Land of Royals – Eastern India’s Great Wilderness Circuit

ITINERARY

• 01 Delhi – Arrival & Cultural Orientation
  • Overview

  Arrive early morning at New Delhi International Airport where you will be received and assisted before transfer to your hotel.
  In the afternoon, explore the historic contrasts of Old and New Delhi. Visit India Gate, the Red Fort, Raj Ghat, and drive past the President’s House and other landmark government buildings. This introduction provides historical context before you transition into India’s great wilderness landscapes.
  Overnight in Delhi.

• 02 Delhi – Guwahati – Manas National Park
  • Overview

  Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Guwahati in Assam.
  On arrival, drive to Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas along the Bhutan border.
  The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and absorb the forest atmosphere.
  Overnight at the lodge near Manas.

• 03 Manas National Park – Himalayan Foothill Wilderness
  • Overview

  Manas is one of India’s original Project Tiger reserves and among the most biologically rich landscapes in Eastern India. It supports a mosaic of riverine grasslands, forested islands, and semi-evergreen woodland.
  The park is renowned for rare and endangered species including:

  • The highly endangered Hispid Hare
  • Pygmy Hog
  • Golden Langur
  • Asiatic Elephant
  • Tiger
  • Clouded Leopard

  Morning and afternoon jeep safaris explore different habitat zones of the park. Your specialist naturalist will interpret predator ecology, riverine systems, and conservation revival efforts that have restored Manas to global prominence.
  Overnight at the lodge.

• 04 Manas – Kaziranga National Park
  • Overview

  After breakfast, drive to Kaziranga National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  Kaziranga’s floodplains, tall elephant grasslands, and wetlands support one of the highest densities of large mammals in Asia. It harbours:

  • The world’s largest population of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros
  • Asiatic Wild Water Buffalo
  • Eastern Swamp Deer (Barasingha)
  • Wild Elephant
  • Tiger

  Evening at leisure.
  Overnight at the lodge near Kaziranga.

• 05 Kaziranga – Grassland Giants
  • Overview

  Early morning safari into one of Kaziranga’s prime ranges. An optional elephant safari may be arranged for a closer perspective of rhinos in the grasslands.
  Return for breakfast.
  In the afternoon, explore a different range of the park, focusing on wetland birdlife and grassland predators. Kaziranga’s open terrain offers exceptional visibility and photographic opportunities.
  Dinner and overnight at the resort.

• 06 Kaziranga – Forest Edge & Cultural Landscape
  • Overview

  Morning nature walk in the reserve forest areas outside the core zone, searching for the rare Hoolock Gibbon and hornbill species.
  Return for breakfast.
  In the afternoon, visit nearby tribal villages or tea gardens of Assam. This offers perspective on the region’s cultural heritage and the delicate balance between human communities and wildlife corridors.
  Overnight at the resort.

• 07 Kaziranga – Guwahati – Kolkata
  • Overview

  Drive to Guwahati airport to connect with your flight to Kolkata.
  Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for overnight stay. Evening at leisure.

• 08 Kolkata – Sundarbans National Park
  • Overview

  After early breakfast, drive approximately 2½ hours to Sonakhali jetty. Board your boat for a scenic two-hour cruise into the Sundarbans delta — the world’s largest mangrove forest.
  Arrive at your jungle camp on Bali Island near the National Park’s West Range.
  After lunch, cruise through narrow tidal creeks to Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower, a prime zone for observing spotted deer, wild boar, estuarine crocodiles, and possible tiger movement.
  Return to camp by evening.
  Dinner and overnight at the Resort.

• 09 Sundarbans – Mangrove Predator Habitat
  • Overview

  Full-day cruise toward Netidhopani watch tower, exploring deeper into the tiger territory of the Sundarbans.
  This unique ecosystem is home to:
  The Royal Bengal Tiger adapted to tidal mangroves
  Fishing Cat
  Saltwater Crocodile
  Gangetic Dolphin
  Rich birdlife including kingfishers, herons, and raptors
  Lunch is served onboard to maximise field time.
  Return to camp in the evening. A brief local cultural presentation by villagers provides insight into life in this challenging delta landscape.
  Dinner and overnight at the Resort.

• 10 Sundarbans – Kolkata – Delhi
  • Overview

  Morning birding cruise to Dobanki Watch Tower, which features a canopy walk offering elevated views over the mangrove forest.
  After early lunch, transfer by boat to the jetty and drive back to Kolkata airport to board your evening flight to Delhi.
  On arrival in Delhi, transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.

• 11 Delhi – Departure
  • Overview

  Day at leisure or optional city exploration.
  Late evening transfer to the International Airport for your onward flight.