India's Wildlife - A Photography Tour

Package Overview

Introduction
Bandhavgarh National Park and Tiger Reserve, situated amid the airy Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh, has established a reputation as one of the best places in India to observe Tigers. Although a relatively small reserve when first established in 1968, it was enlarged 20 years later to include adjacent tracts of Sal forest and this extension has proved very beneficial for the Tiger population. Estimates for 2008 suggest that the whole park area could have as many as 47 Tigers, so be sure to have your binoculars at the ready! Formerly the hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Rewa, the area contains much evidence of its royal associations, most spectacular being the ruins of a huge hilltop fort which dominates the centre of the Reserve. Bandhavgarh is somewhat isolated in the rural heart of India.

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Wednesday Flight

  We depart from London on direct British Airways scheduled flight to Delhi at 1930. We will be in flight overnight.

• Day 2 : Thursday Train to Katni

  We arrive in the morning at 0855 and transfer to our hotel located close to the airport. Our freshen up rooms in Delhi for this holiday is at the comfortable hotel, usually The Holiday Inn or The Novotel for a convenient access to the Delhi airport, (only a few rooms will be booked for the whole group for a couple of hours). Whether you’re looking for a quick bite while you’re on the go or a comfortable setting in which to savour a meal, tantalizing options, are at hand. With a varied variety of three restaurants and lounges at Holiday Inn, you can indulge in different Asian cuisines. We may also make use of its facilities, which include a pool and a spa and health centre before the next phase of our journey. In the late afternoon we will board our express train and begin the long, but interesting, journey south. We will have air-conditioned sleepers on this journey. Before settling down for the night, there is plenty to see through the carriage windows as we leave the crowded city behind and steadily head towards our destination – the ever-changing scenes of rural India will unfold in front of us. Although the great steam locomotives have now largely been replaced, travel by Indian Railways is still a remarkable experience. At each station the arrival of the express is followed by an incredible hubbub of noise and movement as vendors rush down the platform shouting the name of the product they are selling, porters stagger past carrying huge quantities of luggage on their heads, and oncoming passengers meet those trying to get off the train in a chaotic melee of bodies and suitcases. Once peace has been restored and the journey is underway again, it is often possible to see a surprising variety of birds from the train, particularly when the track runs alongside areas of wetland or over a river bridge. Occasionally, Tour Itinerary India's Wildlife - A Photography Tour 2 © Naturetrek mammals are disturbed – perhaps the most likely one being the ungainly Nilgai which often wander through cultivated land, browsing on the crops. As night falls we will have completed almost a third of our journey and we will fall asleep with the exciting thought that within the next 24 hours we may have had our first encounter with the ‘striped gentleman’.

• Day 3 : Friday Bandhavgarh (National Park &) Tiger Reserve

  We are due to arrive at Katni early in the morning. It is then a 2 to 3-hour journey by road to our accommodation, which is situated close to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. We will be staying at the Bandhavgarh Jungle Logde, which is situated just outside the Tala zone of the Tiger Reserve. The jungle lodge has been developed on the theme of an Indian village, offering spacious, comfortable individual cottages with en suite facilities. The spacious thatched dining room serves mainly Indian food, though a choice is possible on request. Once we have arrived, we’ll have the rest of the morning free to relax or look for birds in the surrounding area. Later in the day we will take the first of 13 game drives in the Tiger Reserve, so beginning our routine of afternoon and early morning visits to the Reserve, which will provide many wonderful opportunities for wildlife viewing during our stay in Bandhavgarh.

