An Amazing and Mesmerizing Bird Watching Tour to Bhutan

Bhutan is definitely the best place and a paradise for bird watchers who wish to spot Himalayan birds. When we reached Bhutan, we were surprised to hear that the country has more than 600 species of birds. We also spotted dozens of species without any effort, such as Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Yellow-throated Fulvetta, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Satyr Tragopan, Long-billed, Wedge-billed, White-naped Yuhina, Bar-winged Wren-Babblers, yellow-vented warbler, and Blue Fronted Robin. bird watching  Tours 

It may be because Bhutan is one of those countries which have five different habitats that are ideal for birds like cool huge leaves forests, alpine, scrub and forests, warm and subtropical broad-leafed forests, and wetlands.

On Day 1, we arrived at Paro International Airport. After reaching the hotel and having meals, we hit the river banks. Over there, we spotted common sandpiper, black-tailed crake, dark-throated thrush, and olive-backed pipit.

The next morning, we took a drive to the highest pass in Bhutan, Chelela Pass. We observed three species of vivid Himalayan Monal (Pheasants) and herds of Kalij Pheasant and Blood Pheasants. Later on, we went back to our hotel.

 On Day 3, we drove to Thimphu. We found different birds in Dochula Pass like Rufous-breasted Bush Robin, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rufous-gorgeted flycatcher, yellow-billed Flycatcher, and others. We continued our drive to Punakha. After having lunch, we visited Punakha Dzong and Punthang Dechen Phodrang.

On Day 4, we got up early and drove to the peaceful and heavenly Tsirang forest, which was recently opened for tourism purposes. We explored different birds all day like Great Hornbill and Rufous-necked Hornbill.

On day 5, we enjoyed birding in the jungle, which houses a lot of species like Pied Falconet, Nuthatch, Pin-tailed green pigeon, Black-backed forktail, Sultan Tit, Black Eagle, and even more.

We also enjoyed the next day while birding in Gelephu and spotted Large Hawk-Cuckoo, Jungle Babbler, Pied Falconet, Great and Wreathed Hornbill, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Indian Roller and even more.

Next day, we finalized our trip and said farewell to Bhutan. We have also seen some more birds on the way.

Is Bhutan worth a visit?

Of course! Every moment we spent here was really a memorable part of our life. It’s definitely an amazing place. It’s been one month but I am still dreaming of going back again someday. If you don’t care about expenses but want a memorable experience in return, look no further than Bhutan.

What about Transportation?

There are private vehicles provided by tour operators for ground transportation. You can rest assured to have clean AC vehicles. However, you should be prepared for narrow tracks and bad roads when you go uphill. Weather conditions may also affect your travel time. If you are getting there, I recommend you visit during September October or November when autumn is at its peak.

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Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary – A Birder’s Paradise in Arunachal Pradesh

With plenty of biodiversity of nature, Northeast India is truly a dream destination for many bird watchers. Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary is the best kept secret by nature in West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh. The national park is covered by Pakhui Tiger Reserve towards the east and Sessa Orchid Sanctuary towards the northeast. Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is known to have vivid wildlife, imposing landscape, exciting places, and vibrant flora.

This wildlife reserve houses the rare animal breeds and subtropical climate. It receives occasional snowfall in winter and a lot of rainfall due to high altitude. In winter, it receives subzero temperature.

Flora & Fauna

The Eaglenest Sanctuary is the quaint paradise of birds and wildlife at the northeast frontier of Tawang blessed with sweeping views of nature. The sanctuary is the leading bird watching destination with over 700 bird species.

Bugun Liocichla is an unusual bird species after which the sanctuary rose to prominence. These birds belong to the Bugun family and live in a forest area. Some of the rare bird species found are Beautiful Nuthatch, Ward’s Trogon, and Wedge-billed Babbler.

Along with plenty of bird species, the sanctuary also houses snakes, amphibians, butterflies and lizards. Some of the animal species are Asiatic black bear, gaur, red panda, Bengal tiger, Asian elephant and capped Langur found here.

Accommodation

Some of the major highlights here are Sessni, Bompu Camp, and Lama Camp in the sanctuary area. Bhalukpong is the easiest way to reach Lama Camp and is the closest railhead here. These camps are located around the ideal birding spots in sanctuary. These camps also organize bird watching tours.

