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Discover the wonders of India—amazing birds, mammals, and landscapes—as we travel to three key national park areas from Kolkata, India’s cultural capital, into the rich habitats of this colorful country. India is a top destination for mammals as well as birds and our carefully crafted itinerary highlights both. We have chosen Kaziranga, Sundarbans, and Kanha as three totally different environments to explore; our tour is a national park sampler rich in wildlife.

Explore by safari vehicle through Kaziranga National Park, keeping your eyes peeled for Indian Elephant, Indian Rhinoceros, and possibly even Bengal Tiger. Then cruise through extensive mangroves of the Sundarbans, where swimming tiger may cross paths with a plethora of water birds. You may also see the rare and diminutive Fishing Cat or Leopard Cat and even Jungle Cat. Then, we’re off to the Saal forests of Central India to enjoy safaris in the open forests of Kanha—a park that our owner, Peg Abbott, compares to Yellowstone for its incredible wildlife diversity. Keep an eye out for Bengal Tiger, Common Leopard, Sloth Bear, Jungle Cat, elegant Sambhar, and rare Hardground Barasingha. Kanha is home to Wild Dogs too, a unique species that we may be lucky to spot here. Explorations are in open 4x4 jeeps with a knowledgeable local naturalist.

Birding highlights include Great Hornbill, Malabar Pied and Oriental Pied Hornbills, Swamp Francolin, rare but possible Bengal Florican, Greater-necklaced Laughingthrush, Long-tailed Broadbill, Indian Roller, Indochinese Roller, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Pallas’ Fish Eagle, Blue-naped Pitta, and so many more!

Our main tour is designed for two weeks plus your travel time. But since you’ve traveled all the way to India, we encourage you to make the most of your time at another beautiful natural habitat and try to see the iconic Red Panda by adding our Singalila National Park Extension. It’s the only place in the world where one can hope to see one of the cutest mammals on Earth, the Red Panda, along with plentiful Himalayan birds. By timing the extension for the end of the trip we have a chance to see the Rhododendron bloom in the park, which is exquisitely beautiful. Our lodge has great views of the Kanchenjungha Mountains, the highest peak in India.

  • “Wonderful! The 4 national parks were all very different and each held numerous bird and mammal species. Fun to see. The accommodations were all nice and again very different from each other. The guides were great and the other staff courteous and helpful. The Indian people we met were friendly, often wanting to have their picture taken with us.” — Kay Gabriel, 2023 Traveler
  • “Amazing adventure! Wonderful and varied landscapes and ecosystems-each national park was very different from each other. We were excited and happy to be able to see the birds and other wildlife that we did. We had a very short list of "must-sees" and this tour far exceeded our expectations. Excellent guides, fabulous group of 5 intrepid birders.” — Christa Russell, 2023 Traveler

Tour Highlights

  • From your park lodge porch, stare off to foothills of the Himalayas
  • Find endemic and regional specialty birds in four very different parks and ecosystems
  • Spend time alongside the Brahmaputra, one of the great rivers of Asia
  • Explore Kanha National Park in detail, often called India’s Yellowstone for its big mammals and biodiversity
  • Look for Indian Elephant and Indian Rhino in the wild At Kaziranga
  • Cruise mangrove areas rich with water birds at Sundarban; keep yours eyed peeled for swimming tigers
  • Opt to extend your stay and see Red Panda as you explore Singalila National Park

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Wed., Feb. 28 : Arrivals in Kolkata


Welcome to India! You are met on arrival at the airport and are transferred to our nearby hotel. As the group arrives, we assemble for dinner to get to know each other and our guides. Kolkata is the capital of India’s West Bengal state, in the far eastern part of the country. Some may wish to arrive early, to rest up from travel and see cultural highlights of the city; if so we can help you with plans and ideas to explore.
Accommodations at The Taj New town or similar (D)

Thurs., Feb. 29 : Kolkata | Guwahati | Kaziranga


Early this morning, we fly to Guwahati and then we drive for four hours in our comfortable air conditioned van to reach the magnificent Kaziranga National Park in the far northeast part of the country. Kaziranga is one of the great wildlife-rich parks of India, and it hosts grasslands, savanna woodlands, tropical moist deciduous forests, and tropical semi-evergreen forests. The Brahmaputra River passes by to the north of the park and we should be lucky enough to spot Elephants and Rhinos here—a solid mark to the health of this wildland ecosystem.

Settle into air-conditioned accommodations and enjoy a bit of evening birding around the outskirts of the park.
Accommodations at The Infinity Lodge or similar (B,L,D)

Fri., Mar. 1 : Kaziranga


Today we enjoy morning and afternoon safaris in the national park. Birding at Kaziranga is some of the best in India. Almost 500 species of birds call this place home; the park is a vitally-important IBA (Important Bird Area), home to 14 near threatened species. Notable residents include Swamp Francolin, Lesser Adjutant, Pallas’s Fish-Eagle, Bengal Florican, Greater Grey-headed Fish-Eagle, Black-necked Stork, and difficult but possible Bristled Grass-Warbler, Marsh Babbler, Finn’s Weaver, and more. Pale-capped Pigeon, a globally-threatened species, breeds in the park. Kaziranga is also famous for its nesting colonies of Spot-billed Pelican.

