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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The undisturbed wildlife of North East India

“The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness”- great words of John Muir echoes in the mind as one pave the way through the dense thickets of Manas National Park. Setted in the Eastern Himalayan Foothills where the enchanting Manas River carrying the fresh drafts of glacier waters, the park is a doorway into the extraordinary world of Indian Wildlife.

The beautiful melange of the deciduous forests and alluvial grasslands have managed to create a secure habitat for some of the critically endangered species on this planet. It is one of the major reasons why this designated wildlife sanctuary has turned into the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 Today as most Rhino species are facing the terrible fate of extinction it is incredible to see how the surging population of One-horned Rhinos popularly recognized as Indian Rhinos in Kaziranga and Manas National Park have made India stands apart from the rest of the world. Watching thousands of them scouting in their natural habitat gives a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

Besides being identified as a significant turf of Bengal Tigers, the wildlife sanctuaries have gathered enormous admiration for guarding one of the last habitats of Clouded leopards. An interesting trail in the jungle might lead you to this secretive and rare cat who prefers to live alone and hidden in the dense groves of trees.

Native to the Indian Subcontinent, Water Buffalo is one handsome species of the Bovini tribe mostly residing in the riverine of ManasNational Park. In Assam, these Buffalos are nicknamed as the tractors of the east because of they have buttressed Humanity survival through their plowing and transporting people throughout North East. They spend much of their day submerged in the muddy waters and use their wide-splayed hoofed feet to move in the swamps and wetlands.

One-horned Rhinos, Bengal Tigers, Clouded Leopards, Water Buffalos, Capped Langur, Great Indian Hornbill, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Bengal Floricans, Indian Roller, Assam Roofed Turtle, Assam Rabbit, Golden Langur, Jungle Owl, Spotted Owlet, Black Kite, Spot-billed Pelican are some of the rare and endangered species that will hook eyes in sheer astonishment while navigating through broadleaf forest of Kaziranga National Park and riverine ecosystem of Manas National Park.

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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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Sundarbans National Park

Do you know about the land of appearing and disappearing islands?

Phenomena like this somehow connect your thoughts either to the mystical surrounding of the Bermuda Triangle or to the abnormal calmness of the Pacific Ocean. However, you will be astonished to find out that these miraculous occurrences take place in the mangrove forest of
Sundarbans national park . Peacefully residing on the edges of Bay of Bengal, the forest covers an area of 9600sq.km., out of which one part of its vast precinct falls in the Republic of India and the other part falls in the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

Although the national park holds the distinction of being the largest estuarine forest on this planet shielding a wide variety of rare species, the place has been a talking point amongst the travel enthusiasts, and adventure seekers for the small and big isles that keep on emerging and vanishing. Sundarbans is an archipelago of wonderful islands that keep on changing every time one revisits the place. Navigating through its treacherous waterways will open getaway to the secret colonies of many rare birds, mammals, and reptiles which have lost grounds in other parts of the world. It seems that the thick covers of Sundari trees have created a safe haven for these gorgeous as well as critically endangered species.

The winds coming from the east will not only caress your face with its soft breeze but will also tickle your ears with the symphonic calls of highly sought-after Mangrove Whsitlers, Grey-headed fish eagle, Cinnamon bittern, Loten's sunbird, Brown-winged kingfisher, Black-capped kingfisher, Brown-cheeked fulvetta, etc. There will be many unusual elements that will draw your attention once you start penetrating inside the jungle's mystical surroundings. The overwhelming search to sight the fabled Tiger might lay your eyes on the Saltwater crocodile basking on the placid water of Brahmaputra river before draining in the Bay of Bengal. The unique geometry of Russell's viper camouflaged in the surrounding to prey on Fejervarya raja popularly known as Crab-eating frog is an interesting spectacle for any Herping enthusiast. During day-time, the sanctuary is a frolic place for Chital, Wild Boar, Macaques, however, the night transforms this very sanctuary into the savage world of Bengal Tigers.

The exquisite life thriving on the land doesn't overshadow the enchanting world of marine life thriving right below the ground. While cruising through the forest on a boat to track down the majestic gait of Bengal Tiger, you will surely be captivated by the sudden dive of the rarely sighted Gangetic Dolphins. It is fascinating to see how Sundarbans has become a paradise for many species of Dolphins which have currently become endangered due to global warming.

Besides dolphins, the presence of Olive ridley sea turtle, Hawksbill sea turtle, Mangrove horseshoe crab, Northern river terrapin, Mudskipper, Green Turtle, Electric Ray Fish unveil the unexplored wilderness residing in the waters of Sundarbans. Exuding with unique colors glowing from beneath the waters explains a unique relationship shared between the rivers and the sea that ultimately meets
the ocean.

In the forthcoming 'Big Four and the Mangrove Tigers' tour of Asian Adventures, we are all set to unfold the magic of this immense labyrinth of tiny islands overlooked by the wildlifers and nature lovers for years. Led by a team of expert naturalist and experienced ground handlers, the journey will surely prove to be a holy grail to making you witness and photograph the undisclosed wildlife of the region.


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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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