Getting There

By Rail – Bhalukpong is the closest railway station to the sanctuary. It is located only 94 km away. You can hire a cab to the sanctuary.

By air – The nearest airport to Eaglenest sanctuary is Tezpur, which is located around 150 km. If you are getting here from outside India, Guwahati international airport is located 335 km away. You can get here by taxi.

By Road – The sanctuary is close to several major cities like Bomdila, Tawang and Tezpur to Tawang-Tezpur Road. You can easily avail the taxi and bus services from these cities to sanctuary.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit this sanctuary is from October to April as it has pleasant weather. So, tourists can easily enjoy various activities and tours inside the sanctuary. You can also visit the sanctuary from March to April. Be sure to book a camp beforehand as this place remains crowded. The camp is not available in monsoons. You can also get here from the middle of November to February to see pleasant winter and avoid the crowd.  You can enjoy a lot of activities here peacefully and witness the rich ecology nature has to offer.

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An Ultimate Travel Guide to Gir National Park

Gir National Park is well known to attract a huge crowd of tourists to witness the iconic Asiatic lions in their natural habitat. Gir National Park is the only paradise on earth that these beasts call home. Asiatic Lions were almost listed critically endangered and hunted to extinction in 2000. Their population has recovered well thanks to the conservation efforts by the government. The core zone of the park extends to over 260 sq. km and became the national park in the year 1975. A decade ago, the sanctuary was established.

According to 2015’s latest census, there has been a 27% rise in the population of Asiatic Lions in Gir and nearby areas since the year 2010. With 213 cubs, 201 females, and 109 male lions, there are 523 lions recorded in the last census. Around 600 lions were found in the area in a recent count by the Gujarat government in March 2018. Officially, the next census is scheduled by the end of 2020. Leopards, jackals, antelope and deer also call Gir’s forested hills their home. It also has over 300 resident bird species and crocodiles.

Location

Gir National Park is located 360 km from Ahmedabad, 40 km from Veraval and 65 km from Junagarh, in the southwest part of Gujarat. Sasan Gir Village houses the entry gate to the park and the park orientation and reception center is located at the park, which is located next to the official Sinh Sadan guest house by the forest department.

It also has Devalia Safari Park (Gir Interpretation Zone) which is located around 12km west of Devalia. This area is enclosed to around 4 sq. km and has different types of wild animals, along with lions. You can embark on around 40 minutes of tour on a bus.

Getting There

Ahmedabad is located only 7 hours away and is the closest major airport. At three hours away is a smaller airport of Rajkot and Diu is 2 hours away.

Junagarh is the closest railway station and is easy to approach to the park. Trains from Rajkot and Ahmedabad also stop here at Junagarh and are well connected to several major cities.

By road, the national park is located 1 and a half hours away from Sasan Gir. It is one hour away if you are getting there via Veraval. You can also save money by getting here through public buses.

You can take a private bus from Ahmedabad to Sasan Gir to reach Sinh Saan Guest House, which is even easier than reaching by train. Private bus stands arrange buses which take around 7 hours near Paldi bus stop. You don’t have to book a bus in advance.

Best time to visit

Most tourists prefer December to March to visit the national park. But it gets crowded in peak hours and receives long queues. From March to May, you can also see Asiatic lions when they come out near water sources. Try to take the first safari in the morning where they remain very active. Rest of the day, lions prefer to sleep and don’t move around. Avoid holidays and weekends when the park receives a lot of crowds and charges higher fees.

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My Personal Experience in Top 5 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala

From beautiful coral reefs to a huge mesh of rivers, from vast backwaters to the lush green valleys, Kerala is filled with vast topography, unlike no other Indian state. I recently visited this beautiful land to discover the serene wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of Kerala. Kerala is a tropical state with several wildlife excursions to explore. Be sure to take at least a few more days to explore the length and breadth of its wildlife.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

My first flight landed at Kochi and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary facing Vembanad Lake was my first top in the backwaters of Kerala. This bird sanctuary houses a huge number of migratory birds in the country. I spotted herons, larks, cuckoos, owls, flycatchers, and Siberian crane. I’ve had a great start to my wildlife expedition.

