Tour Overview
This North Indian Birding Tour begins at Chambal, a sanctuary spanning Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, known for its ravines and riverine habitats. Once notorious for dacoits, it now hosts rare wildlife such as the Gangetic dolphin, Indian Mugger, and gharial, alongside 225 bird species. Notably, it's a prime site for observing the Indian Skimmer. A three-hour boat trip reveals around 40 bird species, including flamingos, Indian Skimmers on sandbanks, Asian Openbill, Woolly-necked Stork, Eurasian Spoonbill, Whiskered and Black-bellied Tern, and various waders like Calidris, Tringa, Limosa, and Charadrius species. Other sightings include Brown-headed Gull, Bar-headed Goose, Lesser Whistling Duck, teals, ducks, White-breasted and Pied Kingfisher, Shikras, and Brahminy Kite.
Next, the tour proceeds to Bharatpur, a UNESCO World Heritage bird sanctuary renowned as India's premier birdwatching destination. Originally developed for royal duck shoots, it now supports conservation efforts, hosting 354 bird species across its 29 sq km area of marshes, scrublands, and grasslands. Keoladeo's diverse habitats sustain a remarkable density of birds, with up to 150 species observable in a single morning. It's a vital ecosystem studied by ornithologists worldwide.
The final destination is Ranthambore, once a hunting ground for Jaipur's Maharaja, now famous for its tiger population. Among India's top locations for tiger sightings, Ranthambore spans 1,334 sq km between the Aravali and Vindhya ranges. Its rugged terrain features rocky ridges, hills, and open valleys, dotted with picturesque ruins like lake palaces and ancient fortifications. The park's five lakes attract water birds and mammals during winter, complementing its reputation for excellent birding. Species here include the Crested Serpent Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Great Indian Horned Owl, Grey Partridge, Common Sandgrouse, Quail, Red Spurfowl, Paradise Flycatcher, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Painted Stork, White-necked Stork, Spoonbill, Green Pigeon, White-backed Vulture, King Vulture, White-breasted Kingfisher, Spotted Dove, Ring Dove, and Golden Woodpecker.
North India Birding Tour with Bharatpur
- Day 1: Chambal
- Arrive at Delhi airport and depart for Chambal (280 kms/5 hrs drive). Upon arrival, check into the lodge. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on the Chambal River. The Chambal region is renowned for its distinctive bird species, notably the Indian Skimmer. Other notable sightings may include the Small Pratincole, Great Thick-knee, River Tern, and Black-bellied Tern. Additional species in the area include Osprey, Black Kite, Black-eared Kite, Bonelli’s Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Steppe Eagle, Rock Dove, Asian Koel, Brown Boobook (or Brown Hawk-Owl), Sand, Greater Short-toed, and Crested Larks, Grey-throated Sand Martin, Masked and Himalayan Wagtails, Desert Wheatear, Rufous-fronted and Plain Prinias, Lesser Whitethroat, Common and Large Grey Babblers, and Bank Myna. The Chambal River is also home to the Gangetic Dolphin, the endemic fish-eating Gharial, and Marsh Crocodiles.
- Day 2: Bharatpur
- After a morning birding session, depart for Bharatpur (140 kms/3 hrs drive). Arrive in Bharatpur by lunchtime and check into the hotel. In the afternoon, explore Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary on cycle rickshaws. Bharatpur is renowned as a crucial breeding site for various bird species such as the Painted Stork, Asian Openbills, Indian & Little Cormorants, Purple & Black Crowned Night Herons, Black-headed Ibises, and Eurasian Spoonbills. Other notable species include the Ferruginous and Comb ducks, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Sarus and Common Cranes, Great White and Dalmatian Pelicans, Yellow and Black Bitterns, Greylag and Bar-headed Geese, Red-crested and Common Pochards. Common sightings also include White-breasted Waterhen, Brown Crake, Greater Painted-Snipe (sometimes in numbers exceeding 30 birds in a village pool), Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Temminck’s Stint, Bronze-winged and Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Pied Avocet, and Black-winged Stilt.
- Day 3: Bharatpur
- Full day dedicated to birding in Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary accompanied by our local guide. Overnight at the hotel.
One full day birding in Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary accompanied by our local guide. Overnight at hotel
- Day 4: Naunera - Bund Baretha
- Spend the entire day birding at Naunera Wetland & Bund Baretha. Overnight at the hotel.
- Day 5: Ranthambhore
- Begin the day with morning birding in the sanctuary. Later, transfer to the station to board the train for Sawai Madhopur on the Golden Temple Mail/12903 departing at 1030 hrs and arriving at 1255 hrs. Upon arrival, transfer to Ranthambore National Park (15-minute drive). Enjoy a post-lunch game drive into the national park.
- Day 6: Ranthambhore National Park
- Engage in morning and afternoon game drives within Ranthambore National Park.
