Chambal & Bharatpur Birding

BANDITS IN THE HINTERLAND
In the heart of India there flows a river pure and pristine. Unpolluted by effluents of industries Chambal River is one of the least polluted. There are no industries here for this area was once ruled by the bandits. Taking advantage of spiky dunes the bandits indulged in gory acts till they were eventually silenced.

OF PREHISTORIC REPTILES & MYSTERIOUS RIVER DOLPHINS
Chambal originates in Vindhya Ranges near Mhow in Madhya Pradesh and eventually submerges into Yamuna in UP after transacting through Rajasthan. The river sanctuary is rich in marine life, and one can see the long snout gharial, marsh crocodile and Ganges Dolphin while boating, On many occasions I have seen the splendor while on a bird tour with groups.

Avian abounds along the banks as well at the river. The boat safari offers you sighting of marine life as well amazing avian species. The splendorous panoramic spread amidst low lying sand hills and dunes is simply stunning. You will be absolutely thrilled.s.

WINGED WONDERS IN AMAZING WILDERNESS
Large numbers of species are seen here. The most targeted are the Indian skimmers, gulls, sand lark, wooly necked stork, Bonelli's eagle, osprey, rock eagle owl, bar headed geese, ferruginous pochard, laggar falcon, Indian courser, Brahminy duck, flamingos, terns, sand grouse, warblers, cranes and wintering ducks. Few species are mentioned here on a visit one can see many more.

BHARATPUR BIRD SANCTUARY IN RAJASTHAN
Amidst dusty township of Bharatpur exists a bird heaven that finds thousands of visitors from across the globe every year. Encompassing 28 sq.km of wetland, it is the finest destination for watching avian species in thousands. The migrants flock together every year from all over the World.

AVIAN WETLAND GATHERINGS
Some of the interesting species among three hundred found here are: Sarus crane, common crane, rosy pelican, spoonbill, ibis, Indian eagle, great spotted eagle, Northern pintail, Shoveller, Eurasian wigeon, ferruginous duck, nakta, tickell's thrush, Indian nightjar, dusky eagle owl, night heron, shikra, sparrow hawk, dusky warbler, moustache warbler, Siberian ruby throat and many more. The bird sanctuary also offers sighting of mammals like the jackal, hyena, sambar deer, chital and a tiger on rare occasion..

Other interesting places near Bharatpur are Bund Baretha and Bayana. These are near the sanctuary and offer sightings of Indian skimmer, gulls, larks, buntings and wetland birds.

TIGER PHOTOGRAPHY

Tigers are charismatic animals and have bedazzled the World. Hence photographers always seek an opportunity to film or photograph the magnificent predator in their natural environment. Like any other subject tigers offer a major challenge. In spite of large size they are very illusive and camouflage easily. They are difficult to locate by their peripatetic nature. They live in habitats which comprise of tall grass, dense foliage and often found in an inaccessible terrain and many times the light conditions are poor.

Hence tiger photography requires special skill set and assistance of experienced naturalist guides. The activity requires good enough of time and resources as well. Indiafootprints fulfills all the criteria thanks to years of experience and required resources. The virtues have also shaped our itineraries that take you to habitats with dense tiger population.

You need not be a professional or have expensive equipment, amateurs and holiday makers with basic equipment have fared surprisingly well. So contact us and make your dream come true.

RANTHAMBHORE TIGER RESERVE – RAJASTHAN

It is a tiger reserve and National Park with history. And also a healthy population of tigers defines Ranthambhore. Being a dry deciduous forest with abundant prey tigers are much easier to spot film or photograph. The park administration provides for short and extensive safaris the later being more suited for photography. Other options to shoot using the camera are the sloth bear, marsh crocodile, deer, wild boar, Nilgai, chinkara and other mega fauna. Photographers with longer lens can also capture images of strikingly beautiful birds of the park. Sunlight is very good most of the time of the year providing the best opportunity to film or photographers in the wild.

BANDHAVGARH TIGER RESERVE – CENTRAL INDIA

Truly an esoteric destination tucked away in the confines of remote Central India. Saturated with ancient monuments in form of idols, stable, temples and a fort in ruins makes tiger photography at Bandhavgarh is enchanting as well as fulfilling. Relatively smaller in area than some reserves the National Park boasts of high density of tigers.

The reserve comprises of mixed moist dry deciduous tropical forests, marshy grasslands, bamboo, Sal and aquatic systems in form of rivulets, streams, ponds and water holes. The undulating cliffs or table top mountains are unique to Bandhavgarh. The diverse habitats accords opportunity to photograph the big cats in different ecosystems and settings while on expedition at Bandhavgarh.

KANHA NATIONAL PARK – CENTRAL INDIA

The Kipling Country boasts of more than 100 tigers. It is home to many species of mega fauna especially the hard ground swamp deer successful conservation has brought laurels to the reputation of Kanha National Park. The park conserves other animals like the illusive leopard, sloth bear, bison, deer, wild dog, rhesus macaque, langur, wild boar, wolf, Nilgai, chevrotain, jackal and nocturnal animals like the fox, civet and porcupine.

The forest types are mixed moist dry deciduous tropical, extensive grasslands, Sal and bamboo. Rivers Halon and Banjar and their tributaries are the lifeline of this diverse ecosystem. The reserve is ideal for tiger photography in picturesque settings. This destination is one of the most preferred for nature photography in India.

A Vacation in Rajasthan & North India

Golden Triangle is a planned route which offers visit to major destinations in Rajasthan in 

Western India. The focus is on the Taj & the Tiger.

Virtually the Golden Triangle offers complete vacation for those on short trip to India. A 

week is enough to experience the glittering jewels of Rajasthan in Jaipur and majestic 

tigers of Ranthambhore added with a single day visit to Agra for Taj Mahal. The latter is in 

Uttar Pradesh in Northern India.

From New Delhi to Agra by taxi offers sights of wide vista of urbanity as it unfolds from the 

jammed streets of Delhi to the busy highway. The expansive mass of humanity is startling 

for the first time visitors. Nevertheless the ride is smooth in spite of few clogs on the road. 

The six hour journey by taxi will take you the erstwhile capital of Mughals.

Taj Mahal is an extreme delight, the wonder of the World leaves you completely spell 

bound. A quick repast in one of the Agra's sprawling restaurants and then followed by 

journey back to New Delhi.

The architectural splendour of Taj is followed equally in gist by the forts and palaces of 

Jaipur City the Capital of Rajasthan State. This marvellous desert congregation is full of life 

and colourful to the bone.

Along with sightseeing, experiencing amazing historical monuments you will have a taste of 

Marwari culinary delights. An astonishing mix of hot peppers and a medley of Indian spices 

- the food tastes like none on the Earth. Followed by Rajasthani deserts it is a complete 

meal and you yearn for more believe me.

The splendours of Jaipur will certainly be mesmerising but wait you have to experience 

more! The six hour ride through the desert will be a treat as life unfolds in vistas of colours 

and striking landscapes. Upon reaching Sawai Madhopur you will find accommodations in 

one of the magical wildlife resorts situated outside the park.

Tiger! The majestic predator will match your lifelong imagination of the big cat. A trip to wild 

hinterland will complete your journey with a dash of awe. The reserve is a biodiversity hot 

spot in the middle of bustling urbanity.

Your holiday will end with tiger safari at Ranthambore in Rajasthan. Exciting safaris will be 

an icing on the cake. Cap it with bird watching since the reserve has many species of 

avian. A wonderful awe inspiring holiday in India.

The Golden Triangle package is offered by many tour operators in India. It is one of the 

most popular packages and can be extended for journey elsewhere.