Eravikulam National Park

Located only 15 km from Munnar, Eravikulam National Park is a serene grassland ecosystem with beautiful rivulets lie in the Idukki district. The national park is well regarded for an endangered goat species, Nilgiri Tahr, which I managed to come across by a stream. It was really a great sight to behold when she was drinking from the stream calmly unaware of the presence of tourists. Keep in mind that the park remains closed during the calving season of these goats, i.e. from January to April.

Periyar National Park

Up next was the most exciting journey to Periyar National Park. The tiger reserve is well located in the Western Ghats, aka Thekkady. It is embraced with lush greens and is accessible all year-round. Keep in mind tourists are allowed only in limited numbers at a time. I got a little disappointed because we couldn’t find a glimpse of the tiger. But we have found peeking deer, herds of elephants, reptiles, macaques, and a lot of birds like the Malabar hornbills and kingfishers.

The boat cruise in the serene Lake Periyar was truly an unforgettable and welcoming sight when I got up close and personal to the idyllic nature. The feeling was truly spell-binding and I never wanted going back to daily hustles and bustles of metro life.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

We visited Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary the very next day where we checked into a very cozy and exotic property. The sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats and receives rainy season for around 2 months. You can spot the near-extinct Giant Grizzled Squirrel in the deciduous region while trekking through the serene environs.

Silent Valley National Park

It was my last stop in the Palakkad district in the Nilgiri Mountains of Kerala and I enjoyed trekking through wildlife reserves. It is one of the best habitats for Royal Bengal Tigers. It is one of the most serene rainforest regions and is a paradise for a lot of flora and fauna species.

I finalized my memorable trip to explore the wildlife of Kerala and I finally took my flight back home to Delhi. The state is beautifully covered with biosphere reserves and forests with no lack of hotels.

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MANGROVE BIRDING IN THE SUNDARBANS

Last year, my friends and I decided to visit the Sundarbans. My buddy Rahul grew up in Kolkata, but only got into birdwatching after he moved to Delhi, so it’s been one of his dream destinations. Of course, we were all excited to visit the famous home of the “mangrove tigers” ourselves so we decided that that was our next destination.

Our tour operator Asian Adventures  helped us plan an intensive but short birding trip, and also managed to get us a great deal on the flight tickets. Clothes, binoculars, and cameras hastily packed, we made our way from Delhi to Kolkata.

The drive to Sundarbans from Kolkata itself is great for wildlife lovers, with many stops for birding. And when we reached the riverbank, the boat was awaiting us. In a landscape dominated by waterways, the only way to access the area is by motorized boats.

The boat rides are about 4-6 hours long, depending on the water current. I would suggest keeping some light snacks just in case, especially if you’re someone who needs to eat at a particular time

On this stretch to Godkhali alone you can see six different types of kingfishers!

A few hours later, we arrived at the Sunderbans Jungle Camp on the Island of Bali. After a sumptuous lunch we proceeded to Sajnekhali – a great birding spot close to the Sunderbans  Mangrove Interpretation Center. The lush and mysterious mangrove forests are great for birding, with Brown-winged and Ruddy Kingfishers, Grey-headed Lapwings, Pallas’s Fish Eagles, Lesser Adjutants or maybe even a Mangrove Whistler lurking in the trees.

 After spending an hour or two at Sajnekhali, we returned via Sudhyanakhali Watchtower. This watchtower is where most of the tigers are sighted. There’s also a pond frequented by families of deer. Something did spook the deer, and we did catch sight of something fairly large moving through the growth, but we couldn’t tell what it was.

When we returned, we decided to dine at the boat with some music by the waters, a great relaxing moment before we went to bed.

The next day was a full-day cruise. After an early breakfast, we went to Dobanki Watchtower, renowned for having a 20-foot high enclosed canopy walk that extends for around 150m, where we had amazing sightings of Small Minivet, Black-hooded Oriole, Mangrove Whistler, Cinnamon Bittern, Swamp Francolin, and Grey-headed Fish Eagle. We even caught a fleeting glimpse of a Brown Fish Owl.

From Dobanki, we headed to Netidhopani, where we spent some time admiring the age-old excavations, as well as some wildlife wathcing from the watchtower. We saw plenty of Saltwater Crocodiles, and even a short sighting of the elusive Irrawady Dolphin!

