Bird Watching & The Taj Mahal

1. Day 1 Arrive Delhi

   Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our representative who will present you with a welcome pack including all necessary documentation and arrange your transfer to The Park Hotel, Delhi for check-in. A bustling metropolis and a city of 14 million inhabitants, is also India's capital. A near-perfect blend of the ancient and the modern, Delhi, consisting of two parts Old & New Delhi, is a city with something for everyone. From Forts and monuments that are almost 500-years old to modern shopping malls, nightclubs and golf courses, Delhi truly is India's crown jewel. No activity is scheduled today since most of the International flights arrive in India close to midnight only. The Park: The Park Hotel is a modern 5-star hotel, excellently located in the shopping and commercial district of Connaught Place. The Park is a good base from which to explore Delhi. It offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, good restaurants and bars, and courteous service. Overnight in Delhi.

2. Day 2 Delhi - Chambal

   This morning you are collected from your hotel for a combined half-day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. In the remnants of the 17th century enjoy a photo-stop at Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the great mosque of Jama Masjid, The main street of Old Delhi is the colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk ("Moonlit Street"), Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. The tour of New Delhi includes the Humayun's Tomb, the precursor of the Taj Mahal. Drive down the spectacular Rajpath ("the Kingsway,") passing the India Gate (the memorial built to commemorate the unknown soldiers,) the President's House, and the House of Parliament. After your sightseeing tours, drive to the Chambal Safari Lodge (270 kms/ 05 hrs). National Chambal Sanctuary: Located on the Chambal River, about an hour's drive from Agra, one of Central India's longest rivers, the National Chambal Sanctuary is unique in its flora, fauna, and birdlife. It is one of the last surviving habitats of the Gangetic Dolphins, and is also home to a large number of Gharials and Marsh Crocodiles. Among other animals that can be spotted in the area are Turtles, Otters, Striped Hyenas, Jungle Cats, Golden Jackals, and Indian Wolves, etc. In addition to being famous for its large Gharial and Crocodile population, the National Chambal Sanctuary is home to almost 350 species of resident and migratory birds, including the Indian Skimmer. Upon arrival check-in to the Chambal Safari Lodge. Chambal Safari Lodge: Earlier called the Mela Kothi, the Chambal Safari Lodge is an eco-friendly lodge, with just well-appointed rooms spread in acres of greenery. Lovingly managed by the husband-wife team of Ram Pratap and Anu, both of who are also great environmentalists and conservationists, the Chambal Safari Lodge offers great facilities and excellent excursion opportunities. The most famous and popular activity from the Chambal Safari Lodge in the early morning or late afternoon river safari, which is an experience not found elsewhere in the other National Parks of India. While on a river safari on the calm waters of the Chambal River, you get to see the Dolphins, Gharials, Crocodiles, Turtles, and almost all the other species of Mammals and Birds that this area is famous for. The Lodge also offers Nature Walks, and interestingly, out of the 300+ species of birds in the area, almost a third can be seen within the lodge compounds itself. For the culturally inclined, the lodge also organizes visits to the nearby Shiva Temples in Bateshwar, a set of almost 30 temples on the banks of the Yamuna River. Overnight in Chambal.

3. Day 3 Chambal

   Early this morning enjoy a River Safari on the Chambal River. This afternoon, you can repeat the River Safaris, or alternatively, choose to take a Jeep Safari to the nearby Conservation area, famous for it's rare species of birds. It is also possible to take a Nature Walk in the area surrounding the Lodge. Excellent Naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight in Chambal.

4. Day 4 Chambal - Agra

   This morning, you could choose between doing a Camel safari through the nearby villages, or a Jeep Safari to the Saras Crane Conservation Area, located about an hour's drive from the Chambal Safari Lodge. Later, drive to Agra (70 kms/ 01 hr). "The Land of Taj" was once the capital of the Mughal Empire and even today it seems to linger in the past. Not surprising, for the Mughal emperors with their passion for building, endowed the city with some of the finest structures in the world. Agra is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabana, a forest that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. In more recent times Agra came into prominence when Sikandar Lodi made it his capital city in 1501. Later it passed into the possession of the Mughals. It was during the time of the third emperor "Akbar" that Agra came into its own and later on his grandson "Shah Jehan" ornamented the city with that masterpiece of Mughal architecture - The Taj Mahal. Upon arrival check-in to Trident, Agra. With views of the Taj Mahal, the Trident Hotel is among the best hotels in the city. The 5-star property offers value for money, offering accommodation that helps create memories that will last a lifetime. Escape chaos of cities, enjoy picturesque views, indulge in exquisite dining and pampering spa sessions. All the rooms are equipped with LCD flat-screen TV, satellite television, tea/coffee maker, dual-line telephone, high-speed wireless internet connection, in Room dining, iron board, hairdryer, mini-bar, work desk and much more. Facilities include here are Multi Cuisine restaurants, Fitness Centre, Swimming Pool, and Spa. Overnight in Agra.

