Hey, I am confused where to go for bird watching in India.Can you please help?

“Hello.. Is this Asian Adventures? I’m planning to do some birding in India. It would be my first time visiting and I’m not that familiar. I’d like to know what you can suggest.”

“Good morning. Well we actually have a lot of birding tours available. But since it is your first time, might I suggest North India?”

“North India? Won’t that just be the endless fields they show in Bollywood movies? I don’t think I’d get much birding done there.”

“Well actually ma’am, our tour does visit a variety of areas. You have the opportunity to see wetland birds in Bharatpur, Indian Skimmers at Chambal, and then Himalayan birds in Pangot. We also have a visit to Corbett National Park, where you can see tigers, elephants, Great Hornbills, and so much more!”

“Hmmm… sounds good. But let me be honest… How fruitful is this tour going to be? I’ve got quite a big target list. I went on a tour once and the local guy didn’t know anything.”

“All of our birding tours are handcrafted to give you the best possible results. If you let us know your specific target list, the tour can be modified in order to get you as many species as possible. And you don’t need to worry about our guides. They’re highly familiar with the destinations, so I can ensure you that you will have the best possible sightings.”

“Well that’s comforting. Will there be much walking or trekking involved? I’m afraid my body doesn’t keep up with my enthusiasm.”

“Ma’am, I can guarantee that both your travel and accommodation will be comfortable. With regard to your physical restrictions, our local guides will assist you as best they can, and accommodation and birding sites will be chosen accordingly.”

“And what kind of photography can I get done? It would be a shame to come all the way and have no photographs to remember the trip.”

“If it’s birds or animals you’d like to photograph, our guides will make sure that you get the best opportunities to click your targets. May I add that you can get some spectacular shots of the landscapes as well? The Himalayan views on the way to Pangot are especially great.”

“Thanks a lot for your help. This does sound interesting. I think I’ll definitely consider it.”

“You’re most welcome ma’am. If you have any more queries, do feel free to contact us.”

 

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Birding at Sultanpur Flats – The Kingdom Of Black Partridge

birding_holidays_india

Far away from the hustle of mankind, there exists a separate world where birds chirp their way to happiness. Birdwatching, a hobby that is increasingly becoming popular, is all about finding a quiet corner in the midst of nature and silently observing the birds go about their everyday business. Everything about birdwatching, from the chirping sounds to singing tunes, takes the mind closer to the soul, instantly filling you with happiness unbound.  So, what is the best part about being a bird watcher in India? You don’t have to look far, or burn a hole in your pocket. A weekend away from home is enough to learn all about birds and a few lessons about unity and diversity. India, a home to incredibly rich fauna, offers a lot of birding locations in all parts of the nation. Want to find out some birding locations near Delhi NCR –please come to Sultanpur Flats!!

Most people associate birds with forests. At the least, they expect a green area earmarked as a sanctuary, or a water body surrounded by greenery, like Haryana’s Sultanpur National Park. Yet, there is better birding to be had in the fallow and cultivated fields and scrubland behind the park that birders call Sultanpur Flats. And in a place not too far away from Sultanpur, Basai, near what is touted as the region’s next hot real estate zone, developments adjoining the Dwarka Expressway. 

There is even better birding to be had along a drainage canal in Najafgarh. The Aravalli Biodiversity Park, Basai, Sultanpur, Bhindawas, Dighal—all are probably hotspots in the Central Asian Flyway, a migratory path from Europe and Central Asia to the Indian peninsula that birds have been using for hundreds, maybe thousands of years. A few of the hotspots have become national parks. Many are privately owned agricultural land or commons. 

After a heavy shower last night in a pleasant cloudy morning myself, Mahesh and Pawan started from Akshardham Temple to meet and pickup a very enthusiastic birder from London Ms. Emma Juxon from Holiday Inn, Aero city, Delhi for Dawn To Dusk Birding.  As we reach at hotel informed her regarding our arrival, after few moments she came down and meet us at hotel lobby. We welcome her with warm Indian style greetings that is “Namaste” and welcome to INDIA. Than we started our journey towards Sultanpur Flat  Area – Paradise of Birds. As soon as we started we informed Mr. Sanjay who is our senior naturalist based at Jhanjraula Village adjoined to Sultanpur National Park area about our  estimated time of arrival. Which is 55 minuets from Holiday Inn. On the way we shared the birding experience with Ms. Emma  who has already 6000+ birds in her book came first time in India and every birds will be lifer for her on that particular day of birding. So we started to show her every birds on the way like House crow, bank myna, black kite, house sparrow and other commoners.


