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We could not have hoped for better wildlife sightings: two tigers within touching distance; three leopards equally close; over 200 bird species and crocodiles and gharials too. The excitement of seeing three leopards together was heightened when we witnessed the larger male mating the female - a very rare sight indeed (never before witnessed by our very experienced local guide). In addition our accommodation, food and travel arrangements were all great too! A holiday to remember for a very long time.
P.Y. Lincolnshire
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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India - Ranthambore, Bharatpur & Chambal
Tour Code: IND52A 13-day holiday in search of the birds and mammals of Ranthambore, Bharatpur and Chambal, including cultural visits to Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, plus an optional 5-day extension to Corbett National Park, set in the foothills of the Himalaya.
13 days
from
£3,795 (Inc flights)
£3,795 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£3,295
£3,295
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
This holiday offers a wonderful introduction to the wildlife and culture of northern India and includes stays at three iconic and much-loved reserves. We begin with a 4-night stay in Ranthambore National Park where we will take morning and afternoon game drives to look for Tiger and other mammals, as well as a wealth of birds including flycatchers, minivets, sunbirds, kingfishers, and up to five species of owl. Next we take the express train north-east to Keoladeo Ghana National Park (known as Bharatpur), one of India’s best birdwatching sites where we will stay for three nights before transferring to Chambal via Fatehpur Sikri. We’ll explore the River Chambal and its adjacent woodlands and pastures by boat and jeep, hoping to see Smooth-coated Otters, Gangetic River Dolphin and Indian Skimmer before it is time to drive to Agra where we will enjoy a cultural tour before heading back to Delhi for our flights home, or to Corbett National Park for a 5-day extension to the main tour.
- Explore Ranthambore National Park, Bharatpur & Chambal Sanctuary
- Tiger, Sloth Bear, Leopard & Chinkara possible, Ranthambore
- Ranthambore is home to over 300 bird species
- Sarus Crane & Siberian Rubythroat among the wealth of birdlife at Bharatpur
- Look for mammals such as Jungle Cat, Nilgai & Blackbuck, Bharatpur
- Includes visits to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri
- Option to extend your holiday with a visit to Corbett National Park
- Led by expert naturalist guides
Grading
This is a gentle wildlife safari, with little walking.This holiday offers a comprehensive introduction to the many fabulous facets of northern India, amongst them three much-loved and iconic wildlife reserves which are home to some of the subcontinent’s most enthralling wildlife. In Ranthambore we will search the woodlands, lakeshores and escarpments of this beautiful national park for its top predator, the Bengal Tiger, before moving to the world famous wetlands of Keoladeo Ghana National Park — more commonly known as Bharatpur — one of India’s very best birdwatching sites. We then visit the National Chambal Sanctuary through which the peaceful Chambal River flows, home to Gangetic River Dolphins, prehistoric-looking Gharial Crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife. Each offers a contrasting variety of landscapes and wildlife, to which we will add interest with visits to the greatest monuments of Moghul India — the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
Our holiday begins with a flight to India’s capital city, Delhi, from where we take an early morning train to Ranthambore National Park, arguably India’s most beautiful Tiger Reserve. Ranthambore is spread over an area of 392 square kilometres and is bounded by the Banas River in the north and by the Chambal River in the south. We have four nights in Ranthambore, based at the comfortable Pug Mark Lodge. From here we will take morning and afternoon game drives through park’s dry deciduous forest and around the lakes — which form the centrepiece of the reserve — in search of the elusive Bengal Tiger and the wonderful variety of other mammal and birdlife which lives in its shadow. Whether or not we see a Tiger, we cannot fail to be impressed by the sheer variety of other wildlife that calls Ranthambore home. This might include a chance encounter with a Sloth Bear, Leopard, or perhaps a Chinkara (Indian Gazelle). Marsh Mugger Crocodiles are common in the lakes and Bengal Monitor Lizards are frequently seen around their shores. The park is also home to over 300 species of bird including Black-rumped Flameback, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Purple Sunbird, Rufous-tailed Lark (an Indian endemic), Painted Spurfowl, Jungle Bush-quail, Small Minivet and Stork-billed Kingfisher. In addition, we have a chance of finding up to five species of owl, amongst them Brown Fish Owl, Dusky Eagle Owl and Collared Scops Owl.
