The below information is provided to inform people of what to expect if they participate in this tour and to advise participants on how to prepare for the tour. We try to provide accurate information but conditions and travel requirements can change over time.

Entering India

Persons entering India require a valid passport with an expiration date more than 6 months after their planned departure from the country. Citizens of most countries including the US, Canada, UK, and the European Untion require a visa to enter India. Persons traveling solely for tourism who intend to stay less than 60 days can apply for an electronic travel authorization, which must be obtained at least 4 days prior to arrival. Visas on arrival are not available for US citizens. Visas are obtainablew at an Indian embassy or consulate. See http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html for additional information.

Leaving India

Departure tax is included with international airline tickets.

Time Zone

India has a single time zone, India Standard Time (IST). It is 5:30 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time or 10:30 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Immunizations & Health

Please contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding health issues and immunization requirements when traveling in India. All travlers should be up to date with routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, variccla (chickenpox), and polio vaccines along with yearly flu shot. Note that yellow fever immunization is required if entered an infected area. As of November, 2022, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required to enter India. See your travel doctor for specific recommendations at least 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Medical Facilities

Medical facilities are generally available except in more remote areas, but the quality of health care varies greatly. The country generally ranks quite low compared to western countries.

Insurance

We recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance, which will reimburse you for any non-refundable payments you would otherwise lose if you must cancel your participation in the tour for some unforeseen reason. Trip cancellation insurance must normally be purchased within a short time after you register for the tour. Travel medical insurance is advisable, especially for those with chronic or known medical conditions.

Altitude

Most of India is relatively low-lying with areas along the coast and river courses along with plateaus in the interior ranging from 750-1000m (2500-3300ft). The exception is the extreme north where the foothills of the Himalayans of Himachal and Uttarakhand Pradeshes range up to 4000m (13,100ft) and above. The highest point reached on birding tours is generally at Nainital in Uttarakhand Pradesh. where one hike reaches to about 2400m (8000ft).

Climate

The best time for birding India is dry season from October-March. This time of year is cooler and good for migratory birds. April is also OK but is generally hotter but still tolerable at least early in the month. Monsoon rains are highest from May-September with October a transitional month. Early mornings can be quite cold with temperatures below 40 degrees fahrenheit possible. Nights in the north can be quite cold.

Pace

The pace of birding tours in India varies from easy to moderate. Tours usually require a reasonable amount of walking, which is not generally strenuous. Walking is not allowed inside tiger reserves. Tours to the north that visit Nainital involve a few uphill walks, taken at a birding pace. India is a large country so somne transfer days may entail long drives of 6 hours or more.

Birding is best in early morning and late afternoon, so some days begin shortly after first light around 6:00-6:30 am. Breakfasts may be earlier, around 5:00-6:00 am. We may stay out after dark looking for nightjars and owls on some nights before dinner. Because we awake early, participants typically retire to their rooms immediately after we complete dinner and checklists for the day.

Accommodations

We generally stay in moderately priced hotels with comfortable accommodations. Some lodges are more rustic when located in remote areas. That is the case at Jim Corbett National Park in northern Inda, where rooms are spartan and hot water can be erratic. The hotel at Nainital is mainly intended for summer use so rooms are not heated. This can mean cold nights during birding season.

WiFi

WiFi is available in some hotels but not others. When available, it may only be accessible in common areas and not in the rooms. Some hotels offer fast internet access, but others can be slow. There is no WiFi or internet access inside Jim Corbett National Park in the north.

Food

Of course, Indian food is available everywhere. It tends to be spicy at times. Most hotels can provide western food upon request, though the quality of preparation may not be up to expectations.

Transportation

Land transport is by comfortable mini-van or suitable vehicle depending on group size. Most tours do not entail internal flights.

Registration & Payment

Please refer to the REGISTRATION menu for registration procedure. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended as payments may be partially or wholly non-refundable. See the POLICIES menu for our refund policy.

Additional Information

General information about the tour, including where to meet the group and contact information, will be sent by email or US mail prior to departure. Checklists will be provided at the beginning of the tour. Additional information about our policies can be found on the REGISTRATION menu above. Please feel free to call us at 206-650-3425 or email us with any questions you may have.

Information last updated January, 2023.

ADDITIONAL INFO
(Not on Menu Above)

• Country Map
• Accommodations
• Photos from Past Tours
• Travel Information

BIRDING LOCALES

• Eravikulam National Park
• Masinagudi-Bokkapuram Road
• Mudumalai National Park
• Munnar Area
• Ooty/Ootacamund
• Periyar National Park
• Thatekkad Bird Sanctuary