Neora Valley & Jaldapara Birding Tour

We start early towards Chowadaferi along a 15 km jeep trail. This stretch is good for Kaleej Pheasant, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Brown Bullfinch, White-tailed Robin and of course the Satyr Tragopan. Breakfast on arrival at Chowdaferi. For rest of the day birding around Chowdaferi. Dinner and overnight stay at Neora Jungle Camp at Kolakham.

Species to look out for includes the Red-headed Bullfinch, Hoary-throated Barwing, Black-throated Parrotbill, Gold-naped Finch, Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Common Hill Partridge, Satyr Tragopan, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler etc.

Early morning birding in and around Chowdaferi. After breakfast transfer to Zero Point. From here 1½ – 2 hours trek will take you to PHE Source on the Neora Khola, which is the main water supply source of the Kalimpong Sub-division. After lunch birding around camp. Dinner and overnight stay at Neora Jungle Camp at Kolakham.

The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at the foothill of Eastern Himalayas on the bank of river Torsa in West Bengal. The vast grassland with patches of riverine forests, was declared a sanctuary in 1943 for protection of the great variety of flora and fauna. Principle among them is the Asiatic One Horned Rhino. The sanctuary is a mixture of a mosaic of woods, grassland, swamps and streams. The Sanctuary covers an area of 216.51 sq km.

Jaldapara is a paradise for bird watchers. It is one of the very few places in India, where the Bengal Florican can be sighted. The area is exceptionally rich in avifauna because of varied terrain, mosaic of vegetation and rich insect life. More than 240 species of birds are found in variety of habitat – grassland, water bodies and woodland. This afternoon we go for a jeep safari in Jaldapara to see the wild animals. Dinner and overnight stay at Jaldapara Tourist Lodge.

An adventurous elephant ride in the morning will take you deep inside the grassland for the real excitement. The sights of rhino in a muddy pond, the herd of elephant or the running deer are the thrilling experiences in Jaldapara. Please note the elephant rides are booked on the spot and cannot be reserved in advance. For most part of the year, the few elephants available are unable to serve the large number tourists who flock the Sanctuary. Jeep safari inside the forest is the other option of visiting inside the forest.

Afternoon visit Totopara – Adjacent to the Jaldapara sanctuary is a major attraction for those interested in ethnic tourism. Toto Para is the only settlement for the Totos, one of the most endangered ethnic communities in the world. Their numbers are now reduced to mere a thousand. Lot of initiatives has been taken by the governmental and non-governmental agencies for uplifting their living condition. However, to live with them and to observe their traditional cultures can still be a precious experience. Even if you are stretched for time, you may visit Totopara as part of your local sightseeing. Dinner and overnight stay at Jaldapara Tourist Lodge.

The varied tree forests and rich shrub growth on the forest floor provide ideal setting for many woodland birds, such as Green Pigeons, Hornbills, Barbets, Parakeets, Woodpeckers, Cuckoos, Orioles, Drongos, Babblers, Thrushes, etc. Brahminy Ducks, Whistling Teals and Merganser are winter visitors. The most common birds are the large and little Cormorant, Shag, Darter, Egret, Pied Wagtail, River Lapwing, Moorhen, White Breasted Waterhen, etc. Dinner and overnight stay at Jaldapara Tourist Lodge.

Post breakfast we travel to Bagdogra. Final Departure.

End of arrangements…