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EXCLUSIVE WILDLIFE TOUR

Fishing Cat Expeditions

04 DAYS

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BEST SEASON

November–February
Tooltip Icon Late autumn to winter (about November–February) in Bengal’s floodplains is generally cooler, less humid, and has receding waters, which makes swamp tracks, village roads, and pond edges more accessible for ToTo rides and night walks.

GRADE

Leisurely
Tooltip Icon Most activities involve riding in a ToTo (electric three-wheeler), relaxed guided walks around the homestay, and short birding or village explorations, with no trekking, climbing, or long hikes mentioned.

GROUP SIZE

Maximum 6 Pax

AVAILABILITY

Space Available

04 DAYS Request Quote

BEST SEASON

November–February
Tooltip Icon Late autumn to winter (about November–February) in Bengal’s floodplains is generally cooler, less humid, and has receding waters, which makes swamp tracks, village roads, and pond edges more accessible for ToTo rides and night walks.

GROUP SIZE

Maximum 6 Pax

GRADE

Leisurely
Tooltip Icon Most activities involve riding in a ToTo (electric three-wheeler), relaxed guided walks around the homestay, and short birding or village explorations, with no trekking, climbing, or long hikes mentioned.

AVAILABILITY

Space Available
Fishing Cat (Mecho Bagha)

Trip Overview

Baghrol Basa, meaning “Fishing Cat’s Home,” is a homestay devoted to the protection and study of the elusive Fishing Cat. Set within fertile swamps where humans and wild cats thrive side by side, it offers a rare chance to explore nocturnal wildlife through ToTo rides, guided walks, and hidden observation points. Here, the Fishing Cat reigns as the top predator earning its local name, Mecho Bagha, the Fish-Eating Tiger. The landscape also shelters Jungle Cats, Golden Jackals, monitor lizards, civets, and several uncommon bird species.

Guests can unwind in beautifully crafted clay suites, wander around freshwater ponds, enjoy organic produce from the garden, and savour flavours unique to Bengal’s floodplain culture.

Please note:

The itineraries provided on our website serve as general outlines. If you’re interested in this tour and would like a detailed itinerary, we’ll be happy to provide it upon request.

Trip Highlights

  • Staying at Baghrol Basa, a Fishing Cat–focused conservation homestay set amid fertile Bengal swamps.
  • Multiple nocturnal safaris in silent, battery-operated ToTo vehicles on narrow village roads in search of Fishing Cats and other night wildlife.
  • Chances to see Fishing Cats (Mecho Bagha), Jungle Cats, Golden Jackals, civets, monitor lizards, and uncommon wetland bird species.
  • Guided wildlife observation from within the Baghrol Basa premises, including freshwater ponds and surrounding habitat.
  • Heritage and cultural excursions showcasing local village life and floodplain traditions.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Baghrol Basa
You will be welcomed at Kolkata Airport (CCU) at 12:00 noon and transferred to Baghrol Basa, arriving at approximately 1:30 PM. After check-in, lunch will be served, followed by time to relax and settle in. Each evening includes two night safaris—one before and one after dinner—conducted in a Toto, a silent and emission-free battery-operated vehicle ideal for navigating the narrow village roads without disturbing the surroundings.

Dinner will be served at the homestay, where you will stay for the next three nights.
Day 2 & Day 3: Fishing Cat Expedition
After the late-night safaris, the mornings begin slightly later than usual. Tea will be served around 9:00 AM, followed by breakfast at 9:30 AM, though the timing may vary depending on daily activities.

The first part of the day will be spent observing wildlife within the Baghrol Basa premises until lunchtime. In the afternoon, you will either embark on a wildlife safari or join a heritage and cultural excursion. Night safaris resume after sunset, followed by tea, snacks, and dinner.

Both nights will be spent at Baghrol Basa.
Day 4: Morning Birding and Departure
The final morning begins with birding around Baghrol Basa, with opportunities to search for species such as the Chestnut-capped Babbler and to look for Jungle Cats.

Check-out will take place at 12:00 noon, after which you will be transferred to Kolkata Airport, arriving at approximately 1:30 PM.

This concludes your program, and we wish you a safe and pleasant onward journey.

What to Expect

Expect an intimate conservation-focused experience centered on the elusive Fishing Cat, with small groups, quiet swamps, and a strong emphasis on ethical wildlife viewing at night. The mood is immersive and calm rather than “adventure-sport,” with plenty of downtime at the homestay between safaris.

You travel by car between Kolkata Airport and Baghrol Basa, and use silent, battery-operated ToTo vehicles for night safaris along village roads and pond edges. Walking is limited to gentle guided walks and birding around the homestay and nearby wetlands, with no long treks or steep terrain.

The trip weaves in local village life, heritage excursions, and interactions that show how communities share space with Fishing Cats and other wetland species. Food, daily routines, and stories from hosts give a strong sense of Bengal’s floodplain culture and traditional relationship with these landscapes

Accommodation is in characterful clay suites within a family-run homestay, surrounded by ponds, gardens, and swamp habitat. You can expect simple but thoughtfully designed rural comfort, home-cooked meals using organic produce, and a setting that keeps you close to wildlife activity.


Review

Henk ter Borg and Barbara Knigh – Netherland

We went with “Wild Nature Quest” (Bhutan Birding) to see the birds, and cultural sights, and trek in Bhutan. They are an A+ company! The owner, Mr. Norbu, worked with us to meticulously plan our 12-day trip. The company is locally owned & uses certified, local birds, cultural guides, & drivers. The driver’s skills are as important as the guide’s – given Bhutan’s sometimes challenging roads. The costs were exactly as stated. The tour was planned to give us the maximum number of days to acclimate to the altitude, before doing our trek.


Bhutan’s Bird Songs

Symphony of Bhutan’s Birds

Bhutan Birdsong Collection
This collection features 163 recordings capturing the diverse and enchanting bird songs of Bhutan’s rich natural landscapes.

Norbu

With the help of his birding friend Tom Stephenson, co author of The Warbler Guide, I have done extensive recording in Bhutan and has a very large library of local songs.