SINGALILA, KAZIRANGA & BERA 17 Days / 16 Nights

Let your imagination soar

About &Beyond &Beyond is a pioneering, experiential travel company that offers forward-thinking, global travellers an exclusive experience of the world as it should be; a world that is in balance with itself. We go beyond mere luxury to enrich your guests’ experience through our core ethos of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, and Care of the People. &Beyond has 30 exquisite safari lodges and camps across Africa and South America, and we also design personalised, high-end tours in 15 African countries, India, , Sri Lanka, , Chile, Argentina, Ecuador and Peru.

Welcome to India

India is the world’s largest democracy and covers an area of 3,287,263 sq. km, stretching from the high in the North, to the southern tropical rain forests and flanked by the Arabian Sea in West and The Indian Ocean in the East. In the shape of a triangle, India's topography is greatly varied in that there are deserts and rain forests, much of its land is comprised of fertile river plains and high plateaus. A vast subcontinent of over 1.2 billion people , and contains more different languages, religions, races and cultures than any other country in the world. India offers the traveler a multitude of unique experiences ensuring an unforgettable visit. From the vibrant and bustling markets and extravagant festivals to the serenity of a mountain retreat, India is a destination that will touch your soul.

Highlights of the Itinerary: • Exotic Indian wildlife in , Kaziranga and Jawai Leopard Conservation reserve near Bera.

• An opportunity to see the elusive Red Panda in the eastern Himalayas.

Specially created for • Wildlife enthusiasts and Photographers

At a glance

16 Nights / 17 Days

1. Kolkata (Day 1,2) 2. (Day 3) 3. Singalila National Park (Day 4,5,6,7,8) 4. Guwahati (Day 9) 5. Kaziranga (Day 10,11,12) 6. Delhi (Day 13 / Flyout on Day 17) 7. Bera (Day 14,15,16)

AN &BEYOND CUSTOM-DESIGNED ITINERARY

DATE SERVICE ACCOMMODATION

Day 1 Arrive into Kolkata (Flights to be booked and issued at your end – details to be 10th Nov’2020 advised)

Tuesday Meet & greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel

Lunch and dinner will be in the hotel

Spend 2 Nights at The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata Deluxe Room – FB Basis

Day 2 After an early lunch in the hotel; embark on a guided half day city tour of Kolkata 11th Nov’2020 Wednesday

Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight

Day 3 Morning transfer to the airport for flight to (6E797 / Dep 1045 Hrs :: Arr

12th Nov’2020 1150 Hrs / Economy Class)

Thursday You will be met on arrival and transferred to ‘Barsana’ hotel in Siliguri

After lunch drive up to ‘Kakharbitta border check post located in the Nepal border, a 45 minute drive from the hotel, to get their Nepal access visas stamped and accepted by the border control authorities.

The evening will be at leisure.

Spend 01 Night in Barsana Hotel, Siliguri Standard Room – FB Basis

Day 4 This morning drive up to ‘Maneybhanjang’, where you will be met and transhipped

13th Nov’2020 to a Land Rover that will take you to the Habre’s Nest in Singalila National Park (approx. 4 ½ Hours’ drive for the entire journey) Friday The evening will be at leisure to unwind after the long drive.

Spend 05 Nights in Habre’s Nest, Singalila National Park Double bedded Room – FB Basis

Day 5/6/7/8 Embark on various wilderness and nature walks looking out for the Red Panda and th th 14 – 17 Nov’2020 a variety of exotic birds and other mammals. Sat/Sun/Mon/Tue

Day 9 Morning transfer to the for flight to Guwahati (6E 433 / Dep 1600 18th Nov’2020 Hrs :: Arr 1640 Hrs / Indigo / Economy Class)

Wednesday You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel

Dinner will be in the hotel

Spend 01 Night in Vivanta by Taj Guwahati, Guwahati Superior Charm Room – HB Basis

Day 10 Morning drive to Diphlu River Lodge in Kaziranga National Park (approx. 4 hrs drive)

th 19 Nov’2020 Met on arrival & assisted to check-in at the Lodge Thursday Embark on an afternoon game drive

