India Northern India Mega Adventure 17 days Birds, Tigers & Himalaya Forests - Tours Nov - Dec 2018 / Jan - April 2019 - Escape to the Wild
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India
Northern India Mega Adventure 17 days
Birds, Tigers & Himalaya Forests
Delhi, Ranthambore, Bharatpur, Chambal, Agra, Nainital, Ramnagar,
Kosi River, Jim Corbett, Sattal, Pangot
Tours Nov – Dec 2018 / Jan – April 2019
17 Day
1ITINERARY 17 DAY TOUR
Days Destination Summary
Day 01 On arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
Arrive Delhi Afternoon visit to Sultanpur National Park.
Overnight Hotel
Day 02 Delhi – Early morning breakfast and departure to train station for Ranthambore.
Ranthambore On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
(BY TRAIN) Overnight Hotel
Day 03 Ranthambore Early morning to Ranthambore . Lunch. Afternoon to Ranthambore.
Overnight Hotel
Day 04 Ranthambore Early morning to Ranthambore . Lunch. Afternoon to Ranthambore.
Overnight Hotel
Day 05 Ranthambore – Transfer to station for train to Bharatpur. On arrival you will be transferred to
Bharatpur the hotel. Afternoon visit Keoladeo National Park.
(BY TRAIN) Overnight Hotel
Day 06 Bharatpur Early morning & afternoon rickshaw ride visit to Keoladeo National Park.
Overnight Hotel
Day 07 Bharatpur – Drive to Fatehpur Sikri (+-2 hrs). Thereafter depart for Chambal River.
Fatehpur Sikri – Overnight Hotel
Chambal
Day 08 Chambal - Agra Explore Chambal River area, thereafter depart for Agra 2 hrs by road.
Arrive and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight Hotel
Day 09 Agra to Early morning sunrise visit to Taj Mahal. Depart to Ramnagar +- 6 hrs.
Ramnagar Midway stop for Lunch at Fort Uncha Gaon.
Overnight Hotel.
Day 10 Kosi River & Birding the entire day along the Kosi River and Pawalgarh.
Palwalgarh Overnight Hotel
Day 11 Ramnagar to Today we will venture into Corbett National Park.
Corbett Overnight in Corbett Dhikala Forest
Day 12 Corbett Explore Corbett.
Overnight Hotel
Day 13 Corbett to Birding all day along route to Jeolicot.
Jeolicot Overnight Hotel
Day 14 Sattal Birding all day along route to Sattal.
Overnight Hotel
Day 15 Pangot Birding all day at Pangot.
Overnight Hotel
Day 16 Pangot – Drive route to Kathgodam, transfer to train for departure to Delhi.
Kathgodam - Overnight Hotel
Delhi
Day 17 Delhi – Airport Transfer to the airport if necessary.
TOUR CONCLUDES
2Day 1: Arrival in New Delhi.
Delhi
On arrival in India’s bustling capital city, New
Delhi, you will be met, welcomed and
transferred to your Hotel.
Delhi is a combination of both modern and
ancient culture going back as far as 3 000 years.
Seven different cities have existed on this spot.
It is the seat of power and the headquarters of
Indian politics, where most of the heads of the
Indian Government reside.
Bustling Street Scene Delhi This is a city waiting to be explored, renowned
for shopping in the streets and emporiums. The
Hotel is situated in the center of the famous
landmark – Connaught Place.
Parliament Buildings
Sultanpur National Park (Bird Sanctuary)
We can do an afternoon drive to the Sultanpur
National Park.
Dr Salim Ali, the doyen of Indian Ornithology
was largely responsible for converting this
hunting ground to a Bird Sanctuary in 1971.
There are at least 250 bird species at Sultanpur.
Some of them are residents, while others
migrate from distant regions like Siberia, Europe
and Afghanistan.
Winter Migratory birds include Siberian Cranes, Indian Roller Common Tailorbird
Greater Flamingo, Ruff, Common Teal, Common
Greenshank, Northern Pintail, Yellow & White
Wagtail, Northern Shoveler, Rosy Pelican,
Gadwall, Spotted Sandpiper, Eurasian Widgeon,
Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Blue
throat, Long-billed Pipit, Asian Koel, Blue-
cheeked and Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Cuckoo’s and Yellow-legged Green Pidgeon Common Teal
Heron’s.
Overnight at Hotel
3
Sultanpur National Park (Bird Sanctuary)Day 2: Delhi to Ranthambore via Train @ 13:20 – 18:20 hrs
Departure Delhi
Early morning breakfast and departure by
train to Sawai Madhopur (Rhantambore).
