of wildlife, from the elusive tiger to the majestic elephant and the rhino. We design wildlife tours that blend seamlessly with their cultural counterparts, giving a holistic understanding of the region’s ecology and heritage.
04
Respectful travel
A shared responsibility
Word of Mouth Tours takes pride in its niche clientele: travellers who share a genuine interest in connecting with local tribes and communities. We place immense importance on respectful travel, and expect our guests to approach every interaction with the utmost respect, understanding that cultural exchanges are delicate and should be treated as such.
Guests are encouraged to engage with local people while respecting their personal space and boundaries. It’s about fostering mutual understanding and leaving a positive impact on the communities we visit. By following these principles, our guests not only experience the culture but also contribute to its preservation.
05
Beyond the journey
Building relationships
In an industry dominated by impersonal conglomerates, Word of Mouth Tours stands as a testament to the power of the human touch. Here, guests aren’t just customers; they become part of an extended family. The warmth, care and personal attention extend well beyond the journey itself. It’s about building lasting relationships and memories that defy time and distance.
Repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals are the clearest testimony to our commitment to excellence. Travellers return not just for another holiday, but to continue their journey with friends they made along the way. We don’t just create travel itineraries; we craft lifelong connections.
In conclusion
Whispered tales of North East India
As Word of Mouth Tours continues to write its own story, it redefines the essence of travel: an invitation to explore, connect and embrace the beauty of the world in an authentic, meaningful way. With North East India as our canvas and personalisation as our brushstroke, we paint a picture of travel that goes beyond the ordinary. Each whispered tale from our journeys is a testament to our dedication to creating unforgettable memories and connections that last a lifetime.
Sample journeys
Past itineraries
They serve as suggestions or outlines to help you plan your activities and make the most of your time. Every journey we run is shaped around you.
14 days
Assam · Meghalaya · Nagaland
Bridging Cultures and Nature
A 14-day Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland adventure
9 days
Arunachal Pradesh · Nagaland · Assam
Tribal Treasure
An unforgettable 9-day adventure in Northeast India
16 days
Arunachal Pradesh · Assam · Nagaland
Two Tribes, Two Festivals
An enriching 16-day expedition
9 days
Assam
Wildlife Wonders of Assam
A 9-day trip through the mysterious wilderness of Assam
In their words
A few testimonials
“
My wife, Louella, and I had the pleasure of travelling in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh with Rajan Dowerah in 1995. In those days we were often the first tourists to visit some of the remoter areas of NE India, and Rajan was a superb guide who overcame all difficulties and made sure everything ran smoothly.
Now he has his own company, Word of Mouth Tours, which undertakes bespoke tours and will, I know, maintain the highest standards. We wish him every success.
Robin Hanbury-Tenison
OBE, DL, DSc, DHc, MA, FLS, FRGS
“
It is a great pleasure for me to recommend Rajan Dowerah and his tour company, Word of Mouth Tours. I first met Rajan in the early 2000s when I was part of a research project in Arunachal Pradesh. He became my guide, and very soon a good friend.
Our research visits all over Arunachal and later in Assam mean that I have had plenty of opportunity to witness him in action and to appreciate his many skills. His knowledge of the terrain and of its wonderfully varied human life makes him an ideal guide and companion. His English (and his interest in its literature) is excellent, and his knowledge of his mother tongue, Assamese, and of Hindi makes him an invaluable asset when far off the beaten track. He is used to dealing authoritatively with drivers, local guides and interpreters, and diplomatically with government officials, and with all the other unexpected human characters one encounters while travelling in remote areas.
He has taken me to within a short distance of the India–Tibet frontier, he has organised camping equipment at 10,000 feet, and he has shown me a rare gibbon swinging above me in the tree canopy, none of which I could have done on my own. Finally, he is an engaged and interesting travelling companion.
T. Richard Blurton
British Museum (1989–2018; 2013–2018 Head, South and Southeast Asia Section, Department of Asia)
“
Rajan Dowerah has all the qualities of a superb guide. He possesses great integrity and honesty. He has profound knowledge, gained over many years, of the places and people he guides people through. He is deeply steeped in their culture and customs. Rajan has a refined sense of what his clients want to experience and works hard to maximise that experience. Adventure is always an important theme with him, as long as it can be accomplished safely. He is known and admired as a guide throughout the areas he serves.
Word of Mouth Tours, Rajan’s business title, is so appropriately named because deeply satisfied clients refer his company to others. He needs no other advertising.
