Bird Photography in Tal Chhapar, Bikaner and Jaisalmer, Rajashtan, India

Bird Photography Trip to Rajashtan, Northwestern State of India

It was the first bird photography trip to the state of Rajashtan, in Northwestern India during winter. The locations include Tal Chhapar, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. The three places are considered the most exciting bird photography and bird watching locations in the state of Rajashtan, where each place offers completely different species of birds and wildlife with its endemic species.  

Tal Chhapar

Tal Chhapar can be reached in approximately four and a half hours drive from Jaipur International Airport. Tal Chhapar sanctuary is an open grassland with scattered trees and it is home for blackbuck also known as the Indian Antelope. It attracts raptors during migration period in winter. Other places of interest are salt pans area which is adjacent to the sanctuary which is home to waders. Gousala is another exciting area for bird photography and bird watching in Tal Chhapar. The place is home to vultures and raptors, not forgetting an endemic bird; Spotted Treecreeper.

Bikaner

Bikaner is approximately 340 km from Jaipur International Airport or approximately 131 km from Tal Chhapar. It can be reached in 6 hours from Jaipur or 2 and a half hours from Tal Chhapar by car respectively. Bikaner consists of desert area with scattered grazing land in the Thar Desert. It is home to desert mammals, migratory birds and raptors in winter.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is also know as "Golden City" because of it uses yellow sandstones for buildings. It is part of Indian Thar Desert and border to Pakistan. The area consists of sand dunes and yellow sandstones with scattered grass land. It can be reached in approximately 10 hours by car for a distance of 600 km or 7 and a half hours drive from Tal Chhapar for a distance of 422 km or 5 hours drive from Bikaner for a distance of 330 km respectively. Jaisalmer is home to a famous Desert National Park (DNP) which is the main reason for bird photographers and bird watchers to be there. Desert National Park is one of few places where Indian Great Bustard and Macqueen's Bustard can be found, beside many other small endemic desert birds. 

Sunrise in Desert National Park (DNP), Jaisalmer

Camel Cart in Desert National Park (DNP), Jaisalmer

Sunset in Desert National Park (DNP), Jaisalmer

Why Rajashtan

Rajashtan is the biggest state in India. It land covers 11 percent of total land area of India. The state has more than 600 species of birds to offer to bird photographers and bird watchers, not forgetting the flora and fauna. It is a low land where famous Indian Thar Desert is located. 

Rajashtan has an impressive biodiversity, especially fauna. Due to its geographical location, it is a destination to many migratory birds in winter, more specifically for raptors and at the same time it is home for endemic desert birds and other mammals. 

In terms of accessibility, being the biggest state in the country, Rajashtan is very accessible, be it via road, rail and air. There are abundant hotels, resorts, villas and guesthouses of different standards and prices in each city and town in the state. Not forgetting restaurants, cafe, convenience shops of all kinds and standards. 

Best time to visit Rajashtan

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the state is during winter; from October to March. During this period, temperature is between 15 - 20 degree centigrade during day time and it goes down to between 5 - 10 degree centigrade during night time and early morning. Hence, prepare for suitable clothing. No rain is expected during this period hence, outdoor activities can be carried out whole day long.

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in India

Bird photography and bird watching in India have been getting very good attention and have captured overwhelming response from both the local and foreigners alike. This can be witnessed by number of professional, enthusiast, serious hobbyist and beginners, men and women bird photographers and bird watchers at any birding location in the country.

Bird photography and bird watching business ecosystem have been mushroomed throughout the country. That includes, lodges built in the middle of the jungle, hides, birding tours and bird guides. It has become one of the upcoming lucrative businesses in the country which attracts both local and foreign bird photographers and bird watchers.

 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Rajashtan and foreign bird photograpers and bird watchers, prior arrangement with local bird guide is highly recommended as transportation to go places and knowledge on locations of specific species of birds are needed to ensure satisfactory result.

In view of the distance between one place and the others, it is recommended to plan those destination with local bird guide beforehand as special vehicle is needed to enter those places, especially desert area. One of the best route is to start from Jaipur to Tal Chhaper. From Tal Chhapar continues to Bikaner, then to Jaisalmer. The same route for the return. By doing so, it breaks a long distance drive.