Iconic Wildlife of Western India

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

Later, enjoy a half day guided tour of Ahmedabad, including a visit to the Adalaj stepwell, one of the finest step wells in India

After breakfast, drive to Sasan Gir (240 kms /5-6 hrs).

This 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).

After lunch enjoy an afternoon safari to the Blackbuck National Park , which is famous for the elegant Blackbuck antelopes.

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 Dasada (Little Rann of Kutch – 5 hrs drive approx.). There will be opportunities for birding enroute.

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).

Visit the spectacular Dilwara 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.

Embark upon an evening jeep safari in search of Jawai’s leopards.

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).

Enjoy a 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), 1st 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.

On both days, enjoy morning & afternoon jeep safaris in exclusive jeeps in Ranthambhore National Park

Enjoy the last morning of the tour at the resort. After breakfast visit Ranthambhore Fort by jeeps. Climb up to the top of the fort for spectacular sweeping views of the land and visit the Ganesh temple and other monuments inside.

Return back to the hotel and after an early lunch drive to Delhi (05 hours). You’ll be dropped at Delhi’s International airport, to bring the tour to an end.

Direct flights to London depart early hours:

Air India flight AI161, departs Delhi 0245, arrives LHR 0730.

Virgin Atlantic VS303, departs Delhi 0205, arrives LHR 0720.

There are other flights to UK via the Middle-East too.

If you require an extra night’s stay in a hotel, we can arrange the extension for you.