Kolkata - Kaziranga (via Guwahati). An early morning meet and greet, and transfer to the airport in time for your included flight to Guwahati. Upon arrival we transfer to Kaziranga National Park. The remainder of the day offers free time. Overnight - Kaziranga NP (L, D)

Early this morning we take our positions with camera's ready in shared jeeps or canters (or on elephant back - subject to availability) for morning and afternoon game drives through the park.

Kaziranga National Park lies to the south of the mighty Brahmaputra river and being on the floodplains is inundated heavily by the monsoon rains. The predominant vegetation is a mixture of tall grasslands and riverine forests. There are many marshes, interconnecting streams and ox-bow lakes, known locally as ‘bheels’ or ‘bils’. To the south of the park lie the Mikir Hills which rise to over 1,000 metres elevation. Kaziranga is famous for its Indian Rhinoceros population which is estimated at ober 1000 and is by far the best place to see them in India. (this species in unique to the subcontinent, with the second largest population of over 400 found in Chitwan, Nepal).

Other large mammals include the Water Buffalo, Swamp Deer and Gangetic Dolphin. The park may be explored by riding on elephant back or by motorised vehicles. There are several watch towers located thorughout the park that assist with viewing. The nearby Panbari Reserve Forest is the best place to see the Hoolock Gibbon - primates with similar features to monkeys.

Kaziranga has a rich birdlife. There is a colony of Spot-billed pelicans and the rare Bengal Floricans inhabit the grasslands. This area is also known for the famous Assam tea and during the winter and spring it is worthwhile visiting the nearby tea plantations to see tea leaves being picked and processed. Overnight - Kaziranga NP (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Kaziranga - Kolkata (via Guwahati). Drive to Guwahati airport and included flight to Kolkata. Onward transfer to your hotel (should you have booked additional accomodation with us for this night). (B)