On route to Nizamuddin Station we will do
some shopping. On arrival at Sawai
Madhopur Station you will be met and
transferred to your Hotel.
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore used to be the hunting
ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur.
In 1980, it was declared a National Park
and listed among the reserves protected
under Project Tiger.
Apart from Bengal Tiger, other animals that
inhabit the park are Sloth Bear, Jackals,
Marsh Crocodile, Leopard, Gazzelle, Indian
Hare, Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Sambhar,
Chinkara, Mongoose, Nilgai, Wild Boar and
Monitor Lizard.
Birding Ranthambore National Park
Due to its varied terrain and abundance of
water bodies Ranthambore has an excellent
variety of birds, both resident and migrant. At
least 272 species have been recorded.
Some of the best locations to watch birds are
Malik Talao, Ranthambore Fort, Rajbagh Talao
and Padam Talao. Jungle Bush Quail Sikeer Malkoa
Some of the special birds of Ranthambore
include Painted Spurfowl, Jungle and Rock Bush
Quails, White-naped Woodpecker, Indian Scops
Owl, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Alexandrine
and Plumb Headed Parakeets, Stork-billed
Kingfisher, Sikeer Malkoa, Common Lora ,
White-bellied Drongo, Tickles Blue Flycatcher,
Bar-headed Goose Bonelli’s Eagle
White-browed Fantail, Grey-breasted and
Rufous-fronted Prinias, Yellow-throated
Sparrow, Indian Vulture, Pallid Harrier, Shikra,
Bonelli’s Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle.
Overnight at Hotel
Indian Pitta Pin-tailed Snipe
4Day 3: Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park is dotted with
structures of bygone eras scattered all over the
jungle, which give it a unique, wonderful and
mixed flavour of natural splendour, wildlife and
history. There are many water bodies located
across the park which provide welcome relief
for the forest inhabitants during the extremely
hot summer months. A huge fort, after which
the park is named, towers over the park atop a
hill. Surrounded by the Vindhya and Haravali
Hills which are located near to the outer fringes
of the Thar Desert. Ranthambore offers Jeep
Safaris and a cultural experience of the Meena
tribes. A night in the many hideouts in the park
Machli “Lady of the Lakes” should not be missed.
A tigress known as "Lady of the Lakes" was
separated from her parents at a very young
age because of poaching. The young tigress
was named Machli after the mark on her body
that resembles a fish. (Of National Geographic
fame). She gave birth to three female cubs,
one being dubbed 'Machli - The Junior'. The
father of Machli Junior died early from an
unknown disease, as confirmed by forest
officer Fateh Singh Rathore. Machli Jr mated
with the male tiger Bumburam and gave birth
to two cubs, Slant Ear and Broken Tail. Baccha
is believed to be her grandson. At 17 years
old, Machli Sr is the world's oldest tigress.
Machli recently went missing, raising concern
among forest officials, as hunting is difficult at
her age. After 26 days Machli was spotted and
located by forest officials. Machli's daughter
T19 (Krishna or Unis) is the current queen
tigress of Ranthambore. In 2014, She gave
birth to four cubs fathered by Star or Zalim
(she was seen mating with both of them),
with three surviving. These cubs are now
known as T-83, T-84 and T-85. Machli died on
18 August 2016 at the age 20 years, becoming
the longest living tigress in the wild.
Overnight at Hotel
5Day 4: Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park
Morning visit to the park where we will
continue viewing Bengal Tigers, with
some luck.
Ranthambore Fort
UNESCO World Heritage Site
A visit to the Ranthambore Fort.
This formidable fort was a focal point of
the historical developments
of Rajasthan. The fort was held by the
Chahamanas (Chauhans) until the 13th
century, when the Delhi Sultanate
captured it. In 2013, at the 37th session
of the World Heritage Committee,
Ranthambore Fort, along with five other
forts of Rajasthan, was declared
a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Surwal Lake Ranthambore Fort
Time permitting, we will visit Surwal Lake which is an hour away and is another picturesque option
near Ranthambore to visit. Amidst quaint settings this lake presents amazing beauty. Winters are
ideal to spend time here. Surwal Lake is famed for the viewing of resident and migratory birds. They
are present in great diversity primarily in the mornings when they prey for their breakfast, making
their nests and chirping around. The lake brings you melodious singing of birds and is a great place to
observe them. The birds we look for are water birds including Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans,
Spotted Redshank, Temminck’s Stint, Indian Courser, Indian Stone Curlew, Blue-tailed and Green Bee-
eaters, Ashy Crowned Sparrow Lark, Indian Bush Lark, Moustached Warbler, Ashy and Yellow-bellied
Prinias, Rosy Starling and Greater Painted Snipe.
