Birding Itineraries
Birding Itinerary I
Area Covered
Garjia, Bijrani, Jhirna, Sitabani,Lohachaur, Domunda,
Kunkhet, Kumeria
DAY 01: Delhi - Corbett
Arrive at The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat
Post Lunch walk towards the Suspension Bridge and Garjia.
You can see Common Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Crested
Kingfisher, White Throated Kingfisher, Jungle Babbler, Magpie
Robin, White Capped Redstart, Grey Wagtail, White Browed
Wagtail, Blue Whistling Thrush, Flameback Woodpeckers,
Bulbuls, Barbets.
Overnight at The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat
DAY 02: Corbett National Park
Jhirna- Tumeria via Phanto
Morning drive in Jhirna Range forest. The duration of safari
is about three to four hours. Drive to Tumeria dam which is
the only place for aquatic birds in abundance. Enroute walk to
Phanto Forest Rest House for birding. These are the best
birding areas of Corbett National Park. You can see . In this
area we have good chances of seeing Kaleej Phesant, Peacock,
Small Green Bee-Eaters, Blue Tailed Bee-Eaters, Lineated
Barbet, Brown Headed Barbet, Common Grey Hornbill, Oriental
Pied Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill, Woodpeckers, Shikra,
Indian Roller, Drongos, Parakeets, Lapwing, Shrikes, Nuthatch
and many other beautiful birds.
Overnight at The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat
DAY 03: Corbett National Park
Bijrani – Sitabani – return back via Powalgarh –full
day
Early morning drive in Bijrani zone for birding while on a
jeep ride. The duration of safari is about three to four
hours.Thereafter drive and walk enroute to Sitabani. The
abundance of water and thick forests provides an excellent
habitat for the Great Indian Hornbill among many others like
Crested Serpent Eagle, Green Pigeon, Storks, Vultures, Common
Iora, Minivets, Drongo, Kingfisher, Great Slaty Woodpecker,
Changeable Hawk Eagle, Hornbills, Barbets, Owls, Minivets,
White Eye, Great Tit, Nuthatch and many other birds. Drive
back via Powalgarh where Jim Corbett shot the famous bachelor
of Powalgarh. (man eating Tiger).
Overnight at The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat
DAY 04: Corbett National Park
Lohachor –Domunda – Jamun full day
Drive in the morning to the zone of Durga devi. The habitat
offers species such as White-Crested Laughing Thrush,
Rufous-Gorgeted Flycatcher, Red-Billed Leothrix, Siberian
Rubythroat, Rock Bunting etc. this scattered and deliberately
undeveloped area is one of the most pleasant destinations.
look for Rufous-Chinned & White Crested Laughing Thrush,
Rufous-Breasted Accentor, Greater Yellow-Naped Flameback
DAY 05: Corbett National Park
Garjia – Kunkhet – Kumeria -full day
During our full day here we’ll explore the river edge
for Brown and Tawny Fish Owls, Crested Kingfisher, Brown
Dipper, and Plumbeous and White-capped Water Redstarts. The
surrounding area is full of surprises and in recent years we
have regularly seen Long-billed Thrush, Little and
Slaty-backed Forktails as well as Mountain Hawk and
Rufous-bellied Eagles here. Many new species are possible in
the forest and could include Collared Falconet, Crested Tree
Swift, Hair-crested Drongo, and Orange-bellied Leafbird.
During our full day here we’ll explore the river edge for
Brown and Tawny Fish Owls, Crested Kingfisher, Brown Dipper,
and Plumbeous and White-capped Water Redstarts. The
surrounding area is full of surprises and in recent years we
have regularly seen Long-billed Thrush, Little and
Slaty-backed Forktails as well as Mountain Hawk and
Rufous-bellied Eagles here. Many new species are possible in
the forest and could include Collared Falconet, Crested Tree
Swift, Hair-crested Drongo, and Orange-bellied Leaf Bird.
Overnight at The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat
DAY 06: Corbett - Delhi
Post breakfast leave for your next destination.
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Birding Itinerary
II
Area Covered
Mohan, Bhakrakot, Kathkinau, Bhuvankhal, Kumeria, kunkhet,
Garjia, Dhikala
DAY 01: Delhi- Corbett
Arrive at The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat.
Post Lunch walk towards the Suspension Bridge and Garjia
Overnight at The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat.
DAY 02: Corbett National Park
Mohan – Bhakrakot – Kathkinau – Bhuvankhal
The area around Mohan is very rewarding. Great hornbill,Palla’s
fish eagle,Grey-heades & lesser fish eagle,Red-collard
falconet,Long billed thrush etc. are some of the rare birds
that are found in the outskirt area of the Corbett park. The
climate here encourages plant growth hence insect activity
increases; this provides ample stock and abundant sources for
avian nourishment throughout the year. At Corbett, Kalij
Pheasant and Red Jungle fowl are immediate possibilities.
Overnight at The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat.
