Panchgani – Bhigwan – Saswad Birding Tour by Jungle Buddies Tours
About:
Nestled near Pune, both Bhigwan & Saswad Grasslands are havens for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. This 6,000 sq km expanse pulsates with life, belying its initial impression of a barren landscape. Despite its “semi-arid wasteland” classification, Bhigwan & Saswad is a thriving ecosystem teeming with over 350 bird species and 25 mammal species.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Birders flock to Bhigwan & Saswad to witness a dazzling array of avian wonders. Grassland species include Indian Courser, Yellow wattled Lapwing, Greater Grey Shrike, Rock-bush Quail, Rain Quail, Greater Short-toed Lark, Indian Eagle-Owl, and Indian Peafowl. Bhigwan & Saswad offer a breathtaking birdwatching experience. The grasslands of Bhigwan & Saswad are a stage for a diverse cast of mammals. Home to the Indian grey wolf, the striped hyena, the Indian gazelle (chinkara) and the Bengal fox.
While teeming with life, Saswad faces threats like encroachment, agricultural expansion, and a proposed international airport project. These factors jeopardise the delicate balance of this irreplaceable ecosystem.
Target species expected: Panchangi, Bhigwan & Saswad in the monsoon turn into a bird watcher’s paradise. Our targets would be to photograph the rarities of the region, like Painted Bush-quail, Rufous Babbler, Broad-tailed grassbird, Striolated bunting, Rain Quail, White-bellied Minivet, etc. Other species that can sight grassland species including Indian Courser, Yellow wattled Lapwing, Greater Grey Shrike, Rock-bush Quail, Tawny Eagle, Tawny Lark, Indian Eagle-Owl, and Indian Peafowl. If we are lucky, we may also come across mammals like the Indian grey wolf, the striped hyena, the Indian gazelle (chinkara) and the Bengal fox.
Pricing: INR 23,999/-
Group Size: 5 Participants + 1 Leader (3 members sharing a vehicle for birding).
Itinerary: 21 – 23 August 2026
Day 1: Birding in the misty mountains of Panchgani
Arrive at the Satara Train Station at 4 AM by SHARAVATI EXP (11035)
Drive to Panchgani Birding site (Drive time is approx 2 hours)- Birding around Panchnagi area for Painted Bush-quail & Rufous Babbler & other birds.
Post Birding Drive to Bhigwan (Drive time 3.3 hours).
Check in – Agnipankh Homestay – Dinner & Lights off.
Day 2: Full Day Birding around Bhigwan
Early Morning – Head out for the grasslands safari around Bhigwan.
Drive back to the Homestay for breakfast
Lunch & Relax.
Evening, Head for the second session of the Grassland Safari.
Post Safari, drive back to the homestay.
Dinner & Lights Off.
Day 3: Chasing the Dawn Chorus
Early Morning – Pack up – Check out
Drive to Saswad (2.3 hours drive time)
Breakfast stop
Birding in & around Saswad for Broad-tailed Grassbird, Striolated bunting & White-bellied Minivet till Lunch.
Post Lunch, Bid farewell to Saswad as you head back to Pune Station and board the 3.37 PM – DECCAN EXPRESS (11008) for your comfortable return journey to Mumbai.
Price Includes:
Transportation throughout the tour (Satara-Panchgani – Bhigwan – Saswad – Pune) in a Scorpio (3 travellers sharing 1 vehicle)
Non-AC Accommodation at Agnipanh Homestay (2 nights) on Double Occupancy.
Meals (Day 1 Breakfast – Last day Lunch to Tea/Coffee)
Expert guidance from Jungle Buddies Tours
2 Bottles of Mineral Water Per Person Per Day
Camera Fees in the Grasslands Safari.
What’s Not Included:
Train tickets (Mumbai – Satara & Pune – Mumbai) – Can be arranged at additional cost.
Personal expenses
Extra Meals & Beverages.
Gratuities (optional)
Read about our previous tour experience on https://junglebuddies.in/2025/09/29/on-the-trail-of-grassland-bhigwan-saswad/
How to Register: Drop an email to contactjunglebuddies@gmail.com with the subject line “BHIGWAN” and we will revert back at the earliest.
BOOKING IS ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS
Dial 9821455643 for more details
PS. This tour is a mix of Bird Watching & Bird Photography tour.