Wild India: From Red Pandas to Bengal Tigers

Your unforgettable journey to incredible India begins today as you depart from the NEW YORK on an overnight international flight to the vibrant capital of Delhi. As your aircraft lifts off, leave behind the familiar and prepare to embrace a land of colour, culture, and timeless tradition.

Relax into your seat, enjoy in-flight entertainment or begin reading about the diverse regions you’ll soon explore. Whether it’s the promise of spotting Bengal tigers in the wild or wandering through mist-draped tea plantations, the adventure starts here — with the anticipation of a richly immersive journey through North India’s landscapes and wildlife.

Touch down in the heart of India’s capital city as your flight arrives in Delhi this morning. After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our local representative and transferred to your hotel, a peaceful retreat not far from the airport.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Take time to unwind in the serene surroundings of your accommodation, offering lush gardens and a calm atmosphere. Alternatively, for those feeling energised, you may wish to explore some of Delhi’s nearby cultural highlights — from bustling bazaars and ancient temples to grand Mughal architecture. Whether you choose to rest or roam, today offers a gentle introduction to the energy and elegance of North India.

After an early breakfast, return to Delhi Airport for your domestic flight to Bagdogra, nestled at the foothills of the Indian Himalayas. As you descend from the skies, the flat plains of North India give way to lush hills and distant snow-capped peaks — a preview of the adventure that lies ahead.

On arrival, we continue by road to the remote mountain settlement of Manebhanjang, perched on the edge of the Singalila Ridge and straddling the border between India and Nepal. This charming hillside town marks the beginning of our journey through one of India’s most pristine highland ecosystems.

After settling into the rustic comfort of your lodge, you’ll have the option to take a gentle walk with your tour leader. This optional afternoon stroll offers the chance to acclimatise to the altitude and soak in your surroundings — from Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the breeze to panoramic views across mist-shrouded valleys.

After breakfast, we begin our first full day of exploration in the cloud-kissed forests surrounding Manebhanjang. This region, blanketed in dense bamboo and rhododendron thickets, lies within one of the few remaining strongholds of the elusive and enchanting red panda.

Accompanied by your expert naturalist tour leader and a dedicated team of local trackers, we travel by vehicle to promising forest zones where red pandas have recently been seen. From there, we continue on foot, quietly tracing the trails and scanning the canopy for signs of movement — perhaps a rustle among the bamboo, or a glimpse of russet fur curled around a mossy branch. This first day in the wild is both thrilling and meditative, a chance to tune into the rhythms of the Eastern Himalayas.

Today brings another opportunity to track the charismatic red panda, as we return to the forests with our local trackers. Each excursion is shaped by real-time updates, allowing us to adapt quickly and head toward recent sightings. Vehicles remain on standby to take us closer to any panda locations that are too distant to reach on foot.

The day’s search may involve quiet waiting, focused scanning of treetops, or short treks through atmospheric woods cloaked in moss and orchids. When not actively pursuing panda sightings, we take time to enjoy the area’s remarkable biodiversity. The forests echo with the melodic calls of blue whistling thrushes, and the flash of a verditer flycatcher’s turquoise wings is a regular delight. Keep an eye out too for the striking yellow-billed blue magpie, often seen gliding through the treetops in raucous family groups.

On our final day based in Manebhanjang, we make one more dedicated effort to find the red panda. Our tracking team remains alert for new signs of activity, increasing our chances of an encounter with this gentle forest dweller. As always, we remain flexible in our plans — ready to respond to sightings quickly, and to make the most of every opportunity.

Even if the red panda proves elusive, the experience of walking through this rare Himalayan habitat is deeply rewarding. With sweeping mountain views, crisp air, and encounters with rare birds and alpine flora, today offers a fitting conclusion to our time in this tranquil corner of the Himalayas.

This morning, we bid farewell to the misty forests of Manebhanjang and the serene realm of the red panda. After an early departure, we travel back to Bagdogra Airport to board a domestic flight heading east to the vibrant city of Guwahati, the bustling capital of Assam and gateway to India’s northeast.

Fringed by rolling hills and divided by the mighty Brahmaputra River, Guwahati is a fascinating mix of culture, commerce, and natural beauty. Upon arrival, we transfer to your comfortable hotel, a peaceful oasis that offers a welcome contrast to the city’s energy.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Choose to relax in the tranquil surroundings of your hotel or venture out to explore Guwahati’s local temples, lively markets, or riverside promenades. After days spent deep in forested hills, today offers a moment to reset before the next chapter of your northeast Indian journey begins.

After breakfast, we leave behind the urban energy of Guwahati and begin our scenic drive east through the lush plains of Assam. Our destination is the legendary Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most celebrated wildlife reserves in India.

Arriving in time for lunch, we check into the atmospheric Infinity Resort Kaziranga, nestled amidst tropical greenery with views that overlook the wild grasslands of the park. The resort provides a peaceful retreat and ideal base for the next few days of thrilling exploration.

In the afternoon, we set off on our first Kaziranga safari, venturing into the park’s unique mosaic of elephant grass, marshland, and forest. This is your first opportunity to encounter the park’s iconic residents, including the endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephants, and a dazzling array of birds. The excitement builds as the wilderness of Assam begins to unfold around you.