We bid Ranthambore farewell and next travel by express train to Bharatpur. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park — as Bharatpur is less commonly, but correctly, known — offers a spectacle of birds that is unsurpassed on the Indian subcontinent! The series of man-made jheels (shallow lakes) that form the heart of the reserve were constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries and used by the Maharajahs of Bharatpur from 1850 onwards to attract wildfowl to this man-made hunting preserve. Their phenomenal success in this aim provides us today with an unrivalled variety and number of waterbirds including Sarus Crane, Black-necked Stork and Cotton Pygmy Goose. Overhead soar many different birds of prey, whilst surrounding bush, forest and grassland provide cover for a wonderful selection of passerines, such as Siberian Rubythroat, Tickell’s Warbler and Orange-headed Thrush, together with mammals including Jungle Cat, Nilgai and Blackbuck. We will spend three nights at this wildlife haven before proceeding to Chambal, stopping en route to explore the fascinating abandoned Moghul city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Finally we will stay for two nights at Chambal Safari Lodge, a former hunting lodge of the feudal chiefs of Jarar, tucked into 130 acres of woodland and pasture. The lodge is ideally located for exploring the reserve and the surrounding farmland, which is best done by boat and jeep. The highlight of our time here will be the boat ride on the calm and gentle waters of the Chambal River, which is the focus for all the sanctuary’s wildlife, including the rare Gangetic River Dolphin, Gharial and Marsh Mugger Crocodiles, freshwater turtles and Smooth-coated Otter. The River Chambal is one of the country’s most beautiful and least polluted rivers and the National Chambal Sanctuary was created to protect a section of this pristine riverine ecosystem. The river and the adjacent woodlands and fields are a birdwatcher’s paradise and offer an opportunity to look for a wide variety of species such as Indian River Tern, Pallas’ Gull, the increasingly uncommon Black-bellied Tern and the bizarre Indian Skimmer which is often to be found resting on exposed sandbars.
Our tour ends back in Delhi, after a stop en route at Agra’s famous Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. However, for those of you wishing to stay longer, our extension to the north-east into the scenic forested hills and wide river valleys of Corbett National Park is thoroughly recommended.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London.
Day 2
Delhi.
Day 3/6
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
Day 7/9
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
Day 10/11
National Chambal Sanctuary.
Day 12
Visit Agra. Overnight Delhi.
Day 13
Fly London.
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation: Comfortable tourist hotel in Delhi; comfortable forest lodges elsewhere. All rooms have private facilities.
- Food: All inlcuded in the price, except for lunches and dinners in Delhi. Allow ?20.
Reviews
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sun 9th Nov – Fri 21st Nov
SPACES
£3,795
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sun 1st Feb – Fri 13th Feb
SPACES
£3,795
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
Sun 8th Nov – Fri 20th Nov
SPACES
£3,795
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
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[description] => Tiger Safaris – Unparalleled 100% Record of Success
Naturetrek has nearly 30 years of experience leading Tiger watching holidays to the Indian subcontinent. With a 100% record of success on our top tours, we’ve shown Tigers to more people than any other wildlife specialists.
Arguably the most iconic and charismatic species on the planet, this enigmatic big cat is a vision of natural perfection. The opportunity to observe the animal in its natural habitat on a dedicated Tiger watching tour is at the top of many people's wildlife wish lists. With almost three decades of expertise leading in India, and the widest range of itineraries available, we have a Tiger tour to suit all interests.
We visit some of the most wildlife-rich reserves in this astonishingly diverse country. Accompanied by the best local naturalist guides and enjoying the security and intimate experiences that come with small group travel, participants enjoy the ultimate thrill of encountering these magnificent wild animals in their own environment.
