Birds & Tigers in Rajasthan, Northern India




Northern India is one of the most well known areas for Bird- and Wildlife watching. The diversity is striking, on this tour it is realistic to see about 350 bird species; Ibisbill, Cheer- and Koklass Pheasant, Indian Courser, Indian Skimmer, Black-bellied Tern, Brown Fish Owl, Pallas´ Fish Eagle and a lot of other Raptors and Owls are among the attractions.
On top of that we visit two of Indias best National parks for Tigers – Corbett and Ranthambore. A lot of other animals are also to be expected, from Pythons to Crocodiles and the threatened Ganges River Dolphin.

This is a tour that offers good photo opportunities of both birds and wildlife and scenery.

We start in the classical Nature hotspot and world heritage site Keoladeo National Park with the Bharatpur wetlands, known to be a fantastic wintering site for waterbirds and raptors.


Day 2 - 6
Bharatpur/ Keoladeo National Park is in fact a man-made wetland created already in the 19´th century, originally for the purpose of hunting. Thousands of birds are attracted to the area surrounded by mostly dry habitat. The park is known as an eldorado for birds with 400 yearly visiting bird species, among which 230 are breeding, migratory birds like Bar-necked Geese and Spotted Eagles who come from central Asia and Siberia to winter here.
Sarus Cranes, Indian Painted Storks, Black-necked Stork, several different Herons, Anhingas, Birds of Prey like Dusky Eagle, lots of Ducks and Waders can be seen during winter. Birding is comfortable with walkways through the area, designed for visitors with a nature interest. Among bushes we look for Siberian Rubythroat, by the waters edge lurking Painted Snipes and at night we search for the rare Brown Hawk Owl and Indian- & Grey Nightjars.

From Bharatpur we go further to the Chambal river for a boat excursion to see Indian Skimmer, Black-bellied Tern and lots of wintering waterfowl. We also scan the surface carefully to see Indian Gharial, and the large Mugger Crocodile (can become five meters long), as well as the endangered and hard to see Ganges River Dolphine. Naturally we pay a cultural visit to Taj Mahal too.


Day 6 - 9
Ranthambhore National Park in southeast Rajasthan is one of the best places in the world to see Tiger, on top of that there are also some 350 bird species to see, including some migrant birds. We explore the area on safaris in open jeeps, usually on a morning and an evening excursion. A part of the area is semi dessert so here we have good chances on birds like Indian Courser, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, several species of Larks, Sparrows , Pipits, Sandgrouse, Spurfowl, Quails and Partridges. Except Tigers we also have chances to see Leopard and Sloth Bear with it’s black fur and white collar. From here we go by train to Delhi and further to Ramnagar. The train take almost the whole day but we get off to stretch our legs twice.


Day 9 - 12
In Corbett National Park we have yet another chance to see Tiger. An apetizing amount of Himalayan birds are on the menue here, among them the unique Ibisbill, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Brown Dipper and a couple of gorgeous Forktails. We will stay at Dhikala Forest Lodge – a basic facility but perfectly placed for bird- and wildlife watching, in the heart the national park and surrounded by forest. Deer, Wild Boar and Indian Elephants wander around with Tigers and Leopards.


Day 12–15
Our last days on this tour we spend in the Nainital-area with Pangot and Sattal. Hear we should see interesting birds like Cheer- and Koklass Pheasant, to mention but a few.

Nainital is situated three hours by car from Corbett and at 2.000 meters above sea level. On the way to Corbett we stop to look for Green-tailed Sunbird and Blue-winged Shiva. Nainital is a veritable paradise for birds and bird watchers and have a unique biodiversity. More than 1.000 bird species have been seen here, breeding and migrating included. Red-billed Blue Magpie, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Blue Whistling-Thrush, several species of Woodpeckers, Mrs Gould´s Sunbird and six more Sunbirds can be seen in the area.

In Pangot more than 200 bird species are recorded. The diversity of permanent and seasonal wetlands are striking and attract a rich wildlife with Leopard as the top predator. The birdlife includes Speckled Piculet, flocks of Slaty-headed Parakeets, four species of Cuckoos, raptors like Crested Serpent-eagle, Mountain Hawk-eagle. Khalij Pheasant, Blue-winged Minla, Spotted- & Slaty-backed Forktail and Rufous-bellied Woodpecker are among the specialities.

In Sattal we will see a good mix of Himalaya-species like; Red-breasted Accentor, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Greater- & Lesser Yellow-naped Woodpecker, Blue-throated Barbet, Rufous-chinned Laughing Thrush, Black Bulbul, Dark-throated Thrush, etc.



Guides/ tour leader
Leader: Ola Jennersten
Guide: Indian Ansar Khan is our guide and known to be one of India´s and maybe even Asia´s best bird guides.

The journey is a collaboration between Birdsafarisweden and Karlmark Travel. (Karlmark Travels holds the travel warranty insurance that covers this trip)


When: Date coming soon

Price: 55.000 SEK (flight excl.)

Single room supplement: 8.100 SEK

We offer to book your flight tickets. It is important for us and the local actor that we arrive with the same flight or as close in time to each other as possible.

Note! the price of this tour can be adjusted due to currency changes and increased local costs. Smaller adjustments of the tour dates can also sometimes be necessary but will be communicated when it's time to book flights.


Included: Full board accommodation in double room, English spoken tour leader and local bird guide the whole trip, all transports, all jeep safaris, boat excursions, all entrance fees to national parks and reserves.

Not included: Air ticket, transfer to the airport, insurance, Visa to India (Approx 6-7 GBP) alcohol, souvenirs or other personal expenses, tips (count with roughly 10 GBP per day), Riksha in Bharatpur, approx 1 GBP/ hour) usually paid cash.

Vaccinations required: Hepatite A&B, tetanus.

Group size : min 4 - max 12

Application fee: When you´ve applied we send you an invoice on 3.500 SEK when that is paid you are guaranteed a seat on the tour.

Other: This is a "mixed group" trip where Swedish- and English-speaking travelers are welcome.