One of the most sought after wildlife holiday destinations in India, Kaziranga National park’s 430 square kilometer area sprinkled with elephant-grass meadows, swampy lagoons, and dense forests is home to more than 2200 Indian one-horned rhinoceros, approximately 2/3rd of their total world population. Formed in 1908 on the recommendation of Mary Curzon, the park is located in the edge of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspots – Golaghat and Nagaon district.
In the year 1985, the park was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is said when Mary Curzon, the wife of the Viceroy of India – Lord Curzon of Kedleston, visited the park to see Indian one-horned rhinoceros; she wasn’t able to found even one. Then she persuaded her husband to take urgent measures to protect the dwindling species which he did by initiating planning for their protection. After a series of meetings and documentations, the Kaziranga Proposed Reserve Forest was created with an area of 232 km2 (90 sq mi) in 1905.
Along with the iconic Greater one-horned rhinoceros, the park is the breeding ground of elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. Over the time, the tiger population has also increased in Kaziranga, and that’s the reason why Kaziranga was declared as Tiger Reserve in 2006. Also, the park is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for the conservation of avifaunal species. Birds like lesser white-fronted goose, ferruginous duck, Baer’s pochard duck and lesser adjutant, greater adjutant, black-necked stork, and Asian Openbill stork specially migrate from the Central Asia during the winter season.
Undoubtedly, the park is known for its good population of animals but more than that its the wildlife conservation initiatives that take place in the park are more popular. With its amazing wildlife conservation activities, the park has successfully managed to grow the population of Greater one-horned rhinoceros, an endangered species.
The vast expanse of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests undoubtedly makes the park look beautiful but it’s the presence of Brahmaputra river, which makes it look enigmatic.
Welcome on arrival at Bagdogra /NJP & transfer to Darjeeling (94 Km/ approx 3Hrs), Overnight at the hotel.
Early Morning excursion trip to Tiger Hill to watch the spectacular sunrise and its amazing effects on Mt. Kanchendzondga (8598 Mt.), Visit Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop War Memorial while returning to the Hotel. Breakfast at the hotel followed by full day local sightseeing covering Padmaja N. Zoological Garden, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, Mall and the Local Market, evening free, Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast transfer to Pemayangtse (80 Km./ 4 Hrs) this is the nearest motor able point from Mt. Kanchendzonga (8598 mt.), It is located at a 6800 altitude. It offers a good sunrise and a spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan Range from here. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast start for full day sightseeing in and around Pemayangste covering Rimbi waterfalls, rimbi power project,Kechodpalri lake, Kanchandzonga Falls, Rimbi Rock Garden, Rabdanste Ruins, Helipad ground and Pemayangste Monastery. Evening free. Overnight at the hotel.
After early breakfast transfer to Gangtok (120 kms/4.5 hrs), afternoon half day sightseeing in and around this capital city of Sikkim, covering Dro-dul Chortan, Stupa, Institute of Tibetology, Institute of Handicrafts and handlooms, Flower Show & Rumtek Monastery, evening free. Overnight at the hotel..
After Breakfast start for full day excursion trip to Tshongu Lake (12400 ft.) which is approx 40 km. from Gangtok city. It is situated at an altitude of 3780 meters. & Baba Mandir, evening free for shopping, Overnight at the hotel.
After early breakfast drive towards Kalimpong. (78kms/2.5 hrs), afternoon half day sightseeing tour of Kalimpong covering Durpin Dara Monastery, Flower & Orchid Nurseries, Dello View Point, Mangal Dham Temple, Hanuman Tok and Kalimpong Market. Overnight at Kalimpong.
After breakfast transfer to Bagdogra Airport or NJP (Railway Station) for your return journey to Mumbai/ back home.