On our third and final day at Sunderbans, we decided to get a taste of the local culture, so we went with our guide to the island village of Bali. Of course, being the enthusiastic birders that we are, we did some birding en-route. It was an interesting day, interacting with the locals to learning more about their life, that is woven around the Sunderbans. We even got to try our hand at some traditional basket-weaving. Where else could we do all this on a birdwatching tour?

The Best way to Travel to Sunderbans

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Bharatpur of Maharashtra

I first moved to India in 2003. At the time, my interest in birding had not developed to the point it has now. It was usually restricted to watching birds at home, or on the occasional safari holidays my family took together. In addition, neither did I know any fellow birders, nor did I know any areas to go birding. Not to mention that I didn’t have my own means of transport at the time.

My mother and my uncle often told me about this place called Bhigwan, a 100km or so from Pune, where flamingoes were seen in large numbers every winter. Budding birder that I was, the word “flamingo” was like a flame to a moth. The very next winter I begged my uncle to take me there.

At the time, birdwatching at Bhigwan (which I came to know was just the name of the major settlement there) was a bit of a tricky affair. You had to find which place near the backwaters was not privately owned, dodge the landmines of cow and buffalo dung, and watch through binoculars. Photography was not an option unless you could bribe one of the fishermen to take you out on the water or had a massive lens. In addition, if you got too close to the water, there was the risk of sinking into the soft waterlogged mud. Not that any of that dampened my spirits.

Over the next few years, as I got my driving licence and got used to Indian traffic, I took my classmates to Bhigwan a few times. Uncooperative villagers, confusing directions, and the dismal condition of the road made it a tiresome journey just to see flamingoes from far away.

All that changed in 2011 when a few birding friends of mine introduced me to Sandip Nagare. Hailing from a small fishing village near Bhigwan named Kumbhargaon, Sandip and his brother used to take photographers in their boats to get up close photos of all the birds there. Slowly, Sandip started building up his business, buying more boats and training more people from the village.

Starting from only 3 people, Agnipankha now provides employment for 30 villagers in the area, and now has camping and dining facilities as well as rooms for overnight stay. Sandip also regularly rescues birds caught in fishing nets and often talks to the local youth about why birds are important. The employment he provides and the awareness that he spreads has led to a reduction in locals killing birds either for fun or for food.

An avid photographer himself as well as having authored books on Bhigwan’s birds, Sandip today not only provides birdwatchers and photographers opportunities to see and photograph the beautiful bird life of the area, but is also important in the local small-scale conservation of this hotspot.

Bhigwan, or to be precise the backwaters of the Ujjani Dam, has now become one of my favourite nearby birdwatching destinations. Apart from the large number of Greater Flamingoes that flock there every winter, the area also plays host to many other winter visitors, from ducks and waders, to Demoiselle Cranes, Western Marsh Harriers and Greater Spotted Eagles. The area also has an amazing diversity of resident birds such as Oriental and Small Pratincoles, Indian Coursers, Western Osprey, and more.

If you are a birdwatcher and have a few days free in Pune, Bhigwan is definitely worth a visit in any season!

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North India Birding Tour- Landscape

Diversity is one trait that truly defines India. It is not only limited to the nation's people, language, culture, and heritage but it is very well depicted in its vast and prolific landscape. The assortment of various landform has added to the beauty of this glorious country. During our upcoming 

North India Birding Tour, one will be rendered with great opportunity to explore the magnitude of its unique forest and wonderful topography on which this great country is settled. Through the eyes of a common man, the cosmopolitan city of Delhi is a destination of laudable history recounting magnificent eras of Mughal Empire, Delhi Sultanate, Harappan Civilization, and also find its mention as Indraprastha in Mahabharata- ancient Indian's famous epic. But from the prism of a wildlife enthusiast and birdwatcher Delhi is a beautiful amalgamation of untamed forest attached with scattered pockets of wetland transforming into an interim home for migratory birds coming from Europe Siberia, China, and Southern Part of the Indian Subcontinent. Colonies of Siberian Cranes, Lesser Flamingos, Northern Pintail, Bar-headed Geese, Bristled Grassbird, Painted Stork, Sarus Cranes, Purple Swamphen, White Spot-headed Dutch, etc. Perching in the extreme right from Delhi lies Rajasthan- the land of brave Rajputs who fought victorious battles preventing intruders in invading our country.

Ringed by the Aravalli Mountains, Rajasthan is a vast sand dunes, mountains, lakes, agricultural land, and palatial edifices. The place is a beautiful melange of desert, and scrubby forest that has become a paradise for some of the rarest species on this planet. Brimming with the valiant stories of Big Cats, Ranthambore National Park is feted as the finest wildlife sanctuary to see the majestic gait of Bengal Tigers through the naked eyes. The park is a beautiful composition of deciduous forest and open grassy meadows, It provides a perfect habitat for both the families of antelope and deer grazing carelessly under the watchful eyes of Bengal Tigers, Asian Leopards, Marsh Crocodile, and Striped Hyenas- top ace predators of the park. Named after the formidable Ranthambore Fort designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its laudable past and antiquity, the park was an erstwhile hunting ground for the royals before elevating itself into the world's greatest national park inviting wildlife photographers from all across the globe to photograph the unique wildlife throbbing in the region.

Eighty kilometers away from the iconic structure of Taj Mahal lies Chambal- a destination which has become a paradise for several rare and endemic species on this planet. Being part of the riverine ecosystem, the place is named after the perennial of Chambal originating in  Indore City.  The river passage which is spread across central India is marked by a series of gorges and canyons. Although the place carries the dent of the infamous hooliganism of Dacoits active in the nineteenth century, it has drawn several attentions for supporting the unique avian and marine life throbbing in the region. While cruising through the river in search of Gangetic Dolphins, Indian Otters, Red-crowned roofed turtle, and Mugger Crocodile you will get every opportunity to see the wide variety of birds residing in the region including Indian Skimmer, Bar-headed Geese, Black-bellied tern, Eurasian Vulture, River Tern, etc.

Perched in the Shivalik Range, Cornett National Park is yet another Wildlife Sanctuary that has been the talking point amongst the wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Named after the hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett who is credited for protecting the villages from man-eaters and re-establishing the dwindling population of Bengal Tigers in Kumaon region, Jim Corbett National Park is a spectacular melange of the riverine belt, marshy depression, lush green hills and long stretches of grassland. Besides holding a significant turf for Bengal Tigers, the unique topography of the forest has become a humble abode for many rare and gorgeous species belonging to both mammal and avian world. People visit the place intending to unfold the secret world of wilderness thriving in this very precinct. Ibisbill, Great Hornbill, Asian Leopard, Asian Elephant, Tawny fish owl, Pallas's fish eagle, Sloth Bear are some of the species that are attributed for beautifying this very land with their benign presence.

 Shrouded by the verdant hills and snow-clad mountains, Uttarakhand is a land of vast vistas and unsullied landscape. Pangot and Sattal are the two humble villages of Uttarakhand crisscrossed by hidden creeks and verdant hills, while Pangot is surrounded by virgin forest of Kilbury, Sattal is a destination of freshwater lakes. Besides offering enchanting views of the Himalayas, these places have become a paradise for a wide variety of Himalayan and migratory species including Cheer Pheasant, Khalij Pheasant, Siberian Rubythroat, Grey-crowned Prinia, Rufous-throated Partridge, Himalayan Woodpecker, Long-tailed broadbill, Verditer flycatcher, etc.

In the forthcoming North India Birding Tour, you will be bestowed with many opportunities to closely understand the diverse landforms of this great nation supporting a unique variety of birdlife.

Northern india birds and Tiger Tours

Our most dynamic birding and wildlife tour will kickstart in the dry deciduous forest of RanthamboreNational Park. Holding a distinction of being India's finest wildlife sanctuary, the park is one of the best places to experience the most-magnificent wildlife thriving on the planet. Our search for the majestic Bengal Tigers will expose us to a diverse variety of birds and mammals living here for centuries. Navigating through its topsy-turvy lanes gives us a reasonable amount of chances to cross paths with shy Asian Leopards, Sloth Bears, and packs of Dhole ( Asian Wild Dogs ) foraging in the area. If the woods are echoing with the sagas of great battles and fierce big cats, the dry thickets are reverberating with the symphonies of beautiful birds. Red Junglefowl, Indian Peafowl, White-naped Woodpecker, Black-rumped Flameback, Indian Scops Owl, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Crested Serpent-Eagle,  Long-tailed Shrike, Common Iora, White-bellied Drongo, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Small Minivet, White-browed Fantail, both Pale-billed and Thick-billed Flowerpeckers, Grey-breasted Prinia, Chestnut-shouldered Petronia, and the endemic Painted Sandgrouse are some of the winged species that will surely catch hold of your eyes during the north India birding  journey. 

