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The Keoladeo National Park, better known as Bharatpur, is one of the best places in the country for birdwatchers and bird photographers during the winters. The forest is just 29 sq. km. in area, but do not get mislead by its size. Its potential can be realized on examining the distinction it has got. It was a royal duck-shoot reserve in the times of Maharajas. It was declared a wildlife Sanctuary in 1956. It was then upgraded as a national park, perhaps the smallest, in 1981. It is listed as Ramsar site. It is a World Heritage and an Important Bird Area (IBA). India is a mega-biodiversity country and Keoladeo is a solid proof of it. About 20 percent (About 400) of bird species have been reported from this small area! The mosaic of habitat, that Keoladeo offers, is the reason for this. About one- third area is a wetland and rest is scrub, woodland and grassland. Keoladeo is regarded as one of the finest heronries of the India. About one – third avifauna is resident and equal number is migrant. Some other forms are local, summer or passage migrants.

Chambal National Sanctuary is a 5,400 sq km tri-state protected area for the critically endangered Gharials, the red-crowned roof turtle and the endangered Ganges River dolphin. Not only this, you have good chances of sighting Mugger crocodiles, Smooth coated Otters, Indian Wolves and Striped Hyenas. It is a long narrow eco-reserve co-administered by the three states, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Chambal river flows through this pristine sanctuary.

Sceduled dates: 7th - 10th December 2017

(3 nights 4 days – travel time excluded)

Day 1

We advise you to reach Bharatpur before 8 am of day 1. As you reach and checkin, freshen up and enjoy a cup of hot coffee before we start the day. The cycle rickshaw drivers will wait for you to get ready and move out towards the gates of Bharatpur. Explore the entire topography of the area. You will have unlimited opportunities to click fantastic photographs. On field, our expert will hand hold and conduct on field training session on tips and tricks of bird photography. We will have packed lunch on field and then again proceed for evening photography session. Back in the resort in the evening, we will have a discussion over small bon fire on wildlife photography and review the bird list, which will be possible to photograph over a period of the next 2 – 3 days.

Day 2

The day starts very early in the morning. Photography is primarily on foot. You can however, opt to keep a rickshaw with you (by paying an extra cost). Keoladeo park is popularly known as 'bird paradise'. Over 400 bird species have been recorded in the park. The park’s flora consists of 379 species of flowering plants of which 96 are wetland species. Mammalian fauna of KNP is equally rich with 27 identified species. Herpetofauna (Amphibians & Reptiles) of KNP is very rich. Out of the 10 species of turtles that are seen in Rajasthan , 7 are present in the park. There are 5 lizards species, 13 snakes species & 7 species of Amphibians. We will get packed lunch served on field and then proceed for evening session of photography. The sunset hours are not to be missed, which offer excellent photographic opportunities.

Day 3

The day starts very early in the morning. We will go to Chambal National Sanctuary today. It is a 5,400 sq km tri-state protected area for the critically endangered Gharials, the red-crowned roof turtle and the endangered Ganges River dolphin. It is a long narrow eco-reserve co-administered by the three states, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The Chambal River runs through the sanctuary with many sandy beaches on which you will have ample opportunities to shoot the beautiful Indian Skimmers. Photography will be primarily in a motor boat.

Day 4

Morning birding will happen following regular routine in Bharatpur. After lunch, we will depart.