Specialist Led Ultimate Year of the Tiger Safari

The Ultimate Tiger Safari - From £3,395 per person sharing (including a £100 donation to Tiger Conservation)

YOUR EXPERT GUIDES DURING THIS TRIP WILL BE DR RAGHU CHUNDAWAT AND DHRUV SINGH. FOR DETAILED BIOGRAPHIES PLEASE CLICK HERE.

18 February 2011

Met upon arrival into Delhi and transfer to your hotel.

This evening there will be an early evening Wildlife Lecture from a tiger conservation expert.

Overnight: Home style Guest House 

19 February 

After breakfast you will be taken on a private tour around the sights and sounds of Old and New Delhi.

Old Delhi pulses with energy and colour, the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars laced by a maze of narrow lanes which twist and turn between tall, leaning houses full of the sights, sounds and aromas of the Indian sub-continent. You will see the famous Red Fort surrounded by shops, and bazaars, the Jama Masjid with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes and the Chandni Chowk. In Old Delhi you will also have an opportunity to enjoy a local rickshaw ride.  

In the afternoon you will be taken on a tour of New Delhi. It is a city of wide boulevards which offers ever changing perspectives of Lutyen's landscaped city. It is a city known for its formal parks, magnificent Parliament Building, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India designed by Sir Edwin Lutyen) and India Gate. In New Delhi you will also visit Qutab Minar, the 72.5 m high tower dating back to 13th century and Humayun's Tomb (built in the 16th century and architecturally the fore runner of the Taj Mahal). 

In the early evening, the group will meet Dr Raghu Chundawat – the expert wildlife escort for the Kanha section of your trip.  Dr Chundawat will spend an informal evening with you, do a short introduction talk (with images), in order to introduce you to the wildlife of India, and get you ready and excited for entering wildlife areas the following day. 

Overnight: Home style Guest House (B)

20 February   

This morning you will be escorted to the airport in time for your Kingfisher Red flight to Jabalpur (IT 4375; Departing Delhi at 0710 hrs; Arriving Jabalpur at 0900 hours).

You will be met upon arrival and driven to Kanha National Park (approximately 4 hour 30 minutes).

Kanha is one of the largest national parks in India extending over 1945 sq. km. of undulating country, which includes a core area of 940 sq km. Kanha has some 22 species of mammals. The most easily spotted are the striped palm squirrel, common langur, jackal, wild pig, chital or spotted deer, barasingha or swamp deer, sambhar and black buck. Tigers, Indian hare, Indian wild dog, barking deer and Indian bison are also present but harder to spot. Other animals found in the park include Indian fox, sloth bear, striped hyena, jungle cat, leopard, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, porcupine and wolf. Kanha has some 200 species of birds. The commonly seen species of birds include cattle egret, pond heron, black ibis, common peafowl, crested serpent eagle, racket-tailed drongo, and hawk eagle, various species of fly-catcher, woodpecker, pigeon, dove, parakeet, babbler, mynah, Indian roller, white-breasted kingfisher and grey hornbill.

This evening you will be given an introduction to the park along with a slide show of Kanha Tiger Reserve with a focus on the mammals of Central India by Dr Raghu Chandawat followed by your welcome dinner.

Overnight: Shergarh Tented Camp (Exclusive Use) – the camp is booked on an exclusive basis for the Year of the Tiger Group and is set within easy access of Kanha NP. Cosy ensuite tents with private verandahs provide the ideal location to relax at during the evening hours (B/L/D)

21, 22, 23, 24, 25 February

During your 6 nights in Kanha, a detailed program will be followed in order to introduce you to as many different facets of Kanha NP as possible – primarily the focus will be on gaining a better understanding of the Tiger and its habitat, as well as its behavioral traits and the conservation efforts active today to help save this majestic animal. 

A selection of activities that you may undertake during your stay at Kanha National Park:

·        One jeep safari drive into the park per day, sometimes two per day: Game drives provide the best opportunity for all types of wildlife viewing, from bird and butterfly watching, to sighting the major prey species and chancing an encounter with one of the Big Cats! Over the week, morning drives would incorporate different regions of the park, showcasing its huge bio-diversity. The major mammals include gaur, dhole, barasingha, sambar, chital, muntjac, leopard and tiger. Afternoon drives are predominantly experienced in the Mukki region, often parked quietly aside water holes, waiting and watching for the late evening activity. Whilst on the morning game drives on occasions there is the chance of a “Sher Darsan”: This is when each morning the elephants travel the forest interiors in search of tiger locations. If they are successful,     the opportunity opens for guests to view the tiger from elephant back. While the activity lasts for approx 10 minutes, guests are able to view the tiger from close range, which can offer a reasonable photographic opportunity.

