Wildlife vacation in India

India is one of the finest wildlife destinations in the world. Remnants of the great jungles, deserts and wetlands that once covered the subcontinent, are the Indian parks which now provide a peaceful retreat from the bustle of modern life with romantic ruins of palaces, hunting lodges and forts, reminding us of the country's fascinating history. Tigers, Leopards, Lions, Rhinoceros, Elephants, Crocodiles, River Dolphins, bears and a variety of deer and antelope, not to mention a fabulous bird-life, can all be seen in the numerous parks and reserves. From the warmer, drier wildlife reserves of northern and central India, to the more humid and cooler parks of southern India, whether you are traveling alone or with a group of friends, we offer safaris to the best of these sanctuaries.
Tailor-made itinerary
15 days London to London

Day 1: London to India
Depart for Calcutta flying direct with British Airways (daily departures).
Day 2: London - Calcutta - Kaziranga
Arrive Calcutta early morning (BA 147 ETA 0445). Met on arrival at the visitor's lounge and transferred to your hotel Hyatt Regency near airport for freshening up. Later in the day you will be transferred to the airport to connect to your flight 9W 201 (1015:1125) to Guwahati. Met on arrival and transferred to Wild Grass Lodge in Kaziranga National Park (5 hrs). Prior to the departure you will stop near Ulubari Bazaar to try for the Greater Adjutant Stork.
Kaziranga National Park covers an area of 430 sq km, and consists of dense elephant grass, shallow swamps and evergreen forest. The region is renowned for sightings of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, since the park contains 60% of world's population of these magnificent creatures. Elephant and jeeps safaris also enable one to view large herds of wild elephant, buffalo, barasingha, and deer, together with birds of prey including the Crested Serpent Eagle, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, and the Pied Harrier. The wetlands also support large numbers of water birds including white pelicans, open-billed storks and black-necked storks.

Wild Grass Lodge
Wild Grass Lodge provides comfortable accommodation just outside Kaziranga, with twin-bedded tents or rooms, each with private facilities. There is also a dining and lounge area. You will spend three nights here.
Day 2: Kaziranga
Early this morning you will go for an Elephant Ride to the Central Range of Kaziranga National Park. There have been reports of good tiger sightings from this area. There are some great perches on this trail for raptor sightings, as well as lakes with otters and groups of wild elephants moving through the park.
Afternoon you will head for the Eastern Range where the largest lake is full of migratory waterfowl. It is also the place to see the One Horned Rhinoceros and the wild water buffalo cooling from the Indian Sun. With luck you can go all the way to the mighty Brahmaputra to see the Gangetic Dolphin.
Day 3: Kaziranga
Early this morning you will move to Panbari Forest Reserve to search for rare Hoolock Gibbon (only ape in India) and Hornbills. This area is also good for woodland birds such as Yellow-vented Warbler, Great Hornbill, and Redheaded Trogon.
Afternoon you will head for the Western Range where you probably get the best chance to see raptors.

Day 4: Kaziranga - Nameri

This morning you will be transferred by road to Nameri National Park (85 kms 2hrs) for a full day birdwatching tour. Your accommodation at Nameri will be in tented camps for overnight stay.

Situated in an excellent forest on the northern edge of the Brahmaputra River flood plain it is a very rich birding area (370 species recorded so far), perhaps rivaling Manas National Park, which has been closed to visitors for about 12 years. The White-bellied Heron and White-winged Duck are both found here but will take some luck to see. Other species that are on the park list that you may encounter are: Jerdon's Baza, Oriental Honey-Buzzard, Pallas's, Lesser, and Grey-headed Fish-Eagles, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Swamp Francolin, White-cheeked Partridge, Kalij Pheasant, Grey Peacock-Pheasant, Masked Finfoot (rare), Pale-capped and Pin-tailed Pigeons, Common Hawk-Cuckoo, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Wreathed and Great Hornbills, Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, Brown and Tawny Fish-Owls, Streak-throated Woodpecker, Long-tailed Broadbill, White-throated Bulbul, Black-backed and Spotted Forktails, Large Scimitar-Babbler, Rufous- necked Laughingthrush, and Green Magpie.

