BIRD WATCHING TOUR ASSAM

Day 01: Flight to India (Guwahati)
Around Midnight arrive in Guwahati. The city of Guwahati is the main gateway for the travellers to India. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 02: Guwahati - Deepor Beel - Guwahati
In the morning from Guwahati we will start our bird watching tour. There is interesting bird watching place in Assam, which is known as Deepor Beel. Deepor Beel is an extensive wetland within the municipal limits of Guwahati. The lake is one of the largest in lower Assam. Many water birds are found here like Ferruginous Pochard, Grey-headed lapwing, Greater and Lesser Adjutants, Water Cock, Cinnamon Bittern, Fulvous whistling-duck and Greater Painted-snipe.

Day 03: Guwahati - Pobitora (about 48 km)
Today we will drive to Pobitora. Pobitora is a small 16 square km wildlife Sanctuary. A rear sighting of the highly endangered Rufousvented Prinia of the eastern population and Swamp Prinia (burnesii) Cinerascens have been reported from the grasslands here.

Day 04: Pobitora - Kaziranga National Park
Today we will drive further to visit Kaziranga National Park. Kaziranga National Park is famous due to the presence of the Indian Rhinoceros. It is probably the best place to see the endangered Bengal Florican, Swamp Francolin and Greater and Lesser Adjutant and also the graceful Black-necked stork. There is good population of Pallas and Grey-headed Fish Eagles as well as Pied Harrier. We will enjoy the whole day watching the birds in Kaziranga National Park and also spend the night in the comfortable lodge in the Park.

Day 05: Kaziranga National Park - Panbari Reserve Forest - Kaziranga National Park
Panbari woodland is degraded but still holds good birds. Asian Fairy Bluebird and Black-crested Bulbul are the common birds that are found here. Abbott and Puff-throated Babblers along with Pale-chinned Flycatcher, Oriental and Great Hornbills are also found in this region. Today we will drive to this region and watch the birds and later drive back to the lodge.
 

Day 06: Kaziranga National Park - Dibru-Saikhowa WildLife Sanctuary
Today after having our breakfast we will drive to Dibru-Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary. This wildlife sanctuary is the best place to view birds like marsh Babbler, Babbler, Black-throated Parrotbill, Rutousvented (Swamp) Prinia and Bushchat. This sanctuary was set up in the year 1986 to protect their fast disappearing habitats. Other interesting resident and migrant birds such as Pale-Capped Pigeon, White-tailed Rubythroat and Black-breasted Thrush can be seen.

Day 07: Dibru-Saikhowa WildLife Sanctuary - Namdapha National Park
Today we will drive further to visit Namdapha National Park. This park is situated in Arunachal Pradesh in the extreme north east of India. Its avifauna is a unique blend of Himalayan, Sino-Tibetan and Indo-Burmese forms. Although not thoroughly explored, 665 species of bird have been recorded within the state. Fabulous species such as Blyth Tragopan, Wardsa Trogon, Rufous necked Hornbill, Blue-Naped Pitta, Wedge-billed wren Babbler, Snowy throated Babbler and beautiful Nuthatch are found in this remote region.

Day 08: Namdapha National Park - Digboi
Today we will drive to Digboi. Digboi is situated in eastern Assam. Here we will explore the nature reserve being set up by the Indian Oil Cooperation to protect the lowland forest in and around the oldest operating oilfield in the world. It still harbours an excellent array of birds including Orient, White-Checked Partridge, Grey Peacock Pheasant and Wreathed Hornbill etc.

Day 09: Digboi - Guwahati
Today we will drive back to Guwahati. On arrival in Guwahati, you will be transferred to the hotel. Rooms are available to get fresh and change before we depart for the airport with Indo Vacations representative. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 10: Guwahati
Around midnight flight to home destination.

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BIRD WATCHING TOUR SIKKIM

Day 01: Flight to India (New Delhi)
Around Midnight arrive in Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital New Delhi is the main gateway for travellers. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 02: New Delhi - Bagdogra - Pemayangtse
Today we will drive to the airport for the flight from New Delhi to Bagdogra. Sikkim is the second smallest state in India. Sikkim, in the East Himalayas is sandwiched between Nepal to its West and Bhutan to its East. In the North is Tibet/China. Sikkim has so rich of flora, fauna and a diverse ethnic and cultural population as no other state in India. After we arrive in Bagdogra we will drive through the forests and tea gardens and proceed to our today's destination Pemayangtse (The perfect Sublime Lotus). We visit the headquarters of the Nyingama sect in Pemayangtse.

