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Tiger and Bird
Tour
Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Destinations:
Delhi - Ranthambhore - Bharatpur - Agra - Umaria - Bandhavgarh - Kanha - Jabalpur
- Delhi
 Day
01 : Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the
international airport in Delhi late in the night or midnight. Transfer to your
hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now
a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It
is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window
to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi - Ranthambore
By Train :400 km in 5 hr
Transfer
to the station for train to SAWAI MADHOPUR after breakfast.
Reach and
transfer to the resort. Evening free at the resort and you can relax or watch
some slides on the tiger.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction
of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and historical
richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern
Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for
a luxury holiday in the heart of the jungle. Ranthambhore <the_town.html>
- perhaps the best place in the world to sight a tiger in the wild. The Ranthambhore
National Park <the_sanctuary.html> has had more Tiger sightings than any
other National Park in the country. It has come to be known as "The land
of the Tiger", where most of the documented footage of this majestic beast
has been recorded.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying
from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical
hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow
rocky gorges. An important geological feature the ‘Great Boundary Fault’
where the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali hill ranges, meanders through the
Reserve. The National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas
in the north.
Ranthambhore forest is of tropical dry deciduous type,
further classified as Dhok climax forest because of the predominance of Dhok (Anogeissus
pendulla) found nearly everywhere. Dhok is an extremely hardy tree, capable of
withstanding prolonged droughts. The leaves of this tree are good fodder and they
are browsed by herbivores, and form a significant part of their diet. Even the
dry, fallen leaves, eaten by them, are rich source of nutrition.
 Palas
or Cheela or the Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperms) blooms magnificently around
mid-April. During the period, Kachida and Anatpura provide an amazing view, like
a forest on fire. Around Kamaldhar massive Gum trees (Sterculia urens) with smooth
white trunk stand out conspicuously. Similarly, Gurjan (Lannea coromandelica)
with greyish trunks at the banks of the lakes and soft wood Salar (Boswellia serrata)
dotted atop hills are noticeable.
Fruits of Ber (Zizyphus spp.) and
‘crocodile bark’ Tendu (Diospuyros melanoxylon) are highly relished
by Sloth Bears. The lakes abound with aquatic vegetation including duck weeds,
lilies and lotus. A haven for a multitude of wild animals, the Park boasts of
playing host to tigers, leopards, the elusive caracals, hyenas, sloth bears, wild
boars, crocodiles and so on. Besides, there are over 300 species of birds, from
the majestic Crested Serpent Eagle to the exotic Golden Oriole.
Tiger,
at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary
by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent as they
are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's activities
are very exciting.
The other kinds of cats found in Ranthambhore are
Leopard (Panthera pardus), Caracal (Felis caracal), Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis),
Fishing Cat (Felis viverrina) and the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus). Besides the big
cats, the other large predators found in Ranthambhore include Sloth Bear, Striped
Hyena, Wolf, Wild dog (or Dhole), Jackal, Indian Fox, Palm Civet, Small Indian
Civet, Common Indian Mongoose, Small Indian Mongoose, Ratel (or Honey Badger),
Marsh Crocodile and the Indian Python. There are two species of Antlers, namely
the Spotted Deer (or Chital) and the Sambhar Deer, and, two kinds of Antelopes,
namely the Indian Gazelle (or Chinkara) and the Bluebull (or Neelgai). Black Buck
(another kind of antelope), which is rarely found in the National Park is common
in Devpura area <devpura.html>, in the outskirts of the park.
Overnight will be at resort.
 Day
03 : Ranthambore
Enjoy the TIGER SAFARIS inside the jungle. (Two safaris)
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 04 : Ranthambore
Enjoy the TIGER SAFARIS inside the jungle. (Two safaris)
Overnight will
be at the resort.
Day 05 : Ranthambore - Bharatpur
Keoladeo Ghana
National Park
By Train
Proceed to Bharatpur by train after breakfast.
Your car will wait at the station and receive you to take you to your
resort.
Just 176 km from Delhi is a very special wilderness - the Keoladeo
Ghana National Park, one of the finest water-bird sanctuaries in the world. The
Maharaja of Bharatpur artificially created the lake and wetland in the 19th century.
