India

• January 2006
  • Trip Report
• March 2012
  • Species List
  • Trip Report
• January 2020
  • Trip Report
  • Species List
• November 2023
  • Species List
  • Trip Report

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

• Make sure your passport is valid for six months AFTER your scheduled return date to the U.S. Your passport should have the required number of blank pages per stamp. If you are from a country other than the United States, please contact the Indian embassy website for guidelines.
• Obtain your India Tourist Visa. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond date of visa application to obtain a visa. 
• Please check current CDC recommendations for travel to India and consult with your doctor about general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel. Many malarial drugs require you to start taking them a week ahead of the tour. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section below.
• Make your international flight reservations to and from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, India. Please check all flight times with us before booking. Naturalist Journeys offers you the service of our travel agent, Pam Davis of Willamette Travel, to help you book flights.
• Please take luggage restrictions seriously! Luggage restrictions are 15 kilograms for the checked bag and 7 kilograms for the carry on. The excess baggage charge is US $8 per kilogram—if you plan to have excess baggage just let us know in advance and our operator can pre purchase to save time at the airport. Then you can just settle up with the operator while you're there.

Arrival into Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi

Please note. If you are delayed in travel, please FIRST call the number of our India guide. As a backup, contact our office (both numbers are on your emergency contact list).

Please plan to arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi in time for a welcome dinner. You will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your accommodations for the evening. As the group arrives, we will gather for dinner to get to know each other and our guides. If you wish to see some of the city and plan to arrive early, our operator can help set that up as well as your early night hotel.

Please check the Travel Details section of this tour for additional information and updates.

Departure from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi

For the main tour, we return to Delhi by flight and transfer to the airport for flights home.

The Extension also departs from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) in New Delhi.

Please check the Travel Details section of this tour for additional information and updates.

Passports, Visas & Documents

Passport: You must have a passport that is in good condition and is valid for six months AFTER your scheduled return to the U.S. Please check that expiration date! You should have at least two blank passport pages. The blank pages need to say “Visas” at the top. Pages marked “Amendments and Endorsements” will not be accepted. If you are from another country, please contact the Indian embassy website for guidelines. Information for U.S. citizens can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html.

Visa Required: While we make recommendations, conditions and timing for visa application change frequently and compliance is the traveler's responsibility. Please check online for current regulations and to fully understand when to apply, as visas have a specific validity period. All visas and fees are subject to change.

A Tourist Visa is required for U.S. travelers. This visa must be acquired in advance as it cannot be obtained upon arrival. U.S. citizens looking to enter India only for tourist reasons, and who plan to stay no more than 60 days (as of this writing), can apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) in lieu of applying for a tourist visa at an Indian embassy or consulate. Please ensure you have the correct type of visa for your planned activity in India or you may be denied entry.

Please visit indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html to apply for your e-Tourist Visa and for additional information regarding the eligibilities and requirements. Applicant should carry a copy of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) along with him/her at the time of travel. Please confirm that your ETA status is shown as 'GRANTED' on this website prior to commencement of your journey. Applicants can track the status of their application online by clicking Visa Status.

You will need the contact information for our guide and operator.

• Avigit Sarkhel
• Vana Safaris
• 226, Platinum Heights, Sector 18B, Dwarka, New Delhi - 110075
• Office Phone - +91-11-47512262; Moblie Phone - +91-981-833-0707
• Contact Mail - vana@vanasafaris.com
• Website - www.vanasafaris.com

As a precaution for lost or misplaced documents you carry on your person during travel, we highly recommend you keep hard and digital backup copies on your phone (either photo or PDF scan), as well as a hard copy left with your emergency contact at home. The recommended important documents to copy include but are not limited to; your passport ID page, travel visa, the front and back of your credit card(s), the airline barcode on your luggage. This will greatly expedite getting new ones if necessary – we hope everyone will always keep travel documents close so that losing them will not be an issue.

General Health & Inoculations Information – Be Prepared!

We will share your health information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important as we want to be best prepared in case of a medical emergency.

Vaccinations: Bring your up-to-date vaccination records with you.  At the time of writing, no vaccines are required to enter India (with the exception for yellow fever if the traveler is arriving from or traveling through a yellow fever infected area).  However, the CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date with routine vaccinations and basic travel vaccines (such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid) before traveling to any destination. Please consult with your doctor for recommendations at least 4-6 weeks before departing on your trip, as some vaccines and anti-malarials require multiple doses prior to departure.

