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Northern India
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From the magic of Bharatpur's wetlands and the magnificence of the Taj Mahal, we travel across the Gangetic plain, with a chance of Gharial crocodiles and Ganges River Dolphins, to the Himalayan foothills, with the wonderful grasslands and forests of Corbett National Park and the spectacular hill station of Nainital. Join us for a classic Indian journey!
Few destinations on Earth are more compelling than the Indian subcontinent. A vast, colourful and crowded land, yet possessing some of the most spectacular wildlife in all Asia, India today offers perhaps the most memorable of travel experiences anywhere in the world. Our classic Northern India tour is designed to show you a fabulous cross-section of India's birds and wildlife at some of its most famous and exciting sites.
The magic begins at the celebrated Keoladeo National Park, better known simply as Bharatpur. If the summer rains have been good, it is the abundance of Bharatpur's wetland species that really takes centre stage. Huge Sarus Cranes and Black-necked Storks mingle with flocks of Greylag and Bar-headed Geese, whilst all about there is a hubbub of activity from myriad other waterbirds. No stay in the plains would be complete without a pilgrimage to the most famous of India's cultural sites, and we include a morning sightseeing at Agra and the sublime Taj Mahal. Later, along the wonderful Chambal River, Indian Skimmers await, while a boat trip here could produce the rare Ganges River Dolphin, too. Leaving the plains, we journey north to the foothills of the Himalayas. Encompassing 1300 sq. kms of riverine grassland and forest, Corbett is India's oldest national park. While the setting is superb, the sheer variety of bird life is astounding; more than 500 species have been recorded! Asian Elephants roam the woodlands and birds to watch for include Pallas's Fish Eagle and Crested Kingfisher. Pausing to look for Wallcreeper and Ibisbill as we go, next we ascend to the spectacular old hill-station of Nainital. Standing beside an ice-cold lake, Nainital seemingly perches on the very edge of the world. Peter Kennerley is a veteran of more than a score of visits to the Indian subcontinent and knows its birds well. Why not join Peter this year, as we return to the bird-rich marshes, mountains and jungles of Northern India. Accommodation: We stay at a mixture of comfortable tourist hotels and simple but best available lodges, all rooms with en suite facilities. Meals: All included in the price. Breakfasts and dinners usually taken at the hotels and lodges. Lunches will be picnics or sit-down meals, according to location. |
Prices:
The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of return scheduled flights London-Delhi; all accommodation and meals; surface transport by bus (some excursions by bicycle-rickshaw at Bharatpur and 4WD vehicle and/or elephant at Corbett National Park); boat trip on Chambal River; entrance fees to parks and Taj Mahal; tips and airport taxes; map; bird and mammal checklist; and services of the leader/s.
The price excludes travel insurance, Indian visa costs (our office will send UK residents the necessary visa application form and guidance notes), drinks & other personal expenses. Camera fees in national parks, wherever these are levied (often nothing or a very small nominal charge; for a video camera it is more - allow approx. £5 per day in the parks). Both trips will be operated in conjunction with Limosa Holidays. 
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Walking: Easy. As one would expect, however, there are a few moderate uphill walks in the mountains at Nainital. Here we will be birding up to an altitude of approx. 2,500m (8000ft). Owing to the presence of large mammals at Corbett, note that some of our birding here must be done from the vehicle - or elephant-back. Comfy walking shoes or lightweight boots with corrugated soles for grip recommended.
Weather: We visit during the 'cool season', when most days around Delhi and Bharatpur are usually warm-hot, dry and sunny. In Delhi, average November temperatures range from 8-29ūC, but it can feel chilly at night. Note that in the mountains at Nainital, it can be really cold (especially at night and in the early mornings and evenings), but quite warm during the day. We recommend that you wear layers of warm clothes that are easily removed, while a hat, gloves and scarf will be required in the early mornings. Principal Leader: Peter Kennerley Numbers: Max. 14 clients
Click here for a full, printable itinerary |
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