By building small dykes and dams and diverting water from an irrigation canal,
he converted this low-lying area into a fine wild fowl shooting preserve. In a
few years, the new wetland surrounded by marginal forests was able to support
thousands of water birds.
Commonly referred to as Bharatpur, the Park
is a delight for bird watchers. Over 375 species of birds are found here and raised
paths, camouflaged by babul trees and undergrowth make viewing easy. A quiet ride
by boat in the early hours of the morning is also unforgettable experience. The
cacophony is unbelievable as painted storks, open bills, spoonbills, egrets, cormorants,
white ibis and multitudes of others, tend their young. Jacanas with their iridescent
colors and elegant tail feathers and purple moorhen can be seen delicately treading
over the floating vegetation.
Every year Bharatpur waits with bated
breath for the arrival of the Siberian cranes. There are only two wintering places
for this rare species one in Iran and the other Bharatpur and these beautiful
birds with their distinctive red beaks and facial patches, fly over 6400 km from
their summer retreats.
 Colorful
kingfishers, graceful pelicans rare Siberian cranes and Trans- continental fliers
- the migratory water - fowl are amongst the 375 species of birds found in the
Keoladeo National Park. The most spectacular nesting is that of the egrets, storks,
herons and cormorants, which make over 10,000 nests every year. This makes outstanding
bird havens of the world. The park covers an area of 28.73km.
The story
of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is incomplete without an account of the migratory
waterfowl. The most prominent waterfowl coming to this park are bareheaded and
greyleg geese. Ducks also create a lot of fluttering in the lakes. The ducks usually
found here are pintail, widgeon, common shelduck, shoveler, garganey, teal, etc.
Attracted by the influx of the waterfowl the predatory birds-tawny eagles,
spotted eagles short-toed eagles imperial eagles and fishing eagle also arrive.
They all form the apex of the biological pyramid of the sanctuary and complete
the avian food chain of the ecosystem. There are large herds of the nilgai, chital,
wild boar and fear cows in addition to a few herds of sambar.
Reach
and check in at the hotel. Proceed on RICKSHAW for viewing the birds. RICKSHAW
PULLERS have been trained by the forest department in bird watching and are knowledgeable.
Return to the lodge in the evening and relax.
Overnight will
be at Bharatpur.
Day 06 : Bharatpur - Agra
By Road : 55 km in
1 hr
 Proceed
for the early morning RICKSHAW RIDE at the Bird Park.
Breakfast will
be at hotel. Proceed to Agra.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs,
Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting
second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat
of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting
edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies,
and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains.
It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most
conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce
the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Reach Agra. Check
in at hotel.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 07 : Agra
- Umaria (Bandavgarh)
By Overnight train
Proceed to visit Taj after
breakfast. Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.
TAJ MAHAL: Little
needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre
for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble
memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be
completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart
from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly
for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work
ever seen.
 Proceed
for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar
in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the
picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
Visit
Itmadullah’s Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father
(The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).
Proceed
to station for train to UMARIA. Overnight will be on train.
Day 8
: Arrive at Bandavgarh
Reach UMARIA and transfer to Bandavgarh. Reach
and enjoy breakfast.
Bandavgarh is a new National Park with a very long
history. Set among the Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh with an area of 168sq miles
(437sq km) it contains a wide variety of habitats and a high density of game,
including a large number of Tigers. This is also the White tiger country. These
have been found in the old state of Rewa for Many years. Maharaja Martand Singh
captured the last known in 1951. This white Tiger, Mohun is now stuffed and on
display in the Palace of Maharaja of Rewa. Prior to becoming a National Park,
the forests around Bandavgarh had long been maintained as a Shikargah, or game
preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. The Maharaja and his guests carried out hunting
- otherwise the wildlife was well protected. It was considered a good omen for
Maharaja of Rewa to shoot 109 tigers. His Highness Maharaja Venkat Raman Singh
shot 111 Tigers by 1914.
 There
are 32 hills in this part of the park, which has a large natural fort at its center.
