Birds and Wildlife of North India with Ranthambhor(12 Days; # 482; khalij)

• 12 days

Ranthambhor National Park
Ranthambhor is a magical place full of romance of the wilds and intrigue of history. Once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur and the British, it was declared the Sawai Madhopur Wildlife Sanctuary in 1955 and a National Park in 1980. A famous Ganesh temple within the old fort inside park is still visited by worshippers walking through the forest. The tigers here have been reputed to be fearless of human company and are often seen during the daytime, hence increasing the sightings and popularity among visitors.
The days are dedicated to exploring Ranthambor more. We will take you for an afternoon drive in a 4WD to the park for tiger-tracking and animal viewing. Regardless of animal sightings, there is something magically peaceful and tranquil about a safari journey, the opportunity to be at one with nature, surrounded by beautiful scenery is hard to beat.
Along with the scheduled morning and afternoon safaris, you can explore the ancient Ranthambore Fort on whose name the National Park has been named, Ganesh Temple and the Jogi Mahal which is the home to the country’s second largest Banyan tree and offers stunning views of the Padam Talo, pond with lilies blooming. A visit to the local village may also be a good option for those interested. Art lovers must also visit the Ranthambore school of Art for the wildlife paintings created by local artists. The school contributes towards tiger conservation.

Keoladeo National Park
Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Rajasthan was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985. It was one of the most outstanding wetland reserves in Asia. Especially during the winters, as monsoons refill the shallow marshes, it attracts thousands of waterfowl, herons, storks, cranes, waders, owls & raptors. Spotting scores of them together dotting the marshes is also an unforgettable visual treat. The compactness of the area makes it possible to see over a hundred species in a stay of just a few days. At Bharatpur, we will arrange a private cycle rickshaw guide for you to explore the park in a unique way.

National Chambal Sanctuary
River Chambal is one of the country’s most beautiful and least polluted river systems. The National Chambal Sanctuary was formed to protect this pristine river ecosystem. Over 290 species of resident and migratory bird species, including large nesting colonies of the rare Indian Skimmer, as well as Marsh Crocodiles (Muggers), Gharial (Gavials), eight species Turtles, and highly endangered Gangetic River Dolphin are found here. Best explored on boats, you will be impressed by the calm and serene beauty and the numerous sightings this river offers. The highlights usually are Indian skimmer, Black-bellied Tern, Flocks of migratory waterfowl, Cranes such as Common, Demoiselle and Sarus, etc.

Agra
A trip to India seems incomplete without a visit to the most iconic manmade structure in the world, the Taj Mahal, where we shall take you next. Built by Shah Jahan as the symbol for undying love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the sight of the white marble structure does take the breath away.

Note: Taj Mahal remains closed on every Friday

Corbett National Park
It was named in the honor of Jim Corbett, a legendary hunter-turned- conservationist, best known for hunting man-eating tigers and leopards in the 1920s. Corbett Park is a popular retreat for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. It provides a great opportunity for viewing wildlife, especially the tiger in its natural habitat. The mammals include the Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, 4 species of deer, Nilgai, Gharial, Wild Boar, Hedgehog, Common Musk Shrew, Flying Fox, Indian Pangolin, 3 species of Civets, Himalayan & Sloth Bear, Jackal & Red Fox, Smooth Indian Otter etc. The park is very rich in reptiles including King Cobra. Nearly 600 species of birds dwell here such Longtailed Nightjar, Jungle owlet, Spot-bellied Owl, Bristled Grassbird, Black Francolin, Purple & Crimson Sunbird, Golden-Fronted & Orange-Bellied Leafbird, Hen Harrier, Changeable & Mountain Hawk-Eagle, and many more etc.

Pangot
Pangot is a small hamlet in Uttarakhand which lies just 15 km from Nainital. Walking into Pangot is like stepping into a remote Himalayan village. This birdwatchers’ paradise has 250+ species of birds in and around as recorded by Jungle Lore Birding Lodge. This Lodge is India’s first and foremost birding lodge and has been key to birding success in the region.
The entire drive is through the forested area of Cheena Peak Range via Snow View Point and Kilbury, the main habitats for excellent birding. The forests of Pangot and surrounding areas are dominated by thick Oak, Pine and Rhododendron. The streams passing by the area makes it even more attractive place. Nainital covers the tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, sub-alpine zones.
One can see Crested Serpent, Mountain Hawk & Black Eagle. Woodpeckers are Brown-fronted, Stripe-breasted, Rufous-bellied etc. Thrushes are Dark-throated, Mistle, etc. Striated Prinia and a very rare Grey-crowned Prinia can be seen in the terraced fields. Warblers are Tickell’s Leaf, Greenish, Grey-hooded etc. Flycatchers are Asian Brown, Rusty-tailed, Ultramarine, Verditer. Rufous-bellied Niltava etc., Orange-flanked Blue Tail, Blue-capped Redstart.
Laughingthrushes such as Streaked, White-throated, Striated & Chestnut-crowned etc. Look for Upland Pipit, Blue-winged Minla, Whiskered Yuhina etc. Slaty-headed & Red-breasted Parakeet, Grey Bushchat, Long-tailed & Grey-backed Shrike, Common Kestrel, Besra, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush etc. Black-headed Jay, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Rufous Sibia are common birds here. Pheasants are Cheer, Koklas and Khalij. Rare species that can be seen here: Grey-crowned Prinia

Highlights