• Day 4 : Saturday - Thursday Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

  In Bandhavgarh our daily routine will include early morning and afternoon visits to the Tiger Reserve and these will provide many opportunities for wildlife viewing. We’ll be making a total of 13 game drives to the Tiger Reserve during our eight - day stay here. The aim of this tour is to see a range of India’s wildlife, including Tigers and a special focus will be given to photography. There are restrictions on the amount of time you can spend in any one location in Indian national parks and Tiger reserves. However, where possible we will stay longer than usual when there are good views of target species, to ensure everyone has taken the shots they want. The tour leaders for this trip are all experienced Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge India's Wildlife - A Photography Tour Tour Itinerary © Naturetrek 3 naturalists and wildlife photographers and they will be able to provide advice on getting the best shots and where to go to find the best views of a particular species. Of course, we can never guarantee this. Sal forest predominates in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, giving way to tracts of mixed forest at higher elevations in the hills. To the north there are expanses of grassland and bamboo. In a region as arid as this the presence of water attracts wildlife. Luckily, the Tiger Reserve contains pools and streams, which ensure that it is frequented by both game and predators. We will explore the Tiger Reserve mainly by following a network of jeep tracks that will lead us into the forested areas. In previous years we have been able to offer elephant game - rides in some Indian reserves. These can offer wonderful opportunities to get very close to wildlife and are highly recommended when available. Unfortunately, at present, elephant game - rides have been withdrawn by the Forest Department of India. It is not the first time this has happened and, in the past on such occasions, the decision has proved a fluid one, with elephant rides sometimes in fact being offered, when individual reserves can spare the mahouts. While we cannot book elephant rides in advance, because of this situation, please be aware that during game drives you may see people on elephant - back; these will be photographers or people with a special project who have managed to obtain a special (and extremely expensive) permit from the government for the ride and is not something we would be able to offer due to the high cost (approximately £1,200 - 1,500 per permit per ride). If the situation changes, and we are once again able to offer our usual elephant game - rides we will of course inform you and do our best to try and book one for you. Tigers are elusive creatures and quick to vanish into cover, but a huge paw print in the dust or the alarm cries of deer or langurs often betray the presence of an animal. At moments like this it is essential that we are, as a group, both silent and patient. Our reward for this will hopefully be an unforgettable moment. When the king of the forest saunters into view with scarcely a glance at the human intruders, then walks in a deliberate manner across the track only to disappear again into the undergrowth, it is one of the most thrilling wildlife spectacles in the world. As well as making early morning and afternoon excursions we will also have periods of relaxation back at our lodge, which are especially welcome during the midday heat. Although Tigers are the star attraction at Bandhavgarh, there is an impressive supporting cast of mammals and birds, the latter including species such as Grey - headed Fishing Eagle, Plum - headed Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Greater Racket - tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise Flycatcher; over 250 species have been recorded in the Reserve. Tour members with an interest in ornithology will value the time between game drives as an opportunity to explore some of the habitats close to our base. There is no shortage of prey in the Reserve for both the Tigers and less frequently seen Leopards. The Spotted Deer, or Chital, is a favourite item on the Tiger menu and several thousand of these delightful deer inhabit the Reserve. Other species found here in varying abundance include Chinkara, Chousingha, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac and Nilgai. There used to be herds of Asian Bison, or Gaur, in the Reserve. However, no Gaur have been seen at Bandhavgarh since 1998, though there is a reintroduction programme currently being undertaken. A hunting pack of Indian Wild Dogs, or Dhole, is seen occasionally. Mammal sightings always require a degree of luck, particularly when a species is essentially nocturnal or reclusive, but each outing in the Reserve provides a chance to meet one of its rarer inhabitants such as Sloth Bear, Indian Fox, Jackal, Wolf, Ratel, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat or Indian Pangolin. Wild Boar are frequently heard as they root among the vegetation. Other animals present in larger numbers in the Reserve include several species of mongoose, Rhesus Macaque, Indian Hare and the delightful Palm Squirrel - lively little animals that seem to be in a constant state of agitation. Common Langurs are also plentiful, Tour Itinerary India's Wildlife - A Photography Tour 4 © Naturetrek sitting with an elevated view of the forest as they devour their favourite leaves. This gives them an excellent vantage point for spotting predators and they are often the first creatures to bark out warning of a Tiger below. We are never short of wildlife to watch in this gem of a reserve and six full days will doubtless provide many unforgettable encounters with the creatures that flourish within the protection of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