- Day 7: Delhi & Departure
- Begin the day with a morning game drive in the National Park. Later, transfer to Sawai Madhopur station to board the Golden Temple Mail/12903 departing at 1230 hrs and arriving in Delhi at 1835 hrs. From Delhi, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
This itinerary encapsulates a diverse birding experience across Chambal, Bharatpur, Naunera, Bund Baretha, and Ranthambore, offering ample opportunities to observe a wide array of avian species in their natural habitats.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in the above mentioned hotels as per mentioned meal plan
- Air-conditioned vehicle (car for 02 & 03 people, Toyota Innova for 04 people, AC Tempo Traveller for 05, 06, 07 & 08 people) for all transfers as per the above mentioned itinerary
- 04 jeep safari by jeeps to Ranthambhor National Park with local park naturalist
- 01 full day and 02 half days birding at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary with cycle rickshaw
- 01 full day birding around Naunera and Bund Baretha (Near Bharatpur)
- Accompanying Naturalist (bird guide) Arrival Delhi (Day 01) till departure Delhi (Day 07)
- All Entrances to the national parks visiting as per the above itinerary.
- 03 hours boat safari to Chambal River for birding with bird guide
- 01st class air-conditioned train from Bharatpur to Sawai Madhopur and Sawai Madhopur to Delhi
- All Meals from Day 01 (lunch) till Day 07 (breakfast in Ranthambhor)
- All current Govt. applicable taxes
Quote does not include:
- Any International airfare to/from India including International airport tax.
- Meals not specified.
- Camera fee wherever levied.
- Any increase in airfares by the airlines in future.
- Any increase in entrances and rail fares as per Government notifications in future.
- Any additional taxes levied by the Government of India on the tourism sector in future.
- Any expenses of personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, laundry, phone/fax calls, tips etc.
- Any item not mentioned in the quote includes section.
- Any increase in the entrance fee to the National park. The quote is based on the presently applicable entrance fee.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a Visa to enter India?
Yes. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html
Q: What kind of climate should I expect?
India is tropical and would be hot and humid most of the year except during November to February when it is cooler. In addition, the deserts-like conditions in the Rann area and Desert National park can become windy and cold in winter and hot in summer.
Q: Are tour dates flexible?
Yes.
Q: What are the accommodations like?
Accommodations we use are all birder friendly accommodations near the birding areas, clean and with great service.
Q: Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at?
It would be sent along with the detailed itinerary we send to you.
Q: Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour ?
Yes, we can arrange pre and post night extensions.
Q: Do you cater to dietary requirements?
Yes we do but we would require adequate advance notice.
Q: What is the Indian currency?
Indian Rupee. The higher denomination notes are 100, 500 and 2000 rupees.
Q: Are foreign currencies accepted locally?
The USD, GBP and EURO are easily accepted at all places.
Q: Are there ATMs available?
Yes. Banking services and numerous ATMs available throughout this area
Q: Are credit and charge cards widely accepted ?
Yes, all the hotels we use & most shops in locations mentioned in this itinerary accept credit cards
Q: Should I purchase travel insurance before travelling ?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before travelling to India, covering any medical situation, hospitalisation, cancellation and loss of your baggage. We cover your causality evacuation to the nearest hospital which is included in the cost. However, this does not cover the cost of medical treatment at the hospital.
Q: What vaccinations will I require?
Please check with your doctor. The areas which fall within this tour are malaria prone.
Q: Air airport transfers included?
Yes. Pick up from the airport and drop to the airport are included as mentioned in the itinerary.
Q: What kind of electrical travel adaptor will I need?
India uses 230 Volts, 50 Hz alternating current as the power source. Plugs and sockets have either grounded / earthed 3 Pin connections (Type D) or ungrounded 2 pin connections (Type C). The two pin plug is also called the Europlug. It has two round 4 mm (0.157 in) pins. It can be inserted in either way into the socket. Hence there is no fixed live (hot) and neutral (cold) terminals. The three pin plug is rated at 6A / 250V. It has three round pins in a triangular pattern. The earth terminal is slightly larger than the live and neutral terminals. For Higher current, there is a 15 Amp version of the same 3 Pin plug, usually called the Power Plug or the M Plug. Live and neutral are 1 inch (25.4 mm) apart. Earth terminal is 1+1⁄8 in (28.58 mm) away from live and neutral terminals. Typically, refrigerators, heaters and other high power devices are connected to this 15 Amp socket.
Q: Will a standard European electric plug (2 round pins) fit into a power point in India?
Yes. To insert the 2 pin plug into a Type D 3 Pin socket which in some cases may be closed by default, push a pen into the Ground/Earth terminal. This opens up the protected 2 Pin terminals and you can insert the 2 Pin plug.
Q: Will a standard American electric plug fit into a power point in India?
No. But any electrical store will sell you an adapter for around 50 cents or less.
Q: What is included in my tour?
Accommodation with all meals, all transfers, all birding walks, safaris, birding guide.
Q: What is not included in the tour?
Tips, flights, camera fees, personal expenses, beverages and liquor.
Q: How much should I tip?
Tipping is the customary way of saying thank you for a good trip. Any amount is welcome and is certain to augment the income of the bird guide and driver. Please remember that this is their only means of livelihood.
Q: Tell me more about the birding guides?
Our birding guides are knowledgeable and speak very good English.
Q: Is there any restrictions on drinking liquor or smoking?
Gujarat is a 'dry' state where liqour is banned. Smoking in public is not permitted.
Q: What will the meals be like on my tour?
Meals are usually ethnic Indian fare, mainly vegetarian
Q: Is there a 24 hours hotline for me to call during an emergency?
Yes. The number will be provided to you before you start the tour
Q: What is the Internet access like?
All places have internet, not necessarily in the rooms but near the reception.
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