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The Wild West

The Wild West

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes of Gujarat and Rajasthan, a meticulously curated expedition designed for the discerning wildlife enthusiast and avid birdwatcher. This exclusive itinerary offers a unique opportunity to witness some of India’s most iconic and elusive creatures in their natural habitats, from the graceful Blackbuck antelope to the majestic Asiatic Lion and the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.

Our adventure commences in Ahmedabad, from where we swiftly venture into the heart of Gujarat. Our first wildlife haven is Velavadar National Park, renowned for its expansive grasslands and thriving population of Blackbuck. Here, you will have the chance to observe these elegant antelopes in their element, perhaps even witnessing their characteristic sparring displays. Keep your eyes peeled for other fascinating mammals such as the jungle cat, jackal, Indian fox, and the elusive Indian wolf and striped hyena. As dusk descends, prepare for a truly remarkable spectacle: the communal roosting of thousands of harriers, a sight rarely witnessed elsewhere.

Next, we journey to the legendary Gir National Park, the last stronghold of the Asiatic Lion. Over two immersive days, we will explore the sanctuary on expertly guided game drives, maximising our chances of encountering these magnificent big cats. Gir is also a prime location for spotting leopards and a diverse array of birdlife, including the Indian Jungle Nightjar, Mottled Wood Owl, and the vibrant White-bellied Minivet.

Our exploration of Gujarat continues as we undertake a scenic drive towards the starkly beautiful Great Rann of Kutch. While the journey is long, it presents opportunities for birdwatching en route. We dedicate two full days to discovering the unique avian treasures of this region, particularly around Bhuj. This area is a haven for both desert and coastal bird species, and we will be on the lookout for specialities such as the Grey Hypocolius, White-naped Tit, and the striking Painted Sandgrouse. Coastal visits promise sightings of waders like the Lesser Sand Plover and the distinctive Crab-Plover.

From the vast expanse of the Great Rann, we move towards the Little Rann of Kutch, another crucial wildlife habitat. Here, we will venture into the Wild Ass Sanctuary by exclusive jeep, hoping to encounter the endemic Indian Wild Ass, along with other desert dwellers like the Desert Fox and Indian Wolf. Birding in this area is exceptional, with the chance to spot wintering McQueen’s Bustards, various plovers, and impressive raptors.

Our journey then takes us across the state border into Rajasthan, as we ascend to the cooler climes of Mount Abu. This hill station offers a chance to seek out another highly sought-after endemic species, the Green Avadavat, often found feeding quietly amongst the scrub.

Continuing our exploration of Rajasthan’s diverse landscapes, we arrive at the Jawai Dam Leopard Conservation Area. This region, nestled within the ancient Aravalli Range, is a stronghold for leopards. We will embark on thrilling jeep safaris, increasing our chances of observing these elusive predators, along with other fascinating wildlife like the Striped Hyena and Desert Cat. The area is also rich in birdlife, including the critically endangered Indian Vulture. We will also have the opportunity to experience the local culture with a visit to nearby tribal villages.

Our adventure progresses to Chandelaogarh, a charming location offering a glimpse into rural Rajasthani life and further birding opportunities around its lakes and fields.
The final leg of our wildlife odyssey takes us to the famed Desert National Park near Jaisalmer. Here, our primary focus will be on locating the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard. This vast and arid landscape also supports a wealth of other desert-adapted bird species, including the rare Stoliczka’s Bushchat and various sandgrouse. We will explore the park by private vehicle and even experience a traditional camel cart ride. Our time here will also offer the possibility of spotting several vulture species, some of which are critically endangered.

Our incredible journey concludes with a short, guided tour of the iconic Jaisalmer Fort before transferring to the airport for your onward flight, carrying with you indelible memories of India’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes. This is more than just a tour; it’s an exclusive encounter with the wild heart of India.

