North East India

OUR JOURNEY

North East India

The Indian Northeast is the arm of the subcontinent that enters into the Indo-Malayan realm. The states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur comprise the various administrative divisions of this arm. Some consider even the states of West Bengal and Sikkim as part of the Northeastern realm – more as a wilderness than as a administrative division. Broadly one can say the vast region drained by the mighty Brahmaputra River, the eastern Himalayas, the Naga-Patkai Hills and the southern ranges of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia are all part of the Northeastern wilderness. The region covers the High Himalayan deserts, alpine woodlands and meadows, broadleaf and evergreen forests and even humid floodplain marshes and forests. This variety of habitats and the contiguity with the Indo-Malayan region to the east has created a high biodiversity habitat here. For example, there are parks in this region that are home to ten species of wildcats (a number that equals that tally of the whole African landmass). Over 900 bird species have been reported here and the story goes into unimaginable scales while talking about other faunal and floral verticals. This is a region where discoveries are as frequent as exciting wildlife encounters.

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On the south bank of the Brahmaputra River lies a wilderness like no other on the planet. Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that covers roughly a 1000 square km of floodplains, forests and parts of the surrounding Karbi Hills.

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One of the most beautiful sounds in the Indian jungle is the sound of a Gibbon family waking up. The Gibbon chorus starts off from various corners of the forest each morning.

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Lying to the extreme east of the state of Assam along the borders of Bhutan is one of India’s most biodiverse tiger reserves, Manas National Park. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, this forest is contiguous with the Royal Manas Reserve located in Bhutan.

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One of the most beautiful sounds in the Indian jungle is the sound of a Gibbon family waking up. The Gibbon chorus starts off from various corners of the forest each morning.

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The boom in the tea industry has not just brought large areas under the plough over the years, but also brought in a large workforce to settle into large towns and estates, both from within and outside the region (including Burmese and Bangladeshi nationals). People’s lives have changed, their subsistence lifestyles modified by their new modern needs for more and their exposure to the rest of India and the world. These new age changes have created multiple imbalances in the fragile ecology and balance of the region. A lot of land has been cleared over the years for new settlements, agriculture, monoculture plantations, roadways and hydel project.

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“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colours. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.”
― Terry Pratchet

A lot of these communities still live in their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyles among dense forests and remote river valleys. Some of them are so remote that there are no practical connections in their minds with the rest of the country. But development and modernization has reached every corner of the planet and the story is no different here.

Story Highlight

One need not look any further than the years of work carried out by Jadav Payeng, an environmental activisit and nature lover from Majuli Island. The results of this rewilding project, carried out by this extraordinary human being through his life is something that is absolutely fascinating and gives encouragement for everyone to bring about such change.

Depleted Forests

Some large forest patches have even become dead wildernesses because of overhunting owing to change in the nomadic lifestyles of the tribal communities. Examples of these depleted forests are pretty much most forest patches that one visits in Arunachal, Nagaland, Meghalaya and even parts of south Assam which are not under the direct purview of wildlife authorities and conservation organizations.

A lot is changing but the essence of what the Northeast is can still be experienced in the well-preserved corners of the region. These areas act as beautiful sample spaces of what was and give one a window to understand what could be if we make the slightest positive changes.

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Exploring North East India

Exploring, understanding and immersing oneself in the Northeast can turn into a life’s pursuit, a region that keeps you asking more questions with a pull that drags you back to find your own answers. Wild denizens, forests, rivers, mountains, communities and plenty of untold conservation stories. This is a land of plenty for those willing to immerse into themselves into an adventure of a lifetime.

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RECOMMENDED

Journeys

JUNE 6/2021 | WILDLIFE

North East India

The Assam river is a romantic symbol of the state, its people, and their history. River Brahmaputra’s river islands are fed by grasslands and rice paddy fields. State’s conservation narratives centre on one-horned rhinoceros, other mammals, and avian species. Wildlife and the natural world are only one aspect of diversity. Assam has always been welcoming and open to novelty, and its culture evolved from many unique traditions. Your trip will begin in vibrant Kolkata and end in a quiet, peaceful Assam. Welcome to the land of Lahe, lahe! as you lay back and unwind with a cup of tea.

