January 13 -27, 2027

We can easily run a short pre extension before for a few days ... 

The flight is long to travel from the US to India.  Most people elect to arrive one or two days early.  We can easily arrange a hotel and pickup from the airport for early arrivals.  In addition, it is easy to arrange a day birding at Sultanpur National Park, just an hour from the airport and an easy way to get 120 species on your first day birding!

8 People have committed to go as of  March 20, 2026.  We could take one more couple if they are fun people.  Otherwise full and ready to go.

In India, I like the group to experience contrasts: here we visit the stunning  tropical islands of the Andamans; and afterwards visit the plains of NW India with its iconic national parks and treasures: two places, two cultures, two sets of birds that could not be more different.

The Andaman Islands hosts many endemic birds as well being a great place to experience eastern waders and seabirds ... and at the end of the day you can relax on a quiet beach.

An internal flight will take us to the famous Bharatpur wetlands where we jump off the eRickshaw whenever we want to experience the wildlife.  It's a photographer's dream.  Add in a boat trip on the river Chambal to see the prehistoric Gharial and Indian Skimmers … and then safaris in Ranthambore to see Tigers.  Even a day trip to the spectacular Taj Mahal.

This trip is passed on at cost with a generous donation included for Pronatura Veracruz's River of Raptors in Mexico, a long term educational and monitoring program that each Fall since 1991 monitors the pulse of the 95% of the entire population of Broad-winged Hawk, Swainson's Hawk, Mississippi Kite and Turkey Vultures. Environmental education takes place at the small village of Chichicaxtle, where since 1994, Pronatura awareness campaigns have produced along the years people with environmental  conservationists that work either on the River of Raptors or are biologists in government offices.

Relaxed birding is appropriate for all levels of birding experience from the newbies to experienced.  Short hikes on easy trails … out of the sun for most of the walks.  Typically breakfast about 6am, on the road by 06.45, but occasionally earlier to beat the heat ... and bird until lunch.  Lunch is in restaurants for an hour or so and then bird in the afternoon ... Depends on location but most days we will be back by 6pm.  Because there are two guides we can easily accommodate a slower pace and those who wish to spend more time taking photos.  Also, expect great food.  You may need to go on a diet before the trip.

There is an internal flight we will take and you will be accompanied at all times to help navigate the airport systems.  In the Anderman Islands we will take short drives and a short ferry ride across to Haverlock Island.   A pelagic boat trip is also planned, but obviously this is weather dependent.

In the Plains of NW India you come face to face with the "real India".  People will be very friendly and often want photos taken with you.  Several part-day drives are required to and from New Delhi.  We take a small punt ride in Bharatpur and a longer boat trip along the Chambal river as well as several safaris in Ranthambore in open topped vehicles.

A unique component of our trips is that we use different local guides in each of the new areas we visit.  Each are experts in their local area are are knowledgeable about the history and culture too ...  In Ranthambore a local guide will accompany us on our safari trips who will have up to date information of tiger sightings and the best places to go to hopefully see the big animals.

We are also lucky to have Gaurav Kataria with us on this trip.  He is a personal friend and has pioneered birding and ecotourism in many parts of India.  He is a professional photographer and will happily provide tips and tricks.

Finally I will be a guide as i have visited many of the places multiple times.  Steve has led 15 tours to India and can help you through all the processes of the Indian eVisa application.  With this formidable team we will see a lot of birds as well as have a very fun time. 

The Indian culture is so varied and it will be right in your face, especially as we travel through small rural villages.  There are small Hindu temples to stop off at and visit, time to visit colorful markets, and a chance to see the Taj Mahal.

This tour travels to extremely safe areas.  You will always be with one of the tour leaders but it is perfectly possible to visit a market or temple to have an authentic experience. 

It is hard to shake off the bad reputation India has for health concerns.  This might have been true 10 or 20 years ago, but is no longer true.  We visit tried and tested restaurants where filtered water is used.  We are in the dry season so water born diseases are rare.  There is no malaria.

The most frequent ailment I see is the common cold.  Delhi can have bad pollution in the winter months so a face mask is advised and some cough drops.   A few people from each tour will get mild stomach issues.  This is likely due to the change in diet rather than a more serious infection.  Still, it is advisable to bring anti diarrhea medicine and have a prescription for an antibiotic like Cipro

We eat local food and it is delicious.  In almost all cases we can request less spice.  Alcohol is not included in the tour but you are able to purchase wine, beer and spirits at the hotels. We will be staying in excellent hotels.  Staff are friendly and they have a relaxing atmosphere.  Western toilets are the norm.  The hotels have Wi-FI.

Port Blair

Havelock Island

Delhi

Bharatpur 

Ranthambhore 

Fly into and out of New Delhi, Indria Gandhi International Airport (DEL).  There are many options from the US.  I normally travel via Doha or another Middle East country to break up the journey or visit my dad in the UK.  No matter what, it is a long trip and with the time difference it will seem like almost two days, although on the return journey you will arrive on the same day you depart.  We will arrange pickup from the airport at any time, even if it is 2am.

India requires that you obtain a visa in advance.  On signing up for the tour I will provide all the information you need but a month long tourist eVisa is a relatively painless application online and costs about $35 USD.  It can only be applied for, no sooner than, one month before your arrival date.

Internal security at the airports is very strict and I will provide information on electronics in carry on luggage and all the documents you require. 

You will need a travel adaptor to be able to charge your electrics in India

The Indian Rupee is the local currency and it is advisable to use the ATM at the Delhi airport to get money out.  You can take pout 10,000 IRP at one time but can repeat this again.