After 55 minuets journey we reached the exit point of village where Mr. Sanjay is already waiting for us, after a small introduction session with Ms. Emma we proceed to near by village to see the  weaving process of nesting of Baya Weavers . After spending round about 15 minuets to see the process which was really delightful we proceed to flats area for the show stopper bird from last few weeks in NCR that is “RAIN QUAIL”, on route Ms. Emma enjoyed the view of Indian Village Culture like Mud houses, Cows, Buffalo’s etc. On route we are lucky to see the state bird of Haryana Black Patridge aka Black Francolin (Local Name Kala Titar) with macho sings a automated Ram Tere Kudrat from a mound. In that same area we found Grey Patridge, Indian bush Larks, Kotwal- The Black Drongo and a pair of Wire Tailed Swallow justified their name  sitting on a Electrical Wire. 

As soon as we enter the flat area  adventure started when  our car stucked in muddy field. After tried hardly by all of us when we failed to come out from problem we came to see the kindness & dedication of care ness towards their guest by local people, at first Mr. Sanjay called up some local people to join the rescue operation. Some of Delhi birders who are already in that area for birding also came to help us to overcome from situation, but due to wet soil we are unable to do the same so finally Mr. Sanjay went to request the village farmer who is already doing the farming work with tractor to help us and as usual he showed his kindness and came for rescue the car, in between that Ms. Emma, Mahesh & me we all are searching for  Rain Quails by walking. There was call of quails coming from every where and due to our foot step noise 02 of then flew away and we had a chance to see beauty of the bird and flying pattern. Here we found another small beauty Zitting Cisticola purged on a tall grass.  As soon as car got rescue we started our birding and saw a big flock of  greater flamingo, black breasted weaver, common babblers, bengal bushlark and many more. Within 15 minuets time we are lucky to find the  show stopper bird – RAIN QUAIL coming out from bush. After giving 5 to 7 minuets display he again entered to the other bush. Than we proceed for the other side of flats, on the way we had our home made breakfast and fresh fruits which we carried with us from Delhi. We enjoyed hot tea in a clean and hygienic road side Dhaba. 

After breakfast we proceed for other part of flats, on the way we saw a flock of Wire tailed swallow justified their name as siting on electrical wire, a solo black winged kite looking for his prey and a Knob billed duck continuously forging surrounded by waders. The most beautiful things to watch that all birds are in breeding plumage. On our way back to explore the back side village area of Sultanpur National Park we saw a house of Spotted Owlet  (04 Numbers) and a family of Indian Thick Knee. 

While going towards the famous Stoliczka’s Bushchat point I personally disappoint to see that the pond on right side which is very famous for Ducks, Painted Snipe and more was empty. Continue to explore the flat we saw Grey Backed Shrike, Scaly breasted munia and many more. Before lunch we explored the part of Najafgarh  Jheel & Chandu (Near water filter plant area). At Najafgarh we saw round about 100o+ Oriental Pratincoles on flight and a beautiful nest of Indian golden oriole with chicks, it was really a pleasant sighting.  

For Lunch we reached at Rosy Pelican Restaurant which is adjoint to Sultanpur National Park. They served hot & excellent Indian food. Ms. Emma really enjoyed the Charcoal oven grilled chicken (Tandoori Chicken) with Butter Naan. After having the nice meal we proceed for second half birding at Aravali Bio Diversity Park, Gurgaon.  

