Iconic Treasures

Upon arrival at Ahmedabad airport in the morning, you’ll be met by your naturalist and driver and transfer to your hotel.

Later, enjoy a half day guided tour of Ahmedabad (Stepwell and Museum).

After breakfast, drive to Sasan Gir (240 kms /5-6 hrs). Arrive Sasan Gir in the afternoon and check into the lodge.

Afternoon, embark upon the first safari of your trip in the Gir National Park.

Explore Gir on morning and afternoon safaris to maximize our chances of wildlife viewing and birding.

Best known for the last remaining population of Asiatic Lions, Gir is also one of the finest reserves to see Leopards. Some of the birds found here include the Indian Jungle Nightjar, Mottled Wood Owl, Rock Bush Quail, White-bellied Minivet, Painted Sandgrouse, Black Ibis, Rufous-fronted Prinia & Crested Hawk Eagle.

After an early breakfast drive to Velavadar (5 hr).

Arrive at Velavadar and check into the lodge. After lunch enjoy a safari to the Blackbuck National Park , which is famous for the elegant Black Buck antelopes. We will have good opportunities to photograph Black Bucks sparring. Other mammals encountered here are jungle cat, jackal, and Indian fox, Indian wolf and striped hyena. The park is a roosting site of harriers; up to 2000 harriers have been recorded here together at dusk.

Early morning with a packed breakfast, drive to Bajana (Little Rann of Kutch – 5 hrs drive approx.). There will be opportunities for birding en-route. Arrive Little Rann of Kutch and check in to the lodge.

In the evening relax or enjoy a birding walk around the lodge or search for Nocturnal birds and animals after dusk.

A full day to explore the Little Rann of Kutch.

Morning and evening safaris to spot the endangered Wild Ass and some of the other mammals like Desert Fox & Indian Wolf. The star birds here are the wintering Mcqueen’s Bustard, Sykes Nightjar, Greater Hoopoe Lark, Indian Courser, White tailed & Sociable Plovers, Great White & Dalmatian Pelicans, Demoiselle Cranes and raptors like the Pallid & Montaqu’s Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Imperial, Tawny & Greater Spotted Eagles.

This morning, enjoy one final safari at the Little Rann of Kutch in search of the iconic species here.

Later, depart for Mount Abu (125 kms / 3 hrs). Arrive Mount Abu and check in to the hotel.

Visit the spectacular Delwara Jain Temples, with their intricate marble carvings.

Spending the afternoon around the open scrub and fields on the top of Mount Abu will hopefully bring us into contact with another rare Indian subcontinent endemic – Green Avadavat. Mount Abu is one of the few known localities for the species and we have an excellent chance of finding a small flock feeding quietly at the base of nearby bushes. White-capped and Crested Buntings are also possible here and any time spent in the forest lower down could include Indian Scimitar Babbler.

Morning birding at Mount Abu for species that we may have missed out on earlier. Later, drive to Jawai (100 kms/2 hrs).

The Aravalli Range is home to some of the species like Jungle Bush Quail, Painted Francolin, Grey Junglefowl, Red Spurfowl, Alexandrine and Plum-headed Parakeets, White-naped Woodpecker, White-spotted Fantail, Tawny-bellied Babbler, Jungle Prinia, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Indian Yellow Tit and Crested. Arrive Jawai area and check in at your Camp.

Embark upon an evening jeep safari in-search of Leopards and birding.

Morning jeep safari and birding in Jawai.

There are good chances of seeing Leopard, Striped Hyena, Desert & Jungle Cat, critically endangered Indian Vulture, Laggar and Red-necked Falcon, Rock Bush Quail, Sirkeer Malkoha and Painted Sandgrouse.

This afternoon, visit local tribal villages by open jeep to gain insight into the simple rural life and unique local traditions of peaceful co-existence with wild animals that has led to a thriving Leopard population here without conflict with humans.

At night, go on a jeep safari in search of nocturnal animals & birds.

After breakfast, check out & drive to Ajmer (1 hours). Guided tour of Ajmer’s historic sites (the holy Ajmer Dargah, Adhai-Din Ka Jhonpra, Akbar’s Fort & Museum).

You’ll board the express air-conditioned train from Ajmer to Sawai Madhopur. Dayodaya Express (1530 hrs / 1935 hrs), 01st class air-conditioned train. Upon arrival in Sawai Madhopur, you’ll be met and transferred to your resort in Ranthambhore.

Look for Tigers in perhaps the most famous National Park in India, a favourite of tiger lovers and photographers.

Morning & afternoon jeep safaris in Ranthambhore National Park should result in good sightings.