Discover the remote wilderness of the Eastern Himalayas with wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt on a quest to view the endearing red panda, before continuing to Kanha National Park in search of iconic Indian wildlife including tiger.
Our journey to discover many of India's exotic mammals starts by visiting Singalila National Park, an area of remote wilderness straddling the Indian-Nepal border. With its temperate broad-leaf and coniferous forest, it provides the ideal habitat to the elusive red panda. Staying at Habre’s Nest, a small lodge dedicated to the conservation of the red pandas of the region, we join specialist trackers on walks from the lodge to search for this secretive mammal.
Whilst the red panda is our main mammal to search for in Singalila, the national park is sure to provide us with many other spectacular wildlife encounters including yellow-throated marten, leopard cat, Himalayan serow and barking deer. The area is also a birder's paradise with a wonderful array of birds – over 300 species have been recorded here.
We then continue to Kanha National Park, prime tiger country and one of the finest parks in the subcontinent. With an estimated population of more than 70 tigers, we set out on morning and afternoon jeep safaris to photograph this majestic big cat, whilst also observing other iconic Indian wildlife such as leopards, dhole, and sloth bears. Again, birders will not be disappointed with their time in Kanha with over 300 species of birds to watch for.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart UK
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Day 2:
Arrive Delhi
We arrive late morning into Delhi and transfer the short distance to our hotel located near the airport.
Accommodation: Hotel near Delhi airport, 1-night
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Day 3:
Fly to Bagdogra, transfer to Darjeeling
We depart Delhi this morning, flying to Bagdogra, from where we continue by road to the hill station of Darjeeling.
Accommodation: The Elgin Darjeeling, 1-night
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Day 4:
Transfer to Singalila National Park
Leaving Darjeeling this morning, we begin our journey to Singalila National Park. The first part of our journey is the drive to Manebhanjen, where we then transfer into Land Rovers to complete our final ascent to Habre’s Nest travelling through the spectacular and rugged landscape of the Eastern Himalayas.
We aim to reach the lodge in time for lunch and meet with the trackers who would have been out during the morning looking for red pandas. This will hopefully allow us to have our first walk in search of them this afternoon.
Accommodation: Habre’s Nest, 6-nights
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Days 5-9
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Red panda tracking in Singalila National Park
During our time based in Habre’s Nest, our days are likely to follow a similar pattern. After breakfast we set out of foot with our dedicated trackers in search of the red panda. Whilst most of the walking trails are accessible directly from the lodge, Land Rovers are at our disposal to transfer us to sightings made further afield. For those wanting to enjoy the rich birdlife of the area, there will be time in the early mornings to use Habre’s Nest in-house bird hide.
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Day 10:
Transfer to Bagdogra, fly to Delhi
This morning we depart Habre’s Nest by Land Rover, driving to Manebhajan before continuing by minibus to Bagdogra to catch our flight to Delhi.
Accommodation: Hotel near Delhi airport, 1-night
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Day 11:
Fly to Jabalpur, transfer to Kanha National Park
Departing Delhi on a morning flight to Jabalpur, we are then transferred to Kanha National Park where we are based for the next six-nights. The journey to our lodge will take most of the day so we will enjoy our first safari in Kanha the following morning.
Accommodation: Shergarh Camp, 6-nights
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Days 12-16
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Explore Kanha National Park
During our five full days in Kanha National Park we use small safari vehicles, setting out on morning and afternoon safaris each day. Amongst the beautiful landscapes and pristine habitats of Kanha, we will be on the lookout for not only the majestic tiger but hope to encounter sloth bear, leopard and dhole, along with many other iconic Indian mammals and exotic birdlife.
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Day 17:
Transfer to Jabalpur, fly to Delhi
Before departing Kanha National Park for our flight from Jabalpur to Delhi, there will be time to enjoy one final morning safari drive.
Accommodation: Hotel near Delhi airport, 1-night
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Day 18:
Arrive UK