• Day 5 : Saturday - Thursday Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

  In Bandhavgarh our daily routine will include early morning and afternoon visits to the Tiger Reserve and these will provide many opportunities for wildlife viewing. We’ll be making a total of 13 game drives to the Tiger Reserve during our eight - day stay here. The aim of this tour is to see a range of India’s wildlife, including Tigers and a special focus will be given to photography. There are restrictions on the amount of time you can spend in any one location in Indian national parks and Tiger reserves. However, where possible we will stay longer than usual when there are good views of target species, to ensure everyone has taken the shots they want. The tour leaders for this trip are all experienced Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge India's Wildlife - A Photography Tour Tour Itinerary © Naturetrek 3 naturalists and wildlife photographers and they will be able to provide advice on getting the best shots and where to go to find the best views of a particular species. Of course, we can never guarantee this. Sal forest predominates in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, giving way to tracts of mixed forest at higher elevations in the hills. To the north there are expanses of grassland and bamboo. In a region as arid as this the presence of water attracts wildlife. Luckily, the Tiger Reserve contains pools and streams, which ensure that it is frequented by both game and predators. We will explore the Tiger Reserve mainly by following a network of jeep tracks that will lead us into the forested areas. In previous years we have been able to offer elephant game - rides in some Indian reserves. These can offer wonderful opportunities to get very close to wildlife and are highly recommended when available. Unfortunately, at present, elephant game - rides have been withdrawn by the Forest Department of India. It is not the first time this has happened and, in the past on such occasions, the decision has proved a fluid one, with elephant rides sometimes in fact being offered, when individual reserves can spare the mahouts. While we cannot book elephant rides in advance, because of this situation, please be aware that during game drives you may see people on elephant - back; these will be photographers or people with a special project who have managed to obtain a special (and extremely expensive) permit from the government for the ride and is not something we would be able to offer due to the high cost (approximately £1,200 - 1,500 per permit per ride). If the situation changes, and we are once again able to offer our usual elephant game - rides we will of course inform you and do our best to try and book one for you. Tigers are elusive creatures and quick to vanish into cover, but a huge paw print in the dust or the alarm cries of deer or langurs often betray the presence of an animal. At moments like this it is essential that we are, as a group, both silent and patient. Our reward for this will hopefully be an unforgettable moment. When the king of the forest saunters into view with scarcely a glance at the human intruders, then walks in a deliberate manner across the track only to disappear again into the undergrowth, it is one of the most thrilling wildlife spectacles in the world. As well as making early morning and afternoon excursions we will also have periods of relaxation back at our lodge, which are especially welcome during the midday heat. Although Tigers are the star attraction at Bandhavgarh, there is an impressive supporting cast of mammals and birds, the latter including species such as Grey - headed Fishing Eagle, Plum - headed Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Greater Racket - tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise Flycatcher; over 250 species have been recorded in the Reserve. Tour members with an interest in ornithology will value the time between game drives as an opportunity to explore some of the habitats close to our base. There is no shortage of prey in the Reserve for both the Tigers and less frequently seen Leopards. The Spotted Deer, or Chital, is a favourite item on the Tiger menu and several thousand of these delightful deer inhabit the Reserve. Other species found here in varying abundance include Chinkara, Chousingha, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac and Nilgai. There used to be herds of Asian Bison, or Gaur, in the Reserve. However, no Gaur have been seen at Bandhavgarh since 1998, though there is a reintroduction programme currently being undertaken. A hunting pack of Indian Wild Dogs, or Dhole, is seen occasionally. Mammal sightings always require a degree of luck, particularly when a species is essentially nocturnal or reclusive, but each outing in the Reserve provides a chance to meet one of its rarer inhabitants such as Sloth Bear, Indian Fox, Jackal, Wolf, Ratel, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat or Indian Pangolin. Wild Boar are frequently heard as they root among the vegetation. Other animals present in larger numbers in the Reserve include several species of mongoose, Rhesus Macaque, Indian Hare and the delightful Palm Squirrel - lively little animals that seem to be in a constant state of agitation. Common Langurs are also plentiful, Tour Itinerary India's Wildlife - A Photography Tour 4 © Naturetrek sitting with an elevated view of the forest as they devour their favourite leaves. This gives them an excellent vantage point for spotting predators and they are often the first creatures to bark out warning of a Tiger below. We are never short of wildlife to watch in this gem of a reserve and six full days will doubtless provide many unforgettable encounters with the creatures that flourish within the protection of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

