Birds & Big Cats

Upon your arrival in Delhi airport, you will be met by one of our tour IWS Guides. He will take you to your hotel, and en route, he will explain to you in detail the plan. He will stay with you for the entire duration of the trip and he’ll make sure you have a hassle-free and smooth experience! The rest of the day will be at leisure, and you can recover from your journey and prepare for the travels ahead!

Overnight stay in Delhi.

We’ll begin the day by visiting the iconic Red Fort, a symbol of India’s rich history and architectural brilliance. Explore its majestic walls, intricate designs, and the fascinating stories behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After soaking in the grandeur of the fort, we’ll head into the vibrant spice lanes and bustling markets of Chandni Chowk. Here, you’ll experience the sights, sounds, and scents of old Delhi, with narrow lanes filled with colorful stalls selling everything from spices and textiles to traditional jewelry.

Next, we’ll take a scenic drive through Lutyens’ Delhi, home to some of India’s most significant landmarks. You’ll pass by the stately India Gate, a war memorial honoring Indian soldiers, and continue the tour by viewing the grand Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) and Prime Minister’s residence, showcasing the impressive colonial architecture of New Delhi.

To round off the day, we’ll indulge in some lip-smacking, authentic Indian cuisine, giving you a true taste of Delhi’s vibrant culinary culture. From flavorful street food to rich curries, your palate will be treated to a variety of local delights.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

After breakfast, you’ll check out from your hotel and embark on a half-day city tour of Delhi, exploring some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll visit historical sites that reflect the city’s rich past, including architectural wonders from the Mughal and British eras.

Following the city tour, you’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant before setting off for Agra, a drive of approximately 3-4 hours. As you travel along the Yamuna Expressway, you’ll enjoy views of the countryside as you make your way toward the city of the Taj Mahal.

Upon arrival in Agra, you’ll check in to your hotel and have the evening to relax, preparing for the exciting exploration of Agra’s treasures the following day.

Overnight at Agra

We’ll start the day early, heading out before sunrise to visit the Taj Mahal, capturing the breathtaking moment when the first light of the morning illuminates this architectural masterpiece. It’s the perfect time for photography, offering some of the most stunning shots of the entire trip. After spending a few hours marveling at the Taj, we’ll return to the hotel to freshen up and enjoy a meal.

Once re-energized, we’ll set out to explore Agra’s other iconic landmarks, immersing ourselves in the city’s rich history and culture. The rest of the day will be dedicated to sightseeing, visiting monuments and markets that define Agra’s heritage. After a full day of discovery, we’ll return to the hotel by evening, where you can unwind and enjoy the rest of the night at your leisure.

Overnight stay in Agra.

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel in Agra, you will embark on a short one-hour drive to Bharatpur, home to the renowned Keoladeo National Park, one of the finest birding destinations in India. Upon arrival, you’ll head straight to the entry gate of the park, where your birding adventure begins.

A rickshaw ride through the park offers the perfect way to explore its diverse habitats and spot an array of bird species. The rickshaw drivers here are not just transporters but also excellent guides with an in-depth knowledge of the birds and their behaviors. Your guide will help you spot and identify many species, from migratory waterfowl to resident birds such as kingfishers, herons, and storks.

After an immersive morning of birdwatching, you’ll return to the lodge for check-in, followed by a delicious lunch. After a short rest, you will head back to Keoladeo National Park for an evening birding session, where the tranquil setting of the park offers even more opportunities to observe the stunning birdlife as the sun sets.

Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on the birding highlights of the day.

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Keoladeo National Park, one of the world’s most famous bird sanctuaries. In the morning, you’ll venture into the park for a birdwatching session, choosing to explore on foot, by bicycle, or via rickshaw—whichever suits your preference. Each mode of transport offers its own unique experience, allowing you to get up close to the incredible birdlife and serene landscapes of the park.

History of Keoladeo National Park
Formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo National Park was originally a royal hunting reserve for the Maharajas of Bharatpur. Declared a national park in 1982 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Keoladeo has since become a symbol of successful wildlife conservation in India. The park’s man-made wetlands are home to over 370 species of birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers and naturalists from around the world.

Prominent Resident and Migratory Birds
Keoladeo is renowned for hosting both resident and migratory birds, including some globally threatened species. During the migratory season, particularly in winter, the park comes alive with flocks of birds arriving from Central Asia, Siberia, and even Europe. Notable birds you may spot include:

• Sarus Crane – The world’s tallest flying bird, often seen in pairs or family groups.
• Painted Stork – A striking resident with vibrant orange, pink, and black plumage.
• Indian Grey Hornbill – A prominent resident, easily recognizable by its large curved bill.
• Eurasian Spoonbill – A winter migrant with a distinctive spoon-shaped bill.
• Bar-headed Geese – Migrants known for their long, high-altitude flights over the Himalayas.
• Greater Spotted Eagle – A winter visitor and one of the park’s key raptor species.

After a fulfilling morning of birdwatching, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation.

In the late afternoon, you’ll head back to the park for an evening birding session, soaking in the peaceful ambience as the birds return to their nests. Whether you’re spotting birds perched in trees or watching them glide over the water, each shift offers a different perspective of the park’s thriving birdlife.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay, cherishing another productive day at Keoladeo.

