Cycling Tours in North East India

Arrival in Delhi and connect flight to Dibrugarh.    You will bed received at Dibrugarh airport and transferred to Mancotta/ Chowkidinghee Heritage Chang Bungalow in the midst of a tea estate.  Check in for 03 nights. In the afternoon, cycle around a tea estate. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the Chang Bungalow.   (Cycle Ride Time- Approximately 45 mins)   Dibrugarh is the gateway to the “Hidden Land” of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh and Northern Myanmar. The Ahoms from Thailand came through Northern Myanmar to this area in the 13^th century to establish their Empire which thrived in the ancient land of Assam. It is the “Camellia” town of Upper Assam, an undisturbed haven, with its rich tea gardens resembling a lush green carpet. Experience and enjoy the richness of these tea gardens while staying at the Heritage Chang Bungalows. These are constructed on stilts and are situated in a serene atmosphere free from pollution.   When the British established their tea plantations in the mid-19^th century they quickly built comfortable bungalows designed to make life as pleasant as possible in what, was to them, a hostile and strange land. One of the main features of these buildings has given rise to their name – Chang bungalows. Chang in the local language means “raised on stilts” and the design served multi purposes- to keep the house cool by allowing the  breeze to blow underneath and to keep both water and animals out! Overnight at Chang Bungalow  in Dibrugarh.

Today morning cycle through Jokia Reserve forest and the country side. Return to Bungalow for lunch. Evening, enjoy a cultural programme (Bihu Dance) on the lawns of the bungalow. (Cycle Ride Time- Approximately 03-04 hrs) BIHU is the most popular folk dance of Assam. The people of Assam are very proud of its unique position among all other such dances of India. Except Bhangra (the popular folk dance of Punjab), no other folk dance in India can compete with the rhythmic exuberance of the Bihu dance. Overnight at Chang Bungalow in Dibrugarh.

Post breakfast, cycle through tea plantation and riverfront from where you embark on a boat cruise to a river island in the midst of the mighty Brahmaputra. A picnic lunch is organized. Return late in the afternoon to the mainland. We also visit a tea factory to learn all about tea - its origin, how it is grown, all about tea tasting and its quality. Evening at leisure/ free for shopping. (Cycle Ride Time- Approximately 02 ½ hrs-03 hrs) Note: Visit to tea factory is subject to being operational on the day of the visit. There is no tea plucking between December till mid March and hence the actual manufacturing process of tea cannot be demonstrated when one visits the factory during this period. Factory also remains closed on Monday’s of the week. Overnight at Chang Bungalow in Dibrugarh.

Post breakfast cycle to Jalannagar Tea Estate- Hilodhari Gaon and upto Dibrugarh airport. Later drive to Dinjan. From Dinjan cycle upto Wathai Heritage Bungalow, Limbuguri Tea Estate . Lunch at Bungalow. Post lunch visit wet land for birding at Limbuguri Tea Estate. (Cycle Ride Time- Approximately 02-02 ½ hrs) Steal yourself away to a ‘Wathai Heritage Bunglow, Limbuguri Tea estate- this plinth bungalow will allow you to rejuvenate your senses. Located just 5km from Dibru Saikhowa National Park, it is the ideal retreat for a birding break. This ‘Managers Bungalow’, defines serenity and you will most certainly leave revitalized. It has been recently renovated and is the ideal base whether on a quest for quietude or seeking refuge whilst on an explorative ornithological voyage at the neighboring Dibru Saikhowa National park . Although reverine in nature, this park remains open most of the year with innumerable varieties of colourful birds chirping at various pitches and hopping from branch to branch. It is indeed an orinthologist’s delight. Endangered species like Gangetic Dolphin and Feral Horses are common sights in Dibru- Saikhowa. Fresh tea can be enjoyed in the ‘jali room” to the front of the bungalow in a peaceful atmosphere overlooking the manicured gardens, while meals are served in the spacious dining room complete with an original fireplace. The family room and two large bedrooms complete with ensuite enables eight people to sleep here very comfortably. Overnight at Wathai Heritage Bungalow in Dibrugarh.

Post breakfast drive upto Rupai (35 kms / 01 hrs). Later cycle upto Chowkham (67 kms) and visit the Buddhist Monastery. Later in the afternoon drive back to Tinsukia (02 ½ -03 hrs) and overnight Overnight in Tinsukia.