Spend 03 Nights in Diphlu River Lodge, Kaziranga Cottage – JP Basis

Day 11/12 Experience scheduled morning and afternoon game drives 20th, 21st Nov’2020 On one of the days, you will have the opportunity to on a short river cruise looking Fri/Sat out for river dolphins

Day 13 This morning you will be transferred to Guwahati Airport (4 hours’ drive) for your 22nd Nov’2020 flight to Delhi. (AI 890 / Dep 1550 Hrs :: Arr 1840 Hrs / / Economy Class)

Sunday Met on arrival and transfer to the Hotel

Dinner will be in the hotel

Spend 01 Night in Roseate House Aerocity, New Delhi Deluxe Room – HB Basis

Day 14 Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to (AI 475 / Dep 1255 Hrs ::

23rd Nov’2020 Arr 1420 Hrs / Air India / Economy Class)

Monday Met on arrival and drive to Bera Safari Lodge in Bera (approx 3 ½ hrs)

Check-in at the Lodge and spend the evening at leisure

Spend 03 Nights in Bera Safari Lodge, Bera Cottage – JP Basis

Day 15/16 Experience morning & afternoon game drives in the Jawai Leopard Conservatory 24th, 25th Nov’2020 area.

Tue/Wed Also experience rural life on an excursion to the nearby villages.

Day 17 Morning drive for 3 ½ hours to for your flight to Delhi (AI 476 / Dep

26th Nov’2020 1455 Hrs :: Arr 1620 Hrs / Air India / Economy Class)

Thursday On arrival in Delhi, you will connect for your flight back home (Flights to be booked and issued at your end – details to be advised)

GLOSSARY

• BB = Bed and Breakfast

• FB = Full Board Basis (All three Meals) • HB = Half Board Basis (Breakfast & Dinner) • JP = Jungle Plan Basis (All three Meals & scheduled safari drives)

ENTRY/VISA REQUIREMENTS

• As for all international travel, the visitor to India is required to be in possession of a valid passport and visa. Travellers from all countries need a visa. Enquire about this from the Indian diplomatic Representatives abroad OR apply online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

• Boarding or immigration can be denied if there is a mismatch of passport details mentioned on the visa letter issued by the Government of India and the passport presented at these checks.

• The Visa holder MUST carry a print out of the eTV confirmation. An electronic copy on a phone is NOT sufficient. Without a physical print out the traveller may be denied boarding on the inbound flight, and maybe denied entry.

• The passport has to be valid for a minimum of 6 months AFTER the departure date from India and at least 2 (two) clear pages available in the passport for immigration stamping.

• SATELLITE PHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN INDIA “The Government of India has banned the use of Satellite Phones across the country - it is a criminal offence to be in possession of such a phone and use of the same as well in India.”

Expect the extraordinary

Day 1: 10th November 2020 (Tuesday): Arrive Kolkata

Upon arrival at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra International Airport (Flights to be booked and issued at your end - details to be advised) You will be welcomed by your host and chauffeured to ‘The Oberoi Grand’

Kolkata: Jumbled and Chaotic, Kolkata nevertheless retains the title of India’s friendliest metropolis, as well as the country’s intellectual and cultural capital. Buzzing with creative energy, Kolkata’s many museums, galleries and theatres sprawl along the east bank of the Hooghly River. Crowded bazaars and teeming streets appear alongside upmarket shopping centres and restaurants where visitor can sample the mild, fruity tang of Bengali cuisine. Must-see attractions include Chandraketugarh, an archaeological site that provides evidence that the area has been inhabited for over two millennia; the white marble domes of the Victoria Memorial, the tomb of Mother Teresa and the Indian Museum.

