NORTH INDIA BIRDING TRIP
Duration : 15 nights / 16 days
Places Covered : Delhi - Sawai Madhopur
( Ranthambhore National Park ) - Bharatpur - Agra - Corbett - Dhikala - Kotabagh
- Nainital - Delhi
Through
this birding program we have tried to provide you with more diverse and interactive
experience of birding with special emphasis on birds of prey then available
anywhere else.
The exciting program is an intensive and fun adventure which involves visiting
all the hot spots of birding in and around Corbett country. The program also
includes learning about the birds of prey from one the last of two remaining
Falconers in India.
Something about Raptors:
Raptors/Falcons and humans have inhabited the earth for a million years and
somewhere with passge of time a bond was formed between men and falcons in the
form of FALCONARY. Where and How the Falconary started is lost in the antiquity,
but many believe it had its origins in Asia- amongst the nomadic tribes, whether
it was Chinese or Mongols we don't know. Falcons and Hawks have always been
admired- often even by those who kill them- for those who love raptors, Falconary
was the greatest attraction as it spread and flourished to its highest prime
in the new world - Americas.
India as we know it of yore excelled in this typical art form, but sadly with
the advent of the modern age, India has also been seen the demise of this noble
art. Falconary un-fortunately is banned in India. There at the helm who should
have helped propagate this great Ancient art were and still are the chief Architects
who thoughtfully banned this sport besides jeopardizing the very existence of
these birds of prey. Nevertheless some pockets of resistance survived and passed
on this precious knowledge to would be Falconers.
The areas around Corbett have over 50 species of mammals, 530 birds, and
25 reptiles.
Our birding trip will take us to from the plains of India to the vast tracts
of grasslands and densely wooded forests around Ramganga River in the Corbett
and then upwards to the higher ridges of the Western Himalayas. Here in the
pine-clad forests and the woodlands one can constantly come across many exotic
and some times new species of birds like Red-fronted Serin, Brown-fronted Woodpecker,
Black-headed Jay, Altai and Black-throated accentors, Blue-capped Redstart,
Chestnut Thrush, and Vinaceous Rosefinch. You may be lucky enough to see Lammergeier
sailing beneath you.
Day 01: Delhi
The tour begins with arrival in Delhi. Night in Delhi.
Day 02 :Sawai Madhopur ( Ranthambhore National Park )
After breakfast we start our tour with transfer to the busy railway station
for a 5 hours train journey Sawai Madhopur. The journey will give you glimpses
of the rural country side with occasional sightings of Indian Pond Heron, Black-shouldered
Kite, Common Peafowl, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Indian Roller, Black Drongo and
Common and Bank Mynas. On arrival we are transferred to the hotel for checking
in and quick lunch. We depart for our first excursion in the Ranthambore National
Park in search for the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03. Ranthambhore National Park :
stretches across an area of 1,334 sq km on the eastern edge of the Thar
Desert. Once the hunting grounds of the ruling family of Jaipur, today
it
is one of the last sanctuaries of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Ranthambhore actually
consist of not one, but three, wildlife preserves: Ranthambhore itself; Sawai
Mansingh Sanctuary; and Keladevi Sanctuary. The park is an oasis of dense dry
deciduous forests amidst a vast tract of semi-arid scrub and thorny desert vegetation
surrounded by the hills of the Vindhyas and the Aravalis. An ancient fort lies
within the park boundaries of Ranthambhore, adding to its charm. Ravines, nallahs,
bodies of water and waterfalls add to its beauty and offer many natural hideouts
for tigers and other wildlife endemic to this park.
Our open vehicles will provide us many opportunities to view the wildlife and
for the bird watchers there will be moments to see the White-Napped Woodpecker,
Changeable Hawk, Painted Spurfowl.
Day 04 : Ranthambhore
Today we enjoy two safaris; the first early in the morning, the second late
in the afternoon. We will try and look for the elusive Sand Grouse and the beautiful
Indian Courser. The evening will be at leisure at our resort.
Day 05 : Bharatpur
Early morning transfer to the train station for a 2 hrs journey to Bharatpur.
On arrival transfer to the hotel. After lunch we leave for birding in the Keola
Deo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. We do the exploration on cycle-rickshaws.
Day 06 : Bharatpur National Park
Today we spend a full day exploring the incredible Bharatpur National Park.
The park is 29 square Kms. in area; however, over 350 species of birds have
been recorded here, with over 120 nesting species. The heronry, one of the best
in the world, can have up to eight different species breeding in a single tree.
The reserve overflows with huge flocks of birds: painted storks, open-bill storks,
white ibis, spoonbills, various egrets, herons, and shags.
It is also one of the only two known wintering areas for the endangered Siberian
crane. After lunch, birders can continue their exploration of Bharatpur's mixed
woodland and shallow lakes as we make a final excursion to witness the almost
overwhelming number of birds, whose diversity is also, at times, unbelievable.
In addition to the flocks of storks, ibis, herons, cormorants, and shags,
it is possible to see four species of crane, three species of pelicans-spot-billed,
white, and Dalmatian-plus huge concentrations of waterfowl and waders. Mammals
include wild boar, mongoose, spotted deer, nilgai, sambar, and even otters.
Rock pythons are also often seen sunning themselves.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07: Agra 
After breakfast we leave for Agra on the way we visit Fatehpur Sikri, an epic
poem in red sandstone it was abruptly abandoned when the wells went dry. We
arrive in Agra by lunch time. After lunch we visit the Agra Fort and its Jasmine
Tower, an exquisite octagonal turret from which the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan
would watch the workmen's progress on the Taj Mahal.