On our safari drives, we search for mammals including Hog Deer, Indian Elephant, Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Water Buffalo, Swamp Deer, Sambhar, Indian Muntjac, Capped Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Western Hoolock Gibbon, Asiatic Jackal, Common Palm Civet, Hoary Bellied Squirrel, Red-Bellied Pallas Squirrel, Himalayan Striped Squirrel, Black Giant Squirrel, Smooth Coated Otter, Bengal Tiger, Small Indian Mongoose, Hog Badger, and Assam Macaque.
Accommodations at The Infinity Lodge or similar (B,L,D)

Sat., Mar. 2 : Kaziranga


Today we enjoy morning and afternoon safaris in the national park—these drives are in open 4-wheel drive jeeps. Early risers can opt to get out a bit earlier to bird an area behind the lodge where a number of species can be encountered. This is a forest patch bordered by tea estates and plenty of good birds can be sighted here. We look for some endangered birds like Rufous-fronted and Puff-throated Babblers, Lesser and Greater Racket-tailed Drongos, brightly colored Scarlet Minivet, Black-naped and Indian Golden Orioles, Rufous-backed and Greater Necklaced Laughingthrushes, and a number of other species.

On our morning safari we hope to see One-horned Rhino, herds of Indian Elephant, a number of Wild Buffalo, and other mammals like Smooth-coated Otter and rare Hog Badger. After the morning safari, we return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest before our afternoon safari drive, looking for more birds and mammals. We may also be lucky to find rare King Cobra or a basking Burmese Rock Python and other reptiles like Water or Bengal Monitor.
Accommodations at The Infinity Lodge or similar (B,L,D)

Sun., Mar 3: Kaziranga National Park


Once again, we have morning and afternoon safaris in the park. Kaziranga has some lesser known areas around the park that can be very interesting for birders and today we explore a zone that is very rewarding from a birding perspective. Rare gems like the Blue-naped Pitta, Crow-billed Drongo, Pied-Falconet, and several other interesting species may show up.

After the morning safari, we return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest before our afternoon safari drive, looking for more birds and mammals. We explore a zone that is slightly further away this afternoon, often one of the best areas to find a tiger.
Accommodations at The Infinity Lodge or similar (B,L,D)

Mon., Mar. 4 : Kaziranga | Kolkata | Sunderbans National Park


We depart early this morning to catch a mid-day flight back to Kolkata, then continue on to Sundarbans National Park. It’s a three-hour drive to the jetty point where we board our boat into the park, a large coastal mangrove forest on the border of India and Bangladesh. This third section of our tour opens up some truly splendid birding, and time here also gives us excellent opportunities to witness Royal Bengal Tiger. Other wildlife we watch for includes Estuarine Crocodile, Fishing Cat, Small-clawed Otter, Water Monitor, Irrawady Dolphin, River Terrapin. Other mammals we hope to see include Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, and Rhesus Macaque.

Once we reach our simple, but well-appointed lodge in the evening, we enjoy time to relax, eat dinner, and get to know the lodge grounds.
Accommodations at The Sunderban Jungle Camp or similar (B,L,D)

Tues., Mar. 5 : Sundarbans


We awake bright and early today to an all-day cruise through the Sundarbans. This is an amazing land that is strewn with rivers and swamps. The habitat has resulted in a difficult compromise between man and animal (with high man-animal conflict).

Sunderbans is home to some rare and interesting birds and we look out for the shy Mangrove Whistler, White-browed Scimitar-babbler, Buffy Fish-owl, Grey-fronted Green Pigeon, Greater Flameback, a number of kingfishers like the Stork-billed, Brown, Little Pied, Black-capped, Common, and Collared Kingfisher, Loten’s Sunbird, Forest Wagtail, the black morph of the Changeable Hawk Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and a host of other species.

The villagers in some parts of Sundarbans live under the shadow of tigers who do swim into the villages occasionally and kill livestock. Your stay is on an island where, due to high protection, these kind of situations do not arise.

Sunderbans also offers a rare chance to enjoy some fresh crab, prawns, and fish. These are delicious treats over lunch and dinner.
Accommodations at The Sunderban Jungle Camp or similar (B,L,D)

Wed., Mar. 6 : Sundarbans | Kolkata


We plan to cruise most of the day again, exploring different areas of the park and covering territories of tigers in an attempt to find them. All of us have to keep our eyes peeled to look for the tiger pugmarks on the mudbanks. Once we find fresh ones we start hot-footing it in the boat. We circumnavigate the islands to see if there are fresh pugmarks on the other side or not. If we see that the tiger is yet to leave the island, we then make a plan to wait at the likeliest area from where the tiger is going to come out to cross the estuarine channels.

We also look out for rare and shy Mangrove Pitta and Mangrove Whistler. Other mammals like the smaller cats are always wonderful to see and photograph.

After lunch we start our cruise towards the jetty, disembarking and then drive back to Kolkata. On reaching Kolkata we overnight at and airport hotel.
Accommodations at Taj New Town Kolkata or similar (B,L,D)

Thurs., Mar. 7 : Kolkata | Kanha Tiger Reserve


After breakfast we leave for the Kolkata airport for a short, hour-and-a-half flight south-west to Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh State in central India. On arrival at Raipur Airport we drive nearly four and a half hours to Kanha National Park, a park that we compare to Yellowstone in the USA for its incredible richness of mammals. Upon reaching Kanha, we check in to the lodge and enjoy the birds and the natural forest that are present on the lodge grounds.

Although our camp is tented, the tents are large and luxurious, with private bath and all the bells and whistles. Our days (and nights) here are spent comfortably, immersed in the reserve and all its wonder.

This afternoon, we head out for our first jeep safari to the Kanha Tiger Reserve.
Accommodations at The Shergarh Tented Camp (B,L,D)

Fri., Mar. 8 : Kanha Tiger Reserve


Today we enjoy early morning and afternoon safaris in open 4x4 jeeps. The park is about 1000 sq kms (apart from the buffer area which is another 1000 sq kms) and it is divided in four zones that are open to tourists.

