Endangered Birds & Wildlife of Manas and Meghalaya
A seven-day Northeast India tour combining Manas National Park’s threatened grassland and forest wildlife with Meghalaya’s localized birds.
About this tour
This seven-day itinerary brings together two contrasting Eastern Himalayan areas. Manas National Park protects grassland and forest on the Bhutan border, while the wetter uplands around Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya support several localized birds.
The Manas River runs through a landscape that continues into Bhutan as Royal Manas National Park. The reserve forms part of an elephant corridor and supports Golden Langur, Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Water Buffalo and several much harder mammals. Tiger, Clouded Leopard and Asian Golden Cat occur but should not be expected on a short visit.
Two full days in Manas combine jeep safaris with birding around the park. Bengal Florican is the central grassland target. It remains in the area outside the breeding season, but its habit of staying within tall grass makes clear views uncertain. The grasslands and surrounding forest also hold Pied Harrier, Swamp Francolin, Finn’s Weaver, Indian Grassbird, hornbills, Red-headed Trogon and a wide range of babblers and other forest birds.
The route then crosses into Meghalaya for two nights at Cherrapunjee. Tawny-breasted Wren-Babbler, a poorly known species largely confined to the state, is the principal objective. Dark-rumped Swift near Nohkallikai Falls and further hill-forest birds add to the search.
The tour returns to Guwahati with possible stops at Mawphlang Sacred Grove and Shillong Peak. In late autumn it can connect with a separate Nagaland Amur Falcon itinerary. Current dates, exact routing, accommodation and final price are confirmed through the BirdWatch inquiry process.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to India.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Delhi and on to Guwahati
Arrival timing determines the first night. Travelers may connect through Delhi to Guwahati and stay there, or overnight in Delhi before taking a late-morning flight the next day.
Day 2
Guwahati to Manas National Park
Guests already in Guwahati may begin with local birding at Deepor Beel, Garbhanga Reserve Forest or the city’s refuse site for Greater Adjutant. The group then drives to Manas National Park and arrives for an afternoon jeep safari. Grassland and forest flank the Manas River below the Himalayan foothills, and the protected landscape continues across the border into Bhutan. Clouded Leopard and Pygmy Hog are among the threatened mammals present, together with Hispid Hare and Golden Langur. Asian Elephant, Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Water Buffalo, Capped Langur and Western Hoolock Gibbon add to the wider mammal community.
Day 3
Manas National Park
Days 3–4 provide two full days in Manas, combining jeep safaris with walks around the park margins. Bengal Florican is the main objective in tall grass. The species remains relatively local outside the monsoon breeding period, but often stays concealed, so the best chance may come from a viewing tower and still requires luck. Other grassland possibilities include Pied Harrier, White-eyed Buzzard, Swamp Francolin, Finn’s Weaver, Black-breasted Parrotbill and Indian Grassbird. Forest birding covers hornbills, green-pigeons, Red-headed Trogon, broadbills, laughingthrushes, Sultan Tit and Slaty-backed Forktail among a much larger list.
Day 5
Manas National Park to Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya
The group leaves Manas, crosses the Brahmaputra near Guwahati and continues south into Meghalaya. The day ends at Cherrapunjee, the base for two nights.
Day 6
Cherrapunjee
Cherrapunjee is noted for exceptional rainfall, but the day’s principal birding reason is Tawny-breasted Wren-Babbler, one of India’s most range-restricted endemics. Nohkallikai Falls may also provide Dark-rumped Swift. Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker and White-tailed Robin are further possibilities. The search also covers Lesser Shortwing, Grey Sibia, Brown Bush-Warbler, Assam Laughingthrush and Crested Finchbill.
Day 7
Cherrapunjee to Guwahati
The return drive to Guwahati may include additional birding at Mawphlang Sacred Grove and Shillong Peak. Grey-winged Blackbird and Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler are possible, with Red-faced Liocichla and Striated Yuhina also in the mix. The night is spent in Guwahati. Travelers joining the Nagaland Amur Falcon extension continue east the next day towards Khonoma; others transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi.
Locations & map
- Manas and Meghalaya - Assam and Meghalaya India (Conditions vary by season and exact route.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Private departures on request; best timing and current availability to be confirmed.
Price: Price on request
Included
- Experienced local birding guide support - Exact guide assignment to confirm.
- Tour services described in the confirmed itinerary - Final inclusions are set in the operator quotation.
Not included
- International flights - Not included.
- Visa, travel insurance and personal expenses - Traveller responsibility.
Transport & stays
- Private ground transport and domestic connections Exact vehicle, flight and transfer plan to confirm for the chosen itinerary. | Pickup: Airport or hotel pickup where included in the confirmed plan.
Policies & FAQ
Can this tour be arranged privately?
Yes. Bubo Birding states that its published itineraries can be arranged as private trips, with dates and details tailored to the group.
Are the price and itinerary final?
No. Current availability, group assumptions, accommodation, exact routing and the final quotation should be confirmed after sending an inquiry through BirdWatch.info.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.