Delhi, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Jhalana Leopard Safari, Ahmedabad, Gir National Park
Top 3 Big Cats Photgraphy in North and West India For 2 Weeks
Overview
When you mention wildlife and birdwatching, the first destinations that come to mind are either thick and verdant forests, mountain passes, or wetlands. The Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan may seem dry and uninviting at first glance. But a deeper look will prove you wrong, from some amazing birdwatching and wildlife destinations, including habitats that are home to three of India’s four big cats: Lion, Leopard, and Tiger, to the warmth, affection, and hospitality of the people of the region.
Established as the Sawai Madhopur Sanctuary in 1955 and declared a tiger reserve in 1973, Ranthambore was given the status of the national park in 1980. The park is made up mainly of deciduous forest and is considered to be among India’s most beautiful national parks thanks to the ruins of the Ranthambore Fort, and the various adjoining man-made lakes, that create a regal backdrop.
Once a sport hunting ground for the nobles of Jaipur, Jhalana is a leopard-rich forest that is the perfect quick addition to any Jaipur visit. Apart from Leopard, Jhalana has other attractions such as Striped Hyena, various species of deer, and a myriad of birds, including Sirkeer Malkoha, Spotted Owlet, Jungle Nightjar, and more.
Gir National Park is a national park in Gujarat, India. Established in 1965 for the protection of the Asiatic Lion, the total area of the reserve is 1,412 sq km. The forest is mainly of dry deciduous and scrubs types, with many perennial rivers and streams crisscrossing the area. The wildlife of Gir includes large predators such as Asiatic Lion and Leopard, herbivores such as Spotted Deer, Sambar, and Nilgai, a variety of bird species, and more.
Meals: on own
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace
Arrive at Delhi airport. You will be met and transferred to the hotel. You have the evening free to rest or you can visit the local market. You may ask us for tours (optional) covering various monument sites, museums, bird watching habitats, tourist markets, food joints, theater, performance venues, etc.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast in Delhi and Dinner in Heritage Haveli
Accommodation: Heritage Haveli
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Ranthambore. Reach Ranthambore. Check in into the hotel. Overnight stay
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Heritage Haveli or similar
Morning and afternoon guided safaris in Ranthambore National Park for tiger tracking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and photography
Overnight stay.
Key species: Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Nilgai, Spotted Deer, Crested Bunting, Indian Peafowl, Rufous Treepie, White-throated Kingfisher, Egyptian Vulture, Indian Vulture, Painted Sandgrouse, Yellow-legged Buttonquail
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch from Ranthambore, and Dinner in Jaipur
Accommodation: Umaid Mahal
Enjoy a final morning safari in Ranthambore. Check-out at 1030 or 1100 hrs and drive to Jaipur (3.5 hours) with a packed lunch. Arrive in Jaipur in the afternoon. Check-in and rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Tiger, Leopard, Wild Boar, Marsh Crocodile, Indian Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Umaid Mahal
We have two days of morning and evening safaris in Jhalana. Not only is Jhalana home to a dense population of leopards and deer, but is also an ideal birding destination, with species like Jungle Nightjar, Spotted Owlet, White-browed Fantail, and more calling it home.
In between the safaris, you will have plenty of free time to explore some of Jaipur’s monuments, which speak to the royal heritage of the city. Visitor attractions include palaces like the Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, and City Palace, the Amer, Nahargarh, and Jaigarh Fort, Jantar Mantar, as well as various temples.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace or Similar
Post Breakfast, check out from the hotel, and drive to Delhi. Arrive in Delhi, and check in to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or you can opt for some local sightseeing.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Gir Birding Lodge
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the airport for your flight to Ahmedabad. Arrive in Ahmedabad and drive to Sasan Gir. Check in to the lodge, freshen up and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in the lodge.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Gir Birding Lodge
Spend the next three days with morning and evening safaris in the park. Multiple safaris will not only give us more chances for finding our targets but also enable us to explore the jungle more, unlocking more wild treasures.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Asiatic Lion, Leopard, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Crested Honey Buzzard, White-eyed Buzzard, Indian Golden Oriole, Western Osprey, Common Woodshrike, White-browed Fantail, Indian Paradise Flycatcher
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Post breakfast, check out from the lodge and drive to Rajkot airport for your flight back home.
Highlights
- Jungle safari to see Royal Bengal Tiger
- Jungle safari to see Indian Leopard
- Jungle safari to see Asiatic Lion
- Photography
- Local Cuisine
- Quaint Accommodation
Included
- Accommodation for 02 Nights in Delhi Accommodation for 04 Nights in Ranthambore
- 06 Jeep Safaris in Ranthambore National Park, as mentioned Accommodation for 03 Nights in Jaipur
- 02 Jeep Safaris in Jhalana Leopard Safari Park Domestic flight tickets from Delhi to Ahmedabad (Economy Class)
- Accommodation for 04 Nights in Gir Birding Lodge 06 Jeep Safaris in Gir National Park, as mentioned
- Meals as per the itinerary Dedicated guide for the entire trip
- Dedicated vehicle for all surface transfers All taxes
Video
Location
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
