Birding in the Lower Himalayas

Arrive at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, where your driver will be waiting for you outside the arrival gate, holding a placard with your name. You will be transported to a hotel near the railway station, ensuring convenient access for catching the early morning train to Kathgodam. Your overnight stay will be at Royal Plaza, conveniently located near the bustling commercial hub of Connaught Place and the railway station.

You will be transferred to the railway station in the early morning to catch for Kathgodam, with breakfast served on board. Upon reaching Kathgodam, you will proceed to Pangot, which is situated further up the hill and approximately two hours away. This scenic journey takes us along breath-taking mountain roads as we descend into the lower valleys of the Kumaon Hills.

The majestic Himalayan range greets you with its awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks. Along the way, you can make stops to observe various bird species, such as the blue whistling thrush, red-billed blue magpie, blue-capped redstart, streaked laughing thrush, grey-backed shrike, yellow-breasted green finch, and many more.

Located at an elevation of 6,300 feet, the drive to Pangot takes us through the forested area of Cheena Peak Range, passing by Snow View Point and Kilbury. Pangot is a picturesque village merely 15 km from the popular tourist destination of Nainital. Stepping into Pangot feels like entering a remote Himalayan village.

Upon your arrival, ye will have lunch and the evening will be free for relaxation and birdwatching around the birding lodge, where you will be accommodated. Nestled amidst oak trees on the edge of the hills, the lodge offers magnificent views of the Himalayas.

After enjoying breakfast, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who will lead us to various birding areas. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to spot a diverse range of Himalayan bird species, including the impressive lammergeier and Himalayan griffon, the captivating blue-winged minla, the elegant spotted and slaty-backed forktail, the vibrant rufous-bellied woodpecker, the charming rufous-bellied niltava, the striking khalij pheasant, and a variety of thrushes, among others. Pangot and its surrounding areas have recorded over 200 species, ensuring a rewarding birding experience.

You will spend the entire day birding in Pangot, returning to the lodge for lunch and some well-deserved rest before venturing out again in search of these winged beauties.

Additional avian inhabitants in this region may include the majestic Himalayan buzzard, swirling flocks of Altai accentors, the delightful striated prinia, the melodious streaked laughingthrush, and the lively plain mountain finch. Later,  will explore the open coniferous and native broad-leaved forests, where you may come across the oriental turtle dove, Nepal house martin, small flocks of black-chinned babbler, white-throated, chestnut-crowned, white-crested, and striated laughingthrushes, the beautiful rufous sibia, Eurasian jay, rufous-gorgeted flycatcher, agile yellow-bellied fantail, ubiquitous grey bush chat, green-backed tit, oriental white-eye, russet sparrow, and loose flocks of yellow-breasted greenfinch. The two targeted species of the region includes Cheer and Khoklass pheasant. Cheer lives on high slopy scrublands while Khoklass lives usually in high altitude pine forest. Pangot is one of the best places to see both the species.

After a satisfying breakfast, you will proceed to Sattal, a scenic destination at a lower altitude known for its diverse bird species. Sattal, along with Nainital and Pangot, belongs to the Kumaon region in the lower Himalayas. The area is characterized by a mixture of forests dominated by dense ban-oak, pine, and rhododendron trees, creating a captivating landscape. The region boasts abundant vegetation, with numerous perennial creeks, streams, and picturesque lakes scattered throughout.

Upon arrival, you will check into a charming hotel in the neighbouring town of Bhimtal. Set amidst the enchanting backdrop of misty mountains and lush greenery, this hillside hotel offers a delightful view of Bhimtal city and the majestic Himalayas.

Over the next 3 days immerse yourself in the abundant ecological splendour of Sat Tal during two full days of exploration, where its remarkable avian population truly shines, leaving an indelible impression.

The crystal-clear mountain streams that meander through this region support a remarkable array of avian specialists, including the striking crested kingfisher, elegant plumbeous water and white-capped redstarts, graceful grey wagtails, and the active brown dipper.