Day 03: Pemayangtse
In the morning after viewing the sunrise on Mount Kanchenjunga, we will visit Pemayangtse and Sanga Choling Monasteries - which are prime birding sites. The birds we will see are Mountain Hawk Eagle, Black Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, Common, Oriental and Indian Cuckoo, White-throated Needletail, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Lesser Yellow Nape, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Hoary-throated and Rusty-fronted Barwing, Striated, Grey-sided and Greater Necklaced Laughing Thrush, Rufous-winged and White-browed Fulvetta, Whiskered Yuhina, Cutia, White-browed Shrike-Babbler, Rufous Sibia, Blyth's, Ashy-throated, Lemon-rumped and Yellow-browed Warbler, Dark-breasted Rosefinch and Red-headed Bullfinch etc.

Day 04: Pemayangtse - Kalimpong
Today we will drive from Pemayangtse to Kalimpong. Kalimpong, a remote hill station has been a meeting point of the once "three closed lands" on the trade route to Tibet. The beautiful mountain scenery and the abundance of flowers have made Kalimpong an attractive resort. The lifestyles of the local people reflect the social and religious influences of its neighbouring nations, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. We visit the monastery Tharpa Choeling at Tripai which houses a library of tibetan manuscripts and Tankhas. It belongs to the yellow Hat sect. We drive up to Darpin Dara, the highest point in Kalimpong with superb views over the plains.

Day 05: Kalimpong
Today we will drive to Lava Forests, Rushet Forests, and Neora Forests. Lava is the prime birding destination in this region. It is situated at the altitude of 2100 m. This area is surrounded by the large tract of forests. One can see Crested Goshawk, Eurasian Sparrow hawk, Eurasian Buzzard, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Kalij Pheasant, Barred Cuckoo Dove, Large Hawk Cuckoo, Greenbilled Malkoha, Brown Wood Owl, Golden throated Barbet, Striated Bulbul, etc. After visiting this area we drive back to Kalimpong.
 

Day 06: Kalimpong - Rangeet Valley - Damthang Forests - Rabangla
Today we will drive through the Teesta and Rangit Valley towards Damthang Forests. Enroute we will stop and look for Red Junglefowl, Dollarbird, Great Barbet, Greater Yellownape, Orange bellied Leafbird, Common Lora, Blue Rock Thrush, Chestnut bellied Rock Thrush, Oriental White eye etc. At the Damthang Forest we will view some birds. Some of the birds we will see are Eurasian Buzzard, Eurasian Kestrel, Grey winged Blackbird, Buff barred Warbler, Blyth Leaf Warbler, Grey hooded Warbler, Black faced Warbler, Rufous gorgeted Flycatcher, Red flanked Bluetail, Blue fronted Redstart, Grey Bushchat, White throated Fantail, Chestnut tailed Minla, Red tailed Minla and more. Then we will drive to Rabangla.

Day 07: Rabangla - Pemayangtse
In the morning we will drive to Menam forests of Oak, Chestnuts, Magnolia and Rhododendrons, likely to spot some of the species of birds as seen at Damthang. In the afternoon drive to Pemayangtse. Arrive Pemayangtse in the evening.

Day 08: Pemayangtse - Gangtok (about 120 km)
The capital of Sikkim "Gangtok" lies on a ridge overlooking the Ranipool River. Gangtok ("High Hill") lies at an altitude of 1760 m. Gangtok is surrounded by Kanchenjunga range. We visit Tsuk-la-Khang, the royal chapel standing on a high bridge. This is the major place of worship and has large and impressive collection of scriptures. We also visit the institute of cottage industries as here wide range of local handicrafts in Lepcha style is produced.

Day 09: Gangtok
Today we drive to the monastery of Enchey. This monastery is believed to be 200 years old. The monks of this monastery belong to the Mahayana Buddhism. After the visit of Enchey monastery we drive to Martham Village-Resort, here we have afternoon at leisure. Here one can have nice walk or have a ride on the local horses of this area.
 

