7-Day Nature Itinerary in India for August 2023

1. Day 1: Sunderbans National Park
   2 hours (59.4 km) from Kolkata

   Explore the world’s largest delta and its lush mangrove forests. Take a boat ride to spot tigers, crocodiles and rare birds. Enjoy the local cuisine.

2. Day 2: Darjeeling
   10 hours (350 km) from Sunderbans National Park

   Watch the sunrise from Tiger Hill for stunning views of the Himalayas. Visit tea plantations to learn about the tea-making process. End the day with a toy train ride.

3. Day 3: Gangtok
   4 hours (98.5 km) from Darjeeling

   Take a cable car to the hilltop Ganesh Tok temple for panoramic views of the city. Visit the Enchey Monastery and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology for cultural experience.

4. Day 4: Pelling
   4 hours and 30 minutes (115 km) from Gangtok

   Visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Sikkim. Take a short trek to Khecheopalri Lake, a sacred lake to both Buddhists and Hindus, surrounded by lush forests.

5. Day 5: Yuksom
   1 hour (33 km) from Pelling

   Start the day with a trek to Dubdi Monastery, the oldest monastery in Sikkim. Visit Norbugang Park, the historic site of the first Chogyal king’s palace. Take a dip in Khecheopalri Lake.

6. Day 6: Kaziranga National Park
   15 hours (720 km) from Yuksom

   Take a jeep safari to spot one-horned rhinos and tigers in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the nearby Panbari Reserve Forest and the Kakochang Waterfall for a refreshing break.

7. Day 7: Mawlynnong
   9 hours (300 km) from Kaziranga National Park

   Visit “Asia’s Cleanest Village” and see how the locals maintain their pristine surroundings. Explore the nearby living root bridges in Riwai and trek to the Dawki River for stunning views of the crystal-clear water.

Recommendations

Visit Shillong, the “Scotland of the East”, for its scenic beauty and vibrant music scene. Take a side trip to the Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh for a unique cultural experience with the Apatani tribe. Don’t forget to try the local street food for a taste of India’s culinary diversity.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Sunderbans National Park Boat Ride (4 hours, Rs 2000)
• Darjeeling Toy Train Ride (2 hours, Rs 1000)
• Gangtok Cable Car Ride (2 hours, Rs 700)
• Pelling Trek to Khecheopalri Lake (3 hours, Rs 500)
• Kaziranga National Park Jeep Safari (4 hours, Rs 2500)
• Mawlynnong Living Root Bridge Trek (2 hours, Rs 300)
• Total Estimated Costs: Rs 7500

Prices are subject to change. Click here to check hotel and flight prices.