Small Cat Expedition 2026
2026
Small Cat Expedition 2026 West Bengal, Gujarat and Rajasthan

16 Days
Photography
People
English

overview

India is a land of remarkable biodiversity, home not only to iconic big cats but also to some of the rarest and most secretive small wild cats found anywhere in the world. This expertly designed expedition takes you on a unique journey through three distinct habitats — the marshy wetlands of West Bengal, the golden grasslands of Gujarat, and the rocky hills of Rajasthan — in search of three elusive feline species: the Fishing Cat, the Jungle Cat, and the Rusty-Spotted Cat. Each destination offers a different ecosystem and a rare window into the lives of these fascinating predators. With exclusive access to hides, guided safaris, and the support of expert naturalists, this journey is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers eager to encounter India's lesser-known wild cats in their natural habitats.


accommodation amidst action

Throughout the expedition, guests will stay in carefully selected, comfortable lodges and hotels that offer both convenience and character, while being strategically located near key wildlife habitats. In Delhi, unwind at the Radisson Blu or a similar premium hotel. In Dhulagori, the Country Inn provides a restful base with easy access to the wetland hides used for observing Fishing Cats. At Velavadar, the Blackbuck Safari Lodge blends seamlessly with the surrounding grasslands, offering an immersive wildlife experience just steps from the national park. In Jawai, guests will stay at the Verawal Leopard Camp, nestled in the rocky terrain that is home to the elusive Rusty-Spotted Cat. Each property is chosen for its comfort, hospitality, and proximity to wildlife activity, ensuring guests are well-rested and close to the action.


itinerary

2026
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi Breakfast

Arrive Delhi. Overnight stay at Radisson Blu or similar, (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 2: Arrive in Kolkata Lunch & Dinner

Check out of the hotel and fly from Delhi to Kolkata. Drive to Dhulagori (about 3 hours) and check in at the Country Inn Hotel. Enjoy lunch and take some time to rest. In the evening, the guests will visit Howrah to experience and observe the fishing cats in a hide. Daily all night exclusive sessions of hide to search for Fishing cat(Full Board).

Day 3 to 5: Fishing Cat Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Morning breakfast, day at leisure lunch at hotel and after early dinner embark on search for the elusive fishing cat. Explore the designated areas where this fascinating creature to known to reside.
Daily all night exclusive sessions of hide to search for Fishing cat(Full Board) Return to hotel at night overnight at Country Inn.

Day 6: Kolkata – Blackbuck Lodge Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Start your day with breakfast, then head to Kolkata Airport to catch your connecting flight to Ahmedabad. After arrival in Ahmedabad drive to Black Buck Lodge, Velavadar Nation park for seeing the illusive Jungle Cat. Dinner & Overnight stay at BlackBuck Safari Lodge.(Full Board)

Day 7 to 9: GameDrive in Velavadar National Park Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Early morning & evening safaris in the grassland of Velavadar National park, looking for Jungle Cat On the grasslands of the National Park. This park gives you the opportunity to photograph the cat in the day as well. (Full Board)
Velavadar National Park, located in Gujarat, India, is a hidden gem renowned for its unique grassland ecosystem and diverse wildlife. Spanning over 34 square Kilometers this park is particularly famous for its population of jungle cats, which are often seen hunting in the early mornings and late evenings.
You can explore the park through designated trails, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. Apart from jungle cats, the park is home to various species like blackbuck, foxes, and numerous birds, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
The best time to visit is during the winter months, February, when wildlife activity is at its peak. With its stunning landscapes and vibrant fauna, Velavadar National Park promises an unforgettable adventure for wildlife lovers to see and Photograph the Jungle Cat.

Day 10: Velavadar to Jawai Road Transfer 6 Hrs Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After Breakfast check out from Blackbuck Safari Lodge to Jawai
Overnight stay at Verawal Leopard Camp.
Jawai, located in the Pali district of Rajasthan, India, is an emerging wildlife destination known for its impressive biodiversity and picturesque landscapes. This area is particularly famous for its high density of the elusive rusty-spotted cat, one of the smallest wild cat species in the world. Known for its striking coat and playful nature, the rusty-spotted cat can be spotted most often during the early morning and late evening hours.
Jawai’s unique rocky terrains and dense scrub forests create perfect habitats for these cats, making it one of the best places for enthusiasts to Photograph them in their natural environment. Safaris are available, where experienced tour Leader & Naturalist increases your chances of sightings, not only of rusty-spotted cats.
The research of this cat will start a month in advance before guests arrives to understand the pattern of the denning sights for better photographic opportunities in day as well as night.
The ideal time to visit is February, which offers cooler weather & best time to see the Rusty Spotted Cats.

Day 11 to 14: Morning & Evening game drive in Jawai Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Early morning & evening safaris in Jawai, looking for Rusty spotted Cats On the rocky terrain of the landscape making it a perfect habitat for the denning sight.
This park gives you the opportunity to photograph the Rusty Spotted Cat in the day as well. (Full Board)

Day 15: Jawai to Udaipur Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After morning game drive its time to depart to Udaipur for catching a flight to Delhi
Dinner & Overnight in Delhi.

Day 16: International connection

Transfer to Delhi International Airport for a Flight Back to Home


Expedition on a map


Inclusions

- Itinerary as outlined above
- Accommodations as outlined
- 2 Nights Delhi Transit Hotel Radisson Blu (Bed & Breakfast)
- 4 Nights Kolkata Country Inn Hotel (Full Board)
- 3 Nights Black Buck Lodge (Full Board)
- 5 Nights Varaval Leopard Camp (Full Board)
- Meals as outlined in the itinerary
- All safari, permits, camera charges, Hide Charges etc mentioned above
- Surface
- transfers
- Delhi airport Pick up and drop
- Kolkata Fishing cat transfers
- Ahmedabad-Velavadar-Jawai
- Domestic flights
- DEL – CCU
- CCU - AMD
- UDI - DEL
- Daily all night exclusive session of hide to search for Fishing Cat
- Just Nature Tour Leader

Exclusions

- Any services not mentioned above
- Alcohol
- Gratuity
- Travel Insurance

Erwin D’rose Expedition Leader Erwin’s dedication, passion and commitment to all things wild make him one of the better naturalists in Satpura. His knack for sightings especially for big cats makes him an absolute asset to have when on safari.Before joining us at Reni Pani 8 years ago, Erwin has spent have spent 5 Years in Kanha National Park studying and understanding tiger behavior. His passion for wildlife started early in life as he grew up in Jabalpur which is the entry point to many famous national parks like Kanha and Bandhavgarh.
Itinerary Highlights Exclusive Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat & Rusty-Spotted Cat viewing | Rare opportunity to photograph India’s elusive small wild cats | Expert naturalists & guided safaris | Handpicked wildlife lodges in prime locations | A unique journey through diverse Indian landscapes

Have Any Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

+91 9109101174

expeditions@justnature.travel