Delhi, Sultanpur, Bharatpur, Chambal, Agra, Corbett National Park, Pangot and Sat Tal
North India Birding and Wildlife in 2 Weeks for 400 Species
Overview
If you are a birder, chances are that North India is on your bucket list. The sheer joy of seeing a huge diversity of species and clocking those numbers gets any birder, be it a beginner or a professional, awestruck. The smells, sounds, visuals & experiences of North India are so immersive that when it comes time to leave, you will do it with a vow to come back.
Consider for example the spread that will be served to you – wetlands, rivers, scrublands, forests – from the evergreen sal to the mighty oak and deodars. Then, of course, the Himalayas will have you spellbound, no matter how many breathtaking pictures you have already seen.
To top it all are the ancient monuments, forts & palaces, journeys on Elephants, Camels, Indian Railways, Indian roads, boat & rickshaw rides. It doesn’t stop here, there is a variety of food, people of varied cultures, and their smiles that make one wonder more about this wonderland. And did we mention the range of climates from the downright frigid to the barmy? The good news is that Asian Adventures’ guides are trained and committed to getting you the birding experience of a lifetime. Not just that, they also multi-task to give Birders the Flavours that the two-week journey has to offer. And working behind the scenes is a large team that ensures your safety, security, and a seamless, comfortable, and uplifting experience. The species that you will see may range from the exotic Sarus Crane in Sultanpur, to a Painted Sandgrouse in Ranthambhore or Tiger Safari in Bandhavgarh, a huge diversity of waterfowl in Bharatpur, Indian Skimmer on Chambal River, Spotted Owlets roosting in the minarets of Taj Mahal, Cheer and Koklass Pheasants in Pangot – the Himalayan region of Nainital, Great Hornbill and Great Slaty Woodpecker of Corbett National Park along with a huge variety of mammals.
The pictures that you create will take you ages to sort out. Each one you edit helping you relive the moments you spent in this region. And planning your next visit.
Meals: On Own
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace or similar
Arrive in Delhi in the evening. You will be met and transferred to the Hotel.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast in Delhi, Lunch on own, and Dinner in Bharatpur
Accommodation: Hotel Kadamb Kunj or similar
Leave for Sultanpur in the morning for some productive birding. Return to the hotel at 1100 hrs. Check out at 1200 hrs and drive to Bharatpur (5 hrs). Arrive in Bharatpur in the evening.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Indian Peafowl, Indian Courser, Red Collared Dove, White-throated Kingfisher, Sind Sparrow, Black-breasted Weaver, Bengal Bush Lark
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in Bharatpur
Accommodation: Hotel Kadamb Kunj or similar
Birding in Keoladeo National Park on foot and cycle rickshaws with a birding guide. Your driver will get your lunch from the hotel to the sanctuary to maximize your birding time.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Sarus Crane, Dusky Eagle-Owl, Knob-billed Duck, Lesser Whistling Duck, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Great White Pelican, Bar-headed Goose
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner in Bharatpur
Accommodation: Hotel Kadamb Kunj or similar
Drive to National Chambal Sanctuary in the morning (2 hours) for bird watching. From Chambal, travel to Agra to view the Taj Mahal. Return to Bharatpur in the afternoon.
Overnight stay
Key species: Gharial, Marsh (Mugger) Crocodile, Gangetic Dolphin, Indian Skimmer, Black-bellied Tern, River Tern, Indian Courser, Yellow-wattled Lapwing
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch in Bharatpur, Dinner on own
Accommodation: Raddison Blu
Enjoy a morning birding session in Keoladeo National Park on foot and cycle rickshaws with a birding guide. Check out from your resort and proceed to Noida (5 hrs).
Overnight stay.
Key species: Golden Jackal, Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Sarus Crane, White-breasted Waterhen, Grey-headed Swamphen
Meals: Breakfast in Noida, Lunch, and Dinner in Corbett National Park
Accommodation: Wildlife Resort
In the morning, drive from Delhi to Corbett National Park (220 km / 7 hr.). Arrive at the resort for late lunch.
Afternoon birding at Kosi river.
Overnight stay
Key species: Ibisbill Great Hornbill, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Collared Falconet, Jungle Owlet, Red-breasted Parakeet, Stork-billed & Crested Kingfisher, Himalayan Rubythroat
Meals: Breakfast in Resort, Lunch, and Dinner in Dhikala
Accommodation: Dhikala Forest Lodge or similar
After breakfast, drive onward to Dhangarhi gate for entry to the Dhikala tourism zone. The drive from Dhangarhi to Dhikala is a safari. Afternoon visit to the grasslands and forested area.
