This group tour visits prime birdwatching and tiger sites, including Corbett National Park in the Himalayan foothills and Ranthambore, as well as the Taj Mahal and historic Bharatpur.
After two nights in Delhi, we travel to Corbett National Park, home to about half the birds on the Indian subcontinent as well as one of the world’s largest populations of tigers. We then head south to Bharatpur, one of the finest waterbird sanctuaries on the planet, with over 400 recorded species. We conclude with three nights in Ranthambore National Park, one of India’s most renowned tiger reserves and home to 300 bird species and mammals such as leopard, sloth bear and, of course, tiger.
Arriving in Delhi this morning, we transfer to our hotel in the city.
During our stay in Delhi, we visit the city’s key bird sanctuaries. Okhla Bird Sanctuary lies beside the Yamuna River, at the Okhla Barrage, and is recognised as a haven for over 300 species. We also visit Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, in the neighbouring state of Haryana, where around 250 species of birds may be found. Birds we may see between these sites include common hoopoe, paddyfield pipit, purple sunbird, grey and black francolins, Indian roller, white-throated kingfisher, Indian spot-billed duck, painted stork, rose-ringed parakeet, red-wattled lapwing, shikra, spotted owlet and green bee-eater. At Sultanpur we're also likely to see rhesus macaque, nilgai and five-striped palm-squirrel.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn, 2-nights
We leave Delhi early and drive (six to seven hours) to Corbett National Park, arriving in the afternoon, in time for our first jeep safari. India’s first national park is an important refuge for the wildlife of the southern Himalayan slopes and is renowned for its rich and varied mammal and reptile life – including one of the world's largest populations of tiger and the rare, bulbous-snouted gharial crocodile. It's home to more than 600 species of bird including great pied hornbill, tawny fish owl and, in winter, ibisbill. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the broad valley of the Ramganga River, Corbett offers superb submontane and riverine views.
Accommodation: Tiger Camp Resort, 4-nights
We take a final morning jeep ride, before leaving Corbett for our drive (around five to six hours) to the outskirts of Delhi.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Noida, 1-night
This morning, we travel from Delhi to Agra to explore the Indian cultural highlights of the Agra Fort and the iconic Taj Mahal. The impressive Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered the most important fort in India, from which the country was once governed. Built as a monument to love, the Taj Mahal is a visually impressive piece of architecture, with its marble exterior changing colour with the stages of the sun during the day.
Accommodation: Crystal Sarovar, 1-night on full board basis
Today we journey to Bharatpur and Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a Ramsar and UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important overwintering reserve for migratory birds. Notable species we may see include eastern imperial eagle, sarus crane and the elusive spotted creeper. Among the range of mammals we look for are chital, sambar and golden jackal.
Accommodation: Udai Vilas Palace, 1-night
We spend the next three days at Ranthambore National Park, best known for its tiger sightings but also home to a host of other mammals, which include leopard, sloth bear, rhesus macaque and wild boar. Birdlife is excellent here, with upward of 300 species recorded. We explore the different zones within the park, hoping for a diversity of wildlife, including the chance to see tigers in their natural jungle habitat.
Accommodation: Tiger Den Resort, 3-nights
We have an opportunity for one last jeep safari before taking the train to Delhi, where we transfer to our hotel and have dinner.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn, 1-night
Originally trained as a software engineer, Durgesh decided to leave the IT industry to follow his interest of travel and photography.
After receiving training as a guide at two internationally recognised hospitality companies, he developed a keen interest in wildlife and the natural world, leading him to the position of head naturalist for over five years at one of the premier lodges in Kanha National Park.
Corbett National Park lies at the base of the Himalayan foothills and it is this picturesque location that results in a rich variety of habitats from lush green forests to high valley ridges, sustaining a good population of mammals, including tigers and exceptional birdlife with over 620 species recorded. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Bharatpur consists of scrub, grassland and shallow wetland. A former duck-shooting reserve of the Maharajas, it became a national park in 1982 and is now recognised as one of the finest waterbird sanctuaries in the world, home to more than 300 species, including the gorgeous sarus crane. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Ranthambore National Park is renowned for its tigers and stunning scenery. The crumbling ruins of numerous temples and a hilltop fort, dry dhok forest and tranquil lakes evoke its princely splendour. There are good opportunities to see many mammals and is therefore a popular inclusion to an itinerary. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Occupying a peaceful setting in Bharatpur, the heritage-style Hotel Udai Vilas Palace offers 50 rooms and suites, all with private facilities, TV, air-conditioning and free WiFi. There’s a gym, pool and restaurant with great views of Rajasthhan's desert, and room service is also available. Find Out More about Udai Vilas Palace
British Travel Awards
Awarded Silver in Favourite Tour Operator for Nature & Wildlife 2024 & 2025
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Awarded Bronze in Best Travel Company for Wildlife & Nature Holidays 2024