Overnight at Hotel
Scenes at Surwal Lake 6Day 5: Ranthambore to Bharatpur via Train @ 7:05 – 9:23 hrs.
Bharatpur
Departure by train to Bharatpur, taking the two and
a half hour train ride. On arrival we will be met and
transferred to our accommodation near the
incredible Keoladeo National Park. (Bharatpur).
Our accommodation will be in the Laxmi Vilas
Palace, which is still occupied by the Royal Family of
Jat rulers. Lunch at Hotel thereafter an afternoon in
the Keoladeo National Park.
Laxmi Vilas Palace Hotel
The Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary
This sanctuary was created 250 years ago. The park was a hunting ground for the Maharajas of
Bharatpur, a tradition dating back to 1850, and duck shoots were organised yearly in honour of
the British Viceroys. In one shoot alone in 1938, over 4 273 birds such as Mallards and Teals were
killed by Lord Linlithgow, then Viceroy of India. The park was established as a national park on 10
March 1982. The area was designated as a bird sanctuary on 13 March 1976 and as a Ramsar site in
October 1981. It was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. Its continued existence is dependent
on the annual monsoons and a regulated water supply from a reservoir outside the park boundary.
The park’s well-designed system of dykes and sluices provides areas of varying water depths which
are used by various bird species.
Typical terrain of the park Birders twitching Community Guide Birding on waterways
Due to its strategic location in the middle of Central Asian migratory flyway and presence of water,
large congregations of Ducks, Geese, Coots, Pelicans and Waders arrive in the winter. The park was
the only known wintering site of the central population of the critically endangered Siberian Crane
and also serves as a wintering area for other globally threatened species such as the Greater Spotted
Eagle and Imperial Eagle. Other specials to be found are Garganey, Northern Pintail, Lesser Whistling,
Indian Spot-billed and Ferruginous Ducks. Common and Pied Kingfishers, Little and Indian
Cormorants, Oriental Darter, Grey and Purple Herons, Black-crowned Night Heron, Painted and Black
Necked Storks, Asian Openbill Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Pheasant-tailed and
Bronze-winged Jacanas, White-breasted Water Hen, Regal and Sarus Cranes. In the marshy areas
along the waterways we will search for migrant passerines such as the Blue Throat, Blyth’s Reed
Warbler, Rosy Pipit, Western Yellow Citrine and White Browed Wagtails.
Overnight at Hotel
7Day 6: Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur)
Keoladeo National Park.
Today we will explore the diversity of this magnificent Unesco World Heritage Site, Ramsar
sanctuary. This includes Rickshaw Guided rides, walks, plus boating on the waterways. We will
also visit the plant nursery.
List of Birds
Grey Francolin, Indian Peafowl, Lesser Whistling-Duck, Greylag Goose, Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy
Shelduck, Comb Duck, Cotton Pygmy-Goose, Gadwall, Eurasian Widgeon, Spot-billed Duck, Northern
Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Garganey, Common Teal, Ferruginous and Tufted Ducks, Barred
Buttonquail, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, Black-rumped Flameback, Brown-headed Barbet, Indian
Grey Hornbill, Common Hoopoe, Indian Roller, Common Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher,
Greater Coucal, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Asian Palm Swift, Collared Scops Owl, Dusky Eagle Owl,
Spotted Owlet, Grey and Large-tailed Nightjars, Rock Pigeon, Laughing and Spotted Doves, Eurasian
Collared Dove, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Sarus Crane, Common Crane, Brown Crake, White-
breasted Water Hen, Purple Swamphen, Common Moorhen, Common Coot, Common Snipe,
Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Common Redshank, Marsh, Wood and Common
Sandpipers, Temminck’s Stint, Ruff, Greater Painted-Snipe, Pheasant-tailed and Bronze-winged
Jacanas, Black-winged Stilt, Red-wattled and White-tailed Lapwings, Oriental Honey-Buzzard, Black-
shouldered and Black Kites, Egyptian and Red-headed Vultures, Crested Serpent Eagle, Eurasian
Marsh Harrier, Shikra, White-eyed Buzzard, Indian Spotted, Greater Spotted, Steppe, Imperial,
Bonelli’s and Booted Eagles.
