Tal Chapar – Jorbeer – Kheechan – Birding Trip in India

Wilderness of Thar – Tal Chapar, jorbeed, kheechan

4 NIGHTS - 5 DAYS

The Wild Rajasthan Birding Circuit is one of India’s finest and most productive bird photography tours, specially curated for international birders and wildlife photographers seeking desert specialties, migratory spectacles, and rare species in dramatic landscapes 🦅📸.

Covering the heart of Rajasthan’s desert ecosystem, this circuit connects wetlands, grasslands, carcass dumps, salt lakes, and arid national parks, offering exceptional diversity within a single, well-paced itinerary.

🛣️ Route & Birding Highlights
Jaipur → Naliasar Lake → Sambhar Lake → Tal Chapar (3N) → Jorbeer → Kheechan (1N)

• Naliasar & Sambhar Lake 🦩 – Winter spectacles of Greater & Lesser Flamingos, avocets, stilts, pelicans, gulls, and vast migratory waterbird congregations.

• Tal Chapar Grasslands 🌾 – One of India’s best grassland birding sites, famous for Harriers, Demoiselle Cranes, Spotted Creeper, Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark, Desert Wheatears, and raptors.

• Jorbeer (Bikaner) 🦅 – World-renowned raptor hotspot with Egyptian Vultures, Steppe Eagles, Laggar Falcons, and dramatic scavenger action.

• Kheechan Village 🐦 – Iconic wintering site of Demoiselle Cranes, offering close, ethical photographic opportunities.

This circuit is designed with ample time at each site, optimal light conditions, and flexible schedules—crucial for serious bird photography.

⭐ Why Visit This Circuit?

• One of India’s best winter birding routes 🌍

• Exceptional raptor & desert specialist diversity 🦅

• High photographic success with ethical access 📸

• Perfect mix of wetlands, grasslands & desert habitats

• Ideal for foreign birders & photographers visiting India

📦 What’s Included

• Expert birding guide with global birding experience 🧭

• Carefully selected birding-friendly stays 🏨

• All ground transport & site logistics 🚙

• Field support for photography & species identification 📷

• Local guides at key birding hotspots

👨‍👩‍👧 Ideal For

• International bird photographers 🌍📸

• Serious birders & listers

• Small private birding groups

• Wildlife tour operators & researchers

🌱 Eco Practices

• Ethical bird photography guidelines 🐦

• Community-supported conservation sites 🤝

• Minimal disturbance birding protocols

• Plastic-free & responsible travel ethos ♻️

📌 Quick Facts

• 📍 Region: Rajasthan, India

• 🗓 Best Season: December – February

• 🐦 Key Species: Flamingos, Demoiselle Cranes, Raptors

• 📸 Photography: Excellent (action + habitat shots)

• 🏜️ Habitats: Wetlands, grasslands, desert, salt lakes

Tal chapar:

Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is a sanctuary located in the Churu district of North-western Rajasthan in the Shekhawati region of India. It is known for blackbucks and is also home to a variety of birds. The sanctuary is 210 km from Jaipur on the fringe of the Great Indian Desert and situated on road from Ratangarh to Sujangarh. The Tal Chhapar sanctuary lies in the Sujangarh Tehsil of Churu District. The sanctuary area is mostly covered by grasses with a very few trees. It lies on the passageway of many migratory birds such as harriers. These birds pass through this area during September. Birds commonly seen in the sanctuary are harriers, eastern imperial eagle, tawny eagle, short-toed eagle, sparrow, and little green bee-eaters, black ibis and demoiselle cranes, which stay till March. Skylarks, crested larks, ring doves, and brown doves are seen throughout the year. Desert fox and desert cat can also be spotted along with typical avifauna such as partridge and sand grouse.

Kheechan:

Khichan is a village in Rajasthan state of India. It is located in the Phalodi tehsil of Jodhpur district. The village is known for a large number of demoiselle cranes that visit it every winter. This annual bird migration began with around a hundred cranes in the 1970s, when a local couple started feeding pigeons. Other villagers joined their efforts, and as of 2014, Khichan now hosts over 20,000 demoiselle cranes from as early as August each year to as late as March of the following year.

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis 
• Ground Transportation by AC Innova
• Meals as per mentioned in the itinerary.
• 5 Safaris in Tal Chapar Sanctuary by open Gypsy
• Bird watching @ Tal chapar, Jorbeer, Kheechan, Naliasar, Sambar Lake
• Safari charges, forest permits, guide charges.
• Professional Wildlife Naturalist host of the tour
• GST 5%

• Airfares/Rail fare.
• Additional / personal use of vehicle.
• Extended stay due to weather conditions or any situation not in human control.
• Any personal expenses, room service and special orders, mineral waters, non-alcoholic beverages, tips, phone calls, laundry etc.
• Any extra excursions or sightseeing apart from the above specified itinerary.
• Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.
• Camera fees.
• Adventure sports at the property.
• Anything Specifically NOT mentioned in includes.

• Wildlife safaris/Bird watching is a matter of luck and opportunity. No guarantee of any sighting is made. Neither of our associates will quote that, although we try our best to spot and show you as much as nature allows us to.
• Birdwatching is a hobby and not a race, hence request all birders to maintain discipline at all times.
• Bird watching is an art of silence and key observation.
• Avoid Pointing out directly to a bird that might flush the bird away.
• Do not get too close to a bird for a photograph that you flush it away.
• Birdwatching should be enjoyed by binoculars and the fun is to spot them, identify them and if you still have some time with the bird photograph them.
• Never enter the forest with an intention of spotting a single species, it will only disappoint you. The forest is a gift packet with a lot to surprise with. Listen to our naturalist for more wonderful experience.
• Our walks are not target species specific (Unless specified)
• We explore everything we find uncommon and need to be explained.
• Any demand for spotting a single species in any jeep will not be entertained by the guide or the tour leader as there are other travellers who would want to see the birds etc.
• Respect & honour everything that is in the forest and it has to offer you.
• Enjoy being in the forest and you will feel much happier away from the concrete chaos.
• Respect the local, tribes, guards, guides, drivers, officers and all animals.
• Front seat of the Gypsy is always reserved for the Guide or Guard.
• No extra room will be made for photographers, respecting other travellers. (For photographers it is recommended to opt for higher options)
• No littering in the forest strictly. (what goes comes back the same way)
• Camera fees & guide tips to be paid separately & directly.
• Kindly follow the instructions given by the tour leader and the guide for your own safety.

• A Hat
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• A dust protection mask
• Personal Bottle (To avoid plastic use – 1LtrsX2)
• A haversack (60-70 Ltrs)
• Small backpack (10Ltrs)
• Field books
• Sun screen
• Only dull coloured clothes (Green, brown, Beige, Camouflage)
• Camera (At owners risk) with proper equipment for photography (As per need)
• Fleece/Jacket (temperatures drop in the forest to below 10 degree Celsius)
• Winter wears (The Himalayan/Desert range drops temperature rapidly in the evening)
• Binoculars
• Energy bars