NORTHERN INDIA BIRDING CIRCUIT
12 NIGHTS & 13 DAYS | PRIVATELY GUIDED
Birds of Northern India
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
- A 12N/13D Fully Privately Guided Experience with a naturalist & birding expert.
- North India’s most celebrated birding destinations, from wetlands and riverine forests to Himalayan foothills and montane oak forests.
- Cover Bharatpur WIldlife Sanctuary, Corbett National Park, Sattal and Pangot
- Exceptional opportunities to observe and photograph over 450 species of birds
- Safaris in Corbett National Park in an exclusive vehicle to look for mammals such as tigers, sloth bears, deer, elephants and more.
- Signature sundowner experiences combined with evening birdwatching in the wilderness of Corbett.
- Picnic breakfasts and bush meals in spectacular natural settings.
- A carefully curated expedition designed for birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers seeking an immersive introduction to the rich avifauna of Northern India.
Rates
Starting from USD $7,500 per person
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
- All accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- All meals, tea/coffee, and evening snacks at wildlife camps and lodges
- Only bed & breakfast plans in Delhi
- All scheduled activities as per the itinerary
- All safaris in a private and exclusive vehicle
- Safari permits, guide, and driver fees
- All ground transfers in Toyota Innova, private chauffeur-driven vehicles
- Services of a private area specialist birding guide in the national parks
- Domestic flights
- 5% Ameliya Conservation Commitment Levy
Exclusions
- 5% Goods & Services Tax (GST)
- Flights, visa fees, laundry, packed beverages, and alcoholic drinks
- Camera fees, if levied by the government
- Any additional activities or personal expenses, including tips
- Any increase in National Park fees or government taxes, payable by the guest
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
ACCOMMODATION
New Delhi
Roseate House
A luxury urban resort situated close to the airport, Roseate House New Delhi combines contemporary design, landscaped gardens, fine dining, and spa facilities into a peaceful, nature-inspired retreat within the city.
Amenities:
- Contemporary luxury rooms and suites
- Rooftop infinity pool
- Multiple dining options and bar
- Full-service spa and wellness centre
- Fitness centre
- Airport shuttle and concierge services
Bharatpur
The Birder's Inn
Conveniently located just steps from Keoladeo National Park, Birder’s Inn is a well-appointed lodge offering easy access to one of Asia’s finest birding destinations and a warm, welcoming base for each day’s explorations.
Amenities:
- Comfortable, well-appointed rooms
- Swimming pool
- In-house restaurant serving Indian and continental cuisine
- Travel desk and concierge assistance
- Outdoor seating and garden area
Corbett
Jim's Jungle Retreat
A boutique eco-lodge set on the fringes of Jim Corbett National Park, Jim’s Jungle Retreat offers forest-surrounded cottages, guided safaris, dedicated birdwatching, and a thoughtful, conservation-focused approach to the wilderness experience.
Amenities:
- Eco-friendly cottages surrounded by forest
- Swimming pool
- In-house multi-cuisine restaurant
- Nature walks and outdoor experiences
- Wellness and relaxation services
- Bonfire and outdoor seating area
Pangot
Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
An intimate, nature-focused lodge set within the forested Himalayan slopes above Nainital, Jungle Lore is a quiet, eco-friendly retreat and one of the finest bases for Himalayan birdwatching in the Kumaon region.
Amenities:
- Simple forest-view cottages
- In-house dining with home-style meals
- Quiet forest surroundings ideal for birdwatching
- Nature trails around Pangot
- Bonfire and outdoor seating area
- In-room heating facilities
Day - Wise Itinerary
Day 1 - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and spend the day resting and settling in at the Roseate House. For those with energy to spare, an optional visit to the lanes and monuments of Old Delhi is available after lunch, alongside a cultural guide and driver.
DAY 2 - Bharatpur
Your great Indian birding journey begins after breakfast with a drive from Delhi to Bharatpur, approximately 4 hrs through the landscapes of Rajasthan.
Keoladeo National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia’s most important wetland ecosystems, a mosaic of marshes, woodlands, and grasslands that supports hundreds of resident and migratory bird species.
On arrival, check in at Birder’s Inn by late noon. After lunch, head out into Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary for your first bird walk.
Day 3 & 4 - Bharatpur
Full Days of birding in Bharatpur – Keoladeo National Park. With over 500 recorded species, the reserve offers extraordinary birding at every turn. Among the species regularly observed here are the Bonelli’s Eagle, Brown Crake, Black-bellied Tern, Painted Sandgrouse, Sarus Crane, Dusky Eagle-Owl, Steppe Eagle, Great White Pelican, Black Bittern, Pied Kingfisher, Indian Roller, Red-naped Ibis, Bluethroat, Orange-headed Thrush, and a wealth of warblers, flycatchers, and waterbirds.
Morning sessions in the wetlands are followed by a return to the lodge for lunch and a midday rest. Afternoons bring a second birding session, making the most of the softer light and increased activity as the day draws to a close.
Day 5 - Drive to Delhi
After a final morning birding session on the outskirts of Bharatpur a productive area for observing nesting waterfowl including Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, and Garganey enjoy a hearty breakfast before the 4 hrs drive back to Delhi to rest for the evening.
