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India is probably the only country in the world that can boast of harbouring as varied and rich a bird life as it does. Home to well over a thousand species, of which about 100 are to be found only in India, this country is a veritable paradise for any birdwatcher. The reason for this treasure-trove of species is undoubtedly the fact that India encompasses almost all the ecosystems to be found on the planet, ranging from the hot and humid evergreen forests of the north-east and south-west to the scorching deserts making up most of the western state of Rajasthan, providing habitats for variously adapted species, both residents and migrants, the latter numbering about 250 species. Two species, the Pinkheaded Duck and the Mountain Quail are now considered extinct whereas the Jerdon`s Courser and the Forest Owlet were rediscovered recently after a gap of more than a century.

Even a cursory glance at the Indian countryside will reveal roughly 150 very common species, ranging from the ubiquitous House Sparrow and Indian Myna to such birds as the Red-vented Bulbul, Black Drongo and White-breasted Kingfisher. Common raptors include Black and Brahminy Kites, Honey Buzzard, Shikra and Egyptian Vulture. Water birds also offer quite a spectacle, especially in the winter, when the migratory waders arrive. Common resident species are White-breasted Waterhen, Indian Moorhen and Black-winged Stilt.

The best time to visit India from an ornithological standpoint is no doubt the months between October and April as, in addition to the variety of resident species, migratory waterfowl, raptors, starlings & other passerines and a host of other species are also to be seen all around the Indian countryside.



DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI
   

Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 02 IN DELHI
 

Delhi - believed to have founded by the Pandava brothers around 2nd or 3rd century B.C., is one of the oldest cities in India. The city has been raised out of ashes and ruins seven times. Be it the Tomars of the 7-8th century or the Ghori's, The Khaljis, the Tughlaqs, the Saiyads, The Lodis, the Moghuls and finally the British rulers, each has contributed to the colourful history of the city.

Among some of the most interesting highlights of your city tour of Old and New Delhi are the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk and Raj Ghat in the old city area and the Government Buildings, a drive through the majestic Rajpath to the India Gate, the Laxmi Narayan Temple, the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutab Minar etc. Overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 03 DELHI-JAIPUR
 

Morning after early breakfast, leave Delhi by surface to Jaipur (260 kms/6 hrs approx) and on arrival check-in at your hotel.

Jaipur, the capital of erstwhile Kachwaha Rajputs, Jaipur city was founded in 1727 AD. By the great King Maharaja Jai Singh who was not only a great statesman but also a keen astronomer and an architect.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city. Among the principal sights are the Jantar Mantar or the Observatory, The Palace of Winds or Hawa Mahal, The City Palace & Museum and Choki Dhani. Jaipur is also a major centre of precious and semi precious stones, jewellery, cotton textiles and the typical Blue Pottery.Overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 04 JAIPUR-RANTHAMBORE
 






Morning excursion to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the State until 1728. Visit the Jagmandir or the hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal and Temple of Kali. Take a ride on gaily-decorated elephant to the ramparts of the Fort.

Later drive to Ranthambore and on arrival check-in at your resort.

The Ranthambore National Park was the hunting ground of Maharaja of Jaipur. In 1955, it was declared a game sanctuary; in 1980, it became a national park. But with the commissioning of Project Tiger in 1972, it was included in the project. With the addition of neighbouring Keladevi and Mansingh sanctuaries, the total area of the national park stands at 1,334 sq km. But the entire park - the core area is just 392 sq kms - is not open to the public. The Ranthambore Park is set between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges. Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India. The terrain is rugged and there are rocky ridges, hills and open valleys with lakes and pools.

The tigers are the prized attractions of the park. Other inmates of the park are the Antelopes, Nilgai, Sambhar and Chital, which are easy to spot. Those who are lucky enough get to see the Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackals, Leopard, Jungle Cat and Marsh Crocodile. The lakes and water holes in the Ranthambore national park are the best places to sight the animals. These water bodies are full of lotus and water lilies. Ranthambore also has a sizeable bird population, both resident and migratory. There are about 264 species of birds found within the park. Indian Hare, Mongoose and Monitor Lizards can also spotted.

Late afternoon visit by jeeps/canter to the Sanctuary.Overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 05 RANTHAMBORE
   

Early morning and late afternoon game viewing visit to the Sanctuary.Overnight at the Hotel.


DAY 06 RANTHAMBORE-BHARATPUR
 







Morning another visit to the Sanctuary for viewing wild life. Later drive to Bharatpure. On arrival check-in to your hotel.