Day 10: Gangtok
Today we visit the unique Research Institute of Tibetology on a hilltop. It was established in 1958 to promote research on Tibet and Mahayana Buddhism. Here we will see the biggest collection of Tibetan scripts and an excellent collection of rare Tankhas, bronze and cult objects. We also visit orchid Sanctuary which is lying south of the institute. This Sanctuary contains over 450 indigenous species. Sikkim is considered paradise for orchid lovers. After the visit of sanctuary we walk through the bazaars of Gangtok through the area of old palace and visit the monastery Gylwa. The main attraction of our excursion remains today the monastery of Rumtek. Rumtek monastery was built as a true copy of the Tibetan monastery in recent years. Rumtek is the headquarters of Red hat sect of Tibetan lamaistic Buddhism.

Day 11: Gangtok - Darjeeling (about 100 km)
After the breakfast we proceed north of the state through the coniferous forests and terraced tea gardens and arrive in Darjeeling (Darjeeling). Darjeeling (place of the thunderbolt) has spectacular scenery. Due to its altitude of 2134m and soothing temperature in Summer Darjeeling has become a famous hill resort in India. By clear weather we can enjoy the impressive/ unforgettable views of Himalayas.

Day 12: Darjeeling
Very early in the morning we drive to Tiger Hill (around 11 km) to enjoy the sunrise at the Tiger hill. Tiger hill (2590 m.) is the highest point in this area. There is a breathtaking view of the sunrise on Kanchenjunga. Mount Everest (8842) is also visible on a clear day. The moments of sunrise from Tiger Hill are described by most of the visitors as unforgettable. In the afternoon we explore Darjeeling and its surroundings. We visit the village Lablong and the institute of mountaineering where we get the detailed information about the natural surrounding and its habitants of this area.

Day 13: Darjeeling - Yoksom
Today we will drive to Yoksom and spend the whole day birding around Yoksom. Some of the birds you are likely to see are: Mountain Hawk Eagle, Crimson breasted Woodpecker, Maroon Oriole, Short-billed and Grey chinned Minevets, Himalayan Bulbul, Red -tailed Minla, White-naped Yuhina, various Thrushes, Grey winged Blackbird, various Tits, White tailed Nuthatch, and various sunbirds, and various bushcats.

Day 14: Yoksom - Darjeeling - Bagdogra
Today we drive back to Darjeeling via Jorthang and Naya Bazaar. Through the wild Tista valley we will drive back to Bagdogra.

Day 15: Bagdogra - New Delhi (by air)
In the afternoon we drive to the airport for the flight from Bagdogra to New Delhi. The rest of the day at leisure (opportunity for the last shopping or enjoy a massage in the Hotel) After dinner we leave the hotel for the Airport.

Day 16: New Delhi
Around midnight flight to home destination.

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BIRD WATCHING TOUR HIMACHAL

Day 01: Flight to India (New Delhi)
Around Midnight arrive in New Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital New Delhi is the main gateway for travellers to India. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 02: New Delhi - Chandigarh
In the morning after having breakfast we will drive to Chandigarh. By the evening we will arrive in Chandigarh and drive to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure in Chandigarh.

Day 03: Chandigarh - Narkanda
In the morning we will drive from Chandigarh to Narkanda. In the way we will stop for bird watching. In the afternoon we arrive in Narkanda. Narkanda is a beautiful place to have bird watching. It is from Narkanda that we will start our bird watching tour.

Day 04: Narkanda - Sangla
In the morning we will drive to Sangla through the breathtaking gorges of the Greater Himalayas. Today in the evening we will move around Sangla and Kamru Fort to have bird watching and as well as to explore the beautiful surroundings around this place.

Day 05: Sangla
Drive leisurely towards Chitkul. Enroute we will stop for birding. Chitkul is the last inhabited village surrounded by green fields and high - mountain peaks. Return to Sangla in the evening.
 

Day 06: Sangla - Sarahan
Today in the morning we drive to Sarahan (1920 m). Sarahan is a beautiful village surrounded by apple orchards and dominated by Srikhand Mahadev Peak (5155 m). It resembles a Shivlinga and is famous for Bhimakali temple. Spend the rest of the day by watching the birds.

