Tigers and Rhinos of North East India

1. Day 1 Arrive Kolkata

   Arrive at Kolkata International Airport. Kolkata or Calcutta (as it was previously known) - is seen as the land of the intellectuals. Communist in ideology and very politically aware and was the capital of British India before Delhi assumed this position. This city developed from a fishermen’s' village to become one of the largest cities in the world. The city symbolizes creativity and vibrancies with all the modern amenities available. It has adapted to the modern trends and techniques of the world but has not shed the leisurely life style and the calm of it’s hey days. While Kolkata is a city of enduring charm, it is also a city that evokes extreme emotions. So be ready to give in to it or hate it completely. Kolkata, besides being an extremely populous city of almost twenty million inhabitants , is also the city where Mother Teresa worked tirelessly for the poor and homeless and the city where Rabindra Nath Tagore wrote his famous books. Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our representative who will present you with a welcome pack including all necessary documentation and arrange your transfer to the Park hotel for check-in. No activity is scheduled today, since most of the International flights arrive into India close to midnight only. Park Hotel: Located on Park Street, the shopping and commercial hub of the city of Kolkata, the Park hotel is one of Kolkata’s landmarks. International standard facilities and services, recently refurbished rooms and an excellent location combine to make the Park a preferred hotel for tourists to Kolkata. Overnight in Kolkata.

2. Day 2 Kolkata

   This morning, you are collected from your hotel for half-day tour of Kolkata. The tour includes the imposing Victoria Memorial, a splendid example of British architecture. This building was built in memory of Queen Victoria and was inaugurated by Prince of Wales in 1921. Birla Planetarium – One of the earliest planetariums in India, St Paul's Cathedral and the Indian Museum - This museum was established in 1878, built in Italian architectural style and is considered as the largest museum in the country and one of the best in Asia. Afternoon at leisure to perhaps venture out and discover the city on your own. Overnight in Kolkata.

3. Day 3 Kolkata - Sunderban (120 kms/03 hrs.)

   This morning you drive to Basanti Port (120 kms/03 hrs.). On arrival , transfer by boat to Sunderban. Sunderbans: The Sunderbans National park, located in the Eastern Indian state of West Bengal, and bordering neighbouring Bangladesh, is a vast area covering 4264 square kms in India alone, making it the largest Tiger Reserve and National Park in India. Sunderbans, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a stretch of impenetrable mangrove forest of great size and bio-diversity. The Sunderbans are covered in mangrove forests of which there are three main zones, classified by the level of salinity in the soil and water. Fishing, timber extraction and honey collection are the main human activities allowed within the Sunderbans. The four Sunderbans national parks have been lumped together as they all share common features of the estuarine mangrove ecosystem. The main attraction of the Sunderbans is the Tiger, of which the delta harbours the largest single population in the world, estimated at about 300 . The animals inhabiting this mangrove wilderness have become adept at living a semi-aquatic lifestyle and have also gained a reputation for aggression, attacking the honey collectors and fisherman entering their domain. Despite their relatively large numbers, the Sunderbans Tigers are not easy to find and mostly nocturnal in habits resting up during the heat of the day. The mangroves also provide cover for large reptiles such as the Monitor Lizard, Estuarine Crocodile, and the Olive Ridley Turtle, the latter the subject of a conservation programme in the Indian park. Tiger sightings are rare, but tourists to the Sunderbans get to see and experience a unique and severely threatened aquatic habitat. Upon arrival check-in to the Sunderban Tiger Camp. Sunderban Tiger Camp: The Sunderban Tiger Camp is the best resort in the Sunderbans area and is set amidst a sprawling 15 acres of forestland just opposite Sajnekhali Tiger Reserve Forest, in the heart of Sunderbans. Accommodation is air-conditioned Cottages, all with private western style facilities, modern amenities, and large verandahs. In addition to wildlife viewing boat rides, another activity available here is angling. The Camp also has a Library, a Bar and a Pool table. Overnight in Sunderban.

4. Day 4 In Sunderban

   This morning you are collected from your hotel for full day boat cruise in Sunderban National Park. Safaris in Sunderbans are conducted in Boats, that cruise through the estuarine backwaters and mangrove forests. Overnight in Sunderban.

5. Day 5 In Sunderban

   This morning you are collected from your hotel for a full-day boat cruise in Sunderban National Park. Overnight in Sunderban.

6. Day 6 Sunderban - Kolkata (120 kms/03 hrs.) - Guwahati - Kaziranga (220 kms/05 hrs.)

   This morning you will be met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to the Basanti Port by boat. On arrival drive to Kolkata airport (125 kms/03 hrs.) intime to board flight to Guwahati. Upon arrival at Guwahati airport, you will be met and driven to the Kaziranga National Park (220 kms/05 hrs.). Kaziranga: Perhaps North Eastern India's most famous National park, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park consists of a 430 square kilometre tract of low-lying grassland sprinkled with shallow lakes and woodlands. Kaziranga is famous for its 1,000-strong population of Indian One-horned Rhinoceros, which is more than two tons of frightening muscle and tank-like belligerence, and wild water Buffalos, but the Kaziranga reserve also rivals Bharatpur for wetland birds and supports localised and endangered grassland species such as Swamp Partridge and Bengal Florican. Kaziranga is divided into three ranges, each with its own character and highlights. The popular central range supports higher densities of Rhinos, Elephants and Water Buffalos, but it is the eastern range which offers some of the most exciting and varied wildlife-watching in Kaziranga. At Sohola bheel you are likely to see Greater Adjutant Stork, Pallas' and Grey-headed Fishing Eagle and a great variety of waterfowl. Otters are frequently seen on a nearby river, and the woodlands harbour woodpeckers, Fairy Bluebirds, flocks of Spot-winged Stares, warblers and much more. It is in this less-visited region of the park that you will have the best chance of sighting Tigers. Upon arrival check-in to the Wild Grass Lodge. Wild Grass Resort: The Wild Grass Resort is one of Kaziranga's finest accommodations and is located just a short distance from the Park entrance. Set in beautiful gardens away from the main road, the Wild Grass Resort has large bedrooms with their own shower rooms, lovely food, and a pool. Apart from serious wildlife enthusiasts, plant lovers also find the Wild Grass resort interesting, with its extensive grounds and more than 40 species of full-grown native trees and over 200 species of tropical climbers and shrubs. In addition to National Park visits, activities at the Wild Grass resort include guided nature treks; village walks and visits to nearby tea gardens. Overnight in Kaziranga.

7. Day 7 In Kaziranga

   Early morning & evening game safaris into the Kaziranga National Park. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight in Kaziranga.

8. Day 8 In Kaziranga

   Early morning & evening game safaris into the Kaziranga National Park. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight in Kaziranga.

9. Day 9 Kaziranga - Guwahati (220 kms/05 hrs.) - Kolkata Depart

   This morning met by our representative and escorted from your lodge to Guwahati airport (220 kms/05 hrs.) in time to board a flight to Kolkata followed by the connecting flight to home.

Price

Start from: USD 1868 Per Person

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Accommodation

Important Information

• Small supplements may apply for travel between 20th December' and 05th January'.
• All the figures quoted above are net per person in US Dollars.

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance