Birds & Wildlife of Rajasthan & Gujarat (21 Days )































































20 Nights

RAJASTHAN & GUJARAT, INDIA

October To March
ITINERARY
Meals: on own
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace
Arrive at Delhi Airport, where our representative will warmly welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel.
Spend the evening at your leisure—relax and recover from your journey or explore the local markets at your own pace. If you're interested, we’d be happy to arrange optional experiences such as guided tours of historical monuments, museums, vibrant bazaars or popular food joints.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Umaid Mahal
After an early breakfast, check out and head towards Sultanpur National Park for a rewarding morning of birding. Located just 40 km from Delhi, this sanctuary is a haven for both resident and migratory bird species. Keep an eye out for iconic species such as the Sarus Crane, Greater Flamingo, Northern Pintail, and a variety of herons, storks, and kingfishers. The soft morning light is ideal for photography as you stroll along the lakeside trails.
Following your visit, continue your drive to Jaipur (approximately 4 hours / 229 km). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Depending on the time available, you may choose to visit notable landmarks such as Hawa Mahal, the City Palace, and Jantar Mantar. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the vibrant local markets of the Pink City.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast in Jaipur, (Lunch on own) and Dinner in Tal Chappar
Accommodation: Raptor's Inn
This morning, enjoy a wildlife safari in Jhalana Leopard Sanctuary, known for its thriving population of leopards and deer. In addition to its big cats, Jhalana is a great birding spot, offering sightings of species such as the Jacobin Cuckoo, Indian Pitta, Jungle Nightjar, and several others—making it a rewarding experience for both wildlife enthusiasts and birders.
After breakfast, begin your drive to Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary (approx. 4 hours / 208 km). Arrive by late afternoon and, if time permits, head out for an evening birding session to spot some of the sanctuary’s key species.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Raptor's Inn
Spend the day exploring the vast grasslands of Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for arid-zone bird species. Whether on foot or along the sanctuary’s motorable trails, you'll encounter an impressive variety of birds such as harriers, larks, wheatears, and sandgrouse. The open landscape also offers opportunities to observe blackbucks and desert foxes in their natural habitat, making it a rewarding day for both birding and wildlife enthusiasts.
Overnight stay
Key species: Indian Courser, Short-toed Snake-Eagle, Tawny Eagle, White-eyed Buzzard, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Indian Roller, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, Red-necked Falcon, Laggar Falcon, Bay-backed Shrike, Blackbuck, Eastern Imperial Eagle
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Kurja Resort
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive towards Kheechan, with a stop at Bikaner to visit the Jorbeer Conservation Reserve. This reserve is renowned for hosting one of the largest gatherings of raptors in India. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to witness large congregations of Himalayan Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, along with Steppe Eagles, Black Kites, and smaller numbers of Tawny and Eastern Imperial Eagles. The sight of these majestic birds in flight is truly a spectacle for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Continue your journey to Kheechan (2.5 hours / 175 km), famous for its wintering flock of thousands of Demoiselle Cranes. The local villagers have been feeding these cranes for years, providing up to 500 kg of grain daily. Spend the evening admiring and photographing this incredible birding event, capturing the beauty of the cranes in their natural habitat.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast in Kheechan, Dinner in Desert National Park
Accommodation: Sonal Desert Camp
After an early morning birdwatching session in Kheechan, we will continue our journey to the city of Jaisalmer. Arrive Jaisalmer and drive to Desert National Park (3.5 hours / 213 km). Arrive DNP and check-in at the hotel.
This park, located in the Thar Desert, offers a unique birding experience. The region is home to a variety of migratory and resident desert birds, including numerous eagles, harriers, falcons, and vultures. Among the highlights is the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, one of the rarest birds in the region. Spend the day exploring the diverse avian life of the desert, capturing the stunning landscapes and birdlife that make this park a must-visit for birdwatchers.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Sonal Desert Camp
Today, we dedicate the entire day to birding in the unique Desert National Park. This park is one of the last remaining strongholds of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, a species now with fewer than 200 individuals left in the wild, facing a real risk of extinction within our lifetimes.
As we explore the park, we'll have the opportunity to observe various desert-adapted species, including raptors, harriers, and bustards, while also learning about conservation efforts aimed at saving these remarkable birds. The stark beauty of the desert landscape provides a perfect backdrop for a full day of birdwatching.
Overnight stay
Key species: Great Indian Bustard, Macqueen’s Bustard, Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark, Desert Lark, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Desert Wheatear
Meals: Breakfast in DNP, and Dinner in Siana
Accommodation: Siana Camp
Begin the day with an early morning birding session in Desert National Park, where you can catch a glimpse of the desert’s resident species as they become active.
After breakfast, check out from the lodge and embark on a scenic drive to Siana (approximately 7 to 7.5 hours). Upon arrival in the late afternoon or early evening, you can enjoy a relaxing birdwatching session around the lodge, should time permit, and start getting acquainted with the local avian life.
Overnight stay
Key species: Bengal Fox, White-footed Fox, Great Indian Bustard, Northern Raven, Desert Lark, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Siana Camp
