New Year In India: An Ornithologists Dream
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www.naturetrek.co.uk Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur in Rajasthan, is one of Asia’s most outstanding wetland reserves and during winter months the network of shallow marshes, replenished by monsoon rains during the summer, provide refuge for thousands of waterfowl, herons, storks, cranes and waders. Naturetrek’s 9-day Bharatpur & Chambal holiday visits this remarkable reserve, together with explorations of National Chambal Sanctuary, in search of endangered Gangetic River Dolphins and a cultural excursion to Agra for the Taj Mahal. The tour departs London 26th December 2007.
On arrival in Delhi those impatient to sample the first of India’s avian specialities can immediately join an excursion to the Yamuna River at Okhla, one of the best birdwatching sites in urban Delhi. Here, on the exposed mud flats, a variety of waterbirds and waders, including Little Cormorant, Brown-headed Gull, White-breasted Kingfisher and many other characteristic Indian species, may be spotted. Next there is a drive to Bharatpur and Keoladeo Ghana National Park, arguably the world's finest bird sanctuary. Here, wetlands, marshes and flooded jheels, are contained within acacia-lined bunds (embankments), and irrigated by a system of canals. Around them lie semi-arid grass and scrubland and some excellent broad-leaved Kadam woodland. Over 350 species of birds have been recorded in the park, and during three days here guests are likely to see vultures, eagles and owls, plus numerous small landbirds. As well as bird life, the park has an excellent variety of mammals including Asiatic Jackal, Smooth Indian Otter and two species of mongoose. The rare Fishing Cat may occasionally be observed. Birds of Prey at Bharatpur form another great highlight with dozens of raptor sightings, including Spotted, Lesser Spotted, Imperial, Steppe, Tawny and Bonelli's Eagle, with the possibility of also seeing wandering White-tailed, Pallas's Fishing and even Golden Eagles. Shifting focus, there is a journey by road to Chambal, visiting the deserted Mogul ruins of Fatehpur Sikri en-route. At Chambal a boat rides on the Chambal River - one of the country’s most beautiful and least polluted river systems is another ‘must-do’. The National Chambal Sanctuary was formed to protect this pristine river ecosystem, complete with its varied flora, avifauna and a variety of aquatic life, such as the elusive and endangered Gangetic River Dolphin and Marsh Crocodile. Later travellers continue to Agra for a guided sightseeing tour of the magnificent Taj Mahal and Red Fort before returning to Delhi for homebound flights.
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Houseboats of Kerala
You might have had a wonderful cruise in houseboats along the taciturn backwater stretches of Kerala. (12/08/2012)
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Paniyeli Poru / Kerala - India
A milky waterfall that would allure you even from a distance; beautiful rivulets with lucid streams of water that would wash away the worries and weariness of everyday life (15/07/2012)
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About Wayanad / Kerala – India
Wayanad, the green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala (05/07/2012)
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Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary / Kerala - India
An incredible green spot with an extensive variety of life and that too amid a buzzing metro! Not ready to believe? Then visit Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, an ecologically sensitive area situated at t (12/06/2012)
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