India: Birding, Tigers and Taj Mahal
Tour Date:
Dec 19-23, 2024 (5 days) pretrip before Bhutan.
Tour Price (Per Person):
USD 1999.00. Single supplement: $290. Note: Early bookings are essential to get the best slots for Ranthambhore.
Tour Type:
Easy birding and culture
Ranthambhore
National Park
Ranthambhore National park contains a huge variety of animals, birds and reptiles within its boundaries. Animals ocurring here are: Tiger, Leopard, Striped Hyena, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common or Hanuman Languor, Macaque, Jackal, Jungle cat, Caracal, Sloth bear, Black buck, Rufous-tailed Hare, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Common Palm Civet or Toddy cat, Common Yellow Bat, Desert Cat, Five striped Palm Squirrel, Indian False Vampire, Indian Flying Fox, Indian Fox, Indian Gerbil, Indian Mole Rat, Indian Porcupine, Longeared Hedgehog, Ratel, Small Indian Mongoose, Small Indian Civet and Common mongoose.
Regardless of animal sightings, there is something magically peaceful and tranquil about a safari journey, the opportunity to be at one with nature, surrounded by beautiful scenery is hard to beat. Along with the scheduled morning and afternoon safaris, you can explore the ancient Ranthambhore Fort for which the National Park is named. Ganesh Temple and the Jogi Mahal which is the home to the country’s second largest Banyan tree and also offers stunning views of the Padam pond with lilies blooming. A visit to the local village may also be a side excursion for those who are interested. Art lovers should also visit the Ranthambhore school of Art for the wildlife paintings created by local artists. The school contributes towards tiger conservation.
Keoladeo National Park
From Ranthambhore we’ll take you straight to Bharatpur. Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Rajasthan was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985. It is one of the most outstanding wetland reserves in Asia. Created by Maharaja of Bharatpur for hunting by diverting canals and building small dams, conservation was a lucky by-product. Especially during the winters, as monsoons refill the shallow marshes, it attracts thousands of waterfowl, herons, storks, cranes and waders. Seen flying across the clear skies they make an incredible sight. Spotting scores of them together dotting the marshes is also an unforgettable visual treat. The compactness of the area makes it possible to see over a hundred species in a stay of just a few days. At Bharatpur, we will arrange a private cycle rickshaw guide for you to explore the park in a unique way.
National Chambal Sanctuary
From Bharatpur, we whisk you away for half day excursion to Dhaulpur for River Chambal, one of the country’s most beautiful and least polluted river systems. The National Chambal Sanctuary was formed to protect this pristine river ecosystem. The river currently boasts of over 290 species of resident and migratory bird species, including large nesting colonies of the rare Indian Skimmer, as well as Marsh Crocodiles (Muggers), Gharial (Gavials), eight species Turtles, and highly endangered Gangetic River Dolphin (with luck).
Agra and the Taj Mahal
A trip to India seems incomplete without a visit to the most iconic man made structure in the world, the Taj Mahal, where we shall take you next. Built by Shah Jahan as the symbol for undying love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the sight of the white marble structure does take your breath away.
Guides: Gunnar Engblom and Local Guides
For those who wish to take a longer tour we have a choice of several extensions, including the Himalayan foothills and Corbett National Park and Also Gujarat and the Gir National Forest, home to the last remaining Asiatic lions.
Day 1. Jaipur – Ranthambhore
Arrive Jaipur in the morning. You will be met and transferred to Ranthambore (3.5 hours). Arrive Ranthambore at noon. PM Game ride. Safaris to the national park for tiger tracking, wildlife viewing and bird watching. Overnight stay at Ranthambore Heritage Haveli. Meals: Late lunch and dinner in Ranthambore
Day 2. Ranthambore all day.
Ranthambore two game rides for Tiger and other wildlife. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner in Ranthambore
Morning and afternoon jeep safari in Ranthambore. Overnight stay at Ranthambore Heritage Haveli.
Day 3. Ranthambore – Chambal – Agra
Enjoy final morning safari (0630 – 0900 hrs only). Check-out at 0930 hrs (sharp) and leave for Chambal / Dhaulpur (5 hours / subject to traffic). Reach Dhaulpur at 1430 hrs. Boat cruise on Chambal River from 1500 hrs for Indian skimmer, Black-bellied Tern, flocks of migratory waterfowl, Cranes such as Common, Demoiselle and Sarus; fish-eating crocodile Gavial and marsh mugger, and with lots of luck Gangetic dolphin. After finishing boat cruise, continue drive to Agra (1.5 hours). Arrive Agra in the evening. Overnight stay at Hotel Utkarsh Vilas. Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch from Ranthambore, dinner in Agra
Day 4. Agra – Taj Mahal – Bharatpur
Morning visit Taj Mahal. After Taj Mahal visit, shopping near entrance gate for 45 minutes. Return to the hotel. After breakfast, check-out at 1000 hrs and drive to Bharatpur (2 hours). Arrive Bharatpur at noon.
Rest of the day birdwatching in Keoladeo National Park with Indian Courser, Sarus Crane, Dusky eagle Owl, Large tailed Nightjars, Common Pochard, Great white Pelican, Greylag and Bar headed Goose. Overnight stay at Hotel Kadamb Kunj.
Meals: Breakfast in Agra, lunch and dinner in Bharatpur
Day 5: Bharatpur – Jaipur – Departure
Half day birdwatching in Keoladeo National Park. Return to the hotel at 1200 hrs. Check-out and lunch. Transfer to Jaipur airport (4.5 hours) to connect flight back to home. Tour end. Meals: Breakfast and lunch.