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Birding in the Himalayan Foothills
15 days from £6,600 for 2023 per person
India is home to a staggering 1,314 recorded species of avifauna. This itinerary is perfect for those who are looking for an extraordinary experience in tracking India’s indigenous birdlife.
The hill state of Uttarakhand in the Himalayan foothills, offers a huge diversity of birdlife, comprising close to 680 species of birds. This is about 50% of the bird species that is found in India, so for any birder, a visit to Uttarakhand should definitely be very high up on their list of places to visit. The state is divided into two key regions Garhwal and Kumaon. Though Kumaon has few protected nature reserves, tourism within this region is, on the whole, more organised. This itinerary will take you through some key birding areas in the Himalayan foothills including Corbett Tiger Reserve, Pangot, Sattal and Binsar Wildlife Sanctuaries. It is said that the rich birdlife in this region is down to the transition zone between high altitudes and the flat plains.
The second half of your journey will take you to Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, arguably India’s most spectacular bird sanctuary. This natural world heritage site was created by the Maharaja of Bharatpur to hold duck shoots, but then later became a sanctuary and now attracts an abundance of birdlife. Some of the much sought after species in this region include Ibis Bill, Long-tailed Broadbill, Greater Slaty Woodpecker (one of the largest woodpeckers in the world), Collared Falconet (the smallest bird of prey and a winter visitor), Wallcreeper, 5 species of Vultures, Golden Fronted Leafbird and 3 types of Orioles – Black-hooded, Golden and Maroon.
This tour is purely a suggested itinerary. It can be booked as it is or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own ideal tailor-made holiday to see India's birdlife. If you'd like to see similar tours, take a look at our other Wildlife Holidays, as well as our Family Holiday and Active Holiday itineraries.
Itinerary details
15 days from £6,600 for 2023 per person
- Day 1 - The Oberoi Gurgaon - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon explore either Okhla Bird Park in Noida or Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary in Gurgaon. - Day 2 - Jim’s Jungle Retreat - Corbett National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer with your car and driver to Corbett National Park. Afternoon at leisure. - Day 3 - Jim’s Jungle Retreat - Corbett National Park
After breakfast visit the Garjia Devi Temple and the further out to explore the North Zone. - Day 4 - Jim’s Jungle Retreat - Corbett National Park
This morning head north and spend the day in the Dhikala Zone. - Day 5 - Mountain Quail Birding Lodge - Almora
After check out, head to Jhirna and Dhela, before driving onto to Pangot. - Day 6 - Mountain Quail Birding Lodge - Almora
Spend the day exploring the area. - Day 7 - Mountain Quail Birding Lodge - Almora
Spend the day exploring the surrounding area of Pangot and Sattal. - Day 8 - Mary Budden’s Estate - Almora
After breakfast drive to Binsar. Afternoon at leisure. - Day 9 - Mary Budden’s Estate - Almora
Spend the day exploring the surrounding area of Binsar. - Day 10 - Mary Budden’s Estate - Almora
Spend the day exploring the surrounding area of Binsar. - Day 11 - Taj Palace - Delhi
After breakfast transfer back to Delhi by train. - Day 12 - Laxmi Vilas Palace - Agra
After breakfast, drive to Agra for a days sightseeing, including the spectacular Taj Mahal. - Day 13 - Laxmi Vilas Palace - Agra
Morning drive to Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary for a days exploration. - Day 14 - Laxmi Vilas Palace - Agra
Morning drive to Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary for a days exploration. - Day 15 - In transit.
Return back to Delhi for an evening flight back to your final destination.
Places of Interest
AccommodationMy favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
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