Day 5: Nameri to Shillong

Early this morning you will be transferred by road to Shillong (80 kms 2hrs) in the state of Meghalaya (Literally meaning Land of Clouds).
Hidden below the state of Assam in the state of Meghalaya Shillong is a popular hill station. Home to the Dark Rumped Swift and Mausynram - the wettest place on Earth it also has some beautiful waterfalls and some beautiful orchids growing in the hills found here.
On arrival you will check in to your hotel The Polo Towers for 02 nights.
The hotel has 50 rooms with telephone, television and attached private facilities. Other amenities include swimming pool, shopping arcade, table tennis, golf and multi-cuisine restaurant.
Location: Guwahati Airport - 120 kilometers: Shillong Airport - 31 kilometers: Guwahati Railway Station - 100 kilometers: City Centre - 1 kilometer
Government grading: Four-star hotel
Our comments: a budget property with poor maintenance. The location is however very good After freshening up you will proceed to the Shillong Peak (1965 meters; 10 kms from town) to look for Tawny-breasted Wren Babbler and other Northeast Indian hills state species such as Crested Finchbill, Rustycapped Fulvetta, Striated Bulbul, etc.

Day 6: Shillong

This morning you will be birding at Mawphlang to try for Golden Babbler, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, White-browed Shrike Babbler, Rufous-winged Fulvetta, Grey Sibia, Ashy Bush Robins etc.
Later you will proceed to Cherrapunjee (2 hrs) to look for Dark-rumped Swift an endemic species.

Day 7: Shillong - Guwahati - Dibrugarh - Namdapha

Transfer by road to Guwahati (103 kms; 3hrs) to connect to your flight to Dibrugarh (S2111; 1245:1340) to proceed to your next destination - Namdapha National Park for 05 nights. En-route you will be birding along Old Shillong - Guwahati Road mainly trying for the Grey Sibia. Also you may see the Stripe Breasted Woodpeckers, Maroon Orioles and Rufescent Prinia. Met on arrival at Mohanbari (Dibrugarh) airport and transferred to Deban Rest house via the checkpost at Miao (215 kms 5hrs) to Namdapha.
Namdapha, located in Arunachal Pradesh one of the remotest states of India in the Northeastern corner is one of the most biogeographically diverse area in India. Its avifauna is a unique blend of Himalayan, Sino-Tibetan and Indo-Burmese form. The mammals found here include the Clouded and Snow Leopard along with the Tiger and the leopard. It is the place form where recently the two new species of deer to India was discovered. In short it is the 'The Last Wilderness'. The forest here is primitive with only restricted areas open for foreigners and Indians alike.
N.B. You will require a Restricted Area Permit, which we will organise for you to visit Arunachal Pradesh.
Overnight you will be at Deban Resthouse.
Deban rest house is at 390 meters altitude inside Namdapha National Park. It is a basic rest house with clean sheets and beds and lodging facilities with five rooms and excellent location.
The rest house is located above the confluence of Deban and Noa-dihing Rivers and is surrounded by forests rich in woodpeckers, babblers and thrushes.

Day 8: Namdapha (Deban - Firmbase)

Early in the morning you will explore the Gibbon's Land area and the adjoining Moti jheel. Here you will try to see the Little Heron, Black Stork, Sand Lark, Striated Grassbird, Snowy Throated Babbler, Rufous-necked Laughingthrush, Pale Blue Flycatcher and Blyth's Kingfisher.
Later trek to Firmbase (13 kms/ 5hrs). Overnight stay will be at forest guesthouse.

Day 9: Namdapha (Firmbase - Hornbill)

Early morning trek to Hornbill Camp (8kms/4h). This area is good for Great, Rufous-necked and Wreathed Hornbill. Other species include the Jerdon's baza, Crested Goshawk, Rufous Bellied Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, White Cheeked Partridge, Kalij Pheasant, Pallas's Gull, Pompadour, Thick-billed and Pin-tailed Pigeons, Green and Mountain Imperial Pigeons, Green Billed Malkoha, Mountain and Collared Scops Owl, Speckled and White Browed Spiculets, Chestnut Headed Tesias, Rufous Gorgetted, Little Pied, Ultramarine, Snowy-browed, Sapphire, Hill Blue and Pygmy Blue Flycatchers, yellow Bellied, Broad-billed, Chestnut-headed, Grey Cheeked, Golden-spectacled and Blyth's Leaf Warbler. Overnight camping Hornbill jungle Camp.

Day 10: Namdapha (Hornbill - Bulbulia)

Early morning proceed for a day trek to Ranijheel (800 meters; 7kms each way). Here and along the way up you will try for Pale-headed Woodpecker, Red-billed Scimitar Babbler, Lesser and Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbills. Overnight you will be at Hornbill Jungle Camp.
Hornbill Jungle camp is a basic camp with clean lodging and dining facilities and four rooms. It is located inside the park with some open area to move about overlooking the forest.

