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Western India Birding Tour
Western India Birding and Wildlife Tour - Gujarat & Rajasthan
Western India Birding Tour (KBG - 04)
Region : West India
10
Days

Activity

Comfort

Cost per Person

US$ 2250

based on a minimum of 2 persons travelling

Tour Overview

Explore the rich diversity of bird species in arid Northwest India. Discover the vast expanse of the Great Rann of Kutch, venture into the Aravalli Hills near Mount Abu where the elusive Green Avadavat resides, and visit Bera for glimpses of leopards alongside sightings of Striped Hyena, Desert and Jungle Cat. Witness critically endangered species like the Indian Vulture, Laggar and Red-necked Falcon, Rock Bush Quail, Sirkeer Malkoha, and Painted Sandgrouse. Journey through Western Rajasthan's arid landscapes, pursuing the majestic Great Indian Bustard in the expansive Desert National Park. The Western India Birding Tour promises an unforgettable exploration of diverse Indian habitats.



Western India Birding Tour

Day 1: Ahmedabad - Little Rann of Kutch
Arrive at Ahmedabad airport in the morning and transfer to Little Rann of Kutch (100 kms / 2 hrs drive approx.). Check in to the lodge upon arrival. In the afternoon, embark on an exclusive jeep safari accompanied by a naturalist to explore the unique landscape of Little Rann of Kutch.
Day 2: Little Rann of Kutch
Today, enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safaris into the heart of Little Rann of Kutch. This area is renowned for its healthy population of Indian Wild Ass. While searching for these remarkable creatures, keep an eye out for avian specialties such as the wintering Macqueen’s Bustard, roosting Sykes’s Nightjar, Greater Hoopoe Lark, Lesser Flamingo, Indian Courser, White-tailed Plover, Great White and Dalmatian Pelicans, as well as raptors like Montagu’s and Pallid Harriers, Imperial, Tawny and Greater Spotted Eagles, and occasionally Sociable Plovers.  
Day 3: Little Rann of Kutch - Mount Abu
After a final drive at Little Rann of Kutch we depart for Mount Abu (125 kms / 3 hrs), Arrive Mount Abu and check in to the hotel. Spending the afternoon around the open scrub and fields on the top of Mount Abu will hopefully bring us into contact with another rare Indian subcontinent endemic – Green Avadavat. Mount Abu is one of the few known localities for the species and we have an excellent chance of finding a small flock feeding quietly at the base of nearby bushes. White-capped and Crested Buntings are also possible here and any time spent in the forest lower down could include Indian Scimitar Babbler.
Day 4: Mount Abu - Bera
Enjoy morning birding around Mount Abu to catch any species you may have missed. Later, depart for Bera (100 kms / 2 hrs drive approx.), located in the Aravalli Range. This area is known for species such as Jungle Bush Quail, Painted Francolin, Grey Junglefowl, Red Spurfowl, Alexandrine and Plum-headed Parakeets, White-naped Woodpecker, White-spotted Fantail, Tawny-bellied Babbler, Jungle Prinia, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Indian Yellow Tit, and Crested. Check in to your hotel or camp upon arrival. In the evening, embark on a jeep safari in search of leopards and for further birding.  
Day 5: Bera
Continue your exploration of Bera with morning jeep safaris and birding accompanied by your bird guide. Keep an eye out for Leopard, Striped Hyena, Desert and Jungle Cat, critically endangered Indian Vulture, Laggar and Red-necked Falcon, Rock Bush Quail, Sirkeer Malkoha, and Painted Sandgrouse. Another evening jeep safari offers additional opportunities for leopard sightings and birding.  
Day 6: Bera - Chandelaogarh
After an early breakfast, drive to Chandelaogarh (200 kms / 5 hours). Check in to your hotel upon arrival. Spend the evening birding around Chandelao Village, exploring the lakes and fields for various bird species.  
Day 7: Bera – Jaisalmer DNP
Today, travel to Sam Village near Jaisalmer (360 kms / 7 hrs drive). Check in to your tented camp upon arrival.    
Day 8-9: Jaisalmer (Desert National Park)
Enjoy two full days exploring the Desert National Park by private vehicle and camel cart. Your primary target is the Great Indian Bustard, while searching for other species such as Stoliczka’s Bushchat, Cream-coloured Courser, Black-bellied, Chestnut-bellied and Painted Sandgrouse, ‘Desert’ Lesser Whitethroat, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Asian Desert Warbler, ‘Punjab’ Raven, Macqueen’s Bustard, Desert Lark, Variable Wheatear, and Lagger Falcon. Look out for critically endangered vultures like the Indian, White-rumped and Red-headed, as well as Eurasian Griffin and Egyptian Vulture.  
Day 10: Jaisalmer to Jodhpur - Departure
Early morning drive to Jodhpur Airport (320 kms / 6 hrs drive approx.) to conclude the Western India Birding Tour.

Inclusions

  • Accommodation with all meals
  • Air-conditioned vehicle 
  • All entrances to Wildlife Sancturies and National Parks
  • Camel cart for 02 full day in Desert National Park
  • 04 jeep safaris (by exclusive jeeps) in Little Rann of Kutch
  • 03 jeep safaris (by exclusive jeeps) in Bera
  • 01 night safari in Desert National Park
  • Accompanying excellent Indian bird guide throughout the tour
  • All currently applicable taxes

Quote does not include:

  • Tips to the guide and driver
  • Flights and  airport tax.
  • Camera fees wherever levied.
  • Any expenses of personal nature; beverages, liqour, laundry, phone. 
  • Any increase in the entrance fee to the National park. 

Gallery

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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