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is the next destination in focus. The place is globally renowned for being the highest perching ground for migratory species birds

giving a feast of diverse avian life settled in the region. From our lavish accommodation, we will move towards the wetlands that are teeming with Waterfowl, Pelicans, Herons, Storks, Cranes, Raptors, Waders, and migrant passerines. While cruising through the precinct you will get every chance to see the rare and sought after species including Sarus Crane, Bar-headed goose, Cotton pygmy goose, Black-necked Storks, Asian Openbill, Black Bittern, Black-headed Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Blyth's reed warbler, Indian Grey Hornbill, Greater Coucal, and Siberian Rubythroat. 

The fabulous province of Agra is the following destination that will be covered in this adventurous excursion. The remarkable masonry of Taj Mahal and the fables Agra Fort serves as a monumental reminder of the grand legacy of Mughal Empire. A river cruise in Chambal will lead you to the current stakeouts of Indian Skimmer, Black-billed Tern, River Tern, Dalmatian Pelican, Small Pratincole, River Lapwing, and Eurasian Vulture. Bounded by Ancient temples and forts, Chambal River is also a humble abode for the critically endangered Gangetic Dolphins, Ghariyals, Muggar, and Red-crowned roofed turtle. 

We will also explore the riches of Corbett National Park. The park is a testimony to the great wildlife heritage of India. The forest is a significant turf for the fabled Bengal Tigers and Asian Leopards, however, it doesn't shy away from boasting the beautiful birdlife settled in the region. You will be bequeath excellent chances for spotting Tawny Fish Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Pallas's fish eagle, Lesser Fish Eagle, Crested Honey Buzzard, Red Junglefowl, Slaty-headed Parakeet, Himalayan Swiftlet, White-rumped Spinetail, Crested Treeswift, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Lineated and Brown-headed Barbets, Golden-fronted Leafbird, Rufous and Grey Treepies, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, beautiful White-crested Laughingthrush, Slaty-blue Flycatcher, stunning Rufous-bellied Niltava, Long-tailed Minivet, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Wallcreeper, 3 species of elegant forktails, and 

skulking wren-babblers.

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Himalayan Birding Tour Trip Report

Travel Date- 8th May to 12th May

Naturalist - Deepak Kumar (Asian Adventures)

Tour Summary

Seasons last birding tour kickstarted in the verdant hills and the dense thickets of Pangot- a small Himalayan Hamlet in the topsy turvy lanes of Uttarakhand. I met the guest in the evening at the reception area of Jungle Lore Birding Lodge. As the dusk was falling rapidly in this sleepy village we chose to commence our birding trail early in the morning. While having dinner I briefed the guest about the places we were going to cover the next day in order to find their target species.

We left the lodge at the crack of dawn and headed towards Cheer Point - a few kilometers away from Pangot the place is transformed into a crucial belt for birdwatchers to spot the endangered Himalayan Pheasant. Compared to Pangot, Cheer Point is nestled at a higher elevation offering a grand view of the snow-clad mountains range. The birding trail in the region commenced with a fabulous start of sighting two Koklass Pheasants foraging in the precinct, followed by White-tailed Nuthatch, and Rufous-bellied Woodpecker perching at close proximity. We also came across Himalayan Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Lesser yellow-nape, Brown-fronted woodpecker, and Grey-headed warbler. Although we crossed paths with many unique species our quest to find the rarest and endangered Cheer Pheasant nonetheless we continued our journey in the arable land of Baggar which is about 6 km down from Pangot. Crisscrossing this humble village yielded many beautiful Himalayan birds including Common Rosefinch, Yellow-breasted greenfinch, Slaty-Headed Parakeet, Striated Prinia, Black Francolin.

 Nestled at a height of 1,370m, Sattal was our next destination in focus. We left the lodge early morning and made way to this picturesque hamlet known for supporting a diverse variety of birds. While walking through the lush green forest and pristine lakes we spotted Grey Treepie, Greater Yellow Nape, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Brown wood owl, Long-tailed broadbill, Common emerald dove, and Aberrant bush warbler. Post lunch we continued 

birding in india in  the Chanfi area where we caught hold of Crested Kingfisher, Spotted Forktail, Great Barbet, and Blue Throated Barbet before retiring back to Jungle Lore Birding Lodge in Pangot.