About The Park: 

Aravali Biodiversity Park, Gurgaon is an absolute hidden gem right in the heart of the city. It is spread over 153 hectares in a rocky terrain and is situated very near to Guru Dronacharya metro station. The park in the 90s was used as mining quarries which resulted had in serious degradation of native flaura and fauna species. In 2010, the park was restored by a group of citizens called “IAmGurgaon”. It is said that currently the park has 160 species of native plants and over 175 bird species along with few other small vertebrates species. No wonder, this is one of the best places in Gurgaon for nature lovers! 

After reaching  at park we waited for round about 45 minuets due to  heavy rain. As soon rain stop we started  for explore the park area and welcomed by White eared bulbul and a pair of pied cuckoo. After 15 minuets walk we reach at Savana Night Jar Point, there we saw the hide and seek chasing between Dogs & and Indian hare, enjoyed the full show how hare makes the dogs fool and ran away.  

Now the time for going back to our nest we started heading back to parking area, hey wait…….. still its not end of the day just before 500 meters from the gate A bird flew away with red billed guess what , It was Sirkeer Malkoha. After watching the bird for 10 minuets we ended our a great day of birding.  

We reached at Hotel Shanti Palace which was pre booked for Ms. Emma and after done the check in procedure we see off each other.   End of a great and fruitful day of birding.

Please find the below list for the birds we sighted and heard… 

1.      Black francolin  

2.      Grey francolin 

3.      Rain quail  

4.      Lesser whistling Duck  

5.      Knob billed duck  

6.      Indian spot billed duck  

7.      Little Grebe  

8.      Greater flamingo  

9.      Red napped ibis 

10.   Black headed ibis  

11.   Indian pond heron 

12.   Cattle egret  

13.   Intermediate egret  

14.   Great cormorants  

15.   Little cormorants  

16.   Black kite  

17.   Black winged kite 

18.   White eye buzzard  

19.   White breasted waterhen 

20.   Barred button quail  

21.   Purple Swamp hen  

22.   Common moorhen  

23.   Eurasian coot 

24.   Indian thick knee 

25.   Black winged stilt  

26.   Yellow Wattled lapwing  

27.   Red Wattled  Lapwing 

28.   Ruff 

29.   Black tailed godwit  

30.   Wood sandpiper  

31.   Common sandpiper  

32.   Little stint  

33.   Oriental Pratincole  

34.   Rock pigeon  

35.   Eurasian collard dove 

36.   Red Turtle Dove 

37.   Laughing Dove 

38.   Rose ringed parakeet  

39.   Jacobin cuckoo  

40.   Asian koel  

41.   Greater coucal 

42.   Spotted owlets  

43.   Indian roller  

44.   Common hoopoe 

45.   White Throated kingfisher  

46.   Green Bee eater  

47.   Blue chucked bee eater  

48.   Long tailed shrike  

49.   Bay  back  

50.   Southern Grey  

51.   Black drongo 

52.   Indian golden oriole 

53.   House crow  

54.   Plain Martin  

55.   Wire tailed swallow  

56.   Streak throated  swallow 

57.   Red rumped  swallow 

58.   Indian Bushlatk  

59.   Bengal bushlark 

60.   Crested lark 

61.   White eared bulbul  

62.   Red vented bulbul  

63.   Graceful prinia  

64.   Ashy prinia 

65.   Plain prinia 

66.   Zitting cisticola  

67.   Striated babbler  

68.   Common babbler  

69.   Jungle babbler  

70.   Large grey babbler  

71.   Bank Myna  

72.   Common Myna  

73.   Asian pied starling  

74.   Rosy starling  

75.   Indian Robin  

76.   Oriental Magpie Robin 

77.   Pied bush chat  

78.   Brown Rock chat  

79.   Purple Sunbird  

80.   House Sparrow  

81.   Sind Sparrow  

82.   Yellow throated petronia  

83.   Black breasted weaver  

84.   Baya weaver 

85.   Indian silverbill 

86.   Scaly breasted Munia  

87.   Paddy field pipit 

88.    Indian peafowl 

89.   Blyth’s Reed warblers  

90.   Sirkeer Malkoha  

91.   Blue tailed bee eater  

 

North India Birding Tour- Food

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Someone has rightly said that without culinary art the crudeness of reality would be unbearable. Food is a reflection of art and experiments filling your palate with a delectable meal. All it takes is one satisfactory bite to liberate oneself from the stress and tensions. Every cuisine that has emerged on this planet is either a consequence of a story or an outcome of climate and topographic conditions. India is one such country that offered some of the prolific dishes to the world. If the smokey flavor of Chicken Tikka can tantalize your taste buds, the wide variety of desserts can surely please your sweet cravings.