DAY 03: Corbett National Park
Kumeria – Kunkhet – Garjia – Full day.
During our full day here we’ll explore the river edge
for Brown and Tawny Fish Owls, Crested Kingfisher, Brown
Dipper, and Plumbeous and White-capped Water Redstarts. The
surrounding area is full of surprises and in recent years we
have regularly seen Long-billed Thrush, Little and
Slaty-backed Forktails as well as Mountain Hawk and
Rufous-bellied Eagles here. Many new species are possible in
the forest and could include Collared Falconet, Crested Tree
Swift, Hair-crested Drongo, and Orange-bellied Leafbird.
During our full day here we’ll explore the river edge for
Brown and Tawny Fish Owls, Crested Kingfisher, Brown Dipper,
and Plumbeous and White-capped Water Redstarts. The
surrounding area is full of surprises and in recent years we
have regularly seen Long-billed Thrush, Little and
Slaty-backed Forktails as well as Mountain Hawk and
Rufous-bellied Eagles here. Many new species are possible in
the forest and could include Collared Falconet, Crested Tree
Swift, Hair-crested Drongo, and Orange-bellied Leafbird.
Overnight at The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat.
DAY 04: Corbett National Park
Dhikala
Drive early morning to Dhikala tourism zone. The tourist
bungalows here are simple and have recently been renovated.
The idyllic location is the advantage and has to be weighed
against the dilapidated condition of the buildings The bushes
and trees around the compound are alive with birds early in
morning and you can see some of the exciting birds including
wintering thrushes, Himalayan Rubythroat, Smoky Warbler and a
number of flycatcher species. In the river you might see
Goosander, Black Stork, and the trio of birds associated with
Himalayan streams; Plumbeous Redstart, White-capped River-Chat
and Himalayan Pied Kingfisher. You may also locate Pallas's
Fishing Eagles , Ospreys ,bizarre Great Stone Plovers Great
Black-headed We have the opportunity to see some of the
woodland inhabitants such as hornbills, woodpeckers and
barbets. In the Dhikala Grassland Black Francolin flies up
from underfoot and a variety of buntings may be identified.
Hen Harriers patrol these areas, often in company with
otherraptors, and at night several species of owl can be seen.
Add to this mixture, a miscellany of babblers, flycatchers,
bulbuls, sunbirds and many other wonderful bird species and it
is easy understand why many regard Corbett to be one of the
best Indian reserves.
Overnight at Dhikala Forest Lodge
DAY 05: Corbett National Park
Dhikala whole day After lunch drive back to Dhangari entrance
gate.Some of the best birding areas of Dhikala are Sambhar
Road and Khinanauli. One can expect to see Great Slaty
Woodpecker, Great Hornbill, Puff-Throated Babbler,
White-Rumped Shama, Pallas's Fish Eagle Etc.
Overnight at The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat.
DAY 06: Corbett-Delhi
Post breakfast leave for your next destination
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Birding Itinerary
III
Area Covered
Nainital, Pangot, Saattal, Corbett National Park,
Garhmukteshwar
DAY 01: Delhi- Nainital
Arrive The Naini Retreat, Nainital at lunch. Post Lunch explore
the forest around The Naini Retreat. Apparently The Naini
Retreat is located on Ayarpatta Slopes which is the most
forested ridge in Nainital offering a wonderful
birding.opportunity. Nainital is just 120
kilometres from the snowy peaks of the western Himalayas and
the birdlife is typical of the mountain regions. Stepping out of
the hotel to find a Red-flanked Bluetail perched on the garden
fence and a flock of Red-fronted Serins feeding among the
vegetables soon dispel any doubts about the reason for spending
several days in Nainital. Further exploration of the gardens and
nearby churchyard could produce a fine selection of resident
andwintering birds including Rufous Turtle Dove, Scarlet
Minivet, Pallas's & Orange-barred Leaf-Warblers, Streaked
Laughing-Thrush, Black-throated, White-collared, Grey-winged &
Grey-headed Thrushes, Blue Whistling-Thrush, Blue-fronted
Redstart, Black-throated & Altai Accentors, Red-headed and
Green-backed Tits, Pink-browed
Rosefinch and Lanceolated Jay.
Overnight at The Heritage Hotel – The Naini Retreat.
DAY 02: Nainital
Nainital-Pangot
Early morning drive to Pangot (12 Kms).Birding at Pangot,
Baggar, Timla Pani, Cheena Peak & Nainital. One can see
slaty-headed & red-breasted parakeet, grey bushchat,
long-tailed & grey-backed shrike, common kestrel, besra,
chestnut-bellied rock thrush etc. Streaked laughing thrush is
a common garden bird here.
Overnight at The Heritage Hotel – The Naini Retreat.