In our pursuit to see Cheer Pheasant, we once again moved towards Cheer Point and also explored the village of Gugu Khan. Although we were not blessed with a favourable situation to lay our eyes at this elusive bird, we managed to get some enticing birding sights of Green-tailed Sunbird, Mountain Hawk Eagle, White Browed Shrike- Babbler, and Bar-tailed Treecreeper.

The last day of the tour was designated for the lush green forests of Nainital and Kilbury. The region yielded us some amazing birding sights including Chestnut-crowned laughingthrush, Striated laughingthrush, Scaly bellied woodpecker, Ultra Marine Flycatcher, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Green Backed Tit, Black Throated Tit, Black Lore Tit, Cinereous tit, Crimson Sunbird, Black-throated Sunbird.

Birds (30 birds in total)

9th May to 12th May

1. Male Koklass Pheasant

2. Female Koklass Pheasant

3. White-tailed Nuthatch

4. Rufous-bellied Woodpecker

5. Himalayan Woodpecker

6. Grey Headed Woodpecker

7. Lesser Yellow-Nape

8. Brown-fronted Woodpecker

9. Grey-headed Warbler

10. Common Rosefinch

11. Yellow-breasted Greenfinch

12. Slaty- headed Parakeet

13. Striated Prinia

14. Black Francolin

15. Grey Treepie

16. Greater Yellow Nape

17. Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch

18. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch

19. Brown Wood Owl

20. Long-tailed Broadbill

21. Common Emerald Dove

22. Aberrant Bush Wabbler

23. Crested Kingfisher

24. Spotted Forktail

25. Great Barpet

26. Blue throated Barbet

27. Green-tailed Sunbird

28. Mountain Hawk Eagle

29. White Browed Shrike- Babbler

30. Bar-tailed Treecreeper

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Sri Lanka Tour

Pristine Beaches, Lowland Forest, Buddhist Monasteries, and the fragrance of Coconut oozing from all the directions are some of the few things that immediately leaps to mind when we think of Srilanka. Lying in the Indian Ocean and sharing its maritime border with India, Srilanka is the tropical country of Asia which is enriched with verdant hills and scenic coast. The outpouring beauty of this island country seems to cast a magical spell on every traveler who intent to unearth its dazzling chronicles.  Pinnawala is one such village that has received global admiration for housing Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Located near Wilpattu National Park, it is a unique wildlife sanctuary established with the sole purpose of nurturing and feeding orphaned baby elephants found in the wild. An hour drive from Pinnawala will bring you to one of Asia's largest and best- preserved cave temple complexes known by the name of Dambulla Cave Temple. Dating back to the 1st Century BCE, the stunning statues and paintings of Lord Buddha conjure up Srilanka's significant evocative religious art form. 

Sigiriya is yet another destination of Srilanka known for holding one of the most valuable monuments in the globe. The exquisite fortress architecture displayed on the Sigiriya rock plateau, formed from magma of an extinct volcano seems to astound the visitors through its unprecedented harmony with nature and Human imagination. Earlier the rock plateau served as a monastery later it was converted into a royal palace surrounded by the robust network of fortification, canals, and alleys.

Nestled at an elevation of 3, 415 feet, Ella is a mountain town lying in the Central Highland of Sri Lanka. There are several exciting hiking trails one can explore. Some will take you to the unsullied waterfalls, while others will take you to the ancient rock temple or beautiful tea plantation estate, however, there is one particular hike that paves the way to the mystical Rannava Cave. It lies on the foundation of a cliff and is attached with historical values. Legends have it that the cave was used by King Ravana to hide princess Sita after abducting her from Panchvati.

Spreading in the expanse of dense thickets, grasslands, and lagoons, Yala is one of Sri Lanka's largest and most popular national parks harboring an array of birds and animals- the park is recognized worldwide for carrying the highest population of Leopards on this planet. While crisscrossing the jungle there will be many chances when you will come across this endangered species of Srilankan Elephants who risen significantly in Yala National Park.

