Dehradun
Bird Watching and Culture Tour of Doon Valley
Overview
Nestled amidst the Himalayas and the Shivaliks, and Rivers Ganges and Yamuna, Dehradun is one of the most popular hill stations of the country. Apart from being home to many tourist attractions, the Doon Valley is also a great birding destination, acting as a gateway to the rest of the Garhwal region, with species like Grey-headed and Scaly-bellied Woodpeckers, Crimson Sunbird, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Cinereous Vulture, and more.
The forests of Jabarkhet and the surrounding areas have immense ecological value, both for the biodiversity they harbor and the services they provide. As one of the few remaining natural forest patches near Mussoorie with connections to the Shivalik Hills and the middle Himalayas, they form an important wildlife corridor. They also sustain a critical water source that feeds into the Kolti Nala, which is the source of water supply for a large section of Mussoorie residents.
Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of Rajaji National Park, is located about 11km from Mussoorie. It is surrounded by the benedictory pines, old cedar trees, and medicinal plants that grow in abundance in this area. The sanctuary has developed as a birdwatching haven and is home to a wide variety of birds such as White-capped Redstart and Red-Billed Blue Magpie to name a few. One can also admire an eye-captivating view of the snow-clad Chaukhamba and Bandarpunch peaks from here.
Mussoorie lies about 30 km from Dehradun. This hill station, situated in the foothills of the Himalaya ranges, is also known as the Queen of the Hills, Being at an average altitude of 2,000m (6,600 ft), Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora and fauna, is a fascinating hill resort. Commanding snow ranges to the north-east and glittering views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges in the south, the town was once said to present a 'fairyland' atmosphere to tourists.
Dhanaulti is a hill station situated in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, located 24 km (15 mi) from Mussoorie.
Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: Walterre
Arrive in Delhi. You will be met by our representative and transferred to Walterre, Doon Valley. Enjoy the rest of the day birding around the resort.
Dinner and Overnight stay
Note: Over 100 species are spotted here. Ask us for a checklist
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Walterre
Spend the full day today birding around the lodge and the adjoining River Tauns.
Overnight stay.
Note: Capture your target species with your camera
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Walterre
Today, go for an excursion in and around Dehradun. Visit the main attractions like Robber’s Cave, Mindrolling Monastery, Tapovan Temple, Tapkeshwar Temple, Malsi Deer Park, and gorge on delicious delicacies from Ellora’s bakery in the city.
Overnight stay at Walterre.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Walterre
Today you will be served an early breakfast, after which you visit Jabarkhet Nature Reserve for a nature trek and some Himalayan birdwatching.
The forests of Jabarkhet and the surrounding areas have immense ecological value, both for the biodiversity they harbor and the services they provide. As one of the few remaining natural forest patches near Mussoorie with connections to the Shivalik Hills and the middle Himalayas, they form an important wildlife corridor. They also sustain a critical water source that feeds into the Kolti Nala, which is the source of water supply for a large section of Mussoorie residents.
Later, visit Benog Wildlife Sanctuary for birding. Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of Rajaji National Park, is located about 11km from Mussoorie. It is surrounded by the benedictory pines, old cedar trees, and medicinal plants that grow in abundance in this area. The sanctuary has developed as a birdwatching haven and is home to a wide variety of birds such as White-capped Redstart and Red-Billed Blue Magpie to name a few. One can also admire an eye-captivating view of the snow-clad Chaukhamba and Bandarpunch peaks from here. The popular tourist spots near the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary are the Hathipaon Estate and Cloud’s End.
In the evening, return to Walterre for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Walterre
Today go for an excursion to Mussoorie. Return to Walterre in the evening.
Mussoorie lies about 30 km from Dehradun. This hill station, situated in the foothills of the Himalaya ranges, is also known as the Queen of the Hills, Being at an average altitude of 2,000m (6,600 ft), Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora and fauna, is a fascinating hill resort. Commanding snow ranges to the north-east and glittering views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges in the south, the town was once said to present a 'fairyland' atmosphere to tourists. Enjoy some local sightseeing to Kempty falls, Mussoorie Lake, and Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration. Temples include Nag Devta Temple, Radha-Krishna Temple, Shedup Choephelling Temple, Shiv Temple, and more.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Walterre
Excursion to Dhanaulti. Dhanaulti is a hill station situated in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, located 24 km (15 mi) from Mussoorie. Dhanaulti includes an area with two eco-parks, named "Amber" and "Dhara", about 200m apart, developed by the Forest Department of Uttarakhand. It houses a protected patch of small forest containing Deodar Trees. Adventure sports facilities, such as flying fox, Burma bridge, and horseriding, are available.
Return to Walterre in the evening for overnight stay.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Go for an early morning bird watching session, post which you will proceed to Delhi for your connecting flight back home.
Highlights
- Himalayan View
- Photography
- Birding
- Local cuisine
- Short treks
- Quaint lodges and resorts
- Local Sightseeing
- Glimpses of the beautiful landscape, architecture and lifestyle of Uttarakhand Himalayas
Included
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis for 06 Nights in Walterre Meals as per the itinerary
- Birdwatching All sightseeings
- Asian Adventures guide Dedicated vehicle for the entire trip ex-Delhi
- Flight by plane Flight and transfer to the hotel | All Taxes
Video
Location
Stories
Ladakh
North India, the land of Ladakh, looks as though it was made for birdwatching and photography.
Gir National Park Gujarat
Sometimes it is not just the species spotted but also the amazing moments. Some of our guests had the unique opportunity to witness the mating of Asiatic Lions in the Gir Forest, truly a special moment.
Delhi
Surajpur is an amazing wetland close to the nation’s capital. Apart from being one of the monsoon homes for the Bristled Grassbird, it is also home to another sought-after species: the Bengal Bush Lark.
Rajasthan
One advantage of living near the birding hotspot of Bharatpur is that you can see some amazing birds, like the graceful Sarus Crane, in your backyard during this lockdown
