Birding Tours in India
Peacock, the national bird of India, is inspiring and beautiful. It can be easily seen in the various parts of the country. In the arid state of Rajasthan, they are all pervasive. From painting to the folk lore, a dancing peacock is been associated with the monsoons. It is believed that a peacock dances seeing the monsoon clouds. Actually the dance is a mating display, to impress upon his potential mate. The call of the peacock in the jungle is one of the most beautiful experiences one can have. With this we would like to welcome to the incredible wonderful world of birds in India.
India is home to more than 1200 species. Many migrate from far off places like Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South-East Asia and Tibet. Those new to birding in South Asia, the birds are mainly resident and migratory. Then there are winter migratory birds, which come from far off places as mentioned above, to escape the extreme cold to the warm and luxuriant tropical habitat of the sub-continent. There are region specific birds which are of resident and migrant in nature and then there are endemic birds, found in the Nilgiris, the Western Himalayas and the North East. Birding in India is a delightful experience.
Birding Areas In India
Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Rajasthan) :
Highly endangered Siberian Cranes used to make this place as their winter home. The park is home to many rare and globally endangered birds. It was here that I first saw Sociable Plover, globally endangered and believed to be just 200 left in the wild, Common cranes, various species of Woodpeckers, owls, darters, kingfishers, drongo's lapwings, both Red Wattle lapwings and Yellow Wattle Lapwings, Spoonbills, different variety of stocks, Little Grebe, Darter or snake bird, various types of Heron, Egrets, Barheaded Goose, Lesser Whistling Teal, Pintail, Common Teal, spotbill, Mallard, birds of prey like Honey Buzzard, Shikra. This is truly a paradise, a bird paradise. Come here and you would keep coming. The park is located in the semi arid state of Rajasthan, near to the world famous, the Taj Mahal.
Sultanpur National Park (Haryana) :
Located just outside New Delhi in the state of Haryana is another bird paradise in North India. Park is home to thousands of migratory birds and the lake during winter month is packed to the capacity with Shovellers, Godwit, Coots, Ibis, Painted stock to just name the few. For any birder, visiting India for birding is highly recommended. The park is centered around a lake. There is brick footpath along the circumference, a distance of about 3 km. The best time is visit like any other park is early morning or evening. This time is also a good time to do photography. Equipment charges are also not very expensive. Just outside the park premises is an area which is popularly known as "the flats". This area is private land, been adjutant to the park, does attract a lot of ground birds. Among them is Indian Courser. The India Courier has prominent red and white color on the head. The park is located about 37 km from the heart of New Delhi in the state of Haryana.
Okhla Bird Park (Delhi/Uttar Pradesh) :
Okhla Bird Park is in the heart of city of New Delhi. Located on the Yamuna River, Okhla bird Sanctuary has good species of birds of both migrant and resident birds. It was here I first saw Bitterns, Paradise Flycatcher and Orioles. There is banyan tree, where red throated flycatcher, spotted owlet. There is barrage called Okhla barrage, which holds back the water of the Yamuna river. The water body created is home thousands and thousands of birds in winter. In fact during winter the entire lake is teeming with bird life, Coots, brown headed terns, Commorants, Shovellers, Wigeons, Painted Stocks, and Flamingoes to just name the few. This is the best place to start the North India birding experience. The sanctuary is located in New Delhi and NOIDA in the Northern state of Uttar Pradesh.
Chambal National Park (Uttar Pradesh/Madhya Pradesh) :
Chambal National Park is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, famous for Indian Skimmers, a highly endangered bird. Chambal National park got its name from the river Chambal. The Chambal river has unique eco-system of bad lands, once the area famous of bandits, now home to Crocodile, Ghairials, Jungle Cat, Tortoise, to name the few. Unlike other rivers, Chambal does not have habitation on the banks; hence the pollution levels are much lower. The best way to do birding is on boat. The Chambal National park is shared in by two states Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Corbett Tiger Reserve (Uttarakhand) :
The first tiger reserve in the country, named after the legendary hunter turned conservationist Mr. Jim Corbett. Corbett National Park is the hotspot of Himalayan birds. There is a large variety of birds. There are various Forest Rest Houses (FRH) located inside the park where, guests stay. These FRH are the best places to experience Himalayan birdlife. Sitting in verandah with hot cup of coffee and binoculars overlooking the Ramganga river is experience that words cannot describe. Here one can do birding on Jeep safari and elephant safaris. The is about 6 to 7 hours drive from New Delhi in the Northern state of Uttarakand.
Rajaji National Park (Uttarakhand) :
Named after the President of India Dr. Rajagopal, the Rajaji National Park has the unique distinction of having India's two major towns adjutant to it. The state capital, Dehradun and Haridwar are situated very near to the park. Famous for Asiatic Wild Elephants, in this area has large variety and number of birds. The Park is easily accessible from Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh. The Park is small than its hugely famous neighbor Corbett National Park. There are plans of strengthening a corridor to connect the two park. The greatest asset of the park is the mighty Ganges flows through it and the Ganga canal is a goldmine of Himalayan birds. The park is located in the state of Uttarakand. Do not be surprised that while doing birding you are amidst a herd of Asiatic Elephants.