The Oberoi Grand: The Oberoi Grand offers the ultimate classical residence in the City of Joy. Standing stately for over 125 years, The Oberoi Grand combines classic Victorian architecture and charm with state of the art amenities and facilities, offering guests an oasis of tranquillity amidst this bustling city. Located in the heart of the commercial and administrative hub of Kolkata, this heritage hotel features elegantly appointed rooms, award winning restaurants and exclusive spa and fitness centre. Personalised, efficient and unobtrusive service combined with the unique luxury offering makes The Oberoi Grand the preferred hotel for travellers on leisure and business alike.

Lunch and dinner will be in the hotel

Spend Two Nights in The Oberoi Grand. Accommodation will be in a Deluxe Room. Your stay will be on Full Board basis. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 2 : 11th November 2020 (Wednesday): Kolkata

Spend the morning at leisure to overcome your jet lag.

After an early lunch at the hotel; you will embark on a guided city tour which starts with a visit to the ‘Victoria Memorial’, followed by a stop at the ‘Jaggu Bazaar’ (to view its spectacular array of produce such as fish, Bengali spices and local vegetables) and the ‘Balaram Mallick’ sweet shop, one of the oldest sweet makers in Kolkata.

Victoria Memorial: This is one of India's most beautiful monuments built between 1906 and 1921 on the lines of white marble. The

memorial was the inspiration of Lord Curzon, who in 1901, felt that his lately departed Queen Empress, required a suitable monument to her memory. It houses paintings, manuscripts, and other objects of historic value in its Museum and Art Gallery. (Closed on Monday)

Also visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral: The Cathedral measures 71 mtrs in length 24 mtrs in width, the spire rising 60 mtrs high. The interior has exquisite scriptural scenes. Above these are the two Florentine frescos. In the centre of the eastern sector is the magnificent alter piece. The massive gold-gilt plate presented by Queen Victoria to Bishop Wilson, and the western windows are of special interest.

Later visit Kumartuli:

Kumartuli: This unique artisan village dates back 400 years, making it perhaps the oldest of its kind in the world. It is the lifeblood of Bengal’s biggest festival and keeps the Puja fervor alive among Bengali communities in other countries. Around 250 artists work to produce 40,000 idols a year, including 3500 images of Durga. With more than a thousand workers assisting the artisans, Kumartuli is a mini industry. It exports 50 Durga idols to virtually all corners of the world, including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Switzerland.

On the way back to the hotel, visit the ‘Mother Theresa Missionaries of Charity’

The Missionaries of Charity was formed by Mother Teresa in 1950, and today consists of over 4,000 nuns.

It has expanded its wings to more than 100 countries, with the objective to provide care and support to the sick, mentally ill, aged, victims of incorrigible diseases, and abandoned children

Return to hotel for dinner and overnight

Day 3 : 12th November 2020 (Thursday) Kolkata – Bagdogra – Siliguri

This morning you will be transferred to the Airport for your flight to Bagdogra (6E 797 / Dep 1045 Hrs :: Arr 1150 Hrs / Indigo / Economy Class)

You will be met on arrival and transferred to ‘Barsana’ hotel in Siliguri

After lunch drive up to ‘Kakharbitta border check post located in the Nepal border, a 45 minute drive from the hotel, to get their Nepal access visas stamped and accepted by the border control authorities.

Drive back to Siliguri and spend the evening at leisure.

Dinner will be in the hotel.

Spend One Night in Barsana Hotel. Accommodation will be in a Standard Room. Your stay will be on Full Board basis. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 4 : 13th November 2020 (Friday) Siliguri – Singalila National Park

This morning drive up to ‘Maneybhanjang’, where you will be met and transhipped to a Land Rover that will take you to the Habre’s Nest in Singalila National Park (approx. 4 ½ Hours’ drive for the entire journey)

Singalila National Park is one of the most exotic Himalayan forests in India. It is a wilderness located on the Singalila Ridge at an altitude of 7000 feet to 12000 feet above sea level with an area of 78.6 square kilometres. It was declared a National Park in 1992. The habitat type can be described as temperate forest of fir, deciduous hardwood and Rhododendron with thick bamboo understory. There are over 600 varieties of orchids bloom in Singalila, the largest concentration in any single geographical area in the world. The area gets considerable seasonal monsoon rains and is located in the Eastern Himalayan Region of India in the state of . It is well known for the trekking route to that runs through it. Same habitat continues in Nepal called Tinchule Forest.