Day 11: Namdapha (Bulbulia- Haldibari - Deban)

Trek to Haldibari and explore the area for the. Trek back to Deban (25 kms/7 hrs). Overnight you will be at Forest lodge in Deban.

Day 12: Deban - Dibrugarh

Early morning you will try the area around Deban forest rest house for Black-breasted Thrush, the river area for Ibisbill, Crested Kingfisher, White Bellied Heron and the Lesser Fish Eagle. Later today you will return to Dibrugarh via Miao. On arrival you will check in to the Chang Bungalow for overnight stay.

Day 14: Dibrugarh - Calcutta

Early morning you will take a tour through the tea plantation to have a feel of the Assam tea and the story behind it. Later today you will be transferred to the airport in time to board your flight (IC 702; 1200:1330) or (CD 7202; 1210:1340) to Calcutta. On arrival you will check-in to your hotel The Park for overnight stay.
The Park Hotel is equivalent to our 4 star hotels, in an excellent location offering very good service and wonderful restaurants. Rooms here very comfortable, with all those facilities usually offered by a hotel of this standard. This evening you will go for a guided tour through the city of Calcutta.
Calcutta is a city of glaring contrasts: a curious blend of the old and the new, partly feudal, partly born out of growing urbanisation, partly un-definable. It is a medley of the east and the west, a graft of a European city imposed on the Asian landscape that gives Calcutta its bewildering charm, confusion and excitement. Being just about 300 years old, Calcutta hardly has many great historical monuments. Perhaps, the oldest remembered is the site where the Kalighat Temple now stands. Today Calcutta is the largest city in India with a population over 10 million and boasts of India's first ever Metro rail system. It is a city that shocks on first impression but eventually the visitor falls in love with it.

The sightseeing of the city includes a visit to the Victoria Memorial, Calcutta's most imposing and monumental dream in marble opened by the Prince of Wales in 1921 and often called the "Taj" of the British Raj, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Indian Museum, the largest in India, with one of the best collections of Indian art.

Day 14: Calcutta - London

This morning you will be transferred to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport for your flight BA 146 to London. Suggested check-in time to the airport is at 0450. Estimated time of departure from Calcutta is at 0750 hrs.

Extension: Sunderban Wildlife Sanctuary:

Day 14: Calcutta - Sunderban Wildlife Sanctuary

This morning drive to Sonakhali (2 hrs 30 mins) On arrival to Sonakhali Jetty you will be transferred to boat for 02 nights. Cruise to Sudhanyakhali watchtower through mangrove creeks and canals of Sunderban Wildlife Sanctuary.
Sunderban Wildlife Sanctuary: The Sunderbans, extending over an area of 1,000,000 hectares, is the world's largest delta, formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers. The region has extensive mangrove forests and the contours are in a constant state of flux, caused by the monsoon flooding each year. Roughly a third of the delta is water, consisting of rivers, channels and tidal creeks up to 8 kilometers wide.
The area of the Reserve is 2585 sq. km., covering land area of 1600 sq. km. and the water body occupying over 985 sq. km. Within this area, 1330.12 sq. km. is designated as core area, which was subsequently declared as Sundarbans National Park in 1984. The entire Sundarbans area was declared as Biosphere Reserve in 1989.
The main attractions of the Sunderbans are the Tiger, large reptiles like the Monitor Lizard, Estuarine Crocodile the Olive Ridley Turtle, and the Indian Python.
Here you will see the Black Capped, White Collared, Stork Billed, Brown Winged, Common and Pied Kingfisher. Other birds include the Scarlet Flower-pecker, The Mangrove Whistler, Grey and Purple heron, Asian Openbill, Little Green Heron, Forest wagtail, Asian paradise Flycatcher, and Loten's and Purple Rumped Sundird. Afternoon you will visit Sajnekhali watchtower and Mangrove Interpretation Centre. From the watchtower you will try to catch a glimpse of the elusive Tiger. Other mammals expected are the Chital , Wild Boar and the Rhesus Macaque. Anchor for the day. Evening at leisure on the boat. Overnight you will be at the boat.
Day 15: Sunderban Widlife Sanctuary
This morning you will be birding from the boat. Your efforts will be primarily focused on seeing the Goliath Heron the largest heron in the world. Later in the morning you will cruise to Bagna and Burir Dabri watchtower to try for mammals sighting form the boat.
Evening local cultural show in village Bali. Cruise back to anchoring point. Overnight you will be at the boat.
Day 16: Sunderban Wildlife Sanctuary - Calcutta
Morning you will go for creeks cruise by manually oared country boat for about an hour. You will see the mangrove flora from close quarters and also hope to see the Salt Water Crocodile and the Water Monitor. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the Indian Rock Python or some other snake. Later in the morning cruise to Dobanki and Netidhobani watchtower to sight wildlife. Cruise back to Sonakhali. Upon arrival at Sonakhali jetty you will be transferred to the car for surface transfer to Kolkata. Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Overnight you will be in your hotel- The Park
The Park Hotel is equivalent to our 4 star hotels, in an excellent location offering very good service and wonderful restaurants. Rooms here very comfortable, with all those facilities usually offered by a hotel of this standard. This evening you will go for a guided tour through the city of Calcutta.
Calcutta or is a city of glaring contrasts: a curious blend of the old and the new, partly feudal, partly born out of growing urbanisation, partly un-definable. It is a medley of the east and the west, a graft of a European city imposed on the Asian landscape that gives Calcutta its bewildering charm, confusion and excitement. Being just about 300 years old, Calcutta hardly has many great historical monuments. Perhaps, the oldest remembered is the site where the Kalighat Temple now stands. Today Calcutta is the largest city in India with a population over 10 million and boasts of India's first ever Metro rail system. It is a city that shocks on first impression but eventually the visitor falls in love with it.

