Depart your home country on your flight to Delhi.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December- May
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.
The Birdlife of North India
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
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 - 5
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. 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 6 - 7
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 8
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 9 - 10
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 11 - 12
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 13 - 14
Delhi and 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.
Immersive India
A relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to India's many different shades, customs, history, beliefs, cuisine and societal strata. Meeting people from all walks of life and trying different foods. A well-thought-out tour offering a range of environments all backed up by fabulous hotels and supportive team.
Charles
24 October 2024Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
“North India is a birdwatcher’s dream, it combines Himalayan foothills, vast plains, and wetlands that host hundreds of species, including rare migrants. From Keoladeo’s UNESCO-rich marshes to Corbett’s forest birds and Chambal’s river sanctuaries, it’s biodiversity at its best.”
Sara
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
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Rajasthan, India
Chambal Safari Lodge
Surrounded by scrubland, riverbanks and history, Chambal Safari Lodge is a tranquil wildlife retreat just an hour from the Taj Mahal. A former 19th-century stable block turned eco-lodge, it offers bird-filled gardens, comfortable heritage cottages and remarkable excursions along the Chambal River. With a laidback, family-run charm and rich wildlife experiences, it’s an offbeat gem in rural Uttar Pradesh.
Highlights
Highlights
River safaris,
Bateshwar temples
Best for
Couples,
Birdwatchers,
Curious Explorers
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Uttarakhand, India
Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
Tucked among oak forests in Pangot, Jungle Lore Birding Lodge is a humble, nature-immersed base ideal for birdwatchers and hikers. With over 250 bird species recorded in the area, it’s considered one of the best spots for birding in India.
Highlights
Highlights
Exceptional birding location,
Scenic forest surroundings,
Peaceful escape
Best for
Nature Lovers,
Birders,
Couples
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Delhi, India
The Claridges
Set among leafy avenues in one of New Delhi’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, The Claridges blends classic elegance with contemporary comforts. Built in 1952 and recently renovated, it offers a refined atmosphere with a pool, gardens, and easy access to the capital’s key cultural and commercial sights.
Highlights
Highlights
Historic charm,
Central location,
Elegant garden setting
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Business Travellers
Gallery
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in India
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
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Uttarakhand, India
Corbett National Park Wildlife Safari
Corbett National Park, once the nobility’s favoured northern hunting ground, is nestled between the Himalayan foothills and the ancient Shivalik Hills, and was the first reserve to be established in 1936 as a national park. It is a green and lush region which extends over 1,300sq km, and is made up of grassland and forests. The Ramganga River bisects the forest and forms a reservoir at its centre. The park protects wild elephants, tigers and sloth bears, nearly 600 domestic and transitory birds, and remarkably rare reptiles.
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Varanasi, India
Early Morning Ganges Boat Ride
Early this morning take sunrise boat excursion on the holy River Ganges. At dawn when it is full of pilgrims it’s an amazing place to witness the living traditions of one of the world’s oldest and most important religions. See Varanasi come alive along the banks of the river. See people bathing in the holy water and worshiping the rising sun. Witness the conclusion of life at the riverbank holy cremation grounds. It is believed, if you die in Varanasi, you go straight to heaven.
Gallery
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Delhi, India
Old Delhi Street Food Tour
Take a street food tour of Old Delhi, negotiating the noisy labyrinthine lanes of Chawri Bazaar and Chandni Chowk by cycle rickshaw. Visit selected food stalls to sample the myriad of dishes on offer such as thick and juicy jalebis; aloo chaat crispy fried potato cutlets dipped in chutneys; and parantha flatbreads generously stuffed with vegetables, spices or even dried fruits. For dessert, try the deliciously creamy phirni which is served in earthenware pots, and end your walk with an exotic fruit-flavoured Kulfi ice cream. This is a wonderful chance not only to experience some true culinary delights but also to go behind the scenes and meet some of the chefs, bakers and families who have been providing fabulous food here for generations.
Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
