Compare India – Tiger Volunteer Adventure by Discover Corps vs Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival by Travel The Unknown
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 2,995 | $ 3,635 |
| Price Per Day | $ 300 | $ 242 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
9 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches and 9 Dinners |
14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches and 14 Dinners |
| Description |
Over the course of the trip, we will assist one of India’s leading conservation organizations in the effort to protect Bengal tigers, and empower the villages surrounding Ranthambore National Park. The relationship between India’s wild tigers and a rapidly growing urban population are complex. Just a couple decades ago, India’s tigers were on the verge of extinction due to hunting, poaching, environmental degradation and urban sprawl. Today, numbers are rebounding as the government and society become increasingly aware of the fragility of these creatures. Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is now one of India’s largest protected sanctuaries for wild tigers. On the verge of extinction in the area, the tiger population has now returned to sustainable levels and has inspired communities to join in solidarity to protect these vulnerable creatures. Over ten days, we’ll lend a hand to Ranthambore’s mission to protect the park’s tigers, helping lay camera traps to record tiger movement outside of the park. We’ll also work with members of the local Mogya tribe, who have been displaced by the creation of the park. Our journey will take us to the bustling Indian capital of New Delhi and the desert city of Jaipur, allowing us to explore some of India’s oldest temples, forts and markets. |
Discover one-horned rhinos, elephants and other wildlife in Kaziranga National Park. Take a boat on the Brahmaputra River to Majuli, one of the largest river islands in the world, before finally entering Nagaland. Bordering onto Myanmar, Nagaland is steeped in history and tribal tradition. Wander through tribal villages and soak up the atmosphere at the Hornbill Festival, where Naga culture is brought to life in colourful song and dance. Visit the solemn WWII cemetery in Kohima then cross into Manipur and wander around India's only women-run market in Imphal and experience the tranquility of Loktak lake, known for its rich birdlife and rural culture. |
Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi
Meals: Dinner
Touching down in India’s capital New Delhi, you’ll be met at the airport by a Discover Corps representative who will accompany you to our hotel in the city. There, you’ll meet your group and we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner together.
Day 2: Explore Delhi on a Guided Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning we’ll explore the walled heart of India’s capital, Old Delhi. Stroll through the fabled Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi’s largest outdoor markets, visit the towering Jama Masjid mosque, and admire the imposing Red Fort. We’ll also visit the beautiful minaret Qutab Minar, and the grand parliament buildings of Central Secretariat.
Day 3: Travel by Train to Ranthambore National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll head to the station to catch our train to Ranthambore National Park. Traveling by train is a quintessential Indian experience; take in stunning views of the countryside, dotted with traditional villages, from your air-conditioned compartment. Upon arrival at Ranthambore, we will head to our hotel – an ornate heritage hotel overlooking the park.
Day 4: Scout for Tigers in Ranthambore National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today we’ll enjoy an open-air jeep safari through Ranthambore, spotting deer, crocodile, leopards and – if we’re lucky – tigers. Along the way, take in the stunning landscapes of the park, and spot the thousand-year-old Ranthambore Fort. After lunch, we’ll meet with Tiger Watch, a NGO that aims to protect the tigers of Ranthambore.
Day 5: Continue Scouting For Tigers
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Over the course of the next two days, we’ll continue exploring the park on jeep trips scouting for tigers. We’ll also lend a hand with Tiger Watch setting camera traps to record tiger movements around the permieter of the park.
Day 6: Visit Community Projects
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
In addition to continuing your time on safari searching for tigers, assist with local social projects that aim to empower youth through basic educational games and women through the creation of crafts that are sold in the local markets.
Day 7: Say Goodbye to Ranthambore with a Final Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning we’ll finish our projects with Tiger Watch, collecting the last of the camera traps and bidding the women and children of the community projects farewell. Enjoy a relaxing mid-day lunch in town followed by a late afternoon safari ride through the park, giving us one more chance to hopefully spot a majestic tiger.
Day 8: Visit the Pink City of Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, we’ll hit the road to the Pink City of the desert, Jaipur. Known for its grand palaces, the capital of Rajasthan is a sight to behold. After checking into our hotel we’ll take a tour of the city, visiting the exquisite courtyards and gardens of the City Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the vast sundials of the Royal Observatory. Enjoy some free time to explore Jaipur’s famous markets, before dinner and a traditional dance performance.
Day 9: Explore the Extravagant Amber Fort on a Guided Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll ascend a hill overlooking Jaipur to the Amber Fort, one of India’s most extravagant castles. This fort has stood guard over the city for centuries and was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After our guided tour, we’ll return to Jaipur for lunch and enjoy some last minute shopping before we hit the road, heading for New Delhi.
Day 10: Return Home or Agra & Taj Mahal Extension
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
If you’re leaving the trip at this stage, we’ll enjoy a final tour of Delhi’s sights, including the Lotus Temple, before your transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Day 1: Jorhat - Kaziranga
Meal: Dinner
On arrival in Jorhat your guide and driver will escort you to Kaziranga National Park. Check into the lodge and rest of the day free to relax. Overnight in Kaziranga.
Overnight in Wild Grass Lodge, Kaziranga National Park
Day 2: Kaziranga
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Early morning game drive in Kaziranga. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Free time to rest or visit the nearby Orchid Sanctuary. After lunch proceed for afternoon game drive. Return to lodge for dinner. Evening to relax. The evening is free to relax. Overnight in Kaziranga.