·        Tiger: Revisit the areas from where Dr George Schaller undertook his research. George Schaller was the author of the famous book ‘The Deer and the Tiger’ which was one of the first detailed studies of tiger behavior and its prey species, from the meadows of Kanha National Park. 

·        Tiger: One day will be spent looking at new knowledge that has been acquired on Tigers and the conservation issues that we face from a National and International perspective. This will possibly include a meeting with some of the researchers that are undertaking this work.

·        Swamp Deer (Barasingha): The rare hard hoofed swamp deer are one of Kanha’s success stories, as the park authorities have been instrumental in rescuing the species from imminent extinction.  A visit to the original habitats of swamp deer. 

·        Conservation issues and problems: A look at the Kanha Park management initiatives, a visit to Supkhar (an new area of the park to show the increasing wildlife populations and an original Viceroy Rest House).

·        Prey: Spend some time looking at the chital (spotted deer) and its effect on tiger, other co-predators in Kanha, and the relationship of prey/predator. There will also be a detailed look into the relationships between wild dogs, leopards and tigers.  

·        One afternoon will be spent looking at the buffer zone (periphery to the core zone), of Kanha, including a trip to Phen Sanctuary.  This afternoon will also include a visit to nearby villages, some of which have been relocated from the core area.

·        Full day visiting the Sarhi zone of Kanha NP: A newly opened area of the park with stunning scenery. This area is not strong on game viewing however it is seldom frequented by other vehicles, making it an exclusive experience. Exit for a riverside picnic lunch at the Sarhi gate. Re-enter the park through the Sarhi gate, and take an afternoon drive up to Bahmni Dadar for sunset and to the viewpoint over the reserve. Exit the park at Bhaisanghat gate and drive back to Shergarh as night falls (approx 25 minutes), presenting opportunities for sightings of nocturnal creatures. 

·        Sarekha Village Friday Afternoon Market: Sarekha is a charming dusty village of traditional mud and straw blue-painted houses, located approx 45 minutes from Shergarh. Each Friday, it bursts into a bustling marketplace of cattle, fresh farm produce, spices, bamboo wares, earthen pots and ethnic jewellery, flocked to by hundreds of surrounding villagers, exchanging and bartering in ways unchanged in centuries. The market has a friendly and easy atmosphere, where one can witness (and even participate in) rural activities, such as the local barber under the village Banyan tree, and the chai and pan stalls. The drive to the village winds through scenic forest tracks and small tribal hamlets, and on the way back to Shergarh, stop for a sundowner or afternoon tea on the banks of the Banjar river.  

·        Morning or Afternoon Safari Walks: Walks take place in the buffer forest that skirts the river Banjar – the natural boundary between core and buffer areas. The focus of the activity is bird watching, although mammal sightings can include chital, langur, sambar, muntjac, gaur, dhole and reptile species. Length of walks can be tailored but typically last a couple of hours, stopping en-route for refreshments/ picnics. There are currently 2-3 hides being constructed along the banks of the river, strategically placed to offer sweeping views of the river where animals are likely to come down to drink. We advise a max of 4 persons per escorted walk. 

·        Bahmni Dadar: One morning safari will include a trip to this plateau – the highest point in the park. In addition to the stunning views provided over the reserve, the geology and habitat here is very different to the Sal forest predominant in the lower plains. Several rare bird species and the shy Chowsingha (four horned antelope) can be seen in the open savannahs that mark this landscape.

Overnight: Shergarh Tented Camp (Exclusive Use)  – Tents (B/L/D)

26 February

Today you will be departing for Bandhavgarh National Park (approximately 5/6 hour drive). 

Set amidst the Vindhyanchal ranges, the park covers an area of 437 sq. km. and has a series of ridges running through it. About half the park is covered with fine stands of Sal while mixed forests are found in the higher reaches of the hills. Stretches of bamboo and grasslands are found throughout. The main view area is still in the core of the park with its 32 picturesque wooded hills.

