Asia and Pacific

India | Birding and Wildlife

Duration:
16 Days
Price:
From $5,895
Interests:
Birding
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Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
Jungle Babbler in Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Tiger in Kanha National Park
The Khajuraho temples are a UNESCO world heritage site
Lesser Whistling Duck at Kanha National Park
Qutab Minar
Rashtrapati Bhavan, home of the president of India
Sloth bear in Bandhavgarh National Park
Siberian Crane in Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Organize This Trip
Organize This Trip

About this trip

Explore the birds of India while journeying through the variety of landscapes this intriguing country has to offer. This 16 day adventure will provide insight into the unique avian species of India. From the rare Indian Skimmer to the migratory Siberian Cranes, there will be opportunities to observe an array of species including pelicans, spoonbills, darters, cormorants and more. This adventure includes a mix of boat tours, rickshaw rides, nature hikes and jungle safaris, designed to enrich your understanding of the natural and cultural history while witnessing the exotic birds of India.

Highlights

  • Take a rickshaw ride through the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, which is home to more than 400 species of birds.
  • Visit renowned landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the Laxminarayan Temple.
  • Keep an eye out for the rare Indian Skimmer, marsh crocodiles, and Ganges river dolphin while cruising on a river safari along the Chambal River.
  • Witness some of the 150 bird species of the Bandhavgarh National Park while on a jungle safari in a 4x4 open Jeep.
  • Enjoy a boat ride through the wetlands of Bharatpur to witness the heronries.
  • Explore the grassy plains of Kanha National Park, home to tigers, chitals, leopards, and a variety of avian species.
11 Travelers

$5,895

Land Cost

Group size

Book 10 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

13 Travelers

$6,150

Land Cost

Group size

Book 12 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

What makes us different

Custom-tailored trips

We can customize your itinerary so that it’s the ideal match for your interests, travel dates, and budget

Support local communities

We work with local guides and organizations so your trip includes authentic cultural experiences while supporting the economy of the region

Sustainable travel

We believe travel should have a positive impact on the world. We are committed to maintaining responsible travel practices and partner with ClimateSafe to provide carbon offsetting.

Expert guides

We take pride in hiring local guides who are carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the field

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with arranging the flights for your group if desired

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
U.S.
Day 1
Depart the U.S. for your overnight flight to India.
Delhi
Day 2
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and taken to your hotel. Please note that this is an arrival day and no activities or meals are included.
NONE included
The Claridges, Deluxe
Delhi
Day 3
After breakfast enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the walled city, Old Delhi, and the cosmopolitan New Delhi. In Old Delhi, visit Jama Masjid and have the opportunity to ride in a rickshaw. New Delhi is a city known for its formal parks, magnificent Parliament Building, the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the official home of India’s president), and the India Gate. In New Delhi visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar, the 73-meter-high tower dating back to the 13th century.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
The Claridges, Deluxe
Bharatpur
Day 4
After breakfast, begin your transfer to Bharatpur (approximately five hours). Upon arrival to Bharatpur, check in at the hotel and transfer to Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Here you can spot a wide variety of animals, including three types of wild cat (jungle cat, leopard cat, and fishing cat), sambar, chital, blackbuck, nilgai, and wild boar, among many others. The sanctuary is also home to a variety of reptiles and is home to more than 400 species of birds. The most prominent birds are the migratory Siberian Crane, the Grey Heron, pelicans, cranes, ibis, spoonbills, egrets, darters, cormorants, storks, ducks, eagles, hawks, pipits, warblers, wheatears, wagtails, flycatchers, buntings, larks, shanks, and stints. During the afternoon, explore the park by rickshaw/boat ride (boat ride is subject to water level in the lake).
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Laxmi Niwas Palace, Charming
Bharatpur
Day 5
This morning set out on an optional boat ride in the wetlands to see the heronries. Today spend a full day birding with your expert guide.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Laxmi Niwas Palace, Charming
Chambal
Day 6
This morning transfer to Chambal Safari Lodge with an en route stop to the city of Fatehpur Sikri and the Buland Darwaza, or "Gate of Magnificence." Arrive in Chambal in time for lunch and check in at the lodge. The Chambal Valley is a world far removed from the chaotic madness of modern Indian cities. A birdwatcher’s paradise, the sanctuary currently boasts 264 species of resident and migratory birds including large numbers of the rare Indian Skimmer, Great Thick-knee, Small Pratincole, and lapwings. The Chambal is also home to marsh crocodiles (also known as muggers), gharials (or gavials), eight species of turtles, smooth-coated otters, and the rare and endangered Ganges river dolphin. This afternoon go birding around the lodge’s property and along the bank of Chambal River.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Mela Kothi Chambal Safari Lodge
Agra
Day 7
This morning enjoy a river safari on the Chambal River. Afterwards, begin your transfer to Agra. Here you will visit Agra Fort, a massive structure with 70-foot-high, 1.5-mile-long walls encompassing an astounding collection of well-preserved buildings. Next visit the Taj Mahal at sunset. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his wife that took 22 years to complete. Apart from its stunning design and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens, and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
ITC Mughal, COE
Khajuraho
Day 8
Transfer to the railway station to board your train to Jhansi. Upon arrival, proceed to Orchha. In this medieval city, palaces and temples built in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. In the Laxminarayan Temple and Raj Mahal, vibrant murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes bring the walls and ceilings to rich life. After lunch at Orchha, transfer to Khajuraho. Khajuraho is well-known for its magnificent temples built between 950 and 1050 A.D.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Radisson Jass
Bandhavgarh
Day 9
This morning enjoy a tour of Kamasutra Temples, followed by an early lunch and an afternoon drive to Bandhavgarh (approximately five hours). Upon arrival, check in at the lodge. Bandhavgarh National Park is set amongst the Vindhya Hills in Madhya Pradesh and is home to at least 150 species of birds, as well as mammals such as tigers, sloth bears, langur monkeys, wild boars, mongooses, and three different species of deer: chital, sambar and barking deer. The rest of the evening will be at leisure.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge
Bandhavgarh
Day 10
Depart early this morning for your jungle safari accompanied by a resident naturalist and forest park guides in 4x4 Jeeps. After lunch continue your jungle safari before returning to the lodge for evening tea and time to relax.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge
Bandhavgarh
Day 11
Go on a morning and afternoon safari in an open 4x4 Jeep.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge
Kanha
Day 12
Early this morning, set out on a jungle safari. After breakfast transfer to Kanha (approximately six to seven hours). Enjoy the scenery while you drive through the rural countryside and colorful towns and villages before stopping at Mandla, the sacred city of the Gond tribe. After a picnic lunch continue your transfer to Kanha. Kanha National Park is located on the Chota Nagpur Plateau in Madhya Pradesh and provides 366 square miles of breathtaking views of grassy plains and Sal forests. The park offers the chance to see a variety of species, including tigers, leopards, chital, gaur, barking deer, sambar, and the endangered barasingha deer.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Kanha Jungle Lodge
Kanha
Day 13
Depart early this morning for a jungle safari, accompanied by a resident naturalist and forest park guides in 4x4 Jeeps. After a picnic breakfast in the jungle enjoy the rest of the morning at leisure to go for a nature walk or participate in a cooking demonstration. After lunch go on another safari by 4x4 open Jeep.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Kanha Jungle Lodge
Kanha
Day 14
Morning and afternoon safari in an open 4x4 Jeep.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Kanha Jungle Lodge
Farewell!
Day 15
Begin your morning with a game drive in the park. After lunch proceed to the city of Jabalpur to board a flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for the opportunity to freshen up before returning to the airport for your flight back to the U.S
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Radisson Blu (day room)
Arrival
Day 16
Arrive home to the United States.
11 Travelers