Greater Spotted Eagle Sarus Crane Orange-headed Thrush Scaly Thrush Ticklles Thrush
Little Grebe, Darter, Little and Great Cormorants, Little , Great, Cattle and Intermediate Egrets, Grey
and Purple Herons, Indian Pond Heron, Little Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Yellow and Black
Bitterns, Glossy and Black-headed Ibises, Eurasian Spoonbill, Great White and Dalmatian Pelicans,
Painted, Woolly-necked and Black-necked Storks, Asian Openbill, Stork, Long-tailed Shrike, Rufous
Treepie, House and Large-billed Crows, Small Minivet, Black Drongo, Orange-headed Thrush, Taiga
Flycatcher, Blue Throat, Oriental Magpie Robin, Black Redstart, Siberian Stonechat, Pied Bush Chat,
Brahminy and Asian Pied Starlings, Common and Bank Mynas, Plain and Dusky Crag Martins, Barn,
Wire-tailed and Streak-throated Swallows, White-eared and Red-vented Bulbuls, Ashy Prinia, Blyth’s
Reed Warbler , Common Tailorbird, Chiffchaff, Babbler, Lesser Whitethroat, House Sparrow, Citrine and
Yellow Wagtails, Paddyfield and Tawny Pipits.
“ In your next incarnation you might
be an endangered species”
Help save the Siberian Crane
Water Birds Siberian Crane
8
Overnight at HotelDay 7: Bharatpur to Chambal River via Fatehpur Sikri.
Chambal via Fatehpur Sikri
This morning we depart early on the journey to Chambal Safari Lodge via Agra. Our first stop of
the day will be at the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri (37 kms from Agra). A UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Fatehpur Sikri was built by Moghul Emperor Akbar in AD 1564 in honour of the
Muslim Saint Sheikh Salim Christi. The grand city was comprised of several palatial courts, a
harem building, a mosque, private emperor’s quarters, residential buildings and the tomb of the
Sufi saint. A giant outdoor board game, a pool, and utility buildings. Not long after the fortress
was completed, the lake that provided water to the complex dried up and life at Fatehpur Sikri
was unsustainable. Emperor Muhammad Shah lived in the city between 1719 and 1748 and the
Marathas warriors occupied the city for a short time after that. Once the British invaded India,
their army used the fortress as a barracks, during which time it was badly damaged.
Fatehpur Sikri Ornamental Pools Fort Ruins
After visiting Fatehpur Sikri we will bypass Agra on route to Chambal River Lodge. Arriving at the
Lodge we will have a lunch and then prepare to go boating on the river. We will be on the lookout
for Indian Skimmer, Black-bellied and River Terns, Black Stork, Red-napped Ibis, Small Pratincole,
Long Legged Buzzard, Shoe-toed Snake Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, River Lapwing, Great Stone Curlew,
Sandlark, Desert Wheatear and more. Possibly a sighting of the rare Ganges River Dolphin and the
long snouted Gharial, Mugger Crocodile, various Turtles, various snakes and reptiles. On our return
to the Lodge we will explore the grounds for birds including Booted and Syke’s Warblers, Verditer
Flycatcher and the resident Brown Hawk Owl. Seen in the vicinity of the Lodge are Indian Flying Fox,
Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Grey Mongoose, Indian Hedgehog and Indian Porcupine.
Chambal
The National Chambal Sanctuary is listed as a Scenes at the Chambal River
global Important Bird Area (IBA) and is a
proposed Ramsar site. At least 320 species of
resident and migratory birds inhabit the
sanctuary. Migratory birds from Siberia form part
of its rich avian fauna. Vulnerable bird species
here include the Indian skimmer, Sarus
Crane, Pallas's Fish Eagle and Indian Courser.
The Pallid Harrier and Lesser Flamingo are near
threatened. Winter visitors include Black-bellied
Terns, Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous
Pochard and Bar-headed Goose. Other species
include Great Thick-Knee, Greater
Flamingo, Darters and Brown Hawk Owl.
The endangered Indian Skimmer is a major
reason for visiting this area.
9
Overnight at HotelDay 8: Chambal River Lodge to Agra by Road
Chambal to Agra
After breakfast we will explore our surrounds at the lodge. Time permitting we may take another
boat trip on the river or explore the Chambal Nature Reserve. We will then travel to Agra.
Red Fort Agra
Here we will visit the fabled Agra Red Fort, located in the center of the city and serving as a
monumental reminder of the fascinating history of the region.
Agra Fort is a historical fort in the city of Agra. It was the main residence of the emperors of
the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The Agra fort is
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its more famous sister monument,
the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled city.
The 380 000 m2 (94-acre) fort has a semi-circular plan, its chord lies parallel to the river and its
walls are 70 feet high. Double ramparts have massive circular bastions at intervals,
with battlements. The monumental Delhi Gate which faces the city on the western side of the
fort is considered the grandest of the four gates and a masterpiece of Akbar's time. It was built
circa 1568 to enhance security. A wooden drawbridge was used to cross the moat and reach the
gate from the mainland; inside, an inner gateway called Hathi Pol ("Elephant Gate") – guarded by
two life-sized stone elephants with their riders – added another layer of security.
