Russell’s last point in his email prompted me to post my recent experiences in India.
Roly Lloyd and I have just returned from 15 days birding in Northern India. WE drove Delhi, Corbett, Nanital, Bharatpur, Ranthambhore, Delhi. We saw 326 species. We got great views of gems such as Ibisbill and Wallcreeper plus 7 laughtingthrush and 15 woodpecker and many other great birds. My in-India costs were AU$1560.00. This compares with the Wings Birding Tours Feb-13 trip price of US$5300.00 for a similar itinerary. Now I am definitely not knocking organized trips where all the planning is done for you. I am just pointing out that it is possible to organize it yourself at a fraction of the cost – other advantages are being able to go when and where you want and not having to be with a group of a dozen or more. In India, the key to doing it oneself is to get a good car and driver and good bird guides. These days, it is all pretty easy via the net. We stayed in good to excellent hotels and it still turned out relatively cheap – and we saw great birds and had no problems – a great trip.
Please let me know if you would like more details.
Bob Sothman Adelaide
