North India Birding and Culture Tour (15 Days; # 151; owlet)

• 15 Days
• Mixed & General Interest
• Non Birding Partner

Okhla Bird Sanctuary
Far from the humdrum existence and chaotic fast-paced life of Metropolis, Okhla Bird Sanctuary offers respite and provides solace to the residents of the capital city of Delhi along with those of Uttar Pradesh. Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a favourite among birdwatchers. Okhla Bird Sanctuary is situated right on the Yamuna river between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. It is located in Noida, Gautam Budh Nagar District of the state of Uttar Pradesh. Sanctuary is one of the fifteen bird sanctuaries of the state and a haven for water birds, spreads over an area of four square km on the Yamuna. It is home to more than 200 bird species and beautiful plants. The diversity of migratory birds can only be witnessed if one learns to develop an eye for birds. Visitors can expect White-rumped vulture, Indian vulture (both of these are critically endangered) along with vulnerable species like Baikal Teal, Baer’s Pochard, Sarus Crane and Sociable Lapwing. Ferruginous Pochard, Grey headed Fish Eagle can also be sighted in the Okhla Bird Sanctuary. Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Western Marsh Harrier along with Pied Avocet, Blue Throat to name a few.

Sat Tal
At Sat Tal, the habitat offers species such as White-crested Laughingthrush, Rufousgorgeted Flycatcher, Red-billed Leothrix, Siberian Rubythroat, Rock Bunting, etc. This scattered and forested area is one of the most pleasant destinations. Look for Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Greater Yellow-naped Flameback, Speckled Piculet, Golden Bush Robin 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, Basra, 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.

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

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

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.

Highlights