Because the Indian military (the Parachute Brigade in particular) is still using the northern portion
of the Agra Fort, the Delhi Gate cannot be used by the public. Tourists enter via the Amar Singh
Gate.
Scenes at the Agra Red Fort
Overnight at Hotel
10Day 9: Agra to Ramnagar by Road +_ 7.5 hrs.
Agra - Sunrise at the Taj Mahal +- 6am
Early risers will take the opportunity to head to the Taj Mahal to experience the splendor and
beauty of the dawn light falling on the translucent white marble.
Taj Mahal was built by the Moghul Emperor Shajjehan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mohal. In
19 years of marriage she bore 14 children, only 7 of whom survived. It is said that on her
deathbed Mumtaz asked Shajjehan to build an unsurpassed monument in memory of their love.
It took 22 years to build. The Taj Mahal was constructed using materials from all over India and
Asia. It is believed over 1 000 elephants were used to transport building materials. The
construction project employed some 20 000 artisans under the guidance of a board of architects
led by the court architect. The translucent white marble was brought from Makrana, Rajasthan,
the jasper from Punjab, jade and crystal from China. The turquoise was from Tibet and the Lapis
lazuli from Afghanistan, while the sapphire came from Sri Lanka and the carnelian from Arabia.
In all, 28 types of precious and semi-precious stones were inlaid into the white marble.
The simply magnificent Taj Mahal, which means 'Crown of Palaces‘ is also a World Heritage Site.
Agra is the quintessential Mughal City, where the world marvels at the epitome of love, beauty
and sacrifice, The Taj-Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world.
So overwhelming is the magic monument, that Agra has been immortalized, as the City of the Taj.
Scenes of the Taj Mahal
Thereafter departure to Ramnagar the Himalayas Hill Station
Travelling on route to Ramnagar by road we will stop midway and have lunch at Fort Unchagaon
which is close to the River Ganges. (165 kms approximately 3 hours).
After lunch we continue to Ramnagar (195 kms approximately 4 hours). Ramnagar is located at
the foothills of the Himalayas on the bank of Kosi River. Ramnagar is the gateway to the
Corbett National Park, the oldest National Park and a famous tourist destination of India.
Overnight at Hotel
11Day 10: Ramnagar – Birding the Kosi River and Pawalgarh
Kosi River
We have an entire day to bird our way slowly along the Kosi River and Pawalgarh. We will make
our way along the clear mountain streams to find many of the torrent specials. We will be on
the lookout for Crested Kingfisher, White-capped Redstart, Grey Wagtail, Brown Dipper, Ibisbill,
Wallcreeper, Great Hornbill, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Common Green Magpie, Black-chinned
Babbler, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Spotted and Little Forktails, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Scaly-
breasted and Nepal Wren-babblers, Lineated and Brown-headed Barbets, Grey-capped Pygmy,
Streak-throated, Grey-headed and Fulvous-breasted Woodpeckers, Golden-fronted Leafbird,
Rufous and Grey Treepies, flocks of Red-breasted Parakeet, Barwinged Flycatcher-shrike, Black-
crested, Ashy and Red-whiskered Bulbuls, Yellow-eyed and Tawny-bellied Babblers, White-
crested Laughing Thrush, Slaty-blue and Snowy-browed Flycatchers, Small and Rufous-bellied
Niltavas, Longtailed Minivet, White-throated Fantail, Lemonrumped, Buff-barred and Whistler's
Warblers, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch and Long-billed Thrush.
Scenes at Ramnagar
Kosi River & Pawalgarh
Ramnagar
Ramnagar is a small town and municipal
board in the Nainital district of
Uttarakhand, India. It is located
approximately 65 kilometres (40 mi) from Fulvous breasted Woodpecker Long tailed Minivet
Nainital
Pawalgarh is located in the region
of Uttarakhand. The distance
from Pawalgarh to India's capital New
Delhi (New Delhi) is approximately 212
km / 132 mi (as the crow flies).
Ibisbill Wall Creeper
Some of the birds found in the conservation
reserve include the Great Hornbill, Nepal
Wren Babbler, Jungle Owlet, White-browed
Fulvetta, Chestnut Capped Babbler, Rufous
Bellied Eagle, Great Slaty Woodpecker,
Little Pied Flycatcher and Blue-bearded
Bee-eater. Ramnagar
Overnight at Hotel 12Day 11: Ramnagar to Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park
Today we will visit Jim Corbett National Park in the Nainital district of Uttaranchal. The magical
landscape of Corbett is fabled for its tigers. Established in the year 1936, Corbett is India's
oldest and most prestigious National Park. The Park is named after Jim Corbett who began his
life as a hunter of the very same animal that he later dedicated his life to protect. As his
fondness for the tigers grew so did his concern for their fate. Thus, the hunter became a
conservationist and he began to actively advocate for the safekeeping of these animals.