The park is home to tigers, Leopards, the rare and endangered Indian Wild Dog, Asiatic Jackal, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, the endemic hard-ground Swamp Deer, Sambhar, the largest wild bovid—Indian Gaur, Bengal Fox, herds of Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, and other mammals. Kanha is a beautiful park with plentiful saal trees and is home to over 300 species of birds like the Crested Hawk Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Brown Wood Owl, Mottled Wood Owl, Scarlet Minivet, Brown-cheeked Fulvetta, Paradise Flycatcher, Red Spurfowl, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, the endemic Indian Scimitar Babbler, and others.

Our intimate and lovely Africa-style tented camp is located near to the park in a natural forest with a number of birds on the grounds. The tents are spacious and fan-cooled and have adobe-like porches for sitting and watching the wildlife. In the evening hot water bottles and extra blankets and duvets are provided to keep us warm, as needed. The camp is run by the local community with active participation from the owners and a team of naturalists. Shergarh has running hot water, laundry facilities, and for those who need to get in touch with their family and friends there is an area that is equipped with wifi. Shergarh serves a mix of Indian and continental cuisine. We gather for meals in a lovely dining area adorned with local art and furnishings. A fireplace is lit in the evenings and everyone gathers around to share conversation and learn from each other over tea and drinks. Shergarh also supports artists from the local Gond community whose art (Gond Art) is well known in some parts of the world. For those who are interested, Shergarh can call the artists and people can meet the artists, as well as buy an art-piece directly from the artist.
Accommodations at The Shergarh Tented Camp (B,L,D)

Sat., Mar. 9 & Sun., Mar. 10: Kanha Tiger Reserve Safari Drives


We enjoy another morning and afternoon safari into the park. We visit different zones of the park today so we can explore the diverse micro-habitats and make the most of the diversity of the forest. However our drives are a little bit biased towards finding a tiger. The tiger has been voted the “most charismatic mammal” across several web-based research organizations for the last 20 years and when we see one in the wild we realize the reasons for that. Kanha is home to over a 100 tigers and within the areas that we cover there are a number of well-known males and females whose whereabouts are fairly well-known by our guides. We plan the drives in a way that maximizes our chances to find one in the wild. We, of course, stop several times for birds and other mammals. With luck, we may be able to find a few interesting reptiles like Garden Lizard and other species like Indian Rock Python or even Indian Cobra. Kanha is home to a large variety of butterflies and we are sure to stop and enjoy some of them, too.
Accommodations at The Shergarh Tented Camp (B,L,D)

Mon., Mar. 11 : Kanha | Raipur | Kolkata


We say goodbye to our gracious hosts today after breakfast. We then settle in for our drive to the Swami Vivekananda (Raipur) airport for flights back to Kolkata. We enjoy a celebratory final dinner.
Accommodations at The Taj Newtown or similar (B,L,D)

Tues., Mar. 12 : Departures | Optional Red Panda Extension


If you are not continuing on to the Red Panda extension, please plan departures today at leisure. (B)

Post-Tour Extension

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

In Search of Red Pandas in Singalila National Park

This extension is designed to see Red Panda, one of the world’s rarest and most adorable creatures. Following the Bengal Tigers, rhinoceros, elephants, hornbills and other fauna fireworks of our two-week main tour, Red Panda are so special that you will still feel WOWED. Local guides and spotters help us find them in the beautiful oak and rhododendron forests of Singalila National Park, perched high in the Darjeeling Hills and home to many other mammals. Birding is also spectacular here, near biodiverse Bhutan. Mixed flocks are common here, and the camaraderie of helping to identify a big group of life birds is one of the rewards of taking an extension to an out-of-the-way destination!

Tues., Mar. 12 : Kolkata | Bagdogra | Darjeeling Hills


We depart our hotel early this morning for the airport to catch our flight to Bagdogra, due north of Kolkata. Once we land, we are met by our driver and embark for our four-hour drive to Ghoom in the Darjeeling Hills.

On our way up, we make several stops to enjoy our first hill birds. As we slowly gain altitude, we see birds like Blue Whistling Thrush, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, some of the gregarious laughing-thrushes and with luck a mixed flock comprising of minivets, minlas, orioles, and other nice and interesting species. On arrival we enjoy a couple of hours of birding in the near and surrounds and then have a quick dinner before a good night’s sleep.
Accommodation at Sterling Resorts (heated rooms) or similar (B,L,D)

Wed., Mar. 13 – Sun., Mar. 17 : Ghoom | Singalila | Ghoom


We are up really early each morning to drive the 45 minutes to an hour in covered heated vehicles to the gate of the Singalila National Park (manebhanjan). Our permits are checked here. Once that is done, we drive up inside the park. A beautiful oak and rhododendron forest uncovers itself from the folds of the mists that keep it as a secret forest unknown to the world. We start making stops and walk in to the wilderness enjoying the birding, starting from below and then moving up into the forests. We break for an al fresco breakfast and then resume birding for a while.

Our support crew meanwhile breaks themselves into two teams and starts looking for Red Pandas. Once they find one, they guide us to the location and we can enjoy scope views and possibly reasonably up close views of the panda. Other mammals that we may see here include Asiatic Leopard, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, rare but possible Malay Porcupine, Himalayan Serow, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Boar, Assam Macaque, Hoary-bellied Squirrel, Orange-bellied Squirrel, and more.

Birds include the striking Satyr Tragopan, the brilliant Red-headed Trogon, and numerous specialties including Hill Partridge, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Spotted Nutcracker, Streak-throated Barwing, Gold-naped Finch, Scarlet Finch, Dark-breasted and Dark-rumped Rosefinches, Sikkim Treecreeper, a number of different warblers, yuhinas, tits, and overhead, we keep alert for views of raptors.

