Northern India Birding with Nature Travel Birding

On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, meet your guide and begin the journey north towards Ramnagar, the gateway to Jim Corbett National Park. Travelling through the fertile agricultural plains of Uttar Pradesh, there are opportunities to become acquainted with India's remarkable birdlife while crossing the sacred Ganges River and enjoying the changing landscapes between the bustling capital and the Himalayan foothills.

Roadside wetlands, farmland and rivers provide excellent introductory birding, with species such as White-throated Kingfisher, Indian Pond Heron, Eastern Cattle Egret, Little Cormorant, Common Myna, Black Kite, House Crow and Jungle Crow regularly encountered.

After arriving in Ramnagar, transfer to an open safari vehicle for an afternoon excursion along the Kosi River near the sacred Garjiya Devi Temple. This scenic riverine habitat beneath the Himalayan foothills offers the first taste of northern India's exceptional birding. Key targets include the remarkable Ibisbill, Wallcreeper, White-capped Water Redstart, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Pied Kingfisher, Red-wattled Lapwing, Red-rumped Swallow, Common Greenshank, White Wagtail, White-browed Wagtail, Gadwall, Great Cormorant, Indian Cormorant and Little Cormorant.

Return to your comfortable hotel in Ramnagar for a welcome dinner, where the exciting birding adventure ahead is discussed before settling in for the night at the edge of one of India's most celebrated wildlife regions.

After breakfast, travel into the legendary Jim Corbett National Park, India's oldest national park and one of the country's premier wildlife destinations. Over the next two days, explore an outstanding mix of Sal forest, riverine woodland, marshes, open grasslands and lakes by open safari vehicle before reaching Dhikala Forest Lodge, deep within the reserve. Regular birding stops along the route maximise opportunities to experience the park's extraordinary biodiversity.

The forests hold an impressive selection of target species including Great Hornbill, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Brown-headed Barbet, Lineated Barbet, White-crested Laughingthrush, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Common Emerald Dove, Collared Falconet, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Kalij Pheasant, Red Junglefowl and Indian Peafowl (E). Open grasslands may produce Black Francolin, Golden-headed Cisticola and Hen Harrier, while rivers and lakes offer chances for Stork-billed Kingfisher, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Lesser Fish Eagle, Tawny Fish Owl, Black-necked Stork, Brown Crake, Indian Pond Heron and the critically endangered Red-headed Vulture.

Jim Corbett is equally renowned for its mammals and reptiles. While exploring the reserve, look for Asian Elephant, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Hog Deer, Northern Red Muntjac, Yellow-throated Marten, Indian Grey Mongoose, Mugger Crocodile and Indian Gharial. With some luck, sightings may also include Tiger, Leopard, Dhole or Sloth Bear, making this one of India's most rewarding wildlife experiences.

Following an afternoon safari through the park's diverse habitats, return to the lodge to enjoy dinner, compare sightings and prepare for another full day exploring one of northern India's finest birding and wildlife destinations.

An early morning safari explores more of the exceptional habitats of Jim Corbett National Park, one of northern India's premier birding and wildlife reserves. Traveling by open safari vehicle through Sal forest, riverine woodland, grasslands and broad river valleys, the day is dedicated to finding species missed on the previous safari while enjoying excellent photographic opportunities in this celebrated protected landscape.

The forests are home to an outstanding diversity of birds, with key targets including Oriental Pied Hornbill, Himalayan Flameback, Greater Yellownape, Lesser Yellownape, Blue-throated Barbet, Large Cuckooshrike, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, White-bellied Drongo, Blue Whistling Thrush, Black-throated Thrush, Black-crested Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Ashy Bulbul, Red-vented Bulbul, Common Iora, Black-hooded Oriole, Indian White-eye (E), Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Black-throated Bushtit, White-throated Laughingthrush, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Crested Treeswift, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Plum-headed Parakeet, Scarlet Minivet and Long-tailed Minivet.

Open country and river edges offer opportunities for Western Osprey, River Tern, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Oriental Skylark, Paddyfield Pipit, Rosy Pipit, Buffy Pipit, Ashy Prinia, Grey Bush Chat, Jungle Myna, Yellow-eyed Babbler and Black-chinned Babbler. The expansive Patli Dun valley also provides excellent vantage points for scanning both birds and larger wildlife.