The river banks provide sanctuary for small wintering populations of two highly sought-after and rare bird species: the incredible Ibisbill and the glamorous wallcreeper. Along the streams, one can spot the enchanting spotted and little forktails while the thickets and gullies harbour the chestnut-headed tesia, scaly-breasted and Nepal wren-babblers. Venturing into the forested areas reveals sightings of the vibrant red-billed leothrix, the elusive rusty-cheeked scimitar babbler, and the charming small and rufous-bellied niltavas, accompanied by the trio of white-crested, white-throated, and rufous-chinned laughingthrushes.

As you explore, your senses will be delighted by the melodic songs of grey-hooded warblers, the distinctive pecking of grey-headed woodpeckers, the vibrant hues of green-backed tits, and the resonating calls of blue-throated barbets. Just when you think you have witnessed it all, the presence of great barbets, blue-throated barbets, and spotted forktails will remind you that within the vastness of the Great Himalayas, the abundance of nature’s wonders is boundless and ever-captivating.

After breakfast, you will travel journey to Corbett Tiger Reserve, which is estimated to take around 3 hours. Our destination is the Corbett Riverside Resort, nestled on the fringes of the Tiger Reserve. The resort offers a serene setting, enveloped by lush jungle on one side and the meandering river Kosi on the other. The comfortable rooms at Tiger Camp provide ensuite facilities, ensuring a pleasant stay.

The resort’s location is truly enchanting, situated near the gushing Kosi river, where you can witness the graceful white-capped water redstarts and plumbeous water redstarts flitting among the boulders. Watch in awe as the agile brown dippers plunge in and out of the torrent, adding to the picturesque riverside scenery.

In the evening, you are free to unwind and bask in the delightful atmosphere of the camp, soaking in the tranquillity and beauty of the surroundings.

We will depart from the camp carrying our luggage and a few essential supplies, including bottled water, as filtered water can be scarce in the jungle.

Over the next three nights, we will immerse ourselves deep within the forest, staying at the Government-run forest lodge. Although the accommodation may be basic and not comparable to private camps, the location more than compensates for it. Stepping outside the camp is all it takes to begin your safari adventure. Due to the absence of human disturbances, wildlife often frequents the vicinity of the camp.

During our stay, we will spend two nights in the Dhikala range and one night in Durga Devi. The Dhikala range is renowned for its tiger sightings, large herds of elephants, and expansive open grasslands enveloped by magnificent Sal trees. On the other hand, Durga Devi offers a purely immersive jungle experience and fantastic opportunities for birdwatching. With fewer tourists visiting this area, the jungle experience is enhanced, as there are fewer jeeps and a greater sense of serenity. Moreover, Durga Devi is home to a diverse array of bird species, adding to the location’s allure.

Corbett, India’s oldest tiger reserve, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Established in 1933, it was named after Jim Corbett, a renowned hunter who later became a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation. Recognizing the decline of India’s wildlife, Corbett played a pivotal role in securing protection for a portion of the forest centred around the Ramganga River in the foothills of the Himalayas. In 1973, Corbett National Park became the first tiger reserve to be included under the umbrella of Project Tiger.

Corbett Tiger Reserve encompasses a diverse range of habitats, spanning an altitude of 400 to 1200 meters above sea level. The primary forest consists of majestic Sal trees (Shorea robusta), common in the sub-Himalayan Bhabar zone. Other significant tree species, such as Haldu (Adina cordifolia), Kamala (Mallotus philippinensis), and Easter tree (Hollarhena antidysenterica), contribute to the forest’s rich biodiversity, providing a habitat for a variety of bird species.

Within the canopy of the trees, one may spot the collared falconet, emerald dove, alexandrine parakeet, red-breasted parakeet, plum-headed parakeet, slaty-headed parakeet, Asian barred owlet, and jungle owlet. The forest is also home to the brown hawk owl, large-tailed nightjar, Indian nightjar, oriental pied hornbill, great hornbill, speckled piculet, maroon oriole, black-hooded oriole, and several species of drongos, including the ashy drongo, hair-crested drongo, bronzed drongo, white-bellied drongo, lesser racket-tailed drongo, and greater racket-tailed drongo. Trunks of trees host bird species such as the velvet-fronted nuthatch, fulvous-breasted woodpecker, rufous woodpecker, scaly-bellied woodpecker, grey-headed woodpecker, lesser yellownape, greater yellownape, Himalayan flameback, and greater flameback.

