Bird Photography Tour of North India (15 Days; # 106)

This tour takes you to the best bird’s photography sites of North India (such as Keoladeo National Park, National Chambal Sanctuary and Himalayan Foothills) & the best Tiger Park Uttarakhand (Corbett National Park) along with the must do visit to the Iconic Taj Mahal (optional).

Keoladeo National Park
Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Rajasthan was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985. It is one of the most outstanding wetland reserves in Asia. 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. Seen flying across the clear skies they make an incredible sight. Spotting scores of them together dotting the marshes is also an unforgettable visual treat. The compactness of the area makes it possible to see over a hundred species in a stay of just a few days. At Bharatpur, we will arrange a private cycle rickshaw guide for you to explore the park in a unique way.

National Chambal Sanctuary
River Chambal, one of the country’s most beautiful and least polluted river systems. The National Chambal Sanctuary was formed to protect this pristine river ecosystem. The river currently boasts of over 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. Best explored on boats, you will be impressed by the calm and serene beauty and the numerous sightings this river has to offer.

Corbett National Park
It was named in the honor of Jim Corbett, legendary hunter-turned- conservationist, best known for hunting man-eating tigers and leopards in the Kumaon and lower Garhwal in the 1920s. Away from the urban concrete jungles, within easy driving distance of Delhi (7 hrs), Corbett is a popular retreat for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. It provides a great opportunity for viewing wildlife, especially the tiger in its natural habitat. The main wildlife animals found in the Corbett National Park include the Tiger, Elephant, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Gharial, King Cobra, Muntjac, Wild Boar, Hedgehog, Common Musk Shrew, Flying Fox, Indian Pangolin and nearly 600 species of birds. Aboard the 4WD, accompanied by an expert guide, the Jeep takes us through the stately dense Sal jungle of Corbett along the Ramganga River.

Pangot
Pangot is one such beautiful hamlet in the state of Uttarakhand which lies just 15 km from the city of lake, Nainital. Walking into Pangot is like stepping into a remote Himalayan village. This birdwatchers’ paradise has more than 250 species of birds in and around as recorded by Jungle Lore Birding Lodge. This Lodge is India’s first and foremost birding lodge and has been key to birding success in the region. The entire drive is through the forested area of Cheena Peak Range via Snow View Point and Kilbury, the main habitats for excellent birding. The forests of Pangot and surrounding areas are dominated by thick Oak, Pine and Rhododendron. The streams passing by the area makes it even more attractive place. The district of Nainital covers the tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, sub-alpine and alpine zones. The terai & bhabar belt presents the climate of the plains while the deep valleys with elevation upto 1000 Mts. play host to varied types of animal, birds, trees typical of hills as well as plains.