In the upcoming North India Birding Tour, besides getting a feast of the diverse avian life settled in this part of the globe you will be exposed to the amazing diversity of Indian Gastronomy. Indian Curries are one of the favorites amongst the travel enthusiasts. The tempering of spices not only enhances the gravy but it also enriches the food with medicinal benefits, perhaps that’s why curries are often prepared across the length and breadth of India. 

Delhi- the heartland of India is intertwined with several primitive streets of Chandani Chawk, Chawri Bazar, and Daryaganj. The aroma rising from the restaurants perched over these streets talk volumes about the glorious era of Mughal Period- where people enjoyed eating Chicken Curry with Afgani Naan and Tandoori Roti. Majnu Ka Tila, a small colony established for the persecuted Tibetian Community has become a hub for the mouthwatering Tibetian cuisine like Thupka, Lhaphing, Momos, and Sizzlers. 

 

Although Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is feted as the largest breeding ground for migratory species. The place is one of the best destinations to try out mouthwatering Laal Maas- a meat curry that is only made of chilies and mostly cooked for Royals during their hunting days

Mounting up in the hills of Uttarakhand will not only unlock the undisturbed colonies of the rare Himalayan species but it will also give a taste of the scrumptious Pahari cuisine. Sisunak Saak, Kafuli, Bhang Chutney, and Sana Hua Nimbu Mooli are the must-try dishes when making sojourns in these tranquil Himalayan hamlets.  During spring blooming flower of Rhododendrons is used for making syrup, locally popular as Barunsh Flower Juice. They are a great substitute for Tetra Pack juices and a great antioxidant drink for your heart, liver, kidney, skin and you can also get a taste of the local Sula Wine that is quite amongst the locals.

Cottage Cheese popularly known as Panner is quite famous in every Indian Household. This is one cheese that can be easily fashioned into a spicy curry or delicious desserts such as  Kadai Paneer, Paneer Butter Masala, Matar Paneer, Shahi Paneer, Malai Kofta, Gulab Jamun, and Rasgulla. On any auspicious day, one of its items is always prepared for its mild milky flavor that enhances the taste and acts as a great substitute for non-veg items.

So while undertaking an adventurous journey to North India Birding Tour brace yourself with some exquisite Indian cuisine that will not only throw some light on its ancient civilization but also enhances your taste with the unique combination of spices. 

 

 

A Birding Trip to Northern India

sultanpur_bird_sanctuary

Day 1, 2: While day one is precisely about landing in New Delhi, India, the second day is actually when the fun began for the 15 tourists, whom Asian Adventures had decided to take out for a 14-day tour of the best birding regions of North India. On second day guests had an early morning breakfast and packed bags for Bharatpur the home to world-famous Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary. 

But before another birding adventure was waiting for them in New Delhi. Yes, not many are aware that the Sultanpur Sanctuary habitat, in this otherwise concrete jungle, constitutes a wetland Ecosystem that is rich in bird life. One can get over 70+ species in a day. So our tourists’ camera went on capturing BLACK-NECKED & PAINTED STORK, EGRETS & HERONS in large numbers, Kingfishers such as WHITE-THROATED, COMMON AND PIED, GREY HORNBILL, ALEXANDRINE PARAKEET, SARUS CRANE, SPOTTED OWLET and many more in the marshes, bogs and the grasslands house. The special one was Indian Courser.

And late morning I guided them to Bharatpur which was waiting for all 15 of them.

