Rajasthan is a wildlife lover’s paradise. Widely known for the quality of it national parks, it is not just these reserves that offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Combining two of Rajasthan’s best-known national parks with a selection of the state’s finest small hotels, this journey aims to highlight the region’s distinct and varied fauna and flora. Starting in the Indian capital Delhi, the itinerary begins with time spent in Keoladeo National Park, a famous bird reserve, and Ranthambore National Park, known for its tiger population. From here head into rural Rajasthan with stays in Shahpura, Deogarh and Bera with all three locations offering excellent birdwatching and the opportunity to see the elusive leopard in the wild. To showcase the diversity of Rajasthan’s landscapes two nights are included in the hill station of Mount Abu before a final stay outside of Udaipur in a small, rural country retreat.
Delhi – Bharatpur – Ranthambore – Shahpura – Deogarh – Bera – Mount Abu – Upli Badi – Delhi
Trip Highlights
- Keoladeo National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise with resident and migratory birds
- Ranthambore National Park is renowned for the diversity of its wildlife including tigers
- Western Rajasthan is ideal for leopards with good chances to see these elusive animals
- Walk country trails and birdwatch in Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station
- Enjoy forest walks, birdwatching and evening leopard drives in charming rural Deogarh
- Set close to Udaipur, Upli Badi offers day walks, birdwatching and visits to local villages
Day 1
Depart the UK
Depart the UK and fly to the Indian capital of Delhi.
Day 2
Arrive Delhi
Arrive into Delhi where you will be met and taken to your hotel. With two distinct identities, Delhi is one of India’s most interesting cities. Old Delhi, with its mosques, bazaars, monuments and forts, was the capital of Muslim India from the 17th century whilst New Delhi is the current centre of Indian political power and was purpose-built in the 1930s during the British Raj.
The Claridges New Delhi
The Imperial
Day 3
Delhi
After breakfast join your guide and visit Old Delhi to explore the dense warren of alleyways, homes, markets, mosques and churches of this atmospheric neighbourhood. Places of interest include the shops of Chandni Chowk, the beautiful Jama Masjid mosque, the Red Fort and Rajghat. Later in the afternoon drive to New Delhi. Famously designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, today this area of the city is home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and imposing India Gate.
- Breakfast
The Claridges New Delhi
The Imperial
Day 4
Delhi to Bharatpur – by train
This morning transfer to the railway station and travel by train to Bharatpur where you will stay overnight. One of the leading bird sanctuaries in the world, Keoladeo National Park started as a princely hunting estate and, today, the reserve’s marshlands are one of the major areas for over-wintering aquatic birds that fly south from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia. The national park also supports many resident Indian species including a number of key raptors. Later visit the reserve with a naturalist.
- Breakfast
The Birder’s Inn
Day 5
Bharatpur to Ranthambore – 255kms
Today drive to Ranthambore National Park, a world-famous Project Tiger reserve, set in a landscape of dry deciduous forest interspersed with small watering holes. Supporting a wide range of birds and mammals, the park is best known for its tiger population, however, leopard, jackal and hyena are also present as well as sambar, chital, wild boar, nilgai, chinkara and crocodile. Should you wish, after leaving Bharatpur it is possible to make a short diversion to the deserted 16th century city of Fatehpur Sikri.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Fateh’s Retreat
Khem Villas
Sujan Sher Bagh
Day 6
Ranthambore National Park
Today visit the reserve at sunrise and sunset in the company of an expert naturalist. As with much of India the blend between nature and history is strong at Ranthambore with the ruined 13th century fort the focal point of the park.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Fateh’s Retreat
Khem Villas
Sujan Sher Bagh
Day 7
Ranthambore to Shahpura – 210kms
This morning undertake one final early morning safari in the national park. After the safari, and following breakfast, leave Ranthambore and continue to the small market town of Shahpura. With a history dating back over 400 years, the original house at Shahpura was granted to the incumbent family by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. Accommodation is elegant and comfortable with a mixture of Rajasthani and colonial furnishings and there is also an inviting swimming pool in the grounds.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Shahpura Bagh
Day 8
Shahpura
Today you are at leisure to enjoy Shahpura Bagh and the area surrounding the hotel. Shahpura Bagh is surrounded by lakes and there are further waterbodies a short drive from the property so there are ample opportunities for bird watching. Over 180 species of bird have been recorded over the years and time with a trained naturalist can also be arranged.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Shahpura Bagh
Day 9
Shahpura to Deogarh – 150kms
Following a leisurely breakfast leave Shahpura and drive to Deogarh, a friendly provincial town set within the picturesque the Aravalli Hills. Here you will stay at delightful Dev Shree, the home of Shatrunjai and Bhavna and an ideal base from which to experience traditional rural Rajasthan. Later, in the company of your hosts, head into the countryside for evening sundowners.