Day 07: Sarahan - Tirthan Valley
Today after having breakfast we drive to Goshaini (3000 m) via Jalori pass and Shoja. Shoja is a small village that lies at an altitude of over 8000 feet. The access to Shoja winds through thick forests, alpine trees, which provide an untouched habitat. By the afternoon we arrive here and later on we take a walk on the forest-logging road to have a look at the birds that are found here. The birds that can be seen here are Monal, Kaleej and Koklas. After having a walk we drive towards Goshaini.

Day 08: Tirthan Valley
In the morning we have walk towards the Great Himalayan National Park for bird watching. In the afternoon we have a downstream walk along river Tirthan.

Day 09: Tirthan - Banjar Valley
Today in the morning after having breakfast we will drive to Bahu and Jibhi for bird watching. These two places are located in the Banjar Valley.

Day 10: Banjar Valley - New Delhi
Today in the morning after having breakfast we drive to New Delhi. Arrive in New Delhi in the evening. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 11: New Delhi
Around midnight flight to home destination.

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BIRD WATCHING TOUR SOUTH INDIA

Day 01: Flight to India (Chennai)
Around Midnight arrive in Chennai (formerly Madras). The cosmopolitan City and capital of Tamil Nadu is the main gateway for travellers to South India. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 02: Chennai
Today after having the breakfast we drive through the coastal route to Mahabalipuram. In Mahabalipuram we visit some of the 14 cave temples and 9 monolithic rathas (temple chariots) Pallavamala was the ruler who made the port famous in the 7th century and was largely responsible for building the temples. In the afternoon we visit the St. George Fort. This fort is near the harbour area of Chennai. The British built this fort in the 17th century.

Day 03: Chennai - Bangalore
In the morning we drive to Bangalore. Bangalore is the capital city of the Indian state Karnataka. This former "Garden city" Bangalore is known today as "computer city" of India. In the afternoon we will drive through the garden city with its numerous avenues of Jacaranda, Gulmohar and Cassia. We will visit the Bull temple, which is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. This temple has a huge Nandi Bull carved out of single Grey Granite. We will also visit the famous Gowda Fort, which was built by Tipu Sultan. We will also visit the Vidhan Sauda and downtown commercial centre. This Vidhana Sauda, which is built after independence, stands out by its imposing architecture in the neo Dravidian style.

Day 04: Bangalore - Bannerghatta National Park - Bangalore
Today we will drive further to visit Bannerghatta National Park. Here we can find everything from avifauna to panthers in the Bannerghatta National Park. This park is home to panthers, lions, tigers and a large variety of birds. This park covers an area of 104.27 square km and is about 22 km from the city of Bangalore. Other animals include the Elephant, Gaur, Leopard, Jackal, Fox, Wild Pig, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Porcupine and the Hare.
 

Day 05: Bangalore - Mysore
Today in the morning after having breakfast we pass through the betel nut and pepper plantation and proceed to Mysore. Today we make a stopover in Sravanabelgola where we visit the colossal monolithic statue, standing 18 meters high. This Jain sculpture represents the saintly prince Bahubali after he had gained enlightenment. After the visit of Sravanabelgola we proceed to Mysore. Mysore is world famous for silk and sandalwood. Mysore is also a centre of producing saris that is a common dress of woman in India. In Mysore we drive to Chamundi Hill to see a giant Nandi (buffalo god) and enjoy the view of the surroundings form the hilltop. We will also visit the beautiful Brindavan Gardens in the evening.

Day 06: Mysore - Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary - Mysore
Today we will drive to visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary is around 20 km from Mysore. This bird sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Kaveri River, includes of a group of six islets as well. This bird sanctuary attained the status of a bird sanctuary in the year 1940. The large number of birds at the sanctuary has attracted large number of tourists. Some species of birds that are found here are Spoonbills, Open bill Storks, Darters, White Ibis, Little Cormorants, Egret, Heron, Partridge, River Tern, Stone Plougher, Snake Birds, etc. We can also have ride along the river and the islets, to witness the trees full of beautiful birds of myriad varieties. After visiting this sanctuary we will drive back to the hotel in Mysore.