Malaria: The CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of India take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about choosing a drug to prevent malaria. Find here country-specific information about malaria.  Prevention is essential no matter what level of risk. A small risk is still a risk.  We recommend you do not take any chances. In addition to taking anti-malarial medication, during your outings, be sure to apply insect repellent (containing DEET); or Picaridin, OLE, etc., on any exposed skin as directed! For clothing, see Packing List for our recommendation.

Yellow fever: Vaccination is required for passengers entering India from (or stopover through >12 hour layover) countries with endemic yellow fever; check the CDC Yellow Book for list of countries at risk for yellow fever. 

Please, thoroughly read the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for travel to India or you may contact them by phone at (800) CDC-INFO or (800) 232-4636 if you have any unanswered questions.

Prescriptions: It is a good idea to pack any meds you take regularly in your carry-on luggage.  Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you use, a copy of the prescription and a list of generic names of your medicines as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs while abroad. You’ll want to keep medications in their original, labeled containers.  

Allergies: The roads can be very dusty which may trigger allergies or breathing difficulties, in which case, please bring your allergy and/or asthma medication. If you have severe allergies talk to your doctor about carrying an EPI pen and notify your guides. It is also recommended to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies, chronic medical problems and Medic Alerts so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health. 

Common Ailments: We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit (including items such as ointments, moisturizer, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, band-aids, moleskin for blisters, cotton swabs, nail clippers, and tweezers, etc.) and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for prevention or treatment of common ailments (such as for diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, cough, congestion, head or body aches, insect bites, sunburn, etc.).

Daily Itinerary

We generally follow the published itinerary but do network with other guides and may make changes if we hear of great bird sightings or a new opportunity. The joy of our travel is tremendous flexibility, and we make every effort to do the things you particularly want to do. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

Weather & Climate

In general, India’s climate is tropical with warm to hot weather all year round. During your stay temperatures commonly average 75-85°F during the day with cooler early mornings and evenings averaging 60-50°F. In the mountains temperatures will be colder with temperatures averaging 25-35°F during the day and 10-20°F at night. Mornings can be colder in the winter months. We do not expect rain in February or March but since weather can be unpredictable you may want to bring a cheap pocket raincoat to protect equipment should there be a downpour. DO NOTE that it can be quite chilly in the mountains in the mornings and when birding early in shady areas. Layers are the best idea for this variance with a hat, scarf and gloves for that cold.

Food & Drinks

Indian food is a highlight of the trip and has an amazing history dating back thousands of years! India food is said to be rich, spicy, and delish! Usually, stomach upsets are due to a change of diet or excess of chilis rather than bacteria. However, as with any travel, minor intestinal problems are possible, so we suggest bringing a remedy for traveler’s diarrhea. Please discuss appropriate medication with your physician.

The CDC considers tap water in India not safe to drink. Bottled water, water that has been disinfected, and hot drinks that have been boiled are safe to drink. We provide bottled water in the vehicles. We also bring purification filters you can use to refill bottles when possible, to cut down on use of plastics. There are water bottles now with filters that are great for travel. Another option is a SteriPen to purify your drinking water. This operates with UV light - in 90 seconds, your tap water is safe to drink - wonderful!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Please, pack light, though keep in mind you encounter a variety of conditions including colder weather at higher elevations. And please, please pack all essential medications and your binoculars in your CARRY-ON. 

Dress is very informal. You may wish to change for dinners, but casual dress is suitable at all locations. Ask your guide about available laundry services for a nominal charge. We usually do this when we have at least two nights somewhere. You may wish to pack clothes that are easy to hand wash and dry in your room. It’s a good idea to bring good quality thermal wear (thermal long underwear and thermal long-sleeved undershirts and tights or leggings) to keep warm for the nights in the Sham Valley

TRAVEL TIP: Imagine NOT getting your suitcase. Wear your most important shoes for the field and have one day’s clothing change (including a change of underwear!). And please do not pack any essential medications, or your vital optics, in your checked luggage!

Spending Money

The official currency of India is the rupee. For the current exchange rate, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com, or your bank. We advise you carry a mix of different types of payments, such as the local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card. U.S. dollars are not typically accepted; the local currency is preferred. Indian rupees are not available to obtain anywhere outside of India. You should plan to exchange money or use an ATM when you arrive. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) has several foreign exchange counters and ATMs from various banks. Bring large U.S. bills ($50 or $100) that will give you the better rate when exchanging to local currency.

An easy way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. ATMs are available throughout India’s cities and larger towns. They are limited in smaller towns and National Parks. The ATM will give you local money and your bank will convert that into U.S. Dollars. Many banks charge a fee of $1 - $5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. Check with your bank before departure. You must become familiar with how to use your ATM card and PIN number ahead of the journey.

Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted throughout India. We suggest you have more than one card available, if possible. You may want to bring more than one brand of card (one Visa, and one MasterCard; American Express is less accepted). Not every shop will accept every card. Some smaller shops and restaurants require cash, so it is always a good idea to ask before making a purchase. Also, we recommend that you advise your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling to India to avoid questions, card freezes, or charges. If you have a choice of cards, bring one with no foreign exchange fees.

Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted. They can be difficult to exchange. We do not advise you use them.

When it comes to spending money, every traveler has different spending habits. Please consider your own spending behaviors when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. There are MANY shopping temptations in India.

Gratuities

Tipping is optional and completely at your discretion. If you would like to show our appreciation to your guides, lodge and hotel staff or anyone associated with this tour, it is entirely appropriate. Know that they appreciate anything you care to give and of course you can do more if you wish! Lodges normally have a box for tips that the staff share, and hotels you would just tip the maids as you do at home. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services.

Here is a standard suggestion for tipping on birding trips:

• Birding tour guide: US$ 10.00 per person/day. Note: If there is more than one guide, this can be split among them.
• Safari guide: US$ 20.00 per person/day
• Transfer (airport shuttle) driver: US$ 2.00 - $3.00 per person
• Tour driver if different from guide: US$ 3.00 - $ 5.00 per person/day
• Lodge staff: US$ 5.00 - $ 6.00 per person/day for all staff to share
• Hotel & international airport bellmen: US$ 1.00 per suitcase

Please note recommended tips are quoted in U.S. dollars. Tips should be converted and paid in Indian rupee.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

If you want to use your cell phone in India, be sure to check your cell phone company’s coverage, roaming charges, how to turn on international service/roaming, or perhaps purchase a temporary international data/calling plan. Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a SIM card or rent an international phone when you arrive in India. If you do purchase a local SIM, please make sure it’s compatible with your phone first.

If your phone can connect to Wi-Fi, you may be able to make voice and video calls free of charge. Please contact your cell phone provider for further details. Another option if you have access to Wi-Fi, is to use smartphone apps like Skye, WhatsApp, or Viber to send text messages and make voice calls or video calls. Many smartphones, tablets, or laptops come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download for free. If bringing a laptop or tablet, get a good dustcover to protect it at all times.

Make sure if you do NOT want to use your cell phone that you turn off your cellular data. You could incur huge charges if you are not on Wi-Fi. Putting your phone in airplane mode if you mainly use it for photos will save the battery as well.

WIFI/Internet is available in a few of your accommodations, usually in their common area or business center. Connections in India can be slow and sometimes require repeated logging in.

Electricity

The standard Indian voltage is 230V and frequency is 50 Hz, using the power plug and socket type C, D, and M (the U.S. uses 110 V with plug and socket type A & B).

You will need a power plug adapter and a voltage converter (or make sure your devices can be used with 220/240 Volts). Adaptors can be purchased ahead of time and are generally available at major airports. More information can be found atwww.power-plugs-sockets.com.

Time

India has one time zone of India Standard Time (IST). A great website if you want to tell someone to check ahead of calling you is www.timeanddate.com.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone us toll free at (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Naturalist Journeys International Trips: Guide Role

Naturalist Journeys supports ecotourism and the development of excellent local guides. Once we know our international partners and guides well, we can send out small groups working directly with these trusted partners, adding a Naturalist Journeys guide to assist the local expert when we have a group of 6-7 or more. This helps us keep your costs down while retaining tour quality. The local guide is your main guide. You can expect your Naturalist Journeys guide to be well-researched and often they are experienced in the destination, but their role is not to be primary, it is to help to organize logistics, help you find birds, mammals, and interesting other species in the field, keep reports, help facilitate group interactions, and to keep the trip within Naturalist Journeys' style. Local guides live in the countries we travel to, know the destinations intimately, and are often the strongest force for conservation in their countries. They open many doors for us to have a rich experience.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

As a courtesy to each other, we ask that all travelers please rotate seating. On international trips we may all be in one small bus, on some trips we are in vans, particularly the roomy Sprinter Vans when available. Some areas require us to be in smaller 4-wheel drive or safari vehicles. Rotation allows you to sit with different drivers and alternate front and back seating.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives’ permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Travel Insurance

