Travel infrastructure in India has improved a lot since the pandemic, and today, the improved frequency of flights as well as the improved road connections have resulted in easier to access areas that were previously difficult to travel to. The Red Panda Tour today is more do-able due to these factors. And a luxury stay in beautiful wildlife surroundings is more than anyone can ask for for a travel holiday really.
The Red Panda is the real-life “Pikachu” (from the world famous Pokemon Cartoons), and is one of the most beautiful and fascinating animals on the planet. They live in beautiful Himalayan habitats, which are rich in biodiversity.
Keep a lookout on the trees for the Red Panda - they are usually solitary or can be seen in small family groups.
About the Red Panda :
The Red Panda can be found in the high-altitude Himalayan forests of India, Nepal & Bhutan as well as the Mountains of Southern China and Myanmar. Red Pandas inhabit in the Mixed Deciduous & Coniferous Forests which have good density of Bamboo, and occur at between 2200m-4000m above sea level.
They are highly arboreal, and can seen amongst trees or bamboo. Omnivorious in nature, they feed on bamboo shoots, leaves, acorns, roots, invertebrates, eggs and small birds.
The original “Panda”, the name was given to the Red Panda far before the Giant Panda was described. Earlier considered as descendants from the family of Bears, and then the Raccoon, it is now classified in a family of its own : Ailuridae.
Long claws help the Red Panda manouevre through trees. They also have an additional 6th digit in their hands or a modified thumb that allows them to pick out the shoots and the leaves of bamboo, which is their primary diet. This modified thumb is not as highly evolved as the human thumb, but it is highly specialised for them in their feeding habits.
Explore the habitat and the habits of the Red Panda on a specialised safari tour in India.
Singalila National Park India :
The Best Place in the World to see the Red Panda
The Singalila Ridge is located in the Eastern Himalayas, in the state of West Bengal in India, on the border of India and Nepal.
Singalila is a hugely famous birding and trekking route in India, and it has so much to offer for every nature lover : one of the attractions would be the gorgeous panoramic view of 4 out of 7 Highest Mountain Peaks in the World including that of Mount Everest and Kanchendzonga.
The Rhododendron and Broad-leaved Mixed Forests forest of the surrounding valleys and in the mountains nearby, are home to key wildlife species and offer great birding and Red Panda spotting.
A Captive Breeding facility has been established where a Relocation Programme carried out for Project Red Panda in 2004 has seen success, wherein 02 females were re-introduced to the wild and have established their home range at Singalila.
There are around 40 Red Pandas that now dwell in the forests of Singalila National Park and are protected from poachers by the authorities.
Singalila landscape is probably the best area to find wild Orchids in these cloud forests with almost 600 species that occur here, adding to the unique biodiversity of the area. It also is one of the most fruitful Birding Areas of India as well with close to 300 amazing Himalayan Bird Species recorded here.
There are several beautiful Himalayan birds which occur in good numbers at Singalila National Park, including the Satyr Tragopan, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Black-throated Parrotbill, Green Shrike-Babbler, Green Cocha, Purple Cochoa, amongst several others.
The Real-life Pickachu - these gorgeous mammals are a treat to see on a wildlife excursion.
How to get to see the Red Panda :
· For Indian Travelers to Singalila, Singalila is a 04 hour drive away from Bagdogra International Airport – well connected by flights from New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Guwahati.
· For International Travelers to Singalila, one has to enter through Nepal, at Kathmandu. Thereafter, a short 30 minute flight from Kathmandu takes you to Bhadrapur Airport, Singalila is a 05 hour drive away from Bhadarpur Airport.
· Singalila is also a 01 hour drive away from popular tourist town Darjeeling.
Best Time of the Year to see the Red Panda :
· November to May whether it be in the snow in winter or when the vegetation is at it’s lowest ebb in summer, it is a very fruitful time to see the Red Panda.
· March to April, Summer is the best time for birding at Singalila.
· The Rhododendron and Orchid Blooms of Summer make it a truly special experience to witness.
Beautiful Rhododendron blooms characterise the habitat of the Wild Red Panda
How Many days required for the Red Panda Tour :
· A minimum of 5 nights is recommended at Singalila National Park to for the best the chances to see the Red Panda in the wild in India.
