Bhigwan Bird Photography Tour | Flamingos & Grassland Raptors

Overview

Join DCP Expeditions for an enriching 2-day, 1-night bird photography tour to Bhigwan - popularly known as the “Bharatpur of Maharashtra.” Nestled along the backwaters of the Ujjani Dam, Bhigwan becomes a vibrant hub for migratory birds during winter, with flocks of elegant Greater Flamingos painting the wetlands in shades of pink. This expedition offers exceptional opportunities to photograph flamingos and a wide variety of waterbirds from both boats and along the shoreline, all under the expert mentorship of a DCP wildlife photography expert.

DCP Experts

DCP Safety

Entry fees

Meals

Rent Lens

Stay

Transport

About The Tour

This weekend bird photography expedition to Bhigwan presents a fantastic opportunity to document a stunning variety of wintering and resident birds in one of Maharashtra’s richest wetland ecosystems. Widely regarded as a top birding destination in Western India, Bhigwan attracts an incredible mix of species including the majestic Greater Flamingos, Bar-headed Geese, Painted Storks, Grey Herons, Spoonbills, Marsh Harriers, Black-headed Ibis, and a wide range of ducks, gulls, and waders.

A key highlight of this tour is the guided boat safari during the golden hours — offering eye-level perspectives and magical lighting conditions that are ideal for capturing everything from detailed close-ups to striking bird silhouettes against the sunset. Throughout the expedition, DCP’s expert bird photography mentor will offer hands-on guidance, helping you fine-tune your exposure, focus, and composition techniques in real-time.

Designed for both budding and experienced photographers, this compact yet immersive photography tour blends practical learning with the peaceful rhythm of wetland birding — all wrapped into one action-packed weekend.

Quick Information

Route:

Navi Mumbai - Pune - Bhigwan - Pune - Navi Mumbai

Start Point:

Navi Mumbai

Duration:

1 night 2 days

End Point:

Navi Mumbai

Inclusions

A perfect getaway for birding enthusiasts and nature photographers
Comfortable round-trip travel from Mumbai in an AC Tempo Traveller
Overnight stay in a well-located hotel near Bhigwan’s birding zones
All meals included as per itinerary (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options)
Guided boat safaris for close-range bird photography
Entry tickets, guide charges, and photography expert fees included
Personalised field guidance by a DCP Wildlife Photography Mentor throughout the tour

Experts

Yogesh Chavan

Panel Expert - DCP Mumbai

Yogesh Chavan, a graduate from JJ School of Applied Arts, apart from being a visualizer, a poet, a writer and an actor, is a full-time Yoga trainer and Acupressure Therapist. He is also a skilled outdoor adventure sports trainer. He has authored the popular book Matheran - A Practical Guide. Many of his images have drawn considerable popularity in many publications including BNHS CEC and MTDCs quarterly magazine - Maharashtra Unlimited. He has sound knowledge of the biodiversity around him and is currently engaged at Saguna Baug on an Agro-Tourism outfit. He is associated in the DCP panel as a Panel Expert and Consultant in Strategy Team.

Nearest airport is Pune. We can pick you on our way via Solapur highway. It is around 105 km from Pune.

One can reach Daund and hire a local taxi to Bhigwan.

We will be travelling in a tempo traveller via Solapur highway. It is around 105 km from Pune.

Getting Ready

Things to carry:

Telephoto lenses – preferably above 400 mm for birds
Wide angle lenses - for astro photography session
Carry fully charged batteries for your camera / flash.
Carry battery charger. Carry extra pack of camera batteries
Carry backup memory cards / HDD storage drives, Laptop
Carry a bean bag to stabilize your gears while shooting from boat
It is advisable to carry basic first aid along with you.
Please carry Odomos to keep you protected from mosquito bites.
Carry a pair of good binoculars

Equipment available on rental - please mail us at rentals@dcpexpeditions.com.