Spend the entire day birdwatching in and around the Siana area.
Explore the diverse birdlife that thrives in this region, with opportunities to spot various species unique to the arid landscapes. The area offers a great chance to observe both resident and migratory birds, making it an ideal location for avid birdwatchers and photographers.
Overnight stay
Key species: Indian Eagle-Owl, Lesser Whitethroat, White-bellied Minivet, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Pallid Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rising Sun Retreat
Start your day with morning birdwatching in Siana. After a late breakfast, check out and drive to Abu Road (2.5 to 3 hours).
Arrive in Abu Road by early afternoon. The rest of the day will be spent birding in the area, with opportunities to search for target species and capture some fantastic photographs.
Overnight stay
Key species: Green Avadavat, Shikra, Bonelli’s Eagle, Black Redstart, Siberian Stonechat
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Rann Riders
In the morning, drive to Little Rann of Kutch, which will take approximately 5-6 hours.
Upon arrival, spend the evening birdwatching in this unique landscape, renowned for its diverse avian species and the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary.
Overnight stay
Key species: Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed Goose, Greylag Goose, Lesser Flamingo, Common Crane, Pied Avocet, White-tailed Lapwing, Grey-headed Swamphen, Common Moorhen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Rann Riders
Enjoy a full day of birding in Little Rann of Kutch, with both morning and afternoon jeep safaris.
Start a day with a morning jeep safari in Little Rann of Kutch. This area is renowned for being home to the last remaining population of the Indian Wild Ass, a key mammal of the region. The unique salt desert and wetlands provide the perfect habitat for these majestic creatures, and sightings of the Wild Ass are often a highlight of any visit. After the morning safari, take a break for lunch.
In the afternoon, proceed for an another jeep safari to explore more of this fascinating landscape. While the Wild Ass takes center stage, the region is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to a wide variety of species including MacQueen's Bustard, Greater Flamingos, and a range of waders, waterfowl, and raptors. The vast and diverse ecosystem provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
Overnight stay
Key species: Indian Wild Ass, Nilgai, Common Crane, Common Babbler, Desert Wheatear, Variable Wheatear, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Indian Roller
Meals: Breakfast in LRK and Dinner in Bhuj
Accommodation: Infinity Resort
Start your day with a morning birding session around the lodge, where you can observe a variety of local bird species in their natural habitat. After breakfast, check out from the lodge and drive towards Bhuj, which is around 7 hours away. Upon reaching Bhuj, continue your journey to the Greater Rann of Kutch (GRK) area.
Arrive in GRK and check in at your hotel.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Infinity Resort
You will spend a full day birdwatching in the Great Rann of Kutch area, a unique and biodiverse ecosystem. Throughout the day, your expert naturalists will guide you through the region, offering valuable insights into the behavior, habitats, and conservation importance of the various bird species you'll encounter. From the striking Indian bustards to a wide array of migratory and resident species, this will be a rewarding birding experience.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast in Bhuj and Dinner in Jamnagar
Accommodation: Hotel President
After breakfast, check out from the lodge and drive to Jamnagar (approximately 6.5 hours / 325 km). Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a birdwatching session in the scenic surroundings of Jamnagar.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel President
Immerse yourself in the avian wonders of Jamnagar with a full day dedicated birding. Your exploration will take you to the renowned Khijadia and Narara areas, promising an enriching and diverse bird-watching experience.
Khijadia Birding Exploration Khijadia, a birding paradise known for its rich biodiversity. Nestled amidst mangrove forests and wetlands, Khijadia offers a habitat for a myriad of bird species.
Narara Birding Expedition Venture to the Narara region, another gem for bird enthusiasts. Surrounded by serene landscapes, Narara provides a habitat for an array of bird life.
In this day, capture the beauty of these winged wonders through your lens and revel in the tranquility of these natural habitats. This immersive birding experience promises not only the thrill of spotting rare and vibrant species but also a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving these ecosystems for future generations.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast in Jamnagar, Lunch and Dinner in Gir
Accommodation: Gir Birding Lodge
After breakfast, check out from the lodge and drive towards Gir. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, head out for a safari in Gir National Park, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the park's rich birdlife and diverse wildlife.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Gir Birding Lodge
You will have two full days to explore Gir National Park, with morning and afternoon jeep safaris each day. Gir is one of the last remaining places where the Asiatic lion can be found in the wild, and it offers incredible opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.
In addition to the lions, the park is home to a variety of other wildlife, including leopards, spotted deer, sambar, and the rare Indian wolf. Bird enthusiasts will also enjoy sightings of several bird species.
Overnight stay
Key species: Asiatic Lion, Golden Jackal, Indian Grey Mongoose, Oriental Darter, Western Osprey, Little Cormorant, Eastern Cattle Egret, Red-naped Ibis
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Rajkot airport for your flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to your hotel. Check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
On this day, after breakfast, you will be transferred to Delhi airport to connect to your flight for your onward journey.
The tour concludes here, and we hope you have a memorable experience. Safe travels!