Bird And Tiger Photographic Tour

11 nights, 12 days

Starting at

inr 1,38,500 per person

Trip Highlights

• Delve into some of the birding hotspots in the country with over 500 species of birds across different habitats • Stay in the midst of the core area of Corbett National Park adjacent to the bank of the Ramganga river • Stand in awe as you witness sprawling wetlands and mist laden Himalayan foothills as you photograph some of the most sought after species of • Experience a plethora of wildlife such as Tigers, Asian Elephants, Sloth Bears, Gharials and the Gangetic Dolphin. • Visit the iconic Taj Mahal of the Mughal dynasty in the city of Agra What to expect

Over several lifetimes, the peaks of the colossal Himalayan range have nestled the Indian subcontinent to give rise to a splendid assemblage of diversity. A quest through the montane forests of Corbett and will leave any bird enthusiast in a spell of enchantment as they navigate through the higher reaches of the Himalayan foothills with, walking through a veil of clouds, concealing some of the most fascinating species to grace the land. Bharartpur on the other hand will leave you feeling exhilarated as you immerse yourself in a park with sprawling wetlands which are known to invite massive congregations of migratory birds from the northern hemisphere of the world. In addition to the avifauna that you seek, the tour also serves as an excellent opportunity to see the magnificent Tiger, the colossal Indian Elephant, and the fearless Yellow-Throated Marten of Corbett National Park. detailed itinerary day 01 Arrival in New Delhi by flight On arrival at the New Delhi Airport, you will be received by our represenattive who will assist you with a smooth check in at the hotel. He will further hand over and explain to you all travel related documents. Overnight at Hotel in New Delhi. day 02 Sultanpur and Okhla Bird Sanctuary Post an early breakfast, drive to Sultanpur National Park. It is an outstanding birder hub as it’s a refuge for many residents as well as scores of migratory birds that flock here. Located on the fringe of New Delhi in the state of Harayana, the park encompasses semi-arid areas as well as wetlands. Our morning here is a perfect way to start our journey across northern India as you will encounter a wide array of species such as the Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintails, Red Crested and Common Pochards, with a slight chance of Greater Flamingos as well. Around the wetlands, you have a well-wooded area where one can spot the Spotted Owlets, Yellow Crowned Woodpecker, Purple Sunbird’s, Eastern Or- phean Warbler, Bluethroat, Red Breasted Flycatcher, Eurasian Hoopoe and even the Red Avadavat. Raptors too grace the land, with the likes of Marsh Harriers, Indian Spotted Eagles and Osprey for the catch of the day. The park also has its fair share of mammals such as Nilgai (the Bluebull), Golden Jackals, Jungle Cats and Indian fox. Post Lunch, we will depart for Okhla Bird Sanctuary. Here, there’s a chance of finding the Yellow-Bellied Prinia and the Striated Babbler. There’s also a good chance of seeing many of the species that we have may have already seen earlier in the day. A total of 302 species have confirmed records from Okhla bird sanctuary and the areas in its immediate vicinity. In January 2011, as a part of Asian Waterbird Census 2011, a leucistic coot, known for its unusual bright white plumage, was spotted with the flock of common coots, for the first time in India. The sanctuary hosts over 400 species year round and over 1 lakh migratory birds in winter months. It hosts 30% of the 1200 to 1300 bird species recorded in the Indian sub-continent.

day 03 Drive from New Delhi to Corbett

After an early breakfast, depart for Corbett National Park (275 kms/ 5 hrs). At the park entrance, switch to safari vehicle with your baggage. Be ready with your camera equipment as the next 32 km, 1.5-hour drive, is through the core area of the national park, where you have a good chance to encounter wildlife including Tigers, Leopards and Asian Elephants. On Arrival, Check into the for- est lodge. Post Lunch, proceed for an Afternoon safari.

Living in the Forest Rest House is unique to Corbett National Park. It is only in Corbett that you get an opportunity to stay inside the national park. The com- plex is located on the banks of Ramganga river and overlooks the foothills of . Alcohol and smoking is not permitted here. Return from the safari at sunset. Dinner and overnight at the Forest Rest House. day 04 Corbett National Park & Morning and afternoon jeep safaris, meals and overnight at Forest Rest House day 05 inside the national park. Begin your morning safari at sunrise. Corbett has been aptly described as the land of the Roar, Trumpet and Song. It represents a scene of remarkable beauty. Corbett National Park had the proud distinction of being the chosen venue for the inauguration of Project Tiger in India. The rich biodiversity of the Reserve is partly attributed to the variety of habitats here. Due to the location of the Reserve in the foothills of the central Himalayas,both Himalayan and peninsular flora and fauna is found in the Reserve. India’s first and finest park spread over 520 sq. kms. Established initially as Hailey National Park on August 8, 1936, in honor of Sir Malcolm Hailey, the then governor of the United Provinces, the name was changed to Ramganga National Park in 1952 and subsequently to Corbett National Park in honor and memory of the late Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter, naturalist-turned-author and photographer, who had helped in setting up the park and in the demarcation of its boundaries. Dinner and overnight at the Forest Rest House.

