9 Best Sanctuaries and National Parks of Rajasthan - 300 Species in 2 Weeks

Meals: on own
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace or similar

Welcome to Delhi! Upon arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. 

The day is at your leisure to rest and acclimatize to the bustling capital city of India. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the upcoming tour, providing essential tips for birdwatching and wildlife sightings.

Overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast in Delhi, (Lunch on own), Dinner in Bharatpur
Accommodation: Regenta Resort or similar

Start your day early with a visit to Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, about 40 km from Delhi. This bird sanctuary is home to a variety of resident and migratory birds. Key species to look out for include the Sarus Crane, Greater Flamingo, Northern Pintail, and various species of herons, storks, and kingfishers. The morning light provides excellent photography opportunities as you walk along the lake's edge.  

Later, continue your drive to Bharatpur (4 hrs / 200 km).

On arrival in the evening, check in at your accommodation and unwind after the day’s travel. Keoladeo Ghana National Park, also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 370 species of birds.  

Overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Regenta Resort or similar 

The full day is dedicated to immersive birdwatching and wildlife exploration in Bharatpur, one of India’s most celebrated birding destinations. The day begins early, making the most of the soft morning light and peak bird activity.

Spend long, unhurried hours inside the iconic Keoladeo Ghana National Park, exploring its mosaic of wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, and dykes. The park supports an extraordinary diversity of resident and migratory birds, offering chances to observe and photograph waterfowl, raptors, waders, woodland species, and wetland specialists in varied habitats.

Beyond birds, Bharatpur is equally rewarding for mammal sightings. While moving quietly along forest tracks and water bodies—on foot or by cycle rickshaw—you may encounter Nilgai, Sambar, and Spotted Deer, along with Wild Boar and the elusive Golden Jackal. These encounters add depth to the overall wildlife experience and make each day uniquely engaging.

Afternoons can be spent revisiting productive areas, observing behavioral patterns, or simply soaking in the tranquil rhythm of the park’s natural surroundings. Evenings are relaxed, with time to review sightings, sort photographs, and discuss the day’s highlights.

Overnight stay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in Bharatpur
Accommodation: Regenta Resort or similar

After an early breakfast, drive to the Chambal River near Dholpur (approximately 70 km / 1.5–2 hours). The Chambal River is one of India’s most pristine river systems and supports an impressive range of wildlife. Enjoy a boat safari along this scenic stretch of the river, which provides an excellent opportunity to spot the critically endangered Gharial, Mugger Crocodile, and the elusive Gangetic River Dolphin. The riverbanks and sandbars are also a paradise for birdwatchers, where species such as Indian Skimmer, Black-bellied Tern, River Lapwing, Small Pratincole, and a variety of raptors are often seen.

After the safari, return to Bharatpur and enjoy a late lunch at the hotel. 

In the afternoon, continue birding in Keoladeo National Park. These areas can be very productive for a range of species including larks, pipits, shrikes, warblers, and wintering waterfowl.

Overnight stay in Bharatpur.

Meals: Breakfast in Bharatpur, Lunch and Dinner in Ranthambore
Accommodation: Ranthambhore Heritage Haveli or similar

Begin the day with an early morning birding session in the farmlands and scrub habitats surrounding Keoladeo National Park, where a variety of resident and migratory species can often be observed. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, check out and drive to Ranthambore National Park (4 hrs / 249 km), one of India’s most renowned wildlife reserves and an important stronghold for the Bengal Tiger.

The journey takes you through the rustic landscapes of eastern Rajasthan, passing small villages, cultivated fields, and scenes of traditional rural life. Upon arrival in Ranthambore, check in to your wildlife lodge and take some time to relax and settle in.

The evening is at leisure to enjoy the lodge surroundings, review the wildlife sightings expected in the park, or simply unwind before the upcoming safaris.