As a photographer, I had Rajan as my guide on solo journeys in very remote, colourful, even exotic parts of India. Through him I was able to relate to the people on a very close level. I have had a number of guides in my years of photography in other remote areas of the world, but none come close to the extraordinary qualities of Rajan Dowerah.
Frank Francis
Fine Art Photography, Nevada City, California, USA
“
I would never think of travelling to India without Rajan. He is always calm, always kind and is a bottomless well of knowledge. You won’t find a smarter or more resourceful travelling companion, which is perfect when you’re arriving, driving a 70-year-old car…
Alex Bescoby
Grammar Productions, UK
“
I first met Rajan Dowerah over 20 years ago in Guwahati. My wife and I were planning to visit Kaziranga National Park, and he helped us find transport and lodging. Rajan suggested and arranged excursions in the park, which made the experience truly special. We asked him to be our guide for the rest of our travels in Assam.
Our interest was in the handicrafts of Assam’s diverse ethnic groups. We visited a number of villages and, under Rajan’s guidance, learned a great deal about their customs and ways of life. It was a remarkable experience, so much so that we visited Assam and Arunachal Pradesh again several years later and asked Rajan to arrange our tour and be our guide.
Rajan is a competent and congenial guide and companion. I highly recommend his agency, Word of Mouth Tours, if one is planning a trip to Assam and the surrounding states.
Ken Dillon
Tokyo
“
初めてアッサムを訪れたのは20年以上前になります。Rajan Dowerahさんにカジランガ国立公園や山岳民族の村々を案内していただき、この地域の自然と文化を知ることができました。また、アルナチャール・プラデシュ州への旅も指南くださいました。Rajanさんは地域の文化への豊富な知識をお持ちで、優しく気さくなお人柄で、今でも交流をしております。インドアッサムとその周辺への旅は、Rajanさんが主宰するWord of Mouth Toursさんをお勧めします。
01When is the best time to visit North East India?
The best time to visit North East India is from October to April. During this period temperatures are cooler and there isn’t much rain, making it ideal for exploring the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions. However, high-altitude places like Bomdila and Tawang can get very cold in December and January.
02Do I need special permits to visit North East India?
Yes. Certain states in North East India, such as Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, require special permits for Indian nationals. Foreign nationals wishing to visit Arunachal Pradesh require a Protected Area Permit, which is valid for the specific tourist circuits indicated on the permit.
03How do I travel to North East India?
You can reach North East India by air, train or road. The major cities in the region, such as Guwahati, Shillong, Aizawl, Dimapur, Agartala, Itanagar and Imphal, have airports with domestic flights. Train services are also available from other parts of India, and road travel is an option too.
04What clothes should I bring?
Pack light, breathable clothing for the warmer months and warmer clothes for the cooler months. Also bring comfortable walking shoes, rain gear and insect repellent.
05When is the rainy season?
The monsoon season in North East India runs from June to September. Heavy rainfall is common during this time, so be prepared for wet conditions if you plan to visit during these months.
06Are the roads in North East India in good condition?
Road conditions vary, but in general the major highways are well maintained. Roads in some remote areas may be in poor condition, so it’s essential to plan your route and take advice from your travel agent before you come.
07Can I find vegetarian food in restaurants?
Yes, you can find vegetarian food in North East India, though the availability of vegetarian options varies by region. In larger cities and tourist destinations you’ll have more choice; in more remote areas the options may be limited.
08Do I have to be concerned about malaria or dengue?
Malaria and dengue are concerns in some parts of North East India. It’s advisable to consult a travel clinic or your healthcare provider before your trip, and to take precautions such as using mosquito nets and insect repellent.
09Which mobile service providers are available in North East India?
Major Indian mobile service providers such as Airtel, Jio and Vi have coverage in North East India. Signal strength can vary in remote areas, so it’s a good idea to check with your provider about network availability. In larger cities and more touristy areas, many hotels and guest houses offer Wi-Fi to their guests.
10Is North East India safe for tourists?
North East India is generally safe for tourists, but as with any destination, it’s essential to take common-sense precautions. Be mindful of your belongings, follow local customs and regulations, and stay informed about any local issues or conflicts. Always check travel advisories before your trip, and consider hiring local guides for a more secure experience, especially in remote areas.
Faces, places & festivals
Gallery
Photo credits: Alan Scott, Adish Baruah, Frank Francis and Peter Kennington.
Plan your journey
Get in touch
Every journey begins with a conversation about your interests, your pace and what you hope to see. Write to us, message us on WhatsApp or simply call.