• Day 6 : Saturday - Thursday Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

  In Bandhavgarh our daily routine will include early morning and afternoon visits to the Tiger Reserve and these will provide many opportunities for wildlife viewing. We’ll be making a total of 13 game drives to the Tiger Reserve during our eight - day stay here. The aim of this tour is to see a range of India’s wildlife, including Tigers and a special focus will be given to photography. There are restrictions on the amount of time you can spend in any one location in Indian national parks and Tiger reserves. However, where possible we will stay longer than usual when there are good views of target species, to ensure everyone has taken the shots they want. The tour leaders for this trip are all experienced Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge India's Wildlife - A Photography Tour Tour Itinerary © Naturetrek 3 naturalists and wildlife photographers and they will be able to provide advice on getting the best shots and where to go to find the best views of a particular species. Of course, we can never guarantee this. Sal forest predominates in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, giving way to tracts of mixed forest at higher elevations in the hills. To the north there are expanses of grassland and bamboo. In a region as arid as this the presence of water attracts wildlife. Luckily, the Tiger Reserve contains pools and streams, which ensure that it is frequented by both game and predators. We will explore the Tiger Reserve mainly by following a network of jeep tracks that will lead us into the forested areas. In previous years we have been able to offer elephant game - rides in some Indian reserves. These can offer wonderful opportunities to get very close to wildlife and are highly recommended when available. Unfortunately, at present, elephant game - rides have been withdrawn by the Forest Department of India. It is not the first time this has happened and, in the past on such occasions, the decision has proved a fluid one, with elephant rides sometimes in fact being offered, when individual reserves can spare the mahouts. While we cannot book elephant rides in advance, because of this situation, please be aware that during game drives you may see people on elephant - back; these will be photographers or people with a special project who have managed to obtain a special (and extremely expensive) permit from the government for the ride and is not something we would be able to offer due to the high cost (approximately £1,200 - 1,500 per permit per ride). If the situation changes, and we are once again able to offer our usual elephant game - rides we will of course inform you and do our best to try and book one for you. Tigers are elusive creatures and quick to vanish into cover, but a huge paw print in the dust or the alarm cries of deer or langurs often betray the presence of an animal. At moments like this it is essential that we are, as a group, both silent and patient. Our reward for this will hopefully be an unforgettable moment. When the king of the forest saunters into view with scarcely a glance at the human intruders, then walks in a deliberate manner across the track only to disappear again into the undergrowth, it is one of the most thrilling wildlife spectacles in the world. As well as making early morning and afternoon excursions we will also have periods of relaxation back at our lodge, which are especially welcome during the midday heat. Although Tigers are the star attraction at Bandhavgarh, there is an impressive supporting cast of mammals and birds, the latter including species such as Grey - headed Fishing Eagle, Plum - headed Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Greater Racket - tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise Flycatcher; over 250 species have been recorded in the Reserve. Tour members with an interest in ornithology will value the time between game drives as an opportunity to explore some of the habitats close to our base. There is no shortage of prey in the Reserve for both the Tigers and less frequently seen Leopards. The Spotted Deer, or Chital, is a favourite item on the Tiger menu and several thousand of these delightful deer inhabit the Reserve. Other species found here in varying abundance include Chinkara, Chousingha, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac and Nilgai. There used to be herds of Asian Bison, or Gaur, in the Reserve. However, no Gaur have been seen at Bandhavgarh since 1998, though there is a reintroduction programme currently being undertaken. A hunting pack of Indian Wild Dogs, or Dhole, is seen occasionally. Mammal sightings always require a degree of luck, particularly when a species is essentially nocturnal or reclusive, but each outing in the Reserve provides a chance to meet one of its rarer inhabitants such as Sloth Bear, Indian Fox, Jackal, Wolf, Ratel, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat or Indian Pangolin. Wild Boar are frequently heard as they root among the vegetation. Other animals present in larger numbers in the Reserve include several species of mongoose, Rhesus Macaque, Indian Hare and the delightful Palm Squirrel - lively little animals that seem to be in a constant state of agitation. Common Langurs are also plentiful, Tour Itinerary India's Wildlife - A Photography Tour 4 © Naturetrek sitting with an elevated view of the forest as they devour their favourite leaves. This gives them an excellent vantage point for spotting predators and they are often the first creatures to bark out warning of a Tiger below. We are never short of wildlife to watch in this gem of a reserve and six full days will doubtless provide many unforgettable encounters with the creatures that flourish within the protection of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