DAY 03: Nainital
Nainital- Sattaal
Drive in the morning to Sat Tal (2 hours) where a chain of
small lakes is surrounded by thick forest. This picturesque
setting can also be superb for birds, particularly around the
edge of the lakes where flocks of laughing-thrushes can be
found grubbing in the thick undergrowth and Pallas's Warblers
are plentiful in the trees. . T Long-tailed Minivet,
White-crested Laughing-Thrush, Black-chinned Babbler,
Red-billed Leiothrix, Slaty-blue Flycatcher, Verditer
Flycatcher, Red-rumped Swallow, Dark-Grey Bush-Chat, Siberian
Rubythroat Nepal Yellow-backed Sunbird, Firebreasted are other
possibilities. Also look for Look for rufous-chinned &
white crested laughing thrush, rufous-breasted accentor,
speckled piculet Flowerpecker and White-capped Bunting.
Overnight at The Heritage Hotel – The Naini Retreat.
DAY 04: Corbett National Park
Drive to Corbett National Park in the morning stopping en
route for birding at Mongoli Valley. This delightful but
obscure valley is superb for birds and a great many species
have been recorded here Lammergeyers are often among the first
birds to be seen upon entering the valley, sailing over the
hillsides and perhaps indulging in aerial tussles with other
raptors. Noisy parties of Redbilled Blue Magpies forage beside
the track, flying up to perch in the adjacent conifers where
they can angrily swear at the intruders. Other less
conspicuous birds invite discovery; restless Ash-throated
Leaf-Warblers, Speckled Piculet, Golden Bush-Robin and perhaps
a Slaty-backed Forktail flying from one rock to another along
a bubbling stream which runs through a deep wooded ravine
below the footpath. Flocks of White-throated and Striated
Laughing-Thrushes are easier to locate and Grey-headed
Flycatcher-Warblers draw attention to themselves with a cheery
Wren-like song. A great day is in prospect and other birds to
expect include; Brown-fronted Pied-Woodpecker, White-cheeked
Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Blue-headed Redstart, Crested Black Tit,
Himalayan Tree- Creeper and Himalayan Tree-Pie. Spotted and
Little Forktails can be seen at this locality raising the
possibility of seeing three species of forktail on the same
day!
Corbett Tiger reserve has a spectacular avifauna diversity.
Great hornbill, Pallas's fish eagle, grey-headed & lesser
fish eagle, red-collared falconet etc. are some of the rare
birds that are found in Corbett. More birds include jungle
owlet, scaly-bellied woodpecker, red-breasted parakeet,
Himalayan swiftlet, stork-billed & crested kingfisher and
white-tailed & Siberian rubythroat. Overnight at The
Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat.
DAY 05: Corbett National Park
Jhirna – Tumeria via Phanto full day
Morning drive in Jhirna Range forest. The duration of safari
is about three to four hours Drive to Tumeria dam the only
place for aquatic birds in abundance,walking en route to
Phanto FRH for birding. Some of the best birding areas.
Overnight at The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat.
DAY 06: Corbett National Park
Drive early morning to Dhikala tourism zone. Arrive at the
main tourist complex in the afternoon. Afternoon visit to the
grasslands for birding. Overnight stay at Dhikala Forest
Lodge. Birding in the lower jungle track along the Ramganga
river is very rewarding for water birds. While relaxing at the
lodge or visiting the grasslands one can see long-tailed
nightjar, jungle owlet, spot-bellied owl, black francolin,hen
harrier, changeable hawk-eagle, etc.
Overnight at The Dhikala Forest Lodge
DAY 07: Corbett National Park
After lunch drive back to Dhangari entrance gate.Some of the
best birding areas of Dhikala are Sambhar Road and Khinanauli.
One can expect to see great slaty woodpecker, great hornbill,
puff-throated babbler, white-rumped shama, pallas's fish eagle
etc. – Overnight at The Corbett Hideaway or The River
View Retreat.
DAY 08: Corbett National Park- Garhmukteshwar
Arrive Garhmukteshwar- The Fort Unchagaon. At 118 Kms from
Delhi and 180 Kms from Agra this Fort is magnificent and
reminisces of the bygone era. Later in the day after change,
wash and rest walk through the Village Haat Bazaar and lush
green village farms. Enjoy Horse Riding through the
countryside and return to the hotel for dinner Around 125
species of birds are spotted here.
Overnight at The Fort Unchagaon, a Heritage Hotel.
DAY 09: Option 1- Drive to Agra/180 Kms, Option 2-
Drive to Delhi an Fly Back / 118 Kms
After early morning breakfast go into the nearby jungles and
villages for a birding tour. The habitat offers species such
as White-Crested Laughingthrush, Rufous-Gorgeted Flycatcher,
Red-Billed Leothrix, Siberian Rubythroat, Rock Bunting etc.
This scattered and deliberately undeveloped area is one of the
most pleasant destinations. Look for Rufous-Chinned &
White Crested Laughing Thrush, Rufous-Breasted Accentor,
Greater Yellow-Naped Flameback, Speckled Piculet etc. You may
also come across regional specialties such as Straiated
Babbler and possibly even Sand Lark.
Post Lunch Check –out and proceed for Agra or Delhi
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