The Great Northeast India Wildlife Tour

16D/15N

wildlife Tours

Manas NP - Nameri NP - Kaziranga NP - Gibbon WS - Dibru Saikhowa NP- Namdapha NP - Dihing Patkai WS

OVERVIEW ITINERARY ACCOMMODATIONS GALLERY BOOKING BLOG

Trip Overview

A grand wildlife odyssey into the mystical wilderness of Northeast India covering a total of five national parks and two wildlife sanctuaries.

This tour has been specially created for the ardent wildlife enthusiast. An experience of a lifetime and lasting sixteen days, you will encounter the great biodiversity that is found in the forests of Northeast India. Altogether, you will visit 5 national parks and 2 wildlife sanctuaries; large tracts of protected areas where conservation efforts have seen credible success and kept the wilderness safe and growing.

From grasslands to marshlands, river islands, and subtropical rain-fed forests – this diversity in vegetation and topography has helped Northeast India become one of the most important and sought-after biodiversity hotspots on the planet. Teeming with an awe-inspiring wide array of species of animals and birds, plants and reptiles, this wildlife tour is sure to leave you thrilled with the action and mysteries read mostly in fabled books about Asian jungles.

You will start your journey at Manas National Park which once was a hunting ground for kings. Located in the foothills of majestic Himalayan ranges and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is well known for its rare and endangered wildlife which is not found anywhere else in the world like the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur, and the pygmy hog. Moving on to Nameri National Park, a dense tract of forest adjacent to mighty mountains, you will go on thrilling nature walks and leisurely rafting to explore the biodiversity, especially the rich birdlife with over 400 species. The journey will now cross the mighty Brahmaputra River to its south bank and bring you to the world famous Kaziranga National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park hosts about two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses and also holds the record for protecting the highest density of tigers in the world. Nine of the 14 primate species found in India are found here. Featured in countless documentaries and magazines, Kaziranga's charm can be experienced in the many wildlife activities available in the park such as elephant safaris, open jeep rides and nature walks.

Nearby, you will make a brief visit to Hoolongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, the primate paradise which is a pretty small and isolated forest surrounded by tea plantations on all sides. It is home to the only ape species in India, the western hoolock gibbon, as well as the only nocturnal primate found in the Northeast Indian states, the Bengal slow loris. Other primates include the stump-tailed macaque, northern pig-tailed macaque, eastern Assamese macaque, rhesus macaque, and capped langur. A long journey from here will bring you to the flood plains of the Brahmaputra River at Dibru Saikhowa National Park. The park is unique in its diversity of habitats, consisting of semi-wet evergreen forests, canebrakes, grasslands, and tropical moist deciduous forests. From here, this wildlife odyssey will take you to the edge of the Himalayas, where lies the biggest national park in India, the Namdapha National Park. This rugged terrain formed by tropical rain forests of incredible biological diversity boasts of more than 1000 plant species, over 500 bird species, and a diversity of animal species that is still climbing steeply. The altitude range of 200m to over 4500m of the park has given rise to many different forest types. One goes from the land of the clouded leopard to the abode of the red panda – and perhaps the elusive snow leopard. Namdapha is among the very few national parks in the country where visitors are allowed to camp and stay inside the forest.

Your journey will finish at the lesser known Dihing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary which is the only rainforest in Assam. Still completely untouched by modern or touristic influences, this sanctuary is very rich in terms of biodiversity. It is an ideal habitat for primates. To date, 42 species of mammals, 40 species of reptiles, and 30 species of butterflies have been listed here. The rainforest is a bird-watchers delight, known to harbor about 293 bird species. Orchids are literally the jewels of this forest. They lend beauty and charm to the landscape due to their bewildering variety of flowers, many showy, colorful, and exquisitely beautiful.

Sensational Wildlife

Witness the most incredible wildlife as you travel across 7 different protected areas.

Wildlife Safaris

 Guided jeep, elephant and boat safaris across various natural habitats.

Jungle Walks

 Thrilling and enchanting walks in the dense forests of Northeast India.

Day 1

Guwahati - Manas NP

After arrival at Guwahati Airport, drive to Manas National Park (3 hours), a UNESCO world heritage site located near the Bhutan border which is famous for tigers and other rare wildlife. The rest of the day can be spent spotting migratory birds from the periphery of the forests or visiting the nearby Fatemabad tea estate.