• Day 7 : Saturday - Thursday Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

  In Bandhavgarh our daily routine will include early morning and afternoon visits to the Tiger Reserve and these will provide many opportunities for wildlife viewing. We’ll be making a total of 13 game drives to the Tiger Reserve during our eight - day stay here. The aim of this tour is to see a range of India’s wildlife, including Tigers and a special focus will be given to photography. There are restrictions on the amount of time you can spend in any one location in Indian national parks and Tiger reserves. However, where possible we will stay longer than usual when there are good views of target species, to ensure everyone has taken the shots they want. The tour leaders for this trip are all experienced Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge India's Wildlife - A Photography Tour Tour Itinerary © Naturetrek 3 naturalists and wildlife photographers and they will be able to provide advice on getting the best shots and where to go to find the best views of a particular species. Of course, we can never guarantee this. Sal forest predominates in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, giving way to tracts of mixed forest at higher elevations in the hills. To the north there are expanses of grassland and bamboo. In a region as arid as this the presence of water attracts wildlife. Luckily, the Tiger Reserve contains pools and streams, which ensure that it is frequented by both game and predators. We will explore the Tiger Reserve mainly by following a network of jeep tracks that will lead us into the forested areas. In previous years we have been able to offer elephant game - rides in some Indian reserves. These can offer wonderful opportunities to get very close to wildlife and are highly recommended when available. Unfortunately, at present, elephant game - rides have been withdrawn by the Forest Department of India. It is not the first time this has happened and, in the past on such occasions, the decision has proved a fluid one, with elephant rides sometimes in fact being offered, when individual reserves can spare the mahouts. While we cannot book elephant rides in advance, because of this situation, please be aware that during game drives you may see people on elephant - back; these will be photographers or people with a special project who have managed to obtain a special (and extremely expensive) permit from the government for the ride and is not something we would be able to offer due to the high cost (approximately £1,200 - 1,500 per permit per ride). If the situation changes, and we are once again able to offer our usual elephant game - rides we will of course inform you and do our best to try and book one for you. Tigers are elusive creatures and quick to vanish into cover, but a huge paw print in the dust or the alarm cries of deer or langurs often betray the presence of an animal. At moments like this it is essential that we are, as a group, both silent and patient. Our reward for this will hopefully be an unforgettable moment. When the king of the forest saunters into view with scarcely a glance at the human intruders, then walks in a deliberate manner across the track only to disappear again into the undergrowth, it is one of the most thrilling wildlife spectacles in the world. As well as making early morning and afternoon excursions we will also have periods of relaxation back at our lodge, which are especially welcome during the midday heat. Although Tigers are the star attraction at Bandhavgarh, there is an impressive supporting cast of mammals and birds, the latter including species such as Grey - headed Fishing Eagle, Plum - headed Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Greater Racket - tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise Flycatcher; over 250 species have been recorded in the Reserve. Tour members with an interest in ornithology will value the time between game drives as an opportunity to explore some of the habitats close to our base. There is no shortage of prey in the Reserve for both the Tigers and less frequently seen Leopards. The Spotted Deer, or Chital, is a favourite item on the Tiger menu and several thousand of these delightful deer inhabit the Reserve. Other species found here in varying abundance include Chinkara, Chousingha, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac and Nilgai. There used to be herds of Asian Bison, or Gaur, in the Reserve. However, no Gaur have been seen at Bandhavgarh since 1998, though there is a reintroduction programme currently being undertaken. A hunting pack of Indian Wild Dogs, or Dhole, is seen occasionally. Mammal sightings always require a degree of luck, particularly when a species is essentially nocturnal or reclusive, but each outing in the Reserve provides a chance to meet one of its rarer inhabitants such as Sloth Bear, Indian Fox, Jackal, Wolf, Ratel, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat or Indian Pangolin. Wild Boar are frequently heard as they root among the vegetation. Other animals present in larger numbers in the Reserve include several species of mongoose, Rhesus Macaque, Indian Hare and the delightful Palm Squirrel - lively little animals that seem to be in a constant state of agitation. Common Langurs are also plentiful, Tour Itinerary India's Wildlife - A Photography Tour 4 © Naturetrek sitting with an elevated view of the forest as they devour their favourite leaves. This gives them an excellent vantage point for spotting predators and they are often the first creatures to bark out warning of a Tiger below. We are never short of wildlife to watch in this gem of a reserve and six full days will doubtless provide many unforgettable encounters with the creatures that flourish within the protection of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

