5 Days Deluxe Tiger Safari

1. Day 1 Delhi – Jabalpur - Bandhavgarh

   This morning you will be met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to the airport to board flight for Jabalpur. Upon arrival at Jabalpur airport, you will be met and drive to Bandhavgarh (200 kms/04hrs). Bandhavgarh: Bandhavgarh National Park, situated in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, has established a reputation as one of the best places in India to observe Tigers. The 105 square kilometers of park area, open for tourists is reported to have over 25 tigers. Like many Tiger reserves in India, the area was formerly the hunting reserve of a Maharaja and contains much evidence of its royal associations, most spectacular being the ruins of a huge hilltop fort which dominates the centre of the reserve. The Sal Forest dominates the park, in addition of mixed forests at the higher elevations in the hills and there are also expanses of grassland and bamboo in the north. The core of the reserve is hilly and dominated by the ancient natural fort which towers to an impressive 800 metres above the forest. The Fort too is worth a visit. Bandhavgarh being an arid region, water is always attractive to wildlife and the presence of pools and streams in the reserve is one of the reasons it is so favoured by both game and predators. Although Tigers are the star attraction at Bandhavgarh the list of other mammals and birds that have made Bandhavgarh their home, is very impressive too. The list of birds includes such species as Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Plumheaded Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise Flycatcher among a total of over 250 species recorded in the district. Tigers and the more rarely seen Leopards, have no shortage of prey in the Chital Chital reserve. The Spotted Deer or Chital is a favourite item on the Tiger menu and several thousand of these delightful deer inhabit the park. Other species found here in varying abundance include; Chinkara, Chowsinga, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac and Nilgai. The Asian Bison or Gaur last sighted as a small herd in 1998, the animal is now conspicuous by its absence since. A closely monitored program of the reintroduction of the Gaur is planned within a couple of years. A hunting pack of wild dogs may also be seen on occasion. Mammal sightings always require a degree of luck, particularly when the species is essentially nocturnal or reclusive but each outing in the reserve will at least provide a chance to meet one of the rarer inhabitants such as Sloth Bear, Indian fox, Jackal, Wolf, Ratel, Striped Hyenas, Jungle Cat or Indian Pangolin. More predictable are the sounders of Wild Boar rooting among the vegetation, Indian Hares, the lively little Palm Squirrels which seem to be constantly in a state of agitation, and several members of the mongoose tribe. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaques are also plentiful, the former enjoying an elevated view of the forest as they devour their favourite leaves and often the first creature to bark out a warning at the appearance of a Tiger below. Upon arrival in Bandhavgarh, check in to the Samode Safari Lodge. Samode Safari Lodge Rated as amongst the finest luxury safari accommodation available in India, the Samode Safari Lodge, is located close to the Tala Gate of the Bandhavgarh National Park. Accommodation at the Samode Safari Lodge consists of 12 palatial private villas, each with a comfortable bedroom, sitting area, and private verandahs, and not to be missed outdoor bathroom. For entertaining guests between their various safaris, the Samode Safari Lodge offers a swimming pool, a gym, a library and a billiards table. Set in several acres of land, the Lodge is a great place for guests to enjoy the outdoors, and the peace and quiet. Meals at the lodge consist of generous breakfast spreads, four-course lunches, and silver service dinners, that are served around the swimming pool, or around a campfire. Overnight at Bandhavgarh.

2. Day 2 In Bandhavgarh

   Early morning & evening game safaris into the Bandhavgarh National Park. Safaris in Bandhavgarh are organized in jeeps. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at the Samode Safari Lodge

3. Day 3 Bandhavgarh - Kanha

   Early morning game safari into the Bandhavgarh National Park. Later, drive to Kanha (250 kms/06 hrs). Kanha is situated in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The picturesque Kanha National Park was the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling's unforgettable classic Jungle Book. The romance of the Kanha National Park has not reduced over time-it is still as beautiful. Kanha National Park: The park was created in 1955 by a special law and, since then, it has dedicated itself to preserve a variety of animal species. Many endangered species have indeed been saved here. Today Kanha is among the few most scenic and beautiful wildlife reserves in Asia. This 'Tiger Country' is the ideal home for both predator and prey. By far the most striking features of this region are the open grassy meadows, where sighting blackbuck, swamp deer, sambhar and chital is common. And, if one can transcend into time, a barefooted Mowgli would perhaps come padding along the dusty trail, for this is the land of Kipling's Jungle Book. Kanha is perhaps one of the best parks for sighting tigers. Of the numerous Tiger reserves in India, that are preserving this ferocious beast, but nowhere can you see them as often, and as regularly as in Kanha National Park. The main wildlife attractions in the park are Tiger, Bison, Gaur, Sambhar, Chital, Barasingha, Barking Deer, Black Deer, Black Buck, Chousingha, Nilgai, Mouse Deer, Sloth Bear, Jackal Fox, Porcupine, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Python, Pea Fowl, Hare, Monkey, Mongoose, Tiger and Leopard. The birds species in the park include Storks, Teals, Pintails, Pond Herons, Egrets, Peacock, Pea Fowl, Jungle Fowl, Spur Fowl, Partridges, Quails, Ring Doves, Spotted Parakeets, Green Pigeons, Rock Pigeons, Cuckoos, Papihas, Rollers, Bee-eater, Hoopoes, Drongos, Warblers, Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, Finches, Orioles, Owls and Fly Catchers. However, if one animal species were to represent Kanha, it would probably be the barasingha or the swamp deer. The barasinghas at Kanha are unique, being the hard ground variety, which populate the large open tracts of grass amidst the forests of teak and bamboo. Twenty years ago, the barasingha was faced with extinction but some desperate measures including the fencing-off of some animals helped save them and again the air in Kanha bugle with their rutting calls. Upon arrival check-in to the Flame of the Forest Safari Lodge. Flame of the Forest Safari Lodge: Located just 15 minutes from the Kisli entrance of the Kanha National Park, the Flame of the Forest Safari Lodge, is a small intimate hideaway nestling on the banks of the Banjar river, offering stunning views over the river and of the dense forest beyond it. The Flame of the Forest has only 4 luxury cottages, built and designed to reflect the local architecture, all with tastefully done interiors, private sit-outs and spacious, modern bathrooms. The Flame of the Forest Safari Lodge is owned and managed by Karan Modi, himself an expert Naturalist, and his Swiss wife Isa. Overnight at Kanha.

4. Day 4 In Kanha

   Early morning & evening game safaris into the Kanha National Park. Safaris in Kanha are organized in jeeps. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at the Flame of the Forest Safari lodge

5. Day 5 Kanha – Jabalpur – Delhi and Depart

   Early morning game safari into the Kanha National Park. Later drive to Jabalpur airport (200 kms/04 hrs.), to board flight for Delhi. On arriving in Delhi, connect your further flight home.

Price

Start from: USD 1707 Per Person

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Accommodation

Important Information

• Small supplements may apply for travel between 20th December' and 05th January' .
• All the figures quoted above are net per person in US Dollars.

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance