Northern India Tiger & Birds Photographic Tour

For the greatest Tiger and birding tours in Northern India. Corbett Tiger Reserve, Ranthambore national Park, Bharatpur and surrounding areas are extremely commended birding areas. North India is residence to wintering bird species birds that arrive in huge numbers. The hilly landscape, widespread swampland and forest type at varying heights gives rise to inspiring bio diversity. Due to this migratory birds prefer North Indian habitats for their winter quarters.

India with approximately 89451 species of fauna has one of the richest natural heritages in the planet. During your trip to any national park and wildlife sanctuary we will arrange best & adventurous accommodation of your life in some of the best services jungle/wildlife resorts. During your trip to wildlife parks and sanctuaries, enjoy elephant back safaris, which are often better way of getting closer to the nature during wildlife/tiger trails and wildlife photography. Jeep safari is also available in each wildlife parks and sanctuaries to explore life of wild animal.

You may also be interested in :

• Northern India Tiger & Birds Photographic Tour
• Royal Rajasthan Tour
• South Indian Delight Tour
• Yoga trip in Garhwal Himalaya

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi International airport meet Himalayan Adventure executive and transfer to pre booked hotel at Delhi. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi – Sawai Madhopur, by train – Ranthambhore, 13 km

Morning after breakfast transfer to railway station and from here boards the train for Sawai Madhopur. On arrival at the railway station meet with our representative and transfer to the wildlife resort at Ranthambore. After lunch we will have an excursion to Ranthambhore fort.

This fort stands majestically atop a hill overlooking the entire park. The walk up, one of the only places this mode of transport is possible, is a very refreshing and exciting one as even the big cats have been spotted up there! The view of the surrounding keeps getting better and better as you go up but the view from the fort itself can only be described as breathtaking. It is advisable to take along a good pair of binoculars and if possible a camera with a very powerful lens when visiting the fort.

The soaring Serpent eagles, vultures and other birds can be seen at eye level. Many animals can also be seen along the edges of all the water bodies, which are all visible from here. The fort itself also offers many interesting architectural and historical sites worth viewing and photographing. A trip to the fort is a must if you are a first time visitor to the park. A guide with a good knowledge of the fort's history would always be a good idea.
Overnight stay at resort.

Day 03 : Ranthambhore National Park

Morning & afternoon jungle safari to the national park for wildlife, photographing. Overnight stay at resort.

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, before a princely game conserve is the scene where the celebrated Indian Tiger is best seen. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve lies on the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas just 14 Kms from Sawai Madhopur in Eastern Rajasthan. It sprawls over a varying and undulating landscape. The scenery changes dramatically from gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas and sharp and conical hills of the Aravali. A tenth century fort also blends amicably with the background. Pure sands of Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) interspersed with grasslands at the plateaus, meadows in valleys and luxuriant foliage around the canals make the jungle. Three big lakes – Padam Talab (meaning Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh – are similar turquoises studded in the vast forest that abounds with aquatic vegetation including duckweeds, lilies and lotus.

A significant geological feature within the park is the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhaya plateau meets the Aravali range. The Rivers Chambal in the South and the Banas in the North bound the National Park. The park is dotted with steep rocky hills and the dominating architecture of Ranthambhore Fort (built in the 10th century), adds to its landscape. The rugged park terrain alternates between dry deciduous forest, open grassy meadow, dotted by several lakes and rivers that are only made passable by rough roads built and maintained by the Forest Service. The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambhore although it is the one park resident that people come to see. A variety of birds including Owlets, the ubiquitous Langur (monkey), Leopard, Caracal, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat, marsh Crocodiles, Wild Boar, Bears and various species of Deer are the other attractions.

Day 04 : Ranthambhore National Park

Morning & afternoon jungle safari to the national park for wildlife, photographing. Overnight stay at resort.

Day 05 : Ranthambhore National Park – Bharatpur, by train

Morning transfer to the railway station to board the train for Bharatpur. On arrival at Bharatpur railway station meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel. After lunch explore the national park for wildlife & birding. Overnight stay at hotel.

The foundation of Bharatpur wildlife sanctuary was laid in 1760 when the Maharaja of Bharatpur made an artificial lake and the dam at this very site to store the water brought by the annual floods in this area. Over 300 bird species are found in this 29-sq-kms-wildlife park of divided into the stretches of marshes, scrubland and grassland. It got its name as Keoladeo Ghana Park on account of an ancient Hindu temple at the centre of the national park devoted to Lord Shiva. The term 'Ghana' is derived from Hindi, which means dense and refers to the thick forest, which covers the entire area. Bharatpur became a national park on 10 March 1982, and was given the status of a World Heritage Site in December 1985.

Day 06 : Bharatpur

Full day exploring wildlife & Birding around the sanctuary. Overnight stay at hotel.

Bharatpur National Park has been famous for the wintering western race of the Siberian Crane. Unfortunately, the last pair visited the park in 2002-3 and it is likely that this species is now extinct in India. But, the sanctuary is not only about Siberian Cranes. Once can see the sheer number of waterfowl, waders, Palearctic, Sociable Lapwing, Indian Courser, Imperial, White-tailed, Greater and Indian Spotted Eagles, Darters, Black-necked, Painted and Asian Openbill Storks, Common, Sarus and Demoiselle Cranes, Dalmatian Pelicans, Black Bittern, Greater Painted Snipe, Large-tailed, Indian and Grey Nightjars, Dusky Eagle Owls, Marshall's Iora, Siberian Rubythroat and Brook's Leaf Warblers. The 20 species of ducks, innumerable waders and raptors, water-seeking birds and approachable passerines all add to make The sanctuary a true birder's paradise.

Here we will enjoy an exciting boat safari in Bharatpur National Park to explore the natural beauty of the park and spot a variety of colorful and exotic birds. An early morning or a late evening boat ride in the artificial lake of the sanctuary can be an enchanting and rewarding experience for bird watchers.

Day 07 : Bharapur – Agra, 70 km – Fort Unchagaon, 180 km

Morning after breakfast drive to Agra. On arrival visit Taj Mahal & Red Fort. Later leave for Unchagaon. Arrive Unchangaon and check in at Fort Unchagaon - The Fort Unchangaon stands tall as an ideal gateway to Uttaranchal. Home to the Jat rulers who rose in prominence during the decline of Mugal Empire, it was originally made of mud, but its walls were late replaced by brick and old building inside the fort was totally renovated during the 1930's to give it a distinctly colonial look.

Day 08 : Unchagaon – Corbett National Park, 210 km

Today we will explore the village setup and promotes rural tourism. A walk through the village gives one a chance to view the village life along with a chance to see pottery making and jaggery making. One can also try once hand at making some pots oneself. We will also have boating at River Ganges to sight the Dolphins. Later we will drive to Corbett National Park. On arrival check in at the wildlife resort. Overnight stay at resort.

Day 09 : Dhikala Forest Lodge (Corbett National Park)

Morning safari to the national park, return to the resort for breakfast. Later drive to Dhikala forest lodge. On arrival check in at the lodge. After lunch we will drive to Dhangarhi Gate for our jeep safari to the grassland to view the wildlife especially the evasive tiger. For your safely the lodge is enclosed by the effective solar fence. You may sit on the varandah at night and enjoy the breathtaking wild and jungle's sound to get an unforgettable experienced. Overnight stay at Dhikala Forest Lodge.

Day 10 : Corbett National Park

Morning and afternoon visit to the grasslands & forested area for birding. Overnight stay at Dhikala Forest Lodge. Birding in the lower jungle track along the Ramganga River is very rewarding for water birds such as river lapwings, waders, mergansers and other waterfowl. While relaxing at the lodge or visiting the grasslands one can see long-tailed nightjar, jungle owlet, spot-bellied owl, common stonechat, black francolin, purple and crimson sunbird, golden-fronted & orange-bellied leafbird, black-shouldered kite, hen harrier, changeable hawk-eagle, chestnut-tailed starling etc.

Day 11 : Corbett National Park

Morning explore the area near the resort for bird watching. Afternoon drive towards Jhirna for forest birding. Overnight stay in Resorts or Hotel. One can look for black bulbul, brown-eared bulbul, brown fish owl, little & spotted forktail, yellow-bellied and white-browed fantail, crested laughing thrush, black-winged cuckoo shrike, little heron, wallcreeper, red-breasted parakeet, short-billed and long-tailed minivet, brown dipper, ashy-crowned sparrow lark etc.

Day 12 : Corbett National Park – Pangot, 55 Kms

Drive early morning to Corbett Falls stopping en-route at Dabka causeway to look for ashy crowned sparrow lark. After birding at Corbett Falls continue to Pangot. Arrive for lunch.
Afternoon leisurely birding in and around the lodge. One can see crested woodpeckers such as greater yellownape, scaly-breasted, speckled piculet etc. Large flocks of slaty-headed parakeets, numerous spotted and oriental turtle doves, grey bushchat, russet sparrow. Cuckoo: Indian, oriental, large-hawk and Eurasian. Large-billed crow, grey treepie, black-headed jay, maroon oriole, large cuckoo shrike, tits such as rufous-naped, black-throated & yellow-browed and smaller numbers of black-lored and green-backed. White-tailed nuthatches, chestnut bellied nuthatches and bar-tailed tree creeper. Overnight stay at lodge.

Day 13 : Pangot

Full day birding at Cheena Peak, Kilbury & Timla Pani. Overnight at Jungle Lore Birding Lodge.

Day 14 : Pangot

Another day of birding at Pangot village, Baggar and Gughu Khan. These walks can be very rewarding. Overnight stay at the lodge. One can see 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.

Day 15 : Pangot – Kathgodam, 60 km – Delhi, by train

Full day birding, One can see a variety of Himalayan species such as red-breasted accentor, chestnut-headed tesia, greater & lesser yellow-naped woodpecker, blue-throated barbet, rufous-chinned laughing thrush, black bulbul, dark-throated thrush etc. Transfer to Kathgodam to Connect overnight train to Delhi. Overnight in air-conditioned sleeper class train.

Day 16 : Arrive Delhi – Departure

On arrival at Delhi railway station meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel for fresh-n-up. Later transfer to the international airport to board the flight for onward destination.

Trip & Services Ends Here

The Above cost Includes

• Accommodation as per the itinerary on twin sharing basis
• Breakfast in Delhi, Bharatpur & Unchagoan
• All meals at rest of the places
• All the ground transport by exclusive vehicle
• 02nd A/c Sleeper train to Delhi – Sawai Madhopur – Bharatpur & Kathgodam - Delhi
• All jungle activities as per the itinerary
• Park entry fee
• Naturalist fee for Ranthambhore, Bharatpur & Corbett
• Birding guide for Pangoot
• Driver allowance
• Toll tax
• Parking

The above cost do not include

• Any expenses of personal nature
• Camera fee to the national park
• Monument fee
• Alcoholic beverages
• Any Air Fare
• Anything which is not mention above.

Visa

You Need to have Indian Visa for entry to India on your holiday. To apply for Indian Visa you have to contact your nearest Indian consulate or you can call on 09057570045 or visit http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/ for more information.

Indian Embassy in London

Address : Indian Embassy
India House, Aldwych,
London WC2B 4NA.
Tel: 020 7836 8484
Site URL : http://www.hcilondon.net/

Money

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring.

Banks

Banks are open in the major cities & the nearest towns of the sanctuaries for transaction from 10.00 to 14.00 hrs on all days except Sunday.

Best time to visit

High season: October to April - Monsoon.

Travel wear

Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc. Some woolen clothes require, during winter.

Credit cards

Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centers honor major credit cards.

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Drugs

Heavy punishments including imprisonment are imposed for possession of narcotic drugs.

Food

All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian & local.

Water

It is always better to drink bottled drinking water or drinking water from restaurants. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Mineral water is available in sealed bottles.

Private Departures

Did you know that we can also arrange private departures on the vast majority of our small group tours? So if you can’t find a date to suit you or if you want to have your very own adventure just with your friends or family then we can help you.

Private departures will follow the same itineraries as our usual group tours, but on a date to suit you, with no minimum numbers.

Customised Private Groups

For a group of 6 or more people we can organise a customised private group tour where we design the itinerary and activities especially for you, according to your requirements.

To enquire about booking a private departure of this tour or about organising your own private group tour, please fill in the form below and our Private Tours Team will be in touch shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions

May i ask for tailormade itinerary ?

What is Indian Time zone ?

Can I use British pound there in India ?

What type of plug sockets use in India ?

Who will Meet us at the Airport ?

Does monument fees included in the cost ?

Can I join a group trek ?

Is previous hiking experience necessary to go on a trek ?

What equipment should I bring ?

Is a Trekking permit required ?

What happens if I get sick ?

What is the maximum weight allowed on domestic flights ?

Is communication to home possible while on trek ?

What is the weather & temperature like ?