Day 2

Manas National park

In the morning, go for a short elephant safari that will bring you thrillingly close to some of the wildlife. Later, go for a short walk to explore the ethnic villages that surround the national park and watch birds. After lunch, embark on a long jeep safari in the core area up to Maithanguri along the Beki River near the Bhutan border. Witness the amazing diversity of sub-Himalayan wildlife in the dense forests. Return to the lodge by dusk for an evening at leisure. A bonfire can be arranged.

day 3

manas nP - nameri nP

After breakfast, drive to Nameri National Park (6-7 hours), one of the most scenic national parks in India with its view of the Himalayan peaks. Your stay will be at Potasali Eco-Camp, a jungle camp-styled property with standard amenities which is involved in ecotourism and conservation of the Pigmy Hog and Golden Mahseer, both of which are critically endangered species. Evening at leisure. Bonfires can be arranged on request.

day 4

nameri national park

Go for an early morning nature walk into the wildlife reserve – an experience that is sure to leave you thrilled. Witness the amazing avifaunal diversity of Nameri, and if lucky, you might even catch glimpses of large mammals such as bison, elephants, tigers, leopards, and deers. Midday will be spent leisurely rafting down the beautiful Bhoroli River as it traverses through the jungles. Afternoon at leisure where you may watch a mesmerizing sun setting in the distant Himalayas or visit a nearby village. Evening at leisure.

Day 5

nameri nP - Kaziranga NP

After breakfast, leave for the world-famous Kaziranga National Park (3 hours), home to the largest population of the Greater One-Horned Rhino along with a good density of Bengal Tigers. Go for a jeep safari in the afternoon to the western range where sometimes massive gatherings of wild animals can be spotted near the water bodies. Evening at leisure.

Day 6

kaziranga national park

After an early breakfast, go for a thrilling jeep safari inside the central range where a wide variety of animals can be spotted such as primates, mongooses, otters, and porcupines. The numerous animals and birds of the great grasslands of Kaziranga are sure to leave any nature lover in a delightful mood. Afternoon, go for another wildlife safari to the offbeat eastern range of the national park, a haven of birds where you might just catch the elusive tiger in action, or a giant wild elephant chasing away intruders. The evening will be free at leisure. You may dine in a nice local restaurant.

Itinerary

Day 7

Kaziranga NP - Gibbon WS - Kaziranga NP

Go on a day trip to Hoolongapar Gibbon Sanctuary (2 hours), a small pocket of evergreen forest dedicated to Hoolock Gibbons. Go for a guided nature walk to see some of the seven primate species that inhabit the forest. Various species of butterflies and birds can also be seen in the sanctuary. Return to Kaziranga by early afternoon. The rest of the day will be free at leisure to explore nearby villages and craft centers.

day 8

Kaziranga NP - Dirbru Saikhowa NP

Start the day with an early morning elephant safari that will bring you thrillingly close to some of the large animals. Later after a leisurely breakfast, leave for Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (4-5 hours). En route, if interested you may visit the historical town of Sivasagar to see medieval ruins, temples, and monuments.

day 9

Dibru Saikhowa National park

Enjoy a birding tour at Dibru-Saikhowa, located on a forested island in the middle of the mighty Brahmaputra River. Enjoy a river safari and a boat ride in Magori-beel lake to witness the birdlife that the national park has to offer, many of which are endangered and near-extinct species. Wild feral horses can also be seen on the island though not in dry months. The riverways are also suitable for spotting the shy river dolphin. Packed lunch will be served while at the nature reserve. Return to the hotel by late afternoon. Evening at leisure. You may explore the market area of the town.

day 10

Dibru Saikhowa NP - Namdapha NP

After breakfast, leave for Deban (6 hours), located where the mighty rainforests of Namdapha National Park start. Evening at leisure. Your stay will be at a cozy jungle cottage run by the forest department.

day 11, 12

namdapha national park

Spend the next two days exploring the forests near Deban in escorted hikes. The biodiversity of the area is amazing and unique, where hundreds of birds have so far been recorded and equally fascinating mammalian diversity. The forest hike is a good opportunity to be surrounded by astounding rainforest biodiversity of birds, insects, animals, plants, trees, fungi, etc. Also, visit nearby villages of the Lama and Chakma tribes who live simple lives in nature. Evenings at leisure along with campfire.

