Wilds of the East: Journey from Mangroves to Mountains
Embark on the ultimate eastern wilderness expedition. This meticulously planned itinerary takes you from the mysterious mangroves of the Sundarbans to the teeming grasslands of Kaziranga, the primary rainforests of the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, and the misty, high-altitude ridges of Singalila National Park. Discover a side of India home to Royal Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, India’s only ape species, and the elusive red panda.
Phase 1: Sundarban Tiger Reserve
Day 01: Arrival in Kolkata
Your expedition begins at the Kolkata International Airport, where our representative will welcome you for a private transfer to the hotel. Subsequently, you will enjoy a brief guided tour of Kolkata’s most iconic colonial heritage sites later in the afternoon. Therefore, you can relax comfortably tonight because you stay overnight in a premium hotel in Kolkata.
Day 02: Kolkata to Sundarbans Delta
After a hearty breakfast, your driver will pick you up for a three-hour journey to the Godkhali Jetty. At this point, you will board a scenic river cruiser to enter the delta waters. Consequently, the boat will glide through the Pitchkhali canal toward your eco-resort, passing the Sajnekhali Watchtower along the way. As darkness falls, you will enjoy a traditional tribal folk dance performance by a crackling evening bonfire.
Day 03: Exploring the Deep Mangroves
Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the water before boarding your cruiser for a morning safari to the Dobanke Watch Tower. As a result of this excursion, you will get to experience a protected canopy walkway elevated high above the mangrove floor. Afterwards, a guided walking tour through Dayapur village will allow you to interact with the locals and learn about their traditional mud houses.
Day 04: Return to the City Landscape
Your final morning cruise takes you deep into the channels surrounding the Sudhanyakhali Watchtower. For this reason, keep a sharp eye out for monitor lizards, wild boars, and tigers near the freshwater ponds. Furthermore, the boat will subsequently chart a course back to the main jetty, where a private vehicle will transfer you back to Kolkata for the night.
Phase 2: Assam Grasslands & Rainforests
Day 05: Flight from Kolkata to Jorhat
An early morning transfer brings you back to the airport for your domestic flight to Jorhat, Assam. Therefore, you will get to fly quickly over the eastern plains. Upon arrival, you will drive past lush, beautiful green tea gardens to reach your jungle safari lodge. Because the drive is highly scenic, the evening is yours to relax and prepare for the upcoming tracking days.
Day 06: Rhinos of Kaziranga National Park
Explore the vast grasslands at dawn to track the endangered Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros. In addition to rhinos, this reserve sustains massive wild water buffaloes and herds of Asian elephants. Subsequently, you will board an open 4×4 Jeep for a thrilling safari through the Central Zone of the park later in the afternoon.
Day 07: Journey to Hollongapar Rainforest
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your resort before checking out to drive toward the evergreen rainforests of Hollongapar. As soon as you arrive at the forest lodge, a specialist naturalist will conduct an evening briefing regarding primate behavior. Therefore, you can rest well tonight amidst the sounds of the deep jungle.
Day 08: Primate Tracking & Flight to Siliguri
A guided walking safari at dawn helps you spot active families of the Hoolock Gibbon, which is India’s only ape species. For instance, you will watch them swing gracefully through the high forest canopy. Afterwards, you will drive to the airport, fly to Bagdogra, and transfer straight to your hotel in Siliguri.
Phase 3: The Himalayan Ridge
Day 09: Ascent to Singalila National Park
Leave the flat plains behind today as your vehicle begins a scenic mountain drive up into the spectacular clouds. Specifically, you will ascend into the Eastern Himalayas along a rugged ridge that borders India and Nepal. Eventually, you will check into your high-altitude wilderness camp for a relaxing evening.
Day 10: The Rare Red Panda Expedition
Board a rugged, specialized 4×4 vehicle today to explore the dense bamboo and rhododendron forests. For this purpose, our track spotters will actively search the high canopies for the rare Red Panda and the Himalayan black bear. Meanwhile, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga along the trail.
Day 11: Final Departure from Bagdogra
Your wildlife holiday concludes with a scenic morning drive down the mountains back to the Bagdogra Airport. From there, you will board your domestic flight to Delhi or Kolkata to connect with your international flight home. Consequently, this marks the end of your eastern wilderness journey.