Prince Bhamji of Morvi state in Gujarat converted this area into a world famous wildlife reserve. Duck shoots were organized in the area every year by the rulers of Bharatpur, in honour of Viceroy Lord Curzon and his party on 1st December, 1902. The exploits of all visiting dignitaries since 1902 have been engraved on stone plaques standing near the Keoladeo temple.

Largest number of birds (4273) were killed on 12th November, 1938, by Lord Linlithgow, Viceroy & Governor General of India and his party. After independence, this reserve was notified as a bird sanctuary but the former rulers of Bharatpur continued to enjoy their shooting rights over the area till 1972. The area was notified as a National Park in 1981 but made effective only in Novemeber,1982.

Bharatpur national park supports a population of 375 species of birds, numerous mammals and reptiles. With the onset of winter, migratory birds from all over world come here. They arrive by August and leave in February. Visitors include Coot Snipes, Spanish Sparrow, Red Crested Porhard, Rosy Pelican and Flamingo. The special attraction, however, remains the arrival of the rare Siberian Crane. Bharatpur wildlife sanctuary is also rich in Pythons, Spotted Deer, Sambhars, Blue Bull, Black Buck, Jackals, Otters, Fishing Cats, Monitor Lizards.

Afternoon take a bird watching Cycle Rickshaw ride in the Sanctuary.Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 07 BHARATPUR-AGRA
 









Morning revisit the bird sanctuary by foot. Later proceed by surface to Agra en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted capital of Mughal India. Among the principal attractions of Fatehpur Sikri are the large audience halls, palaces, the Mosques, the tomb of Salim Chishti, The Panchmahal, and the Buland Darwaza, which is among the biggest gates in Asia.

Continue your drive and upon arrival check-in at the hotel.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of Agra city visiting the eternal monument of love - Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, this beautiful mausoleum is built of pure white marble and is an architectural marvel. Built in the memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. The building was conceived as a garden tomb with the mausoleum rising at the far end of the complex with the river Yamuna flowing below. Beneath the dome are the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jehan.

Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar over the years 1565 - 1573 with its maze of courtyards, mosques, and private chambers. Most of the buildings originally built by Akbar were destroyed and were replaced by his grandson Shah Jehan. The only surviving structure from Akbar's period apart from the solid sand stone ramparts and the gateway is the Jehangir Mahal. It is the biggest private residence in the complex and its architecture indicates strong influences from Hindu overtones. Nearby are the various buildings, which were built by Shah Jehan, Including the Khas Mahal, The Jasmine Towers, the Octagonal Tower, the Sheesh Mahal, and the Hamam's. Ironically it was within these apartments that Shah Jehan spent his last years when his son Aurangzeb imprisoned him.Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 08 AGRA-KHAJURAHO
 


Morning transfer to the airport to board flight to Khajuraho. Assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of Eastern & Western group of Temples.
Western Group is the best known as it is to this group that the largest and most typical Khajuraho temples belong - the Kandariya Mahadeo. Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31 metres high. The main shrine is in an almost perfectly state of preservation. This shrine has an exquisitely carved entrance arch with a multitude of themes: celestial beings, lovers, serenading musicians - movement captured in stones and frozen in time, yet retaining the warmth of pulsating life. The stones seem to have taken on the sensuousness of the carved figures.

Eastern Group: Hindu and Jain temples make up the eastern group, close to Khajuraho Village. The largest Jain temple, Parsvanath, is in this group. Sculptures on the northern outer wall make this temple the finest in the group. The carvings are timeless, of a woman bending thoughtfully over a letter, a damsel removing a thorn from her foot. The sanctum has a throne facing a bull, emblem of the first Tirthankara, Adinath. The actual image of Parsvanath, from which the temple derives its name, was installed in 1860.Overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 09 KHAJURAHO-BANDAVGARH
 









Morning leave by surface for Bandavgarh and on arrival check-in at your hotel. The density of tiger population is among the highest in India. The tigers once roamed freely here but due to extensive hunting (Maharaja Venkat Raman Singh shot 111 tigers by 1914), their population came down drastically. Numerous steps were taken to conserve the wildlife here without spoiling the natural beauty of the park. Even today, the Bandhavgarh national park has retained its un-spoilt look. The Bandhavgarh National Park is the place where the famous white tigers of Rewa were discovered. The last known capture of the white tiger was in 1951. He is believed to have fathered many a cub in Indian zoos and outside. 'Mohun' is now stuffed and on display in the palace of the Maharaja of Rewa.

Bandhavgarh is densely populated with other animal species too. The great gaur, Indian bisons can be easily spotted when they come to graze on the meadows at dusk. The sambar, barking deer and nilgai are also common sights in the open areas of the park.