day 13

Namdapha NP - Dihing Patkai WS

Drive from Deban to Tipam (5-7 hours) which is located near the very offbeat and unexplored Dihing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary. Overnight will be at tribal cottages which are run by an ecotourism project of the local Tai-Phake Tribe, who are Burmese in their origins. Enjoy their delicious ethnic food.

day 14

Dihing Patkai Wildlife sanctuary

Go for a drive and boat ride that will take you inside the forest reserve. Along with a few mammals which are however hard to see, the reserve is home to many exotic birds and flora. The rest of the day can be spent interacting with the people of the Tai-Phake Tribe by visiting their villages and cultural centers. Learn about their unique culture and way of life.

day 15

Dihing Patkai WS - Dibrugarh

After a leisurely breakfast, leave for Dibrugarh (4 hours). Overnight will be spent at the Gymkhana Clubhouse with standard amenities. The rest of the day will be free to explore Dibrugarh town on your own and just relax.

day 16

dibrugarh

Drive to Dibrugarh Airport as per your departure flight. Tour Ends.

Where you will stay?

When you travel with us, we make sure that you stay in the best available accommodations in the places you visit, especially since many areas in Northeast India are remote and do not have many options to stay.

These properties are highly reviewed by our team of experts and are aesthetic in nature when possible.

Our itineraries are flexible, highly customisable, and you can always choose a different property depending on budget and style.

musa retreat manas assam

musa retreat, manas NP

RATING: LUXURY
STYLE: COTTAGES

The property is almost literally an arm’s length away from the park offering views of fauna and birds from the rooms itself. The rooms and cottages are well furnished and spacious offering modern amenities that are otherwise difficult to find in the wild.

eco camp nameri assam

ECO CAMP, NAMERI NP

RATING: BASIC
STYLE: CAMPSITE

The property offers deluxe styled cottages and camps with colorful fabrics, private bathrooms, sturdy beds and thatched-roof shelters that make the experience relatively luxurious. An atmospheric open-sided restaurant is where a lot of conversations happen.

wildgrass lodge kaziranga

WILDGRASS, KAZIRANGA NP

RATING: STANDARD
STYLE: JUNGLE LODGE

Amidst a setting of Assamese countryside, bamboo groves and tea gardens, Wildgrass Lodge with comfortable rooms is a boutique colonial styled jungle lodge with extensive grounds where the enthusiastic owner grows more than 200 different plant species.

aroma hotel tinsukia assam

AROMA, DIBRU-SAIKHOWA

RATING: STANDARD
STYLE: HOTEL

Located nearby to Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Aroma Residency is a business hotel with spacious modern rooms and has an atmospheric small town location. It is good as a base to explore the national park due to the scarcity of more interesting options.

deban forest guesthouse

forest resthouse, deban

RATING: BASIC
STYLE: GUESTHOUSE

Set midst a sprawling lawn enclosed by the great rainforest, the guesthouse is run the forest department. The delightful cottage has a few simple rooms with basic but clean amenities, homely service and great views of the national park greenery.

gymkhana clubhouse dibrugarh

cluubhouse, dibrugarh

RATING: STANDARD
STYLE: HOTEL

With a small town open atmosphere, it is run by enthusiastic town folks and provides splendid modern rooms and amenities such a pool and a gym. The clubhouse which was built in 1923 consists of a restaurant and a well stocked boutique barroom.

WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

curated experiences

Our itineraries are one of a kind, carefully detailed from our own personal travel experiences, such as choosing the best logistically correct routes to the most interesting stay options.

native guides

With our charming tour guide native to the region, you will get an insider view of life and culture of Arunachal Pradesh, thus bringing forth authentic local expereinces and friendships.

experts in tours

Traveling with Greener Pastures, be assured you are in the best hands of experts who know and are passionate about the region. Expect a hassle-free, easy going and insightful travel.

By choosing us, we share together a pledge towards responsible tourism, and share a belief that travel has the power to positively transform local livelihoods, cultures and environment.

Why Travel With Us?

The tours listed in this website are our own well-researched itineraries that come with a great degree of flexibility and customization. Each tour is therefore individually costed around your requirements and budget. This provides you with a sense of choice and reliability, and also helps us meet customer expectations much more closely, making your travel experience all the more memorable. 

Please fill out the form below to tell us more about the tour you are interested in and a response with costs and information will be sent to you.

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