Bird watching in India

From the cold lakes of the Himalayas to the sand dunes of western Rajasthan to the tropical rain forests in the south, India hosts a dizzying variety of birds, like a dizzying variety of everything else.

A guest searches the skies for birds at Chhatra Sagar, a luxury camp on the banks of a dam in western Rajasthan. The dam's reservoir attracts water birds, including terns, cormorants and ducks, as well as mammals like antelope and jackals. (Courtesy: NYT)

A purple sunbird is among the species in the vicinity of Chhatra Sagar. (Courtesy: NYT)

An assistant helps a bird watching enthusiast and other guests find birds at Chhatra Sagar. (Courtesy: NYT)

Tea time at Chhatra Sagar. The resort's 14 tents face the dam, which is encircled by a trail. (Courtesy: NYT)

Lime juice is served to guests. (Courtesy: NYT)

A row of binoculars in the dining tent. (Courtesy: NYT)

One of Chhatra Sagar's guest tents. (Courtesy: NYT)

Lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace, a hotel in Bharatpur near Keoladeo National Park, now the country's best-known bird park.

No matter where you stay, the real charm of Bharatpur is to wake up before dawn and head into the park. (Courtesy: NYT)

Bird watchers at Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur.

If the rains are good and Keoladeo's lakes are full, the park in winter can host close to 400 species. (Courtesy: NYT)