Unveiling the Hidden Gems of North India
Day 01: 25 December 2023, Delhi to Agra
It was Christmas Day and celebrations were going on everywhere. I picked up our guest from the hotel and headed to the Red Fort and Jama Masjid with our monument guide. The monuments were just amazing. Our guests enjoyed the fine architecture. After we visited the Chandni Chowk market, the local shops showed us our beautiful wares. After that we traveled to Agra, having lunch on the way. We managed to spot 8 Sarus Cranes which were about half a km away from the expressway and we counted 28 species of birds at the same location. After reaching Agra our local monument guide met us at the hotel and we spoke about the next day’s plan.
Day 02: 26 December 2023, Agra to Bharatpur
After breakfast, we visited the Taj Mahal. It was foggy and we could not see anything but after some time the weather was clear and we were mesmerized by the beauty of the Taj Mahal. We also spotted some birds behind the Taj Mahal in the Yamuna River. The highlight was Common Shelduck. After this, we took a group photo and headed to the Red Fort where we visited the entire campus which was wonderful. Later, we had lunch at a local restaurant and traveled to Fatehpur Sikri Fort, which our monument guide told us about in detail. We then proceeded to Bharatpur and checked into our hotel there.
Day 03: 27 December 2023: Birding in Bharatpur
The morning was enveloped in fog. Following breakfast at the hotel, we ventured into Keoladeo National Park. Our park guide provided a brief history of the park. Birdwatching proved challenging for a few hours, but we persevered and spotted some elusive birds like the Orange-headed Thrush and Common Hawk-Cuckoo. Around noon, the weather gradually changed, bathing the park in proper sunlight, and enhancing visibility. This improvement allowed us to spot raptors, including sought-after species like the Greater Spotted Eagle and Eastern Imperial Eagle.
Following this exciting birdwatching session, we enjoyed a hot lunch in the park, courtesy of the hotel, leaving the guests delighted. Afterward, we resumed birding and remarkably identified 111 bird species in a single day, overcoming the initial foggy conditions.
Day 04: 28 December 2023, Bharatpur to Ranthambore
Following breakfast at the hotel, we journeyed to Ranthambhore National Park on yet another foggy day. As the weather gradually cleared, we made a pit stop for coffee. To our delight, we spotted a male Greater Painted Snipe near the restaurant, offering us a rewarding sighting. Upon reaching the hotel, we enjoyed lunch and then embarked on a tiger safari. During the expedition, we were fortunate to encounter a fully grown adult female named Riddi, providing our guests with close and thrilling sightings, adding to their happiness.
Day 05: 29 December 2023, Ranthambore
Although we had two safaris today without any tiger sightings, our luck turned as we encountered various other wildlife, including Spotted and Sambar Deer, Ruddy Mongoose, and Painted Spurfowl. During the breaks between safaris, we engaged in birdwatching outside the park, where we spotted notable species like the Indian Fox, Painted Sandgrouse, and Eastern Orphean Warbler, making these moments the highlights of our wildlife experience.
Day 06: 30 December 2023, Ranthambore to Jaipur
Following the last morning safari, we journeyed to Jaipur and spent the evening at Chokhi Dhani, a delightful local Rajasthani concept. This unique venue showcased local dance, village culture, drama, and puppet performances, and offered experiences like elephant and camel rides, along with a display of local handicrafts. The highlight was undoubtedly the authentic Rajasthani food served towards the end, providing a truly distinctive and immersive experience. After this memorable evening, we returned to our hotel.
Day 07: 31 December 2023, Jaipur
In the morning, we embarked on a Jhalana leopard safari, where we encountered two leopards at different locations, along with a pair of Oriental Scops Owls and a majestic Himalayan Buzzard, accompanied by various other common birds. Post-safari, we indulged in a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting out for the City Palace.
En route, we made a delightful stop for lassi (a yogurt drink) at a renowned local shop. The City Palace, once the residence of the Maharaja, captivated us with its display of old dresses, transport carriers, and historic artifacts such as guns. Our next destination was the awe-inspiring Hawa Mahal, a five-story marvel without any foundation, leaving our guests astonished.