You are traveling in remote areas. Naturalist Journeys strongly recommends you have full medical and evacuation insurance from a company such as Allianz, for all international travel. If you do not have medical coverage or evacuation coverage on your existing travel insurance policy or for some reason elected not to take that out, we advise getting an evacuation plan with Global Rescue, World Nomads, Medjet, Allianz (they can do evacuation only) or a similar company. These plans are typically $300-$400 for a year for multiple destinations. This coverage may be a part of a larger Travel Insurance policy but can also be purchased on its own.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

Please pack light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds. Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

In general, India’s climate is tropical with warm to hot weather all year round. During your stay temperatures commonly average 75-85°F during the day with cooler early mornings and evenings averaging 60-50°F. Mornings can be colder in the winter months. In the mountains temperatures will be colder with averages of 25-35°F during the day and 10-20°F at night. DO NOTE that it can be quite chilly in the mountains in the mornings and when birding early in shady areas. Layers are the best idea for this variance with a hat, scarf and gloves for that cold. We do not expect rain in February but since weather can be unpredictable, raingear is still on the list just in case.

Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun and vegetation. But if you like to wear shorts, by all means bring them. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy to launder.

Note on clothing colors and insect repelling clothing: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors, though camouflage clothing is not recommended, and in some countries, not legal to wear. It is possible to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent, such as Craghoppers Insect Shield collection. Another approach is to purchase Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure.

Clothing & Gear

• Lightweight long pants (2-3 pair)
• Shorts (optional)
• Lightweight long-sleeved shirts (2-3)
• T-shirts or equivalent (1 per day – remember you may be buying some there anyway!)
• Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes or a skirt, sundress, etc.)
• Personal underclothing
• Warm pajamas/sleepwear
• Thermal long underwear/shirts/tights or leggings
• Socks – lightweight and easy to wash and dry for the field and warm for nights (i.e. Smartwool if you’re buying new)
• Comfortable walking shoes (such as tennis shoes)
• Lightweight hiking boots – good tread and support are essential
• Sandals for evenings, travel days, and to wear on boats (optional, Teva style are great)
• Warm jacket
• Lightweight raincoat or poncho
• Hat and warm gloves
• Warm layers for the mountains
• Scarf or turtleneck
• Bathing suit (optional)
• Hat with broad brim
• Bandana (gel bandanas work well to keep you cool)
• Field vest (optional), a great source is Big Pockets

Equipment & Miscellaneous

• Airline tickets (or have your E-Tickets ready)
• Passport, visa (if required), travel insurance info, money & credit cards.
• A secure pouch to carry the items above on your person at all times (such as a secure, under-clothing document pouch)
• As a backup: copies of all the above (phone and/or paper) packed in a separate location than on your person, plus a set given to your emergency contact at home as a backup. For passport, copy of the  ID and entry stamp pages.
• Small daypack or fanny pack for carrying your field gear
• Umbrella – compact and not brightly colored
• Walking stick – we find many travelers appreciate a walking stick on trails; recommend collapsible models that will fit in your suitcase (optional)
• Small flashlight and/or headlamp with fresh batteries
• Alarm clock
• Sunscreen/Chapstick with SPF or equivalent and waterproof sunblock
• Sunglasses with neck strap
• Insect repellent (containing DEET); if not, then Picaridin, OLE, etc. Use as directed! Sulfur powder for chigger bites if available
• Toiletry articles
• Earplugs (if hotel noise or roommates snoring may bother you; these are optional)
• Pocket-size tissues
• Binoculars
• Spotting scope and tripod (optional)
• Camera and extra batteries/chargers, memory cards, lens cleaning supplies and instruction manual
• Tablet or laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos, USB cord and charger (optional)
• Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
• Chargers for cameras and/or phones
• Electrical converter and adapter plugs
• Rechargeable power bank (optional)
• Field guides (optional)
• Water bottle (or plan to refill one purchased on location)
• Sink plug (often not available, a flat universal one is easiest to use)
• Washcloth (may not always be available)
• Laundry soap if you plan to hand wash articles of clothing
• Steri-Pen or other UV water treatment device to help cut down on the use of plastic bottles (optional)
• Face mask for asthma sufferers or other breathing issues (optional – helpful on dusty roads or high air pollution areas)

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing - your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Aid Items

• Heath insurance and vaccination information (kept in personal pouch with other travel documents)
• Personal medications
• Anti-malarial prophylactics (and antibiotics in case of infection) use as prescribed by your physician
• Personal first aid kit including medications for general ailments (Imodium or Lomotil, Antihistamine cream or tablets, Eye drops, etc.)
• Altitude sickness and motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed
• Copy of eyeglass prescription, medical prescriptions, and any medical alerts
• Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
• Band-Aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
• Antibacterial hand soap or hand sanitizer, small vial