Asan Barrage (Uttarakhand) :
This is very few wetlands in this part of the country. Located near the state capital town of Dehradun, has many migratory birds visiting during winters, among the larger numbers found here are Rudy Shell ducks. There is a rest house which for those interested in spending a night here. It takes about just above an hour to reach this place from Dehradun.
Birding Tips For The Beginners :
The birds are generally active during the mornings and evenings hours. Sun rise and sun sets are the best time to look for them. Clothing, movement and noise make a lot of difference and seeing them close quarters is a very fulfilling exercise.
The equipment required is a book of birds of India. Light Binoculars, preferably of 7X 30 or even 10X50 power, note book and a pencil. When birding we must be use the maximum time available to gather information and then do any analysis. When sighted a bird it is always better to observed with naked eyes to locate the precise positions, then take the help of binoculars for further observing the bird in details. Observe the bird starting from tip and going upto the tail, What is the shape of the beak, the size, colorations, and habitat. Once all the relevant information is collected and co-related. The bird book is referred for clarification or identification. This procedure is always beneficiary in the wild, as the birds would not wait for us. Another important thing to be kept in mind which is more specific to the habitat is the behavior, whether wading in shallow water, on ground or keeping climbing tree and then flying off etc. Bird calls are also another useful tool to identifying them. This expertise comes with time and experience. Going out with a group or with a person having knowledge of the birds of the area, is very helpful. Come to India, and have a wonderful birding experience. The sheer variety of birds in India is mind boggling.
Birding Trips in India Itenary :
The North India Birding and Wildlife Special :
The Places of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are popularly known as the Golden Triangle, as culturally and even by way of wildlife there is a lot to see and experience.
Birding Trips In India :
Sultanpur - Okhla - Sariska - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bharatpur - Agra - Chambal - Agra - Kanha - Bhandavgarh - Delhi - Corbett - Delhi.
Arrive in Delhi & Check into a hotel.
Day1 : Arrive Delhi & Check-in into a hotel. Rest during the day and evening visit historical sites of Delhi.
Day2 : Visit Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary (near Delhi) & Okhla Bird Sanctuary (In Delhi ). Return by early afternoon, lunch and rest.
Day 3 : Drive to Sariska (4 hours drive) - Halt at Sariska Palace. Go for the evening Jungle Safari, and exit early to visit Taalvarksh, a place frequented by Leopards. Return and have dinner at Sariska Palace.
Day 4 : Do morning Jungle Safari in Sariska National Park. Return to the Palace . After lunch start for Jaipur.
Day 5 : Drive to Jaipur and Stay at Jaipur for the night. Day 6 : Go for the site seeing & shopping in Jaipur.Day 7 : Leave early morning Drive to Ranthambhor - The land of the tiger Settle Down at Tiger's Den Resort and rest for the day.
Day 8 : Early morning drive into the Jungle on a Canter. Return to the hotel and rest. After lunch go for the evening Safari in the Jungle. Evenings after 1900 hrs are free and would be spend in the hotel.
Day 9 : Early morning drive into the Jungle on a Canter. Return to the hotel nd rest and after lunch leave for Jaipur. Night stay at Jaipur.
Day 10 : Drive to Bharatpur and check into Bagh resort, go the evening bird watching. After returning from birding the remaining day is free.
Day 11 : Early morning visit to the Kailadeo National Park for birding return back for lunch and again there is option of going back for evening birding or just relaxing in the hotel.
Day 12 : Drive down to Chambal National park after settling down at the Chmbal resort visit the National park in evening with guide for a boat safari for possible sighting of Indian Skimmers, dolphins, river crocodile, Spoonbills, Rudy Shell Ducks, Gangetic dolphins, turtles etc. Stay at Chambal Safari Lodge for the night.
Day 13 : Do morning boat safari and return for lunch. Leave for Agra and settle down in a hotel. Evening visit the world famous the Taj Mahal.
Day 14 : Half day sight seeing at Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikari, return to hotel to catch early evening train for Bandhavgarh.
Day 15 : Reach Bandhavgarh resort in the morning and settle down at Tiger's Den resort. Go for the evening safari on jeep and elephant safari (if tiger show is on).
Day 16 : Go for early morning jungle safari on a jeep and return for rest and lunch. Return to the jungle for evening safari on a jeep. After the evening safari rest and relax at the resort.
Day 17 : Go for early morning jungle safari on a jeep and return for rest and lunch. Return to the jungle for evening safari on a jeep. After the evening safari rest and relax at the resort.
Day 18 : Go for early morning jungle safari on a jeep and return for rest and lunch.In the evening catch the train to Delhi.
Day 19 : Reach Delhi in the afternoon. Check into a hotel and rest for the rest of the day.
Day 20 : Catch the evening train for Corbett National Park. After relaxing and breakfast in a resort. Drive into the national park and settle down in the government run accommodations.
Day 21 : Go birding and wildlife watching early in the morning. Lunch at the Dhikala. After lunch go for evening elephant safari (if available with additional charges). After returning relax for remaining of the day.
Day 22 : Go for the early morning safari on a jeep for bird and wildlife watching. Return for early lunch and then drive back to resort (3 hours drive) for dinner and to board the train to New Delhi. Birding Tours in India Enquiry Form
