Around Delhi Birding Tour

Your North India birding adventure begins as you arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, where our friendly tour representative will greet and assist you. After a seamless transfer to your hotel, take some time to relax, settle in, and recover from your flight.

In the afternoon, embark on an immersive sightseeing tour of Delhi, a city that perfectly blends ancient history with modern urban life. Explore Old Delhi, walking past its narrow lanes and vibrant bazaars, and admire the grandeur of the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a testament to Mughal architecture. Continue to New Delhi, where you will visit the towering Qutub Minar, the historic Jantar Mantar observatory, and drive past iconic landmarks such as India Gate and the President’s House (Rashtrapati Bhawan).

This gentle introduction combines cultural immersion with urban green spaces that are often frequented by local birds, offering the first glimpses of India’s avian diversity. By evening, return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

After an early breakfast, set out for Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, located about 50 kilometers from Delhi. Sultanpur is a lush wetland reserve, famous for hosting both resident and migratory birds, particularly during the winter months. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and prepare for your first birding excursion in this serene sanctuary.

Spend the afternoon exploring the sanctuary along its well-maintained pathways and vantage points. Sultanpur’s wetlands, shallow ponds, and surrounding scrublands provide excellent habitats for birds such as Common Hoopoe, Purple Sunbird, Eurasian Thick-knee, Indian Roller, White-throated Kingfisher, Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Little Egret, Great Egret, and Cattle Egret. Watch as the morning light highlights the vibrant plumage of sunbirds and kingfishers, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Return to the hotel to relax and enjoy the calm evening atmosphere surrounded by nature.

Overnight stay at Sultanpur.

Today is dedicated to an extended birding experience at Sultanpur, allowing you to explore every corner of this incredible wetland. With your knowledgeable guide, discover the sanctuary’s diverse habitats, including marshes, ponds, grassy fields, and wooded scrublands.

Expect to see species like Spot-billed Duck, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Red-vented Bulbul, Shikra, Red-collared Dove, Spotted Owlet, Green Bee-eater, Common Mynah, and Greater Coucal. Early morning and late afternoon walks are particularly rewarding, as bird activity peaks during these cooler hours. Capture stunning photographs of waterfowl on reflective ponds and hear the calls of raptors patrolling the skies.

Lunch and tea breaks can be enjoyed in the sanctuary’s designated areas, allowing you to remain immersed in the peaceful sounds and sights of nature. By sunset, return to your hotel for overnight rest.

Overnight stay at Sultanpur.

After breakfast, depart for Agra, home of the world-renowned Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Explore its pristine white marble structure, intricate carvings, and serene gardens, all while your guide shares historical insights.

After this cultural immersion, continue your journey towards Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted Mughal city that offers a glimpse into India’s imperial past. Wander past the hauntingly beautiful Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and Panch Mahal before heading to Bharatpur, the gateway to Keoladeo Ghana National Park. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a short evening walk around the lodge or nearby areas to spot local birds and enjoy the peaceful countryside ambiance.

Overnight stay at Bharatpur.

Wake up early for a full day of birdwatching at Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the most famous birding destinations in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises wetlands, grasslands, and woodland patches, providing a safe haven for over 370 bird species, including both resident and migratory birds.

Your guided exploration may reveal Indian Skimmer, Sarus Crane, Painted Stork, Black-necked Stork, Pied Kingfisher, Grey Heron, and a variety of egrets and waterfowl. Keep an eye out for smaller passerines and grassland specialists as you walk or take a cycle rickshaw tour through the park. Besides birds, you may spot mammals such as Sambar Deer, Chital, Nilgai, and Wild Boar.

The park’s landscapes are ideal for photography, and the late afternoon sunset along the wetland trails offers perfect golden-hour shots. Return to your hotel in the evening to relax and reflect on the day’s sightings.

Overnight stay at Bharatpur.

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Delhi, approximately 220 kilometers (4-5 hours). Enjoy scenic views of rural landscapes, farmland, and occasional birding stops along the way. Upon arrival in Delhi, proceed directly to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your onward flight.

Depart with unforgettable memories of North India’s wetlands, migratory bird species, and cultural wonders, taking with you a deeper appreciation of India’s biodiversity and heritage.