Overnight stay in Ranthambore.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Ranthambhore Heritage Haveli or similar 

The day begins early with a morning safari inside Ranthambore National Park, offering excellent opportunities for tiger tracking, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching. The soft morning light enhances chances of spotting Royal Bengal Tigers, along with Leopards, Sloth Bears, Sambar and Spotted Deer, Nilgai, and other mammals. Birdlife is equally rewarding, with possibilities of raptors, owls, waterbirds, and forest species active during the cooler hours.

After returning from the morning safari, spend time resting or enjoying a relaxed midday break before heading out again in the afternoon for a second safari. This safari explores different zones and habitats of the park, increasing your chances of varied wildlife sightings while offering a contrasting landscape and light conditions ideal for observation and photography.

Later in the day (If time permits), visit Dastkar, a women-led social enterprise and eco-tourism initiative that supports traditional crafts and sustainable livelihoods. Interact with local artisans, learn about indigenous handicraft techniques, and gain insight into how responsible tourism contributes to community empowerment and conservation.

Return to your accommodation in the evening, reflecting on a day rich in wildlife encounters and meaningful cultural exchange.

Overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast in Ranthambore, (Lunch & Dinner on own)
Accommodation: Umaid Mahal or similar 

Enjoy the final morning safari in Ranthambore National Park. After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin the drive to Jaipur (4 hrs / 175 km). The journey unfolds through the varied landscapes of rural Rajasthan, with scenes of village life, arid plains, and gradually emerging urban vistas as you approach the Pink City.

Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at the hotel and relax for the evening. You may choose to explore the famous monuments of Jaipur and the vibrant bazaars nearby. 

You may visit the majestic Amber Fort, the elegant City Palace, the iconic Hawa Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar, and you can stroll through Jaipur’s vibrant bazaars, known for textiles, handicrafts, gemstones, and traditional crafts.

Overnight stay

Meals: Breakfast in Jaipur, (Lunch on own), Dinner in Tal Chappar
Accommodation: Raptors Inn or similar

Enjoy an early morning safari in Jhalana Leopard Reserve, a compact yet wildlife-rich forest on the outskirts of Jaipur. Once used as a hunting ground by the Maharajas of Jaipur, Jhalana has today become one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Indian Leopard. Besides leopards, the reserve is also home to species such as Striped Hyena, Desert Fox, Bluebull (Nilgai), and a variety of birds, including owls, peafowl, and raptors.

After the safari, return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, check out and drive to Tal Chhapar (4.5 hrs / 209 km), entering the open grassland and semi-arid landscapes of the Thar Desert region. This area is particularly rewarding for birdwatchers, as it hosts several desert and grassland specialists along with large numbers of raptors.

Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation and relax for the evening.

Overnight stay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Raptors Inn or similar

Spend the day exploring the unique grassland ecosystem of Tal Chhapar Sanctuary, a small but highly productive reserve located on the edge of the Thar Desert. The sanctuary’s open grasslands, scattered shrubs, and seasonal wetlands create ideal conditions for a remarkable variety of arid and semi-arid bird species. Walking and driving along the motorable tracks provide excellent opportunities to observe birds such as larks, wheatears, warblers, and a variety of raptors that frequently patrol the skies above the grasslands. The sanctuary is also well known for its healthy population of Blackbuck, which can often be seen grazing across the plains.

Overnight stay.

Key species: Indian Courser, Short-toed Snake-Eagle, Tawny Eagle, White-eyed Buzzard, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Indian Roller, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, Red-necked Falcon, Laggar Falcon, Bay-backed Shrike, Blackbuck, Eastern Imperial Eagle  

Meals: Breakfast in Tal Chappar, (Lunch and Dinner on own)
Accommodation: Lal Garh Palace

Begin the day with an early morning birding session in the grasslands of Tal Chhapar, where the open habitat offers excellent opportunities to observe a variety of desert and grassland species, as well as raptors that frequently patrol the skies above the sanctuary.

After returning to the hotel for breakfast, check out and drive to Bikaner (2.5 hrs / 131 km). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. If time permits, you can enjoy some birding in the surrounding areas.