• Day 8 : Saturday - Thursday Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

  In Bandhavgarh our daily routine will include early morning and afternoon visits to the Tiger Reserve and these will provide many opportunities for wildlife viewing. We’ll be making a total of 13 game drives to the Tiger Reserve during our eight - day stay here. The aim of this tour is to see a range of India’s wildlife, including Tigers and a special focus will be given to photography. There are restrictions on the amount of time you can spend in any one location in Indian national parks and Tiger reserves. However, where possible we will stay longer than usual when there are good views of target species, to ensure everyone has taken the shots they want. The tour leaders for this trip are all experienced Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge India's Wildlife - A Photography Tour Tour Itinerary © Naturetrek 3 naturalists and wildlife photographers and they will be able to provide advice on getting the best shots and where to go to find the best views of a particular species. Of course, we can never guarantee this. Sal forest predominates in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, giving way to tracts of mixed forest at higher elevations in the hills. To the north there are expanses of grassland and bamboo. In a region as arid as this the presence of water attracts wildlife. Luckily, the Tiger Reserve contains pools and streams, which ensure that it is frequented by both game and predators. We will explore the Tiger Reserve mainly by following a network of jeep tracks that will lead us into the forested areas. In previous years we have been able to offer elephant game - rides in some Indian reserves. These can offer wonderful opportunities to get very close to wildlife and are highly recommended when available. Unfortunately, at present, elephant game - rides have been withdrawn by the Forest Department of India. It is not the first time this has happened and, in the past on such occasions, the decision has proved a fluid one, with elephant rides sometimes in fact being offered, when individual reserves can spare the mahouts. While we cannot book elephant rides in advance, because of this situation, please be aware that during game drives you may see people on elephant - back; these will be photographers or people with a special project who have managed to obtain a special (and extremely expensive) permit from the government for the ride and is not something we would be able to offer due to the high cost (approximately £1,200 - 1,500 per permit per ride). If the situation changes, and we are once again able to offer our usual elephant game - rides we will of course inform you and do our best to try and book one for you. Tigers are elusive creatures and quick to vanish into cover, but a huge paw print in the dust or the alarm cries of deer or langurs often betray the presence of an animal. At moments like this it is essential that we are, as a group, both silent and patient. Our reward for this will hopefully be an unforgettable moment. When the king of the forest saunters into view with scarcely a glance at the human intruders, then walks in a deliberate manner across the track only to disappear again into the undergrowth, it is one of the most thrilling wildlife spectacles in the world. As well as making early morning and afternoon excursions we will also have periods of relaxation back at our lodge, which are especially welcome during the midday heat. Although Tigers are the star attraction at Bandhavgarh, there is an impressive supporting cast of mammals and birds, the latter including species such as Grey - headed Fishing Eagle, Plum - headed Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Greater Racket - tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise Flycatcher; over 250 species have been recorded in the Reserve. Tour members with an interest in ornithology will value the time between game drives as an opportunity to explore some of the habitats close to our base. There is no shortage of prey in the Reserve for both the Tigers and less frequently seen Leopards. The Spotted Deer, or Chital, is a favourite item on the Tiger menu and several thousand of these delightful deer inhabit the Reserve. Other species found here in varying abundance include Chinkara, Chousingha, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac and Nilgai. There used to be herds of Asian Bison, or Gaur, in the Reserve. However, no Gaur have been seen at Bandhavgarh since 1998, though there is a reintroduction programme currently being undertaken. A hunting pack of Indian Wild Dogs, or Dhole, is seen occasionally. Mammal sightings always require a degree of luck, particularly when a species is essentially nocturnal or reclusive, but each outing in the Reserve provides a chance to meet one of its rarer inhabitants such as Sloth Bear, Indian Fox, Jackal, Wolf, Ratel, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat or Indian Pangolin. Wild Boar are frequently heard as they root among the vegetation. Other animals present in larger numbers in the Reserve include several species of mongoose, Rhesus Macaque, Indian Hare and the delightful Palm Squirrel - lively little animals that seem to be in a constant state of agitation. Common Langurs are also plentiful, Tour Itinerary India's Wildlife - A Photography Tour 4 © Naturetrek sitting with an elevated view of the forest as they devour their favourite leaves. This gives them an excellent vantage point for spotting predators and they are often the first creatures to bark out warning of a Tiger below. We are never short of wildlife to watch in this gem of a reserve and six full days will doubtless provide many unforgettable encounters with the creatures that flourish within the protection of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