Later we visit the Taj Mahal, one of the world's finest architectural wonders,
built by Shah Jahan in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal. The monument usually
exceeds visitors' expectations; the beauty, serenity, and symmetry leave a lasting
impression as do the shrine's walls, embedded with emeralds, jaspers, sapphires,
and other precious stones.
Day 08 : Corbett National Park
Today we leave for Corbett National Park situated in the foothills of the Himalayas.
The drive will take you through countryside giving glimpse of the rural India.
Late afternoon arrive at Corbett and transfer to the resort for overnight stay.
Day 09: Corbett National Park
We devote full day to explore the areas around the Kosi river for the Brown
Dipper, Himalayan Kingfisher, White Capped Water Redstarts. This area also has
the Slaty, Little and Spotted Forktails, Mountain Hawks, Long billed thrush,
Rufous bellied eagles, Comman Green Magpie. The forests are also frequented
by the Long-tailed Broadbill, Ultramarine Flycatcher and Blue winged Minla.
Day 10 :Corbett National Park
Today we enter the Corbett National Park to go into the core area known as Dhikala
this area is very rich in the birdlife including mammals.
Nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Corbett National Park extends
over an area of 1318 sq. kms. Varied topography and vegetation gives Corbett
a rich diversity in habitats and natural beauty. It was the first national Park
to be established in India in the year 1936 and it was here that the prestigious
"Project Tiger" was launched in 1973.
Corbett is avians paradise with around 600 species being recorded here and has
numerous other mammalian species. Besides Tiger, Leopard one can also see Jungle
cat, Leopard cat, Himalayan black bear, Sloth bear. Four species of deer- Hog
deer, Sambar, Chital and barking deer are found here.
These herbivores can be seen in vast numbers in the chauds (vast grasslands
with very high elephant grass). One can also see big herds of Indian elephants
in these grasslands especially in summer. The Ramganga river flows through the
park and a man made reservoir serves as the feeding ground for large number
of birds. One can also see the Indian Marsh Crocodile along with the long snouted
fish eating Gharials.Another species quite common in this area is the Common
Indian Otter.
Day 11: Dhikala
We do full day birding in the area around Dhikala including the area next to
the Ramganga reservoir.
Dhikala, in the heart of theCorbett National Park, overlooks the Ramganga Valley
and is populated by about 50 different birds of prey. Large owls include the
Brown Fish Owl and the rare Tawny Fish Owl. You can also spot the Bright-headed
Cisticola, Chestnut-capped Babbler and grassland species like Hen Harrier, Red
Avadavat and the endemic Finn's Weaver. It is also the only place in northern
India where the Great Hornbill, the Oriental Pied Hornbill & the Indian
Grey Hornbill can be found together. Massive elephant herds congregate here
in summer months.
Day
12 : Kotabagh
Today we leave for the Kotabagh to meet our expert on Falconry, with whom you
will be interacting for next two days learning the basics of Falconry and the
raptors.
Kotabagh is a little vale surrounded by the last remaining belt of The Great
Sal Forest on one side which carries on to Jim Corbett National Park and wooded
hills on the other side.
The forest in and around Kotabagh is same as that of Corbett National Park and
as are the animals and most of the bird species. According to the latest findings
and Bikram Grewal, author of the several best selling Indian Birds Books, a
longer list of birds can be spotted in Corbett than the birding destinations
of Bharatpur, Chilka or Nal Sarovar. Similarly Kotabagh with its various walk
in spots has excellent bird sightings. In the surroundings of the Peregrine
Lodge itself many species of Raptors can be spotted some of which are, the Himalayan
Shaheen, the Besra Sparrow Hawk, the Shikra, The Oriental Hobby, Jungle Hawk
Eagle, Black Winged Kite, Goshawk etc.
Day 13 : Kotabagh
Day spent in and around the Peregrine Lodge in Kotabagh looking for raptors
and hawks. Simultaneously learning and trying hands in making hoods and other
stuff used in the art of Falconry.
Day 14 : Nainital
This morning we drive to the old hill station of Nainital. A delightful journey
on high mountain roads stopping enroute to look for birds including Long-tailed
Broadbill, Black-throated Jay, Black-throated Tit, Blue-headed Redstart. Night
in Nainital.
Day 15 : Nainital
Today morning we drive up to the ridge above Nainital which overlooks the
mighty ranges of Himalayas. On a clear day you will be able to Nanda Devi,
the second highest peak in India (24,500 fts). This area is rich in Gray-winged
Blackbirds, Oriental Turtle Doves, Chestnut-crowned, White-throated Laughing
thrushes, and Orange-flanked Bush-Robins.
A gentle walk down the hill will bring many additions of birds to your list
including Dark Breasted and Pink-browed Rosefinches, Hill Partridge, Golden
Bush-Robin, Altai Accentor, White-tailed Nuthatch, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler,
Yellow-breasted Greenfinch and Common. From your perch on the hills you can
also see the Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier and Steppe Eagle flying in the surrounding
valleys.
Day 16 : Delhi
We drive back to Delhi today stopping enroute to take photographs of the rural
India including occasional birds to be seen in the cultivated fields and the
shallow pools. On arrival you are transferred to your hotel room till your flight
back home.
NORTH INDIA BIRDING TRIP RESERVATION FORM