Wildlife viewing and birding is done in an open four wheel drive Jeep and can be done on
elephant back. The landscape of the park is covered by a thick cover of sal and mixed
deciduous forests. Orchids, bamboo and tropical creepers dot the hills. Animals that inhabit the
park include tigers, sambar, deer, langur monkeys, wild boars, spotted deer and wild elephants.
Birds of Jim Corbett National Park
Lineated Barbet, Blue-throated and Crimson-breasted
Barbets, Black-naped Green and Lesser Golden-backed
Woodpeckers, Long-tailed Broadbill, Golden Oriole,
Storkbilled Kingfisher, Species of Forktails, Darter, Brown
Dipper, Crested Hawk Eagle, Little Green Heron, Maroon
Orioles, Pond Heron, Booted Hawk Eagle, Pallas’s and
Himalayan Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Cinerous Vulture,
Crested Serpent Eagle, Kestrel, Black Partridge, Kaleej
Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Common Peafowl, Himalayan and
Lesser Pied Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Black-headed
Oriole, Green Bee-eater, Indian Roller, Great Pied Hornbill,
Hoopoe, Common Grey Hornbill, Broadbilled Roller, Indian
Pied Hornbill, Great Hill Barbet, Red-wattled and Spurwinged
Lapwing, Pintailed Green Pigeon, Blue Rock Pigeon, Turtle
Dove, White-breasted Kingfisher, Chestnut headed Bee-eater,
Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Rufous Turtle Dove, Alexandrine
Parakeet, Rose ringed Parakeet, Common Myna, Indian Ring ,
Spotted and Emerald Doves, Common Hawk, Black Drongo,
Grey-headed Myna, Rosy Pastor, Bronzed Drongo.
Accommodation tonight will be at Dhikala Forest Lodge.
There is a rest house, which was built hundred of years ago.
Kanda ridge forms the backdrop and from Dhikala there are
views of the valley.
Overnight at Hotel
13Day 12: Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park
Today we will again explore Jim Corbett and surrounds and head in the afternoon to Jeolikot.
Jeolikot is a hill station in the Nainital district of the state of Uttarakhand, India. Jeolikot, also
known as the Gateway to Naini Lake, is situated at 1 219 m above sea level. It is an ideal place to
watch birds, a paradise for the bird enthusiasts. Picturesque views of mountains.
There is an impressive variety of birds, both resident and migratory, that are a delight to watch,
observe and capture with a camera. The bird list is similar to that for Nainital.
Lesser Yellownape Rufous-bellied Woodpecker Indian Pitta European Goldfinch
Jeolikot Nainital
Naini Lake
Stops along the way
There are a number of places to eat along the way and many different cuisines. Tibetan,
Chinese, Pastry Shops, Indian Cuisine, Punjabi, Western Meals – Pizza, Coffee Shops. There are
many shopping areas in Nainital along Mall Road, Bara Bazaar, Tibetan Market.
Overnight at Hotel /Lodge
14Day 13: Jeolicot / Sattal / Birding High Altitude / Grasslands
Sattal is unique for its biodiversity and ecological amplitude. It has 500 species of resident
and migratory birds, 20 species of mammals, over 525 species of butterflies and over 11 000
species of moths, beetles, bugs and other insects. The flora covers a wide and diverse range of
plants ranging from Bryophytes, orchids, rare climbing plants, ferns, lichens, fungi, medicinal
herbs and shrubs. Each individual lake has its own unique Diatom index. The Trophic Diatom
Index uses the composition of freshwater diatom assemblages to assess water quality and
ecological status.
