In Search of the Red Panda & Fishing Cats Special Interest
Day 1 : To Kolkata
Fly to Kolkata via middle east. Regional flight connections are possible please contact for details.
Day 2 : Kolkata
Arrive in Kolkata, the City of Joy. Owing to its aristocratic past, Kolkata has an incomparable spirit and majestic charm that invokes the feeling of awe and reverence equally. Experience it with afternoon sightseeing, including visits to the Jain Temple, Victoria Memorial, Kali Temple and Mother Teresa’s Orphanage. Overnight at Taj Bengal. B
Day 3 : To Singalila National Park
Morning transfer to airport to board your flight to Bagdogra (Indigo Airlines 6E-6785 departs Kolkata at 07:50 hrs and arrives Bagdogra at 08:55 hrs). On arrival in Badgogra Habre's Nest via the Kakarbhitta international border crossing gate. Check in to Habre’s Nest after about 5.30 hrs drive through the exclusive eastern Himalayan forest of Singalila. Habre’s Nest will be your home for the next 5 Nights.
(Singalila Mountain Ridge is one of the most remarkable wildlife habitats in the Eastern Himalayas and is widely regarded as the best place in India—and across the species' global range—to see the endangered Red Panda in the wild. This high-altitude ridge, with its pristine forests and rugged landscapes, offers a unique ecological haven not only for Red Pandas but also for a rich diversity of flora and fauna).
Singalila is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to over 300 species of birds, including some of the most sought-after Himalayan species such as the Satyr Tragopan, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Blood Pheasant, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Kalij Pheasant, Golden Bush-Robin, Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler, Brown Parrotbills, Rosefinches, Bullfinches, Laughing Thrushes, Treecreepers, Yuhinas, Minivets, and many more.
The forest is also a sanctuary for elusive and rare mammals, including the Clouded Leopard, Marbled Cat, Asian Golden Cat, Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard Cat, Serow, Barking Deer, Yellow-throated Marten, Pangolin, Wild Boar, and the small, mountain-dwelling Pika.
(The Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens), also known as the “firefox,” is a small, arboreal mammal native to the Eastern Himalayas and Southwest China. Characterized by its reddish-brown fur, bushy ringed tail, and distinctive waddling gait caused by shorter front legs, it measures up to 2 feet in length and weighs no more than 10 kg. Classified as Endangered by the IUCN, its global population is estimated at fewer than 10,000 mature individuals, declining due to habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching, and inbreeding. Singalila National Park remains one of its last strongholds and is considered the best place in India to observe this rare and elusive species in the wild).
The evening will be at leisure. Wildlife discussions and some orientation about the activities planned for the next few days.
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Day 4 -8 : Singalila National Park
For the first 2 days we give preference to Red Panda sightings and suggest all our guests stay close to Habre's Nest. Along with expert naturalist, guests can also participate in tracking using established trails in search for Red Panda. The rest of the days will be spent exploring different jungle routes.
• Enjoy the early morning views of the enchanting Himalayas with a cup of Morning Tea.
Birding around till Breakfast at 8.30 am.
• After Breakfast enjoy the in-house Bird Studio. Very good to remain hidden and watching or documenting elusive Himalayan Birds. Singalila is home to several species of birds and guests can also engage themselves with bird watching, while the trackers are out looking for Red Panda. Our bird hide hosted 45-50 different species over the years. Apart from different birds like Parrotbills, Fulvettas, Laughing thrushes, Yellow throated Martine also visit often.
Lunch will be served at the lodge or on the Field, depending on the Activity and weather conditions.
• The Second half is generally affected by clouds. Depending on the current situation we can start the afternoon activity at 3.30 pm.
• Apart from wildlife, Singalila National Park is also quite popular for the scenic vistas that one can see. The Kanchendzonga peak along with other surrounding peaks form the sleeping Buddha.
End the evenings with wildlife discussions and stories of past adventures.
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Day 9 -11 : To Bagrol Basa
Enjoy the final morning views of the enchanting Himalayas with a cup of morning tea and early breakfast. After breakfast, check out from Habre's Nest around 7.30 am and drive to Bagdogra airport. Board flight to Kolkata (Indigo Airlines 6E-292 departs Bagdogra at 1415 hrs, arrive Kolkata at 1535 hrs). Upon arrival at the Kolkata Airport you will be transferred to Baghrol Basa (Approx 2 hrs drive). Baghrol Basa will be your home for the next 3 nights.
(The name Baghrol Basa comes from Bengali—Baghrol meaning Fishing Cat, and Basa meaning nest or home. True to its name, Baghrol Basa Homestay is a unique research and conservation-driven initiative dedicated to the protection of the Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), a rare and elusive wetland predator.
These remarkable cats are specially adapted to life in watery, swampy landscapes. The floodplain surrounding Baghrol Basa is a rare and inspiring example of peaceful coexistence between wild cats and millions of people. In this human-dominated landscape, harmony with wildlife is not just possible-it's already happening.
Observing wildlife in such settings can be challenging, but at Baghrol Basa, explore the environs by a unique and low-impact safari model tailored to this ecosystem. As most wildlife here is cryptic and nocturnal, our safaris take place at night, using silent, battery-operated ToTos (eco-friendly vehicles). These are combined with short guided walks and strategically placed hides, allowing guests to observe wildlife from a close yet respectful distance.
Our safaris offer a rare opportunity to see Fishing Cats in their natural habitat, moving stealthily through the swamps under the cover of darkness. Revered locally as the "Fish-Eating Tiger" or Mecho Bagha, the Fishing Cat is the apex predator of this ecosystem.
The surrounding wetlands are also home to a rich variety of wildlife, including Jungle Cats, Golden Jackals (with occasional sightings of melanistic individuals), Asian and Golden Monitor Lizards, Small Indian and Asian Palm Civets, and numerous rodent species. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the chance to spot rare and elusive birds, including the Critically Endangered Yellow-breasted Bunting).
Days will be spent Wildlife watching inside Baghrol Basa until lunch, afternoon Wildlife safari / Heritage & Cultural Safaris by Safari Toto (a soundless & emissionless battery operated customised car, best for navigating the narrow village roads).
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Day 12 : Departure
Final morning birding around Baghrol Basa looking for Chestnut Capped Babbler & the Jungle Cats. Check out by noon from Baghrol Basa around noon and transfer to the Kolkata airport for departure to home country.
Extend your tour in India or visit neighbouring Nepal, Bhutan. Add in more adventures to one of the many Tiger reserves perhaps or perhaps enjoy the cultural side of Asia before returning home. Please ask for details.
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Itinerary map
Prices
| Price per person
(Double/Twin share) |
Single room supplement |
|---|---|
| £4,595.00 | £880.00 |
- International & internal flights in economy class.
- Accommodation in a double/twin sharing room with en-suite facilities.
- Full board througout, breakfast only in Kolkata.
- Services of English speaking expert naturalists on safaris / guide during sightseeing.
- Transfers as per the itinerary by air-conditioned car.
- Excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary.
- Full ATOL Bonding
- Visa for India & Nepal
- Any optional Excursions.
- Any expenses of a personal nature.
- Travel Insurance.
*Travel Insurance
It is essential to have adequate insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health and destination you are visiting.
• Make sure it includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover.
• Make sure it provides cover for your whole trip (whether one day or over a year).
• Make sure it covers you for all activities.
• Disclose pre-existing medical conditions.
• Take your policy number and the 24-hour emergency contact numbers with you.
If you have any doubts about your cover, check with your insurer.
For a competitive quotation please visit https://www.indusexperiences.co.uk/insurance/
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