Birds, Rhinos & Gibbons: Wildlife Tour of Northeast India
Tour Duration: 11 nights 12 days
Tour Destinations: New Delhi – Guwahati – Nameri National Park – Kaziranga National Park – Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary – Dibru Saikhowa National Park – Dihing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary – Dibrugarh – New Delhi
Explore Assam’s Wild Heart: A Journey to Kaziranga National Park
Located in the biodiverse northeastern region of India, Assam is a state of immense ecological importance. At the heart of this lush landscape lies Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia’s most renowned wildlife destinations.
Kaziranga is the last stronghold of the endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike. The park’s unique ecosystem—featuring marshlands, tall elephant grasses, and riverine forests—supports an extraordinary density of wildlife rarely seen elsewhere on the continent.
Here, you’ll encounter not just large herds of Indian rhinoceroses, but also a thriving population of elephants, wild water buffaloes, and swamp deer. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting rare and vibrant species such as the Swamp Francolin, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, and Wreathed Hornbill, among many others.
Kaziranga’s unmatched biodiversity and scenic beauty make it a premier destination for eco-tourism, birding tours, and wildlife safaris in India.
The stump-tailed macaque, also known as the bear macaque, is a robust primate native to South and Southeast Asia, known for its short tail, reddish-brown fur, and strong social behavior within forested habitats.
Day 1: Arrival in New Delhi
• Meet our representative upon arrival at New Delhi International Airport.
• Transfer to the hotel for check-in and relaxation.
• Overnight stay in New Delhi.
Day 2: New Delhi – Guwahati – Nameri National Park
• Fly from New Delhi to Guwahati and begin your journey to Nameri National Park.
• En route, visit a village renowned for hosting the world’s largest population of Greater Adjutant Storks.
• Spot Lesser Adjutants, Citrine Wagtails, Yellow-bellied Prinias, and Striated Grassbirds.
• Enjoy a river cruise on the Jia-Bhoroli to see River Lapwings, Great Thick-knee, Small Pratincoles, Crested Kingfishers, and the seasonal Ibisbill.
• Optional night walk to spot nocturnal birds like Brown Hawk Owl and Savannah Nightjar.
• Overnight stay at the lodge in Nameri.
Day 3: Birdwatching in Nameri National Park
• Full-day birding with a focus on the elusive White-winged Duck.
• Spot species such as Common Green Magpie, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Maroon Oriole, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, and Green Cochoa.
• Look for Wreathed and Great Hornbills in the forest canopy.
• Return to the lodge for lunch and continue birding in the afternoon.
• Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 4: Nameri – Kaziranga National Park
• Final morning birding in Nameri before departing for Kaziranga.
• Stop at key birding spots en route to Kaziranga National Park.
• Afternoon jeep safari in Kaziranga, home to the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, and wild buffalo.
• Overnight stay at the lodge in Kaziranga.
Day 5: Full-Day Exploration of Kaziranga
• Enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safaris across Kaziranga’s grasslands, marshes, and woodlands.
• Spot Swamp Francolins, Baya Weavers, Finn’s Weaver, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, and Greater Adjutants.
• Observe Bar-headed Geese, Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Stork-billed Kingfishers, and more.
• Explore woodland areas for Black-winged Cuckooshrike, Blue-throated Barbet, and Golden-fronted Leafbird.
• Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Kaziranga – Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
• Drive to Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary after breakfast.
• Explore the sanctuary to see India’s only ape—the Hoolock Gibbon.
• Spot species like Collared Treepie, Red-headed Trogon, Sultan Tit, and Rosy Minivet.
• Overnight stay near the sanctuary.
Day 7: Wildlife Safari in Gibbon Sanctuary
• Full-day exploration of the sanctuary focusing on Hoolock Gibbons and other primates.
• Spot Stump-tailed Macaques, Pig-tailed Macaques, Eastern Assamese Macaques, and Capped Langurs.
• Watch Malayan Giant Squirrels and enjoy canopy birding.
• Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 8: Gibbon Sanctuary – Dibru Saikhowa National Park
• Morning birding at the sanctuary.
• Drive to Tinsukia and check in at Wathai Heritage Tea Bungalow.
• Afternoon birding in Dibru Saikhowa National Park.
• Overnight stay at the bungalow.
Day 9: Birding in Dibru Saikhowa National Park
• Full-day birding by boat and on foot in Dibru Saikhowa’s marshes and forests.
• Spot rare species like White-winged Duck, Black-breasted Parrotbill, Jerdon’s Babbler, and Swamp Prinia.
• Look out for Feral Horses and Asiatic Wild Buffalo.
• Overnight stay near the park.
Day 10: Dihing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary
• Explore Dihing Patkai, known as the only rainforest in India with seven wild cat species.
• Spot Clouded Leopard, Marbled Cat, Jungle Cat, and Golden Cat.
• Discover primates like Bengal Slow Loris, Pig-tailed Macaque, and Rhesus Macaque.
• Return for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 11: Wathai Bungalow – Dibrugarh – New Delhi
• Morning sanctuary visit before transfer to Dibrugarh Airport (70 km / 2 hrs).
• Fly to New Delhi (14:05 – 18:20 hrs).
• Transfer to the hotel for overnight stay in New Delhi.
Day 12: Departure from New Delhi
• Morning at leisure for relaxation or last-minute shopping.
• Transfer to the international airport for your return flight or onward journey.
Tour Cost Inclusions
• Accommodation in premium wildlife lodges, eco-resorts, and quality hotels on a twin-sharing basis across New Delhi, Nameri, Kaziranga, Hoollongapar, and Wathai Heritage Bungalow (Tinsukia).
• All meals included from Day 1 dinner to Day 12 breakfast, offering a seamless culinary experience throughout the tour.
• All surface transfers and transport in a dedicated air-conditioned vehicle, including airport pick-up and drop in New Delhi.
• Domestic flights: New Delhi – Guwahati and Dibrugarh – New Delhi, included as part of the tour logistics.
• All park entry fees, permits, and camera charges (for still cameras) at Nameri, Kaziranga, Hoollongapar, Dibru Saikhowa, and Dihing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• Services of an expert birding guide/naturalist for the entire tour, specializing in Northeast India’s avifauna and biodiversity.
• Local guides and trackers at specified reserves for deeper insight and enhanced wildlife tracking.
• Scheduled boat rides and jeep safaris in key locations like Nameri, Kaziranga, and Dibru Saikhowa as per the itinerary.
• Bottled drinking water provided during drives and all field excursions for guest comfort.
• Complete tour coordination assistance, including check-ins, airport formalities, and ground support.
Tour Cost Exclusions
• International airfare to/from New Delhi.
• Visa fees, travel insurance, vaccinations, or any personal medical expenses.
• Personal expenses like laundry, phone calls, room service, mini-bar usage, spa services, and alcoholic beverages.
• Optional excursions, safaris, or activities not listed in the official itinerary.
• Camera/video equipment charges for professional gear or drones exceeding still-camera limits.
• Tips and gratuities for drivers, guides, porters, and lodge staff.
• Extra accommodation or meals before Day 1 or after Day 12, or anything requested outside the scheduled plan.
• Any services not specifically mentioned under Tour Cost Inclusions.