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RECOMMENDED

Stays

Sentinels of frontier lands, accommodation partners of WATCH are beyond being just hotels, lodges and retreats. They are showcases of the authentic and invaluable, ensuring their propagation and celebration. World class hospitality is a natural derivative of this pride in their heritage and legacy.

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HERITAGE

Glenburn Penthouse offers a restaurant, free parking, an outdoor pool, and a gym. It has a bar, garden, and city views. 24-hour front desk, ATM, currency exchange. The hotel offers a sun terrace. The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at The Glenburn Penthouse.

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WILDLIFE CAMP

Diphlu River Lodge is the only lodge at Kaziranga National Park that is situated right at the border of the park. They offer 3-10-day all-inclusive stays. Their well-trained Naturalists tour you into the park by jeep, elephant, or foot. They also offer jungle and river walks, village visits, and boat rides on the Brahmaputra, where you can see the rare Gangetic River Dolphin.

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UNDERSTATED LUXURY

Wild Mahseer is a bio-diverse Ark of 1,000,000+ plants, 90+ species of birds, and 72+ species of butterflies located 25 km from India's cleanest city, Tezpur. It's also the gateway to Pakke, Kaziranga, Nameri, and Orang forests. Imbued in history on 22 acres, it comprises the Burra (visiting agent's) Bungalow (3 rooms), a mute witness of the tea heritage that allows visitors to immerse in colonial nostalgia.

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HERITAGE

Vivanta Guwahati, 16 km from Kamakhya Temple, has an outdoor pool and spa. The hotel has a sauna, fitness centre, restaurant, and bar. Private parking is free. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs. Rooms have kettles. Every room has a bathroom. Bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries are free. They also feature free WiFi.

HERITAGE

WILDLIFE CAMP

UNDERSTATED LUXURY

HERITAGE

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TESTIMONIALS

Words from our Guests

Here are few inspiring words that drive us to veer off the beaten track to look for the beyond. Exploring and sharing the hidden wonders of this awe-inspiring land for that acknowledging nod, a simple smile, a few kind words is in a nutshell our raison d’être.

Now for the trip: …drum roll please. Of the various trips we have done with you this was definitely the best one. Of all the travel we have done Africa was our favorite, but this was a close second. A wonderful blend of different areas and people. Great variety of activities. Some of the hotels were the most spectacular we have and probably will ever stay at. Service was the best we received anywhere in the world. India like Africa speaks for itself, it was like going to a different world. The guides were truly exceptional. Each one injected energy and passion into their presentation. Our driver we had for the whole trip was remarkable person who always worked to make every day fun. My new knee was swollen and painful throughout much of the trip but I was enjoying myself too much to notice .

DANIELA & THOMAS

United States of America

Travel Scope did an excellent job in coordinating our tour and will definitely contact you for future clients. All your guides are knowledgeable and kept it interesting. What I liked most of all is their ability to adjust. As you very well know, travelers are not all the same - some would like a lengthy explanation and others, like us, would rather have the time to appreciate the place without information overload. Also, I like that we were not brought to any store in the guise of showing us “artisans” like our guides in Nepal & Dubai. It is a major turnoff that many of today's tours incorporate commercialism into their venture. Unless specifically requested by the guests, I think shops should be avoided at all cost as it is a waste of precious time .

IMEE

United States of America

Mohan - You gave me the experience of a lifetime. My heart and soul have been deeply moved by the trip. Your organization was so excellent and kind we could not have asked for anything more except more time.

SHEILA

United States of America

Thank you for coming to meet us at the hotel in Delhi tonight. I think you heard clearly from the clients what a great tour you have put together and how much they enjoyed Avi. You have a world class team.

