INDIA
February 12 - 23, 2015
12 Days / 11 Nights
$2385* double occupancy
*Surcharge for groups of less than 8
Sri Lanka extension, Feb. 23 - March 2
8 Days / 7 Nights $2098 Click HERE for details
12 Feb’15 Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at the Delhi airport, we will be met by a representative and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day will be ours to rest after the long flights, or to explore the neighboring sites and shops. Dinner & Overnight in Hotel Classic Diplomat. (D)
13 Feb’15 Delhi – Bharatpur
After breakfast, we will drive to Bharatpur. Upon arrival, we will check in at the quaint Hotel Sun Bird. The nearby Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan, is a famous avifauna sanctuary that has hosted hundreds of rare and highly endangered birds such as the Siberian Crane, which come here during the winter season. Over 230 species of birds are known to have made the National Park their home. It is also a major tourist centre with scores of ornithologists arriving here in the hibernal season. It was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971 and it is also a declared World Heritage Site. After lunch (time permitting) we will visit the park for some late afternoon/evening birding. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel Sun Bird. (B + L + D)
14 Feb’15 Bharatpur
After breakfast, we will depart for a full day trip to Kaoladeo National Park (with packed lunch). Dinner and overnight at Hotel Sun Bird. (B + L + D)
15 Feb’15 Day trip to Kumher & Nonera
After breakfast, we will depart for a full day trip to Kumher and Nonera (with packed lunch). More details on this day trip will be added soon. We will return to Bharatpur for dinner and overnight at the Hotel Sun Bird. (B + L + D)
16 Feb’15 Day
After breakfast, we will depart our hotel for a birding day trip to Baretha and Bayana (with packed lunch). A beautiful dam site 38 km west of Bharatpur, Bund Baretha offers excellent views over a massive reservoir. The wetlands are home to many waders and it is not uncommon to spot some species not found inside the national park. You can walk to the old Maharaja's palace and, coupled with a scenic sunset, it makes for a wonderful day visit. Another good place for birding is Bayana en route, where we can expect to see Munias, Blue Rock Thrush and many more species. The wetland species are good numbers at Bayana, and select stops on the way should offer good sighting of eagles, wheatears, munias and other passerine birds. Dinner and overnight in hotel. (B + L + D)
17 Feb’15 Day trip to Dholpur (Chambal)
After breakfast, proceed for Birding day trip to Dholpur (with packed lunch). Dholpur is an ideal base for exploring the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding areas, with excursions designed to appeal to everyone, from the serious birder to the wildlife enthusiasts. Set in 13 acres of garden, the palace grounds are full of peacock and other birdlife that slip over from the National Chambal Sanctuary nearby. Dinner and overnight in hotel. (B + L + D)
18 Feb’15 Bharatpur – Rathambore by train
After early breakfast, we will transfer to a railway station to board our train to Ranthambore (Station Sawai Madhopur). Upon arrival, our guide will meet us and assist with our transfer to our hotel. Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India. The park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of south-eastern Rajasthan, which is about 130 km from Jaipur. Once one of the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park is a major wildlife tourist attraction that has attracted the attention of many wildlife lovers and photographers. After lunch, we will enjoy our first jeep safari in the park, where sightings of tigers are among the many possibilities. Dinner & overnight in Hotel Ranthambore Regency. (B + L + D)
19 Feb’15 Ranthambore
Today we will go on two private jeep safaris, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. This should increase our chances for good tiger sightings, as well as many birds and other wildlife. Dinner and overnight in hotel. (B + L + D)
20 Feb’15 Ranthambore – Delhi by train
After breakfast, we will transfer to the railway station to board a train to Delhi. Upon arrival, we will check in at our hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to rest or explore the city. Dinner & overnight in Hotel Godwin Deluxe. (B + L + D)
21 Feb’15 Day trip to Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
After breakfast, we will proceed for afull day trip to Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary (with packed lunch). Sultanpur National Park, along with Keoladeo Ghana National Park (or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), form the two most popular bird sanctuaries in North India. Established in 1971 as a bird sanctuary, Sultanpur was declared a National Park by the government of India in 1991. The park is run by the government of Haryana under its Ministry of Tourism, which has undertaken much effort to sustain the habitat for birds. Sultanpur National Park is a popular destination mostly in the winters, which is when hordes of birds migrate to it from all over Eastern Europe and Asia. In addition to the resident birds, the migratory bird population forms the key attraction of the park. Dinner & overnight in hotel. (B + L + D)
22 Feb’15 Optional tour to Taj Mahal/Okhla Bird Sanctuary
Today we will enjoy a day trip to Agra (both ways by train). For those who are not interested in visiting the Taj Mahal, you may opt for a half day trip to Okhla Bird Sanctuary. Dinner & overnight in Hotel. (B + L + D)
23 Feb’15 Final departure
We will be transferred to the Delhi airport for our flights home, or to begin the Sri Lanka extension (click HERE for details). (B)
The price INCLUDES:
- All meals during tour - Dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 12
- All entry fees to reserves in itinerary
- Lodging
- Expert bilingual bird guide(s) during the entire trip
- Private transportation and railway tickets as indicated in itinerary
- Transfers to and from airport
The price does NOT include:
- International airfare
- Tips
- Items of a personal nature, such as extra drinks, snacks, alcoholic beverages, laundry, souvenirs, etc.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Deposit of $600 with registration (link for registration form is at the bottom of this page). Balance is due on or before November 12, 2014.
Checks should be made payable to Cheepers! Birding on a Budget and mailed with the registration form to:
Cheepers! Birding on a Budget
Post Office Box 385
Spring Valley, OH 45370
Cancellation policy:
Cancellation must be made in writing (email or snail mail)
More than 6 months prior to departure – full refund of deposit
Between 4 and 6 months prior to departure – 50% refund of deposit
Less than 4 months prior to departure – No refund of deposit
If cancellation occurs after full payment is made, a refund will be given only if the vacant spot is filled.
Trip insurance is recommended.
You can compare prices offered by various trip insurance companies at this website: http://www.quotewright.com/?sub_id=6056
Cheepers! Birding on a Budget LLC reserves the right to make changes in the itinerary if the need should arise due to unforeseeable circumstances such as weather, landslides, and other natural phenomena, as well as suggestions by local guides in order to take advantage of an unusual birding opportunity. Lodging is subject to change based on availability.
Click on the link below to upload registration form:
| india_sri_lanka_registration_form_02_2015.pdf |