- Breakfast
Dev Shree
Day 10
Deogarh
There is plenty to do in and around Deogarh and your hosts will be happy to talk through the options available. For the more active there are a number of walking trails in the forests that carpet the Aravalli Hills whilst closer to the property there is good birdwatching within the grounds of the property. Head out with the family for evening sundowners and, when the sun sets, keep a sharp eye out for leopard which are sometimes encountered.
- Breakfast
Dev Shree
Day 11
Deogarh to Bera – 125kms
Today drive to Bera in western Rajasthan where you will stay at the Sujan Jawai Leopard Camp. Set within a remote and rugged landscape of scrubland, dry riverbeds and caves, the region surrounding the camp is ideal habitat for leopard. The tented accommodation is beautifully furnished complete with attached bathrooms and each tent has a private veranda.
- Breakfast
Sujan Jawai Bera Leopard Camp
Day 12
Bera
Set in the heart of leopard country, and accompanied by the camp’s expert naturalists, today will be spent tracking these beautiful but elusive animals. Birdwatching is also excellent, close to the camp is one of western Rajasthan’s largest waterbodies, and the countryside is also home to the Rabari, traditional herdsmen that have farmed this landscape for centuries.
- Breakfast
Sujan Jawai Bera Leopard Camp
Day 13
Bera to Mount Abu – 110kms
After breakfast leave Udaipur and drive to Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station. With its rolling hills, wooded countryside and cooler climate Mount Abu stands distinct from the rest of Rajasthan and continues to be a popular retreat when summer temperatures rise.
- Breakfast
Wordsworth Lodge
Day 14
Mount Abu
Nestled in a valley surrounded by forest, farmland and lakes, the lodge is in an ideal location for exploring this beautiful location. There are a number of walking trails of differing lengths and difficulties, many with a focus on the flora and fauna of the region. Leopard and sloth bear, whilst difficult to spot, have been seen here and there is also excellent birdwatching opportunities.
- Breakfast
Wordsworth Lodge
Day 15
Mount Abu to Upli Badi – 160kms
This morning leave Mount Abu and head east towards Udaipur turning off before you reach the city to stay at Premkunj, a small rural homestay. Alternatively continue on, passing the city, to Chunda Shikar Oudi a serene eight suite country retreat set within a large private reserve.
- Breakfast
Premkunj
Chunda Shikar Oudi
Day 16
Upli Badi
Today enjoy your hotel and the activities on offer. Both properties provide the opportunity for wildlife experiences, day walks, birdwatching and visits to local villages. Time can also be spent in Udaipur with its charming old town and grand City Palace complex.
- Breakfast
Premkunj
Chunda Shikar Oudi
Day 17
Upli Badi to Udaipur – 45kms Udaipur to Delhi – by air
After breakfast transfer to Udaipur Airport in good time to catch the flight to Delhi. On arrival you will be met and taken to an airport hotel for an overnight stay.