Lunch is at a local lodge, then we resume birding through the afternoon. After that we drive down out of the park and return to our hotel in Ghoom.
Accommodation at Sterling Resorts (heated rooms) or similar (B,L,D)

Mon., Mar. 18 : Singalila | Bagdogra | New Delhi


We leave early this morning and gradually drive down to Bagdogra airport to connect to our flight to New Delhi. Please plan evening departures out of New Delhi. (B,L)

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    Dusky Eagle-Owl by J.M.Garg via Creative Commons

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    Black-necked Stork by Dr. Raju Kasambe via Creative Commons

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Cost of the Journey

Cost of the journey is $6990 DBL / $7780 SGL, per person, based on double occupancy, from Kolkata. Cost includes all accommodations; all meals as stated in the itinerary; group airport transfers; ground transportation; professional guide services; park, preserve, and other activity fees; miscellaneous program expenses; and internal airfare.

Tour price does not include: roundtrip airfare to and from Kolkata (or New Delhi for those on the extension), or items of a personal nature such as laundry, porterage, telephone charges, or alcoholic beverages. Cost of the Singalila Red Panda extension is $2990 DBL / $3350 SGL. Internal flights are not included in this cost and estimated at $240 per person for the two flights.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Main Tour Departure Airport Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose (CCU) Please plan to arrive by 2PM so you can join the welcome dinner and orientation. If you wish to come in early to rest up, our operator can book the additional night for you. All those arriving will be met by a driver at the airport.

Main Tour Departure: Depart at a time convenient for you on March 12, 2024, we are close to the airport the previous evening.

Extension Tour Departure Airport: Indira Gandhi International (DEL) in New Delhi Book this for an EVENING flight, around midnight; quite a few are scheduled on March 19 just after midnight. We will freshen up at a local hotel if time permits and plan go to the airport around 9PM. If you find something close to this, please let us review before booking.

Travel Tips: If you choose to stay over in New Delhi, we recommend a delightful hotel, the Andaz Aerocity, which is a Hyatt affiliate close to the airport and can be booked online. Our operator in Delhi can arrange a city tour, or some birding for you from Delhi upon request if you have extra time (additional cost).

If you need assistance booking your flights, we recommend Willamette International Travel agency, 503-224-0180. The agents we work with are Becki Holt (beckih@wittravel.com) and Pam Davis (pamd@wittravel.com). They will need all of the information on the Willamette Travel Airfare Booking Form in your client portal.

*Please note, Willamette International Travel is a separate company from Naturalist Journeys. However, we have years of experience with them, and they are familiar with our tours. They are also a small company and may need a couple of days to reply to your inquiry.

VISAS: A Visa will be required for India. Visas are typically applied for 60-90 days ahead of travel, this is an electronic visa. If you want assist, we recommend www.joinsherpa.com, a company that simplifies the process and gives good service.

Items of Note

Main Tour Pace: The main tour demands a fair amount of time in the open jeeps through the forests, which can be bumpy and dusty but allow for prime wildlife viewing. Due to predators being present, there is minimal walking so other than jeep-driving type of conditions, it is a fairly easy trip. In case someone has any physical complications we will need to know that in advance and accommodate in the best way possible. The pace of the tour is relaxed but the safaris require early morning starts and normally the evening meals are done by 8:00 PM so you can get enough sleep each night.

Extension Tour Pace: The extension demands a fair amount of walking, occasionally uphill or downhill, particularly in Singalila National Park. Normally we are out walking for several hours, though at a birders pace so not covering significant distances, typically 1 – 2 kilometers. Jeep rides into and out of the park are quite bumpy.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

India

  • Avijit Sarkhel - India and Bhutan Expert

    Avijit (Avi) Sarkhel lives in New Delhi in Northern India & runs a travel company for inbound tours to the Indian Sub-continent. Avi (as most people call him) has been designing and leading wildlife and birding tours for the last two decades all over the sub-continent. He has lead tours with a number of well-known tour operators from all over the World. Avi enjoys meeting people and showing them his country and its wildlife and nature. He is concerned about the well-being of his co-travelers, enjoys having a laugh with them
    and is always ready to address their concerns while on tour.

    Avi is well-versed with the forests of the sub-continent, he has traveled all over the country, seen almost all of the birds and most of the mammals and is keen to learn more. He believes that there is a lot to learn about the wildlife of the areas that he travels to and enjoys learning from his guests.

    Photo credit: Vana Safaris

    Other trips with Avijit Sarkhel - India and Bhutan Expert

Map for Grand India: Tigers & Glorious Birds

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Make sure your passport is valid for six months AFTER your scheduled return date to the U.S. Your passport should have the required number of blank pages per stamp. If you are from a country other than the United States, please contact the Indian embassy website for guidelines.
  • Obtain your India Tourist Visa. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond date of visa application to obtain a visa. Please note that everyone should have a multiple entry Nepal Visa too. We will be on a road where one side is India and the other side is Nepal and if the pandas cross the road, we will look for them in Nepal. See Passport & Visa section below.
  • Please check current CDC recommendations for travel to India and consult with your doctor about general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel. Many malarial drugs require you to start taking them a week ahead of the tour. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section below.
  • Make your international flight reservations to and from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose (CCU) in Kolkata, India. Please check all flight times with us before booking. Naturalist Journeys offers you the service of our travel agent, Pam Davis of Willamette Travel, to help you book flights.
  • Please take luggage restrictions seriously! Luggage restrictions are 15 kilograms for the checked bag and 7 kilograms for the carry on. The excess baggage charge is US $8 per kilogram—if you plan to have excess baggage just let us know in advance and our operator can pre purchase to save time at the airport. Then you can just settle up with the operator while you're there.