The ancient fort of Bhandavgarh adds grace to the park. Climb the fort to get a bird's eye view of the park. Do not miss the small population of naughty black bucks that live here, protected from the predators below.

The vegetation of the park is dry deciduous. About half of the park is covered with Sal trees. There are mixed forests in the higher reaches of the hills. Stretches of Bamboo and grasslands extend to the north of the park. Grassy meadow patches occur in the valley and along the nalas. The park sustains all those species, which are typical to Central India.

There are 22 species of mammals, which include langurs and rhesus macaque as the primary group. The jackal, bangal fox, bears, ratel, mongoose, hyena, jungle cat, leopard and tiger form the core carnivore population. The animals frequently sighted are wild pig, spotted deer, sambar, dhole, the small Indian civet; palm squirrel and lesser bandicoot rat are seen occasionally. Among the herbivores, the gaur is the only coarse feeder.

The national park holds some 250 odd species of birds along the streams and marshes. Reptilian fauna include cobra, krait, viper, rat snake, python, turtle and a large number of lizard varieties, including varanus.

Late afternoon game viewing Jeep safari to the Bandavgarh National Park.Overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 10 BANDAVGARH
   

Morning and late afternoon visit the Sanctuary for wildlife viewing.Overnight at the Hotel.


DAY 11 BANDAVGARH-KANHA
 









Morning revisit the Sanctuary and later after breakfast proceed by surface to Kanha. On arrival check in at your hotel.

This is the place that has been described by Rudyard Kipling in his great book "The Jungle Book". Picture these thick Sal forests, long bamboos, swaying grasslands and meandering rivers. This is what Kanha is all about. Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha national park is a tiger reserve that extends over an area of over 1940 sq km. A horse-shoe shaped valley bounded by the spurs of the Mekal presents an interesting topography. Steep rocky escarpments along the edges offer breathtaking views of the valley. Realizing the danger on the Tiger population in the country, the Government started the "Project Tiger" at Kanha and in 1974 the area was declared a Tiger reserve. The park is also the habitat of the high ground Barasingha.

The park was created in 1955 by a special law and since then it has dedicated itself in preserving a variety of animal species. Many endangered species have indeed been saved here. Today Kanha is among the few most scenic and beautiful wildlife reserves in Asia.. This 'Tiger Country' is the ideal home for both predator and prey.

It was at the Kanha national park that the first ever-scientific study of the tiger was undertaken by the eminent zoologist George Schaller. Another landmark at Kanha is the preservation of the hard ground Barasingha .This was achieved by extending the grasslands, relocating villages and by increasing habitat. There are 22 species of mammals in the park. These are the three-stripe squirrels, variety of monkeys and apes, hyena, wild pigs, deers and black bucks. The Indian jackal, jungle cat, leopard, blue bull can also be spotted here.

The mixed forests and bamboo forests are good breeding and nesting grounds for many feathered species. There are almost 200 species of birds in Kanha. Many of them are found on the grasslands too. Some of them can be spotted around water holes. The ground opposite the Museum is also a good place to watch the birds at play. Take binoculars to watch them closely. Best time to observe the birds is in the morning and evening. The park also sustains a sizeable number of reptiles, which are very difficult to spot.Overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 12 KANHA
   

Morning and late afternoon game viewing jeep rides to the Kanha National Park for viewing wildlife. Overnight at the Hotel.


DAY 13 KANHA
   

Morning and late afternoon game viewing jeep rides to the Kanha National Park for viewing wildlife. Overnight at the Hotel.


DAY 14 KANHA-NAGPUR-MUMBAI
   

Morning revisit the National Park. Later depart by surface to Nagpur airport (260 kms) to board your flight to Mumbai. Assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.


DAY 15 MUMBAI
 

Morning half-day motor launch excursion to the rock cut Elephanta caves (closed on Mondays). Elephanta Caves - from the Gateway of India take a motor launch to the 7th century sculptures of manifestation of Shiva.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of Mumbai city visiting Prince of Wales Museum (closed on Mondays), Fish Aquarium, Jain Temples, Hanging Gardens on the slopes of Malabar Hills offering nice view of Marine Lines and Chowpatty Beach, Kamla Nehru Park and Marine drive.Overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 16 DEPART MUMBAI
   

In time departure transfer to the airport to board your flight back home.

  END OF THE TOUR
FLIGHT SCHEDUELS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
CHECK-IN/OUT TIME AT THE HOTELS IS 12 NOON


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