EASTERN INDIA WILDLIFE & BIRDING TOUR  

Day 01: Arrive Dibrugarh Ex-Delhi / Kolkata by Air.

Arrive Dibrugarh (103 mtrs above sea level). Transferred to a Heritage Chang Bungalow (20 kms/30 mins) in the midst of a tea garden. After lunch we take you for a tour around a tea estate to learn all about tea – its origin and culture, how it is grown, about tea tasting and its quality. In the evening enjoy a dance performance by an ethnic Assamese dance troupe on the bungalow lawns. Overnight at the Chang Bungalow.

DIBRUGARH is the gateway to the “Hidden Land” of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh and Northern Myanmar. The Ahoms from Thailand came through Northern Myanmar to this area in the 13th century to establish their Empire which thrived in the ancient land of Assam. It is the “Camellia” town of Upper Assam, an undisturbed haven, with its rich tea gardens resembling a lush green carpet.

CHANG BUNGALOWS. Chang in the local language means “raised on stilts” and the design served multi purposes- to keep the house cool by allowing the breeze to blow underneath and to keep both water and animals out!

A TEA TOUR through a 157 years old heritage tea garden gives an insight into the different activities that vary from season to season. It teaches us all about tea- its origin, how it is grown, tea tasting and its quality.

Please note that there is no tea plucking between December and mid March and hence the actual manufacturing process of tea cannot be demonstrated when one visits the factory during this period. Factory also remains closed on Mondays of the week

Day 02: Dibrugarh - Dibru - Saikhowa National Park

Today early in the morning we drive to Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (55 kms / 1 ½ hrs) for a full day birding with packed breakfast and lunch. Return to Dibrugarh late in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Chang Bungalow.

Dibru - Saikhowa National Park known for the presence of Feral Horses, has the most distinct and vibrant wilderness on earth and is known for its pristine scenic beauty. The forest in this park ranges from semi-evergreen to deciduous to littoral to swampy marshes with patches of wet evergreen jungles. About 36 species of mammals have so far been recorded in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park – Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Malayan Giant Squirrel, Slow Loris, to name a few.

Day 03: Dibrugarh-Wakro

Post breakfast drive to Wakro (190 kms / 4 hrs). Enroute we visit Empong Village to see the Khampti tribe and also visit the Buddhist Gompa which is considered to be the largest of its kind in the North-east near Namsai- the land of the Khampti tribe who are believed to be the descendants of the Tai Ahoms. They migrated from Thailand during the early part of 13th century to the Lohit district. Overnight at Purvi’s Mishmi Retreat at Wakro. (traditional Mishmi huts)

Wakro (maximum valley altitude 2000m) is the homeland of the “Mishmis” one of the Mongoliod tribes of Tibeto-Burman origin. They speak their own dialect which varies from different groups. The three major Mishmi groups are “Idus” “Tarons” and the ‘Kamans’. Mishmis are very rich in culture and may be termed as a festival loving people. They believe any day of the year is auspicious for a ceremony if provisions exist. On these days animals are sacrificed. Mishmis are nature worshipers.

Day 04: At Wakro

After breakfast visit the local school and interact with Mishmi tribal villagers to learn about their rich culture and tradition. Also visit Parasuramkund – a pilgrimage site where thousands of pilgrims come every year during Makar Sankranti to take a holy dip in the Lohit River. Evening at leisure. Overnight at camp.

Day 05: Wakro-Roing

After breakfast drive to Roing (160 kms/ 5 hrs) in the Debang valley of Arunachal Pradesh crossing the Lohit River at Digaru. Afternoon visit a local Idu Mishmi tribal village. Overnight at Purvi Nefa Camp (tented accommodation with attached toilet, but without running water. Water will be provided in buckets).

