Delhi, Sultanpur National Park, Keoladeo National Park, National Chambal Sanctuary, Nainital region & Corbett National Park
Bird Photography Tour of North India
Overview
Our birding tours in North India are easily our most fruitful and most successful, and for many reasons. A stunning variety of landscapes, birds, and mammals, unique cultural experiences, and the ability to customize. All these make this the perfect tour for first-timers and seasoned birders alike.
Established as a bird sanctuary in 1972, Sultanpur National Park is home to a variety of wetland and forest birds, both resident and migratory. When combined with the surrounding grassland flats, Sultanpur offers an amazing birdwatching experience relatively close to Delhi.
Keoladeo National Park, more popularly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a famous bird sanctuary in Rajasthan, India. The man-made wetland was created more than 250 years ago by Maharaja Suraj Mal, then the ruler of Bharatpur, as a duck hunting ground.
Bharatpur was designated as a bird sanctuary in 1976, and established as a national park in 1982. Over 230 bird species are known to be resident here, and many more visit in the winter. The wetland system consists of many small habitats, including lakes, marshland, forest patches, and grassy patches. This variety of habitats results in a variety of wildlife being found here.
The Chambal Sanctuary is a protected area in northern India. Located on the tri-point border of the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, it is located on the Chambal River. One of the cleanest rivers in India, the Chambal is home to the endangered Gharial (or Fish-eating Crocodile), as well as the endangered Gangetic Dolphin. In addition, it is home to a variety of wetland birds, such as Indian Skimmer, Black-bellied and River Terns, and many more.
Located about 15km from Nainital, in Uttarakhand, India, Pangot is a small hill station that draws many birdwatchers due to its high bird diversity. One can see a great variety of Himalayan bird and mammal species in and around Pangot. The lush oak forests and stunning views also attract many tourists.
Established as the Hailey National Park in 1936, Corbett is India’s oldest national park and tiger reserve. Located in the western Himalayan foothills, Corbett is one of India’s premier wildlife destinations. Apart from a healthy population of tigers and elephants, Corbett is also home to a wide variety of birds. The park is also home to a wide variety of habitats, from riverine belts, marshlands, and lakes, to forests and grasslands, adding to both its natural beauty and biodiversity.
Arrive at Delhi airport at noon/evening. You will be met and transferred to Hotel. Our representative will brief you on your tour. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay
Suggested places for bird watching: Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary & Lodhi Gardens
After breakfast, check-out at 0700 hrs and drive to Bharatpur (6 hours / subject to traffic). Arrive Bharatpur in the early afternoon. Relax in the evening or you can go for bird photography in the fields outside the park. Overnight stay
Three full days for bird’s photography in Keoladeo National Park Overnight stay
Morning drive to National Chambal Sanctuary (3.5 hours’ drive). Arrive Chambal Check-in in Chambal Safari Lodge. Rest of the day bird’s photography in the lodge premises. Overnight stay
After breakfast, Boat cruise with a guide for bird photography. Return to the lodge for lunch. Evening bird photography around the lodge. Overnight stay
Morning birding or relax
After early lunch, drive back to Noida (5-6 hours / subject to traffic) Arrive Noida in the evening
Overnight stay
You will be met and taken to Pangot (7-8 hours), a journey that takes you on one of the world's more spectacular mountain roads as we climb up into the Kumaon Hills on our way to this delightful ‘lake city’. Afternoon birding with a guide near the lodge. Overnight stay
Two days of Birds Photography Pangot village, Baggar and Gughu Khan. These walks can be very rewarding. Overnight stay at the lodge
One can see Cheer, Koklas and Khalij, Crested Serpent-eagle, Mountain Hawk-eagle, Woodpeckers such as Brown-fronted, Stripe Breasted, Rufous-bellied etc. Thrushes such as Dark- throated, Mistle etc. Striated Prinia can be see in the terraced fields. Warblers such as Tickell's Leaf-warbler, Greenish, Golden-spectacled, Grey-hooded. Flycatchers such as Asian Brown, Rusty Tailed, Ultramarine, Verditer, Tickell's Blue, Rufous-bellied Niltava etc., Orange-flanked Bush Robin, Blue-capped Redstart Laughingthrushes such as White-throated, Striated & Streaked, Chestnut-crowned etc. Look for Accentor, Upland Pipit, Blue Winged Minla, Whiskered Yuhina etc. Slaty-headed & Red-breasted Parakeet, Grey Bushchat, Long-tailed & Grey-backed Shrike, Common Kestrel, Besra, Chestnut Bellied Rock Thrush etc. Streaked Laughingthrush is a common garden bird here
Morning drive to Corbett National Park stopping en route at Dabka causeway to look for Ashy Crowned Sparrow Lark photography and for photography at Corbett Falls. Arrive at Corbett National Park in the late afternoon. Evening bird photography at Kosi River or Kumeria. Overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive onward for Dhangarhi gate for entry to Dhikala tourism zone. Jeep safari through the stately dense Sal jungle and the wildlife adventure of Corbett begins. Jeep Safari by the lower jungle track along the Ramganga River accompanied by an expert guide. A great opportunity for viewing and photograph wildlife, especially the tiger in its natural habitat and many birds. Overnight stay. PS: You can leave your extra luggage at Tiger Camp and carry the stuff for 02 days only. Driver will help you for that and we'll instruct our reception team at Tiger Camp.
Accommodation: Dhikala Forest Lodge. This lodge is a basic lodge run by the forest department, but you get true experience of stay inside the jungle. That’s the only place to stay in Dhikala and in case of non-availability of rooms there, you will stay in Tiger Camp and will visit the park other areas from there.
Morning safari for bird photography. Return for breakfast and then spend time till lunch on a watchtower overlooking a water hole. Some of the best birding areas of Dhikala are Sambhar Road and Khinanauli. After lunch, drive back to Tiger Camp in the slow pace. This drive up to the park exit gate will be a safari in itself. Overnight stay.
Species:
Great Hornbill, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Red-collared Falconet etc. are some of the rare birds that are found in Corbett. More birds include Jungle Owlet, Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Red-breasted Parakeet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Stork-billed & Crested Kingfisher and White-tailed & Siberian Rubythroat
After breakfast, drive back to Delhi (7 hours’ drive / subject to traffic). Arrive Delhi in the late afternoon / evening. Transfer to Delhi airport to connect flight back to home. Tour ends with happy notes
Highlights
- Best places for Birds Photography
- Farm fresh Indian meals
- Quaint lodges
- Photography of the Tiger and other mammals
Included
- Accommodation on Twin sharing basis Meals as per the itinerary
- Rickshaw ride in Bharatpur Park entry fee of Bharatpur (once a day only)
- 01 boat Cruise in Chambal with park entrance fee All safaris in Corbett National Park
- Corbett park entrance fee and park wildlife guide Asian Adventures Guide
- Dedicated transport for 15 days 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
