NORTHERN INDIAFantastic adventure from the Ganges plains to the Himalayan foothills, with the Bharatpur wetlands, a good chance of Tiger, and the wondrous Taj Mahal.
$8375 (2009 fee). 23 days See our triplist for 2008 or 2007 or 2006.
Next is famed Bharatpur, arguably the greatest waterbird sanctuary in all Asia. Described as one of the most magical places on Earth, this outstanding bird paradise embraces eleven square miles of wetland, woodland, and thorny scrub—all full of birds. The bugling of Sarus Cranes and chaotic honking of Bar-headed and Greylag geese are among the marvels of a Bharatpur dawn. Five species of Aquila eagles can by seen as the morning warms up, and throughout the day the activity is constant, from Bluethroats in the undergrowth, barbets and Indian Gray Hornbills in the fruiting figs, or Dusky Eagle-Owls which emerge at dusk. We’ll then continue to Agra and the Chambal River where Indian Skimmers and Black-bellied Terns skim the waters while giant Gharials (long-snouted fish-eating crocodiles) bask in the sun. And at Agra itself, we’ll visit the mighty Agra Fort and the wondrous and ethereal Taj Mahal. The second half of our trip focuses on the western Himalayas. Corbett, India’s oldest national park, was established in 1935 and covers over 200 square miles. More than 500 species have been recorded here —from Kalij Pheasant, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, and Brown Fish-Owl to Plumbeous and White-capped redstarts, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler, and Velvet-fronted Nuthatch. Corbett also supports various large animals including Marsh Mugger (a large crocodile), Indian Elephant, and (one more chance) Tiger. The mountains around Nainital rise to over 8500 feet. On a clear day, the lovely view from pine-clad ridges above town reaches across to distant Nanda Devi, at 25,643 feet India’s highest peak. The bird life is no less magnificent, with Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Great Barbet, Blue Magpie, Black-headed Jay, and Striated Laughingthrush heading an impressive list. Join us for an adventure by bus, train, safari truck, bicycle-rickshaw, elephant back, and on foot through the bird-filled marshes and forests of northern India!
Contact our office by e-mail in Austin, Texas at fieldguides@fieldguides.com.
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