Reflecting all the colors and culture that makes this island country, Colombo is a brilliant tourist hub of Sri Lanka. The place has a diverse variety of architecture spanning from different eras, depicting different styles of architecture. Along the shady boulevards, the legacies of colonial Colombo's garden are still intact. Colombo also offers a multitude of global cuisines, thanks to a history of colonialism and a large expat population. There are so many places of interest to come into close contact with such as museums, architectural wonders, museums and many more. It is also rich in cultural heritage and is loaded with historical charm as well. The history of the city dates back to more than 2,000 years ago. So, paying a visit to Colombo proves to be beneficial for history buffs. It is the largest of SriLankan cities and is the starting point for your tour to Sri Lanka.

5 best birding hotspots of the North India

India’s vast geographical range is home to a large variety of resident birds, with the number soaring manifold with the arrival of the migratory birds in winter. Besides, the national parks and sanctuaries, there are innumerable places to go birding in India. Here is a list of five best destinations in north India that you must see.

Pangot

Located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, Pangot is a bird watcher’s paradise and for obvious reasons. Covered with Oak and Pine trees which serve as perfect roosting spots and interspersed with gurgling brooks, Pangot attracts a plethora of bird species from all parts of the Northern peninsula. Trekking through its alluring nature trails, you can get close to the birds and take that perfect shot. Catch a glimpse of the Pheasants and Flycatchers, Barbets and Magpies, Laughingthrush and many other birds foraging for food and going about their daily chores, oblivious to your presence. During winters, the bird population explodes with flocks of migratory birds landing in Pangot in search of food and shelter. From Pangot, you can also take a quick excursion to the Corbett National Park to look for the Royal Bengal Tigers. The park also boasts of hosting over 600 species of resident and migratory birds which make it worth your time. Easily accessible from Delhi via bus, train or private vehicles, Pangot is a must visit destination if birding is your passion. 

Sattal

Named after the cluster of seven freshwater lakes that surround this little piece Eden, Sattal is another sought after birding hotspot by serious birders. The picturesque lakes of Sattal host a large number of bird species including the Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Stripe-breasted Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, Accentors, Upland Pipit, Mountain Bulbul, Whiskered Yuhina, Verditer Flycatcher and the rare Siberian Rubythroat. Home to many resident and migratory birds, Sattal is a delightful place to observe the birds at close quarters. You can take a train from Delhi to Kathgodam and cover the remaining 9 kms via a taxi or drive up there as the roads are pretty decent and motorable.

Bharatpur

Step into the unique avian world of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo National Park for an unforgettable experience of birding in wetlands. Sprawling over an area of 29 square kilometres, the park comprises of varying types of microhabitats having trees, mounds, dykes and open water which harbour a plethora of bird species. Birds like Imperial, White-tailed and Spotted Eagle, Darter, Black-necked, Painted and Asian Openbill Stork, Common, Sarus and Demoiselle Crane, Black Bittern, Greater Painted Snipe, Large-tailed, Indian and Grey Nightjar, and Dusky Eagle Owl are a few among the myriad of species that the park hosts.

Chambal

Take a boat, float down the still waters of Chambal river and get up close to the large variety of avifauna the Chambal valley harbours. Our navigator will take you close to the bird colonies that can be seen atop the trees on the bank side or among the smaller islands and identify the different birds such as Indian Skimmer, Black-bellied Tern, Greater Thick Knee, Sarus and Demoiselle Crane, and flocks of migratory waterfowl. You may also catch a glimpse of the Gharials (fish-eating crocodiles) and Gangetic Dolphins that live in the river. You may also explore the ravines of Chambal valley on a Camel Safari and take an excursion to the Ater Fort. You can make your stay at Mela Kothi, a heritage bungalow now converted into a luxury lodge.

Ranthambhore

By virtue of its diverse terrain and abundance of water bodies, Ranthambore hosts large populations of resident and migratory birds. In total, 272 species of birds have been identified in the park which make it a popular birding hotspot. Ranthambore Fort, located inside the park happens to be an excellent location for spotting and photographing birds. Birds like White-naped Woodpecker, Sirkeer Malkoha, Painted Sandgrouse, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, and Indian Vulture are among the major sought after birds in this park. Visiting Ranthambore has twofold benefits - not only do you get to tick off a large number of target species from your checklist but you can also have a rendezvous with the Royal Bengal Tigers that prowl about in the park.

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