The Birdlife of North India

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This two-week itinerary takes you around North India to see for yourself the wide variety of bird species and animals that call these rugged, scenic landscapes home. Keen birders and the more intrepid travellers will particularly enjoy this holiday, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, hiking and safaris through national parks, along rivers and in sanctuaries.

You’ll travel with knowledgeable local guides throughout and, while on safari, trained naturalists will accompany you, providing expert information for a more enriching, engaging experience. Along the way, stay in a variety of properties from a colonial hotel in Delhi to a basic lodge in the heart of Corbett National park.

Highlights include:

Staying deep in the heart of Corbett National Park in a forest lodge, an incredible setting for wildlife sightings
Plenty of birding opportunities in varying locations, from national parks to bird sanctuaries and a conservation reserve
Cruising along the Chambal river on safari with a naturalist guide, providing expert information about the birds and animals you spot
Travelling by train from Pangot to Delhi, a memorable, must-do experience while in India that gets you immersed in the Indian ways of life

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

DAY 1 DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Delhi.

DAY 2 DELHI

On arrival in Delhi, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel to freshen up and relax. In the evening, take a tour of Old Delhi, negotiating the labyrinthine lanes of Chawri Bazaar and Chandni Chowk by cycle rickshaw.

DAYS 3 & 4 CORBETT NATIONAL PARK

About a six-hour drive will transport you northeast of Delhi to Corbett National Park, one of the oldest national parks in India nestled between the Himalayan foothills. During your two-night stay, you will have the opportunity to enjoy two safaris right in the heart of the Dhikala Zone. Head out early in the morning and later in the afternoon, with time in between to relax in this remote location.

DAYS 5 & 6 VANGHAT LODGE

You’ll now venture deeper into Corbett National Park for a two-night stay at the Vanghat Lodge. The property comprises just four thatched cottages sitting along a bend of the remote Ramganga River and backed by the forest-clad foothills of the Himalayas. A sense of adventure here is a must as the lodge is only accessible on foot with a 2km hike and a bamboo raft river crossing!

During your stay, you can take part in a variety of activities, like exploring the area by jeep or on foot or embarking on guided hikes of varying lengths. Birdwatching is a speciality of Vanghat and tailored birding activities are available with over 500 species spotted in this region.

DAYS 7 & 8 PANGOT

You will be collected by your driver and transferred east into the foothills of the Himalayas to Pangot, a journey of about four hours. Pangot is a village surrounded by thick forest, streams and walking trails and is home to over 350 bird species. You’ll stay for two nights at the Jungle Lore Birding Lodge and spend a full day exploring the local area with a naturalist to take in the diverse birdlife of the region. Hikes can range between one to five hours, and you’ll also have a vehicle at your disposal for travelling around.

DAY 9 TRAIN TO DELHI

Board the Kathgodam New Delhi Shatabdi train that will transport you five hours back to Delhi. Travelling by train is integral to the Indian way of life, and it makes for a memorable experience. On arrival in Delhi, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAYS 10 & 11 CHAMBAL RIVER

The journey to beautiful Chambal takes around five hours, where you will be for a two-night stay at a lovely eco-lodge in a wildlife-filled setting. The Chambal River is home to a variety of residents, from turtles to dolphins, crocodiles and exotic birds; it’s an ideal spot for nature lovers.

Your first morning here includes a relaxing river safari; a great way to get close to the birds and animals in the water and along the banks. You’ll be in the company of a trained naturalist who will provide expert information. Later, visit the Carus Crane Conservation Reserve, a wetland area that is a breeding ground for large numbers of the Sarus Cranes.

DAYS 12 & 13 BHARATPUR

Your next destination is Bharatpur, about a three-hour drive from Chambal, where you will stay for two nights. Spend the day birdwatching, first in the morning spotting birdlife by boat in the exotic Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. Then enjoy a late afternoon exploration of the Keoladeo Ghana National Park by cycle-rickshaw. While the park is man-made, it is home to over 360 bird species and receives thousands of migratory birds each year.

DAYS 14 & 15 DELHI & FLY HOME

You will be transferred around four and a half hours back to Delhi for an overnight stay before flying home the following day.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
Accommodation as described
Privately guided tours and transfers
Tips for guides and drivers
Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences
Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.)
24-hour in-country backup while away
Your dedicated travel expert in the UK

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Dhikala Forest Lodge, Corbett National Park

A basic lodge in the heart of Corbett; a great location to immerse yourself in the forest scenery and wildlife population.

Jungle Lore Birding Lodge, Pangot

One of the best bases for birding in India. Wake up to bird calls from your lovely cottage.

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Bharatpur

Old-world charm meets comfort at this grand heritage hotel.

Mela Kothi-Chambal Safari Lodge, Chambal

A remote, beautifully restored colonial-era property offering a special insight into rural Indian life and wildlife.

The Claridges, Delhi

The Claridges is a large and pleasant colonial-style hotel in a quiet New Delhi suburb, particularly well-suited to leisure travellers.

Vanghat, Corbett National Park

Four eco-friendly cottages within Corbett providing adventurous activities in a remote setting.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Old Delhi Street Food Tour, Delhi

In the evening whizz through Old Delhi by the locals favourite, the cycle rickshaw, to taste incredible street food

Temples, Ghats & Wildlife in the Chambal Valley, Chambal

Explore local temples, ghats and plains of the Chambal Valley for a variety of bird species from your beautiful base, Chambal Safari Lodge.

Wildlife Safari, Corbett National Park

Take a wildlife jeep safari in Corbett National Park, once the nobilityâs favoured northern hunting ground.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'The Birdlife of North India'

The Birdlife of North India

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