17 DAYS
Idea
Themes:
Activity Levels
Moderate
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • Activities and excursions as specified
  • Entrance fees/tickets for the above
  • In-destination transfers & transport
  • Accommodation & Meals as specified
  • English speaking guides
  • 24/7 support while you travel

Explore this itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ahmedabad

Arrive at  Ahmedabad airport and check into your hotel.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Dinner
Day 2: Blackbuck National Park

Depart by road for Velavadar (140 km / 3 hrs approx.), the gateway to the Blackbuck National Park. Check into your lodge.

In the afternoon, visit Blackbuck National Park for an exclusive safari with your expert local guide. We will have good opportunities to photograph Blackbucks sparring. Other mammals which we may encounter are jungle cat, jackal, and Indian fox, Indian wolf and striped hyena. One very interesting aspect of Velavadar is the roosting site of harriers; up to 2000 harriers have been recorded here together at dusk.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Blackbuck National Park

Today, enjoy an exclusive morning safari in the Blackbuck National Park with your expert local guide

Later depart by road for Sasan Gir (220 kms / 5 hrs drive approx). Arrive Sasan Gir in the evening and check into your lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Gir National Park

Today we explore Gir National Park, on morning and afternoon exclusive safaris with an expert local guide 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Great Rann of Kutch
After breakfast, a long drive to Great Rann of Kutch with some birding opportunities enroute (430 kms / 9 hrs drive approx.). Arrive Nakhatrana in the evening and check in to the lodge.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 & 7: Great Rann of Kutch

Two full days birding in Bhuj with your expert bird guide.

The area around Bhuj offers very good birding, both in the desert landscapes and along the coastline. The Grey Hypocolius, the sole member of its family, over winters can be seen here. The White-naped Tit, Indian-endemic Marshall’s Iora, Sykes’s Lark, Indian Eagle-Owl, the Painted Sandgrouse and White-bellied Minivet are some of the others seen in this region.

At the sea shore, one can see the Lesser Sand Plovers, the Crab-Plover, the Bar-tailed Godwit, Little Tern and Heuglin’s Gull.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Little Rann of Kutch

Early morning with packed breakfast drive to the Little Rann of Kutch – (325 kms /7 hrs drive approx.), with stops for birding en-route.

Arrive Little Rann of Kutch and check in to the lodge. Evening relax or enjoy birding (walking) around the lodge or search for nocturnal birds and animals.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Little Rann of Kutch

A full day to explore the Little Rann Wildlife Sanctuary.  Morning and evening safaris by exclusive jeep.

Besides the Wild Ass, some of the other mammals we hope to see are the 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Little Rann of Kutch & Mount Abu

After another morning safari at the Little Rann Wildlife Sanctuary we depart for Mount Abu (125 kms / 3 hrs). Arrive Mount Abu and check in to the hotel.

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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Mount Abu - Jawai Leopard Reserve

Morning birding at Mount Abu for species that we may have previously missed out on.

Depart for Jawai Leopard Reserve (100 kms/2 hrs drive approx), which lies within the Aravalli range.

The Aravalli range is home to bird 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.

In the evening, enjoy a jeep safari to Jawai Leopard Reserve searching for Leopards and birding.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Jawai

A morning jeep safari and birding in the  Jawai Leopard Reserve with your accompanying guide.

The safaris here offer a great chance 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.

During the afternoon, you’ll visit a local tribal village around Jawai (by open jeep), and get a glimpse of rural life in this extremely harsh environment.

Cap your day with a unique night jeep safari to the hills of Jawai in search of nocturnal animals & birds.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Chandelaogarh

After an early breakfast drive to Chandelaogarh (200 kms / 5 hours). Arrive Chandelaogarh and check in to your hotel.

