Searching for fishing cat and jungle cat in West Bengal, and leopard cat, marbled cat, Asian golden cat and Asian clouded leopard in Arunachal Pradesh, this is simply a cat-watching trip without equal.
On this cutting edge exploration of India's remote North East, in search of cats and countless other charismatic mammals, you visit wetlands outside Kolkata for fishing cat and jungle cat, plus the outstanding Mishmi Hills and Eagle's Nest Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh.
In addition to cats, Assamese and Arunachal macaques, Mishmi hoolock gibbon, Mishmi takin, binturong, Asiatic black bear, Asian elephant, yellow-throated marten, spotted linsang and a host of rarely-seen squirrels are all found between the sites you visit.
Needless to say the birding is also superb in these most biodiverse regions of India. Though mammals are the trip's principal focus, you are very likely also to see many birds and numerous reptiles.
Suggested Itinerary
Day1: Depart UK
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Kolkata.
Days2-4: Explore wetlands outside Kolkata
From a homestay in countryside outside Kolkata, you explore wetland sites inhabited by fishing cat, jungle cat, common palm civet, small Indian civet, Malayan porcupine and Indian fox.
Days5-8: Explore the Mishmi Hills
Flying to Assam, you travel north to the Mishmi Hills in the extreme northeast corner of India. From your base in a rural home you explore the extraordinary forest here by day and night.
Mammal highlights here include melanistic leopard, Asian clouded leopard, leopard cat, marbled cat, Asian golden cat, Assamese macaque, Mishmi hoolock gibbon, Chinese serow and Mishmi takin.
Birds are yet more diverse, with 680 species having been recorded. Highlights include Sclater’s monal, Blyth’s and Temminck’s tragopans, Ward’s trogon and Gould’s shortwing.
Day9: Transfer to Guwahati
After a final early morning in the forest, you return to Dibrugarh and catch a flight to Guwahati, capital of Assam, where you spend the night.
For four nights you stay in remote camps in the fabulous Eagle’s Nest Wildlife Sanctuary. Staying in the forest, with indigenous guides, gives you an excellent chance of encountering some of the many exquisite mammals which are found in this remote reserve.
Among the mammal highlights here are Asian clouded leopard, Asian golden cat, marbled cat, leopard cat, capped langur and the recently described Arunachal macaque.
The countless special birds of Eagle’s Nest include Mrs Gould’s sunbird, rufous-necked hornbill, golden bush-robin, rufous-throated and chestnut-breasted partridges and Blyth’s tragopan.
Day14: Final safari & transfer to Tezpur
After a last morning in the forest you transfer to the city of Tezpur, on the Brahmaputra River, and spend the night in a comfortable lodge.
Day15: Transfer to Guwahati & depart
Reaching Guwahati by road you take a flight to Kolkata and onward connections back to the UK.
Day16: Arrive UK
Please note: This cutting edge itinerary is only suited for people whose interest in mammals is more important to them than comfort. Visiting extremely remote and undeveloped areas of North East India, this trip travels long distances on unmade roads and stays in traditional homes and tented forest camps. Facilities are basic. However the mammal and birdwatching opportunities are consequently outstanding.
Key info
Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 16 daysfrom £6,695 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 14 daysfrom £5,995 pp
In the extreme northeast of India, the Mishmi Hills are one of the country’s finest sites for wildlife. Almost 700 bird species have been recorded here and the list is growing. Among the many mammals which inhabit the montane forest of the Mishmi Hills are an exceptional eight species of cat.
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Where: Arunachal Pradesh State
Ideal for viewing: Asian golden cat, Asian clouded leopard, Mishmi takin, Mishmi hoolock gibbon, Ward’s trogon
Stunning Eagle’s Nest Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh has a deserved reputation as one of Asia’s finest sites for birds and mammals. In addition to red panda, Asian clouded leopard, Blyth’s and Temminck’s tragopans and much more, it is home to the lovely, recently discovered Bugun liocichla.
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Where: Arunachal Pradesh State
Ideal for viewing: Asian clouded leopard, marbled cat, Arunachal macaque, Bugun liocichla, Mrs Gould’s sunbird