The sightseeing of the city includes a visit to the Victoria Memorial, Calcutta's most imposing and monumental dream in marble opened by the Prince of Wales in 1921 and often called the "Taj" of the British Raj, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Indian Museum, the largest in India, with one of the best collections of Indian art.

Day 17: Calcutta - London

This morning you will be transferred to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport for your flight BA 146 to London. Suggested check-in time to the airport is at 0450. Estimated time of departure form Calcutta airport is at 0750 hrs.

Itinerary 02:

Day 1: London - Delhi

Depart for Delhi flying direct with British Airways (daily departures).

Day 2: Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Met on arrival at the visitor's lounge and transferred to hotel Oberoi Maidens for overnight stay.
After freshening up you will be taken for guided bird watching to Old Fort and Delhi Zoo to get acquainted with the commoner birds like the Indian Pond Heron, Yellow Footed Green Pigeon, Indian Grey Hornbill, White Ibis, Laughing Dove, Greater Coucal, Brown Headed Barbet and Alexandrine Parakeet. You will also see some waders and weaverbirds at Yamuna close to the fort if time allows us to take you there.

Day 3: Delhi - Ranthambore

Today you will be taken to the train station to board the train Golden Temple Mail to Sawai Madhopur, scheduled to depart at 0755 Hours (Air conditioned sleeper class).
Arrive Sawai Madhopur at 1310 Hours. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to Ranthambore (12 Kilometers, 30 minutes drive). .

Situated in Rajasthan at the eastern end of the Aravalli Range, Ranthambore's rolling hills, dry, dhok, deciduous forest with 200-year-old Banyan trees and tranquil lakes, decorated with the crumbling ruins of numerous temples and a hilltop fort, possess all the princely splendour of this famous Rajput state. In 1973, this 400 square kilometre area was officially recognised as a Tiger Reserve, and declared a National Park in 1981. The park offers one of the best opportunities for seeing Tigers during the day, as well as many other mammals, including Leopard, Sloth Bear, Rhesus Macaque, Common Langur, Nilgai, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Jackal, Sambar and Chital (Spotted Deer). With more than 300 species of bird, the bird-life here is also excellent, particularly around the lakes. Parakeets, Painted Storks, Egrets, Flycatchers, Eagles and Partridges, together with migrants including Black Eagle, Greylag Goose, Ruddy Shelduck and Pintails may all be spotted. You will spend the next 3 nights at Sher Bagh on a full board basis, including all activities
Owned and often frequented by Valmik Thapa of 'Land of the Tiger' fame, Sher Bagh is situated at the edge of Ranthambore National Park along its Northern periphery. The camp, which is run by Valmik's nephew, consists of 10 luxurious bedroom tents in a style originally designed for HH the Marharaja of Jodhpur at the turn of the century. Such tents were used on hunting expeditions and also catered for an overspill of guests at the palace, Viceregal and during Royal Visits. Each tent has attached verandah and bathroom with hot and cold running water and 24hr elecricity.

Meals are served in the dining tent consisting of English breakfasts, continental lunches and traditional Rajasthani dinners. Much of the produce is organically grown on their own farm.

