North India Bird Safari

Namaste! Welcome to India!
You will experience the many facets of this captivating capital—both the modern and the ancient—as you explore both New and Old Delhi.

Today, visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary—home to more than 300 bird species—with your naturalist. The sanctuary is a haven for water birds such as the painted stork and regularly holds over 20,000 of them in winter. Afterwards, discover New Delhi, including two UNESCO-recognized monuments: Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, from the 12th and 16th centuries respectively.

Today, visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary—home to more than 300 bird species—with your naturalist. The sanctuary is a haven for water birds such as the painted stork and regularly holds over 20,000 of them in winter. Afterwards, discover New Delhi, including two UNESCO-recognized monuments: Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, from the 12th and 16th centuries respectively.

On the way to Jaipur, you will visit Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. There are over 250 species here, including local birds as well as species from as far off as Siberia, Europe and Afghanistan, including the Siberian Cranes, Greater Flamingo, Common Teal, and Common Greenshank. After your tour of this area teeming with fascinating species, you’ll make your way to Jaipur, the famed Pink City.

Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Amber Fort, the mighty fortress that was once the centerpiece of the Rajput Empire. In the afternoon, explore the City Palace and Royal Observatory, the 18th century collection of massive stone astronomical measurement devices. You’ll drive past the picture-perfect “Palace of Winds” and later enjoy a special cooking lesson and dinner with an expert on local history, culture, religion, current affairs.

Get to know the local culture and spiritual heritage of Jaipur as you explore colorful temples, interact with residents over a cup of tea in their homes and discover some of the architectural wonders of this fascinating area. Interact with resident artisans, shop owners, temple priests and local citizens. Later, make your way to Ranthambore.

Today, as you continue your North India tour, enjoy a full day to uncover the natural treasures found in one of India’s most beautiful national parks. You may spot a tiger in the wild, yet even if you don’t see one of the striped beasts, the sheer variety of other mammals will have you on the edge of your seat. You can also enjoy birding walks through the woodlands as well as visits to the spectacular ruins of Ranthambore Fort, whose massive battlements provide outstanding views.

Discover more of the National Park with your expert naturalist on morning and afternoon safari drives.

Set off on a train to Bharatpur, and later venture to Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent fortified ghost city. A captivating combination of Hindu and Persian architecture, the city was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry, and it remains much in the same condition as it was over 300 years ago.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park) is without question one of the finest bird watching locations in the world. The sheer number of birds here is overwhelming and includes an outstanding range of water birds (Painted Storks, White Ibises, Darters and Spoonbills) and raptors (like Spotted, Imperial, Steppe and Tawny Eagles). As an added bonus, you can spot other India wildlife, including the Indian Smooth Otter, Fishing Cat, Soft-shelled Turtle and Indian Python. Nilgai, Sambar, Spotted Deer and Rhesus Macaques are also common.Most of the bird watching will be done on foot but will also make full use of the local rickshaw drivers who provide an indispensable service ferrying birdwatchers and locals alike from the entrance into the heart of the wetland.

With your naturalist leading the way, explore the National Park further on morning and afternoon safari drives today.

Discover more of the bird sanctuary in the morning and the afternoon as your birding tour to North India continues.

This morning drive to Agra, once the seat of the mighty Mughal Empire. After exploring the marble palaces, ornate alcoves, and terrace pavilions of Agra Fort, take a rickshaw or tonga ride to discover the temples, shops and the hidden alleys of Old Agra. On this tour, you’ll gain a better understanding of this city that has an enduring history that predates the glory years of the Mughals.

The poet Tagore once called this striking marble monument a “teardrop on the face of eternity,” and when you visit the Taj Mahal by sunrise, you’ll see what he meant. In addition to this spectacular wonder of the world, Agra offers a labyrinth of bazaars that you can explore. Later, you’ll drive to Chambal Safari Lodge, a lovely relaxed lodge surrounded by 35 acres of gardens and farmland.

This is a perfect spot for bird-watchers and nature lovers. You’ll begin today with interesting boat safari on the calm waters of the Chambal River, where you’ll get up close to birds (over 260 species) and animals without disturbing them. Later, visit the Sarus Crane Conservation Reserve, and in the evening, a stroll around the village provides an interesting insight into rural India.

After a morning river safari, take a jeep through remote hamlets within the folds of the Chambal and Yamuna ravines—a captivating glimpse of life far removed from modern India. In the evening, visit the more than 100 temples of Bateshwar Temple complex. This area is home to a number of Naga sadhus (snake worshiping ascetics) who have carved out little caves and temples within the mud walls.

Enjoy a special nature walk along the riverbanks with your naturalist, before driving back to Delhi this afternoon for your flight home.Your special North India tour with wonderful memories comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your flight back home and say good – bye to India.