Roing rises from the Himalayan foothills to the middle ranges with the highest point of Mayodia at a height of 2655 meters from mean sea level. Snow-capped peaks, turbulent rivers, mystic valleys and abundance of rich flora & fauna are a few attractions of the district. The district is well known for its largest cover of thick green forest with almost 80% of the area being notified as reserved forest, wild life sanctuaries or unclassified state forests. Idu Mishmi is the major tribe inhabiting this area along with the Adi Padam tribe in the lower plain areas. The Idu Mishmi tribe is also known as Chulikatas. They build their houses on the slant of hills or in the forest .The roof is thatched with grass, bamboo, timber etc. Their main festival is Reh. Their dress is remarkable for the wealth and beauty of its design. Most of it is made locally from wood, partly from cotton and sometimes of nettle fibre. They also wear thick coats with a black and white pattern made of nettle fibre and human hair.

The abundance of natural beauty, colorful and charming tribes, ancient archeological sites make the place a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventurous tourists, archeologists and anthropologists.

Day 06: At Roing

Early morning we drive to Mayodia Pass (55kms/ 1 ½ hrs) - a unique pass situated at an altitude of 7000 ft amidst lofty hills, lush green forests and breathtaking landscapes. Here you can see several Slaty-Backed and Black-Backed Forktails, Red-Headed Trogons, White-Crested Laughing-Thrushes and some amazingly confident Coral-Billed Scimitar BabblersReturn to Roing and visit the local villages. Overnight at Camp.

Day 07: Roing-Dibrugarh

After breakfast drive back to Dibrugarh (160 kms/5hrs). Enroute cross the mighty Brahmaputra by ferry (local country boat). Afternoon at leisure or option to visit the local market, temple and a weaving centre to see the traditional looms and the weaving of silk famous all over the world. Overnight at Heritage Chang Bungalow.

Day 8: Dibrugarh - Kaziranga

Today we will drive to Kaziranga (220 kms/ 6 hrs). Enroute visit Tea Research Association (TRA) at Jorhat (140 kms/ 3 hrs). Thereafter drive to Kaziranga National Park and check in at hotel for 2 nights.

Kaziranga National Park – A World Heritage Site, is home to more than 75% of the world’s population of the great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros. Kaziranga has a wide variety of fauna and avifauna in a unique habitat. Grasslands, mainly comprise close tangled and thorny rattan cane, elephant grass and tall trees of the evergreen forest, interspersed with numerous water bodies, marshes and shallow pools. The main wildlife besides the Rhino comprise of the Asiatic Water Buffalo, Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Swamp Deer, Barking Deer, Hog Deer and Sambar. More than 400 species of birds are found in the park.

Note : The Park remains open from 1st November to 30th April only.

Day 9: At Kaziranga National Park

Early morning we take an elephant safari in the central range of the park followed by a jeep safari after breakfast also to the Central range of the park. In the afternoon, we visit the western range of the park by jeep. Overnight at the hotel.

The Central Range passes through the entire habitat spectrum from ox-bow lakes, savannah woodland to Dillenia Swamp Forest. It is very good for mammal sightings as well as birds (Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Great Hornbill, Rufous Woodpecker). Driving along one can see rows of Indian Roofed and Tent Turtles (Kachuga tecta and Kachuga tentoria). Water Monitors Varanus salvator is sometimes seen in the beels. The elephant ride also takes place in this part of the park and one gets to see the Rhino very closely while traversing through its terrain of swamps and tall grass. It is also good for early morning photography of rhinos in the mist.

The Western Range has the highest density of Rhinos, as this part is swampier with extensive Haemarthia compressa stands. It is also good for grassland birds and raptors (Swamp Francolin, Pallas's Fish-Eagle). Smooth Indian Otters Lutrogale perspicillata is sometimes seen fishing in the ox-bow lakes.

Day 10: Kaziranga - Nameri National Park

Today after breakfast we depart for Nameri National Park (120kms/ 2/ ½ hours) and check in at the Eco Camp on the outer fringes of the National Park for 2 nights (tented accommodation). Afternoon take a walk inside the park. Dinner and overnight at Eco Camp.

