India is a soul-stirring and sublime holiday destination. A country full of splendid colour, natural beauty and outstanding wildlife, leaving its mark on all who visit. On this safari, you will receive expert photographic tuition from National Geographic photographer, Steve Winter as you track down the majestic bengal tiger.
Day 1, Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival into Delhi International Airport, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel where you will be able to relax after your flight, prior to your adventures of the coming days. This evening you will meet your guides and the rest of the group. Standard check-in at the hotel is 14:00. (L, D)
Day 2, 10 March: Delhi - Jabalpur - Bandhavgarh
This morning, you will be transferred to Delhi airport for your flight to Jabalpur (Flight 6E6788 / DEL 13:45 – 15:15 JLR – Economy). Packed lunch will be arranged for you to take. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Bandhavgarh National Park (approx. 4.5 hours). Spend the evening at leisure. (B, PL, D)
Days 3 - 4, On Safari in Bandhavgarh
Rise early each morning for tea and coffee, before heading out into the park on a full day game drive. With your multi-zone permit, you will be able to reach more areas of the park and head to any sighting; whereas those on half day safaris are limited to certain zones, you have total freedom! You will stop at around 08:00 for a picnic breakfast, before continuing your game drive until the day really heats up. At midday, your guide will find a nice, shaded spot for you to rest and enjoy a picnic lunch. At around 14:00, you will head back out and explore more areas of the park before returning to your lodge for dinner as the sun starts to set. (B, L, D)
Day 5, Morning Safari in Bandhavgarh
Early this morning you will head out on a game drive in the National Park. Midday is free for walks or to relax and in the afternoon, you can enjoy a village walk. Please note that the national parks remain closed on every Wednesday afternoon in Central India. (B, L, D)
Day 6, Bandhavgarh - Kanha
This morning, you will be driven to Kanha National Park (approx. 5 hours). Arrive before lunch time at the hotel and continue to the park for an afternoon game drive in the National Park. (B, L, D)
Days 7 - 9, On Safari in Kanha National Park
Rise early each morning for tea and coffee before heading out into the park on a full day game drive. With your multi-zone permit, you will be able to reach more areas of the park and head to any sighting; whereas those on half day safaris are limited to certain zones, you have total freedom! You will stop at around 08:00 for a picnic breakfast, before continuing on your game drive until the day really heats up. At midday, your guide will find a nice, shaded spot for you to rest and enjoy a picnic lunch. At around 14:00, you will head back out and explore more areas of the park before returning to your lodge for dinner as the sun starts to set. (B, L, D)
Day 10, Kanha – Raipur – Delhi
This morning, you will be transferred to Raipur airport (approx. 4.5 hours) for your flight to Delhi (Flight 6E6081 / RPR 14:15 – 16:15 DEL – Economy). Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Delhi. (B, PL, D - Set Menu)
Day 11, Depart Delhi
Standard check out is 12:00, depending upon your flight timings you will be transferred to Delhi airport for your flight back home.
Please note the second departure itinerary is the above in reverse.
Taj Mahua Kothi - Cottage
A fantastic luxury lodge providing access to tiger tracking and wildlife safaris in Bandhavgarh National Park. Spread over 40 acres, Mahua Kothi consists of 12 en-suite guest suites that are built in the Madhya Pradesh style. An open kitchen encourages guests to explore the flavours of India whilst the refreshing pool is the ideal place to cool off after your safari.
Banjaar Tola - Tented Suite
Situated on the banks of the Banjaar River, Banjaar Tola overlooks Kanha National Park - a reserve which is part of a tiger protection program and renowned worldwide for its excellent tiger viewing. Accommodation at the lodge is uniquely designed showcasing 18 luxury tented suites which are split between two camps, maintaining an intimate and private feel.
Giant paw prints on the road set my heart racing. The sudden silence made me even more nervous. As I was staring beyond the front of the vehicle with anticipation, our guide said, ‘Look here, here, right here! A tiger is coming!’ Suddenly through the dense brushwood less than twenty metres to the right, a magnificent creature with quiet footsteps comes out of the forest. A giant cat in a tawny coat with black stripes, a fearsome head, sharp teeth, and a long tail slowly crosses the dirt road in front of our vehicle. A tiger! This is what I have come to India to see!