Day 07: Mysore - Belur (about 170 km)
Today in the morning we visit the most impressive and one of the largest city palaces in India. The City Palace of Mysore "Ambar Vilas" is built in the Indo-Saracenic style. After the sightseeing in Mysore we proceed through picturesque hilly landscape and arrive in Halebid. Halebid is the ancient capital of Hoysala Empire. In Halebid we visit the Hoysalesvara Temple of 12th century where we see half-life size statues of Hindu deities, with minute details of each, all around the temple. After the visit in Halebid we proceed to Belur. In Belur we visit the group of Chennakesava Temples that are famous for their architecture and sculptures.

Day 08: Belur - Bandipur National Park
In the morning after having breakfast we will drive further to Bandipur National Park. In the afternoon we will visit the wildlife sanctuary in jeeps. Bandipur National Park is one the many reserves located within the forest belt between the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Mountains. Bandipur lies in the southern state of Karnataka and covers a forest area of 865 square kilometers. It was declared a National Park in 1974 and is one of the original 9 tiger reserves under the watchful eye of "Project Tiger". Bandipur has a sizeable population of wildlife - The Royal Bengal Tiger, Elephant, Spotted Deer and Sambar, Gaur and Flying Squirrel, four horned Antelope, Nilgiri Langur and Sloth Bear. Amongst the reserve's most prominent animals are its 1900 -odd elephants.
 

Day 09: Bandipur National Park - Ooty
In the morning again we will have a stroll through Bandipur National Park and then, we will pass through the Tea plantation and eucalyptus forests of mountains of Nilgiri and arrive in the city Ooty (Udhagamandalam). Ooty was developed as hill station by British, lies at an altitude of 2300 m. and still has British flair.

Day 10: Ooty
Ooty (also known as the queen of the blue mountains) is famous for its rolling hills covered in pine and eucalyptus forests and also for its coffee and tea plantations. We visit the famous and most beautiful botanical Garden of Ooty which covers an area over 20 hectares and is planted with more than a thousand varieties of plants, shrubs and trees including orchids, fern and alpine. Evening free for leisure.

Day 11: Ooty - Kumarakom
Today after having breakfast we drive through the mountains, which are full of Cardamom and pass through the tea and coffee plantations and proceed to Kumarakom. In Kumarakom we will enjoy the Boat ride trip through the tropical vegetation on the backwaters.

Day 12: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
In the morning we will visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Earlier an old rubber plantation, Kumarakom was developed into a bird sanctuary on the banks of Vemband Lake spreading over 14 acres of land. It is now a leisure retreat very popular with foreigners. This sanctuary is on the southern bank of Kavanar River opposite the Coconut Lagoon. Kumarakom is home to numerous species of birds, such as Darters, Bitterns, Teal, Waterfowl, Cuckoo, Wild Ducks, Brahminy Kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and Herons and Siberian storks. We will visit the Sanctuary by having a boat ride.
 

Day 13: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary - Kochi (Cochin)
In the morning we will drive to Kochi (Cochin). This drive gives us again an impression of the beautiful landscaping of this region. Cochin is the most interesting town in South India at Malabar Coast and is also known as Venice of South. In Cochin we visit St. Francis church, the oldest European church in India in which the grave of famous sailor Vasco da Gama can be visited. After the visit of St. Francis Church we have a walk through the Jewish area of Mattancherry. The town of Cochin is divided into different parts, Fort Cochin, Willington Island, Ernakulam, Bolghatty Island and Vypeen Island. Most of the historic buildings are in Fort Cochin.

Day 14: Cochin
Today we have our whole day at leisure so that we can explore Cochin on our own. In the late afternoon we visit a Kathakali dance school. Kathakali dances come from Kerala and in its traditional form relate stories from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Rest of the day at leisure (opportunity for the shopping or enjoy a massage in the Hotel) After the dinner we depart to the Airport with Indo Vacations representative.

Day 15: Cochin
Around midnight flight to home destination.

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BIRD WATCHING TOUR NORTH INDIA

Day 01: Flight to India (New Delhi)
Around Midnight arrive in New Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital New Delhi is the main gateway for the travellers to India. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 02: New Delhi
Today in the morning we have sightseeing in Old Delhi. Sightseeing in Old Delhi includes "Rajghat", the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, Jama Masjid and the great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous "Humayun Tomb" which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and "Kutab Minar" which is 71 meter high and was constructed in 1199. Before we proceed to the hotel we will drive through New Delhi where we will visit the India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies.

