Birds and Tigers of Northern India

After breakfast, we'll drive to Bharatpur (4 hours), home to the famous Keoladeo Ghana National Park. En route, we'll stop at local villages where you can spot common Indian birds like Indian Roller and Black Drongo. After checking into your heritage hotel, enjoy an evening orientation walk in the park with our expert bird guide, who will help you spot some of the resident species.

Start early to make the most of the bird activity. Explore the park on foot and by cycle rickshaw with our specialist bird guide. Watch painted storks nesting in the wetlands, spot eagle owls in the woodland areas, and if you're lucky, see the rare Siberian crane. After lunch and a rest, return to the park for evening bird watching when the light is perfect for photography.

Today we visit the Chambal River Sanctuary. Take a peaceful boat ride spotting rare gharials (fish-eating crocodiles), smooth-coated otters, and numerous waterbirds including Indian skimmers, bar-headed geese, and ruby kingfishers. Your expert guide will explain the delicate ecosystem of this clean river system. Evening return to Bharatpur.

Final morning of birding in Bharatpur before driving to Ranthambore (5 hours). Watch the landscape change from wetlands to dry deciduous forests. Arrive at your jungle lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, attend an interesting talk by a local naturalist about Ranthambore's tigers and their conservation.

Two full days of wildlife viewing with morning and afternoon jeep safaris. Ranthambore offers excellent chances of spotting tigers in the wild. The park's varied landscape of dry deciduous forests, open grasslands and lakes also supports a wealth of other wildlife including sloth bears, leopards, and numerous birds. Between safaris, relax at your lodge, review your photos, or join nature walks around the property.

Final morning safari in Ranthambore. After breakfast, drive to the pink city of Jaipur (4 hours). En route, stop at villages where you might spot yellow-footed green pigeons and Indian peafowl. Evening at leisure in Jaipur, perhaps visit the local bazaar for some shopping.

Spend the morning exploring the majestic Amber Fort, keeping an eye out for Egyptian vultures that often soar around the fort walls. Visit the City Palace and famous Hawa Mahal. In the evening, join an optional walk through the old city where you can spot urban birds like black kites and rose-ringed parakeets.

Drive to Agra (5 hours), visiting the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri en route - a good spot for spotted owlets and green bee-eaters. Reach Agra in time for a sunset view of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh gardens, where you might spot riverside birds too.

Early morning visit to the Taj Mahal - not just for its architectural splendour but also to spot river lapwings and brown-headed gulls along the Yamuna River. After breakfast, visit Agra Fort, home to dusky eagle owls. Afternoon drive back to Delhi. Farewell dinner in the evening.

Transfer to Delhi airport for your flight home, taking with you wonderful memories of India's birds and tigers.