Throughout the day there is every chance of encountering Asian Elephant, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Northern Red Muntjac and other mammals, while patient observers may be rewarded with unforgettable sightings of Tiger or Leopard. After a productive afternoon safari, return to the lodge for dinner and another evening surrounded by the wilderness of Jim Corbett National Park.

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing Dhikala Forest Lodge and making a final birding drive through Jim Corbett National Park. Leaving the park behind, the journey climbs through the fertile plains of Uttarakhand into the lower Himalayan foothills, passing traditional villages, temples, forested slopes and winding mountain roads before reaching the picturesque hill station of Nainital. Set at 2,084 metres above sea level, this scenic mountain town is surrounded by forested hills and a beautiful lake, providing a completely different birding environment from the lowland forests of Corbett.

En route, roadside woodland, farmland and villages may produce Himalayan Bulbul, Grey Treepie, Spotted Dove, House Sparrow and Russet Sparrow. After meeting a local guide, spend the afternoon exploring the oak and pine forests around Nainital on foot and by vehicle. These temperate Himalayan forests are renowned for their rich diversity of woodland birds and offer outstanding opportunities for bird photography.

Key targets include Koklass Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Altai Accentor, Red-fronted Serin, Lemon-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Bushtit, Green-backed Tit, Coal Tit, Black-chinned Babbler, Great Barbet, Lineated Barbet and Coppersmith Barbet. The area's exceptional woodpecker diversity includes Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Stripe-breasted Woodpecker, Streak-throated Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Himalayan Woodpecker and Rufous-bellied Woodpecker.

In the late afternoon, arrive at your historic hilltop accommodation overlooking Nainital, where you can relax, enjoy dinner and prepare for the next stage of this exclusive Himalayan birding adventure.

An early departure takes you into the higher elevations around Pangot, where birding reaches approximately 2,600 metres in the western Himalayas. This celebrated mountain destination is surrounded by mature Banj Oak, pine and rhododendron forests, interspersed with streams, forest tracks and open viewpoints. With almost 600 bird species recorded, Pangot ranks among northern India's premier Himalayan birding locations and offers spectacular views of Nanda Devi on clear days.

Birding is conducted along quiet mountain roads, woodland trails and forest edges, with a packed breakfast enjoyed in the field. Key targets include Himalayan Vulture, Bearded Vulture, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Blue-winged Minla, Streaked Laughingthrush, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Slaty-backed Forktail, Spotted Forktail, Brown Bullfinch, Dark-breasted Rosefinch, Rock Bunting, Mistle Thrush, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Altai Accentor, Alpine Swift and Little Swift.

The surrounding forests also support a rich diversity of mammals, with opportunities to encounter Himalayan Goral, Northern Red Muntjac, Sambar, Masked Palm Civet and Leopard. Lunch is enjoyed at a lodge, where the gardens regularly attract White-throated Laughingthrush, Rufous Sibia, Slaty-headed Parakeet, Golden Bush Robin, Eurasian Jay, Black-headed Jay and Yellow-breasted Greenfinch.

The afternoon is devoted to exploring additional forest habitats in search of Himalayan Buzzard, Black Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Whiskered Yuhina, Slaty-blue Flycatcher and a variety of Himalayan thrushes. With patience and favourable conditions, the vulnerable Cheer Pheasant may provide one of the most memorable sightings of the tour. Return to Nainital in the late afternoon for dinner and another evening in the Himalayan foothills.

After breakfast, travel east to the renowned Sattal, a beautiful network of seven interconnected freshwater lakes surrounded by broad-leaf forest, wooded valleys and clear mountain streams. This biodiversity hotspot is one of the finest birding destinations in the western Himalayas, supporting more than 500 bird species. The day is spent exploring the area on foot and by vehicle, with frequent birding stops and a packed lunch enjoyed in a peaceful lakeside setting.