What is the price of the Red Panda Tour :
· Approximately USD 3500/- per person all inclusive for our 05 nights/06 days Tour, from your arrival at the nearest airport. (prices are subject to change at the time of booking).
Type of Safari for the Red Panda Tour :
· A 4x4 vehicle does accompany the guests while they ascending the the National Park – however one has to explore trails on foot to look for Red Panda. The drive at times may be a bit bumpy as it is on a mountainous terrain, but definitely worth it.
· Teams of local spotters track the forests for signs of the Red Panda, and remain touch with the accompanying team in case there are any sightings of the Red Panda nearby.
Lodging and Accommodation for the Red Panda Tour in India :
· An Experiential Homestay part of Community-based Conservation at Tinchule Forest, Singalila National Park.
The facilities at the Red Panda Homestay include 4 double rooms with en-suite facilities, all rooms have balconies with a wonderful valley and sunset view, room fireplace, running hot and cold water, in-house bird studio, lounge and dining with a bar, trained naturalists and power back up.
The Red Panda Camp : Habre's Nest at Singalila National Park, West Bengal, India.
Homestay & Facilities :
o 4 Room with Double Beds, Attached Western Toilets & a Balcony.
o A special Sunset from every balcony.
o Fireplace in every room.
o Running Hot & Cold Water.
o Natural Himalayan spring water & Filtered RO Drinking Water.
o Room Service (Morning & Evening Tea)
o Reading Library.
o International Calling Facility.
o TV at the sitting area (only for presentations & documentary)
o A stocked Bar cum sitting area with a fire place which is the lounge area.
o Power supply (Generator) runs for 6 hrs/ Day and Solar Power.
o Perfect Blend of Local Food with Western choices.
o Toiletries.
o In-house Bird Studio with a hide.
o Trained Naturalists, Field Biologist, Guides & Porters.
o Exclusive Red Panda Tourism.
o Directly taking part in the conservation, 20% of profit margin goes to the Conservation fund. Be a part of Sustainable Tourism.
A Cosy Room at the Habre's Nest.
Highlight Mammal Species at Singalila :
Red Pandas live in the canopy, it is important to not go to close to them and stress them out.
· Red Panda
· Clouded Leopard
· Yellow-throated Marten
· Leopard Cat
· (Melanistic) Barking Deer
· (Melanistic) Leopard
· Himalayan Black Bear
· Himalayan Serow
· Himalayan Pika
· Himalayan Palm Civet
· Ghoral
Highlight Bird Species at Singalila :
Delightful birds such as the Black-throated Parrotbills can be seen in the bamboo while trailing the Red Panda in India.
· Blood Pheasant
· Satyr Tragopan
· Himalayan Monal
· Fire-tailed Myzornis
· Golden-breasted Fulvetta
· Great Parrotbill
· Green Shrike-Babbler,
· Fulvous Parrotbill
· Brown Parrotbill
· Black-throated Parrotbill
· Scaly Laughingthrush
· Spotted Laughingthrush
· Hill Partridge
· Yellow-rumped Honeyguide
· White-tailed Robin
· Blue-fronted Robin
· Purple Cochoa
· Brown Bullfinch
· Red-headed Bullfinch
· Darjeeling Woodpecker
· Rufous-bellied Woodpecker
· Crismon-breasted or Rufous Breasted Woodpecker
· Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler
· Pygmy Wren Babbler
· Rufous Throated Wren Babbler
· Rusty-throated Wren Babbler
· Dark-rumped Rosefinch
· Beautiful Rosefinch
· Scarlet Finch
· Gold-naped Finch
· Collared Grosbeak
· Himalayan Griffon
· Slender-billed Vulture
· Golden Eagle
· Spotted Nutcracker
· White-browed Shortwing
· Gould’s Shortwing
· Rusty-bellied Shortwing
· Sapphire Flycatcher
· Orange-flanked Bush Robin or Red- flanked Bluetail
· Indian Blue Robin
· Rusty-flanked Treecreeper
· Tibetan Siskin
· Red Crosbill
· Alpine Accentor
· Robin Accentor
· Mrs.Gould’s Sunbird, Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Maroon-backed Accentor, Altai Accentor, Blanford’s Rosefinch, Rufous-capped Babbler amongst many many other species.
The gorgeous Fire-tailed Myzornis is not to be missed when looking out for the Red Panda at Singalila!
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