Arrival into Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), Kolkata

Please note. If you are delayed in travel, please FIRST call the number of our India guide. As a backup, contact our office (both numbers are on your emergency contact list).

Please plan to arrive at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata in time for a welcome dinner. You will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your accommodations for the evening. As the group arrives, we will gather for dinner to get to know each other and our guides. If you wish to see some of the city and plan to arrive early, our operator can help set that up as well as your early night hotel.

Please check the Travel Details section of this tour for additional information and updates.

Departure from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), Kolkata

For the main tour, we return to Kolkata by flight and transfer to our airport hotel.

The Extension departs from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) in New Delhi.

Please check the Travel Details section of this tour for additional information and updates.

Passports, Visas & Documents

Passport: You must have a passport that is in good condition and is valid for six months AFTER your scheduled return to the U.S. Please check that expiration date! You should have at least two blank passport pages. The blank pages need to say “Visas” at the top. Pages marked “Amendments and Endorsements” will not be accepted. If you are from another country, please contact the Indian embassy website for guidelines. Information for U.S. citizens can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html.

Visa Required: While we make recommendations, conditions and timing for visa application change frequently and compliance is the traveler's responsibility. Please check online for current regulations and to fully understand when to apply, as visas have a specific validity period. All visas and fees are subject to change.

A Tourist Visa is required for U.S. travelers. This visa must be acquired in advance as it cannot be obtained upon arrival. U.S. citizens looking to enter India only for tourist reasons, and who plan to stay no more than 60 days (as of this writing), can apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) in lieu of applying for a tourist visa at an Indian embassy or consulate. Please ensure you have the correct type of visa for your planned activity in India or you may be denied entry.

Please visit indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html to apply for your e-Tourist Visa and for additional information regarding the eligibilities and requirements. Applicant should carry a copy of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) along with him/her at the time of travel. Please confirm that your ETA status is shown as 'GRANTED' on this website prior to commencement of your journey. Applicants can track the status of their application online by clicking VisaStatus.

Nepal visa information can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Nepal.html.

You will need the contact information for our guide and operator.

  • Avigit Sarkhel
  • Vana Safaris
  • 226, Platinum Heights, Sector 18B, Dwarka, New Delhi - 110075
  • Office Phone - +91-11-47512262; Moblie Phone - +91-981-833-0707
  • Contact Mail - vana@vanasafaris.com
  • Website - www.vanasafaris.com

 

As a precaution for lost or misplaced documents you carry on your person during travel, we highly recommend you keep hard and digital backup copies on your phone (either photo or PDF scan), as well as a hard copy left with your emergency contact at home. The recommended important documents to copy include, but are not limited to; your passport ID page, travel visa, the front and back of your credit card(s), the airline barcode on your luggage. This will greatly expedite getting new ones if necessary – we hope everyone will always keep travel documents close so that losing them will not be an issue.

General Health & Inoculations Information – Be Prepared!

We will share your health information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important as we want to be best prepared in case of a medical emergency.

Vaccinations: Bring your up-to-date vaccination records with you.  At the time of writing, no vaccines are required to enter India (with the exception for yellow fever if the traveler is arriving from a yellow fever infected area).  However, the CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date with routine vaccinations and basic travel vaccines (such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid) before traveling to any destination. Please check with your doctor for recommendations at least 4-6 weeks before departing on your trip. It is always best to seek advice from your doctor well in advance, as some vaccines require multiple doses.

Your doctor may recommend taking medication to prevent malaria.

Two helpful websites for planning:

 

Prescriptions: It is a good idea to pack any meds you take regularly in your carry-on luggage.  Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you use, a copy of the prescription and a list of generic names of your medicines as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs while abroad. You’ll want to keep medications in their original, labeled containers. 

Allergies: The roads can be very dusty which may trigger allergies or breathing difficulties, in which case, please bring your allergy and/or asthma medication. If you have severe allergies talk to your doctor about carrying an EPI pen and notify your guides. It is also recommended to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies, chronic medical problems and Medic Alerts so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health. 

Common Ailments: We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit (including items such as ointments, moisturizer, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, band-aids, moleskin for blisters, cotton swabs, nail clippers, and tweezers, etc.) and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for prevention or treatment of common ailments (such as for diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, cough, congestion, head or body aches, insect bites, sunburn, etc.).

Daily Itinerary

We generally follow the published itinerary but do network with other guides and may make changes if we hear of great bird sightings or a new opportunity. The joy of our travel is tremendous flexibility, and we make every effort to do the things you particularly want to do. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

Weather & Climate

In general, India’s climate is tropical with warm to hot weather all year round. During your stay temperatures commonly average 75-85°F during the day with cooler early mornings and evenings averaging 60-50°F. Mornings can be colder in the winter months. We do not expect rain in February but since weather can be unpredictable you may want to bring a cheap pocket raincoat to protect equipment should there be a downpour. DO NOTE that it can be quite chilly in the mountains in the mornings and when birding early in shady areas. Layers are the best idea for this variance with a hat, scarf and gloves for that cold.

Food & Drinks

Indian food is a highlight of the trip and has an amazing history dating back thousands of years! India food is said to be rich, spicy, and delish! Usually, stomach upsets are due to a change of diet or excess of chilis rather than bacteria. However, as with any travel, minor intestinal problems are possible, so we suggest bringing a remedy for traveler’s diarrhea. Please discuss appropriate medication with your physician.