There are more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds. Common langurs and rhesus macaque represent the primate group. Carnivores include the Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Grey Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard and of course the most famous of all the Royal Bengal Tiger. The other animals spotted in the park are Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Nilgai, Chinkara and Gaur. The vegetation along streams and marshes is rich in bird-life. The common ones are little Grebe, Egret, Lesser Adjutant, Sarus Crane, Black Ibis, Lesser Whistling Teal, White-eyed Buzzard, Black Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, Black Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Common Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Dove, Parakeet, Kingfisher and Indian Roller. Reptilian fauna include Cobra, Krait, Viper, Rat snake, Python, Turtle and a number of lizard species.

Arriving at approximately 1500hrs you will have a welcome drink and orientation at Monsoon Forest.  Once the guests are settled to their rooms, there will be an introductory talk on Bandavgarh (slide show) with Mr Dhruv Singh – your specialist escort for the 4 nights in Bandavgarh. 

This will be followed by drinks/dinner at the Baithak dining room

Overnight: Monsoon Forest Lodge – six safari tents set in the shade of Mahua trees. Ensuite bathrooms and wrap around verandahs decorated with safari furniture. The lodge is also located with views of Bandhavgarh Fort (B/L/D)

27 - 01 March      

During the 4 nights you stay in Kanha, a detailed program will be followed in order to introduce you to the wonders of Bandavgarh National Park. You will enjoy safaris into the park on jeep drives, together with participation in the ‘Forests for Tigers’ program – this involves reforestation of Tiger habitat, an insight into the various projects, visit to villages surrounding the park, interaction with a wildlife artist from the region and also the possibility (not confirmed) of a visit to the elephant camp together with a very special visit to the famous Bandhavgarh Fort.

Overnight: Monsoon Forest Lodge (B/L/D)

27 February

·        Morning game drive in Tala Zone (with potential tiger viewing from elephant back)

·        Breakfast at Monsoon Forest, under the Mahua tree. 

·        Walk through the nursery at Monsoon Forest of plants and gain an understanding to the reforestation project.  

·        Introductory talk by Nishikant Jadhav (retired Senior forestry service officer. Mr Jadhav is Director of the reforestation project)

·        Lunch, followed by a visit to Rancha Village. Dhruv will give a talk here at the village about the human/animal conflicts of the area. 

·        Introduction to traditional farming methods, and a private visit to a village home and meeting of a local family. 

·        Back at Monsoon Forest Lodge, the evening will begin with a tribal dance and traditional drumming, followed by a candlelit dinner around the campfire. 

Overnight: Monsoon Forest Lodge (B/L/D)

28 February

·        Morning game drive to Bandavgarh Fort, in the Tala Zone.  Picnic breakfast at the fort overlooking the Tiger Reserve with a guided walk around the monuments and forests. Brief talk on the vultures of the fort, and the problems of their diminishing population. 

·        Return to Monsoon Forest Lodge 

·        Meeting with Ms Kay – a wildlife artist and tiger conservationist

·        Followed by lunch with Ms Kay at the camp. 

·        Evening game drive to Ghori Zone in search of tigers

·        Evening will be spent with Ms Kay, viewing her stunning tiger paintings of the past 18 years, and learning from her experiences. 

·        Candlelit dinner on the terrace with few lessons in the star gazing of Bandavgarh. 

Overnight: Monsoon Forest Lodge (B/L/D)

01 March

·        Morning game drive in Tala Zone in search of tigers followed by a visit to 9th century Vishnu statue and Caves to see the Bats.

·        Breakfast at Monsoon Forest Lodge, under the Mahua tree.  Rest of the morning relaxing around the camp. 

·        After lunch at the camp, the afternoon safari drive will be to Khitauli Zone – which will include a visit to Garphuri Lake for bird spotting, and explore the more quiet and tranquil areas of the park. 

·        Evening at Monsoon Forest, with a farewell dinner. 

Overnight: Monsoon Forest Lodge (B/L/D) 

02 March

After an early breakfast, you will be driven to Khajuraho airport (approx 5hrs) to board flight to Delhi (ETD 1335/ETA1600). On arrival you will be met and transferred to an airport hotel where you will have a day room for use prior to your flight. Later you will be met and transferred to the international airport to board your flight back home.

Day use room:  Home style Guest House (B/L)