Habre’s Nest: Habre’s Nest is a research hub cum wildlife tourism Center promoted by wildlife enthusiasts. Experience the warmth of home and the skill of professionals in the middle of Jungle. The guest

house has 4 double bedded rooms that are equipped with all the modern amenities vis-à-vis attached bathrooms, running hot water, Eco friendly fireplace, hot water bags inside the cosy bed and exotic food.

Dinner will be in the lodge

Spend Five Nights in Habre’s Nest. Accommodation will be in a Double bedded Room. Your stay will be on Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Basis with Wilderness Activities.

Day 5/6/7/8 :14th – 17th November 2020 (Sat/Sun/Mon/Tue): Singalila National Park

Embark on various wilderness and nature walks looking out for the Red Panda and a variety of exotic birds and other mammals.

‘Tinchule-Singalila’; is one of the best places in India to see the elusive Red Panda. There are an estimated 32 Red Pandas within the limits of Singalila. Apart from the Red Panda, other mammals found here are- Himalayan Black bear, Clouded Leopard, Leopard, Leopard Cat,

Himalayan Serow, Barking Deer, Yellow-throated Marten, Wild Boar, Pangolin, Pika and many other Eastern Himalayan exotics.

This is a Birding Paradise as well. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded here. It has a huge list of exotic birds; like Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Khalij Pheasant, Brown and Fulvous Parrotbills, Rufous-vented Tit, and Old World babblers like the Fire- tailed Myzornis and the Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Rose-finches, bull finches, Wren Babblers, Laughing thrushes, Nuthatchs, Tree creepers, Yuhinas, Minivets, Partridges and many more.

One of the best places to see sunrise and sunsets, Sandakphu top is situated within Singalila National Park and is the highest peak in West Bengal. Sandakphu offers the best view of also known as Sleeping Buddha or Sleeping Shiva.

Day 9: 18th November 2020 (Wednesday): Singalila National Park – Bagdogra – Guwahati

Morning transfer to the Bagdogra airport for flight to Guwahati (6E433 / Dep 1600 Hrs :: Arr 1640 Hrs / Indigo / Economy Class)

You will be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel ‘Vivanta by Taj Guwahati’.

Vivanta by Taj Guwahati: Spread across 5 acres of manicured gardens, trees, water bodies and local flora, the hotel is an urban sanctuary that weaves in history with modern style. The property is ideally located on the Guwahati - Shillong highway in the centre of Guwahati’s government, business and cultural areas.

Dinner will be in the hotel

Spend One Night in Vivanta by Taj Guwahati. Accommodation will be in a Superior Charm Room. Your stay will be on Half Board Basis. (Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 10: 19th November 2019(Thursday):Guwahati – Kaziranga National Park

This morning you will be met and transferred to the Diphlu River Lodge in Kaziranga National Park (approx 4 hours’ drive)

Kaziranga National Park: Home to some of India’s largest mammals, Kaziranga boasts a thriving population of one-horned rhino, Asian elephant and Asiatic wild buffalo, as well as the swamp deer known as barasingha, wild boar sloth bear and many others. Everything appears larger than life at Kaziranga – even some of the largest snakes in the

world, including the reticulated and Indian pythons, king cobra and branded krait, are found here. The reserve is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with almost 500 species encountered here, including many migrants

Diphlu River Lodge. Diphlu River Lodge has a boundary river that separates its extensive grounds from the National Park itself, and the jungle views are exceptional. They have four individual cottages and four semi-detached cottages, raised on stilts above the ground. All rooms are air-conditioned & have been beautifully designed & have made full use of local materials and artifacts that blend in with the stunning natural surroundings. With environment-sensitive cottages overlooking the river, park or verdant farmland, Diphlu River Lodge combines modern comforts with the thrill of the wild and a plethora of activities to enthral guests.

Once you are settled in, you will embark on a scheduled afternoon game drive.