The varied habitats attract an exceptional diversity of Himalayan birds. Key targets include Brown Dipper along the fast-flowing streams, Crested Kingfisher, Greater Yellownape, Red-billed Leiothrix, Blue-winged Minla, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Himalayan Bluetail, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Slaty-blue Flycatcher, Little Pied Flycatcher, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, Crimson Sunbird, Green-tailed Sunbird, White-throated Fantail, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Grey Treepie, Common Rosefinch, Slaty-headed Parakeet, Red-breasted Parakeet, Lemon-rumped Warbler, Greenish Warbler, Whistler's Warbler, Western Crowned Warbler, Olive-backed Pipit, Lesser Whitethroat, Scaly-breasted Cupwing and Pygmy Cupwing.

The surrounding forests are also home to several sought-after nocturnal species, including Brown Fish Owl, Brown Wood Owl, Mountain Scops Owl and Asian Barred Owlet. Sattal's rich ecosystems support a remarkable diversity of mammals, butterflies, insects and native plants, adding to the outstanding wildlife experience throughout the day.

In the late afternoon, return to Nainital for dinner and another evening in the Himalayan foothills after a rewarding day exploring one of northern India's most celebrated birding locations.

After breakfast, depart the Himalayan foothills and begin the scenic drive back to Delhi. Descending through the forests of Uttarakhand and the fertile agricultural plains of northern India, there are opportunities to continue birding from the vehicle and at selected stops along the route. Rivers, wetlands, farmland and open countryside provide productive habitat for a variety of birds as the journey returns to the capital.

Keep watch for soaring raptors overhead while scanning rivers and roadside wetlands for waterbirds encountered along the way. The drive also provides time to review photographs, update bird lists and reflect on the exceptional Himalayan birding enjoyed over the past few days.

Arrive in the greater Delhi area during the afternoon. Despite being one of the world's largest metropolitan regions, Delhi supports more than 450 recorded bird species, making it one of the richest capital cities for bird-life. Depending on arrival time, there may be opportunities to observe additional urban and wetland species before checking into your comfortable hotel on the outskirts of the city.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel and relax before the journey continues south into Rajasthan, where internationally renowned wetlands, river systems and some of India's finest wildlife reserves await.

After breakfast, depart Delhi and travel south into Rajasthan, India's largest state, following the Yamuna Expressway towards Bharatpur. This journey marks the transition from the Himalayan foothills to the wetlands and open plains of northern India, with the afternoon dedicated to exploring one of the region's productive birding areas before settling into your accommodation for the next three nights.

On arrival, meet your local guide and visit Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, where Keetham Lake, reedbeds, islands and surrounding woodland create outstanding habitat for resident and migratory waterbirds. Key targets include Greater Flamingo, Bar-headed Goose, Great White Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Painted Stork, Eurasian Spoonbill, Black-headed Ibis, Red-naped Ibis, Indian Spot-billed Duck (E), Gadwall, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, River Tern, River Lapwing, Small Pratincole, White-breasted Waterhen, Eurasian Coot, Common Redshank, Spotted Redshank, White Wagtail, Citrine Wagtail, Western Yellow Wagtail and White-browed Wagtail.

An optional excursion offers the opportunity to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal in nearby Agra, one of the world's most celebrated architectural masterpieces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This iconic monument provides an unforgettable cultural highlight that perfectly complements the natural history of the journey.

Later, continue to your charming owner-managed lodge in Bharatpur, surrounded by mature gardens that regularly attract Indian Grey Hornbill (E), Large Grey Babbler, Oriental White-eye and Rufous Treepie. After dinner, keep watch for the resident Jungle Cat or the possibility of an Indian Civet before ending another memorable day in northern India.

An early start takes you to the pristine National Chambal Sanctuary, where the clear waters of the Chambal River flow through dramatic ravines, sandy banks and riparian woodland. This protected river system is one of India's finest freshwater wildlife reserves and offers an exceptional combination of birding, photography and wildlife viewing. A leisurely boat cruise provides close views of river birds, waterfowl and the sanctuary's globally important aquatic wildlife.

The Chambal River supports three Critically Endangered species: Ganges River Dolphin, Indian Gharial and Red-crowned Roofed Turtle. Other wildlife regularly encountered includes Smooth-coated Otter, Mugger Crocodile, Nilgai, Blackbuck, Rhesus Macaque, Indian Hare and several freshwater turtle species.