Safaris are by jeep only in Ranthambore and you will be accompanied by one of the camps trackers, always from local families who have known the jungle and it's animals for generations and has the necessary sharp eyes and ears. 10% of all proceeds are donated to organisations working to save Ranthambore.

Afternoon you will have your first wildlife safari by an open-topped jeep.

Day 4: Ranthambore

From your lodge, just outside the reserve, we include morning and evening game drives into the reserve to search for Tigers and other wildlife by open-topped jeep.

Day 5: Ranthambore

From your lodge, just outside the reserve, we include morning and evening game drives into the reserve to search for Tigers and other wildlife by open-topped jeep.

Day 6: Ranthambore - Bharatpur

Today morning you will have your last morning game drive to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Later you will be taken by road to the Sawai Madhopur railway station to board your train to Bharatpur (1250:1525). You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel Laxmi Vilas Palace for 3 nights.

Laxmi Vilas Palace Hotel is a stunning monument to Rajput and Mughal architecture, and was originally built for the younger brother of the Maharajah Ram Singh. To this day relatives still occupy rooms on the second floor. The rest of the building has now been converted into twenty-five suites/bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities with fans and/or airconditioning. The spacious and airy public areas including bar, restaurant, and reading room, all open out into a pretty central courtyard, where meals may be taken if preferred. In the cooler months, the roof top terrace is normally where dinner is served.
Overnight you will be at the hotel.

Day 7 Bharatpur

Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur is arguably the finest bird sanctuary in the world. Formerly a shooting preserve of the Rajput Maharajahs of Bharatpur, it is just 29 square kilometres but holds a remarkable diversity of habitats. The wetlands - marshes and flooded 'jheels' - are contained within acacia-lined 'bunds', or embankments, and irrigated by a system of canals and sluices. Around them lies semi-arid grass and scrubland and some excellent broad-leaved Kadam woodland. Over 350 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Amongst these are an unequalled array of wetland species, a great variety of vultures, eagles, falcons and owls, plus numerous small landbirds. Notable species amongst the throngs of nesting Painted Storks, White Ibises, darters and spoonbills are specialities such as the threatened Siberian Crane, Pallas's Sea Eagle, Black-necked Stork, Comb Duck and the elusive Spotted Creeper.

As well as birds, the park has an excellent variety of wild animals. Nilgai (blue bull), Sambar and Spotted Deer, Blackbuck, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar, Asiatic Jackal and Mongoose are all common, and this is one of the few places in India where the rare Fishing Cat may be seen.

Day 8: Bharatpur

Today early morning you will have a birding in Keoladeo National Park. Later you will be taken by road to Bund - Baretha to see the majestic Indian Skimmer. Overnight you will be at Laxmi Vilas Palace Hotel.

Day 9: Bharatpur - Agra

This morning depart for Agree-route you will visit the city of Fatehpur Sikri.
The well-preserved Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar usually referred to as Akbar the Great in 1571 and abandoned just four years later upon his death and due to scarcity of water. Graceful palaces and mosques of red sandstone and marble include the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chishti, and the Panch Mahal.
On arrival to Agra you will check in at The Trident for overnight stay.
The Trident is a first-class hotel set in beautiful landscaped gardens. The hotel combines traditional Mughal architecture with all the amenities of a modern hotel. It is built round a central courtyard with a swimming pool and elegant fountains, and there is a restaurant, bar, beauty salon, barber shop and book shop. Each bedroom has ensuite facilities, with telephone, television and mini bar.This afternoon you depart on a tour of the Taj Mahal by sunset.
The Tag Mahan - the Eighth wonder of the world is a monument of love built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. For 22 years, 20,000 men laboured day and night to build this masterpiece, which has held the world, awe-struck ever since.

Day 10: Agra - Kumerian

Early this morning you will be taken for a long transfer by road to Corbett National Park (196 kms, 8 hrs).

The drive from Agra to Kumerian gives you the opportunity to observe the beautiful Indian landscape and many roadside birds can be spotted. Birds you can see from your coach may include Common Kingfisher, Rose-Ringed Parakeet, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, White-breasted Water hen, Common Sandpiper, Black-Winged Stilt, Red-Wattled Lapwing, Black-shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Cattle Egret, Indian Pond Heron, Common Myna, Bank Myna, Red-Vented Bulbul, Jungle Babbler and Grey Wagtail.