Verditer Flycatcher Oriental White-eye Kalij Pheasant White-throated Slaty Headed Parakeet
Laughing Thrush
The unique avian fauna of Sattal includes Red-billed Blue Magpie, Kingfishers, Blue-throated,
Brown-Headed, Lineated, Golden-throated, Crimson-fronted and Coppersmith Barbets, Plum-
headed and Slaty-headed Parakeets, Chestnut Bellied Rock Thrush, Tits, Babblers, Jungle
Owlet, Pied Woodpecker, Brown-Capped and Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpeckers, Brown-
Fronted, Stripe-breasted, Yellow-crowned, Rufous-bellied, Crimson-breasted, Himalayan,
Lesser Yellownape, Greater Yellow-Naped, Streak-throated, Grey-headed and Scaly-bellied,
and Common Flameback Woodpeckers, Indian Tree pies, Blue Whistling-
Thrush, Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Crested Serpent Eagle, Flycatchers, Cheer, Kalij and
Koklas Pheasants, Dollarbird, Leaf bird, Flowerpecker, Purple Sunbird, Brown Headed, Stork-
billed, Crested, White-throated, Pied, Common, Blue-eared and Himalayan Kingfishers, Mrs
Gould’s Sunbird, Green-tailed, Black-throated, Black-breasted, Crimson and Fire-tailed
Sunbirds, Thick-billed , Plain-leaf and Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers, Russet Sparrow, Rufous
Babbler, Black-headed Jay, Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler, Black-capped Sibia, Blue Whistling
Thrush, Finches, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Black Eagle, Eurasian Jay, White-rumped Needletail,
Black-Lored, Black-throated Tits, Black Bulbul, Ashy-throated Warblers, Black-chinned Babbler,
Rufous-breasted Accentor, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Grey-winged Blackbird, Eurasian Griffon,
Common Buzzard, Black-chinned Babbler, Pink-browed Rosefinch, Common Wood Pigeon,
Laughing Thrush, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Lemon-rumped Warblers and many more.
We will stop along the way at one of the picturesque spots for something to eat and stretch
our legs
Overnight at Hotel
15Day 14: Birding Sattal / Pangot Pangot & Sattal This is an amazing area filled with birds, including Black Francolin, Hill Partridge, Koklass, Kali and Cheer Pheasants, Indian Peafowl, Ruddy Shelduck, Brown-fronted, Rufous-bellied and Himalayan Woodpeckers, Lesser Yellownape, Greater Yellownape, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Greater Flameback, Great Barbet, Indian Grey and Oriental Pied Hornbills, Indian Roller, White-throated Kingfisher, Green Bee-eater, Chestnut-winged, Large Hawk, Indian, Eurasian, Oriental and Banded Bay Cuckoos, Asian Koel, Greater Coucal, Alexandrine, Rose-ringed, Slaty-headed and Plum-headed Parakeets, Himalayan Swiftlet, House Swift, Brown Fish Owl, Large-tailed Nightjar, Rock Pigeon, Oriental Turtle Dove, Laughing , Spotted, Eurasian Collared and Emerald Doves, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Sarus Crane, White-breasted and Common Sandpipers, Pheasant-tailed and Bronze- winged Jacanas, Black-winged Stilt, Red-wattled Lapwing, Black-shouldered and Black Kites, Lammergeier, Egyptian Vulture, Crested Serpent Eagle, Shikra, Besra, White-eyed Buzzard, Black Eagle, Little Cormorant, Little, Great, Intermediate and Cattle Egrets, Indian Pond Heron, Black Ibis, Long-tailed Shrike, Eurasian and Black-headed Jays, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Rufous and Grey Treepies, House and Large-billed Crows, Eurasian Golden and Maroon Orioles, Long-tailed Minivet, White-throated Fantail, Black, Ashy, Bronzed and Lesser Racket-tailed Drongos, Asian Paradise- flycatcher, Brown Dipper, Blue-capped and Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrushes, Blue Whistling, Orange-headed, Scaly and Tickell’s Thrushes, Grey-winged Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Dark-sided, Ultramarine and Verditer Flycatchers, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Oriental Magpie Robin, White-capped Water Redstart, Spotted Forktail, Siberian Stonechat, Pied and Grey Bushchats, Brown Rock-chat, Brahminy and Asian Pied Starlings, Common, Bank and Jungle Mynas, Chestnut-bellied and White-tailed Nuthatches, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Spot-winged Tit, Great, Green-backed, Black-lored, Yellow-browed and Black-throated Tits, Barn and Red- rumped Swallows, Red-whiskered, Himalayan, Red-vented, Ashy and Black Bulbuls, Striated Prinia, Oriental White-eye, Grey-breasted Prinia, Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler, Common Tailorbird, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, Grey-hooded Warbler, White-throated,, White-crested, Striated, Rufous- chinned, Streaked and Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrushes, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Common Babbler, Jungle Babbler, White-browed Shrike Babbler, Whiskered Yuhina, Crested Lark, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Purple and Green-tailed Sunbirds, House and Russet Sparrows, Grey Wagtail, Baya Weaver and Common Rosefinch. We will stop along the way for lunch and maybe some shopping in the quaint market places. Spot-winged Grosbeak Scaly breasted Wren Babbler Verditer Flycatcher Pink Browed Rosefinch Overnight at Hotel 16
Day 15: Pangot
Pangot is located about 13 kilometres from Nainital, which is a popular hill station.
