01
Two Full Days in Bharatpur
Explore Bharatpur at an unhurried pace, with two complete days for its wetlands, woodland, grassland and scrub habitats and the rich variety of birds they support.
NORTH INDIA
BIRDING TOUR
12 days of North India birding and photography across Bharatpur’s wetlands, the Chambal River and Sattal’s Himalayan forests.
12 Days
11 Nights
8
Full Birding Days
2
Hide Sessions
3
Birding Landscapes
2–4
Participants
Delhi
Pickup & Drop
The Expedition
One journey. Three distinctive North India birding landscapes.
This North India Birding Tour begins in Bharatpur with two full days inside Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. A full-day visit to the National Chambal Sanctuary then adds boat-based birding and photography along the Chambal River before the journey continues to Sattal.
Each destination offers a different field experience. Bharatpur brings wetlands, woodland and open grassland; Chambal adds river islands, sandbanks and ravines; while Sattal offers Himalayan forests, streams, lake edges, Ranikhet birding and two photography-hide sessions. Together, they create a varied journey for birdwatchers and photographers.
Expedition Highlights
What makes this journey special
02
Chambal River by Boat
Explore the National Chambal Sanctuary by boat for Indian Skimmers, riverine birds, gharials, turtles and photography along its sandbanks and river islands.
03
Five Days of Sattal Birding
Spend five full birding days around Sattal, exploring forest trails, woodland, lake edges, the Chanfi River and higher birding habitats around Ranikhet.
04
Two Photography Hides
Two planned hide sessions in Sattal provide extended opportunities to observe and photograph visiting birds at close range with cleaner backgrounds.
05
From Wetlands to Himalayas
Experience a remarkable change in habitat, moving from Bharatpur's wetlands and the Chambal River to streams, woodland and Himalayan forests around Sattal.
06
Small & Field-Led
Designed for private travellers and small groups, with experienced bird guides and daily field plans adapted to bird activity, weather and photographic priorities.
Private Tour Pricing
Choose the group size for your journey
This 12-day North India birding tour through Bharatpur, Chambal and Sattal is designed for two to four participants travelling on a twin-sharing basis.
Private Tour
2 Participants
US$2,450
+ 5% GST per person
Small Group Tour
4 Participants
US$1,900
+ 5% GST per person
The tour begins with pickup from your Delhi hotel or airport and concludes
with drop at your Delhi hotel or airport. The programme includes full-board
accommodation, private ground transport, bird guiding, planned birding
activities and Delhi–Kathgodam–Delhi train journeys. Delhi accommodation
is not included.
Why We Designed This Journey
A multi-region journey from Bharatpur to the Himalayan forests of Sattal.
This multi-region journey brings together three very different birding environments: the wetlands and woodland of Bharatpur, the river habitats of Chambal and the Himalayan forests, streams and lake edges around Sattal.
We have kept enough field time in each region to make the journey unhurried. This allows daily plans to respond to bird activity, weather, light and photographic opportunities rather than simply moving from one destination to another.
Manmohan Uniyal
· Photography Mentor & Expedition Leader, World of Wild
The Journey
From Bharatpur's wetlands to the Himalayan forests of Sattal
This 12-day North India birding tour begins and ends in Delhi, combining the wetlands of Bharatpur, the river habitats of Chambal and the forests, streams and mountain landscapes around Sattal.
Delhi
Start
Hotel or airport pickup and private transfer to Bharatpur
Bharatpur
4 Nights
Two full days of wetland, woodland and grassland birding
Chambal
Full-Day Excursion
Boat birding for riverine species, gharials and other wildlife
Sattal
6 Nights
Five full birding days, Ranikhet, Chanfi and two photography hides
Delhi
Finish
Return by train and transfer to your Delhi hotel or airport
12 Days / 11 Nights •
2 Full Bharatpur Birding Days •
1 Chambal Boat Excursion •
5 Full Sattal Birding Days •
2 Photography Hide Sessions
Day by Day
Your 12-Day North India Birding Journey
This journey begins in Delhi and combines the wetlands of Bharatpur, the river habitats of the National Chambal Sanctuary and the Himalayan forests around Sattal. The itinerary includes two full birding days in Bharatpur, a Chambal boat excursion, five full birding days around Sattal, two photography-hide sessions, Ranikhet and Chanfi.