Itinerary

Day 1

Our bird photography expedition begins from Navi Mumbai at 7:00 AM. The exact pickup location and reporting time will be communicated in advance by your DCP Skipper. We’ll travel comfortably by AC Tempo Traveller and are expected to reach Kumbhargaon by around 2:30 PM, with breakfast and lunch stops en route. After check-in and a brief refresh, we’ll head out by 3:30 PM for our first boat safari. This session offers fantastic close-range opportunities to photograph Bhigwan’s spectacular avian life — from graceful flamingos to vibrant herons and storks. As the sun sets, get ready to capture stunning silhouettes across the golden-hued waters. After the ride, we’ll return to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2

We begin our morning early, returning to Kumbhargaon for the second boat safari, which begins by 7:00 AM. Don’t forget to carry some light snacks or biscuits along. This golden-hour ride is ideal for capturing crisp portraits and dynamic bird behavior. After a productive session on the water, we’ll return for a late breakfast. Post breakfast, you’ll have time to explore nearby areas on foot, photographing species like Grey Herons, Ruddy Shelducks, and River Terns in their natural surroundings. After lunch, we begin our return journey to Navi Mumbai by around 2:00 PM, aiming to reach by approximately 7:00 PM.

Field Learnings

This Bhigwan Bird Photography Expedition is crafted to offer much more than just photographic output — it’s a deep dive into the fascinating world of wetland ecosystems and the diverse birdlife they support. Set amidst one of Maharashtra’s most vibrant wintering grounds, this tour blends the art of bird photography with ecological insight and field ethics.

Under the expert mentorship of a DCP wildlife photography expert, participants will:

Learn to identify key wetland birds and distinguish between migratory visitors and resident species
Observe and interpret natural bird behaviors — such as foraging, flock movement, courtship, and roosting patterns — especially among flamingos, geese, herons, storks, and marshland raptors
Understand habitat associations and how seasonal changes, water levels, and light influence bird presence and photographic opportunities
Practice responsible fieldcraft, especially when photographing from boats — ensuring minimal disturbance to sensitive species
Use photography as a tool for storytelling and conservation, documenting habitat interactions, diversity, and environmental narratives
Refine compositional skills to create impactful frames that go beyond portraits, capturing the broader essence of wetland life

Whether you’re aiming to build a birding portfolio or expand your ecological understanding, this expedition provides a rich learning experience at the intersection of avian biology, field observation, and ethical wildlife photography.

Package Cost

Indian nationals:
Twin sharing: INR 9750 per person inclusive of all taxes
Single occupancy: INR 11,000 per person inclusive of all taxes

Foreign nationals:
Twin sharing: US$ 150 per person inclusive of all taxes
Single occupancy: US$ 170 per person inclusive of all taxes

Gold members - Upto 5% off
Silver members - Upto 3% off

WhatsApp to ask for a payment link / QR code to pay.

[Save upto 2.5% of tour cost by opting to pay via NEFT / RTGS / UPI]

Cost includes

Travel from and to Mumbai in AC Tempo Traveller
1 night stay in Bhigwan
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
2 boat rides for bird photography
Services of expert guide and photography mentor
All permits, entry fees, and service charges

Cost does not include:

Mineral Water, Soft Drinks, Laundry Charges, Phone Calls, Tips etc.
Any kind of insurance, Medical or/and Emergency Charges.
Any extra meals not included in the above itinerary

Map

Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary, Maharashtra

Policies

Cancellation policy

All cancellations before 30 days of the event date - 100% credit
All cancellations between 20 - 30 days of the event date - 50% credit
All cancellations within 20 days of the event date - No credit possible

FAQ's

Can I get a single room accommodation?

Yes. Please write to info@dcpexpeditions.com as it is subject to availability.

Design Your Custom Tour

Bhigwan - Bird Photography Expedition, March 2026

₹ 9,750₹ 11,000

₹9,750₹ 11,000