Evening birding around Chandelao Village around the lakes and in the agricultural fields.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Desert National Park
Today we will make our way to Sam Village (Near Jaisalmer – 360 kms / 7 hrs). Arrive Sam, and check in at your tented Camp.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Desert National Park
We have one full day & a half-day to explore Desert National Park by private vehicle & camel cart. The principal target is India’s most famous, but unfortunately now on rapid decline – Great Indian Bustard. However, the area is also full of birds including another declining, rare species – Stoliczka’s Bushchat, which we hope to find whilst searching for the bustard. A whole range of semi-desert species are also possible here – Cream-coloured Courser, Black-bellied, Chestnut-bellied and Painted Sandgrouse, ‘Desert’ Lesser Whitethroat, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Asian Desert Warbler, ‘Punjab’ Raven, Macqueen’s Bustard, Desert Lark, Variable Wheatear, and Lagger Falcon. Three critically endangered vultures are also possible – Indian, White-rumped and Red-headed, along with the more widespread Eurasian Griffin and Egyptian Vulture.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Desert National Park – Jaisalmer
Morning birding at Desert National Park with your accompanying bird guide. Afternoon drive to Jaisalmer City for a short guided tour of Jaisalmer Fort, Fort Haveli’s etc. Check in at your hotel in Jaisalmer City.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Jaisalmer – Departure
After a relaxed breakfast transfer to Jaisalmer airport and connect flight to Delhi (6E 2257 1455hrs/ 1630hrs) – to connect with your international departures.
Breakfast
Day 1: Arrival in Ahmedabad

Arrive at  Ahmedabad airport and check into your hotel.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Dinner
Day 2: Blackbuck National Park

Depart by road for Velavadar (140 km / 3 hrs approx.), the gateway to the Blackbuck National Park. Check into your lodge.

In the afternoon, visit Blackbuck National Park for an exclusive safari with your expert local guide. We will have good opportunities to photograph Blackbucks sparring. Other mammals which we may encounter are jungle cat, jackal, and Indian fox, Indian wolf and striped hyena. One very interesting aspect of Velavadar is the roosting site of harriers; up to 2000 harriers have been recorded here together at dusk.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Blackbuck National Park

Today, enjoy an exclusive morning safari in the Blackbuck National Park with your expert local guide

Later depart by road for Sasan Gir (220 kms / 5 hrs drive approx). Arrive Sasan Gir in the evening and check into your lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Gir National Park

Today we explore Gir National Park, on morning and afternoon exclusive safaris with an expert local guide 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Great Rann of Kutch
After breakfast, a long drive to Great Rann of Kutch with some birding opportunities enroute (430 kms / 9 hrs drive approx.). Arrive Nakhatrana in the evening and check in to the lodge.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 & 7: Great Rann of Kutch

Two full days birding in Bhuj with your expert bird guide.

The area around Bhuj offers very good birding, both in the desert landscapes and along the coastline. The Grey Hypocolius, the sole member of its family, over winters can be seen here. The White-naped Tit, Indian-endemic Marshall’s Iora, Sykes’s Lark, Indian Eagle-Owl, the Painted Sandgrouse and White-bellied Minivet are some of the others seen in this region.

At the sea shore, one can see the Lesser Sand Plovers, the Crab-Plover, the Bar-tailed Godwit, Little Tern and Heuglin’s Gull.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Little Rann of Kutch

Early morning with packed breakfast drive to the Little Rann of Kutch – (325 kms /7 hrs drive approx.), with stops for birding en-route.

Arrive Little Rann of Kutch and check in to the lodge. Evening relax or enjoy birding (walking) around the lodge or search for nocturnal birds and animals.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Little Rann of Kutch

A full day to explore the Little Rann Wildlife Sanctuary.  Morning and evening safaris by exclusive jeep.

Besides the Wild Ass, some of the other mammals we hope to see are the 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Little Rann of Kutch & Mount Abu

After another morning safari at the Little Rann Wildlife Sanctuary we depart for Mount Abu (125 kms / 3 hrs). Arrive Mount Abu and check in to the hotel.

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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Mount Abu - Jawai Leopard Reserve

Morning birding at Mount Abu for species that we may have previously missed out on.

Depart for Jawai Leopard Reserve (100 kms/2 hrs drive approx), which lies within the Aravalli range.

The Aravalli range is home to bird 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.

In the evening, enjoy a jeep safari to Jawai Leopard Reserve searching for Leopards and birding.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Jawai

A morning jeep safari and birding in the  Jawai Leopard Reserve with your accompanying guide.

