Description
The Indian sub-continent offers a series of unique habitats containing a wonderful range of wildlife, including the enigmatic Bengal Tiger. This 11 day tour concentrates on Bandhavgarh, currently India’s best reserve for seeing Tigers, with repeated sightings of more than ten individual Tigers on many trips as well as Leopards and Sloth Bears. On one trip we saw 15 different Tigers including males fighting, a female swimming and some beautiful cubs. For this tour, we have revised our travelling arrangements and we now use domestic flights rather than the overnight train to reach Bandhavgarh and the Tigers more quickly but we will still spend six full days within the Park and enjoy 12 game drives!
In 1973, the Indian government established Project Tiger in order to protect a total of 23 National Parks and Sanctuaries and their Tiger populations. Although initially successful, the project has recently been criticised regarding poor monitoring techniques, its ability to stem poaching, and for allowing the growing human population to encroach into the Tiger’s habitat. Unfortunately Tiger numbers have fallen dramatically in the last few years with some estimates stating only a few thousand are left in India’s National Parks. Our visit to the park helps to support the local communities and raises awareness of the need to increase Tiger protection.
There is never any guarantee of seeing Tigers but this itinerary, with a total of 12 game drives within the park, has been designed to maximise the chances of seeing this predator in its natural environment. There is plenty to interest the wildlife lover as we also hope to see rare species such as Dhole (Asian Hunting Dogs), Sloth Bear and perhaps Leopard, together with several species of deer, monkeys and a dazzling array of birds. Our policy of having only three group members per jeep will be attractive to keen photographers who will recognise that the increased space and easier manoeuvrability of photographic equipment, will allow them room to capture stunning images of the park’s wildlife.
The accommodation at Bandhavgarh is on a full-board basis and has been selected to offer the best opportunity to enjoy the wildlife of India and its cultural heritage. The lodge comprises spacious cottages set in landscaped grounds on the fringes of the village of Tala. This is just a few minutes drive to the Tala gate where we will begin most of our game drives.
The itinerary has been designed to maximise our time looking for Tigers and to minimise travelling time. We will have some time in Delhi for an optional city tour to visit places of cultural interest and also in Khajuraho after we leave Bandhavgarh to see the famous temples. A two night optional extension can be arranged to visit the city of Agra and provides plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent Taj Mahal.
The tour and extensions are arranged by travel specialists Classic Journeys, a fully bonded UK tour operator, who book the international flights and provide your financial protection when travelling with us.
Peter Smart from Wild Arena will accompany you. Peter is a wildlife photographer, and has escorted around 80 tours to a variety of countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Borneo, Indonesia, Brazil, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands and the Arctic. He has also taught at many hundreds of Wild Arena’s photographic workshops at numerous locations around the UK. Peter treats it as a genuine privilege to introduce clients to the wildlife, landscapes and people of the countries he visits and his knowledge, experience, organisational skills and sense of fun ensures that not only will you have excellent photographic and game-viewing opportunities but also a highly enjoyable holiday!
View our exciting itinerary or visit our website to see reports and some amazing images from our previous tours. Please contact us regarding any questions you may still have or to discuss the possible extensions to this tour. You are advised to make your reservation immediately once you have decided to join us, as places are strictly limited on our journey into India’s wonderful wilderness, the Realm of the Tiger!
Flights:
Price per person without international flights. Estimated cost of economy class international flights and taxes from London, UK of £650 per person giving an estimated total price of £2995 per person at prevailing exchange rates at the time of preparing this tour information.
download India: Realm of the Tiger 2013Itinerary
Day 1 London, UK. Depart UK for flight to Delhi, India.
Day 2 Delhi, India. Arrive Delhi where we are met and transferred to our hotel. We have time to relax and if time allows you may wish to take an optional guided sightseeing tour of some of Delhi's places of interest. This might include Rashtrapati Bhavan, once the Viceroy’s residence, Sansad Bhavan, India’s Parliament, India Gate, the war memorial to 90,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in World War 1 or Humayun’s Tomb, the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Overnight hotel.
Day 3 Delhi - Jabalpur - Bandhavgarh. Early morning transfer to Delhi’s domestic airport for the 2 hour flight to Jabalpur. From here we drive a few hours to our wildlife lodge, Tiger’s Den, in time for lunch. In the afternoon, if time allows, we will take our first game drive into the park.
Bandhavgarh was a hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Rewa, from where the famous White Tigers originated. The park covers 453km2 and is covered in Sal Forest, extensive stands of Bamboo and grasslands and at higher elevations by mixed forest. An ancient hill fort dominates the park and its surrounding rocky crags are home to Long-billed Vultures. Our morning & afternoon game drives offer us a wealth of wildlife sightings, Tiger sightings at Bandhavgarh are normally excellent due to the density of the Tiger population, the highest known in India. Our six nights at Tiger’s Den and the many game drives allow us the best chance of seeing this elusive animal. Overnight lodge (B,L,D)
Days 4 to 8 Bandhavgarh. Early morning and afternoon game drives in the park, returning to the lodge for breakfast each day. The morning safari will initially concentrate on looking for Tiger pug marks on the track and listening for alarm calls from the Chital, Sambar deer and Langur monkeys, indicating they have spotted a Tiger (or other predator) on the move. We carry a flask of tea and snacks into the park, as there are a few places where it is possible to stop, stretch legs and enjoy the refreshments. We will visit a central point in the park each morning where the park rangers will have received news of any Tiger tracking by Elephant. If the mahout’s (elephant handler) tracking has been successful there is a chance to ride on the Elephants and experience a never forgotten view of the Tigers in their habitat. Back in our jeeps we continue our game drive before returning to our lodge for a late breakfast.