• Day 9 : Saturday - Thursday Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

  In Bandhavgarh our daily routine will include early morning and afternoon visits to the Tiger Reserve and these will provide many opportunities for wildlife viewing. We’ll be making a total of 13 game drives to the Tiger Reserve during our eight - day stay here. The aim of this tour is to see a range of India’s wildlife, including Tigers and a special focus will be given to photography. There are restrictions on the amount of time you can spend in any one location in Indian national parks and Tiger reserves. However, where possible we will stay longer than usual when there are good views of target species, to ensure everyone has taken the shots they want. The tour leaders for this trip are all experienced Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge India's Wildlife - A Photography Tour Tour Itinerary © Naturetrek 3 naturalists and wildlife photographers and they will be able to provide advice on getting the best shots and where to go to find the best views of a particular species. Of course, we can never guarantee this. Sal forest predominates in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, giving way to tracts of mixed forest at higher elevations in the hills. To the north there are expanses of grassland and bamboo. In a region as arid as this the presence of water attracts wildlife. Luckily, the Tiger Reserve contains pools and streams, which ensure that it is frequented by both game and predators. We will explore the Tiger Reserve mainly by following a network of jeep tracks that will lead us into the forested areas. In previous years we have been able to offer elephant game - rides in some Indian reserves. These can offer wonderful opportunities to get very close to wildlife and are highly recommended when available. Unfortunately, at present, elephant game - rides have been withdrawn by the Forest Department of India. It is not the first time this has happened and, in the past on such occasions, the decision has proved a fluid one, with elephant rides sometimes in fact being offered, when individual reserves can spare the mahouts. While we cannot book elephant rides in advance, because of this situation, please be aware that during game drives you may see people on elephant - back; these will be photographers or people with a special project who have managed to obtain a special (and extremely expensive) permit from the government for the ride and is not something we would be able to offer due to the high cost (approximately £1,200 - 1,500 per permit per ride). If the situation changes, and we are once again able to offer our usual elephant game - rides we will of course inform you and do our best to try and book one for you. Tigers are elusive creatures and quick to vanish into cover, but a huge paw print in the dust or the alarm cries of deer or langurs often betray the presence of an animal. At moments like this it is essential that we are, as a group, both silent and patient. Our reward for this will hopefully be an unforgettable moment. When the king of the forest saunters into view with scarcely a glance at the human intruders, then walks in a deliberate manner across the track only to disappear again into the undergrowth, it is one of the most thrilling wildlife spectacles in the world. As well as making early morning and afternoon excursions we will also have periods of relaxation back at our lodge, which are especially welcome during the midday heat. Although Tigers are the star attraction at Bandhavgarh, there is an impressive supporting cast of mammals and birds, the latter including species such as Grey - headed Fishing Eagle, Plum - headed Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Greater Racket - tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise Flycatcher; over 250 species have been recorded in the Reserve. Tour members with an interest in ornithology will value the time between game drives