Trip Report for Rachel Harvey and Family
Dates: November 10 to 27, 2024
Destination: Sultanpur, Jhalana, Ranthambore, Bharatpur, Chambal, Agra, Corbett, Pangot, and Sattal.
Guide: Mahesh Rajpoot
Rachel Harvey and her family embarked on a remarkable North India Birding and Wildlife Tour from November 10 to 27, 2024. Guided by expert naturalist Mahesh Rajpoot, the journey spanned some of North India’s most biodiverse landscapes, including Sultanpur, Jhalana, Ranthambore, Bharatpur, Chambal, Agra, Corbett, Pangot, and Sattal. This tour combined thrilling wildlife safaris with serene birdwatching, offering the family a profound connection to nature.
Wildlife Highlights
The tour delivered extraordinary encounters with wildlife, featuring 23 mammal species such as the magnificent Tiger, elusive Leopard, charismatic Sloth Bear, and regal Asiatic Elephant. The group also observed agile species like the Yellow-throated Marten, graceful Indian Gazelle, and striking Blue Bull.
Reptilian sightings included the prehistoric Gharial and powerful Marsh Crocodile in Chambal, along with the colorful Red-crowned Roofed Turtle and Indian Tent Turtle, showcasing the diversity of India’s aquatic ecosystems.
However, the crown jewel of the tour was birdwatching, with an astounding 354 bird species recorded during the trip. From the wetlands of Bharatpur, where species like the Black-necked Stork and Sarus Crane graced the waters, to the Himalayan foothills of Pangot and Sattal, where gems like the Fire-tailed Sunbird and Himalayan Rubythroat were spotted, the diversity was unparalleled. Raptors like the Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Griffon, and Pallas’s Fish Eagle left birding enthusiasts in awe, while rarities such as the Collared Owlet and Koklass Pheasant added excitement to the sightings.
Nature and Environment: A Conservation Perspective
The North India Birding Tour was not just about sightings but also about understanding the delicate balance of ecosystems and the threats they face. Each destination offered a stark reminder of the challenges posed by habitat destruction, water scarcity, and climate change. For instance, Bharatpur’s wetlands, a sanctuary for migratory birds like the Greater Spotted Eagle, face significant threats from water diversion. Similarly, the forests of Corbett and Pangot are under pressure from human activity, endangering species like the Ibisbill and Hill Partridge.
The Harvey family expressed a deep appreciation for these habitats and the need for sustainable tourism to protect them. They were particularly inspired by conservation efforts, such as leopard coexistence programs in Jhalana and gharial protection initiatives in Chambal.
Photos
Memorable Experiences
Tiger Sighting in Ranthambore: Witnessing a tigress with her cubs was a thrilling highlight of the trip.
Chambal Boat Safari: The serene experience brought close views of Gharials, Marsh Crocodiles, and the rare Black-bellied Tern.
Birding in Pangot and Sattal: The lush forests revealed treasures like the Yellow-browed Tit, Tawny fish owl, and Rufous-throated partridge.
Cultural Heritage in Agra: The iconic Taj Mahal added a cultural dimension to this nature-filled journey
Wildlife experience in Corbett: Sighted male dominated sub-adult tiger crossing road in dhela zone.
Conclusion
The Harvey family’s North India Birding and Wildlife Tour was an extraordinary adventure that combined the thrill of spotting 354 bird species with intimate wildlife encounters. Beyond the excitement, the trip fostered a deeper appreciation for conservation and the need to protect these fragile ecosystems.
This unforgettable journey highlights the importance of responsible tourism and inspires all of us to contribute to preserving the natural wonders of our planet.
Trip Report By
Mahesh Rajpoot