Today begins with an early morning safari in the legendary Kaziranga National Park, as the rising sun casts golden light across the misty grasslands. This is prime time to search for the park’s most iconic inhabitant — the greater one-horned rhinoceros. With over two-thirds of the world’s population found here, Kaziranga offers one of the best chances anywhere to observe these prehistoric-looking animals in the wild.

Returning to the lodge for a relaxing midday break and lunch, we head out again in the late afternoon for another game drive. The diversity of habitats — tall elephant grass, riverine woodlands, and wetlands — supports an astonishing range of species. Keep your eyes open for Asian elephants, majestic barasingha (swamp deer), and the mighty Asian water buffalo, as well as colourful birdlife such as the impressive great hornbill.

Another early start sees us back in the park for our third safari in Kaziranga, once again immersing ourselves in this richly biodiverse landscape. Every drive is different, and we hope to enjoy multiple sightings of the one-horned rhinoceros as they graze, wallow, or wander through the tall grasses.

This final day of safari also offers the chance to appreciate the park’s more elusive wildlife. Watch for hog deer darting through the undergrowth, flocks of pelicans circling above wetlands, or perhaps a glimpse of a shy leopard retreating into the forest shadows. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Kaziranga never fails to inspire awe with its wild energy and raw beauty.

After a final breakfast in Assam, we bid farewell to the wild grasslands of Kaziranga and travel back to Guwahati Airport for our onward flight to the cultural heart of eastern India — the vibrant city of Kolkata.

Upon arrival, we’re transferred to our comfortable accommodation near the airport. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Once known as Calcutta and the former capital of British India, Kolkata is a city of layered history, colonial architecture, and a thriving contemporary arts scene.

Whether you choose to relax at the hotel, sample Bengali cuisine, or take a stroll along the Hooghly River promenade, today offers a gentle transition from wilderness to urban charm as your journey nears its end.

An early start sees us returning to Kolkata Airport to board our flight to Raipur, the gateway to central India’s legendary wildlife reserves. Upon landing, we continue by road through the scenic landscapes of Madhya Pradesh toward the lush sal forests of Kanha National Park, one of India’s most iconic tiger habitats.

Arriving in time for lunch, we check in at our nature-focused lodge, where comfort blends seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness. After a chance to freshen up, we set out on our first Kanha safari in the late afternoon. With its undulating meadows, dense forests, and peaceful streams, Kanha offers a striking setting for our search for the elusive Bengal tiger.

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the forest comes alive with movement and calls — deer grazing in golden light, peacocks calling from treetops, and perhaps, if we’re lucky, the flash of stripes deep in the undergrowth.

The day begins in the soft glow of dawn as we venture out on our first full morning safari in Kanha National Park. This vast expanse of forest and grassland is one of India’s premier tiger reserves and has long inspired wildlife lovers — even Rudyard Kipling based his Jungle Book tales on this region.

Our primary focus is the majestic Bengal tiger. With expert guides leading the way, we traverse Kanha’s mosaic of meadows, bamboo thickets, and sal forests in search of tracks, alarm calls, and the elusive predator itself. After a return to the lodge for lunch and rest, we head out again in the late afternoon, when the cooling air often draws wildlife out into the open.

With two more game drives today, we deepen our exploration of Kanha’s diverse ecosystems. While the tiger remains our star attraction, the park is also home to an impressive variety of other mammals. Keep a lookout for the swift and intelligent dhole (Indian wild dog), often seen moving in coordinated packs, as well as herds of sambar and the graceful chital (spotted deer).

The experience of being in Kanha goes beyond the search for individual species — it’s about immersion in one of the subcontinent’s most breathtaking wild spaces. The sounds of the forest, the scent of flowering trees, and the golden light filtering through ancient sal trees make every drive a feast for the senses.

Our final day in Kanha offers two more chances to uncover its secrets. The early morning drive may reveal wildlife we haven’t yet encountered, and it’s a superb time for birdwatching. Kanha is particularly rich in avian life, and sightings may include the flamboyant Indian peafowl, the melodious orange-headed thrush, and the elusive painted francolin.

As the sun sets on our last safari, we return to the lodge with memories of the forest’s many voices — the distant call of a peacock, the rustle of a deer through tall grass, and perhaps the unforgettable moment of seeing a tiger stride silently into view. Kanha leaves a mark on every visitor, not just for what is seen, but for what is felt deep in the heart of India’s wilderness.

After a final leisurely breakfast, we bid farewell to the tranquil forests of Kanha National Park and begin our journey to Nagpur, the vibrant capital of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region and the largest city in central India.

Upon arrival, we check in at a stylish city hotel, where modern comforts offer a welcome contrast to the rustic charm of the jungle. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your own pace — relax at the hotel, unwind by the pool, or head out to discover Nagpur’s local markets, gardens, and historic sites.

Often known as the “Orange City” for its citrus produce, Nagpur also serves as a cultural and logistical hub between India’s wildlife-rich heartlands and its bustling metropolises — the perfect place to reflect on your journey before your departure.

Today marks the end of your unforgettable journey through the wild heart of India. After breakfast, we leave the comfort of your hotel in Nagpur and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the NEW YORK.

As you take to the skies, reflect on the remarkable memories made — from misty Himalayan forests and red panda encounters to tiger-tracking adventures in the heart of the sal jungle. You return home with a camera full of images, a heart full of stories, and a lasting connection to the untamed beauty of wild India.