The river, sandbanks and wetlands attract an outstanding diversity of birds. Key targets include Indian Skimmer (E), Black-bellied Tern, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Sarus Crane, Demoiselle Crane, Brown Hawk-Owl, Indian Courser (E), Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Comb Duck, Indian Spot-billed Duck (E), Lesser Whistling Duck, Greylag Goose, Northern Pintail, Ferruginous Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Pied Kingfisher, Greater Coucal, Lesser Coucal, Painted Sandgrouse (E), Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Greater Painted-snipe, Eurasian Thick-knee, Great Thick-knee, Pied Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Common Greenshank, Common Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Terek Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Common Snipe, Far Eastern Curlew, Little Stint, Temminck's Stint, Pacific Golden Plover, Common Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Long-billed Plover, Baya Weaver, Black-breasted Weaver and Sand Lark.

Return to Bharatpur in the late afternoon after an unforgettable day exploring one of northern India's premier river ecosystems, where spectacular birdlife, rare aquatic wildlife and beautiful landscapes combine to create an outstanding wildlife experience.

After an early breakfast, spend a full day exploring the internationally renowned Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia's most celebrated wetland birding destinations. This mosaic of freshwater marshes, woodland, grassland and shallow pools is explored on foot and by cycle-rickshaw, allowing excellent views of the park's remarkable birdlife while enjoying outstanding photographic opportunities throughout the day.

Keoladeo is a vital refuge for resident and migratory birds, with more than 400 species recorded. The wetlands and surrounding woodland support an exceptional variety of targets including Sarus Crane, Woolly-necked Stork, Bronze-winged Jacana, Black Bittern, Black-crowned Night Heron, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Eurasian Coot, Indian Pond Heron, Northern Shoveler, Egyptian Vulture, Greater Spotted Eagle, Indian Spotted Eagle (E), Crested Serpent Eagle, Grey Francolin (E), Yellow-footed Green Pigeon (E), Indian Scops Owl (E), Spotted Owlet, Purple Sunbird (E), Bluethroat, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Hume's Leaf Warbler, Blyth's Reed Warbler, Common Tailorbird, Plain Prinia, Ashy Prinia, Jungle Babbler (E), Yellow-eyed Babbler, Asian Pied Starling (E), Brahminy Starling (E), Rosy Starling, Yellow-throated Sparrow, Bay-backed Shrike, Brown Shrike, Indian Robin (E) and Oriental Magpie-Robin.

The park is equally rewarding for wildlife, with regular sightings of Nilgai, Spotted Deer, Grey Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Wild Boar, Javan Mongoose, Indian Flying Fox and Indian Python. Every trail, wetland edge and woodland track offers the possibility of adding new species to an already impressive tour list.

Return to your lodge in Bharatpur during the late afternoon for a final evening in this remarkable birding region. Enjoy dinner while reflecting on an unforgettable day in one of India's finest wetland reserves before continuing the journey to the legendary wildlife reserves of Rajasthan.

After breakfast, depart Bharatpur and travel southwest into Rajasthan towards the legendary Ranthambore National Park, one of India's most celebrated wildlife reserves. The journey passes through the heart of the state before arriving at this iconic protected area, where rugged hills, ancient ruins, dry deciduous forest, lakes, riverine woodland and open grasslands create one of the country's finest safari destinations.

Ranthambore is internationally recognised for its successful Tiger conservation programme and offers one of the best opportunities anywhere to observe Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat. The landscape is dominated by the impressive 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, with historic temples and ancient stone structures adding a remarkable cultural dimension to this exceptional wilderness.

Depending on arrival time, there may be an opportunity for an introductory afternoon game drive through the park. The diverse habitats support an impressive range of wildlife, with chances to encounter Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyaena, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Southern Plains Grey Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Indian Crested Porcupine, Five-striped Palm Squirrel, Jungle Cat and Mugger Crocodile.

As the journey enters its final stage, settle into your comfortable safari lodge for the next three nights. Enjoy dinner before preparing for the outstanding wildlife and birding experiences that await in one of India's most iconic national parks.