Nameri National Park is located on the banks of the river Bhorelli on the northern side of the Brahmaputra. Situated on the foothills of the great Himalayas, it is another tiger and bison country. Deciduous forests with the river Bhorelli flowing by its side, have added a unique charm to it. Nameri is a birder's paradise with over 300 species of birds. The white winged wood duck, Great Pied Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Rufous Necked Hornbill, Black Stork, Ibis Bill, Blue-bearded Bee-eaters, Babblers, Plovers and many other birds make Nameri its home. A trek inside the forest enables good sighting of the White Winged Wood Duck.

Note: Park remains open from 1st November to 30th April only.

Day 11: At Nameri National Park

Today we trek inside Nameri National Park and look for the wild flora and fauna of the park. Whole Day Wildlife excursion & Bird watching on foot in Nameri WLS, look for the White-winged Wood Duck. You will have the option to go for White Water rafting at Jia Bhorali River. Night halt at Nameri Eco-camp.

Day 12: Nameri to Guwahati

Post breakfast we drive to Guwahati (200 kms/ 6hrs) and check in at a hotel for 1 night. In the afternoon, option to visit the Pygmy Hog Conservation and Research Center at Basistha (15kms/ 30 mins) from Guwahati to get a first hand knowledge about the behavior of this endangered mammal. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Guwahati: Situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in the Kamrup District of Assam, Guwahati is a fast growing premier city. It is the gate way to the North Eastern States of India and a principal center of socio cultural, political, industrial and trade and commerce of the entire region. Dispur, the capital of Assam is a part of Guwahati. Earlier, this city was full of areca nut trees rappled by pan creepers. Hence, this city subsequently got the name Guwahati.

Day 13: Guwahati - Fly out

After breakfast drive to Guwahati Airport to board the flight for onward destination. Farewell and tour ends.

Price per person sharing:  GBP (subject to change and availability)

Inclusions:

Accommodation: Twin sharing basis with supplement for single room. 3 Nights Tea Garden Bungalow, 6 Nights in Jungle camp, 2 Nights in Forest Resort, 1 Night in a City Hotel

In city the accommodation will be in 3 and 4 star standards. There are options of more expensive luxury hotels and these can be used on request with supplement cost. The Forest resorts and Tea Garden bungalow will be in natural settings with comfortable rooms and basic amenities whereas in trekking trail the lodges and camps will be basic with limited facilities. However, we take extra care in selecting the accommodation which will have a nice location and character.

Meal: Starts from Lunch or Dinner on the arrival day depending on the flight schedule and end with breakfast on the last day. During long trekking day packed lunch is served enroute and for short duration trekking day the lunch is served in the hotels or lodges upon arrival. Apart from main meal we also serve enough liquid and dry food during the trekking days (juice/water/energy drinks/ fruits/chocolate etc)

Meals are provided based on the availability in a particular places and comprises of Indian / Continental / Chinese and local verities. 

Guide: Our all tours are accompanied by an experienced English speaking Wildlife guide. He will take care of your needs, help to know the bio diversity and assist you to reach the destination without getting lost. Our guides are trained with first aids.

Transport: Privet transfer to and from the airport and in the non trekking days. Vehicle types depend on the group size. Normally we use SUV for small size group and Coach for the larger group over 12 people.

Permits and tax: We take care of all related travel or area permits. All hotel tax, govt taxes are included.

Camping & Misc: During trekking / camping we provide crew support with cook, porters, sleeping tents, toilet tents with Hot water bucket shower and sleeping materials.

Entrance and safari: All safari charge and entry fees to parks are included

Non Inclusions:

Domestic and international flight: Our packages do not include the flight fare but we can arrange this with a supplement cost on request.

Emergency Evacuation and Insurance: The cost for these services will be extra and as per situation.

Camera Charge: Some Parks charge for Still and video camera. These are not included in the package.

Tipping: This is not mandatory. However, entire support team gives 100% effort and they even go extra miles to give you a nice experience and thus they expect an incentive after the successful trip.