Overnight stay in Bikaner.

Meals: Breakfast in Bikaner, Lunch and Dinner in Khichan
Accommodation: Khurja Resort or similar

Today promises two remarkable birding experiences in very different habitats. After an early breakfast, visit Jorbeer Conservation Reserve on the outskirts of Bikaner, widely known as the Jorbeer Carcass Dump. This unique site attracts one of the largest congregations of raptors in India. Large numbers of Himalayan Griffon and Egyptian Vultures can often be seen here, along with impressive gatherings of Steppe Eagles and Black-eared Kites. Other raptors such as Tawny Eagle and Eastern Imperial Eagle are occasionally observed, and in recent winters, rarities like White-tailed Eagle or Saker Falcon have also been recorded. The site offers excellent opportunities to observe these magnificent birds at close range, and it is equally fascinating to see smaller species such as Hoopoes foraging among the remains.

Later, depart for Khichan (3 hrs / 168 km), a small village famous worldwide for its spectacular winter gatherings of Demoiselle Cranes. For decades, the local community has protected and fed these elegant birds, placing out grain daily for the cranes. By afternoon, thousands of Demoiselle Cranes gather in the fields and around the feeding areas, creating an unforgettable sight and providing wonderful opportunities for observation and photography as the birds arrive in large flocks.

Overnight stay

Meals: Breakfast in Khichan, Lunch and Dinner in Camp
Accommodation: Sonal Desert Camp or similar

Begin the day with a morning birdwatching session in Khichan, famous for its spectacular gatherings of Demoiselle Cranes. During the winter months, thousands of these elegant birds assemble in and around the village, offering a remarkable wildlife spectacle and excellent opportunities for observation and photography.

Later, depart for the desert city of Jaisalmer and continue to Desert National Park (3.5 hrs / 213 km), located in the heart of the Thar Desert. This vast and dramatic landscape of dunes, rocky outcrops, and scrubby grasslands supports a fascinating array of desert-adapted wildlife.

The region is a haven for both resident and migratory birds, particularly raptors. Species such as eagles, harriers, falcons, and vultures are regularly recorded here, along with desert specialists including sandgrouse, larks, and wheatears. Most notably, the park is one of the last remaining strongholds of the highly endangered Great Indian Bustard, making it an especially important destination for birdwatchers.

Overnight stay

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (lunch on own)
Accommodation: Sonal Desert Camp or similar

Spend the day exploring the remarkable landscapes of Desert National Park, one of the most important protected areas within the Thar Desert. This vast expanse of dunes, rocky outcrops, and scrubby grasslands supports a surprising diversity of desert wildlife and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching.

The park is especially significant as one of the last remaining strongholds of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, whose global population has sadly declined to fewer than 200 individuals. With patience and a bit of luck, we may have the opportunity to search for this iconic and highly threatened species. In addition to the bustard, the desert habitats here support a variety of fascinating birds, including sandgrouse, larks, wheatears, coursers, and several species of raptors that patrol the open skies.

Overnight stay

Meals: Breakfast in DNP, (Lunch and Dinner on own)
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace or similar

Enjoy another half day of birding in Desert National Park, giving us further opportunities to explore this unique desert ecosystem and search for additional target species. Apart from the Great Indian Bustard, the park is known for several desert specialties including Spotted and Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Cream-coloured Courser, Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark, Desert Lark, and Greater Hoopoe-Lark. The scrubby desert habitats may also reveal species such as the little-known White-browed (Stoliczka’s) Bush Chat, Red-tailed Wheatear, Plain Leaf Warbler, and Trumpeter Finch, while the open skies often hold a variety of raptors.

Later, return to the hotel, check out, and transfer to Jaisalmer Airport (01 hrs / 43 km) to board your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight.

This marks the conclusion of your tour, taking with you wonderful memories of India’s diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and remarkable birdlife.

Tour Ends.