Today is devoted to exploring the legendary Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles. Accompanied by an experienced local guide, search a remarkable variety of habitats including dry deciduous forest, bamboo thickets, open grasslands, rocky escarpments, riverine woodland, lakes and seasonal wetlands. These contrasting landscapes support an exceptional diversity of wildlife and make Ranthambore one of India's finest safari destinations.

The park is best known for its Bengal Tigers, offering one of the world's greatest opportunities to observe this iconic big cat in its natural habitat. Other mammals regularly encountered include Leopard, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyaena, Jungle Cat, Chinkara, Nilgai, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Southern Plains Grey Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Indian Crested Porcupine, Five-striped Palm Squirrel and Mugger Crocodile.

Ranthambore's varied habitats support more than 320 bird species. Key targets include Painted Spurfowl (E), Indian Grey Hornbill (E), Indian Courser (E), Painted Sandgrouse (E), Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Crested Honey Buzzard, Asian Openbill, Black Stork, Indian Skimmer (E), River Tern, Great Bittern, Black Bittern, Greater Painted-snipe, Great Thick-knee, Black Francolin, Rain Quail and Greylag Goose.

Return to the lodge during the middle of the day to relax before an afternoon safari continues the search for both birds and mammals. End another unforgettable day with dinner at the lodge while reflecting on the outstanding wildlife encounters in one of India's most iconic national parks.

Enjoy another early morning safari in Ranthambore National Park before returning to the lodge for breakfast and a midday break. During your final full day, explore a variety of habitats including dry deciduous forest, open grasslands, lakes, marshes, riverine woodland and rocky escarpments. Working with your local guide, the day's activities are tailored to target species still missing from the trip list while making the most of one last opportunity to experience this world-famous wildlife reserve.

The search continues for Bengal Tiger, with the possibility of encountering Leopard, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyaena, Jungle Cat, Nilgai, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Southern Plains Grey Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Mugger Crocodile and Indian Crested Porcupine. Every safari offers fresh opportunities as the park's wildlife moves through its varied landscapes.

Birding remains outstanding throughout the day, with key targets including Indian Peafowl (E), Grey Francolin (E), Yellow-footed Green Pigeon (E), Indian Pond Heron (E), Indian Bush Lark (E), Shikra, Sarus Crane, Woolly-necked Stork, Painted Stork, Purple Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Oriental Darter, Little Grebe, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Grey-headed Swamphen, White-breasted Waterhen, Black-winged Stilt, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Ruff, Red-wattled Lapwing, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Common Kingfisher, Green Bee-eater, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Plum-headed Parakeet, Alexandrine Parakeet, Brahminy Starling (E), Common Myna (E), Bank Myna (E), Pied Myna, Jungle Babbler (E), Large Grey Babbler (E), Rufous Treepie, White-bellied Drongo, Black Drongo, Baya Weaver, Black-breasted Weaver, Indian Silverbill, Cinereous Tit, Common Chiffchaff, Tawny Pipit and Tree Pipit.

Return to the lodge for a memorable farewell dinner, celebrating an extraordinary journey through northern India's forests, wetlands and Himalayan foothills while sharing the highlights of an unforgettable birding and wildlife adventure.

After a final breakfast at the lodge, check out and transfer to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station for the journey back to Delhi. Traveling aboard an air-conditioned sleeper-class train on the historic Delhi–Mumbai railway line offers a memorable finale to the tour, with ever-changing views of Rajasthan and northern India's countryside unfolding beyond the window.

The route passes through a series of towns and agricultural landscapes, including Gangapur, Hindaun, Bayana, Bharatpur, Mathura and Hodal, providing a fascinating glimpse into everyday life beyond India's celebrated national parks and birding hotspots. This relaxed journey offers the perfect opportunity to review photographs, complete bird lists and reflect on the remarkable diversity experienced across the Himalayas, wetlands, forests and grasslands of northern India.

Arrive at Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi during the late afternoon or early evening. Depending on your onward travel arrangements, transfer either to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your departing flight or to a nearby airport hotel for those extending their stay. Your exclusive birding journey through northern India concludes with unforgettable memories of one of Asia's richest wildlife destinations.