Astounding Classic North India Birding and Wildlife Two-Week Tour Trip Report

16th February 2024,
Our day began with an early 6:00 AM flight. Following our departure from the airport around 7:30 AM, we proceeded directly to Hotel Shanti Palace. Upon arrival, we promptly checked in and enjoyed a hearty breakfast. Our agenda for the day centered around birdwatching in Sultanpur, and without delay, we headed straight there. Engaging in birdwatching activities throughout the day, we also paused for a satisfying lunch in Sultanpur, considering everyone's needs after a long journey. By late afternoon, around 5:00 to 5:30 PM, we returned to our hotel. Notable sightings included Brooks's Leaf Warbler, Sind Sparrow, as well as various waterfowl like storks and ducks. Overall, it was a highly rewarding day for our birdwatching endeavors.

17th February 2024,
This morning required an early departure as our train from Hazrat Nizamuddin was scheduled for 4:30 AM. Consequently, we left Shanti Palace at 3:30 AM to catch our train bound for Ranthambore. Upon arrival, an early lunch awaited us. Following this, we embarked on our afternoon safari, albeit without spotting a tiger. Nonetheless, we were treated to an exceptional sighting of the Painted Spurfowl, along with other rewarding birdwatching experiences throughout the excursion.

18th February 2024
Today, we embarked on both morning and afternoon safaris. Our day commenced at 6:00 AM, departing from the hotel equipped with packed breakfasts. Upon arrival at our destination, excitement ensued as we discovered three cubs accompanying a female tiger. The moment was electrifying, marked by clear alarm calls echoing in the air. We patiently waited for about half an hour, rewarded with an extraordinary sight: a tiger playing and frolicking with her three cubs. The joy among all guests was palpable. Following this exhilarating encounter, we returned to the hotel for lunch. During this time, we collectively decided to dedicate our afternoon safari solely to birdwatching. While a tiger sighting would be welcome, it wouldn't be our primary focus. Thus, our entire evening safari was spent immersed in birding, where we spotted numerous remarkable species including the Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher, Great stone curlew, and Dusky eagle owl.

19th February 2024,
Today marked our final morning safari, and it proved to be incredibly fruitful. Once again, we were fortunate to spot two majestic tigers. Following the safari, with our check-out scheduled for the day, we had a two-hour window before lunch. Seizing the opportunity, we ventured into the nearby desert area for birdwatching. Despite the arid conditions, we were rewarded with sightings of Painted Sandgrouse, Desert Wheatear, Rufous-fronted Prinia, and Indian Courser, all of which thrilled us immensely. These sightings took place before lunch, as we needed to depart for Bharatpur thereafter. Upon arriving in Bharatpur in the evening and checking into our hotel, we deliberated over our plans for the following day during dinner.

20th February 2024
With three nights allocated for our stay in Bharatpur, one of which we had already enjoyed, today's agenda revolved around dedicating the entire day to exploring Bharatpur. Following breakfast in the morning, we promptly made our way to the park, immersing ourselves in a full day of birdwatching. Our collective bird count for the day tallied an impressive 130, showcasing the rich avian diversity present. Among the sightings were pelicans, owls, babblers, thick-knees, cormorants, and storks, offering a delightful spectacle for all. A hot lunch served within the park added to the enjoyment of our guests, who remained unaware of our lunch plans, which I kept as a pleasant surprise. Our hired rickshaw arrived with the anticipated hot lunch, much to everyone's delight. As evening descended, we made our way back to the hotel, concluding a fulfilling day of birdwatching adventures.

21st February 2024
Today's birdwatching adventure took us beyond the confines of the park. Following breakfast, we embarked on a journey to Band Baretha. The area greeted us with an abundance of water birds, alongside sightings of White-capped Bunting, Indian Stone-curlew, Indian Bush Lark, and Indian Vulture. After a fulfilling session of exploration and birdwatching, we returned to the hotel for lunch. Post-lunch, our next destination was Kumher, situated approximately 20 kilometers from Bharatpur. Here, we discovered another promising area teeming with birdlife, including the Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Greater Short-toed Lark, Red Collared dove, long-tailed shrike, bay-backed shrike, and numerous desert-dwelling species. As evening approached, we made our way back to the hotel, where we convened to strategize for the adventures awaiting us on the morrow.

