Bird watching as a pastime has been popular from time immemorial but only in the last few decades have organized birding tours really gained momentum. This two-week tour focuses primarily on the regional birds of North India including some rare, endangered or endemic species along with many common birds. India is home to some 1200 plus avian species and during the trip, your bird count can easily climb beyond 400 species with this region alone having more than half of the total bird types that are found in Indian Sub-continent. Throughout your journey you’ll travel through a variety of different habitats; from open plains and woodlands to the lower ranges of the Himalayas as well as spend time around bodies of water such as lakes and rivers offering ample opportunity to see and photograph many aquatic birds. And, just to make this the perfect trip, there will also be time to see the awesome Taj Mahal, So, whether you are a professional or amateur bird watcher, here is your chance to discover India’s spectacular avifauna in some magnificent settings.
After breakfast, we set off on a full day, bird watching tour in the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. Situated about 40km from the centre of Delhi in one of its nearby suburbs, this sanctuary is popular with ornithologists and amateur birders alike as it is home to some rare species of birds such as the Sind Sparrow and Eurasian Roller as well as many species of Warblers and Flamingos.
This morning we drive to Bharatpur (220 km/4 hrs) and upon arrival check in to the hotel.
In the afternoon visit Keoladeo National Park to enjoy bird watching by rickshaw and on foot. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is undoubtedly one of the best birding places in India with over 300 different species found in an area of just over 29 sq km full of shallow lakes and woodlands. Besides being a bird sanctuary, it is also inhabited by Sambar, Nilgai and Wild Boars. This is also a great place to see nesting birds specially the colourful Painted Storks.
Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 nights.
Today we leave for Chambal (approx 130 km/2½ hrs) visiting Akbar’s abandoned city Fatehpur Sikri en route. Upon arrival check in to the simple but elegant Chambal Safari Lodge. The Chambal Sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s paradise, having recorded up to 264 species of resident and migratory birds including large numbers of the endangered Indian Skimmers, Greater Thick-knee, Small Pratincole, and Lapwings. The sanctuary’s river is also home to Marsh Crocodiles (muggers), Gharials (a member of the Crocodile family), eight species of turtles, Smooth-coated Otters and endangered Gangetic Dolphins. Enjoy an afternoon boat safari exploring the rich birdlife along the shores of the Chambal River.
Accommodation: At Chambal Safari Lodge – 2 nights
After a short drive this morning (70 km/1½ hrs) we arrive in Agra to marvel at the Taj Mahal’s unique beauty and learn about this spectacular monument to love (the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays) followed by a visit to the Agra Fort before continuing by road to Delhi (205 km/3½ hrs).
Overnight at your selected hotel
Following breakfast this morning, we drive off to Bhimtal (300 km/7-8 hrs), a small town situated by Lake Bhimtal at an altitude of 1370m, in the state of Uttarakhand.
Upon arrival at Bhimtal, check in to the hotel.
Bhimtal is renown among birders for offering great opportunities of seeing some rare species of Sub-Himalayan birds. The area has recorded over 400 species of birds. This afternoon enjoy birding in and around the lake.
Accommodation: At your selected hotel/lodge – 2 nights
Morning and afternoon bird watching in Keoladeo National Park by rickshaw and including a boat ride.
Today, we set off for a full day of bird watching in and around Bhimtal. Besides looking at birds, you will also have the opportunity of exploring the surrounding countryside which is has spectacular views of the snow capped peaks, and of visiting some old temples.
This morning, after a short drive, we reach Pangot (35 km/1 hr) travelling along hilly and meandering forested roads. On the way, there will be several stops to scan for Himalayan birds hiding into the tall trees or chirping near you in the bushes.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge. In the afternoon, enjoy more bird watching in the Kilbury area, known to offer excellent birding sightings.
Accommodation: At your selected hotel/lodge – 2 nights
We continue today to explore the nearby areas in search of some exotic Himalayan birds such as Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Bearded Vulture, Spotted and Slaty-backed Forktail, Spotted Nutcracker, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Khalij Pheasant, Thrushes to name a few. The area is also quite rich in native flora and animals like Leopard, Yellow-throated Himalayan Martins, Himalayan Palm Civet, Bharal, Barking Deer and Sambhar.
After breakfast this morning, we drive to Corbett National Park (90 km/2½ hrs), which is arguably the most diverse of all the national parks of India, thanks to its superb location.
On arrival at Corbett, check in your lodge and afterwards, enjoy an afternoon jeep safari with the focus on birds as well as its diverse flora and fauna.
Lying in the foothills of Garhwal Himalayan Range and partly under Indo-Gangetic plains, this park has the unique distinction of being India’s first National Park as well as the first park under Project Tiger. Named after hunter-turned-wildlife conservationist Jim Corbett, this park has over 50 mammals, 600 birds and 25 reptile species.
Accommodation: At your selected hotel/lodge – 3 nights
Over the next two days, enjoy morning and afternoon game drives through the park. Besides being a Tiger Reserve, this park has a great variety of wildlife and its terrain, a mix of flat land and rocks, rivers and mountains provides a perfect habitat for Leopards, Asian Elephants, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer and many other species. It is also home to such animals as Jackal, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar, Sloth Bears, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer and Sambhar Deer as well as reptiles and the famous Mahashir Fish. Of course, the climax of any safari here would be to spot the prized Royal Bengal Tiger, yet Corbett undoubtedly retains its position as “Numero Uno” for offering an unmatched bird watching experience.
Explore your TRAVEL DESTINATION like never before.