Compare Birdwatching in India by Audley Travel vs India in 9 days - Amazing Tiger Safari & Classic Taj Mahal - LUXURY by Exoticca

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Delhi.

Day 2 : Delhi

On arrival in Delhi you're met at the airport by our friendly representative who will drive you to your hotel. You will have time to freshen up and have lunch before your afternoon tour of New Delhi. This tour is a fascinating introduction, allowing you to explore the more recent history and architecture of Lutyens' Delhi and the stunning Qutub Minar.

Day 3 : Chambal Sanctuary

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.

Day 4 : Chambal Sanctuary

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.

Day 5 : Bharatpur

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.

Day 6 : Bharatpur

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.

Day 7 : Bharatpur

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.

Day 8 : Array

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. Early evening you will transfer to the station to meet your overnight train to Piparya.

Day 9 : Satpura National Park

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.

Day 10 : Satpura National Park

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.

Day 11 : Satpura National 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.

Day 12 : International return flight

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.

Day 13 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrival at US departure airport ready to check-in for the flight * to Delhi. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Delhi

Arrival in the capital of India and transfer to the hotel. Delhi is a city with an impressive architectural legacy of its Islamic conquerors along with a spectacular historical center. Rest of the day free to rest or to begin to know this fascinating city. Overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 3: Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Old Delhi including the Jama Masjid Royal Mosque and the lively Chandi Chow Street. Ride a rickshaw around the Red Fort, former residence of the Imperial Family and admire the Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the afternoon, explore New Delhi, passing through the India Gate, the Mausoleum of Emperor Humayun, government buildings and the Presidential Palace. Overnight in Dehli.

Day 4: Delhi - Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave by road to Jaipur, the Pink City of India. Capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur was built in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Its architecture is a magnificent confluence of Hindu, Jain and Mughal architectural styles. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free to begin to know this vibrant city. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 5: Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. Arrive at the Amber Fort by Jeep transfer. In the interior, cross the premises of the palace Jag Mandir and the famous Sheesh Mahal, a room embedded with beautifully bright pieces of mirror. Tour the city of Jaipur including a visit to the Palace of the Maharaja City, former royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. Also experience the wonder of the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory in the world made of marble. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Jaipur for Agra and along the way visit Fatehpur Sikri, an impressive ghost town, and pass by Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Next, visit the Taj Mahal, the ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river and a universal symbol of love. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his beloved wife. Overnight in Agra.

Day 7: Agra - Bharatpur - Ranthambore

Breakfast at the hotel and visit a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Agra Fort. Inside the fort discover the picturesque Pearl Mosque. After your visit, transfer to the train station to board the Kota Jan Shatabdi train for Ranthambore. Arrive at Sawai Madhopur station, near Ranthambore and be transferred to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Ranthambore

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast set off for an exciting safari in Ranthambore National Park. This area is very well known for its tigers, leopards, and crocodiles and was once a Royal Hunting Park. Discover this beautiful park and perhaps be lucky enough to spot an Indian tiger in the wild. Lunch and after further exploring in the afternoon. The park is home to a majestic 10th-century fort and the beautiful Padam Talao, which has an abundance of water lilies. Dinner and overnight in Ranthambore.

Day 9: Ranthambore - Delhi

Early breakfast at the hotel before departing for your train back to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to absorb the vibrant atmosphere. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 10: Delhi - Night on board

Breakfast * at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for an overnight flight back to the US. Night on board. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Day 11: US

Arrive in the US and end your trip.