India............... 17th November to 1st December 2012

Birds, Tigers and the Taj

The Taj Mahal is perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when people think of the vast, colourful, crowded country of India. It is indeed a most imposing edifice and one which along with the Red Fort at Agra, we will visit on our tours. But for those wishing to see birds and mammals, India also offers some of the most spectacular, astounding and exotic wildlife amidst wetlands and rivers teeming with birdlife, lush forests and deciduous jungles with an abundance of birds and mammals and dramatic scenery - India is surely a priceless jewel! Amongst the mammals the Bengal Tiger is undoubtedly the main attraction and our best chance of seeing one of these enigmatic creatures is at Kanha and Bandhavgargh National Parks, with both of these special reserves being designated part of Project Tiger. The tour combines some of the finest bird and mammal watching that India has to offer and includes the wonderful bird sanctuary of Keoladeo Ghana N.P. at Bharatpur, which will produce a marvellous array of bird species.

Day 1: A daytime Flight from the UK to Delhi. After a late evening arrival we’ll transfer to our hotel.
Overnight - Delhi.

Days 2 - 4: After breakfast on Day 2, we’ll drive to Bharatpur. From our base several visits will be made to Keoladeo Ghana National Park -a very famous and extremely important bird sanctuary and one of the finest wetlands in the world. Amongst a vast array of wetland species are Sarus Crane, Painted & Black-necked Storks, Ruddy-breasted Crake, White-tailed Eagle, Cotton Pygmy-Goose, Painted Snipe and Marsh Sandpiper. Other species include: Dusky Eagle Owl, Crested Serpent Eagle, Common Wood-shrike, Olive-backed Pipit and Blyth’s Reed Warbler.
Overnights - Bharatpur.

Days 5 & 6: Drive to Agra, visiting Fatehpur Sikri and the Taj Mahal. Later we’ll drive to the Chambal River Sanctuary. The River Chambal has a pristine ecosystem and harbours a variety of rare and exotic aquatic life,including: Ganges River Dolphin, Gharial and River Otter. The surrounding environs are a birdwatchers delight, with Sarus Crane, Pallid Harrier, Greater Thick-knee, Indian Skimmer, Indian Courser and Brown Hawk Owl present amongst the avian jewels.
Overnights - Chambal.

Day 7: An overnight train journey to Umaria.

Days 8-10: Three days of game drives by jeep for birds and wildlife watching in Bandhavgargh N.P., renowned for its Bengal Tigers and one of the top reserves to see this magnificent predator. Dominated by the ruins of the ancient fort, the varied habitats provide shelter for Chausingha, Nilgai, Leopard and Jungle Cat as well as prolific birdlife.
Overnights - Bandavgargh.

Days 11-13: Transfer to Kanha for 3 days, with game drives for birds and Tigers. Kanha is located in the heart “Kipling Country” and part of “Project Tiger” – a most important national conservation project. Amongst many Central Indian bird species are: Black Ibis, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Jungle Owlet, Red Junglefowl, Bronze-winged Jacana, Crested Treeswift, Scarlet Minivet, Tawny-bellied Babbler and Sirkeer Malkoha. A superb selection of mammals includes: Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear and Wild Dog.

Days 14 & 15: Morning in Kanha, followed by a drive to Nagpur, then catch a domestic flight to Delhi and the flight to UK.

Tour ref: AA1234

Cost: £3,495
Deposit: £400
Single Room Supplement: £470

Leaders: Tim & Irene Loseby & Local Guides

Max. Group: 14 plus leaders

Includes:
Economy class scheduled return flights (UK-Delhi-UK), accommodation based on twin occupancy, all meals, game drives, ground transportation in India, entrance fees to national parks & reserves and services of leaders and guides.

Excludes: Travel insurance, visa fee for India, camera fees in reserves, drinks and items of a personal nature.