Enroute enjoy a stop at Garh Mukteshwar on the banks of the Holy River Ganges, which can be very rewarding. 1-2 hours of halt is recommended to check the birdlife on the banks of the River. Among the various species to be seen are Ruddy Shellduck, Indian Cormorant, Palas' Fishing Eagle, Black-headed Gull, Brown Headed Gull, Black-bellied Tern, Indian Skimmer, Common Stonechat, Common Babbler, Sand Lark, and Indian Silverbill. The river is also home to the rare River Dolphins. Spotting one or two of these beautiful aquatic mammals can be very exciting.

Arrive at Kumerian via Ramnagar, a small town situated at a distance of 250 km from Delhi, on the western bank of River Kosi is the gateway to the Corbett country. Interesting birds like Ibisbill, Common Merganser, Crested Kingfisher, Great Thick-Knee, Long- billed Plover, Western Reef Egret and Wallcreeper are known to be sighted from the banks of River Kosi close to the town. 1-2 hours of birding is recommended before proceeding to Kumerian Reserve Forest situated 30 km north of Ramnagar.
On arrival check in to your resort for two nights Overnight at your resort Quality Inn.
Quality Inn Corbett Jungle resort is set amidst 13 acres of reserve forest overlooking the Kosi River, 9 kilometres from Corbett National Park. The resort has a dining room, library and 20 cottages built of stone with wood paneled walls, fireplaces and attached private facilities.
Our Comments: Standard grade hotel with modern facilities.

Day 11:Kumerian

A birding tour to Corbett is incomplete without a two nights' halt at Kumerian. Morning proceed for full day birding in Kumerian.Birding in the Kosi riverbed and the nearby streams can be very exciting as there are possibilities of finding Speckled Piculet, Lesser Yellownape, Greater Yellownape, Streak-throated Woodpecker, Himalayan Flameback, Great Barbet, Lineated Barbet, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Slaty-Headed Parakeet, Tawny Fishing Owl, Brown Hawk Owl, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Gold-Fronted Leafbird, Orange-Bellied Leafbird, Red-Billed Blue Magpie, Grey Treepie, Black-hooded Oriole, Small Minivet, Spangled Drongo, Large Woodshrike, Blue Whistling Thrush, Grey-winged Blackbird, Slaty-backed Flycatcher, Rufous-Gorgeted Flycatcher, Snowy-Browed Flycatcher, Slaty Blue Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Little Forktail, Spotted Forktail, Velvet-Fronted Nuthatch, Black Bulbul, Grey-breasted Prinia, Tickell's Leaf Warbler, Hume's Warbler, Greenish Warbler, Golden-Spectacled Warbler, White-throated Laughingthrush, White-crested Laughingthrush, Black-Chinned Babbler, Blue-Winged Minla, White-Bellied Yuhina and Green-Tailed Sunbird. Some of the very special birds to look for in this area are Brown Dipper, Slaty-backed Forktail and Black-throated Sunbird.
Overnight at the resort


Day 12: Dhikala, Corbett
This morning you will be transferred by road to the Dhikala area/range of Corbett National Park. Corbett National Park lies at the base of the Himalayan foothills, and was named after the legendary hunter and naturalist of the Raj, Jim Corbett. His wonderful books about the hunting of man-eating Tigers and Leopards in these Kumaon hills, still provide an accurate picture of the wildlife and peoples of this region, if much of the impenetrable tract of forest that once covered all the foothills of the Great Himalaya has now gone, at least outside the National Parks. In fact, a sanctuary was declared here as early as 1935, the very first national park in India. Only in 1958 was it re-named the Corbett National Park, following the death of Jim Corbett in Kenya in 1955.

The park extends for over 270 square kilometres, and protects an undulating land of dry foothills clothed in fire-resistant Sal forest and dense riverine jungle predominantly comprised of Shisham and Khair trees laden with creepers and ferns. Large areas of riverside grassland provide a third rich habitat. Created a Tiger Reserve in the 1970s by Project Tiger, the national park now enjoys extended protection.

Corbett's rich variety of habitats, and position in the foothills, are the reason for its good population of mammals. Rhesus Macaque, Common Langur, Golden Jackal, Wild Boar, Chital (Spotted Deer), Sambar, Muntjac (Barking Deer) and Hog Deer are all common and regularly seen, whilst a good population of Indian Elephant is discreet, and Tigers also elusive.

