Kaziranga National Park: Kaziranga, A UNESCO world heritage site, is surrounded by the Brahmaputra River on the North and the Karbi Anglong mountains in the South. Kaziranga is home for two-third of the world’s population of endangered Great Indian One-horned rhinoceros (approx. 2200), the main attraction of this national park. Kaziranga also declared as a tiger reserve by Govt. of India, holding the high density of tigers in the world as well. The wildlife reserve is located at the district of Golaghat and Nagaon in the Indian state of Assam, covering an approximate area of 430 sq km. The Tropical moist mixed deciduous forests and tropical semi-evergreen forests covered by 41% of the tall & small grasses, 29% open jungle, and the rest covered with the rivers and other water bodies.
Apart from the sighting of one-horned rhinos and tigers, tourists could also spot giant herbivores in the park, like Asiatic Elephant, Swamp Deer, Asiatic Water Buffalos, Indian Muntjac are the few names to mention. Kaziranga has been identifying as a useful hotspot for migrating and inhabitant birds by birdlife international society. These birds such as Palla’s Eagle, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle, Greater Adjutant Stork, Bar Headed Geese, Whistling Teal, Pelicans, and endangered Bengal Floricans could be sight near the national park.
The total area of Kaziranga is divided into the four tourism circuit/ zones – Central Zone, Eastern Zone, Western Zone, and Burapahar Zone. All the tourism zones have their unique significance with the diversified wildlife and landscape around. Kaziranga National Park offers two types of safaris – one is Jeep Safari, and another is Elephant Safari for the wildlife enthusiast to experience the rich diversity of this forest. Jeep safaris offer in all four zones for morning and afternoon safaris, but Elephant safaris offer in two zones – Western and Central zone only for the morning shifts that last for approx. one hour.
Manas National Park: Manas has six national and international designations that are UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Park, National Biosphere Reserve, Tiger Reserve (Core), Elephant Reserver (Core), and an important site for birds sightings. Covering about 500 sq. km of the Core area, Manas shares the international border with Bhutan and is bounded on the north by the ‘Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan’. This Brahmaputra Valley semi-evergreen forest is also rich in species of Indian wildlife, and the only be known home for the endangered and rare species like Assam Roofed Turtle, Golden Langur, Hispid Hare, and Pygmy Hog. The clouded leopard (named after it’s spotted coat), a beautiful Asian cat live throughout the forest of Southeast Asia, and could be seen near Manas National park.
Considers the paradise for around 380 species of birds, Manas is an ideal home for a variety of specialized and migratory birds. Manas nurtures the largest population of the endangered Bengal Florican in the world and is the place where tourists can see the Great Hornbill. Other birds to look for are Greater Adjutant, Hodgson’s Bushchat, Black-tailed Crake, Finn’s Weave, Red-headed Trogon, Rufous-vented Laughingthrush, Swamp Francolin, Ibisbill, Wreathed and Rufous-necked Hornbill, Marsh and Jerdon’s Babblers, etc.
Manas National Park is divided into three ranges/ safari zones named Bansbari Range, Bhuyanpara range, and Panbari range. The entry of tourists restricted the Bansbari range. Two kinds of jungle safaris offered inside the park are the Elephant safari to get the opportunity to see wild animals hiding behind the tall grass. Another one is Jeep safaris like regular jeep safari that lasts for approx. 3 hrs, a half-day jeep safari for around 6 hrs, and full-day jeep safaris for approx. 10 – 11 hrs inside the park.
Tentative Itinerary
Meet & Greet by Vimal/ Aditya personally – Stay at Delhi
Reached Guwahati then drive to Kaziranga – If time permits birding near the lodge - Stay at Kaziranga
Stay at Kaziranga
Day visit to Hoolongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, the isolated protected area which contains India’s only Gibbon – Stay at Kaziranga
Check out - Drive to Manas – Stay at Manas
Morning Elephant Safari & evening game drive into the Manas – Stay at Manas
Morning & Evening game drive into the Manas – Stay at Manas
Morning game drive into the Manas – check out – drive to Guwahati – Fly Delhi or onward destination.