Day 3: BHARATPUR 

Before the Sunrise, we reach the Keoladeo National Park or the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary with cameras and food, water, etc packed up. Though there are various options for the tourists to explore the Sanctuary, but all 15 guests decided to explore the sanctuary on bicycles. And this mosaic of grasslands, woodlands, swamps and wetland…..the sanctuary offers more than 200 species of birds, 30+ species of mammals and species of snakes! The bird families in the park also include hundreds of aquatic birds that fly here in the winter months. So through the day, till evening their camera enjoyed the company of SARUS CRANES, SPOT-BILLED PELICANS, BAR-HEADED AND GREYLAG GEESE, MANY DUCKS, INDIAN SPOTTED AND WHITE-TAILED EAGLE, SHIKRA, MANY WADERS, WAGTAILS & WARBLERS, RED-THROATED FLYCATCHER, various species of LARKS, AND PIPITS. 

It is also a great place to watch mammals like the Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat, Nilgai, Sambar, and Wild Boar. 

Day 4: BHARATPUR TO CHAMBAL VIA AGRA

After an early morning breakfast and before heading of to Agra, we took the guests for birding outside the park. They saw SPOTBILL DUCK, COOT, PAINTED STORK, WHITE-EYE POCHARD, IBIS AND HERONS even near human inhabitations.

Late morning we drove the guests to Agra and at lunch arrived at Land of Taj Mahal.  They were surprised to know that the Taj Mahal is not just known for its marble beauty, but also rare birds at the rear side where the Yamuna flows. We saw over 50 birds – among them were four species of EGRETS, OPENBILL AND BLACK-NECKED STORKS, WHITE IBIS AND SPOONBILL…and ofcourse three species of HERONS. Post that we drove all fifteen of them to Chambal for a night stay and birding the next day.

Day 5: CHAMBAL SANCTUARY TO NOIDA

An early morning boat-ride at the Chambal is the best experience one can get at a river. And we at Asian Adventures really knows how to plan and execute its birding tours. River Chambal is one of the country’s most beautiful and least polluted river of India. So the birding thrill includes spotting the large nesting colonies of the rare INDIAN SKIMMER, BLACK-BELLIED TERN, Flocks of migratory WATERFOWL, various species of CRANES feeding nearby. We captured COMMON, DEMOISELLE and SARUS CRANE in our camera. Not just that Chambal gave us beautiful views of Marsh Crocodiles (Muggers), Ghariyal (Fish-eating Crocodile), a few species Turtles. What more! Susan Sara from New York was delighted to spot the highly endangered Gangetic River Dolphins. 

Post lunch we took on the road trip to Noida where the guests spend the night, before they head to meet the Tigers and more birds at the Corbett National Park in the Himalayan Foothills.


Day 06-08-NOIDA TO CORBETT WITH THREE NIGHT STAY AT CORBETT 

Noida to Jim Corbett National Park is an about six-hour road-trip. Arrival at the Jim Corbett National Park is around lunch. After a tummy- full of tasty Kumaoni Cuisines, the guests relax for a while. Corbett is best traversed via a Jeep Safari early morning and evening, with a lunch-break by the river. So the main trip here actually begins the next day. I took them for Birding in evening by the Kosi River where they shot amazing glimpses of BLACK FRANCOLIN, PURPLE CRIMSON SUNBIRD and saw the majestic flight of MOUNTAIN HAWK-EAGLE. Some 600 species of birds dwell here, especially in the migratory season of Indian winters. So the Joyne Paul from Miami and his wife were the most excited of the lot…with the idea of spending the next two days here! After a short birding tour, all of us returned to the resort which nestles in thick jungles. And thus a hub of easily spotted LONG-TAILED NIGHTJAR, JUNGLE OWLET, SPOT-BELLIED OWL, etc. 

The next two days were spent spotting and camera-capturing more than 100 species of birds. I will list a few. BRISTLED GRASSBIRD, GOLDEN-FRONTED ORANGE-BELLIED LEAFBIRD, HEN HARRIER, SLATY-HEADED PARAKEETS, RUSSET SPARROW, MAROON ORIOLE, WHITE-TAILED NUTHATCHES, CHESTNUT BELLIED NUTHATCHES AND BAR-TAILED TREECREEPER. You may also be able to spot a few mammals like Barking Deer, Jackal etc. from a distance. The highlights were Royal Bengal Tiger and a small herd of Asian Elephant. We also did have a glimpse of King Cobra slithering into the grass.