22nd February 2024
Today we had to check out of the hotel as we had to leave for Dholpur. We had breakfast in the morning and when we stepped out of the hotel, the weather was very bad. However, we thought it would be fine once we reached there. But halfway there, it started raining heavily, so we had to change our plans and went straight back to Agra. After reaching Agra, we checked into the hotel, had lunch, and then decided to visit the Taj Mahal after lunch. Later in the afternoon, the weather cleared up, the sun also came out, and we visited the Taj Mahal. Everyone enjoyed it a lot. After the Taj Mahal, we had plenty of time left, so we also visited the Red Fort. Everyone enjoyed the cultural tour in Agra. We didn't see any birds in Agra that day, and we planned to leave for Dholpur the next morning from where we would head straight to Delhi.

23th February 2024
This morning, we had breakfast at the hotel and then headed straight to Dholpur. The weather was clear, with good sunlight, and we reached Dholpur around 9.00 AM. We hired our boat there and set off for the river right away. Within half an hour, we saw Indian skimmers, black-bellied terns, river terns, crocodiles, and alligators. After that, we moved ahead because our boat ride was scheduled for 2 hours. Further ahead, we saw the nest of a Bonelli's Eagle with two chicks, which was very satisfying to see. Then, as we proceeded, we encountered Desert Foxes, and a little further, we spotted a Pallas’s Gull. Overall, everyone enjoyed this 2-hour safari a lot, and all the guests were very pleased. Then, we headed straight back to Agra from there, where our lunch was already included. We had lunch there, and after lunch, we set off for Delhi.

24th February 2024
Today, we had to leave for Corbett National Park in the morning, so we set off after breakfast. By lunchtime, we reached Corbett. In the evening, we did some birdwatching near the Kosi River, where we were 90% successful. We saw Ibisbill, Crested Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Himalayan Rubythroat, Nepal Cupwing, Chestnut-headed Tesia, and many small warblers and tits. Along the banks of the Kosi River, there is a temple of Garjiya Mata, where we all visited. Our guests took some photographs of the  many people who had come for the pilgrimage, and it was a big surprise for them to see so many birds in such a crowded place. In the evening, we returned to the hotel because the next day we had morning and afternoon safaris.

February 25/26, 2024
On both the 25th and 26th, we had morning and evening safaris. We had access to four zones: Garjiya, Dhela, Bijrani, and Jhirna. In Bijrani, we spotted both male and female tigers, and we also saw a tiger in Jhirna.

February 27, 2024
Today, we had to check out from our hotel, but the checkout was after lunch, and we had to leave for Pangot. So, in the morning, we packed breakfast and went to Kumeria. There were some targets we were looking for, such as the Pallas's Fish Eagle, Brown Fish Owl, Brown Dipper, and more. Luckily we managed to see all that we wanted. After that, we returned to the hotel for lunch, and then we headed straight to Pangot.

February 28/29, 2024
With two entire days to explore Pangot, our mornings began with a visit to Cheer Point, known for its abundance of Cheer and Koklass Pheasants. Eagerly, we commenced our search for the elusive Cheer Pheasant. Despite the vast expanse of the area, I eventually caught sight of one, sparking excitement among the group. For the next hour and a half, everyone enthusiastically captured photos and videos of the Cheer Pheasant, relishing the unforgettable experience. Satisfied, we proceeded with our birdwatching expedition.

Fortune favored us today as we chanced upon a Koklass Pheasant right on the road during our return journey. Adding to our morning's success, we spotted Hill Partridge and Kalij Pheasant along the way, completing our trio of pheasants and Hill Partridge sightings. Later in the evening, our expedition led us to Timla Pani, where we delighted in sightings of the Golden Bush Robin, Black-throated Accentor, Himalayan Rubythroat, and Slaty-backed Forktail, rounding off the day magnificently.

The following morning, we revisited Cheer Point to catch glimpses of missed birds like nuthatches, vultures, and eagles. In the evening, our adventures took us to Gughu Khan, where sightings of the Great Barbet and Red-fronted Serin awaited us. Returning to the hotel, we prepared for our departure the next morning, beginning our journey towards Delhi after an early breakfast.

In the Nainital area, our birdwatching pursuits led us to sightings of finches, treepies, magpies, and woodpeckers before continuing our journey to Delhi. Along the way, we treated our guests to some North Indian cuisine at Mama Yadav's dhaba, earning accolades for serving the best meal of the trip. Arriving in Delhi by evening, we ensured our guests were well-rested for their early morning flight the following day. Reflecting on our North India expedition, we were thrilled to have observed a total of 380 bird species, marking an exceptionally successful journey.