Day 03: New Delhi - Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary - New Delhi (about 46 km)
Today after having our breakfast we drive further to visit Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary was founded by very own birdman Late Dr. Salim Ali. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is a heaven to a variety of domestic and migratory birds. Winter brings in birds from Siberia and Europe. The birds include Darters, Egrets Shovellers, Gadwell, Geese, Teals, Kingfishers, Lapwings, Demoiselle Cranes, Ruddy Shelducks, Pelicans, Flamingoes, Bar-headed Geese, Grey Lags, Mallards, Pochards. Local species include Plovers, Herons, Cormorants, White Ibises, Spoonbills and Painted Storks. There are about 100 species of birds. Other wildlife in the park include Blackbuck, Nilgai, Hog Deer, Sambar, Wild Dog or Dhole, Caracal, Wild Cat, Hedgehog, Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Indian Porcupine, Rattle or Honey Badger, Leopard, Wild Pig, and four horned Antelope. After visiting this sanctuary we return back to the hotel.

Day 04: New Delhi - Jaipur (about 270 km)
Today we drive to the Pink City, Jaipur. This city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones. In the afternoon we visit the City Palace that is still the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum of the City Palace we visit the private collection of the Jaipur Maharajas. We continue to Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, and the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments reveal us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy.

Day 05: Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber, laying 11 km away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD. It contains 953 small casements with each having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to watch processions below without being seen. In the afternoon we have a walk through the colourful Bazaars of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block printing work being done since centuries in Jaipur. In the evening we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple made out of white marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony.

Day 06: Jaipur - Bharatpur
Today after breakfast we drive to Bhratpur. Bharatpur has its fame due to Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary. Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary is finest bird sanctuary in Asia. Bharatpur was earlier a duck shooting resort of the Maharaja. Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary with its 375 species is one of the best Water-bird sanctuaries in the world. In winter there are many migratory birds from the northern hemisphere including the rare Siberian Crane.
 

Day 07: Bharatpur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 260 km)
Today we leave Rajasthan, the biggest state in India and drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages to Agra. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. In the evening arrive in Agra. Evening free for leisure.

Day 08: Agra
Today we start our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After the visit of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child. We spend enough time at Taj Mahal to take this impressive memory home.

Day 09: Agra - Sonkhaliya - Agra
Today from Agra we will drive to Sonkhaliya. It will be a very special day for us, as we will see the rare and spectacular Indian Bustard. Other birds that can be found in this area include Stoloczka's Bushchat and White Naped Tit. As we look for the Indian Bustard we may see Desert Isabelline and Variable Wheatears and huge numbers of Greater Short-toed Larks together with the occasional Bimaculated Lark. After visiting this sanctuary we will return back to hotel in Agra.
 

Day 10: Agra - National Chambal Sanctuary (about 70 km)
Today after having breakfast we will drive further to visit National Chambal Sanctuary. The National Chambal Sanctuary is famous for the rare Gangetic Dolphin. The sanctuary was founded in the year 1979 and is part of a large area co-administered by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The other inhabitants of the sanctuary include Crocodile, Alligator, Swamp Deer, Chital, Leopard, Hyena, Chinkara, Sambar, Nilgai, Wolf and Wild Boar. This sanctuary covers total area of 340 square km. There we will have boat cruise on river Chambal and view the various birds like the Indian Skimmer, Black-bellied Tern, Bar-headed Goose and other Waterfowl.

Day 11: National Chambal Sanctuary - New Delhi
In the morning, after having our breakfast we drive to New Delhi. Arrive in New Delhi in the afternoon. Evening free for leisure. On arrival in New Delhi, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Rooms are available to get fresh and change. The rest of the day at leisure (opportunity for the shopping or enjoy a massage in the Hotel) After having dinner we depart for the airport with the Indo Vacations representative.

Day 12: New Delhi
Around midnight flight to home destination.

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BIRD WATCHING TOUR HIMALAYA

Day 01: Flight to India (New Delhi)
Around Midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital New Delhi is the main gateway for the travellers to India. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 02: New Delhi - Saatal
The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon we will drive to Saatal. By the evening we will arrive in Saatal.

Day 03: Saatal
In the morning we will have bird watching in Saatal. This habitat offers different species like White-crested Laughing Thrushes, black winged Kite, Red-billed Leothrix, and Himalaya Ruby throat, Crested and Rock Bunting, Woodpeckers, etc. This scattered and deliberately undeveloped area is one of the most pleasant destination.