The birdlife here is exceptional with more than 620 species. By April the forests are alive with the calls of a wide variety of summering cuckoo species, including Indian, Himalayan, Small, Eurasian, and Red-winged Crested Cuckoos. Just above the canopy of the Sal forest fly Crested Tree Swifts, White-rumped Needletails, and Himalayan Swiftlets, whilst a wide range of raptors, parakeets, owls, bee-eaters, hornbills, barbets, woodpeckers, babblers, flycatchers and warblers form a most impressive birdlist. Of course the National Bird of India, the peacock, may also be spotted.
Major birding attractions at Dhikala are Black Francolin, Red Junglefowl, Kalij Pheasant, Indian Peafowl, Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Greater Flameback, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Blue-throated Barbet, Great Hornbill, Dollarbird, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Blue-bearded Bee-Eater, Green-billed Malkoha, Lesser Coucal, Red-breasted Parakeet, Crested Tree Swift, Brown Fish Owl, Jungle Owlet, Large-tailed Nightjar, Red Collared Dove, Emerald Dove, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Ruddy-breasted Crake, Long-toed Stint, Great Thick-Knee, Long-billed Plover, Pallas's Gull, Osprey, Lesser Fish Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, Eurasian Griffon, Cinereous Vulture, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Hen Harrier, Besra, Tawny Eagle, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Collared Falconet, Common Green Magpie, Ashy Woodswallow, Large Cuckooshrike, Short-billed Minivet, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Verditer Flycatcher, Small Niltava, White-tailed Rubythroat, Desert Wheatear, Brahminy Starling, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Ashy Bulbul, Zitting Cisticola, Aberrant Bush Warbler, Grey-sided Bush Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Smoky Warbler, Lemon-rumped Warbler, Greenish Warbler, Grey-Hooded Warbler, Puff-Throated Babbler, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Red-billed Leiothrix, Indian Bushlark, Oriental Skylark, Crimson Sunbird, Chestnut-shouldered Petronia, Yellow Wagtail, Long-billed Pipit, Crested Bunting, White-capped Bunting and Chestnut-eared Bunting.
On arrival you will check in to the Forest rest House for two nights.
Day 13: Corbett Tiger Reserve/National Park
This morning and afternoon go for safari drives to the core area of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. You will try to see the large mammals of Corbett today.
Wildlife viewing is by open-topped jeep and elephant. On all occasions you will be accompanied by both a driver and guide assigned by the National Park authorities. Overnight will be at Forest guesthouse.
Day 14: Corbett- Binsar
This morning will be taken for a game drive by an open-topped jeep at Dhikala. Later you will move out of the park on a birding pace to Kumerian for Lunch. From Kumerian you will be transferred by road to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary (135 kms 4 hrs). Drive from Kumerian to Binsar is steep climb and full of birding opportunities. Grey Bushchats, Himalayan Bulbuls, Black Bulbuls, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Pale-billed Flowerpecker and Blue-Headed Barbets are common birds. With any luck we may have our first sighting of Lammergeier. There can be many Himalayan Griffon, Eurasian Griffon and Steppe Eagles in the sky. By the time we reach our destination it will be dark.
On arrival check into the Tourist rest House for one night. Overnight at the resort
Day 15:Binsar
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 25 km. from the hill town of Almora. The elevation ranges from 1500-2450 meters. Binsar is a protected area covering 45 Sq. Km and from the gate of the Sanctuary. The area initially runs through beautiful Chir Pine forest offering wonderful birding opportunities. The Chir Pine forest makes way for the Mixed Oak-Rhododendron forest. As the road runs along the side of the hill, visibility is good. Where the motor road ends one can take a two km birding trek to the Zero Point, the highest point in Binsar. The trek runs through thick mixed forest but offers good birding. From Zero point one can view the Himalayas and the beautiful valleys around are a treat to the eyes.
An early morning birding excursion may result in sightings of Koklass Pheasant, one of the rare Himalayan Pheasants. The area happens to fall on the historic range of elusive Western Tragopan. Among the interesting birds in the area are Golden Eagle, Black Eagle, Red-headed Vulture, Common Kestrel, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Slaty-headed Parakeet, Collared Owlet, Grey Nightjar, Great Barbet, Rufous Woodpecker, Ashy Drongo, White-browed Shrike Babbler, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Alpine Accenter, Rufous-naped Tit, White-throated Tit, Eurasian Treecreeper, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Red-mantled Rosefinch and Red-headed Bulfinch.
Some of the common birds that may be seen in Binsar are Kalij Pheasant, Himalayan Woodpecker, Asian Barred Owlet, Oriental Turtle Dove, Long-tailed Minivet, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, Grey-winged Blackbird, White-tailed Nuthatch, Spot-winged Tit, Green-backed Tit, Striated Prinia, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush and Rufous Sibia.
Binsar is also home to a healthy population of Leopards. Other mammals found in the area are Black Himalayan Bear, Yellow-throated Marten, Wild Boar, Goral, Barking Deer, Kashmir Flying Squirrel and Indian Porcupine.
Day 16: Binsar-Sat-tal/Nainital
This morning you will be transferred by road to Nainital (17 kms,1 hr form Sat-tal) via Almora and Bhowali for 3 hours to birding valleys of Mehragaon and Sat-tal(77 kms,2hrs 30 mins from Binsar). The drive is smooth and at birding pace. Mehragaon, just before Sat-tal is an ideal birding location. Some of the rare birds like Black-Breasted Accenter and Siberian Rubythroat can be seen here. Sat-tal is a densely wooded area having a group of seven small lakes. A day's birding may produce a mix of bird species like Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Speckled Piculet, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, White-browed Shrike Babbler, Long-billed Thrush, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Chestnut-Headed Tesia, Golden Bush Robin, Spotted Forktail, Scaly Thrush, Rufous-Breasted Accenter, Vinaceous Rosefinch and Fire-fronted Serin. In the evening you will be taken by road to the lovely lake city of Nainital.
Nainital is approximately 1-2 hours from Corbett, and at an altitude of over 1930 metres, is a delightful hill station set around a peaceful lake, offering a cool interlude from the heat and dust of the lower plains. With stunning views of the Himalayas, there are several good walks to choose from and/or boat trips on Naini Lake, though of course you may prefer just to relax instead! On arrival check in to the resort,Vikram Vintage Inn for two nights. Overnight at the resort
Hotel Vikram Vintage Inn is located in Mallital, opposite Administrative training institute. The hotel has 30 elegantly appointed rooms and 5 suites/apartments. The hotel offers the facilities of doctor on call, epabx facility, safe deposit, courtesy city transportation, private parking, billards, table tennis, indoor games, horse riding, boating, trekking, all major cards accepted.
Day 17: Nainital & Mangoli Valley
Another day's birding at Nainital and Mangoli Valley (12 kms,1 hr form Nainital) can be very rewarding. A morning trek for two hours around the hotel in Nainital may produce Great Barbet, Eurasian Jay, Black-headed Jay, Long-tailed Thrush, Plain-Backed Thrush, Pied Thrush, Chestnut Thrush, Chestnut-Belied Rock Thrush, Slaty Blue Flycatcher, Orange-Flanked Bush Robin, Black-Lored Tit, Mountain Bulbul, Black-Chinned Babbler, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Mrs. Gould's Sunbird, Russet Sparrow, Olive-backed Pipit, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Pink-browed Rosefinch, and Rock Bunting. If one is lucky one may come across Common Hill Partridge, Chir Pheasant or rarely seen Koklass Pheasant.