Superb Tiger Watching with Naturetrek
As the leading operator of natural history tours in India, Naturetrek has a long and proud tradition of enabling clients to experience the very best wildlife viewing opportunities in the subcontinent. Over the past three decades, many hundreds of nature lovers have enjoyed the benefits of our renowned small group itineraries to gain multiple sightings of this beautiful animal in the wild.
Our professionally organised tours take in some of the most famous and wildlife-rich reserves in India, including Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Panna National Parks. Our expert naturalist guides provide the best opportunities for sightings of a wide range of species in these spectacular natural environments.
Two other fantastic national parks – Tadoba and Satpura – can be visited on optional extensions to several of our top Tiger tours. Tadoba is an excellent Tiger watching destination, while Satpura is renowned for intimate encounters with Sloth Bear, Leopard and Dhole (Indian Wild Dog); the park also offers walking safaris and night game drives.
Some of the reasons our tours are so successful:
- 100% sightings on our four top safaris in the last five years
- Small groups escorted by India’s best naturalist guides
- Up-to-date information from wildlife reserves
- Scrupulous attention to detail in choosing a high standard of accommodation
- Excellent local guides monitor the animals’ movement daily to ensure the best sightings
What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek Tiger holiday?
- A comfortable lodge within a convenient distance from the reserve
- Twice-daily excursions by vehicle (or by foot in Satpura) into the reserves
- A focus on sightings of this wonderful big cat, while also enjoying culture and other wildlife
- The enjoyment of like-minded travelling companions in a small group
Further information on when, where, and how to see Tigers can be found here.
Our specialist recommends...
"I’d recommend our Tiger Marathon tour, which takes you straight into the heart of the jungle on a 13-day safari that combines Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna National Parks, four of India's finest reserves. Since we began the tour we've had 100% sightings! Alternatively, our Tiger Direct itinerary encompasses less travel and also has 100% success rate.”
Rajan Jolly - Operations Manager
Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists
The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.
Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
Our specialist recommends...
"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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Mammal Watching Holidays
Many of the world’s mammals are instantly recognisable to us. Animals such as Lions, Tigers, elephants and bears capture our imaginations from an early age. At Naturetrek, we take great pleasure and pride in helping people to fulfil their lifelong dreams of seeing these iconic species in the wild. We also enjoy introducing our clients to some of the world’s more unusual mammals, many of which are just as fascinating.
Naturetrek Mammal Watching Tours
Many of our tours have a primary focus on mammals and we offer the widest choices of mammal-watching holidays across the globe, from the poles to the tropics. Our holidays are guided by at least one professional naturalist tour leader and usually benefit from additional guiding by expert local naturalist guides. We have holidays to see an incredible range of the world’s most sought-after mammals, such as orangutans, lemurs, bats, polar mammals, big cats, and mammals of the African savannah. A significant number of tours also targets some of the planet’s more unusual and elusive species, from pottos and pangolins to slender lorises and obscure cetaceans.
Here’s a selection of our mammal tours:
- India’s Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves
- A cruise to Spitsbergen in search of Polar Bears
- A chance to see the ‘Big Five’ and much more in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
- Search for Blue, Fin and Sperm Whales in the Azores
- Close-up views of Brown Bear and Wolverine in Finland
- Enjoy the mammals of Kenya’s Masai Mara, while staying in luxury camps
- Search for elusive nocturnal mammals, such as Aardvark, Black-footed Cat and Aardwolf, in the Kalahari Desert
Bargain mammal selection
We offer a range of action-packed bargain holidays for the dedicated mammal enthusiast, which are exceptional value for money, from Belize to Zambia.
Our specialist recommends...
"Africa is perhaps the greatest continent for mammal-watching. I would recommend 'Botswana’s Desert & Delta (Mammals)' for combining stunning scenery and wildlife. We also offer a tour to Uganda which includes a chance to see Mountain Gorillas. And India, along with Tigers, has a superb variety of mammals. Closer to home, short breaks to Spain in search of Wolves and Iberian Lynx are hard to beat.”
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
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Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
