Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve, Manas National Park, Gorumara National Park, Singalila National Park, Glenburn Tea Estate

India has 50 Tiger reserves, governed by Project Tiger which is, in turn, administrated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and 104 National Parks.

Some of these reserves and National Parks are World renowned; places like Kanha, Ranthambhore and Corbett. Unsurprisingly, these famous reserves attract the largest number of visitors which can, at times, make being on safari a distinctly un-relaxing experience.
Others, either because of remoteness or a reputation for tiger sightings being harder to come by, see far fewer visitors. For us this is no deterrent; in fact it is a positive plus point.
There is far more pleasure to be gained from a hard earned and exclusive tiger sighting than from half a dozen where all you needed to do was follow the other jeeps.

With that in mind, this itinerary is more likely to appeal to travellers returning to India than to those seeking their first tiger sighting.
Having said that, we would certainly expect to see tigers in at least one of these reserves, to also enjoy sightings of the elusive Red Panda and some terrific birding.

Starting in Kolkata the first park we visit is the Sundarbans, the largest delta covered with mangrove and saline mudflats in the world. The delta, formed by the confluence of the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers is the largest mangrove forest in the word and is thought to contain the largest tiger population in the world. It is also a great place to see the rare Fishing Cat and is a great place for birders too.

Travelling via Kolkata again, we transfer to Guwahati before setting off on a journey by road that takes us through the Himalayan foothills close to the border with Bhutan.

We’ll visit Manas National Park; where you should be able to see elephants, one-horned rhinoceros and tigers, Gorumara National Park, and Singalila National Park where we’ll spend our days hiking in search of Red Pandas.

Our safari finished with two nights at Glenburn Tea Estate, a lovely little plantation retreat that sits on a hillock above the banks of the River Rungeet, high in the Himalayas, overlooked by the mighty Kanchenjunga mountain range.

There’s plenty to do here, whether you choose to relax, explore the tea plantation, go hiking in the hills or maybe take a day trip to Darjeeling.
Steeped in British colonial history, the hill station of Darjeeling stands at a height of 6,000 feet, with the magnificent Mount Kanchenjunga as a backdrop. Take a ride on the famous Darjeeling Hill Railway (now a World Heritage Site) from Darjeeling Town, through the picturesque Batasia Loop and then to the neighbouring towns of Ghoom and Kurseong.

The trip ends with a transfer to Bagdogra and a flight to Delhi from where you can connect with your onward travel plans.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kolkata and transfer to Godkahli Ferry Ghat point. Transfer to Sunderban River camp by boat. Overnight at Sunderban Tiger Camp.
Day 2: Morning and evening boat safari in Sunderban National Park in search of big and small cats Overnight at Sunderban Tiger Camp.

Day 3: Morning and evening boat safari in search of big and small cats Overnight at Sunderban Tiger Camp.
Day 4: Morning boat safari. Transfer to Godkhali by boat and drive to Kolkata. Overnight at Swissotel / Holiday Inn Express, Kolkata.
Day 5: After breakfast transfer to Kolkata airport. Flight to Guwahati. Upon arrival at Guwahati transfer to Manas, approx. 3.5 hrs drive. Overnight at Musa Jungle Retreat.
Day 6: Morning and afternoon safaris at Manas National Park. Overnight at Musa Jungle Retreat.
Day 7: Morning and afternoon safaris at Manas National Park. Overnight at Musa Jungle Retreat.
Day 8: After early breakfast drive to Dooars. Approx. 6.5 hrs drive. Evening at leisure. Overnight at Riverwood Forest Retreat, Dooars.
Day 9: Morning and afternoon safaris at Gorumara National Park. Overnight at Riverwood forest retreat, Dooars.
Day 10: Early morning transfer to Habres Nest (6 hrs drive). Overnight at Habres Nest.

Day 11,12 &13: Explore Singalila National park by walking, hiking. Overnight at Habres Nest.
Day 14: Early morning transfer to Glenburn Tea Estate. Overnight at Glenburn Tea Estate.
Day 15: In house activities like tea estate visit, birding, angling by the lodge. Overnight at Glenburn Tea Estate.
Day 16: Transfer to Bagdogra Airport. Fly to Delhi . Upon arrival at Delhi connect to international flight.

Prices:
Cost per person sharing, based on 2 people travelling together – GBP4,065 / USD4,675
Cost per person sharing, based on 4 people travelling together – GBP3,685 / USD4,240

* Private transport throughout, with private guides at each wildlife area.
** Please note that as exchange rates are fluctuating drastically at the moment these are guideline prices. At the time of booking we will confirm the actual price based upon the prevailing rates of exchange.

If you like the idea of visiting the Sundarbans and travelling through Himalayan Foothills, we’d love to help you make it happen.
Just email us or phone us.
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