The CDC considers tap water in India not safe to drink. Bottled water, water that has been disinfected, and hot drinks that have been boiled are safe to drink. We provide bottled water in the vehicles. We also bring purification filters you can use to refill bottles when possible, to cut down on use of plastics. There are water bottles now with filters that are great for travel. Another option is a SteriPen to purify your drinking water. This operates with UV light - in 90 seconds, your tap water is safe to drink - wonderful!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Please, pack light, though keep in mind you encounter a variety of conditions including colder weather at higher elevations. And please, please pack all essential medications and your binoculars in your CARRY-ON.

Dress is very informal. You may wish to change for dinners, but casual dress is suitable at all locations. Ask your guide about available laundry services for a nominal charge. We usually do this when we have at least two nights somewhere. You may wish to pack clothes that are easy to hand wash and dry in your room. It’s a good idea to bring good quality thermal wear (thermal long underwear and thermal long-sleeved undershirts and tights or leggings) to keep warm for the nights at Singalila National Park.

TRAVEL TIP: Imagine NOT getting your suitcase. Wear your most important shoes for the field and have one day’s clothing change (including a change of underwear!). And please do not pack any essential medications, or your vital optics, in your checked luggage!

Spending Money

The official currency of India is the rupee. For the current exchange rate, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com, or your bank. We advise you carry a mix of different types of payments, such as the local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card. U.S. dollars are not typically accepted; the local currency is preferred. Indian rupees are not available to obtain anywhere outside of India. You should plan to exchange money or use an ATM when you arrive. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) has seven foreign exchange counters and ATMs from various banks.

An easy way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. ATMs are available throughout India’s cities and larger towns. They are limited in smaller towns and National Parks. The ATM will give you local money and your bank will convert that into U.S. Dollars. Many banks charge a fee of $1 - $5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. Check with your bank before departure. You must become familiar with how to use your ATM card and PIN number ahead of the journey.

Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted throughout India. We suggest you have more than one card available, if possible. You may want to bring more than one brand of card (one Visa, and one MasterCard; American Express is less accepted). Not every shop will accept every card. Some smaller shops and restaurants require cash, so it is always a good idea to ask before making a purchase. Also, we recommend that you advise your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling to India to avoid questions, card freezes, or charges. If you have a choice of cards, bring one with no foreign exchange fees.

Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted. They can be difficult to exchange. We do not advise you use them.

When it comes to spending money, every traveler has different spending habits. Please consider your own spending behaviors when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. There are MANY shopping temptations in India.

Gratuities

Tipping is optional and completely at your discretion. If you would like to show our appreciation to your guides, lodge and hotel staff or anyone associated with this tour, it is entirely appropriate. Know that they appreciate anything you care to give and of course you can do more if you wish! Lodges normally have a box for tips that the staff share, and hotels you would just tip the maids as you do at home. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services.

Here is a standard suggestion for tipping on birding trips:

  • Birding tour guide: US$ 10.00 per person/day. Note: If there is more than one guide, this can be split among them.
  • Safari guide: US$ 20.00 per person/day
  • Transfer (airport shuttle) driver: US$ 2.00 - $3.00 per person
  • Tour driver if different from guide: US$ 3.00 - $ 5.00 per person/day
  • Lodge staff: US$ 5.00 - $ 6.00 per person/day for all staff to share
  • Hotel & international airport bellmen: US$ 1.00 per suitcase

Please note recommended tips are quoted in U.S. dollars. Tips should be converted and paid in Indian rupee.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

If you want to use your cell phone in India, be sure to check your cell phone company’s coverage, roaming charges, how to turn on International service/roaming, or perhaps purchase a temporary international data/calling plan. Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a SIM card or rent an international phone when you arrive in India. If you do purchase a local SIM, please make sure it’s compatible with your phone first.

If your phone can connect to Wi-Fi, you may be able to make voice and video calls free of charge. Please contact your cell phone provider for further details. Another option if you have access to Wi-Fi, is to use smartphone apps like Skye, WhatsApp, or Viber to send text messages and make voice calls, or video calls. Many smartphones, tablets, or laptops come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download for free. If bringing a laptop or tablet, get a good dustcover to protect it at all times.

Make sure if you do NOT want to use your cell phone that you turn off your cellular data. You could incur huge charges if you are not on Wi-Fi. Putting your phone in airplane mode if you mainly use it for photos will save the battery as well.

WiFi/Internet is available in a few of your accommodations, usually in their common area or business center. Connections in India can be slow and sometimes require repeated logging in.

Electricity

The standard Indian voltage is 230V and frequency is 50 Hz, using the power plug and socket type C, D, and M (the U.S. uses 110 V with plug and socket type A & B).

You will need a power plug adapter and a voltage converter (or make sure your devices can be used with 220/240 Volts). Adaptors can be purchased ahead of time and are generally available at major airports. More information can be found at www.power-plugs-sockets.com.

Time

India has one time zone of India Standard Time (IST). A great website if you want to tell someone to check ahead of calling you is www.timeanddate.com.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone us toll free at (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!