$5,895

Land Cost

Group size

Book 10 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

13 Travelers

$6,150

Land Cost

Group size

Book 12 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

What's Included
  • Accommodations with private bathrooms
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Carbon Offset
  • Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
  • Rail tickets relevant to itinerary
  • Full time guide for the duration of your program
What's Not Included
  • International flights
  • Tips
  • Trip cancellation coverage
  • Visa fees
Pricing Details

Rates are based on double occupancy for participants.

Complimentary leader accommodations are based on share occupancy; leaders of same gender are expected to share rooms.

Prices are valid for travel from Aug 1, 2018 - May 15, 2019. Holiday surcharges may apply.

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter India. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry.

A visa is required to enter India. For tourism visits not exceeding 30 days, U.S. citizens may apply for an electronic travel authorization at least four days prior to arrival. Visas are not available upon arrival in India, and if you arrive without the correct visa it is possible that you will be deported immediately.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Indian Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting India.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to India are at moderate risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Resources

Print Resources

Suggested Packing List

To help you get ready for your expedition, below is a suggested packing list. You may find many of these items in our Gear Store, plus many clothing and accessory items.

CLOTHING

  • T-shirts
  • Lightweight rain jacket or poncho, windbreaker
  • Comfortable walking shoes or boots
  • Rafting sandals/flip-flops
  • Swimwear
  • Wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Sarongs/shorts
  • Long-sleeved neutral-colored shirts for general wear (useful with pockets)
  • Long neutral-colored pants/trousers for protection from mosquitos
  • Socks/underwear

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Sports bag or side-loading daypack
  • Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
  • 20-litre daypack, for keeping everyday items handy
  • Penknife
  • Field guides/pocket language guide
  • Water bottle - 32 fl. oz.
  • Good quality sunglasses, preferably polarized
  • Binoculars
  • Camera and related equipment, such as
  • charger, tripod, lenses, memory cards
  • Wash-kit/toiletries
  • Notepad, pens, reading material
  • Drawstring bags and plastic re-sealable bags to protect items from dust
  • Small travel alarm/watch

In addition to your toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare and carry in your day pack. Helpful items include bandages, mosquito repellant wipes, antihistamine, a pain-reliever, individually-wrapped moist wipes, anti-diarrhea medicine, anti-fungal cream, antibiotic ointment and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them. 

Please note: It is advisable not to wear black or blue, as this attracts flies and mosquitos.

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Gustafson India Photo Safari: Day 1
The following posts are a day-to-day journal, written by Todd Gustafson, on his Gustafson Photo Safari to India this year. Day One Today was the first day of travel in the Gustafson Photo Safari.
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