After breakfast, you’ll check out from the lodge and embark on a scenic drive to Ranthambore National Park, a journey of approximately 250 km (roughly 5 hours). As you travel through Rajasthan’s diverse landscape, you’ll leave behind the bird-filled wetlands of Keoladeo and make your way toward one of India’s premier tiger reserves—the land of the Bengal tiger.

Upon arrival around lunchtime, you’ll check in to your accommodation and enjoy a well-deserved meal. After a brief rest, your afternoon will be spent exploring the historic Ranthambore Fort, located within the national park.

Ranthambore Fort: A Blend of History and Heritage
Standing as a testament to Rajasthan’s storied past, Ranthambore Fort is the second-largest fort in Rajasthan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched atop a hill, the fort offers sweeping aerial views of the national park below, where the vast forested terrain is home to the elusive Bengal tiger. The fort’s vantage points also provide excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting from above.

The fort is steeped in history, once serving as the stronghold of King Hamir Deo of the Chauhan dynasty, who valiantly defended this invincible fort. Your guide will narrate stories of the king’s courage and battles, bringing the history of the fort to life.

Within the fort, you’ll also visit the famous Ganesh Temple, a revered pilgrimage site that attracts devotees from across India. The temple’s peaceful ambiance, combined with the fort’s architectural splendor, offers a tranquil escape after your travels.

As the day winds down, you’ll return to your lodge for a relaxed evening and dinner, preparing for the wildlife safaris that await you in Ranthambore National Park—where the thrilling search for the Bengal tiger begins.

Over the next two days, you’ll be going for back-to-back morning and evening safaris into the various zones of the national park. The timing for the safari changes as per the season, and you’ll be instructed regarding the same the day before by your IWS Guide. During the safari, you will see some of the finest diversity and wildlife this part of the world has to offer.
Overnight stay in Ranthambore

After your fifth and final safari in the park, you’ll return to your resort to freshen up and enjoy breakfast before packing up for your drive to Jaipur, which takes approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival and check-in, we’ll embark on a half-day city tour of Jaipur, famously known as the Pink City, thus completing the Golden Triangle experience.

The tour will take you to iconic landmarks, starting with the stunning Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), followed by a visit to the City Palace, home to the Royal Family of Jaipur, part of which is now a museum. We will also explore the Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO-listed royal observatory, and finish the day with some retail therapy in Jaipur’s vibrant markets. Dive into the city’s renowned textile, gem, jewelry, and bangle markets, where you can experience Jaipur’s rich artisanal heritage.

Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Start your day with an early wake-up call as you prepare for an exciting jeep safari at the Jhalana Leopard Conservation Reserve, located in the heart of Jaipur city. Despite its proximity to urban life, Jhalana is a remarkable example of human-wildlife coexistence, where leopards roam freely amidst a bustling city.

Jhalana is renowned for its leopard sightings, often seen during broad daylight—a rare phenomenon, as leopards are generally nocturnal and elusive. The reserve also supports a variety of other wildlife, including hyenas, jackals, blue bulls (nilgai), and numerous bird species. The experience of spotting leopards against the backdrop of Jaipur’s skyline makes this safari truly unique.

After an exhilarating morning safari, you’ll return to your hotel for a hearty breakfast and some time to relax.

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set out to explore the majestic forts of Jaipur. Our first stop will be the magnificent Amer Fort, a stunning blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, known for its intricate carvings and beautiful courtyards. After Amer, we will visit the nearby Jaigarh Fort, perched high on a hill and offering panoramic views of the city, as well as housing the world’s largest cannon on wheels. Our next destination is Nahargarh Fort, known for its picturesque setting and stunning views of the Pink City below.

In the afternoon, we’ll take a leisurely rickshaw ride through the Old City, experiencing the vibrant local culture, narrow lanes, and bustling markets of Jaipur. The ride will give you a closer look at the city’s lively streets, ancient architecture, and colorful bazaars.

The day will end with a traditional dinner at Chokhi Dhani, a village resort designed to give you an authentic experience of Rajasthani village life. Enjoy folk performances, puppet shows, and traditional cuisine in a setting that captures the spirit and culture of rural Rajasthan.

Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Your final morning in Jaipur begins with another thrilling jeep safari at the Jhalana Leopard Conservation Reserve. As the sun rises over the city, you’ll head into the reserve once again in search of the elusive leopards, which are often spotted basking in the morning light. With a bit of luck, you may witness these magnificent big cats up close.

Following the safari, you’ll return to the hotel for a relaxing breakfast. Afterward, it will be time to check out and begin your journey back to Delhi by road. The drive, which takes approximately 4.30 hours, offers a chance to reflect on the rich experiences and wildlife encounters you’ve had during your trip.

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will check into your hotel for an overnight stay, marking the conclusion of an adventurous and unforgettable journey filled with big cats, birds, and the vibrant culture of India.

Overnight stay in Delhi

Post Breakfast, transfer to New Delhi International Airport for onward journey.

We will say bye to you here until the next time.