5. Day 5 Agra - Bharatpur

   Morning, you are collected from your hotel for a half-day tour of Agra visiting The Taj Mahal - a poem, a feeling of love, in white marble, is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles. It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. Your tour also includes a visit to the red-sandstone Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century, lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years of 1565-1573. Later, drive to Bharatpur (50 kms/ 01 hr). Now known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, situated in the North Indian state of Rajasthan (actually very close to Agra) is without question one of the finest bird-watching locations in the world. In fact, it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The reserve provides diversity and abundance of birdlife only equaled in Africa and keen birdwatchers are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of birds present. Notable species amongst the throngs of nesting Painted Storks, White Ibises, Darters, and Spoonbills are specialties such as the threatened Black-necked Stork, Comb Duck, and the elusive Spotted Creeper. Thousands of ducks crowd the marshes and pools and include, amongst the more familiar species, hundreds of Ferruginous and Lesser Whistling Ducks plus smaller numbers of Red-crested Pochards and Spotbilled Ducks. Both White and Dalmatian Pelicans may occur and large numbers of Common Cranes along with smaller numbers of Sarus Cranes use the reserve in which to winter. Bharatpur has also been famous as the winter hideaway of the very rare Siberian Cranes, though the sighting of these has reduced considerably in recent years. Bharatpur also provides unrivalled opportunities for observing a large range of raptors, including Spotted, Imperial, Steppe and Tawny Eagles, as well as a host of vultures. Bharatpur is also known for the sighting of rare bird species such as Orange-headed Ground Thrush, Dusky Warbler, Marshall's Iora and Large-tailed Nightjar. Other wildlife inhabiting the Bharatpur Sanctuary includes the rare and beautiful Blackbuck, Indian Smooth Otter, Fishing Cat, Soft-shelled Turtle and Indian Python. Nilgai, Sambar, Spotted Deer and Rhesus Macaques. A very interesting feature of Bharatpur is the way game rides are done, on cycle rickshaws. You could also take a cycling or walking tour of this park. Upon arrival check-in at the Bagh. The Bagh is a heritage hotel set in 12 acres of beautiful gardens, very close to the Bharatpur Bird sanctuary. The hotel's twenty-three rooms are located in three different residential complexes. A restaurant, banquet hall, coffee shop, library and a gym, all situated in a verdant orchard, allow guests to enjoy solitude and companionship in restful indoor and outdoor spaces. Each of the Bagh's twenty-three rooms is unique. Spacious bathrooms, luxurious fabrics, fine furnishings and all modern-day amenities, let the weary traveler retreat and recoup after a day of sightseeing and bird watching. Gulmohar, the main restaurant, specializes in the wonderful vegetarian cuisine of the Braj region. With over fifty species of flora, including fruiting trees and flowering plants which attract birds, small animals and insects, guests can enjoy quiet walks in the garden and commune with nature. The handsome buildings made in local stones are designed to merge with their natural surroundings. Works by contemporary Indian women artists are displayed throughout the complex. A stroll through the Bagh's garden and buildings leads a visitor through the realms of nature and art. Overnight in Bharatpur.

6. Day 6 In Bharatpur

   Morning and afternoon rickshaw rides into Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Bird watching tours in Bharatpur are organized on Cycle rickshaws. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight in Bharatpur.

7. Day 7 Bharatpur - Delhi & Depart

   Leisurely, drive to Delhi International airport (220 kms/04 hrs) in time to board flight home. You can also combine your 7 days Bird Watching and the Taj Mahal tour, with an extension to Ranthambore, or with any of our other tours.

Price

Start from: USD 1175 Per Person

Accommodation

Important Information

• Small supplements may apply for travel between 18th November and 03rd December’ , 20th December' and 05th January' and during the month of February’ .
• All the figures quoted above are net per person in US Dollars.