day 06 Drive from Corbett National Park to Pangot Morning Jeep safari in the Dhikala zone. Post breakfast, checkout from lodge and drive towards exit gate to make your way for Pangot (160 kms /4 hrs). On arrival, check into the hotel. At evening, step out for birding watching in Pangot. day 07 Drive from Corbett National Park to Pangot

After breakfast, birding in Sat Tal and areas close to Nanital. The unique avian fauna of includes Red-billed Blue magpie, kingfishers, Blue- throated and Brown-headed barbets, Lineated barbet, Crimson-fronted barbet, Coppersmith Barbet, Plum-headed parakeet, Slaty headed Parakeet, Chestnut Bellied rock thrush, Titmouse, babblers, Jungle Owlet, fish eagles, the pied woodpecker, brown-capped pygmy woodpecker, and many more. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge in Nainital. day 08 Drive from nainital to agra On this morning, bird watching in Nanital. Post drive to Agra 345 kms/ 9 hrs drive to Agra. Overnight stay at Agra. day 09 Drive from agra to dholpur At sunrise, proceed to visit the famous white marble mausoleum, The Taj Mahal, which was built in the middle of the 17th century by the Moghul emperor Shah Jehan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 labourers worked extensively for 22 years to build this.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Dholpur (55kms, 1-1.5- hour drive) On arrival check into lodge in Dholpur. Go for birding on Chambal river. National Chambal Sanctuary which is a 400 km protected stretch of the river. A boat safari takes you on a two-three hour ride down the River Chambal, drifting past gharials basking on the sandbanks, marsh crocodiles and turtles sunning themselves on the rocks along with a wealth of birds fluttering around. day 10 Drive from Dholpur to Bharatpur After breakfast, head out for yet another boat ride drive at Chambal river. Later proceed to Bharatpur 105 Kms, 2-3 hrs. drive. On arrival check into lodge. After lunch proceed for evening bird watching at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. These diverse habitats are home to 366 bird species, 379 floral species, 50 species of fish, 13 species of snakes, 5 species of lizards, 7 amphibian species, 7 turtle species, and a variety of other invertebrates. Every year, thousands of migratory birds visit the park for the winter and breeding. The sanctuary is one of the richest bird areas in the world and is known for nesting of resident birds and visiting migratory birds including water birds. Overnight stay at the hotel in Bharatpur. day 11 Drive from Dholpur to Bharatpur. Drive from Bharatpur to New Dehli Morning birding excursion at Bharatpur bird sanctuary. Post lunch, drive to New Delhi (210 kms, 4 hrs drive). Overnight stay at hotel in New Delhi. day 12 Fly Back home After breakfast, transfer to the International airport to board a flight back home or an onward destination.

**End of Our Serivices**

tour cost

pax details 03 star hotels 04-05 star hotels

02 pax on twin sharing INR 1,38,500 Per Person INR 1,48,500 Per Person

04 pax on twin sharing INR 1,15,500 Per Person INR 1,24,500 Per Person

Hotels Recommended

City Nights 03 star hotels 04-05 star hotels

New Delhi 01 Pride Plaza Roseate House

Corbett 03 Forest Rest House Forest Rest House

Pangot 01 Jungle Lore Birding Lodge Jungle Lore Birding Lodge

Nainital 01 Hotel Vikram Vintage Abbotsford Nainital

Agra 01 Courtyard by Marriott Taj View Agra

Dholpur 01 Raj Niwas Palace Raj Niwas Palace

Bharatpur 01 Birder’s Inn The Bagh

New Delhi 01 Pride Plaza Roseate house Cost Inclusions

1. Accommodation in New Delhi and Agra on bed and breakfast basis 2. Accommodation in Corbett, on room, all meals and safari basis 3. Accommodation in Pangot, Nainital, Dholpur and Bharatpur on room, all meals. 4. Entrance and guide charges in Corbett, Pangot, Nainital, Dholpur and Bharatpur 5. Monument entry and guide charges in Agra 6. 01 walking bird excursion in Sultanpur and Okhla bird sanctuary each. 7. 06 Exclusive jeep safaris will be provided in Corbett 8. 02 walking birding excursion Pangot 9. 02 walking birding excursion Nainital 10. 02 boat safari in Dholpur 11. 02 birding excursion on rickshaw in Bharatpur 12. Assistance at airport and hotels 13. All land transfers in air-conditioned Toyota Innova car 14. All currently applicable taxes

Cost Exclusions

1. Still / video camera fee in the monuments and national parks. As on date still and video cameras are free in Corbett. 2. Expenses of personal nature like smokes, liquor, laundry and telephone calls 3. International airfare and domestic 4. Travel insurance 5. Anything not mentioned in the inclusions 6. Please note that any changes in entrance fees or government taxes will be payable extra and the same will be advised to you if applicable

B3-51, Sector 11, Rohini, [email protected] +91-9811200094 New Delhi, 110085, India