Delhi, Jaipur, Sonkhalia, Bharatpur and Agra
1 Monsoon Week in 4 Hotspots for Floricans, Cranes and Owls
Overview
During the monsoon, a change comes over the usually shy and secretive grassland birds. The urge to breed makes them not only much bolder but also drives some to perform spectacular courtship rituals. This tour celebrates these species and lets us share our expertise and experience with you, taking you to the best possible sites to enjoy watching these birds.
The tour will kickstart in the capital of Delhi. Being surrounded by several wetlands, the place is an interim home for the rarely seen Bristled Grassbird during monsoon. From Delhi, we will move towards the Rajputana City of Jaipur which is recognized worldwide for its palatial edifices. However, we will unveil the hidden lives of Leopards blissfully living in Jhalana National Park. Sonkhaliya will be the next destination in focus. Ringed by vast arable land, the place is globally acknowledged for being one of the few pockets where the critically endangered Lesser Florican can be easily spotted. Led by a highly knowledgeable naturalist, we will ensure you will spot all the target species during this tour.
Please Note, the Acronyms in Bird Species
R stands for Resident Birds
S stands for Summer
W stands for Winter
Meals: On Own
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace
Arrive in Delhi in the morning / late morning. You will be met by an Asian Adventures representative and transferred to the Hotel. Leave your luggage at the hotel and drive to Surajpur (43 km / 1.5 hr. with normal traffic) to look for Bristled Grassbird. Return to the hotel in the evening.
Overnight stay
Key species: Sarus Crane (R), Bristled Grassbird (M), Bengal Bush Lark (R), Baya Weaver (R), Red Avadavat (R), Indian Silverbill (R)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Umaid Bhawan
After early breakfast, check out and drive to Sultanpur for a couple of hours of birding. Continue to drive to Jaipur (227 km / 5 hr.) (we have to reach Jaipur at 1500 hrs). Arrive in Jaipur and opt for an afternoon (1515 - 1745 hr.) jeeps safari in Jhalana Safari Park to look for Leopards and birds.
Overnight stay
Key species: Sind Sparrow(W), Black-breasted Weaver(R), Rain Quail(M), Barred Buttonquail(R), Leopard, Indian Pitta(S+M), Spotted Owlet(R), Jungle Nightjar(R), Indian Golden Oriole(R)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Master Paradise
Enjoy an early morning safari at Jhalana Safari Park for leopard tracking. Birding at Jhalana is also promising, with species like Spotted Owlet, Jungle Nightjar, Crested Bunting, Indian Pitta, and more. Check out and proceed to Ajmer. You will have the next two days here to look for Lesser Florican (M), Rock Bush Quail (R), Rain Quail (M), Painted Francolin (R), and more grassland birds at Sonkhaliya.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Master Paradise
A full day of birding at Sonkhaliya.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Lesser Florican(M), Rock Bush Quail(R), Rain Quail(M), Painted Francolin(R), Grey Francolin(R)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kadamb Kunj
A full day of birding at Sonkhaliya. In the evening, check out from your hotel and proceed to Bharatpur (6.5 hrs / 332 kms.).
Overnight stay.
Key species: Rain Quail(M), Grey Francolin(R), White-bellied Minivet(R), White-naped Tit(R), Indian Silverbill(R), Scaly-breasted Munia(R), Red Avadavat(R)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Utkarsh Villa
Spend a morning birdwatching session in Keoladeo National Park, and explore the various habitats the bird sanctuary offers. Later, check out from your hotel and proceed to Agra (time/distance needed). Visit the Red Fort and Taj Mahal.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Egyptian Vulture(R), Lesser Whistling Duck(R), Knob-billed Duck(R), White-eared Bulbul(R), Common Moorhen(R), Grey-headed Swamphen(R)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Check out and proceed to Delhi (218 / 4 hr.) Transfer to Delhi airport for your connecting flight back home.
Highlights
- Amazing monsoon birdwatching
- Wildlife safaris to track leopards
- Rich variety of flora and fauna
- Great opportunities for photography
- Visit to the iconic Taj Mahal and Red Fort
- Delicious Local Cuisine
- Quaint and Comfortable Accommodation
Included
- All accommodation on double / twin sharing basis Dedicated AC private vehicle for the entire tour
- 02 jeep safaris at Jhalana Safari Park Permits and entry fees at Jhalana Safari Park
- Guided Birding at Sonkhalia Asian Adventures Birding Guide for the entire tour
- Culture guide at Agra and Delhi All Applicable Taxes
Video
Location
Tour Experience
The Grassland’s Monsoon Magic
A short distance from the city of Ajmer in Rajasthan lies Sonkhaliya, a realm where the monsoon season weaves a tapestry of life, transforming arid grasslands into a sanctuary for endangered birds. Here, amidst the rain, the Lesser Florican, Rain Quail, and Painted Francolin emerge as elusive gems, drawing birdwatchers, photographers, and conservationists alike to witness this ephemeral spectacle.
The monsoon breathes new life into Sonkhaliya's grasslands, painting the landscape in vibrant hues of green. This transformation heralds a flurry of activity among its avian residents, as the rejuvenated ecosystem provides abundant food and shelter. For the Lesser Florican, an enigmatic bustard species, the monsoon offers a crucial window of opportunity for courtship displays. Males puff their chests and dance with intricate grace, vying for the attention of discerning females amidst the swaying grasses.
Meanwhile, the Rain Quail, with its cryptic plumage and shy demeanor, emerges from the cover of vegetation to forage in the moistened soil. The monsoon showers unlock a bounty of insects and seeds, sustaining these diminutive birds through the breeding season. Their soft calls blend harmoniously with the sound of rain, adding a melodic charm to Sonkhaliya's atmosphere.
Amongst the grasslands, the Painted Francolin adds a splash of color to the canvas of green. With its striking plumage, this ground-dwelling bird ventures forth to feed on tender shoots and insects stirred by the rain. Despite its vibrant appearance, the Painted Francolin is a master of camouflage, blending seamlessly into its surroundings and requiring a keen eye to spot amidst the lush foliage.
The monsoon, with its life-giving rains and rejuvenating energy, transforms Sonkhaliya into a haven for these endangered grassland birds. It is a time when the delicate balance of nature is on full display, where the interplay of rain, sunlight, and soil sustains a diverse tapestry of life. As birdwatchers venture into this enchanted realm, they bear witness to the intricate dance of survival and beauty that unfolds amidst the grasslands, reminding us of the importance of preserving such precious ecosystems for generations to come.
Stories
Ladakh
North India, the land of Ladakh, looks as though it was made for birdwatching and photography.
Gir National Park Gujarat
Sometimes it is not just the species spotted but also the amazing moments. Some of our guests had the unique opportunity to witness the mating of Asiatic Lions in the Gir Forest, truly a special moment.
Delhi
Surajpur is an amazing wetland close to the nation’s capital. Apart from being one of the monsoon homes for the Bristled Grassbird, it is also home to another sought-after species: the Bengal Bush Lark.
Rajasthan
One advantage of living near the birding hotspot of Bharatpur is that you can see some amazing birds, like the graceful Sarus Crane, in your backyard during this lockdown