Day 1
Delhi to Bharatpur
Delhi → Bharatpur
We meet you at your Delhi hotel or airport and begin the journey by private vehicle to Bharatpur. After arrival, check in to the hotel and settle in for the first part of the tour.
The remainder of the day is kept relaxed, allowing time to rest and prepare for two complete days of birding in Bharatpur.
Day 2
Wetlands and Woodlands of Bharatpur
Bharatpur
Our first full birding day explores the wetlands, woodland, grassland and scrub habitats of Bharatpur. The landscape supports a rich mixture of waterbirds, raptors, woodland species and seasonal migrants.
We move at a comfortable field pace, allowing time for observation as well as photography when bird behaviour, light and background provide a worthwhile opportunity.
Bird activity changes through the season, so the exact route and
field locations are selected according to current conditions and
recent sightings.
Day 3
A Second Full Day in Bharatpur
Bharatpur
A second complete day gives us time to explore different areas and revisit productive habitats without rushing. This is particularly valuable for photography and for species that may not have been active during the previous day.
The plan can be adapted according to the interests of the group, whether the priority is birdwatching, selected target species or spending more time with suitable photographic subjects.
Day 4
Birding the Chambal River
Bharatpur → National Chambal Sanctuary → Bharatpur
Today we make a full-day excursion to the National Chambal Sanctuary, where the open river landscape creates a completely different birding environment from Bharatpur.
A boat excursion takes us along the river, where we look for Indian Skimmers and other riverine birds as well as gharials, turtles and wildlife associated with the sandbanks, islands and ravines of Chambal.
Boat activity and river access remain subject to local operating
conditions, water levels and sanctuary regulations.
Day 5
Bharatpur to Delhi and Overnight Train
Bharatpur → Old Delhi Railway Station
After breakfast, we leave Bharatpur and travel by private vehicle to Old Delhi Railway Station. This is primarily a travel day connecting the plains of North India with the Himalayan foothills.
In the evening, we board the Ranikhet Express for Kathgodam and travel overnight by train.
Planned train: Ranikhet Express 15013, departing Old Delhi at
approximately 10:05 PM. Railway timings and train availability are
subject to operational changes.
Day 6
Arrival in the Himalayan Foothills
Kathgodam → Sattal
We arrive at Kathgodam early in the morning and continue by private vehicle to Sattal. After reaching our stay, there is time to check in, rest and have breakfast.
Depending on arrival time and local conditions, we begin with an introductory birding session around Sattal's woodland, forest edges and nearby lake habitats.
Day 7
Forest and Woodland Birding
Sattal
Our first complete Sattal field day explores woodland trails, forest edges, lake surroundings and productive birding areas across the lower Himalayan landscape.
We focus on resident Himalayan birds as well as seasonal visitors, adapting the route according to activity, recent field information and the priorities of the group.
Day 8
Forest Birding and First Photography Hide
Sattal
We combine field birding with the first planned photography-hide session of the tour. The field session explores natural forest and woodland habitats, while the hide provides a different photographic experience.
Hide photography allows us to spend longer with visiting birds from a stable position and can provide opportunities for closer views and cleaner backgrounds.
Hide activity varies naturally. Species and photographic opportunities
cannot be guaranteed and depend on bird movement, weather and season.
Day 9
Birding the Ranikhet Hills
Sattal → Ranikhet → Sattal
We make a full-day excursion towards Ranikhet, exploring pine forests, mixed woodland and open mountain habitats at elevations different from those around Sattal.
Moving through these changing habitats can add a different selection of Himalayan birds to the journey. Stops and routes are selected according to seasonal movement and current bird activity.
Day 10
Forest Trails and the Chanfi River
Sattal & Chanfi
We begin the day exploring productive forest trails and woodland around Sattal before moving towards the Chanfi River later in the day.
Chanfi introduces fast-flowing water, rocky river edges and streamside forest. These habitats can offer opportunities for kingfishers, forktails and other birds associated with Himalayan streams and rivers.
Day 11
Final Full Birding Day and Second Hide
Sattal
Our final complete field day combines guided birding with the second photography-hide session. By this stage of the journey, the day's plan can also be shaped around important species or photographic opportunities that remain outstanding.
We may revisit productive forest areas, explore another local trail or spend additional time with species showing interesting behaviour, depending on weather, light and bird activity.