Today after early breakfast drive to Neemati Ghat (200 kms- 04 hrs) and ferry across to Majuli Island (01 hr) with bicycle. Later explore the island on cycle visiting monasteries, mising villages etc. Later afternoon cycle back to ferry point to board ferry for Neemati Ghat (01 ½ hrs). On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight in Jorhat.

Post breakfast drive to Kaziranga (80 kms / 02 hrs). On arrival check in at hotel for 02 nights. Later in the afternoon option to cycle around the village and also visit Kaziranga Orchid Park cum Biodiversity Conservation Centre KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK is a World Heritage Site, where more than 75% of the world’s total population of the great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros can be found. It lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River and is one of the oldest parks of Assam. Besides rhinos, the Asiatic Water Buffalo, Elephants, Tigers, Swamp deer, Barking deer and Hog deer can be seen. About 400 species of birds are found in Kaziranga National Park. Swamp Francolin, Great Hornbill, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Pied Falconets, Greater Adjutant Stork, Long Billed Vulture. There is no telling what one might find in Kaziranga but it is always a great experience. The specialty here is the Blue naped pitta among a host of Raptors and Waterfowl. The adjoining buffer areas are worth a try too, as numerous rare sightings are reported regularly. The Kaziranga Orchid Park cum Biodiversity Conservation Centre is spread across 16 bighas of land. It also has a photo gallery of 500 orchids, a greenhouse, lakes with boating and angling facilities and small tree-houses, among other attractions. The basic purpose of opening this park was to conserve local varieties of orchids, flowers, fruits, fish and also to spread cultural awareness knowledge . Those visiting the park will also be able to taste juices of local fruits, pithas (local cakes) and enjoy Borgeet and Xattriya dance performances as well. Experts have been involved to give shape to the park. Khonjit Gogoi, a teacher who has been preserving orchids for the past 20 years pitched in to shape the park. As did Mahan Bora, a farmer, with his 10-year experience in collecting paddy varieties, Kunti Bora, an expert in medicinal plants, who helped in opening a medicinal plants sales counter, Bihu expert, Dhaneswar Saikia who showcases the original Bihu dance forms and music while Xattriya expert, Biplob Baruah for Xattriya dance training. Kaziranga National Park remains open from 1st Oct to mid May. During October like previous year, we are hopeful that this coming October also the Forest Dept. will be able to keep the National Park open for Safari's. However, this can only be confirmed nearer to date, which Forest Dept. will declare keeping the weather and other factors in mind. Alternatively 01 Nov to 30 Apr is confirmed date for opening of park Overnight in Kaziranga

Full day game drive inside the park with morning and afternoon jeep safari. (No cycling on the Day) JEEP SAFARI- Forenoon: Entry time between 0730 to 1000 Hours. No entry after 1000 Hrs Afternoon: Entry time between 1330 to 1500 Hours. No entry after 1500 Hrs . Jeep Safaris are permitted on pre-defined tourist circuits within Kaziranga National Park- currently at the following four points. Each of these circuits takes about one and half to two and half hours (or even more depending upon interest of the tourists), subject to local range conditions and weather. Jeep Safari may be cancelled / curtailed due to any reason by the Park Authorities without prior notice. 1. Mihimukh in Central Range at Kohora 2. Bagori in Western Range at Bagori 3. Agaratoli in Eastern Range at Agaratoli 4. Ghorakati in Burapahar Range at Ghorakhati The Central Range passes through the entire habitat spectrum from ox-bow lakes, savannah woodland to swamp forests. It is very good for mammal sightings as well as for birds (Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Great Hornbill, Rufous Woodpecker). While driving along the trail, one can see rows of Indian Roofed and Tent Turtles (Kachuga tecta and Kachuga tentoria). Water Monitors Varanus salvator are sometimes spotted in the beels. The Eastern Range abounds in water birds such as bar-headed geese, falcated duck, grey-headed lapwing and spot-billed pelican (a colony of 200 pairs of this globally threatened species nesting on the Bombax trees can be found here). The Western Range has the highest density of rhinos as this part of the park is swampier. It has grassland birds and raptors (swamp francolin, pallas's fish eagle etc). Smooth Indian Otters ( Lutrogale perspicillata) can sometimes be seen fishing in its ox-bow lakes. Overnight in Kaziranga

Post breakfast drive to Guwahati airport to board flight to Delhi and connect flight for next destination. (No cycling on the Day)