Key species: Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Indian Muntjac, Sambar, Great Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Lineated Barbet, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Black Francolin, Kalij Pheasant
Note: The lodge is basic with an en suite toilet and shower, but this is productive for wildlife experience. In case of non-availability of the rooms here, we will continue to stay at the resort.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch in Dhikala, Dinner in Resort
Accommodation: Tiger Camp or similar
Morning safari (if available). Return for breakfast, and thereafter spend the time birdwatching till noon. After lunch, drive back to the resort. This drive up to the park exit gate is a safari.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Ibisbill, Striated Heron, River Lapwing, Crested Kingfisher, Spotted Owlet, Pied Myna, Purple-rumped Sunbird
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at the resort, Dinner in Pangot
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge or other neighboring lodges
Enjoy a final morning safari in Corbett (if available). Thereafter, drive to Pangot (3 hrs)
Key species: Tiger, Leopard, Asiatic Elephant, Sloth Bear, Black-winged Cuckooshrike, Striated Heron, Wallcreeper, Red-breasted Parakeet, Long-tailed Minivet, Brown Dipper
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in Pangot
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge or other neighboring lodges
Full day birding in Pangot with your guide.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Kalij Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Striated Laughingthrush, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Slaty-headed Parakeet
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in Pangot
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
Another full-day birding in Pangot. Overnight stay
Key species: Rufous-throated Partridge, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Black-throated Bushtit, Black-throated Sunbird, Green-backed Tit, Grey-hooded Warbler, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Small Niltava
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner in Sat Tal
Accommodation: Hotel Lavanya or similar
In the morning, drive to Sat Tal (39 km / 2 hr.), stopping en route at various birding locations. Arrive in Sat Tal and go straight up to the Studio area for birding. In the evening, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.
The entire drive is through the forested area of Cheena Peak Range via Snow View Point and Kilbury. One can see a variety of Himalayan species along the way such as Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Vulture, Blue-winged Minla, Spotted and Slaty-backed Forktail, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Kalij Pheasant, variety of Thrushes etc. More than 200 species have been recorded at Pangot and surrounding areas. The numerous Perennial and seasonal Creeks are home to an amazing variety of flora and fauna including the Leopard, Yellow-throated Marten, Himalayan Palm Civet, Ghoral, Barking Deer, Sambar, Red Fox etc.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in Sat Tal
Accommodation: Hotel Lavanya or similar
Full day birding in Sat Tal.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Slaty-backed Forktail, Blue-winged Minla, Ashy Bulbul, Mountain Bulbul, Common Green Magpie, Kalij Pheasant
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch in Sat Tal and Dinner in Delhi
Accommodation: Shanti Palace or similar
Morning birding in Sat Tal with your guide. The habitat offers species such as White-crested Laughingthrush, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Red-billed Leothrix, Siberian Rubythroat, Rock Bunting, etc. This scattered and deliberately undeveloped area is one of the most pleasant destinations. Look for Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Greater Yellownape, Speckled Piculet, Golden Bush Robin, etc. Drive back to Delhi (371 km / 8 hr.). Arrive in Delhi in the evening.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
After breakfast, transfer to Delhi airport for your onward flight
Highlights
- A large list of bird species
- Great birding in scrubland, wetlands, Riverine and Himalayan Eco-system
- A large variety of mammals
- Himalayan views
- Farm fresh Indian meals
- Quaint lodges and camps
- Easy birding
- Sightseeing is possible
- Option of visiting the Iconic Taj Mahal
- Glimpses of the beautiful landscape, architecture and lifestyle of North India
Included
- Accommodation on twin / single sharing basis All meals as per the itinerary
- Arrival and departure transfers in Delhi Visit to Sultanpur with Park Entrance Fee
- Rickshaw ride in Bharatpur for 1.5 days (01 rickshaws for 02 guest basis) Park entrance fee of Bharatpur for 1.5 days (once a day only)
- One Boat cruise on Chambal River Park entrance fee of Chambal
- Corbett Park Safaris Corbett Park entrances and permit fee
- Birding in Pangot and Sat Tal Dedicated airconditioned transport
- Bird and Wildlife Guides at: Bharatpur, Chambal, Corbett NP, Pangot and Sat Tal 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
