Both Guwahati (for Shillong and Cherrapunjee) and Jorhat (for Majuli and Kaziranga, the latter being less than half the distance from Jorhat than Guwahati) are well-connected by air and rail, and will bases for you on this trip. It’s nice that you have ample time to spare—not a common sight in these pages—so let me leave you with a broad itinerary that you can route and schedule to your convenience and interests. One option would be to arrive at Guwahati but proceed to Shillong right away (135km; 4hrs), leaving the Assamese capital’s attractions for later.
Shillong has several sights to tempt you—a tranquil walk by the Ward’s Lake, a visit to the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Upper Shillong’s Elephant Falls, shopping at the lively Police Bazaar, and then there’s the huge Barapani lake outside the city with the Nehru Park aviary and orchidarium near it. Cherrapunjee makes a good day trip from Shillong, but head out early (it takes about two hours to get there, although the distance is only 55km) and there’s a lot more to do on this day. You can stop along the way at the Shillong Peak (the highest point hereabouts) and you will also need time for the Nohkalikai Falls, the limestone caves at Mawsmai, and the natural wonders of the Thangkharang Park. Aerodene Cottage is a lovely heritage homestay in Shillong (www.aerodene.in; prices and offers on request) or you could try The Habitat Shillong (from Rs 3,000; www.thehabitatshillong.com).
Back in Guwahati, visit the famous Kamakhya temple and the museum at Sankardev Kalakshetra; take a ferry on the Brahmaputra; and shop at GR Road, Pan Bazaar, Uzan Bazaar and the NE Network on JNB Lane. You can also explore Peacock Island by taking a boat from Kachari Ghat to see the 17thcentury Ahom temple dedicated to Shiva, and catch sight of the Golden Langurs brought here from the Manas National Park. You can stay at Ginger Hotel (from Rs 4,200; www.gingerhotels.com), which will be a more standardised option, or Rains Inn (from Rs 2,100; www.rainsinn.com). Take an overnight train to Jorhat, your hub for trips to Majuli and Kaziranga. Stay at MD Continental (from Rs 2,700; www.hotelmdscontinental.com).
Yes, it’s advisable to have your safaris booked by the evening of the previous day; your hotel desk will be able to organise it for you. You’ll find more details here: www.kaziranga.assam.gov.in/wp/entryfees-2015/. Better still, ask the reliable, locally conscious helptourism.com to take care of your Kaziranga experience, and they will be able to offer you options in accommodation as well.