Birdwatching in India

This morning you will rise early and transfer to the train station to board your express train to Agra. On arrival in Agra you will make the short transfer by road to Chambal. Chambal is a bird lover's paradise and this afternoon I have arranged for you to visit the Sarus Crane conservation area. A large wetland interspersed by cultivated fields where large numbers of Sarus Cranes breed.

This morning you will explore the river by boat in search of the colonies of rare Indian Skimmer, Greater Thicknee, the Comb Duck, Brahmani Duck, Kingfishers, Fishing Eagles, Flamingos and many more. Your afternoon at leisure, perhaps take one of the nature walks with the resident naturalists. Early evening is the best time to go in search of Palm Civet Cats, Foxes, Jungle Hares, Fruit Bats, Hedgehogs and the Indian Striped Hyenas.

After a leisurely morning you will make your way to Bharatpur where you will be staying in a converted palace not far from the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary.

This morning you will make your way to Keoladeo where you will take a slow cycle rickshaw ride through the sanctuary. The sanctuary boasts 370 species of birds, of which 150 are migrants, some come as far afield as Siberia, swelling the local bird population to around half a million.

Return to the sanctuary today to further explore with an experienced guide. The sanctuary is also home to mammals including wild boar, smooth coasted otter and mongoose.

This morning you will transfer to Agra, stopping en route for a private guided tour of the ancient deserted Mughal City of Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival in Agra you will visit the Taj Mahal. This iconic building will take your breath away as you first see it through the arches of the gate.

This afternoon you will transfer to the station to meet your overnight train to Piparya.

On arrival in Pipariya this morning your guide will be waiting to meet you and together you will transfer to Satpura National Park. This afternoon we have arranged for you to enjoy a fascinating walking safari into this stunning national park - Satpura is the only national park that you can do walking safaris in.

Together with your naturalist you will enjoy a kayak trip along the Tawa Reservoir - the variety of birds you will come across is astonishing. This afternoon go in search of the elusive sloth bear on a jeep safari into the park.

This morning take a jeep safari into the park. With an experienced naturalist, you have the opportunity to focus on bird life, or explore some of the areas more frequented with mammals. This afternoon you will return to the reservoir to explore by boat.

A final morning game drive before you transfer this afternoon to Bhopal, where you will board your domestic flight to Mumbai. From Mumbai you can take your onwards international flight.