Pace & Protocols +

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of Read more

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Naturalist Journeys International Trips: Guide Role

Naturalist Journeys supports ecotourism and the development of excellent local guides. Once we know our international partners and guides well, we can send out small groups working directly with these trusted partners, adding a Naturalist Journeys guide to assist the local expert when we have a group of 6-7 or more. This helps us keep your costs down while retaining tour quality. The local guide is your main guide. You can expect your Naturalist Journeys guide to be well-researched and often they are experienced in the destination, but their role is not to be primary, it is to help to organize logistics, help you find birds, mammals, and interesting other species in the field, keep reports, help facilitate group interactions, and to keep the trip within Naturalist Journeys' style. Local guides live in the countries we travel to, know the destinations intimately, and are often the strongest force for conservation in their countries. They open many doors for us to have a rich experience.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

As a courtesy to each other, we ask that all travelers please rotate seating. On international trips we may all be in one small bus, on some trips we are in vans, particularly the roomy Sprinter Vans when available. Some areas require us to be in smaller 4-wheel drive or safari vehicles. Rotation allows you to sit with different drivers and alternate front and back seating.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives’ permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Travel Insurance

You are traveling in remote areas. Naturalist Journeys strongly recommends you have full medical and evacuation insurance from a company such as Allianz, for all international travel. If you do not have medical coverage or evacuation coverage on your existing travel insurance policy or for some reason elected not to take that out, we advise getting an evacuation plan with Global RescueWorld Nomads, Medjet, Allianz (they can do evacuation only) or a similar company. These plans are typically $300-$400 for a year for multiple destinations. This coverage may be a part of a larger Travel Insurance policy but can also be purchased on its own.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please pack light! Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid Read more

Please pack light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds. Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

In general, India’s climate is tropical with warm to hot weather all year round. During your stay temperatures commonly average 75-85°F during the day with cooler early mornings and evenings averaging 60-50°F. Mornings can be colder in the winter months. We do not expect rain in February but since weather can be unpredictable, raingear is still on the list just in case.

Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun and vegetation. But if you like to wear shorts, by all means bring them. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy to launder.

As this is a seasonally warm climate, the lodge rooms in Singalila National Park do not have room heaters. It will be necessary to bring good quality thermal wear (thermal long underwear and thermal long-sleeved undershirts and tights or leggings) to keep warm on those nights. A jacket should be sufficient for cooler mornings, evenings and on boat rides. You can always layer your fleece and a wind jacket.

Note on clothing colors and insect repellent: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors, though camouflage clothing is not recommended, and in some countries, not legal to wear. It is possible to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent, such as Craghoppers Insect Shield collection. Another approach is to purchase Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure.

Clothing & Gear

  • Lightweight long pants (2-3 pair)
  • Shorts (optional)
  • Lightweight long-sleeved shirts (2-3)
  • T-shirts or equivalent (1 per day – remember you may be buying some there anyway!)
  • Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes or a skirt, sundress, etc.)
  • Personal underclothing
  • Warm pajamas/sleepwear
  • Thermal long underwear/shirts/tights or leggings
  • Socks – lightweight and easy to wash and dry for the field and warm for nights (i.e. Smartwool if you’re buying new)
  • Comfortable walking shoes (such as tennis shoes)
  • Lightweight hiking boots – good tread and support are essential
  • Sandals for evenings, travel days, and to wear on boats (optional, Teva style are great)
  • Warm jacket; fleece fabric is ideal
  • Lightweight raincoat or poncho
  • Hat and light gloves
  • Scarf or turtleneck
  • Bathing suit (optional)
  • Hat with broad brim
  • Bandana (gel bandanas work well to keep you cool)
  • Field vest (optional), a great source is Big Pockets

Equipment & Miscellaneous

  • Airline tickets (or have your E-Tickets ready)
  • Passport, visa (if required), travel insurance info, money & credit cards.
  • A secure pouch to carry the items above on your person at all times (such as a secure, under-clothing document pouch)
  • As a backup: copies of all the above (phone and/or paper) packed in a separate location than on your person, plus a set given to your emergency contact at home as a backup. For passport, copy of the  ID and entry stamp pages.
  • Small daypack or fanny pack for carrying your field gear
  • Umbrella – compact and not brightly colored
  • Walking stick – we find many travelers appreciate a walking stick on trails; recommend collapsible models that will fit in your suitcase (optional)
  • Small flashlight and/or headlamp with fresh batteries
  • Alarm clock
  • Sunscreen/Chapstick with SPF or equivalent and waterproof sunblock
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Insect repellent (containing DEET); for chiggers, Sulphur powder if available
  • Toiletry articles
  • Earplugs (if hotel noise or roommates snoring may bother you; these are optional)
  • Pocket-size tissues
  • Binoculars
  • Spotting scope and tripod (optional)
  • Camera and extra batteries/chargers, memory cards, lens cleaning supplies and instruction manual
  • Tablet or laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos, USB cord and charger (optional)
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
  • Chargers for cameras and/or phones
  • Electrical converter and adapter plugs
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)
  • Water bottle (or plan to refill one purchased on location)
  • Sink plug (often not available, a flat universal one is easiest to use)
  • Washcloth (may not always be available)
  • Laundry soap if you plan to hand wash articles of clothing
  • Steri-Pen or other UV water treatment device to help cut down on the use of plastic bottles (optional)
  • Face mask for asthma sufferers or other breathing issues (optional – helpful on dusty roads or high air pollution areas)

 

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing - your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Aid Items

  • Heath insurance and vaccination information (kept in personal pouch with other travel documents)
  • Personal medications
  • Personal first aid kit including medications for general ailments and stomach ailments (Imodium or Lomotil, Antihistamine cream or tablets, Eye drops, etc.)
  • Motion sickness preventatives, if likely to be needed on bus, van drives, etc.
  • Copy of eyeglass prescription, medical prescriptions, and any medical alerts
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
  • Band-Aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
  • Antibacterial hand soap or hand sanitizer, small vial

 

Suggested Reading List +

There are many titles of interest for India; the following are a few that we Read more

There are many titles of interest for India; the following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started.

Top Picks

Birds of India: Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives 

Merlin App – India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These islands are so unique that Merlin has a separate pack for them, so in addition to the India: South pack, you will want this pack for Andaman Island. First, download the Merlin app here and then look for the location-specific packs.

