Land of Roar, Trumpet, and Bird Song - 14 Days

Step into the wilderness of Uttarakhand, where the Terai plains, Shivalik foothills, and Himalayan forests merge into one of India’s richest natural landscapes. Your journey begins in Corbett National Park, the legendary home of Jim Corbett, where sal forests and river valleys shelter Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, and an abundance of birds. Continue to Rajaji National Park, where herds of Elephants move across riverine forests and predators thrive in open, photogenic terrain. Ascend into the serene Himalayan belt of Chopta, Sattal, and Pangot — a paradise for birding and high-altitude nature walks, framed by rhododendron forests and majestic peaks. This fully immersive itinerary blends big mammal safaris, Himalayan exploration, and exceptional birding experiences, offering an authentic journey through one of India’s most biodiverse states.

Itinerary

Arrive in India's capital and settle in before your Himalayan adventure. Depending on arrival time, explore Delhi's cultural highlights or relax at your hotel.

Travel to Corbett, India's oldest tiger reserve and a landscape of sal forests, meadows, and riverbanks. Enjoy multiple jeep safaris in prime tiger territory, with chances to encounter Leopards, Elephants, Gharials, Otters, and rich birdlife. Mornings bring soft forest light ideal for photography, while evenings offer calm river views and the ambience of the Himalayan foothills.

Continue to Rajaji, spread across the Shivalik foothills. Safari drives explore riverine belts and open forest where Elephants move gracefully and predators such as Tigers and Leopards are often seen. The habitat diversity supports birds, ungulates, and smaller mammals, creating excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and landscape photography.

Ascend into the Himalayas for a completely different wilderness experience. Mist-laden forests, tranquil lakes, and rhododendron trails surround Chopta, Pangot, and Sattal — renowned for Himalayan bird species such as the Koklass Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Cheer Pheasant, and countless migratory visitors. Guided treks and nature walks take you through meadows, evergreen forests, and lakeshores ideal for photography and peaceful immersion.

Descend from the mountains and return to Delhi for your onward journey.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Delhi

Arrive in India's capital and settle in before your Himalayan adventure. Depending on arrival time, explore Delhi's cultural highlights or relax at your hotel.

Days 2–5 - Jim Corbett National Park

Days 6–8 - Rajaji National Park

Days 9–13 - Chopta, Pangot & Sattal

Day 14 - Departure to Delhi

Descend from the mountains and return to Delhi for your onward journey.

Trip Narrative

Your Uttarakhand expedition unfolds as a journey through striking contrasts — from the tiger forests of the Terai to the silent Himalayan heights above. Corbett immerses you in the world Jim Corbett once roamed, where Tigers prowl riverine forests and Elephants wander beneath towering sal trees. The calls of Gharials, Otters, and countless birds layer the soundscape of the forest at every hour, making mornings here among the most vivid in India.

Rajaji expands the experience with its open valleys and rich wildlife corridors at the base of the Himalayas, where large Elephant herds move across riverine terrain and predators are frequently encountered in clear, photogenic light. As you climb into Chopta, Pangot, and Sattal, the landscape softens into cool forests, high meadows, and lakes alive with Himalayan birdlife. The Koklass Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, and Cheer Pheasant move through rhododendron-lined trails, while mist-draped ridgelines frame every walk with quiet grandeur.

This journey blends big-cat safaris, peaceful Himalayan exploration, and deep nature immersion into one seamless, all-inclusive adventure — a true celebration of Uttarakhand’s wild spirit and the extraordinary legacy of the conservationist who helped protect it.

RAP Safaris curated a bespoke three week itinerary for me that included 17 safaris across five national parks, as well as visits to key attractions in Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra and Jaipur. Rakesh and his team organised everything for me including all ground transportation, accommodation and most importantly, my park permits and gypsies/drivers/guides. I had wonderful first visit to India and will definitely work with RAP Safaris when organising my next visit.

What I appreciated most about RAP Safaris was their conservation-first approach. The workshop wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was about understanding the ecosystem, respecting wildlife, and documenting nature responsibly. I well remember seeing an elephant with its calf, and Rakesh’s concern as one from our group was getting overwhelmed and expressing it in words. For photographers or nature lovers travelling from Australia to India, a safari tour with RAPS is an unforgettable way to experience one of Asia’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes. I found it incredible and I recommend it.

I had a good experience with Rakesh. His guidance during the safaris and photography sessions was exceptional. To witness those big cats in Jawaharlal Nehru National Park was a wow experience - a majestic tiger emerged silently from the forest and walk across the track just meters away was a moment I will never forget. Tadoba was equally exciting, with several tiger movements, I got good opportunities to photograph these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. My group size was small, the forest guides were knowledgeable, and RAP Safaris' overall organization was smooth and professional. I had an overall good experience.

I had a good experience with Rakesh. His guidance during the safaris and photography sessions was exceptional. I have carried those memories with me ever since. it was about understanding the ecosystem, respecting wildlife, and documenting nature responsibly. I felt incredibly blessed to sight a Tigre a breathtaking moment that I enjoyed without having to compromise on luxury. The place we stayed was also beautiful. It had that proper safari feel comfortable beds, great setup, and just the right vibe to relax and enjoy the experience. Thank you RAPSafaris for a flawless wildlife tour in India. I highly recommend this experience to Australian wildlife lovers, especially those who enjoy expertly guided tours. He really made sure everything was smooth and that we had the best time.

"I've always loved India's rich culture, but I was truly amazed by its incredible conservation success! The Asiatic lion population is back up to over 800. My wildlife tour made unforgettable memories—the luxurious, eco-friendly lodging and amazing home-style food were "wow." Our guide, Rakesh, was a natural storyteller, making the lions' journey from near extinction feel incredibly real. As an Australian of Indian origin, he totally understood how to connect me back to my roots." Would highly recommend RAPS safari for wildlife exposure

While nature fascinates me, I have always had a personal rule: I do not like to step outside of my luxury and comfort zone. Today, I am sharing a fantastic memory from my recent trip to Pench Wildlife Safari. I felt incredibly blessed to sight a tigress and her cubs together—a breathtaking moment that I enjoyed without having to compromise on luxury. Every detail, from the surface transfers to the quality of the food, was handled seamlessly by the team. This allowed me to simply focus on the meaningful, adventurous safaris while maintaining my primary requirement for comfort. For anyone who wants to experience the wild without giving up the finer things in life, I highly recommend Rakesh-ji’s wildlife safaris.

Land of Roar, Trumpet, and Bird Song