Spend Three Nights in Diphlu River Lodge. Accommodation will be in a Cottage. Your stay will be on Jungle Plan Basis (cycle of 3 meals a day i.e. breakfast; lunch & dinner & Safari drives)

Day 11 /12 : 20th & 21st November 2020 (Fri/Sat): Kaziranga

Experience scheduled morning and afternoon game drives

A park drive inside Kaziranga National Park is very different from other parks in India. Large parts of the park are made up of tall grasslands with patches of swampy water bodies covered with beautiful water lilies. One-horned Rhinos and herds of Asian Elephants are seen busily grazing. Swamp deer or Barasingha are often seen wading through the water bodies chomping on weeds or displaying them on their large antlers to impress the females.

Kaziranga is incredible for birdwatching, a variety of water birds are found around the swamps as well as an impressive number of birds of prey in the forested areas. Look out for the Bengal Florican leaping high above the elephant grass showing off its breeding plumage.

Carry your binoculars and lookout for the endangered Hoolock Gibbons and the swamp Francolin.

On one of the afternoons, you will have the opportunity to go on a river cruise to look out for dolphins (This activity will be in lieu of a 2 game drives)

Day 13 : 22nd November 2020 (Sunday) Kaziranga – Guwahati– Delhi

This morning you will be transferred to Guwahati Airport (4 hours’ drive) for your flight to Delhi. (AI 890 / Dep 1550 Hrs :: Arr 1840 Hrs / Air India / Economy Class)

You will be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel ‘Roseate House Aerocity’

Roseate House: A contemporary upscale hotel stationed in the capital’s only hospitality district, Aerocity. Spread across 1.6 acres, Roseate House New Delhi combines lineage and novelty in its design and services to cater to the new generation of cosmopolitan guests. 30 minutes from the business hubs of Gurgaon and Delhi, 15 minutes from the Indira Gandhi International Airport and closest to the Aerocity metro station, the hotel renders a contrasting respite from the city’s hustle-bustle

Dinner will be in the hotel

Spend One Night in Roseate House Aerocity. Accommodation will be in a Deluxe Room. Your stay will be on Half Board Basis. (Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 14: 23rd November 2020 (Monday): Delhi – Jodhpur – Bera

Early morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Jodhpur (AI475 / Dep 1255 Hrs :: Arr 1420 Hrs / Air India / Economy Class)

You will be met on arrival and driven for about 3 ½ Hours to ‘Bera Safari Lodge’ in Bera.

Bera Safari Lodge: Bera Safari Lodge is created with passion on 10 acres of land near the Liloda Hill on the outskirts of the Kothar village 6km from Bera Town. The small boutique property offers five charming, spacious, and elegantly decorated cottages with private sit-outs. The location of the property is such that often leopards are seen on the Liloda hill from cottage windows.

The cottages have been designed with big windows with plenty of natural light so that guests can enjoy the flora and fauna of without compromising on space and luxury. The view from the hill within the lodge premises is awesome, 360 degrees to observe nature at its pristine glory. About 30 bird species easily to be observed at the lodge, a hundred more at Jawai Dam, which is a 10 minutes’ drive north.

Check-in at the Lodge and spend the evening at leisure.

Spend Three Nights at Bera Safari Lodge. Accommodation will be in a Cottage. Your stay is on Jungle Plan Basis (cycle of 3 meals a day i.e. breakfast; lunch & dinner & Safari drives)

Day 15 /16 : 24th & 25th November 2020 (Tue/ Wed): Bera

Experience morning and afternoon game drives in the Jawai Leopard Conservation Reserve.

Jawai Leopard Conservation Reserve has been declared a protected area. Snuggled in the Aravalli range that offers a magnificent backdrop to the land, Jawai is one of the country’s most popular destinations to track leopards.

It is named after the Jawai dam which is a large water body amongst the otherwise arid scrub land and invites an array of beautiful water birds including flamingos, Sarus Cranes and a number of ducks as well as Mugger Crocodiles. The area offers an entirely different experience from the rest of Rajasthan.

