Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur in Rajasthan is acknowledged as one of the most outstanding wetland reserves in Asia and during the winter months the network of shallow marshes within the National Park, replenished by monsoon rains during the summer, provide refuge for thousands of waterfowl, herons, storks, cranes and waders. This compact oasis of water in the midst of a mostly agricultural landscape is a magnet for birds and it is possible to see over a hundred species in a stay of just a few days. Only a few hours drive from Agra, the reserve has long been a favourite with Naturetrek clients but surprisingly our programme has never included a holiday based exclusively at Bharatpur, a deficiency we have now rectified with a new 9 day tour which allows participants the luxury of 5 full days to savour the ornithological treasures of this remarkable place. With Agra so close we could not overlook the unique cultural attractions of the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri so the tour concludes by visiting these man-made wonders which ideally complement the natural history riches of Bharatpur.
 

DAY 1
Arrive Delhi International airport, receive upon arrival and straight drive to hotel. Night stay at Delhi.
 

DAY 2 DELHI – BHARATPUR
Those impatient to sample the new avifauna can join an excursion to the Yamuna River at Okhla, one of the best birdwatching sites in urban Delhi. Here on the exposed mud flats we can expect to see a variety of waterbirds and waders including Little Cormorant, Brown-headed Gull, Black-bellied Tern, Pond Heron, Red-wattled Lapwing, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, White-breasted Kingfisher and many other characteristic Indian species. Great clouds of Black Kites wheel over the city in the afternoon thermals and various other raptors drift across the sky although sadly the once abundant White-backed Vultures are now very scarce following a mysterious viral disease which has severely depleted their numbers. Passerines around the Okla barrage might include several shrike species, Citrine Wagtails, Paddyfield Pipits, mynas and possibly a few warblers in the bushes. Okhla is a fine place to gain an introduction to the Indian avifauna and may even provide a few rarer surprises or perhaps the very local White-tailed Stonechat and Striated Babbler, two Gangetic specialities. Later we take a four-hour drive to Bharatpur for the stay of six nights in a hotel just outside the reserve.
 

DAY 3-7 BHARATPUR
Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur is arguably the finest bird sanctuary in the world. Formerly a shooting preserve of the Rajput Maharajahs of Bharatpur, it is just 29 sq. km. in extent but holds a remarkable diversity of habitats. The wetlands - marshes and flooded "jheels" - are contained within acacia-lined "bunds", or embankments, and irrigated by a system of canals and sluices. Around them lie semi-arid grass and scrubland and some excellent broad-leaved Kadam woodland. Over 350 species of birds have been recorded in the park and in five days we are likely to see well over 100 of them. Amongst these will be an unequalled array of wetland species, a great variety of vultures, eagles and owls, plus numerous small landbirds. As well as birds, the park has an excellent variety of wild mammals; Nilgai (blue bull), Sambar and Spotted Deer, Rhesus Macaque, Wild Boar, Asiatic Jackal, Smooth Indian Otter and two species of mongoose are all common, and this is one of the few places in India where the rare Fishing Cat may be seen. At night the howling of the Jackals lends a chill to the warmest of evenings and a variety of nocturnal creatures begin their foraging including a number of Indian Porcupines. y

Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a stunning birdwatching locality which ranks alongside the best in the world. Amazingly compact, it provides the kind of spectacle that almost defies description. The flooded jheels ensure sheltered feeding and refuge for countless thousands of geese, ducks, storks, herons and waders. Many of the storks, herons and egrets begin to nest during the monsoon rains which extend into September and with a protracted breeding season it is usual to see much activity around the tree-top colonies until well into February. The only Crane to nest at Bharatpur is the impressively huge Sarus, long afforded protection in India as a sacred bird, but their powerful trumpeting cries are not the only crane calls to sound across the marshes as flocks of Common Cranes take advantage of the reserve during the winter months and are sometimes joined by a few Demoiselle. The magnificent Siberian White Crane was formerly a regular sight at Keoladeo but despite being afforded complete protection during their winter sojourn, these conspicuous birds have been severely depleted by shooting during their long migration and these days are only irregular visitors. Favouring the edges of the wetlands, both Pheasant-tailed and Bronze-winged Jacanas delicately pick their way across the aquatic vegetation, Purple Swamphens and White-breasted Waterhens are numerous and other more secretive crakes may be encountered by the fortunate observer. Pelicans are regular visitors, both White and Dalmatian, often soaring in thermals with great flocks of Painted Storks, Open-billed Storks and raptors. Birds of Prey at Bharatpur form another great attraction for birdwatchers. A typical day walking around the reserve will produce dozens of raptor sightings and the range of species includes Spotted, Lesser Spotted, Imperial, Steppe, Tawny and Bonelli's Eagles with the possibility of also seeing wandering White-tailed, Pallas's Fishing and even Golden Eagles. More often to be seen sitting on a suitable branch than flying, the Bharatpur eagles present many identification headaches!