Mangoli Valley is a beautiful narrow valley situated at 45 minutes distance from Nainital. The rest of the day can be spent here as this place has the reputation of throwing surprises like the rare Scarlet Finch.
Some of the birds to be seen around are Lammergeier, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Golden Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Common Kestrel, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, House Swift, Grey-backed Shrike, Long-billed Thrush, Blue-throated Redstart, Brownish-Flanked Bush Robin, Long-billed Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Aberrant Bush Warbler, Smokey Warbler, Golden-spectacled Warbler, Buff-Barred Warbler, Lemon-Rumped Warbler, Ashy-throated Warbler, Grey-hooded Warbler, Goldcrest, Striated Laughingthrush, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Green Shrike Babbler, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Upland Pipit, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Black-throated Accentor, Spot-winged Grosbeak and Vinaceous Rosefinch. Overnight at the resort.
Day-18
Nainital - Delhi
Morning you will taken by road to New Delhi (300 kms,7 hrs 30 mins). On the way we can stop for an hour at River Ganges once again to check the species we may have missed on our first halt here. A couple of rare River Dolphins may also show up as a bonus. We reach New Delhi in the evening and check in to Uppal's Orchid for wash & change.
Uppal's Orchid is a five-star eco-friendly hotel spread over an expanse of 10.5 acres. This 84- room hotel has a range of suites, deluxe rooms, deluxe rooms with Jacuzzi, deluxe rooms with terrace and deluxe rooms with private garden. Each bedroom has en-suite facilities with telephone, television and mini bar.
Day 19 Delhi - London
Early morning you will be taken to the airport for you flight BA 142 to London.