India – Birds and Tigers Scouting Trip
March 31st – April 9th, 2025
Sattal, India
India is by far one of my favorite countries. I invite you to explore new regions with me and discover the vast array of stunning birds in Sattal.
But first, what’s a trip to India without photographing Tigers? We will spend some time at the exclusive Corbett Tiger Reserve and photograph these majestic creatures amidst stunning landscapes.
Sattal
A cluster of seven interconnected lakes, Sattal is located about 2 hours drive from Corbett, at an altitude of about 1,370 m above sea level. The group of lakes, namely, Purna Tal, Ram Tal, Sita Tal, Laxman Tal, Nal Damyanti Tal, Sukh Tal and Garud Tal, are nestled amidst dense forests of oak and pine trees. Sattal is unique for its biodiversity and ecological amplitude. It is known to be a birding paradise and supports a number of local and migratory birdlife. It has 500 species of resident and migratory birds, 20 species of mammals, over 525 species of butterflies and over 11,000 species of moths, beetles, bugs and other insects. The flora covers a wide and diverse range of plants ranging from Bryophytes, orchids, rare climbing plants, ferns, lichens, fungi, medicinal herbs and shrubs. As you explore the trails that wind through the forests, you’ll encounter a treasure trove of avian wonders. Vibrant barbets, charismatic flycatchers, and elusive warblers are just a few of the species that call Sattal home. The verdant landscape provides a perfect backdrop for capturing these feathered beauties in theirnatural habitat.
Corbett Tiger Reserve
Ever since its inception Corbett Tiger Reserve with its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, has been capturing imagination of people who have an affinity to nature. Nestled in the crescent shaped elevated Patli Dun is the beautiful Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve. Patli Dun, meaning narrow valley is the name given to the grasslands lying on both sides of the Ramganga River as it runs parallel to the foot hills before it breaks open into the plains.
The park is a mosaic landscape blessed with towering Sal forests, myriad of meandering streams and rivers, seasonal marshes, rocky ravines, wide plateaus, beautiful valleys and hilly ridges with rolling grasslands, resources of unparalleled beauty and diversity.
Corbett National Park holds the distinction of being India’s first National Pak, established in 1936., during its establishment it was named Hailey’s National Park after the British Governor Sir Malcom Hailey and post-Independence it was renamed in the honour of Edward James Corbett.
4 Participants
$4,800 (double occupancy)*
*This is a special scouting rate and will price will not be this low on futute trips to this area.
March 31st – April 9th, 2025
Day 1- March 31st DELHI
Pick up from the New Delhi- Indira Gandhi International Airport and transfer to your hotel. (B&B) Acco at Pride Plaza –Aero-city or similar
Day 2 – April 1st DELHI TO Corbett By Road
The tour begins with an early morning breakfast at the hotel, post which we board our car as we will travel by road to Corbett. Our journey will take about five to six hours and would take a break on the way. Upon arrival we would check in to our resort for the night.
(Meals: B’fast Lunch & Dinner)
Acco at Wildlife Resort Corbett
Day 3-4-5 April 2nd, 3rd, 4th CORBETT NATIONAL PARK & TIGER RESERVE
On this day you wake up to the fresh mountain air and prepare for the first wildlife outing of the trip. After a hearty breakfast we load up our luggage on to our Safari Jeep and head towards the Dhikala Rest House which is deep in the heart of the forest. There will be entry formalities to be completed at the gate. The drive from the gate to our accommodation is through winding hill sides, river beads and tall forests, giving you ample opportunities to see wildlife.
Upon arrival you will check in to your room and after lunch proceed for the first safari.
For the next four days we will go for open-top jeep drives (walking is restricted) to see the birds and mammals in the park in the mornings and afternoons. Indian Elephant, Wild Boar, Hog Deer , Langurs and Rhesus Monkeys are some of the mammals that we will look for in park. There are good numbers of Tigers in the park and we shall actively look for them.
(Meals: B’fast, Lunch & Dinner)
Acco at Dhikala Government Rest House
Day 6-April 5th CORBETT – SATTAL
After the morning safari is done you will check out and drive back to the entry gate. Here you will change from your safari vehicle to a car and after a hearty lunch you will proceed towards Sattal, which is two hours away. The drive will take you through some scenic hill side forests, towns and village. Upon arrival you will check in and rest for the evening. If time permits some local birding can be done in and around the property.
(Meals: B’fast, Lunch & Dinner) Acco at Resort at Sattal.
Day 7-9 – April 6th-8th SATTAL
While the entire Sattal region is a birder’s paradise, certain areas offer particularly rich birding experiences. The vicinity of the seven interconnected lakes, including Sattal, Naukuchiatal, and Bhimtal, provides excellent opportunities for bird enthusiasts.
The forests surrounding Sattal, especially at higher altitudes, are home to a diverse range of forest birds. Trails leading to viewpoints and nearby villages often offer unexpected encounters with avian treasures. Early morning walks and evening strolls are particularly rewarding for birdwatching. There are hides that attract several species of birds that can be photographed with ease. Your activities for these two days will be a combination of the above, our expert guide will take us around the different locations looking for birds to photograph.
Day 10 -April 9th SATTAL – DELHI
Post breakfast you will check out and drive to Delhi and you will be dropped off at Delhi International Airport for your flight back home.
(Melas : Breakfast and Lunch enroute) End of Itinerary
All Airport pick up and drops
All ground transfers to and from airport and National parks
Accommodation New Delhi B&B, Corbett National Park and Sattal with all meals 6 safaris at Corbett
Sattal Birdwatching
All park entry fee, Safari Vehicle fee, guide fee etc.
Any meals not listed on your itinerary. Meals at Delhi Hotel – i.e Dinner
Optional hotel expenses such as local and international telephone calls, Wi-Fi charges and laundry. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, bellboys, waiters etc
Any visas and other immigration requirements.
Any extra usage of sightseeing vehicle will be at an extra cost.
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Easy, there will be short walks while we are in Sattal and at Corbett we will be riding in a safari vehicle.
Shirt, pant, jeans