Taj Mahal and Birding Tour of India
12 Nights / 13 Days
Trip Highlights & Overview
Taj Mahal and Birding Tour of India
This 13-day Birding and Taj Mahal tour combines rich birdlife with cultural wonders, offering a unique blend of nature and heritage. Beginning in Bharatpur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the wetlands host an incredible diversity of avian species. Once home to the rare Siberian Crane, Bharatpur remains a global birding hotspot with migratory bar-headed geese, painted storks, pelicans, and black-necked storks gracing its waters. Agra provides cultural interludes with the architectural marvel of the Taj Mahal, an unforgettable experience of history and beauty.
The journey continues to Corbett National Park, where dense sal forests and riverine habitats are alive with woodpeckers, drongos, and jungle owlets. The scenic Himalayan foothills offer sightings of elusive species like the hill partridge, cheer pheasant, and red-billed magpie.
Nainital’s wooded slopes and serene lakes are a paradise for Himalayan birds, such as the blue whistling thrush, red-billed leiothrix, rufous-bellied woodpecker, and chestnut-headed tesia. The vibrant avian diversity combined with breathtaking landscapes ensures an enriching birding experience.
Perfect for birding enthusiasts and culture lovers alike, this tour offers the best of India’s natural wonders and timeless heritage.
- Outline Itinerary
- 17 Feb: Arrive New Delhi (by flight)
- 18 Feb: New Delhi – Bharatpur (199 kms, 4-hour drive)
- 19 Feb: In Bharatpur bird Sanctuary
- 20 Feb: Bharatpur – Dholpur (45 kms, 1.5 hr drive)
- 21 Feb: Dholpur – Agra (55 kms, 1.5-hour drive)
- 22 Feb: Agra – Corbett (275 kms, 6-hour drive)
- 23 - 24 Feb: In Corbett National Park
- 25 Feb: Corbett – Nainital (70 kms, 2 hrs. drive)
- 26 - 27 Feb: Nainital, Pangot and Sat Tal Full Day Birding
- 28 Feb: Nainital – New Delhi (295 Kms, 6-hour drive)
- 01 Mar: New Delhi – Fly Out
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Taj Mahal and Birding Tour of India
Detailed Itinerary
Taj Mahal and Birding Tour of India
17 Feb : Arrive New Delhi (by flight)
18 Feb: New Delhi – Bharatpur (199 kms, 4-hour drive)
Early breakfast and checkout from the hotel. Transferred to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, 199 kms, 4-hour drive. On arrival in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, check in to the lodge. After a relaxed lunch proceed for an excursion to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park, commonly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a home to more than 400 species of water birds. The park is one of the finest and is an ideal habitat for the birds. The lightly wooden and swampy terrain is widely spread over 29 sq. kms. This bird sanctuary was once a private shooting and hunting preserve for the Royal Family, Maharaja of Bharatpur. Overnight at the lodge in Bharatpur
19 Feb: In Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
During winter, the park transforms into a haven for migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia, and Europe. Iconic species like the Siberian Crane, once a rare visitor, highlight Bharatpur’s global significance. Other migratory guests include bar-headed geese, painted storks, pelicans, and black-necked storks.
Resident birds add charm throughout the year, with sightings of vibrant kingfishers, bee-eaters, and parakeets. Raptors like eagles, hawks, and owls also thrive in the park, showcasing its ecological health. Waterbirds such as herons, egrets, and cormorants find refuge in the wetland areas.
Bharatpur is not just a sanctuary for birds but also a vital conservation hub. Its rich avian biodiversity attracts birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers from across the globe, offering an unparalleled experience of India’s natural heritage.
20 Feb: Bharatpur – Dholpur (45 kms, 1.5 hr drive)
21 Feb: Dholpur – Agra (55 kms, 1.5-hour drive)
Morning birding session in Bharatpur. Return to the hotel for breakfast and transferred to Agra. On arrival, check in at the hotel and meet your guide. Rest up for a few hours before proceeding for a detailed visit to Agra Fort.
Proceed to visit the red sandstone Agra Fort which stands like a crescent on the banks of Yamuna River, enclosed by forbidding 20-meter-high walls with a 12- meter moat between them. Three successive Mughal emperors – Akbar, Jehangir, and Shah Jehan – helped create this architectural feat which contains Hindu and Muslim architecture.
Later, end the day with another Mughal marvel, Mehtab Bagh. Located opposite the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, Mehtab Bagh offers stunning views of the iconic monument. Positioned on the eastern bank of the Yamuna River, it provides a picturesque setting for witnessing the Taj Mahal’s reflection at sunset. Originally built by Emperor Babur and later restored during the Mughal era, Mehtab Bagh’s symmetrical layout, lush greenery, and decorative pools create a serene ambiance. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls amidst the manicured lawns while admiring panoramic vistas of the Taj Mahal and the surrounding landscape. This historic garden serves as a tranquil retreat and a prime vantage point for experiencing the Taj Mahal’s ethereal beauty mirrored in the shimmering waters of the Yamuna River. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at Agra.
22 Feb: Agra – Corbett (275 kms, 6-hour drive)
Sunrise visit to see the Taj Mahal, which was built in the middle of the 17th century by the Moghul emperor Shah Jehan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France, and Italy and some 20,000 labourers worked extensively for 17 years to build this edifice. Seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise will transcend you into another era.
This is the time you see the Taj Mahal in its full glory. Every step towards this monument will bathe your soul with tender love. As our guide shares the intricate stories of this monument you will run out of adjectives, and you will experience indescribable moments. The passion with which Taj Mahal was conceived more than 5 centuries back has been summed up beautifully by our great poet Rabindranath Tagore, “The Taj Mahal rises above the banks of the river like a solitary tear suspended on the cheek of time.”