Field Guides

Birds of India (Collins Field Guide)

A Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Birds of India

Indian Mammals: A Field Guide 

A Naturalist's Guide to the Mammals of India 

Eimear Traveller's Guide: A handbook on Kaziranga National Park and North East India

Spell of the Tiger: The Man-Eaters of Sundarbans

Among Tigers: Fighting to Bring Back Asia's Big Cats

Butterflies of India 

A Naturalist's Guide to the Reptiles of India 

Natural History

The Life and Fate of the Indian Tiger 

Land of the Seven Rivers: A Brief History of India’s Geography 

India: National Geographic Adventure Map

India South: National Geographic Adventure Map 

Birds of Andaman & Nicobar Islands 

Guidebooks

The Diplomat’s Travel Guide to India: An Essential Travel Guide to Experiencing the Food, Art, Culture, People and Customs of this Exotic Land 

Lonely Planet South India & Kerala

The Rough Guide to South India and Kerala 

Insight Guides South India 

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India: Travel Guide

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Travel Guide: Complete guide book to the last and disappearing paradise

History & Culture

A History of South India: From Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar 

A Concise History of South India: Issues and Interpretations 

India After Gandhi Revised and Updated Edition: The History of the World's Largest Democracy 

History of India: A Captivating Guide to Ancient India, Medieval Indian History, and Modern India Including Stories of the Maurya Empire, the British Raj, Mahatma Gandhi, and More 

The Little Book of Hindu Deities 

Mohandas K. Gandhi, Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth 

India - Culture Smart! The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture 

Lonely Planet Hindi, Urdu & Bengali Phrasebook & Dictionary

The Story of India. BBC 6-part documentary. Presented by Michael Wood. 2007. Amazon Prime Video.

Green Islands of the Andamans and Nicobars

New Histories of the Andaman Islands

As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

 

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

About India

City of Kolkata

City of Guwahati

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Birds of India

Birding Kaziranga

Butterflies of Kanha

List of Butterflies of India

Wildlife of Sunderbans

Mammals of India

India’s Endemic Species

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Sunderbans National Park – UNESCO

Sundarbans National Park Website

Kaziranga National Park

Kanha National Park (Tiger Reserve)

Geology & Geography

Geology of India

Geography of India

Brahmaputra River

The Himalayas – Video by Wild Films India

History & Culture

Historical Overview of India

Culture of India

India’s Regional Cuisines - Overview

Basic Hindi Phrases with Pronunciation

Optional Tour Extension: Singalila National Park

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) – Extension ONLY: Departs from New Delhi

Singalila National Park

Birding Darjeeling Hills – Avibase

Red Panda of India

Settlement of Bagdogra

Neighborhood of Ghum (Ghoom)

Helpful Travel Websites

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)

National Passport Information Center

Homeland Security Real ID Act

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Foreign Exchange Rates

ATM Locator

U.S. Department of State International Travel Information - India

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - India

Canada Travel Advice and Advisories - India

Travel Health Pro (UK) - India

Electricity and Plugs - India

Date, Time, and Holidays - India


Photo credits: Banners: Bengal Tiger (NJ Stock), Indochinese Roller (NJ Stock), One-Horned Rhino in Kaziranga NP (Diganta Talukdar via Creative Commons), Birders (NJ Stock), Sloth Bear (NJ Stock), Sunrise at Kanha Tiger Reserve (NJ Stock), Spot-billed Pelican (NJ Stock), Red Panda (Avijit Sarkhel) Bengal Tiger (NJ Stock), Sultan Tit (NJ Stock) Siberian Rubythroat, Avijit Sarkhel; Habre's Nest, courtesy Habre's Nest; Peacock, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Mahout, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Women Walking, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Tiger Family, Avijit Sarkhel; Brown-winged Kingfisher, Narca Moore-Craig; Rhino, Avijit Sarkhel; Primate, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Greater Necklaced Langhing Thrush, Carlos Sanchez; Raquet-tailed Drongo, Peg Abbott; Puff-throated Babbler, Peg Abbott; Siberian Rubythroat, Avijit Sarkhel; Morning Birding, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Tiger, Peg Abbott; Common Myna, Carlos Sanchez; Elephants and Mahouts, Peg Abbott; Hoolock Gibbon, Avijit Sarkhel; Jackals, Peg Abbott; Giant Squirrel, Bud Ferguson; Tiger, Peg Abbott; Red Panda, Avijit Sarkhel; Red-billed Leothrix, Avijit Sarkhel; Vehicle in Singalila, Avijit Sarkhel; Jeep at Singalila, Avijit Sarkhel; Birding, Avijit Sarkhel; Chital, Narca Moore-Craig; Horned Lark, Avijit Sarkhel; Elephant walks, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Jeep, Avijit Sarkhel; Red Panda, Narca Moore-Craig; Stripe-throated Yuhina, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Tiger, Avijit Sarkhel; White-collared Thrush, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Raquet-tailed Drongo, Peg Abbott; Puff-throated Babbler, Peg Abbott; Siberian Rubythroat, Avijit Sarkel; Morning Birding, NJS; Hoolock Gibbon, Avijit Sarkel; Jackals, Peg Abbott; Giant Squirrel, Bud Ferguson; Tiger, Peg Abbott; Tiger, Peg Abbott; Common Myna, Carlos Sanchez; Elephants and Mahouts, Peg Abbott; Local Women, Peg Abbott; Tiger and Cub, Avijit Sarkel; White-naped Woodpecker, Narca Moore Craig; Mahout, Peg Abbott; Red Panda, Avijit Sarkel; Red-billed Leothrix, Avijit Sarkel; Singalila Track, Avijit Sarket; Northern Plains Gray Langurs, Narca Moore Craig; Indian Roller, Narca Moore Craig; Great Hornbill, NJS.

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