Time is now available to explore the lodge grounds, visit the village of Tala or simply relax. After lunch we re-enter the park by jeep looking for Tigers and other wildlife. Just before sunset predator activity increases, Tigers, Leopards and even Sloth Bears may be spotted. Returning to our lodge there is time for a shower before dinner.
On one of our days we may visit Shesh Shaiya, named after a unique 11-meter long statue of a reclining Vishnu, carved around the 10th century, from whose feet the Charanganga river is said to flow. There will be the option to visit the fort situated on top of a plateau. The charm of this fort lies in discovering various monuments lost and unspoilt in the jungle undergrowth. The natural ramparts of the fort, which is still used as a place of worship, give breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Vultures wheel around the precipice and Blue Rock Thrushes and Crag Martins are also attracted to this area. On another day we may visit Elephant Camp to watch the mahouts preparing elephant sized chapattis and if you wish you can help feed these to the hungry Elephants.
Bandhavgarh is unique in combining excellent game and bird viewing with a historical interest which most other parks lack. Nights at lodge (B,L,D)
Day 9 Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho. We savour our last morning game drive in Bandhavgarh National Park as, after lunch, we drive to Khajuraho for an overnight stay. In the evening there will be the opportunity to visit the famous temples and enjoy the entertaining and informative Light and Sound show which provides a reminder of the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and marks out the story of the exclusive temples from the 10th Century to the present day (B,L,D)
Day 10 Khajuraho - Delhi. Morning tour of Khajuraho before transferring to the airport for our flight back to Delhi, arriving early afternoon. On arrival in Delhi we are met and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or an optional sightseeing tour can be arranged. Overnight hotel (B)
Day 11 IF NOT undertaking the OPTIONAL Agra extension, transfer to the airport in Delhi for the return flight, arriving in London, UK that evening
OTHERWISE an early morning transfer to the railway station for the Shatabdi Express train from Delhi to Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted city of
Emperor Akbar, literally meaning "The City of Victory" - and Agra Fort, with time also available for general sight-seeing and shopping. Overnight hotel (B)
Day 12 Agra - Delhi. Early morning visit the Taj Mahal for sunrise, built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved consort, Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum is pure white marble and an architectural marvel. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Late morning transfer to the railway station for the mid-day train to Delhi, arriving mid-afternoon and transferred to hotel. Overnight hotel (B)
Day 13 Delhi - London, UK. Today we depart Delhi. Transfer to the international airport for the return flight, arriving in the UK that evening
Please note:
- The itinerary is provisional and subject to change depending on local conditions
- Not all wildlife mentioned can be seen well at all times of the year & some activities mentioned may not always be available
- Meals included are as shown - B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Venue
India
This tour concentrates on Bandhavgarh National Park which remains India’s best reserve for seeing Tigers. The accommodation at Bandhavgarh is on a full-board basis and has been selected to offer the best opportunity to enjoy the wildlife of India and its cultural heritage. The lodge comprises spacious cottages set in landscaped grounds on the fringes of the village of Tala. This is just a few minutes drive to the Tala gate where we will begin most of our game drives.
Summary
Price The tour is priced at £2345 per person based on two people sharing twin accommodation, plus estimated cost of international flights of £650 per person, giving an estimated total price of £2995 per person. An optional two night stay in Agra or other customised extensions may be quoted upon request.
Duration 11 days
Single supplement £365 subject to availability. If you are a single person booking this holiday you do not have to pay single supplements, if you are happy to share. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired with another single client of the same gender. However your booking is accepted only on the understanding that if no roommate is available then you accept a single supplement will be levied. Single supplements are payable if you specifically request to have a room to yourself. If you have requested single accommodation we will do our best to secure this although this may not always be possible.
Deposit £250 per person required to confirm booking.
Travel insurance You must be covered by insurance, which must include adequate cover for baggage, medical expenses and the cost of repatriation should you become too ill to continue, including air ambulance.
Group size 4 to 8 plus photographic guide (only 3 group members per vehicle to improve manoeuvrability with photographic equipment)
Fitness Level Easy wildlife touring in vehicles. This tour is suitable for guests of most levels of fitness.
Photography Level This tour is suitable for all levels of photographic experience. The Wild Arena guide will be available throughout the tour to support and advise clients.
Cost includes Hotel/Lodge accommodation on a twin share basis (unless single has been requested) for the nights listed in the itinerary, B&B in Delhi, all meals elsewhere included, transfers for group departures using our chosen airline, all internal transport as per the itinerary, entry fees to the national parks, all wildlife activities escorted by local naturalist guides, services of Wild Arena photographic guide throughout the tour
Cost excludes Sightseeing tours, camera and video camera fees, elephant safari in Bandhavgarh when available, international flight from the UK, airport taxes, transfers for Land Only packages and group tours when choosing your own flight arrangements, visa fees, medical examination (if required) & vaccination costs, personal expenditure, bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, etc, porters, guides & other tips, meals not specified & mineral water, personal clothing & equipment, travel insurance, optional trips, increases in park fees and taxes levied by the Government on the tourism sector, fuel surcharges, charges incurred as a result of delays beyond Classic Journeys control, anything not specified in the Cost Includes
Booking procedure Wild Arena Asian photographic tours are organised through Classic Journeys, a fully bonded UK tour operator holding ATOL licence 3022. Your financial protection when travelling with us. All clients will be required to complete a Classic Journeys Booking Form and booking will be subject to acceptance of the Classic Journeys Booking Conditions which will be provided, and supersedes any information presented on Wild Arena’s web site or other Wild Arena promotional literature. In addition, in the unlikely event that Peter Smart is unable to escort the tour, Classic Journeys reserve the right to send a suitable replacement if available. In such circumstances, the tour will not be cancelled and no compensation will be paid.
