The Birds of Rajasthan and Gujrat – West India Birds Tour
Tour Duration: 12Nights /13 Days
Tour Destinations: New Delhi – Tal Chappar – Jaisalmer (Desert National Park) – Mount Abu – Little Rann of Kutch – Bhuj (Great Rann of Kutch) – New Delhi
The states of Rajasthan and Gujarat are among India’s top birding and wildlife destinations, known for their unique landscapes and rare species. This specially curated tour offers the chance to spot regional endemics and endangered birds such as the Great Indian Bustard, Green Avadavat, Sarus Crane, Macqueen’s Bustard, and the elusive Grey Hypocolius. Winter is the ideal season for this expedition, as thousands of migratory birds flock to the region, creating breathtaking congregations. From arid grasslands to salt pans, every stop on this journey promises unforgettable encounters with India’s avian wonders.
Day 1: Arrival in New Delhi
Upon arrival at New Delhi Airport, meet your tour representative and transfer to the hotel. The day is free to rest and prepare for your exciting birdwatching journey through the arid and vibrant landscapes of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Day 2: Drive to Tal Chhapar, Rajasthan
Begin your adventure with a scenic drive to Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, a grassland ecosystem nestled on the edge of the Thar Desert. En route, keep an eye out for birds like the Red-naped Ibis, Indian Peafowl, and Indian Roller. Evening birding around Tal Chhapar.
Day 3: Birding at Tal Chhapar Sanctuary
Explore Tal Chhapar, known for its open grasslands and thriving Blackbuck antelope population. Look for Desert Fox, Indian Hare, and Grey Mongoose. Avian highlights include Demoiselle Cranes, Steppe Eagles, Montagu’s and Pallid Harriers, White-bellied Minivet, and the elusive Indian Eagle Owl. This sanctuary offers prime opportunities for photographing grassland raptors and passerines.
Day 4: Tal Chhapar to Jaisalmer via Bikaner & Khichan
Drive toward Jaisalmer, stopping at Jorbeer Conservation Reserve in Bikaner to observe large flocks of Yellow-eyed Green Pigeons, Imperial Eagles, and Cinereous Vultures. At Khichan, witness a mesmerizing spectacle of Demoiselle and Common Cranes in large congregations. Additional species include Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Variable Wheatear, and the endemic Brown Rock Chat. Evening arrival and check-in at your hotel in Jaisalmer.
Days 5–6: Birding at Desert National Park, Jaisalmer
Spend two full days exploring Desert National Park, a critical habitat for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard. This semi-arid zone also supports Steppe Eagles, Short-toed Snake Eagles, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, and Pallid Harriers. Look for desert specialists like Isabelline Wheatear, Black-crowned Sparrow Lark, Graceful Prinia, and Striolated Bunting. Mammals include Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Nilgai, and Indian Desert Gerbil.
Day 7: Jaisalmer to Mount Abu (Rajasthan’s Hill Station)
Enjoy morning birding before heading to Mount Abu, a green oasis in the Aravalli Hills. This cool hill station offers sightings of Red Spurfowl, White-bellied Drongo, Indian Scimitar Babbler, and Crested Bunting. Search for the striking Green Avadavat, a regional endemic, in the surrounding scrub.
Day 8: Mount Abu to Little Rann of Kutch
Descend from Mount Abu and journey into Gujarat’s Little Rann of Kutch, an arid salt desert teeming with winter migrants. En route, look for Sarus Crane, Painted Stork, and Black-headed Ibis. Arrive at your desert lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 9: Birding in Little Rann of Kutch
Discover the rich biodiversity of the Little Rann of Kutch, known for Lesser and Greater Flamingos, Dalmatian and White Pelicans, Sociable Lapwing, and Indian Courser. Raptors abound, including Booted Eagles, White-eyed Buzzards, and Common Buzzards. Spot the rare Macqueen’s Bustard, nocturnal Sykes’s Nightjar, and the endemic Indian Wild Ass alongside Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, and Golden Jackal.
Day 10: Little Rann to Bhuj
Spend the morning birding in the salt flats before driving to Bhuj, the gateway to the Great Rann of Kutch. Evening arrival and overnight stay.
Days 11–12: Great Rann of Kutch Birding (Bhuj Region)
Explore the diverse habitats of the Great Rann of Kutch, including Chari Dhandh, Banni Grasslands, Fulay, and Mata no Madh. Target species include Grey Hypocolius, White-naped Tit, Painted Sandgrouse, Rock Bush Quail, Skye’s Lark, and Marshall’s Iora. At the Gulf of Kutch, look for Crab Plover, Terek Sandpiper, and Pallas’ Gull. This area is one of India’s most prized birding regions during winter.
Day 13: Flight from Bhuj to New Delhi – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Bhuj Airport for your flight to New Delhi, marking the end of your unforgettable birding expedition across Rajasthan and Gujarat. Optional hotel stay or international departure.
Tour Cost Inclusions
• Accommodation in quality wildlife lodges, eco-resorts, and hotels on a twin-sharing basis throughout the itinerary (Tal Chappar, Jaisalmer, Mount Abu, Little Rann of Kutch, Bhuj, and New Delhi).
• All meals included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) from Day 1 dinner to Day 13 breakfast.
• All surface transfers and ground travel in a comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle, including airport pick-up and drop-off.
• All necessary permits, park entry fees, and camera charges (where applicable) for visits to Tal Chappar Wildlife Sanctuary, Desert National Park, Little Rann of Kutch, and other birding hotspots mentioned in the itinerary.
• Full-time support from an expert accompanying birding guide/naturalist, highly knowledgeable in the birdlife and habitats of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• Local trackers and guides at specific wildlife reserves as required.
• Bottled drinking water provided during road journeys and outdoor excursions.
• End-to-end assistance at airports, hotels, and check-ins throughout the tour.
Tour Cost Exclusions
• International airfare to/from India and domestic flight from Bhuj to New Delhi at the end of the tour.
• Visa processing fees, travel insurance, and any medical expenses incurred.
• Personal expenses, such as laundry, phone calls, room service, minibar, spa treatments, and alcoholic beverages.
• Any optional safaris, excursions, or activities not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary.
• Tips, portage, and gratuities to guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
• Camera/video equipment charges for professional gear beyond standard park allowances.
• Any additional accommodation or meals before Day 1 or after Day 13, including extended stays in New Delhi.
• Anything not specifically listed under the “Tour Cost Inclusions” section.