This itinerary will give you some of the best opportunities to view the wildlife of the Terai region by visiting undisturbed environments in search of Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, Gangetic river dolphin and a myriad of birds.
Our exciting itinerary takes you on a journey through this unique grassland ecoregion, in both India and Nepal. You visit three priceless Terai National Parks - Dudhwa, Bardia and Chitwan - plus the historic cities of Lumbini and Kathmandu. Along the way you search for countless beautiful, often threatened, mammals, reptiles and birds, including Indian narrow-headed soft-shell turtle, the bizarre fish-eating gharial, sarus crane, great hornbill, great slaty woodpecker and the highly endangered Bengal florican.
We also have a tailor-made trip idea that only visits the Indian Terai.
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart the UK
Depart UK on an overnight flight to Delhi.
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Day 2:
Arrive Delhi
On arrival into Delhi you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel where you can freshen up before an optional city tour of either New or Old Delhi (at request).
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel, 1-night
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Day 3:
Fly to Lucknow
After breakfast you will be collected from your hotel and transferred back to Delhi airport for your short flight to Lucknow. Arriving in the early afternoon you will be transferred to your hotel in Lucknow on the banks of the Gomti River. This afternoon you can relax at the hotel or visit some of the exceptional British Raj–era buildings such as the Bara Imambara and the Rumi Darwaza.
Accommodation: Taj Mahal Lucknow, 1-night
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Day 4:
Travel to Dudhwa National Park
After breakfast transfer to Dudhwa National Park. After an approximately four hour drive, through farmlands and countryside, you will arrive at Jaagir Lodge in time for lunch and an afternoon walking excursion with a naturalist guide who will introduce you to the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.
Accommodation: Jaagir Lodge, 4-nights
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Day 5:
Dudhwa National Park & Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Today you will explore Dudhwa National Park on two vehicle safaris. Home to elephants, barasingha deer, the single-horned rhino, Indian narrow-headed soft-shell turtle and a vast array of birdlife, the national park is a delightful oasis for nature enthusiasts.
With the rivers Mohan and Suheli as the markers on the northern and southern boundaries, and a few Tharu villages at the edges of the mysterious woodland, Dudhwa National Park makes for a fascinating experience for all wildlife enthusiasts. Along with the various mammal and reptile species, the areas in and around Dudhwa National Park are also ideal for birdwatching. Home to over 400 species of birds, both resident and migratory, the region is as popular for its birds as it is for its mammals.
After a morning drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch and some downtime before heading out once again in the afternoon.
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Day 6:
Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
You will spend today visiting Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. Sprawled across 400 square kilometres, and sharing an international border with Nepal, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1976 to protect the gharial, an extraordinary long-snouted fish-eating crocodile. The swampy terai ecosystem of Katarniaghat, with its soft alluvial savannah, and the magnificent Girwa River are home to a huge diversity of wildlife.
Many endangered species find safe haven here, including tiger, greater one-horned rhinoceros, Gangetic dolphin, swamp deer, Bengal florican, white-backed and slender-billed vultures, In all, over 350 resident and migratory birds have been recorded here. Exquisite boat rides on the river offer uninterrupted views of the banks and glimpses of the gharials and other fauna.
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Day 7:
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
After an early breakfast, drive to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, a journey of over two hours. Your expert naturalist will make your drive interesting, pointing out the many heritage buildings and their colonial history en route. On arriving at Pilibhit, you will stop briefly at the huge Sharda Sagar Dam, which serves as a wonderful vantage point from which to watch the rich avian life. The reserve is covered with sal, teak, banyan and mango trees and provides habitat to four species of deer, antelopes, tigers, Bengal florican, the great Indian hornbill and Terai grey langurs.
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Day 8:
Cross the border into Nepal & transfer to Bardia National Park
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer from Dudhwa National Park to the Dhangadi border where you are met by a representative from Nepal who will transfer you to Bardia National Park. This journey will take approximately four hours. Upon arrival at the lodge you will have time to relax before dinner.
Accommodation: Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, 3-nights
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Days 9-10
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Explore Bardia National Park
During your time in Bardia National Park, you will have the opportunity to explore this unspoiled, remote wilderness on a series of guided morning and afternoon game drives, jungle walks and boat excursions on Karnali River.
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Day 11:
Transfer to Lumbini
This morning transfer to Lumbini, the birth place of Buddha and a rewarding location for birdwatching as you make your way east across Nepal.
Accommodation: Buddha Maya Gardens Resort, 1-night
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Days 12-14
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Chitwan National Park
After breakfast you transfer to Chitwan National Park. On arrival at your lodge in Chitwan you will have lunch and settle into your room before heading into the National Park for your first wildlife excursion. There are plenty of activities available, including jungle walks to track tiger and Indian one-horned rhino, river safaris where you can see gharial along the banks and jeep safaris which will take you deeper into the park. You are able to tailor wildlife activities to suit your interests over the next three days.
Accommodation: Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge, 3-nights
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Day 15:
Fly to Kathmandu
A short drive will take you to the nearby airport in Bharatapur where you catch a short flight to Kathmandu. The afternoon will be at leisure in Kathmandu and you can choose to explore the rich history and culture of the ancient city or relax at your accommodation.
Accommodation: Dwarika’s Hotel, 1-night
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Day 16:
Departure
Depart Kathmandu on an overnight flight to UK.