- Breakfast
Andaz Delhi
JW Marriott Aerocity
Day 18
Delhi to UK
Depart Delhi on a non-stop flight to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay…
Sariska National Park is a morning’s drive south from Delhi and combines well with Bharatpur. Based at Sariska Safari Lodge, take jeep safaris in search of leopard, wild dog, nilgai, chital, chousingha and tiger which were successfully reintroduced to the reserve.
Rural Chanoud, located between Deogarh and Bera, is the setting for the 300 year old fort-palace of Chanoud Garh. Using the fort as your base, visit nomadic sheep-herding communities, explore the village’s temples or birdwatch on the nearby salt pans.
Experience authentic rural India in Junia, a tiny hamlet close to Shahpura. Stay at the charming Junia Bagh, a small family-run homestay, where the emphasis is on relaxation and experiencing the slow pace of village life. Birdwatch, meet the locals and walk the estate.
Travel north from Rajasthan to Corbett National Park in the state of Uttarakhand. India’s oldest wildlife reserve, Corbett covers a vast area and supports an astonishing variety of wildlife including tiger, leopard, elephant and bear. Corbett is linked by road and raid to Delhi.
Guide to Price
18 days from £4470 per person
What's Included
- International flights and train travel as specified
- Private car with English speaking driver
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
- Wildlife viewing with local naturalist
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Cost of visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
from £4470
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways fly direct from London Heathrow to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. Virgin Atlantic have daily flights to Delhi and Vistara fly direct to Delhi. Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways also have excellent connections via their respected hubs to Kolkata, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Goa, Jaipur and Lucknow and fly from airports all over the UK.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights from the UK take between 8 and 10 hours depending on the destination. Flights with stops en-route take between 12 and 14 hours.
Time Zone
India is +5½ hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
Holders of British Citizen passports are able to apply for an e-Tourist Visa (eTV). There are three different eTVs - a one month eTV (valid for 30 days), a one year eTV (valid for 365 days) and a five year eTV (valid for 5 years). Applications for the one month eTV can only be made within 30 days of travel to India. Applications for the one year eTV and five year eTV can only be made within 120 days of travel to India.
Please note that the very latest an Indian eTV application can be made is 4 days prior to travel to India. The eTV becomes active from the date of entry into India. It is not valid for Protected or Restricted areas.
All international passengers arriving in India are required to complete an e-Arrival Card up to 72 hours prior to arrival India. This applies to all nationalities and must be submitted online via the official portal https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
Do’s & Don’ts
Smoking and drinking in public places is prohibited in India – with smoking this includes public areas in hotels, restaurants and bars.
E-cigarettes and related products are banned in India. You will be unable to buy e-cigarettes or bring them into the country.
Always ask permission before entering a temple and remember to remove your shoes and any leather objects such as bags, belts or wallets. It is fine to wear socks.
When in a Buddhist temple you should always walk in a clockwise direction with the main building to your right.
Modest, loose-fitting clothing is preferable and is essential when visiting religious places. When visiting a Sikh Gurudwara the head needs to be covered.
Permission should always be asked before taking a person’s picture.
When eating, only the right hand should be used. Indian culture considers the left hand to be unclean.
Money
The currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR) and comes in notes and coins. Exchanging money is easy and can be done at international airports, most hotels or banks and it is always a good idea to ask for some small denomination Rupee notes. ATMs are now common and reliable in all main cities and credit cards are widely accepted by most hotels, shops and restaurants. In rural areas or wildlife reserves ATMs and money exchange facilities are limited so having cash is essential.
Please note that there are restrictions on bringing Indian rupees into India. Visitors, including tourists, are not permitted to bring any amount of Indian currency into the country. Pounds sterling and other foreign currencies are allowed to be brought into India. For more information please visit the FCO’s Foreign Travel Advice for India.
Tipping
This is left to your discretion, however, tipping for good service in India is part of everyday life. In restaurants and for room service a 10% tip is appreciated and at smaller hotels and homestays a communal ‘tip box’ is common.