DAY 9: CORBETT TO PANGOT

The final morning at Corbett begins with a quick trip to the nearby forests for some last minute birding and then an early breakfast. Post that I take the guests to Pangot by road – a tiny hamlet yet a big birding paradise just 15 km away from Nainital. And it is about five-hour drive from Jim Corbett National Park.

Driving into Pangot is like stepping into a remote Himalayan village. The entire drive is through the Oaks and Pines of the China Peak Range via Snow View Point and beside the Kilbury Bird Sanctuary. Pangot – the birdwatchers’ paradise has 250+ species of birds in and around. And even the places you stay offer you great bird-view since they are nestled amid thick forests. The RED-BILLED BLUE MAGPIE will be seen play hide and seek amid these serene environs. Thus on the first day itself (post lunch) I took the group to the nearby jungles for a short birding. We saw CRESTED SERPENT MOUNTAIN HAWK & BLACK EAGLE, VARIOUS VARIETIES OF WOODPECKERS LIKE THE BROWN-FRONTED, STRIPE-BREASTED, RUFOUS-BELLIED etc. And on their return to the lodge all of them laughed and enjoyed the sounds of LAUGHING THRUSHES. 

DAY 10, 11: PANGOT

Kalpen Suan from Mississauga told me that he had no words to explain the birding experience at Pangot. After all this region is not a destination, but a celebration of winged creatures both big and small. So, be it the Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, The Woodpecker Point or more – Pangot is Birders’ Den par excellence! And all 15 of the tourist had a bird-blast here – if I put it in their words!

In the two days that they spent here, I guided them to the birding trails that extend right from the lodge to Timla Pani, Ghughu Khan, Kilbury Bird Sanctuary and on to the China Peak.

I also took them to the Woodpecker Point around Pokhara Dhar, one of the most reliable birding spots of the region, just two kilometer away from Pangot. It is off the main road which leads to Kilbury Sanctuary. The region has a shallow pool or Pokhar where you can easily find BROWN-FRONTED AND GREY-HOODED WOODPECKERS, as well as the LUMINOUS MAROON ORIOLE and jewel-like blue VERDITER FLYCATCHER. Another point famous for easy birding is the Pangot Nala. You have to come down on the main road from Pokhara Dhar and head towards Kilbury. One kilometer ahead, you will find Pangot Nala which is a small gushing stream. Pangot is also a perfect place to spot BLACK-THROATED THRUSHES, COMMON STONECHATS, SLATY-HEADED PARAKEET, RED-BILLED BLUE MAGPIE, STREAKED LAUGHINGTHRUSH, RUSSET SPARROW AND YELLOW-BREASTED GREENFINCH.

But the highlights of the birding trip at Pangot were Pheasants like CHEER, KOKLAS AND KHALIJ. And also a by-chance spotting of GREY-CROWNED PRINIA! I thanked heaven for it, since being a guide, I myself rarely get a glimpse of this bird! 

Towards the evening each day I would personally look out for SPOTTED FORKTAILS, LONG-BILLED THRUSHES AND BROWN-WOOD OWLS (sleeping in their nests) and take the guests for the glimpses. It is sheer fun for me as well, despite being in the industry for fifteen years. The third and last night at Pangot calls to retire early since the finale birding tour of the region starts with daybreak the next day, before heading to Sattal. 

Day 12,13: PANGOT TO SATTAL FOR TWO DAY BIRDING

After a finale early morning birding experience at Pangot, we headed the guests in jeeps to Sattal which is just an hour away from Pangot. But we took three hours to reach, since our I would stop the convoy for the briders as and when I would spot a new bird species! 

Sattal –  is an interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes. Sattal is at a lower altitude….thus having its own birds which thrive in and amid the orchards in the Mehragaon valley. Heaven for naturalists, birders and photographers alike, these forests are literally pulsating with life with constant sweet chirping of birds. The mesmerizing avian fauna includes over 500 species’ unique assortment. 

