Discover West India

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Discover West India – Birding Tour with Birding9 Tour

Discover West India Birding Tour – with Optional Kashmir Extension – Join Birding9 on an exciting West India birding tour exploring some of the most productive birdwatching regions of India. This guided birdwatching expedition takes you through the wetlands of Punjab, the famous grasslands of Rajasthan, the desert habitats of Gujarat and the forested landscapes near Tansa in Maharashtra. These regions together create one of the most rewarding West India bird watching tours for birders searching for rare and iconic species. The journey begins in Punjab where the wetlands of Harike attract a wide variety of grassland and marshland birds including Rufous-vented Grass Babbler, Jerdon’s Babbler and the localized Sind Sparrow. From here the tour moves into Rajasthan’s famous grassland habitats including Tal Chhapar Sanctuary and the Thar Desert, important locations for Rajasthan birding tours and home to species such as Great Indian Bustard, Yellow-eyed Pigeon and Indian Spotted Creeper. Continuing west, our Gujarat birding tour explores the arid landscapes and scrub habitats of Kutch and the Little Rann, where birders search for specialties such as Grey Hypocolius, Sykes’s Nightjar, White-naped Tit and McQueen’s Bustard. Finally the tour concludes near Mumbai in the Tansa region, one of the few places where birders can search for the highly sought-after and endangered Forest Owlet. This itinerary represents one of the most diverse India grassland birding tours, covering wetlands, deserts and forest habitats across Western India. Birders are welcome to share their target species lists and Birding9 can customise the itinerary to match specific birding goals or extend the trip with a Himalayan birding extension in Kashmir.

Detailed Itinerary –

Main Tour:- Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat & Tansa (Mumbai Region)

Day 1: Arrive in Amritsar – Harike Wetlands
After arriving in Amritsar, we head to Harike Wetlands, one of North India’s prime birding spots. Here we look for Rufous-vented Grass Babbler, Sind Sparrow, White-tailed Stonechat, Jerdon’s Babbler, Moustached Warbler, and Mountain Chiffchaff.
 Night in Amritsar

Day 2: Harike Birding – Drive to Tal Chhapar (Rajasthan)
An early morning birding session gives us one last chance to see Harike’s specialties before we begin the long but scenic drive to Tal Chhapar, Rajasthan’s famous grassland sanctuary.
Night in Tal Chhapar

Day 3: Full Day in Tal Chhapar
Today we explore the open grasslands and scrub habitat. Key species include Indian Spotted Creeper, Demoiselle Crane, Indian Eagle Owl, Rock Bush Quail, White-bellied Minivet, and Blackbuck antelope.
Night in Tal Chhapar

Day 4: Bikaner Dump – Drive to Jaisalmer
We start early with a visit to the Bikaner garbage dump—a surprisingly reliable site for the rare Yellow-eyed Pigeon. Later, we drive west to the golden city of Jaisalmer. Night in Jaisalmer

Day 5: Birding in Desert National Park
The Desert National Park is a vast arid landscape and home to the iconic Great Indian Bustard. We’ll also look for Stoliczka’s Bushchat, Cream-coloured Courser, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Asian Desert Warbler, and various raptors. Night in Jaisalmer

Day 6: Another Day in Desert National Park
We continue exploring this incredible ecosystem to maximize chances of bustard sightings and observe more desert-specialist species. Night in Jaisalmer

Day 7: Drive to Siana – Evening Safari
We head to Siana, a remote area known for its rugged terrain and desert mammals. Evening safari may reveal Striped Hyena, White-bellied Minivet, and Painted Sandgrouse. Night in Siana

Day 8: Full Day in Siana
A full day of birding and jeep safaris in and around Siana allows us to search for more desert species and enjoy the stark beauty of the landscape. Night in Siana

Day 9: Mount Abu Stop – Drive to Little Rann of Kutch
We make a stop at Mount Abu to find the Green Avadavat, along with White-capped and Crested Buntings, then continue toward the Little Rann of Kutch.
Night in Little Rann

Day 10: Safaris in Little Rann of Kutch
Morning and afternoon jeep safaris take us across salt flats and thorn scrub in search of Macqueen’s Bustard, Sykes’s Nightjar, Pallid Scops Owl, Indian Wild Ass, Greater Hoopoe Lark, and more. Night in Little Rann

Day 11: Drive to Bhuj with Birding En Route
We head west to Bhuj, stopping along the way for species like Sykes’s Lark, White-naped Tit, and Marshall’s Iora. Night in Bhuj

Day 12: Full Day Birding in Bhuj Region
Our focus is on dry scrub and coastal birding zones. Highlights include Grey Hypocolius, Sociable Lapwing, Red-tailed Wheatear, Dalmatian Pelican, and Crab Plover. Night in Bhuj

Day 13: Another Day Around Bhuj
We continue exploring for regional specialties and any remaining targets. Night in Bhuj

Day 14: Fly to Mumbai – Drive to Tansa Region
A short flight takes us to Mumbai, from where we drive to the forested area near Tansa, the last stop of the tour. Night near Tansa Forest

Day 15: Search for the Forest Owlet
Today is dedicated to finding the highly sought-after and endangered Forest Owlet. Other possibilities include Mottled Wood Owl, Jungle Owlet, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, and Vigors’s Sunbird. Night near Tansa

Day 16: Final Morning Birding – Return to Mumbai
We wrap up our birding with a relaxed morning session before returning to Mumbai for a farewell dinner. Night near Mumbai Airport OR Departure.

Optional:-  Kashmir Birding Extension (Add at the Start or End of Your Tour)
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi – Fly to Srinagar (Kashmir)
Your birding adventure begins with a flight from Delhi to Srinagar, nestled in the beautiful Kashmir Valley. After checking in, enjoy your first taste of Himalayan birding in the scenic surroundings of Srinagar. Night in Srinagar

Day 2: Full Day Birding in Srinagar Region
Today is packed with exciting birding in alpine forests and riverine valleys. We search for Orange Bullfinch, Kashmir & White-cheeked Nuthatches, Rufous-naped Tit, Spectacled Finch, and the elusive Kashmir Nutcracker. There’s also a chance to spot Blyth’s Rosefinch. Night in Srinagar

Day 3: Another Full Day in Kashmir
A second full day gives us more opportunities to explore different habitats around Srinagar and maximize our chances with the target species. Night in Srinagar

Day 4: Fly from Srinagar to Amritsar (Punjab)
We leave the mountains behind and head to the plains of Punjab, where a completely different set of birds awaits.

Then join the main Tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key bird species in West India birding tours?
West India birding focuses on grassland and desert specialists such as Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, Grey Hypocolius, and various sandgrouse and larks.
Which locations are covered in a West India birding tour?
Key locations include Tal Chhapar, Desert National Park, Little Rann of Kutch, Bharatpur, and Nalsarovar, each known for specific habitats and bird diversity.
What is the best time for birding in Rajasthan and Gujarat?
The optimal period is from October to March, with peak sightings of migratory species and grassland birds during winter months.
Is West India suitable for grassland birding specialists?
Yes, Western India is one of the best regions globally for grassland birding, especially for species that are highly localized and difficult to find elsewhere.