Day 04: Saatal - Pangot
Today after having breakfast we will drive to Pangot. Today we will drive through one of the world's most spectacular mountain road onto the Kumaon Hills. On the way we will view various birds like Blue Whistling Thrush, Yellow Billed Blue Magpie, Blue-capped Rock Chat, White-capped Redstart etc. Then we will arrive at Pangot. Here one can see Slaty headed Parakeet, Grey Bush Chat, Long-tailed Shrike, Lesser Kestrel, Shikra, Chestnut bellied rock Thrush etc. Streaked Laughing-Thrush is a common garden bird here.

Day 05: Pangot - Ranikhet
Today we will drive to Ranikhet through the Himalayan roads. On the way we will watch the birds. We will see the birds like Sunbirds, Sultan Tit, Scaly breasted Wren-babbler, Black Bulbul, Black-capped Sibia, Black Eagle, King Vulture, and Blue throated Barbet etc. Ranikhet means 'Queen's Field'. It is named after the wife of the 12th-century raja, Sudhar Deve. Spread along a ridge at 6004 feet, Ranikhet is covered with pine and oak forests. On its northern side it offers fine snow views. Ranikhet is still a cantonment. The town is now the home of the Kumaon Regiment, one of the Indian army's best. We will arrive in Ranikhet by the evening. Evening free for leisure.
 

Day 06: Ranikhet
Today we will enjoy bird watching in Ranikhet and surrounding areas. We will view birds like Blue whistling thrush, Eagle, Broad billed roller, Rose Finch, and Brown crested Tit etc.

Day 07: Ranikhet - Corbett National Park (about 77 km)
Today morning after breakfast we will drive to the Corbett National Park. This park was established in 1936 along the banks of the Ramganga River. It is the India's first National Park, and designated a Project Tiger Reserve in the year 1973. It is cradled in the foothills of the Himalayas and comprises a total area of 500 square km out of which 350 square km is core reserve. In 1957 it was renamed as Corbett National Park in honour of the late Jim Corbett, the legendary photographer and author. This park is known not only for its rich and varied wildlife but also for its scenic beauty. Around 50 species of mammals, 25 reptiles, 110 species of trees, 51 of shrubs and 33 species of bamboo and grass are found here. About 580 species of resident and migratory birds have been recorded in and around the reserve. Great pied hornbill, Pallas's fishing eagle, Grey-headed fishing eagle, Red-thighed Falconet are some of the endangered birds found in Corbett. Other birds found in this region are Tawny Fish Owl, Great Hornbill, Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Red-breasted Parakeet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Stork-billed Kingfisher and Himalayan Rubythroat. This park has Tigers, Leopards, Sambars, Chital, Hog Deer, Porcupine, Wild Pigs and Fox. We will visit the park on Elephant back or have a Jeep safari.

Day 08: Corbett National Park - Nainital
In the early morning we will drive towards Bhuvankhal to witness the beautiful sunrise and the snow-clad peaks of the central Himalayas. In the morning again we will have a jeep safari or elephant ride to visit the Corbett National Park. Then we will drive towards Nainital. Nainital is a 100-year-old hill station and is surrounded by a blue-green lake. This is Naini Lake, after which the town takes its name. Charming locales, elegant villas and boats skimming across the Naini Lake's water add to the ideal beauty of this 100 years old hill station.
 

Day 09: Nainital
Today after having breakfast we will drive to visit Bhim Tal. This lake resort is named after one of the Pandavas, heroes of the epic Mahabharat. It has developed into an independent tourist centre with water sports facilities. We will then drive further to Naukuchia Tal. This alluring nine-cornered lake is a heaven for migratory birds. Both yachts and paddleboat are available for plying on the lake waters and is a favoured spot for anglers. In the evening we will drive to Hanuman Garhi. It is a place of religious interest, also good to view the sunset.

Day 10: Nainital - New Delhi (about 315 km)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to New Delhi. On arrival in New Delhi, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Rooms are available to get fresh and change before we depart for the Airport with Indo Vacations representative. The rest of the day at leisure (opportunity for the shopping or enjoy a massage in the Hotel)

Day 11: New Delhi
Around midnight flight to home destination.