as an opportunity to explore some of the habitats close to our base. There is no shortage of prey in the Reserve for both the Tigers and less frequently seen Leopards. The Spotted Deer, or Chital, is a favourite item on the Tiger menu and several thousand of these delightful deer inhabit the Reserve. Other species found here in varying abundance include Chinkara, Chousingha, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac and Nilgai. There used to be herds of Asian Bison, or Gaur, in the Reserve. However, no Gaur have been seen at Bandhavgarh since 1998, though there is a reintroduction programme currently being undertaken. A hunting pack of Indian Wild Dogs, or Dhole, is seen occasionally. Mammal sightings always require a degree of luck, particularly when a species is essentially nocturnal or reclusive, but each outing in the Reserve provides a chance to meet one of its rarer inhabitants such as Sloth Bear, Indian Fox, Jackal, Wolf, Ratel, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat or Indian Pangolin. Wild Boar are frequently heard as they root among the vegetation. Other animals present in larger numbers in the Reserve include several species of mongoose, Rhesus Macaque, Indian Hare and the delightful Palm Squirrel - lively little animals that seem to be in a constant state of agitation. Common Langurs are also plentiful, Tour Itinerary India's Wildlife - A Photography Tour 4 © Naturetrek sitting with an elevated view of the forest as they devour their favourite leaves. This gives them an excellent vantage point for spotting predators and they are often the first creatures to bark out warning of a Tiger below. We are never short of wildlife to watch in this gem of a reserve and six full days will doubtless provide many unforgettable encounters with the creatures that flourish within the protection of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

• Day 10 : Friday Overnight Train to Agra

  We take our final game drive in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve this morning and, if we are lucky, we will end our stay with some more special sightings! Later in the day we drive to Katni Rail Station and board the overnight express to Agra. We’ll have air - conditioned sleeper compartments for this journey.

• Day 11 : Saturday Agra & Delhi

  We arrive in the fascinating Moghul city of Agra in the morning. After refreshing ourselves at a city hotel (where only a few rooms will be booked for the whole group for wash and change) we will head straight for Agra’s most famous monument, the Taj Mahal. We will spend the whole morning enjoying the magnificent atmosphere of the Taj, its splendid gardens with their backdrop of the Yamuna River and the bird life within the grounds. Later, after tearing ourselves away from the magical Taj, we will visit I’timad - ud - Daulah (meaning ‘baby Taj’), the mausoleum of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal, the lady of the Taj. This monument is as magnificent as the Taj Mahal itself and set in idyllic riverside gardens. Agra Fort, too, is a marvellous structure, with towering walls 20m high. By the time we are ready to board our evening express train to Delhi, we’ll have had a wonderful cultural day. Arriving in Delhi three hours later, we will be transferred straight to the airport to catch our return flight to London.

• Day 12 : Departure

  Morning after breakfast drive back to Delhi, arrive Delhi straight departure transfer to airport for onward Journey.
  End of Services.

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Inclusions

• Hotel

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Package Start From

• Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh, India, Asia

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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• Kinnaur Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India
• 08069247170 (Ext : 628)
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