Essential Birding India - One of 7 Wonders.

India has always stirred the imagination as an exotic location with iconic wildlife, mysterious monuments and religions, as well as what many consider to be some of the best food you can find anywhere on the planet.

In 5 days you can get a comprehensive snapshot of this tour that takes you from the capital of Delhi to Ranthambhore National Park, home to the endangered Bengal tiger and Asian leopard, striped hyena and many more animals unique to the sub-continent. Within the boundaries of the park are also ancient forts and temples for the history and archaeological aficionados on the tour.

From here we continue to Keoladeo where there is one of the most outstanding wetland reserves in Asia, Keoladeo National Park. Created by Maharaja of Bharatpur for hunting by diverting canals and building small dams, conservation was a lucky by-product. Especially during the winters, as monsoons refill the shallow marshes, it attracts thousands of waterfowl, herons, storks, cranes and waders.

From Bharatpur, we whisk you away for half day excursion to Dhaulpur for River Chambal, one of the country’s most beautiful river systems. The National Chambal Sanctuary was formed to protect this pristine river ecosystem. The river has 290 species of resident and migratory bird species, including large nesting colonies of the rare Indian Skimmer, as well as Marsh Crocodiles (Muggers), Gharial (Gavials), eight species Turtles, and highly endangered Gangetic River Dolphin.

Finally on to Agra, the ancient city of monuments and temples where we find the centerpiece, the Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jehan in memory of his deceased wife. The white marble structure is breathing.

Day1: Delhi – Ranthambhore National Park

Morning pick-up from your hotel at 06:20am and transfer to Delhi Train station to connect day train to Ranthambhore at 07:20am. Arrive Ranthambhore at 12:55pm. You will be met and transferred to Shergarh Resort. Afternoon safari (14:30 to 17:30 pm) to the national park for tiger tracking, wildlife viewing and bird watching. Overnight stay at Shergarh Resort.

Meals: Breakfast in Delhi, lunch and dinner in Ranthambhore.

Day 2: Ranthambhore National Park

Morning (06:30am to 09:30am) and afternoon (14:30pm to 17:30pm) safaris to the national park for tiger tracking, wildlife viewing and bird watching. Overnight stay at Shergarh Resort.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day3: Ranthambhore National Park – Bharatpur

After early breakfast, drive to Bharatpur at 06:00am (6 hour drive). Arrive Bharatpur for lunch. After lunch, birding in Keoladeo National Park. Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight stay at Hotel Kadamb Kunj.

Meals: Breakfast in Ranthambhore, lunch and dinner Bharatpur

Day 4: Bharatpur – Dhaulpur - Bharatpur

After early breakfast, excursion to Dhaulpur (2 hour drive) for couple of hours boat cruise on Chambal River with a guide to see Indian skimmer, black-bellied tern, flocks of migratory waterfowl, cranes such as Common, Demoiselle and Sarus; Gavials and marsh crocodiles; Gangetic dolphin; turtles etc.

Return to the hotel for lunch. Afternoon birding in Keoladeo National Park. The birds to expect are Indian Courser, Sarus Crane, Dusky eagle Owl, Large tailed Nightjars, Common Pochard, Great white Pelican, Greylag and Bar headed Goose. Overnight stay at Hotel Kadamb Kunj.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Bharatpur – Agra - Delhi

After early breakfast, drive to Agra (2 – 2.5 hours). Guided tour of Taj Mahal. Couple of hours free for shopping in Agra (if needed). Continue drive to Delhi in late afternoon (4-5 hours). Arrive Delhi in the late evening. Transfer to airport to connect flight back to home early morning of 10th January but check-in time (3 hours before) might be before mid-night of 9th January). Tour ends.

Meals: Breakfast in Bharatpur