Day 12
Return to Delhi
Sattal → Kathgodam → Delhi
After breakfast, we check out and transfer by private vehicle to Kathgodam Railway Station for the onward train journey to Delhi.
On arrival in Delhi, you are transferred to your hotel or airport, where the 12-day North India birding journey concludes.
Delhi accommodation is not included. Final railway timings and the
Delhi transfer schedule will be coordinated according to confirmed
train reservations.
A note about the itinerary:
Bird activity, weather, local access, river conditions and train schedules
are never completely predictable. Birding locations, routes and daily
timings may therefore be adjusted according to current conditions, recent
sightings and reliable local field information. Any changes are made to
provide the strongest practical birding and photography experience while
keeping the overall structure of the journey intact.
What to Expect
What to Expect on This North India Birding Tour
This is a field-focused birding and photography journey combining Bharatpur's wetlands, the Chambal River and the Himalayan forests around Sattal. The pace is comfortable, but several days are designed around early bird activity, productive light and extended time in the field.
Different Habitats in One Journey
The tour moves through wetlands, grassland, river systems, woodland, Himalayan forests, streams and lake edges. Each region offers a noticeably different birding and photography experience.
Early Starts and Full Birding Days
Several days begin early, when bird activity and light are usually at their best. Full field days include suitable breaks for meals, travel and rest according to the day's location and conditions.
Comfortable, Non-Luxury Stays
Accommodation is selected for cleanliness, practical comfort and easy access to birding areas. The tour is full board, with breakfast, lunch and dinner included during the programme.
Road and Train Travel
The journey includes private road transfers as well as the Delhi-Kathgodam-Delhi train connection. One night is spent on the overnight train while travelling from the plains towards Sattal.
Small-Group Field Experience
The tour is designed for two to four participants, allowing the group to move quietly, spend more time with suitable subjects and keep the birding and photography experience personal.
Flexible Daily Planning
Birding locations and timings may change according to weather, bird activity, recent sightings and photographic opportunities. This flexibility allows the field plan to respond to what is actually happening each day.
A Note About Birding and Photography
This is not a rigid checklist-style tour. Some sessions may involve walking forest trails, while others may be slower and more observational. Bharatpur and Chambal offer open birding and boat-based opportunities, while Sattal includes woodland birding, stream habitats and two planned photography-hide sessions. Wild bird sightings and photographic opportunities can never be guaranteed.
Your Journey
What’s Included
Included
- Full-board accommodation on twin sharing
- Private ground transport throughout the tour
- Delhi–Kathgodam–Delhi train journeys
- Experienced bird guides and planned birding
- Chambal boat excursion and listed activities
- Two photography-hide sessions in Sattal
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Delhi accommodation
- Indian visa and travel insurance
- Camera and photography equipment
- Alcohol, laundry and personal expenses
- Tips and anything not specifically included
Tour price is based on twin-sharing accommodation for the selected
group size. Single occupancy, where available, is charged separately.
Good to Know
Before you join
Joining Point
Delhi Hotel or Airport
Finishing Point
Delhi Hotel or Airport
Group Size
2–4 Participants
Activity Level
Comfortable
Frequently asked questions
Can I join this North India birding tour as a solo traveller?
Yes. Solo participation is possible subject to availability. A single
occupancy supplement will apply where a separate room is required.
Do I need to be an experienced birder or photographer?
No. The tour suits experienced birders, photographers and enthusiastic
beginners. Guiding and field support are adapted to the group.
How physically demanding is the tour?
Most birding involves easy to moderate walking on park paths, forest
trails and river edges. Long walks are not essential on most days.
Are bird sightings guaranteed?
No. All birds are wild. Daily plans may change according to weather,
recent sightings and bird activity.
What happens during the photography-hide sessions?
Two hide sessions are planned in Sattal. They provide opportunities
for closer observation and photography of visiting forest birds.
Are train journeys included in the tour price?
Yes. The Delhi–Kathgodam–Delhi train journeys are included. Final
timings depend on confirmed railway schedules and availability.
Is accommodation included in Delhi?
No. The tour begins with pickup from your Delhi hotel or airport and
ends with a transfer back to your Delhi hotel or airport.
Looking for another birding journey? Explore our
Birding Tours in India
for more destinations and field-led itineraries.
Plan Your Journey
Check Availability for This North India Birding Tour
Tell us your preferred travel dates and group size, and we will confirm availability for Bharatpur, Chambal and Sattal.