Following this, we visited the Jal Mahal (Water Palace), where three stories of the building were submerged in water, creating a mesmerizing sight. Our birdwatching adventure around the area rewarded us with sightings of beautiful birds like the Great White and Dalmatian Pelicans, as well as the Pallas's Gull. Our exploration continued to the Amer Fort, whose location and architecture spun a fascinating tale.
After this enriching day of sightseeing, we returned to our hotel.
Day 08: 1st January 2024, Jaipur to Jodhpur
Following breakfast at the hotel, we completed the check-out process and embarked on a journey to Jodhpur. The day's foggy atmosphere added a touch of humor to our experience. Upon reaching the hotel, we set out to explore Jaswant Thada, an ancient white marble structure that draws numerous tourists. Subsequently, we visited the majestic Jodhpur Fort, the highest-situated fort in India, showcasing impeccable artistry and offering breathtaking views of the landscape.
Our exploration continued with a visit to the clock tower in the main market, where the city's distinct blue hue left our guests in awe of its beauty. After these captivating experiences, we returned to our hotel.
Day 09: 02 January 2024, Jodhpur to Jaisalmer through Kheechan
Following breakfast at the hotel, we arrived at Kheechan, where an astonishing assembly of over fifteen thousand Demoiselle Cranes awaited us. The enchanting story dates back to 1970 when a family in this village began feeding pigeons. To everyone's surprise, Demoiselle Cranes gradually joined the pigeons, and the following year, their numbers multiplied. Sewaram, the man behind this initiative, continues to care for them diligently. Notable highlights of the visit included sightings of the Long-legged Buzzard and the Dusky Crag Martin. Following this memorable experience, we proceeded to Jaisalmer and checked into a beautiful tented accommodation.
Day 10: 03 January 2024, Desert National Park, Jaisalmer
In the early morning, we collected packed breakfast from the hotel and set out for birding in an open jeep. The day began under thick fog, severely limiting visibility. As the sunlight gradually pierced through, we had the joy of spotting Greater Short-toed and Bimaculated Larks feeding together. Following this, we observed a flock of vultures, including Griffon and Cinereous Vultures. Despite not finding the elusive Great Indian Bustard during the morning safari, we were treated to the incredible sight of a Desert Cat basking in the morning sunlight, a truly amazing sighting.
Continuing our exploration, we managed to spot Persian, Desert, and Variable Wheatears, White-browed Bush Chat, and a majestic Tawny Eagle. The skies were adorned with the graceful flight of Red-headed and White-rumped Vultures. After this enriching morning, we returned to the hotel for lunch.
On the evening safari, we patiently waited near a water pond and were pleasantly surprised by the sudden appearance of a Trumpeter Finch on a wire. Our journey then led us to Sudashri Watch Tower, where we had the extraordinary luck of sighting a male Great Indian Bustard from a distance. As we ventured further, we were delighted to discover two more Great Indian Bustards close to the road. The unexpected highlight was capturing all five Great Indian Bustards in a single frame. Amidst this spectacle, a Pallid Harrier soared above, and we also spotted a Desert Jird and a Desert Fox quenching their thirst at a pond. These sightings marked a remarkable conclusion to our day as we returned to the hotel.
Day 11: 04 January 2024, Jaisalmer
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we embarked on a city sightseeing tour with our local monument guide. Our first stop was Gadi Sagar Lake, a man-made reservoir established to provide water to the people of Jaisalmer. Following this, we explored the fort, characterized by massive yellow sandstone walls that take on a tawny lion color during the day and transform into a honey-gold hue as the sun sets. This unique feature earns the fort the names Swarn Durg, Sonar Quila, or Golden Fort, attracting numerous tourists with its captivating beauty.
Next on our itinerary was Patwa Haveli, a cluster of five small havelis built by a wealthy trader in the 19th century. Renowned for its exquisite paintings, intricate carvings, and grandiose architectural style, the haveli offered a glimpse into the opulence of the past. To conclude our exploration, we savored a coffee at a restaurant with a spectacular view of the entire city.
As the day came to a close, we headed to Jaisalmer airport, marking the end of our memorable tour.
Trip Report By
Mahesh Rajpoot (Asian Adventures)
Guest Name: Olivier Langrand X04
Tour Date: 25 December 2023 to 04 January 2024