So the coming days here were spent introducing these avid birders to the GREAT BARBET, BLUE-THROATED BARBET, STREAKED / STRIATED / RUFOUS-CHINNED LAUGHINGTHRUSH, EURASIAN JAY, BROWN WOOD OWL, CRESTED KINGFISHER, HIMALAYAN WOODPECKER AND PYGMY WOODPECKER.

Other avid birders who were with us on this trip, caught amazing shots of BABBLERS, TITS, THRUSHES AND WOODPECKERS in their cameras along-with adding some colors through RUFOUS-BELLIED NILTAVA, MRS. GOULD’S SUNBIRD, BLUE-THROATED BARBET, RED-BILLED LEIOTHRIX, RUFOUS-CHINNED LAUGHINGTHRUSH, BLACK-HEADED JAY, PINK-BROWED ROSEFINCH, CHESTNUT-TAILED MINLA – just to name a few. 

Sattal is also the land of raptors, so I showed them PEREGRINE FALCON, MOUNTAIN HAWK EAGLE, CRESTED GOSHAWK, VULTURES, SLENDER-BILLED AND THEIR CHIEF THE LAMMERGEIER. 

Day two at sattal was about exploring the birds at Chaafi. The birders were not only lucky to photograph TAWNY FISH OWL resting in the nest but also the Fire-fronted Serin chasing some other birds. Post lunch I took them to Sattal Lake, once again to sit at a place called the Sattal studio – a magical place to sit with your camera or binoculars and watch the birds come to bathe in both summers and winters.

And since time permitted, post lunch all of us – birders and guides – had a picnic-cum-birding tour at Maheshkhan – a place of calm and solitude within the dense forest. The overall trip was coming to and end, with the memories making me nostalgic. I had made great friends on this trip. And at the finale night, we all set together at  the bonfire where I made all the birders exchange notes and share their past birding experiences in life. 

Serena Shan from New York told me, “Life was beautiful in these last two weeks and I would miss it when I reach home.” And compliments like these do us proud at Asian Adventures.

DAY 13: SATTAL TO DELHI

The penultimate day was about ensuring that the birders double-check their belongings and pack them well with all documents required. After an early morning finale birding time in Sattal, they are supposed to head back to New Delhi. 

On the finale birding trip, I took them to the opposite side of the Sattal Lake which we they not visited before. This time they had brilliant shots of a cute family of RUFOUS-BREASTED ACCENTOR in the nest, flocks of GREATER YELLOW-NAPED FLAMEBACK, FEW SPECKLED PICULET resting on a tree and of course the very captivating Golden Bush Robin that gave a perfect pose into the camera! 

It was late morning when we all left to Delhi .

Day 14: DEPARTURE FROM DELHI

For the guests who have a late night flight, we provide cabs and guides at a extra cost for sightseeing in New Delhi. Some of them also wish for a quick tour of the Okhla Bird Sanctuary. So we arrange that too. 

North India Birding

khalij_peasant

With 33 versions of this tried-and-tested tour available this year, the North India Bird and Wildlife Tour suits different people with varied interests. A great variety of animals and birds awaits you, with the chance for you to pick the version that best suits your schedule and interests.

Our guided birdwatching and wildlife tour takes you to the best birding sites of North India, such as Sultanpur National Park, Keoladeo Ghana National Park (more popularly known as Bharatpur), the National Chambal Sanctuary (home to the highly endangered Gharial), the Himalayan Foothills near Nainital, and the Corbett National Park, regarded as the best Tiger Reserve of Uttarakhand. You also have the opportunity of adding Ranthambhore National Park for a well-rounded experience of the region.

This tour encompasses all the varied landscapes and experiences that North India has to offer. These varied landscapes also give you the chance to see over 350 species of birds, such as Great Hornbill, Kalij Pheasant, Long-tailed Broadbill, Tawny Fish Owl, Cheer Pheasant, Ibisbill, Indian Skimmer, Black-bellied Tern, and Sarus Crane, and many iconic mammal species such as Tiger, Leopard, Asian Elephant, Golden Jackal, and Indian Muntjac.

Expertly-guided safaris and birdwatching trails, comfortable accommodation, and a great natural diversity will ensure that you will get the chance to fill your memories and photo albums for years to come!