Day 6 - Drive to Corbett
Today the journey continues to the land of roars, trumpets, and songs – Jim Corbett National Park. The drive takes approximately 5 hrs, unfolding through the diverse landscapes of northern India with the occasional chance to spot a Sarus Crane along the way. India’s oldest national park, Corbett is set within the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand and is celebrated for its Bengal tigers, rich biodiversity, and dramatic riverine landscapes.
On arrival at Jim’s Jungle Retreat, check in and settle in before an evening briefing with your Safari Director on the birdlife and habitats you will be exploring. The day ends with an authentic Kumaoni dinner and an early rest ahead of the days to come
Day 7 - Jim Corbett · Buffer Zone Excursion
Rise to a chorus of birdsong and set out after morning coffee for a full day of exploration in the buffer areas surrounding the park. Birding along the banks of the Ramganga and Kosi rivers offers outstanding opportunities to observe some of the region’s most sought-after species, among them the Ibisbill, Tawny Fish Owl, and Long-tailed Broadbill. Breakfast and lunch are taken at scenic spots in the field, allowing you to make the most of every hour in the habitat. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon to unwind by the pool or simply reflect on the day’s sightings.
Day 8 - Jim Corbett · Core Zone Safari
An early start for core zone safaris inside Jim Corbett National Park, where the park’s varied habitats Himalayan foothills, riverine belts, and dense sal forests support an impressive array of wildlife. Key bird species to look out for include the Great Slaty Woodpecker, Great Hornbill, Great Barbet, Crested Kingfisher, Plumbeous and White-capped Water Redstart, River Lapwing, Black-winged Kite, Himalayan Vulture, and Cinereous Vulture, alongside a wide variety of forest birds. Mammals including Chital, Sambar, Asiatic Elephant, and Bengal Tiger share these corridors.
Between safaris, return to the lodge for lunch and a midday rest before heading back into the park for the afternoon session, when wildlife activity rises once again.
Day 9 - Corbett to Pangot
After an early morning birding session in the core zone, set off for Pangot and the Jungle Lore Birding Lodge. The route passes through Kaladhungi — the former home village of Jim Corbett — before ascending into the Kumaon Himalayas. Over the course of a 3 to 3.5-hour drive, the dense sal forests of the foothills gradually give way to temperate oak and pine as the altitude climbs towards 2,000 metres.
Pangot is a small Himalayan village within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by dense oak and rhododendron forests and widely regarded as one of the finest birdwatching locations in the Kumaon region. On arrival, settle in and spend the remainder of the day immersed in the quiet of the mountain forest
Day 10 - Pangot
Wake to the crisp mountain air and begin birding in the forests of the Pangot Valley. The surrounding oak and mixed forests offer outstanding opportunities to observe Himalayan specialities including the Koklass Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Greater Yellownape, and Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, along with Chestnut Blackbird, Grey-winged Blackbird, Rock Bunting, Striated Laughingthrush, Black-faced Warbler, Blue-capped Redstart, and Blue-fronted Redstart.
After a warm lunch at the lodge, the afternoon takes you towards the Kilbury forest in search of the Brown Wood Owl, Collared Owlet, and other specialities of the higher elevations. Return as the temperature drops with the fading light for a hearty supper and a restful evening in the hills
Day 11 - Excursion to Sattal
Descend today into the foothills of the Bhimtal–Bhowali region for a full day of birding around Sattal, a beautiful cluster of seven lakes set within oak, pine, and mixed forest — one of the finest birding locations in the entire Kumaon Himalayas.
The morning is spent exploring in search of Red-billed Blue Magpie, Slaty-headed and Plum-headed Parakeet, Kalij Pheasant, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Speckled Piculet, Long-tailed Minivet, Spotted Forktail, Brown Dipper, and Crested Kingfisher, all against the peaceful backdrop of the lakeside habitat. After lunch, the afternoon turns to focused raptor watching, with the Collared Falconet, Bearded Vulture, and Eurasian Griffon Vulture among the targets. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon after a richly rewarding day.
Day 12 - Drive to Delhi
Today the hills are left behind. The 5.5-hour drive back to Delhi descends through the Himalayan foothills into the plains, passing through small villages, agricultural landscapes, and roadside markets that offer a vivid glimpse into rural northern Indian life. It is a relaxed and scenic journey — a fitting close to the wilderness chapters of the trip before arriving in Delhi by evening.
Day 13 - Departure
A final morning in India. After breakfast, bid farewell and depart carrying the memories of extraordinary landscapes, rare encounters, and the songs of more than three hundred birds. The journey ends here — for now.
Location
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Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Payment Terms
- All tours operate on 100% advance payment.
- We require a 50% deposit at the time of booking and 50% 45 days prior to the trip start date.
- These rates are applicable to Indian Nationals only. All foreign nationals must contact us on Reservations@AmeliyaSafaris.com
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
- 30% is non-refundable once the payment is done.
- The remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 45 days prior to the tour start dates.
- Between 45-30 days, 50% will be refunded. No refund if cancellation is done between 0 – 30 days of the tour.
- Please note that the date of written communication (e-mail) of intent to cancel will be the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees. (email: Reservations@AmeliyaSafaris.com)
- The cancellation amount is calculated as per the total booking amount and not as per the advance deposited.
- No refunds in case of refusal to use a service/activity mentioned in the itinerary.
- Safari bookings are non-transferable as safari permits are issued by the Government under specified names and strictly enforced.