The flat open grasslands, locally known as chaurs, hold great importance within Corbett. These grasslands often result from abandoned forest clearings, showcasing a profusion of medium to tall grasses. These grasslands serve as favoured grazing grounds for deer and elephants, which gather in large numbers. Specialized grassland bird species found here include the bright-headed cisticola and red avadavat. Other grassland specialities encompass the hen harrier, marsh harrier, pallid harrier, black francolin, chestnut-capped babbler, yellow-eyed babbler, Oriental skylark, baya weaver, paddyfield pipit, crested bunting, and chestnut-eared bunting. At dusk, flocks of swifts grace the sky, consisting of species such as the white-rumped needletail, fork-tailed swift, and crested swift. The savanna nightjar also becomes quite vocal during evenings.

Corbett presents excellent opportunities for raptor sightings, with approximately 50 species recorded within the reserve. These include the Oriental honey-buzzard, white-eyed buzzard, common buzzard, long-legged buzzard, Eurasian griffon, Egyptian vulture, white-rumped vulture, long-billed vulture, red-headed vulture, short-toed snake eagle, black eagle, Indian spotted eagle, greater spotted eagle, steppe eagle, imperial eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, booted eagle, rufous-bellied eagle, changeable hawk-eagle, mountain hawk-eagle, Eurasian sparrowhawk, Northern goshawk, Eurasian hobby, and red-necked falcon, as well as the laggar falcon and peregrine falcon.

Corbett is renowned for its rich diversity of large mammals. Spotted deer, sambar deer, and wild boar are commonly encountered. Hog deer frequent the grasslands while barking deer are often spotted within the forested areas. Elephants in Corbett typically inhabit the higher regions of the forest but can also be observed in the lower valleys and grasslands throughout the park.

Rhesus macaques and grey langurs are frequently seen, and there is a good chance of encountering the common Indian mongoose. Jackals are less common, and smaller mammals such as the yellow-throated martin, jungle cat, leopard cat, and various species of palm civets, including the small Indian civet, common palm civet, and masked palm civet, though present, are more elusive. Other notable animals in the reserve include the Indian porcupine, sloth bear, Asiatic black bear, and occasionally, the goral—a goat-antelope species—can be observed at higher altitudes. Common otters can be seen hunting in packs, particularly in the quieter reaches of the Ramganga River, where, with a stroke of luck, mugger and gharial crocodiles can also be spotted basking on sandbanks.

After final morning safari, you will exit the reserve and be transferred to a forest lodge in the Kalagarh division of Corbett Tiger Reserve, your home, for the next three nights.

The lodge is a serene and simple camp that offers a refreshing escape amidst breathtaking surroundings. Designed to harmonize with nature, the camp provides a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environment. Nestled within the buffer zone on the bank of the Western Ramganga River, Lodge is located inside the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, a forest division of Corbett Tiger Reserve. Originally intended as a private fishing spot for close friends and family, a charming stone cottage was constructed on the property.

To reach the lodge from the nearest road, a 2-kilometre walk is required, which includes crossing a bridge and traversing the Ramganga valley through a small village. Once at the river, we will cross on a bamboo raft, followed by a short walk to the lodge. It is important to have average fitness levels, and it is recommended to pack lightly to facilitate the portability of luggage by the staff.

Over the next three days, our activities will include forest walks, birdwatching, and leisurely relaxation. Additionally, if you are interested, there is an opportunity for Golden Mahseer fishing. The river surrounding the camp is renowned for its Mahseer fish, often called “the Indian salmon,” considered one of India’s finest freshwater gamefish. If you have a passion for fishing, trying your luck in Corbett is recommended. However, please note that prior booking and necessary permissions from the forest officials are required for fishing activities.

Following breakfast, you will be transported to Kathgodam to catch a train to the New Delhi, where you will spend a night before catching your flight back home. To ensure a hassle-free departure, your accommodation in New Delhi will be conveniently located near the airport, allowing you to swiftly reach your departure terminal without navigating through heavy traffic

Today you will be transferred to the airport to catch flight for your onward journey.