Overnight in Wild Grass Lodge, Kaziranga National Park
Day 3: Kaziranga – Jorhat
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Early wake up with a hot cup of chai and biscuits. A jeep will take you to the Central Sector for your elephant safari [optional]. Return to the jungle lodge for breakfast. The rest of the morning is free at your leisure. In the afternoon, leave for a jeep safari in the eastern sector. Afterwards leave for Jorhat. On arrival check into your accommodation. Evening free to rest. Overnight in Jorhat.
Overnight in Kaziranga Golf Resort, Jorhat
Day 4: Jorhat - Majuli - Jorhat
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Get an early morning private boat and spend the day exploring one of the largest river islands in the world. Visit the island's ancient satras (rare Hindu Vaishnavite monasteries worshipping Lord Vishnu) and pop into the local mask and pottery workshops to watch master craftsmen at work. In the afternoon, take the boat back to Jorhat. The evening is free at your leisure. Overnight in Jorhat.
Overnight in Kaziranga Golf Resort, Jorhat
Day 5: Jorhat - Mon
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, drive to Mon District, home to the Konyak Naga tribe. Once one of the most elaborate and fierce head-hunting tribes of Nagaland, the tribal elders still exhibit signs of their ancient customs including tattooed faces, elaborate head dresses, and many of their homes still display animal skulls. Overnight in Mon.
Overnight in Helsa Cottage and Resort, Mon District
Day 6: Mon
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Full day exploring more of Mon, including a visit to the village of Longwa which straddles both India and Myanmar. Take a look inside a typical tribal bamboo hut and learn about their way of life. The evening is free at your leisure. Overnight in Mon.
Overnight in Helsa Cottage and Resort, Mon District
Day 7: Mon - Sibsagar
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, leave for Sibsagar, the former capital of the Ahom Dynasty. The road will be bumpy so the rest of the day will be free to rest. Ovenight in Sibsagar.
Overnight in Hotel Piccolo, Sibsagar
Day 8: Sibsagar
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Spend the day visiting the ruins of the Ahom dynasty in Sibsagar. Later also visit the nearby Mising tribal village to get an insight into rural village life in Assam. Overnight in Sibsagar.
Overnight in Hotel Piccolo, Sibsagar
Day 9: Sibsagar - Dimapur
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Leave for Dimapur, the second largest town in Nagaland which borders Assam. Visit the Dimasa Kachari ruins and the Kali Temple. After lunch, check into your accommodation. The evening is free to relax. Overnight in Dimapur.
Overnight in Niathu Resort, Dimapur
Day 10: Dimapur - Kohima
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Drive to Kohima and visit the famous World War II cemetery in Kohima, commemorating the British and Nagas who fought side-by-side to defeat the Japanese. Check into hotel and later in the evening, visit the local street food carnival where numerous food stalls serve local snacks. Overnight in Kohima.
Overnight in Classic Aradura Inn, Kohima
Day 11: Kohima
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, set off for the village of Kisama on the outskirts of Kohima. Stop at the viewpoint en-route for excellent views of the valley. On arrival in Kisama, take your seat in the amphitheatre where the main tribal performances will take place. This day of the festival typically sees tribes from all over North East India's 'Seven Sister' states perform traditional dances depicting war cries or customs relating to their interaction with nature and agriculture. During the day visit the many 'morungs' (communal tribal hut) set up around the venue. Each tribe has its own unique morung. After the festival finishes, return to the hotel. The evening is free at your leisure. Overnight in Kohima.
Overnight in Classic Aradura Inn, Kohima
Day 12: Kohima
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Arrive around 9am at the festival ground. This gives ample time to wander around the morungs again and take photos of the various tribes. This day usually sees each of the Naga tribes performing dances or enacting scenes relating to war and their way of life. The Nagas are the most elaborately dressed of the tribes in North East India, so this is perhaps the most important day of the festival. There are various food stalls serving Naga specialities, which includes smoked pork - the aroma can be smelt all around the venue! Visit the handicraft and textile shops where you can pick up some Naga souvenirs. Return to the hotel, where the evening is free to rest. Overnight in Kohima.
Overnight in Classic Aradura Inn, Kohima
Day 13: Kohima - Imphal
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Set off for Imphal, the capital of Manipur. On arrival, check into hotel and after refreshing have lunch then proceed to Khwairamband Bazaar (also known as Ima Keithel market), which is predominantly run by women and the largest of its kind in India. Evening free and overnight in Imphal.
Day 14: Imphal - Loktak Lake – Imphal
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day trip to Loktak Lake, the largest 'floating national park' in the world, and one of the most picturesque lakes in India. Stop at the viewpoint for tea/coffee and take in panoramic vistas of the lake before driving to the shore where you will board traditional wooden boats for a tranquil ride on the lake against the stunning backdrop of the Sendra Hills. Watch your boatsman navigate the moving phumdis and how fishermen catch their haul. Afterwards take a short village walk to get an insight into local life. Enjoy a traditional Manipuri lunch and cultural show depicting local dance forms. Late afternoon return to Imphal. Evening free. Overnight in Imphal.
Day 15: Departure
Meal: Breakfast
Morning free at leisure. Optional visit to Kangla Fort (closed on Wed, opens at 10am) before transfer to airport for your departure flight.
Note: extensions to other parts of the region or India can be organised. Contact us for more information.