For drivers and guides, hotel staff and at national parks, the following amounts should act as a guideline. Please note that these figures are based on two people travelling together:
Tour driver: INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Tour guide: INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Naturalist (national parks): INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Jeep Driver (national parks): INR 500 per day & per safari (not per person)
Hotels (communal tip for all staff): INR 1000 to INR 1500 per day (not per person)
Food & Drink
India is known the world over for its food and especially its vegetarian cuisine. Spice plays an important role in dishes throughout the country as do breads, rice, pickles and chutneys. Although nearly every region has its own speciality, there is a divide between the cuisine of northern India and southern India – the north with its meat dishes influenced by the Mughals and the lighter, fruitier, coconut based dishes of the south. Desserts are common in India with kulfi ice cream and gulab jamun two of the best known and most popular. Nearly all tend to be very sweet, milk based or fried.
The most common drink in India is chai tea which can be bought on nearly every street corner. The yoghurt drink lassi – whether sweet, salty or fruity – is also easy to find. The popularity of coffee has spread from the south whilst Indian beer is well-respected. There is also a fledgling wine industry centred on Nashik in Maharashtra.
Accommodation
There is a huge breadth of accommodation in India with styles varying across the country. India is famed for its heritage properties, the majority of which tend to be found in the north of India. These come in all shapes and sizes from beautifully restored buildings and luxury palaces operated by distinguished hotel groups to small privately owned forts and ancestral homes.
Homestays are also very popular and found throughout the country. Whether a grand and luxurious family residence, heritage property or simple abode, they offer a high level of service and a unique glimpse into everyday Indian life. Please let us know if you would like to include a homestay into your itinerary. In more remote regions, hotels are likely to be clean and simple whilst wildlife accommodation is generally either in jungle lodges or comfortable tented camps. For those looking to relax there are many excellent beachside hotels and an increasing number of retreats specialising in both Ayurveda and yoga.
Shopping
With wholesale markets and bazaars, innumerable shops and stores, India is a shopper’s paradise. The country is best known for carpets and dhurries with Rajasthan, Kashmir and Leh best for these. There is also a bewildering range of clothing, fabric and leatherwear found not only in the smallest of villages but also the largest cities. Gems, silver and jewellery (valuable or costume) are popular throughout the country but especially in Jaipur and Hyderabad whilst Kochi is noted for its antiques. Spices can be bought all over India but purchased straight from plantations in the south. Darjeeling, Assam and the Western Ghats in south India are all known for tea.
Suggested Reading
For India travel advice, Footprint, Rough Guides, Lonely Planet and Bradt have excellent guide books whilst Nelles Maps have comprehensive and up to date maps of the Indian subcontinent. There is also a wide range of literature including from famed authors such as RK Narayan, Vikram Seth, Paul Scott, VS Naipaul, Arundhati Roy and Salman Rushdie. Vivek Shanbhag's more recently translated book 'Ghachar Ghochar' also comes highly recommended. Other good books on India include:
‘India: A History’ by John Keay
‘The Great Arc’ by John Keay
‘No Full Stops in India’ by Mark Tully
‘India in Slow Motion’ by Mark Tully and Gillian Wright
‘City of Djinns’ by William Dalrymple
‘White Mughals’ by William Dalrymple
‘Chasing the Monsoon’ by Alexander Frater
‘The Tears of the Rajas’ by Ferdinand Mount
‘Plain Tales from the Raj’ by Charles Allen
‘Mughal Architecture and Gardens’ by George Michell
'Tea, Love and War: Searching for English Roots in Assam' by David Mitchell
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on India the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
We truly had the holiday of a lifetime
CM - India - March 2024
We truly had the holiday of a lifetime thanks to the exceptional guides and drivers we met along our trip in Northern India. The itinerary had the perfect balance of tours, travel days and rest days for us and was meticulously planned and executed. We'd love to use Pettitts Travel again in the future and will absolutely be returning to India.
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