Sundarban, Kaziranga & Manas

Sundarban, Kaziranga & Manas in 15 Days

Discover the rich tapestry of Eastern India's natural beauty and cultural heritage on this immersive 15-day journey. Your adventure begins in Kolkata, the vibrant capital of West Bengal, renowned for its colonial architecture and lively street markets. From the bustling cityscape, you will venture into the remote and enchanting Sundarbans Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest river delta. This unique mangrove ecosystem is famed for its elusive Bengal Tigers and remarkable biodiversity.

Following your exploration of the Sundarbans, you'll travel to Kaziranga National Park in Assam, a sanctuary for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Here, the lush grasslands and wetlands provide a vital habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants and tigers. Your journey continues to Manas National Park, known for its picturesque landscapes and rare species such as the Golden Langur and the Manas Water Buffalo.

Throughout this adventure, you will experience an array of wildlife encounters and gain insights into the local cultures of the regions you visit. From the dense mangroves of the Sundarbans to the expansive grasslands of Kaziranga and the scenic beauty of Manas, this itinerary promises an unforgettable exploration of India’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

Tour Highlights

Kaziranga National Park

In Kaziranga, a must-do is the jeep safari through the park’s grasslands, offering sightings of the famous one-horned rhinoceros, along with elephants, wild buffaloes, and tigers. An elephant ride is another exciting way to explore the park’s wilderness, allowing for closer encounters with the wildlife. Lastly, the Kaziranga National Orchid Park is a botanical treasure showcasing the vibrant diversity of Assam’s flora, with over 500 species of orchids.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive in Kolkata

Arrive in Kolkata, the vibrant capital of West Bengal and a city steeped in history and culture.
Known for its colonial architecture, bustling streets, and rich literary heritage, Kolkata was once
the capital of British India and continues to be a cultural hub. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel
and relax, preparing for your upcoming adventure.
Overnight stay in Kolkata.

DAY 2: Drive to Sundarbans (Godkhali) and Boat Transfer into the Reserve

After breakfast, embark on a drive of approximately 100 km (about 3 hours) to Godkhali, the gateway to the Sundarbans. The Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest river delta in the world, known for its complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and mangrove forests. The region’s unique ecosystem is crucial for the survival of the Bengal Tiger, which is one of the few places where this elusive predator lives in the wild. The mangrove forests here are renowned for their remarkable biodiversity, including the ability of tigers to swim long distances. Upon arrival at your lodge, check in and immerse yourself in the unique setting of this waterlogged terrain. Overnight stay in Sundarbans.

DAY 3: Explore Sundarbans by Boat

Spend a full day exploring the Sundarbans by boat. This vast network of waterways and mangrove forests is not only home to the Bengal Tiger but also to other fascinating wildlife such as saltwater crocodiles, various species of deer, and the rare fishing cat. The Sundarbans’ isolation and challenging environment make it a critical refuge for these species. The reserve’s mangrove forests are essential breeding grounds and provide crucial habitat. Breakfast and lunch will be served on the boat, allowing for uninterrupted exploration of this remote and biodiverse area. Overnight stay in Sundarbans.

DAY 4: Further Exploration of Sundarbans and Village Visit

Continue your boat exploration of the Sundarbans in the morning. The dense mangroves and labyrinthine waterways offer opportunities to observe the “man-eating” tigers and other wildlife adapted to this unique habitat. In the afternoon, take a village tour to experience local life. The communities here have developed unique methods to coexist with the wildlife, including the Bengal Tigers that are an integral part of their daily lives. This interaction provides insights into the traditional ways of living and the challenges faced by people living in close proximity to such formidable wildlife. Overnight stay in Sundarbans.

DAY 5: Return to Kolkata and City Tour

Depart early from the lodge and enjoy a short boat trip back to Godkhali. After disembarking, drive back to Kolkata (approximately 100 km/3 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a city tour of Kolkata. Highlights include the Victoria Memorial, a grand white marble building dedicated to Queen Victoria, Howrah Bridge, an iconic symbol of the city, and the bustling markets of New Market, offering a glimpse into Kolkata’s vibrant street life. Overnight stay in Kolkata.

DAY 6: Fly to Guwahati and Drive to Kaziranga National Park

Fly from Kolkata to Guwahati. Upon arrival, drive approximately 200 km (about 6 hours) to Kaziranga National Park, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Kaziranga is renowned for its population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, and its diverse wildlife includes elephants, tigers, and wild water buffalo. The park is a vital sanctuary for these species and offers a unique opportunity to see them in their natural habitat. Overnight stay in Kaziranga.

DAY 7: Morning and Afternoon Safaris in Kaziranga National Park

Enjoy both morning and afternoon Jeep safaris in Kaziranga National Park using an exclusive Gypsy (jeep). The park’s varied landscapes of grasslands and swamps support a wide range of species, including the Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, and the Great Indian Hornbill. Safaris typically run from sunrise until sunset, providing ample opportunities to explore the park’s rich biodiversity. Overnight stay in Kaziranga.

DAY 8: Morning and Afternoon Safaris in Kaziranga National Park

Continue your jeep safari adventures in Kaziranga with both morning and afternoon safaris. Explore different zones of the park to increase your chances of spotting the park’s rare and endangered species, including the elusive leopard and various bird species that thrive in this habitat. Overnight stay in Kaziranga.

DAY 9: Morning and Afternoon Safaris in Kaziranga National Park

Spend another full day game viewing in Kaziranga National Park. The park’s extensive wetlands and diverse habitats offer excellent opportunities to see a wide array of wildlife, including the endangered rhinoceros and a variety of bird species. Overnight stay in Kaziranga.

DAY 10: Drive to Manas National Park

After breakfast, drive approximately 300 km (about 9 hours) to Manas National Park. Located in Assam, Manas is known for its picturesque landscapes and rich biodiversity. The park is recognized for its population of the endangered Golden Langur and the Manas Water Buffalo. Check into your hotel upon arrival. Overnight stay in Manas.

DAY 11: Exploration of Manas National Park

Spend the day on safaris in Manas National Park using an exclusive Gypsy. The park’s dense forests and grasslands provide habitat for numerous species, including the Golden Langur and the Manas Water Buffalo, as well as various bird species. Safaris generally run from early morning to mid-morning and late afternoon to sunset. Overnight stay in Manas.

DAY 12: Full Day exploration in Manas

Enjoy another full day of game viewing in Manas National Park. The park’s diverse ecosystems and rich flora and fauna make it an exceptional location for observing wildlife, including the rare Bengal Tiger and Asiatic Elephant. Overnight stay in Manas.

DAY 13: Safari in Manas and Village Visit

Participate in a final morning game viewing session in Manas. In the afternoon, visit a local village to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the indigenous communities. This visit offers a glimpse into the traditional ways of life and how these communities coexist with the wildlife of the park. Overnight stay in Manas.

DAY 14: Drive Back to Guwahati and Fly to Kolkata

After breakfast, drive back to Guwahati Airport (approximately 200 km/6 hours) and catch a flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night, reflecting on your experiences in the diverse and wildlife-rich regions of India. Overnight stay in Kolkata.

DAY 15: Departure from Kolkata

Fly home, taking with you the memories of your incredible wildlife experiences and the cultural
insights gained from your visits to the Sundarbans, Kaziranga, and Manas National Parks.

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