The safaris here offer a great chance 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.

During the afternoon, you’ll visit a local tribal village around Jawai (by open jeep), and get a glimpse of rural life in this extremely harsh environment.

Cap your day with a unique night jeep safari to the hills of Jawai in search of nocturnal animals & birds.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Chandelaogarh

After an early breakfast drive to Chandelaogarh (200 kms / 5 hours). Arrive Chandelaogarh and check in to your hotel.

Evening birding around Chandelao Village around the lakes and in the agricultural fields.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Desert National Park
Today we will make our way to Sam Village (Near Jaisalmer – 360 kms / 7 hrs). Arrive Sam, and check in at your tented Camp.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Desert National Park
We have one full day & a half-day to explore Desert National Park by private vehicle & camel cart. The principal target is India’s most famous, but unfortunately now on rapid decline – Great Indian Bustard. However, the area is also full of birds including another declining, rare species – Stoliczka’s Bushchat, which we hope to find whilst searching for the bustard. A whole range of semi-desert species are also possible here – Cream-coloured Courser, Black-bellied, Chestnut-bellied and Painted Sandgrouse, ‘Desert’ Lesser Whitethroat, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Asian Desert Warbler, ‘Punjab’ Raven, Macqueen’s Bustard, Desert Lark, Variable Wheatear, and Lagger Falcon. Three critically endangered vultures are also possible – Indian, White-rumped and Red-headed, along with the more widespread Eurasian Griffin and Egyptian Vulture.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Desert National Park – Jaisalmer
Morning birding at Desert National Park with your accompanying bird guide. Afternoon drive to Jaisalmer City for a short guided tour of Jaisalmer Fort, Fort Haveli’s etc. Check in at your hotel in Jaisalmer City.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Jaisalmer – Departure
After a relaxed breakfast transfer to Jaisalmer airport and connect flight to Delhi (6E 2257 1455hrs/ 1630hrs) – to connect with your international departures.
Breakfast

Featured Accommodation

Interested in this itinerary? It's great as is, but we'll be happy to tailor it for you.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Inclusions 

• Accommodation in the above mentioned hotels as per mentioned meal plan
• Air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers mentioned as per the above mentioned itinerary
• Meals as mentioned in the above itinerary
• All entrances to Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks
• 02 jeep safaris (by exclusive jeeps) in Velavadar National Park
• 02 jeep safaris (by exclusive jeeps) in Gir National Park
• 02 full days birding in Great Rann of Kutch
• 03 jeep safaris (by exclusive jeeps) in Little Rann of Kutch with local driver-guide
• 02 jeep safaris (by exclusive jeeps) in Jawai Dam Area
• 01 jeep safari – Night safari (by exclusive jeeps) in Jawai
• 01 Full day and 01 Half day jeep for birding in Desert National Park
• Half day guided tour of Jaisalmer City with local English speaking guide
• Accompanying Indian birding guide cum Naturalist from Day 01 (Ahmedabad arrival) Day 17 (Jaisalmer airport drop)
• All currently applicable taxes

Exclusions

• Any flights.
• Any meals not specified.
• Camera fee wherever levied.
• Any increase in entrances, rail fares, taxes in future.
• Any expenses of personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, laundry, phone calls, tips etc.
• Any item not mentioned in the quote includes section.

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Our prices do not include international flights unless explicitly stated.

The price shown is per person, based on two people travelling and sharing a room, outside peak periods. Prices may vary depending on the time of travel, and single supplements may apply.

Our Accommodation Ratings

Opulent: Exceptional, unashamedly the best of sheer luxury. (£££££)

Luxury: Outstanding levels of 5* comfort, hospitality and facilities. (££££)

Premium: Excellent levels of comfort and hospitality and a wide range of facilities. (£££)

Mid-Range: Good levels of comfort and hospitality, with a reasonable range of facilities. (££)

Simple: Clean and simple, no frills. Often in areas of natural beauty or near wildlife reserves. (£)