Moving away from the wetland habitat there is much to see in the extensive kadum woodlands and the acres of thorny acacia scrub. These are the haunts of Dusky Eagle Owls, Spotted Owlets, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Grey Hornbill, Coppersmith Barbets, Lesser Goldenback Woodpeckers, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, minivets, Common-Wood Shrikes and many other forest birds including the elusive Spotted Creeper. During the winter months, visitors from the Himalayas join the resident species in these woodlands and it is during this season that various flycatchers, warblers and thrushes occur to add excitement to the daily birding. The charismatic Siberian Rubythroat is a regular visitor to the undergrowth in the Park as are Olive-backed Pipits, Red-breasted Flycatchers, several species of thrush and many Bluethroats. Warbler afficionados have plenty to search for with Clamorous Reed, Paddyfield, Blyth's Reed, Yellow-browed, Moustached, Cetti's, Smoky and Dusky Warblers all to be anticipated, albeit by no means all easy to find! As well as the migrants, the Reserve is also host to an impressive variety of birds typical of northern India, a list which includes; Grey Francolin, Red-wattled Lapwing, Common Green Pigeon, Red Turtle Dove, Coucal, Pied, White-breasted and Common Kingfishers, Indian Roller, Hoopoe, Black Drongo, Pied and Common Mynas, Tree-Pie, Red-vented and White-cheeked Bulbuls, Jungle and Large Grey Babblers, Indian Robin, Magpie Robin, Citrine and Large Pied Wagtails, Purple Sunbird, Yellow-throated Petronia, Bay-backed and Long-tailed Shrikes.

Yet more awaits in the more isolated arid corners of the Reserve. It is here that one or two introduced Blackbuck may be found but of ornithological interest are occasional appearances by Sociable Lapwing, Indian Coursers and other dry-country birds.

During our stay we will also visit the Chambal River (a 70 kilometres drive) and Bund Baretha - a large reservoir situated 30 kilometres from Bharatpur.

The River Chambal is one of the country’s most beautiful and least polluted river systems. The National Chambal Sanctuary was formed to protect this pristine river ecosystem, complete with its varied flora, aquatic life and avifauna. The Chambal River, which is the mainstay for the entire wildlife of the sanctuary, harbours a variety of aquatic life such as the elusive, and endangered, Gangetic Dolphin, Marsh Crocodile, Gharial or Fish Eating Crocodile, Freshwater Turtles, River Otters and a various species of fish. The surrounding environs of the river are a true bird watcher’s delight offering the chance to add several species not found at Bharatpur such as Indian River and Black-bellied Terns, Great Black-headed Gull and the bizarre Indian Skimmer, often to be found resting on sand-bars in mid-river. Passerines here can include Common Babbler, Tawny Pipit, Sand, Short-toed, Crested and Rufous-tailed Larks.

Bund Baretha is a large reservoir which is also noted as a good location to find Indian Skimmer and other waterbirds. The surrounding arid countryside is worth checking for sandgrouse, Indian Coursers, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Eastern Pied, Isabelline and Desert Wheatears along with a number of prinia species to test identification skills.

Bharatpur is fulfilment of an ornithological dream and even with the time at our disposal there is always so much more to do and see in this wonderful wildlife sanctuary.

DAY 8 AGRA & DELHI
A day of sightseeing in Agra begins with a visit to the deserted ruins of Fatehpur Sikri, once the capital of the Mogul Empire, which is situated roughly half way between Bharatpur and Agra City. Dusky Crag Martins skim over the red sandstone walls of this ancient place and although the accent is on history during our visit, birds are always on hand for those members of the party with less interest in the events of the past. Hoopoes, Brown Rock Chats and possibly a Blue Rock Thrush might be seen as we walk around and clouds of Black Kites and vultures circle overhead, the latter likely to include several Long-billed. On occasions wintering Wallcreepers find the numerous rocky crevices worthy of investigation and if we are really lucky we may come upon one of the resident Eagle Owls.

About one hour from Fatehpur Sikri we enter the historic city of Agra and enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort but these world-famous buildings are not without ornithological interest for those reluctant to abandon birding. The Yamuna River here is always populated by flocks of waders and the skies filled with Black Kites. Possibilities include Ruddy Shelduck, River Lapwing, Avocet, Marsh Sandpiper, River and Black-bellied Terns, Great Black-headed and Brown-headed Gulls, Lagger Falcon and Spotted Owlet. The quieter corners of the Taj gardens might reveal barbets, Grey Hornbills and perhaps a few warblers. Omnipresent at every site are the chittering, inquisitive little Palm Squirrels and a fine mixture of colourful butterflies. Today though the birds take second place to the magnificent buildings and prime among these is the breathtakingly beautiful white marble monument of the Taj Mahal, one of the best known images of India but never a disappointment in real life.

In the evening we will take our train to Delhi (a 3-hour journey). Here we will be transferred to hotel for night stay.

DAY 9 HOME
Full day free for last minute shopping. In the late evening transfer to International airport to catch flight for home.........................Tour end with happy memory.