Also experience rural life on an excursion to the nearby villages.

Day 17: 26th November 2020 (Thursday)Bera – Jodhpur - Delhi – Flyout

Morning drive for 03 ½ hours to Jodhpur airport for your flight to Delhi. (AI 476 / Dep 1450 Hrs :: Arr 1620 Hrs / Air India / Economy Class)

Upon arrival, connect for your flight back home from the same terminal (Flights to be booked and issued at your end – details to be advised)

Journey overview

RATES IN USD $14,705.00 PER - PERSON ON SHARING BASIS

VALIDITY 04 GUESTS

November 2020

Flights

DATE FROM/TO FLIGHT NUMBER TIME

12th Nov’2020 Kolkata to Bagdogra 6E797 Dep 1045 Hrs; Arr 1150 Hrs

18th Nov’2020 Bagdogra to Guwahati 6E433 Dep 1600 Hrs; Arr 1640 Hrs

22nd Nov’2020 Guwahati to Delhi AI 890 Dep 1550 Hrs; Arr 1840 Hrs

23rd Nov’2020 Delhi to Jodhpur AI 475 Dep 1255 Hrs; Arr 1420 Hrs

26th Nov’2020 Jodhpur to Delhi AI 476 Dep 1455 Hrs; Arr 1620 Hrs

Accommodation

DATE DESTINATION ACCOMMODATION DETAILS 10th Nov’2020 Kolkata The Oberoi Grand Deluxe Room Full Board

11th Nov’2020 Kolkata The Oberoi Grand Deluxe Room Full Board

12th Nov’2020 Siliguri Barsana Hotel Standard Room Full Board

13th Nov’2020 Singalila National Park Habre’s Nest Double Bedded Room Full Board

14th Nov’2020 Singalila National Park Habre’s Nest Double Bedded Room Full Board

15th Nov’2020 Singalila National Park Habre’s Nest Double Bedded Room Full Board

16th Nov’2020 Singalila National Park Habre’s Nest Double Bedded Room Full Board

17th Nov’2020 Singalila National Park Habre’s Nest Double Bedded Room Full Board

18th Nov’2020 Guwahati Vivanta by Taj Guwahati Superior Charm Room Half Board

19th Nov’2020 Kaziranga Diphlu River Lodge Cottage Jungle Plan

20th Nov’2020 Kaziranga Diphlu River Lodge Cottage Jungle Plan

21st Nov’2020 Kaziranga Diphlu River Lodge Cottage Jungle Plan

22nd Nov’2020 New Delhi Roseate House Aerocity Deluxe Room Half Board

23rd Nov’2020 Bera Bera Safari Lodge Cottage Jungle Plan

24th Nov’2020 Bera Bera Safari Lodge Cottage Jungle Plan

25th Nov’2020 Bera Bera Safari Lodge Cottage Jungle Plan

What’s included:

• Accommodation at all hotels in a Double/Twin Room. • All transfers, sightseeing and overland trips by 01 Air Conditioned Vehicle (MUV) • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary • All Internal Regular flights in economy class subject to change at the time of issuing. • 06 wilderness drives and village excursion in Bera • Entrance fee and services of English speaking Local guide during sightseeing • Mineral water during sightseeing and overland trip • All current taxes as on date. • Travel Journal

For Safari Lodges: The prices are inclusive of:

• Accommodation • Park fees • Services of English Speaking Naturalist • Forest guide fees • Cycle of three meals daily (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) • Teas and Coffees • Scheduled Game drives / Lodge activities • Refreshments on Game Drives • All applicable taxes

What’s not included:

• Any International Airfare / Airport taxes • Any change in tax structure resulting from the hike in published tariff. • Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls etc. • Any video / still camera fee to the monuments and places of visit • Any other item not explicitly mentioned under price includes. • Any Insurance.

FOR LODGES: The prices are Exclusive of:

• Telephone calls • Safari Shop purchases • Champagne, Cognacs, Premium Brand Spirits, Fine Wines and Cigars. • Gratuities • Any additional taxes and levies.