Post sightseeing, come back to the hotel for breakfast and depart for Corbett National Park. Check-in on arrival. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
23 Feb: In Corbett National Park
Morning and afternoon safari in the park. All meals and overnight at the lodge. Corbett National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity, offers thrilling safari experiences across its zones. Among these, the Dhela and Bijrani zones stand out for their distinct characteristics, landscapes, and wildlife opportunities.
Added to the park in 2014, the Dhela Zone is a relatively new and tranquil safari destination. Spanning dense mixed forests, grasslands, and water bodies, it provides a rich habitat for diverse flora and fauna. This zone is known for its quiet charm and lower tourist density, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful wildlife experience. Tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and numerous bird species can be spotted here. The Dhela Zone is open throughout the year, including during the monsoon season, offering consistent access to its natural wonders. Safari enthusiasts appreciate its blend of biodiversity and serenity, often making it a preferred choice for photographers and birdwatchers.
24 Feb: In Corbett National Park
Morning and afternoon safari in the park. All meals and overnight at the lodge.
Famous for its lush Sal forests and expansive grasslands, Bijrani is among Corbett’s most popular safari zones. The terrain is a mix of open spaces and wooded areas, creating an ideal environment for tigers and herbivores such as elephants, chitals, and sambars. Bijrani’s tiger sightings are frequent, drawing wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe. The zone is open from mid-October to mid-June and offers both morning and afternoon safari slots. Its proximity to the park’s main entrance makes it easily accessible, and its well-defined trails enhance the chances of spotting wildlife. Whether it’s Dhela’s peaceful wilderness or Bijrani’s dynamic landscapes, each zone offers a unique safari experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in Corbett’s raw beauty while encountering its magnificent wildlife up close. Both zones highlight the park’s commitment to preserving India’s ecological heritage.
25 Feb: Corbett – Nainital (70 kms, 2 hrs. drive)
Morning safari in the park. Post the safari, come back to the lodge, and eat lunch. Post lunch Checkout from the lodge and transferred to Nainital. The scenic route between Corbett National Park and Nainital offers a captivating journey through lush forests, winding roads, and picturesque landscapes.
This 2-hour drive is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with opportunities to spot a variety of avian species. Dense sal forests near Corbett host birds like woodpeckers, drongos, and barbets, while the foothills reveal hill partridges and jungle owlets. As the road ascends towards Nainital, the cooler, wooded areas attract Himalayan species like the blue whistling thrush, red-billed magpie, and cheer pheasant. Birding stops at Pangot or Kilbury provide excellent opportunities to appreciate the region’s rich avian diversity.
Upon arriving in Nainital, take the evening to relax before starting your birding sessions the following morning. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
26 - 27 Feb: Nainital, Pangot and Sat Tal Full Day Birding
Morning and evening birding session with your guide in Sat Tal and Pangot. Pangot, characterized by dense oak and pine forests, is home to over 250 bird species, including the Cheer Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, and Himalayan Griffon. Meanwhile, Sat Tal’s serene lakes and mixed forests attract a variety of water and forest birds such as the Red-billed Leiothrix, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, and Chestnut-headed Tesia. This region’s unique mix of terrains—forests, streams, and lakes—provides a stunning backdrop for birdwatching enthusiasts seeking vibrant Himalayan birdlife. Dinner and overnight at lodge in Nainital.
28 Feb: Nainital – New Delhi (295 Kms, 6-hour drive)
Early morning birding in Nainital. The entire drive is through the forested area of Cheena Peak Range via Snow Viewpoint and Kilbury. One can see a variety of Himalayan species along the way such as lammergeier, Himalayan griffon, blue winged minla, spotted & slaty-backed forktail, rufous-bellied woodpecker, rufous-bellied Niltava, khalij pheasant, variety of thrushes etc.
In the afternoon, depart from Nainital for New Delhi. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in New Delhi.
01 Mar: New Delhi – Fly Out
Trip Inclusions
- Accommodation in New Delhi, Dholpur and Agra on bed and breakfast basis
- Accommodation in Nainital on room, breakfast, and lunch/dinner basis
- Accommodation in Bharatpur and Corbett on room, all meals & exclusive safari basis
- Entrance and guide charges in Bharatpur, Dholpur, Corbett and Nainital
- Entrance, guide, and monument fee in Agra
- 04 exclusive birding sessions will be provided in Bharatpur with 3 other co-travelers
- 02 exclusive birding sessions will be provided in Dholpur 3 other co-travelers
- 05 exclusive jeep safaris will be provided in Corbett 3 other co-travelers
- 05 exclusive birding sessions will be provided in Nainital 3 other co-travelers
- Assistance at airport and hotels
- All group land transfers in air-conditioned in 09-seater Tempo traveler & individual airport transfers in a Toyota Innova Crysta
- All currently applicable taxes
Trip Exclusions
- Still / video camera fee in the monuments and national parks. As on date, there is no camera fee in either of the parks in the program.
- Expenses of personal nature like smokes, liquor, laundry, and telephone calls
- International airfare and domestic
- Travel insurance
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Please note that any changes in entrance fees or government taxes will be payable extra and the same will be advised to you if applicable.
Extend your stay
Extend your stay in India by choosing any one of the tours below. It could be a mix of wildlife and culture or focused on special interest activities such as food tours in Old Delhi, cycling through the historic remnants of the capital city or even beach holidays toward the end of the tour.
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Taj Mahal and Birding Tour of India
