Northwest India
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A superb tour exploring the deserts, forests and wetlands of northwest India. Herds of Blackbuck wandering across the savannah grasslands of Velavadar NP; India's last Lions at the Gir NP; Grey Hypocolius and masses of flamingos, waterfowl and waders at wetlands in the Rann of Kutch; Asiatic Wild Ass in the Little Rann of Kutch. Staying in delightful lodges and camps close to national parks.India is a huge country and has so much to offer visiting naturalists. On their first visit, most travellers head straight to the well-known 'honey-pot' sites, firmly on the beaten track. But look below the surface and Gujarat, in north-western India, shines through as one of the subcontinent's best kept birding secrets.Come December, the monsoon rains have long since finished and daytime temperatures in Gujarat are pleasant and balmy, making this an ideal time to travel to this wonderful region. During our tour we'll visit coastal wetlands that are home to huge wintering flocks of waterbirds and waders. The striking Crab Plover gathers here in thousands, and we are assured of fine views. In nearby deserts we'll search for Great Indian and Macqueen's Bustards, along with other desert specialities such as Indian Courser and White-browed Bushchat. Winter also brings flocks of up to ten species of lark, the tiny Asian Desert Warbler and the fabulous Grey Hypocolius. But it's not just birds! Gujarat is home to the only Lions outside Africa; herds of spiral-horned Blackbuck still graze the savannahs; and the endangered Asiatic Wild Ass remains numerous in its last Indian refuge, the Little Rann of Kutch. Our adventure begins at Velavadar National Park, famous as a Blackbuck stronghold and for its astounding evening gathering of harriers - where up to 2,000 birds fly in to roost! Next we drive to the Gir Forest National Park seeking the rare Asiatic Lion, Leopard and Indian Wolf, together with the herds of Spotted Deer and Sambar on which they feast. New birds will come thick and fast when we move to the shores of the Gulf of Kutch, with elegant Demoiselle Cranes, Western Reef Herons and waders such as Lesser and Greater Sand Plovers. No visit to northwest India would be complete without a stay at Nakatrana, where we'll search for the endemic White-naped Tit, White-bellied Minivet and the enigmatic Hypocolius, a winter visitor from Iran. |
photo by tour participant Ian Sandeman
Demoiselle Cranes
Price: £ 3,295
The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of return scheduled flights London-Ahmedabad; all accommodation and meals; transportation by small coach/minibus and jeep; excursions as described; entry fees to reserves; incidental tips, airport taxes, bird and mammal checklist, and services of the leader/s.
The price excludes travel insurance, Indian visa costs (approx £30. Our office will send UK residents the necessary visa application form and guidance notes), drinks & other items of a personal nature. Photographic fees and permits within parks and reserves (payable locally, where applicable). This trip will be operated in conjunction with Limosa Holidays. 
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Perhaps surprisingly, the arid landscape of the Little Rann of Kutch where we conclude our tour is home to an abundance of wetland birds, making it one of Asia's greatest wildlife spectacles. True desert birds such as Painted Sandgrouse frequent the drier areas, and the critically endangered Sociable Plover winters.
All in all, Gujarat offers an outstanding wildlife experience. We use good quality hotels, lodges and tented camps throughout, with all rooms en suite, so after each day's adventures we can relax in comfortable surroundings. Guide Peter Kennerley is a veteran of over twenty birding tours to the Indian Subcontinent. Accommodation: We use comfortable hotels, lodges and tented camps of a good standard throughout. All rooms are en suite. Meals: All included in the price. Breakfasts, dinners and some lunches will be at our hotels; there will be some picnic lunches. Please bear in mind that Gujarat is a dry state and no alcohol is available on this tour. Walking: Mostly easy, 1-4 kms on sandy and stony ground with few gentle hills. At Gir NP please note that walking is permitted only at a few stop-off points or during escorted walks, due to the presence of large mammals in the park. Weather: The weather should be mostly fine and sunny by day, with temperatures in the region of 20-25oC (68-79oF) or higher, but it could be much cooler at night. During early morning wildlife drives it can feel bitterly cold until the sun's heat gathers strength, so be sure to bring warm layers, plus gloves, scarf and a warm hat, which can be removed later as the day warms. Ground Transport: We travel by midicoach/minibus and 4WD jeep. Although there have been great improvements in the quality of Indian's road network, some of the roads we may travel on are not up to the standard we would expect in the west perhaps, resulting in a few journeys taking a long time to cover the relatively short distance between sites. Photos: There should be many excellent photographic opportunities - birds, mammals and cultural scenes. Note that fees are payable locally for use of cameras at Gir Forest National Park, and the Marine National Park (currently, cost is approximately £4/day for still cameras). Leaders: Peter Kennerley & local guides Numbers: Max. 12 clients
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