BROD

Australia

Thank you again for all your efforts in getting us home. The effort you and your people put in went well above and beyond. The people at the airport were the icing on the cake in that they just made us feel like rock stars. Mary and I are looking forward to next year when we can return to Incredible India for our sixth visit, I hope you and your people have a speedy return to normal business.

STEVEN AND MARY

United States of America

Thank you both for organizing such a dreamlike trip to India for our group. We could not have been happier! I thought this is a perfect time to share with you about our fabulous experience, knowing how much time and effort you have put into planning & implementing this trip for our group. In short, your mission is accomplished and my hats off to you both as my husband and I rate this trip as one of the very best in the past 4 decades of traveling; we just can compare it to our trip to Africa which was already our most favorite.

FARIBA & HORMOZ

United States of America

“I’ve had the privilege of travelling to India on numerous occasions and I list the country as probably my favourite on the planet. Having visited more than 100 countries, I don’t make this claim lightly. On each occasion, I’ve travelled with Travel Scope – for my personal travels and with my tour groups. Travel Scope’s itineraries, knowledge, care-factor, understanding of our needs and their attention to detail, make them an outstanding ground operator. Regardless of which region I visited, Travel Scope managed these adventures seamlessly and showed me the best on offer. I have learned that India is many different cultures within the one border. It is very difficult to name a favourite experiences but I have two stand-outs; The Snow Leopards of Ladakh and the wildlife of Central India. Both are on my list of the best things I’ve done in my life! And both are thanks to the outstanding team at Travel Scope! I can’t recommend them highly enough” .

Blue Dot Travel

Exceptional service standards at the Tiger lodges. Wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities. The safaris across the different parks gave the group a great variety of landscapes to see the full breadth of the wildlife. The guides were skilled at tracking the Tigers through the alarm calls of the deers and monkeys, creating a great level of suspense. Delicious food served with warmth and attention to detail at all locations.

Blue Dot

I have had the privilege over many years, during my travels throughout India, both on personal trips and with my TIKKA TOURS guests, to explore all the natural wonders that India has to offer. All of my experiences have been curated by Travel Scope India and its founder Mohan Narayanaswamy , whom I have spent many hours with, bouncing around in jeeps on our search for all things wild in the forests and jungles learning from Travel Scope’s expert handpicked guides and seeing everything from the abundant birdlife, to sloth bears and their babies being carried on their mothers backs, watching the playful and mischievous monkeys and of course seeing the breathtaking big cats – the Tiger and leopards, and even the Asiatic Lions! It’s because of Mohan’s passion and commitment in offering more than just the standard ‘’tiger tourism’’ experiences, that I have been able to explore the diversity and more ‘’óff piste’’ wildlife destinations, which have made me fall in love not just with India and its people, cultures and traditions, but also its treasure trove of nature that never ceases to amaze me. Thank you Travel Scope for your dedication to put WILD INDIA on the map!

Claudia wolf

Founder TIKKA TOURS Australia

“Travel Scope has become one of ATJ’s most trusted partners over the past two decades and one of the finest travel providers we’ve had the pleasure of working with over 3 decades plus of being in the business. Their ability to deliver top notch travel experiences is unmatched in India and South Asia. Unlike other travel companies, Travel Scope never rests on past achievements and successes nor assume that every visitor to South Asia is looking for the same type of experience. They understand that the itineraries we plan for our travelers are as unique as the clients themselves. Travel Scope tirelessly searches out and recommends destinations and experiences that most others companies simply aren’t aware of. Ultimately, Travel Scope always delivers flawless and expertly executed itineraries whether the focus is wildlife, art, culture, culinary, history or all of these areas combined.”

Eric Kareus

Director of Travel + Co-Owner

ATJ Travel, Boulder, CO USA

FROM OUR

Memoir

From pensive sojourns to penning ideas whose time has come, our WATCH experts and partners are as passionate about sharing their ideas, observations and life experiences as they are travelling to the hidden destinations. Read their recent writings.

National Park

Pench National Park

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National Park

Panna National Park

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National Park

Kanha National Park

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