Abundant rains - An ornithologist's dream

After two dry years, one of Asia’s most outstanding wetland reserves and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, formally known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is looking forward to the early arrival of migratory birds following abundant rain in the region. From late September, the sanctuary’s wetlands, marshes and flooded jheels, contained within acacia-lined bunds (embankments), attract migratory birds, notably from Siberia and Central Asia.

Observe thousands of waterfowl - heron, stork, waders and cranes, including the rare Siberian Crane, along with local birdlife, such as the Painted Stork. Other highlights include an excellent variety of mammals - Asiatic Jackal, Smooth Indian Otter and the rare Fishing Cat, and Birds of Prey such as Bonelli's, White-tailed, Pallas's Fishing and Golden Eagle. Naturetrek offers classic Indian birdwatching and wildlife holidays, taking advantage of the new rains and abundant wildlife at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

Northern India & the Himalayan Foothills - 17-days, departs London 14th November 2008

Combine the avian delights of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary with cultural tours of Agra, before heading to the Himalayan foothills and Corbett NP for Indian Elephant, Leopard, Tiger and rare fish-eating Gharial Crocodile. Continue to Nainital hill resort home to such Himalayan families as Laughing-thrushes, Forktails and Accentors, plus visiting Red-flanked Bluetail.

The tour costs £2,295 p/p including flights, hotel and lodge accommodation, most meals and expert guiding.

Bharatpur & Chambal - 9-days, next departs London 25th October 2008

After visiting Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, explore National Chambal Sanctuary in search of endangered Gangetic River Dolphin and several avian species not found at Keoladeo Ghana, including River Tern and the bizarre Indian Skimmer. Later, continue to Agra for a cultural excursion of the magnificent Taj Mahal and Red Fort.

The tour costs £1,450 p/p including flights, hotel and lodge accommodation, most meals and expert guiding.

Birds & Mammals – 9-days, departs London 14th November 2008

Head off in search of birds and mammals at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary before continuing to the forests, lakes and dry scrub, of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Considered to be one of India’s most beautiful national parks, Ranthambore is most famous for being one of the original ‘Project Tiger’ reserves and until recently it provided one of the best opportunities anywhere in India of seeing a Tiger.

The tour costs £1,495 p/p including flights, hotel and lodge accommodation, most meals and expert guiding.

For more information, log on to Naturetrek.co.uk.