The main attraction of Pangot are its birds.
Mixed forests dominated by thick ban-oak, pine and rhododendron cover most of the area and
surrounding hills. A large part of the landscape is characterized by dense vegetation. Numerous
perennial creeks and streams crisscross the area
Relatively high altitude west-central Himalayan birds are the feature of the Pangot area.
. area boasts around 200 bird species. It is a justly popular destination for the elusive and
The
endangered Cheer Pheasant, and you can throw in the Koklass. Key bird species include
Lammergeier, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Blue-winged Myna, Spotted and Slatey-backed Fork-
tail's, Black-headed Jay, Laughing Thrushes, Babblers, Tits, Flycatchers, Sunbirds and a great
variety of Woodpeckers, Rufous-bellied Niltiva and the Himalayan Griffin.
At Pangot one can cover Woodpecker Point (2 kms) Timlapani area (9 kms) Vinayik Cheer
Pheasant Point (11 kms)
Black-headed Jay Ultramarine Flycatcher Striated Laughingthrush
White-browed Shrike-babbler White-throated Laughingthrush Cheer Pheasant
Scenes from Pangot
Overnight Hotel
17Day 16: Pangot – Kathgodam to Delhi via Train
Kathgodam
Today we take a leisurely drive towards Kathgodam where we will board our train bound for
Delhi in the afternoon.
Kathgodam is a town in the Nainital
district of Uttarakhand state of India. It is
part of the twin township of Haldwani-
Kathgodam, and is immediately north of
Haldwani. It is one of the important
collection centres for forest products
obtained from Kumaon Himalayas.
Kathgodam to Delhi
The Train back to Delhi is very pleasant on the Shatabdi Express (Departing 15:35 – 21:10 +-
5.35 hrs) We journey back Chaircar class which is very comfortable. Meals will be served with
tea, coffee or juice. The scenery travelling towards Delhi is visible until nightfall.
On arrival in Delhi we will transfer to the Hotel for departure next day on our onward
journeys.
We conclude this tour having spent 17 enjoyable days viewing Birds, Wildlife, Culture and
increasing our life lists. We thank our local community guides for sharing their knowledge
with us in this uniquely diverse country.
We sincerely hope we have enriched
your trip with a unique
Escape to the Wild….
Transport will be provided to the Airport if necessary.
Overnight at Hotel. 18Information
Duration : 17 days
Date : January – December 2019
Group : Maximum 6 guests
Tour Commences : New Delhi
Tour Ends : New Delhi
Price includes
• Tour price quoted is per person sharing Price excludes
• Single supplement can be arranged at an • All / any Airfares
additional cost • Visas
• All Accommodation as per itinerary • Internet, laundry, phone calls, room
• Meals from Dinner Day 1 to Breakfast Day service etc.
17 • Any Drinks (Alcoholic and or soft drinks)
• Bottled water whilst traveling will be • Camera (still/video) permits
provided • Personal travel insurance
• Tour Guide fees • Gratuities
• All Entrance fees as per itinerary
• All Transport (train, road transport and
transfer to Airport)
• The Tour commences in New Delhi on Day 1 and this is scheduled as the arrival day. Please
note that you are free to arrive in Delhi at any time.
• The Tour concludes in New Delhi on Day 17.
• Information given of arrivals and departures is a guide only.
• When the tour is officially confirmed you will receive your tour package.
• Please ensure that you have confirmation from Escape to the Wild before you book any
flights.
Important Information
• Please keep all your valuables safe, secure and insured.
• We do make use of Indian Rail in parts our journey. Much of our journey however will be road.
• The Tour price quoted in USD (United States Dollar) is subject to the constantly fluctuating exchange rate.
• Due to unforeseen circumstances we may be forced to alter our itinerary at short or no notice however we will
try our best to stick to the original tour programme.
• All flights should be to and from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA – DEL)
• Travel Tips
• Ensure you have packed a torch and extra batteries (packed in your checked in luggage)
• It can be cooler in the early mornings and evenings therefore ensure you have a warm jacket, scarf, etc.
• Ensure you travel with all your medication including a Prescription from your Doctor. It is advisable to take along
medication for Delhi Belly – we will advise should you want this information.
• Binoculars, Camera’s etc.
• Comfortable walking/hiking shoes that cover your entire foot.
• For the Ladies – please ensure you are suitably dressed to respect Indian Culture.
• Any other information will be provided in your Tour Package.
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