The fort’s cliffs are 2625 feet (800 meters) high, 1000 feet (300 meters)
above the surrounding countryside. Over half the area is coverd by Sal forest
although on the upper slope it is replaced by mixed forest of sal, saj, dhobin,
and saja. Winter temperatures (Nov-mid-February) vary from almost freezing at
night to around 68 degree Fahrenheit in the daytime. Summer nights are also cooler
than the daytime temperatures, which rise to 104 degree Fahrenheit. This park
is closed during the breeding season, which coincides with the monsoon (July-October).
Rainfall in the park averages50 inches (120cm) per year.
Bandavgarh
has been a center of human activity and settlement for over 2000 years, and there
are references to it in the ancient books, the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Shiva
Purana. Legend has it that Lord Rama, hero of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, stopped
at Bandavgarh on his way back to his homeland after defeating the demon King Ravana
of Lanka. Two monkey architects, who had engineered a bridge between the isle
of Lanka and the mainland, are said to have built Bandavgarh’s Fort. Later
Rama handed it over to his brother Lakshmana who became known as Bandavdhish “The
Lord of the Fort”. Lakshmana is the particular God of the fort and is regularly
worshipped in a temple there.
The oldest sign of habitation in the park
are caves dug into the sandstone to the north of the fort. Several contain Brahmi
inscriptions dating from the 1st century BC. Various dynasties have ruled the
fort, for example, the Maghas from the 1st century AD, the Vakatakas from the
3rd century AD, From that time onwards Bandavgarh was ruled by a succession of
dynasties including the Chandela Kings of Bundelkhand who built the famous temples
at Khajuraho. The Baghel Kings, the direct ancestors of the present Royal family
of Rewa, established their dynasty at Bandavgarh in the 12th century. It remained
their capital till 1617 when the center of court life moved to Rewa, 75 miles
(120Kms) to the north. Without royal patronage Bandavgarh became more and more
deserted until forest overran the area and it became the royal hunting reserve.
This helped to preserve the forest and its wildlife, although the Maharajas made
full use of their rights. Each set out to kill the auspicious number of 109 Tigers.
At independence Bandavgarh remained the private property of the Maharaja
until he gave it to the state for the formation of the National Park in 1968.
After the park was created poaching was brought under control and the number of
animals rose dramatically. Small dams and water holes were built to solve the
problem of water shortage. Grazing by local cattle was stopped and the village
within the park boundaries was relocated. The Tigers in particular prospered and
the 1986 extension provided much needed forest to accommodate them.
Bandavgarh is justifiably famous for its Tigers, but it has a wide range of other
game. The undergrowth is not as dense as in some northern terai forests, but the
best time to see the park inhabitants is still the summer months when water becomes
scarce and the undergrowth dies back. Enjoy a full day game viewing inside the
jungle. (two safaris).
Day 9 : Bandavgarh
Enjoy a full day
game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris)
Trip to the Bandavgarh
Fort: The oldest fort in India - considered to be more than 2500 years. One-hour
trek up the fort is worth the effort. The charm of this trek lies in discovering
these monuments in the jungle, unspoiled and unexplored. Some of the statues lie
off the main path and so it is best to take a guide. Apart from the avatars, well
worth seeing are three small temples of around the 12th century. These temples
are deserted but the fort is still used as a place of worship. Kabir Das, the
celebrated 16th century saint, once lived and preached here. The natural ramparts
of the fort give breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. The fort still
belongs to the Maharaja of Rewa and permission is required to visit it. However
permission is available locally and no trip to Bandhavgarh is complete without
making an effort to climb up the fort. The staff of the resort carries your lunch
while you are busy negotiating the trek to the fort.
Overnight will
be at the resort.
 Day
10 : Bandavgarh - Kanha
By Road : 255 km in 6 hr
After breakfast
drive to Kanha.
This is the place that has been described by RUDYARD
KIPLING in his great book "The Jungle Book". Located in the Mandla district
of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is a tiger reserve that extends over an
area of over 940 square km. A horseshoe shaped valley bounded by the spurs of
the Mekal presents an interesting topography. Steep rocky escarpments along the
edges offer breathtaking views of the valley. Realizing the danger on the Tiger
population in the country, the Government started the "Project Tiger"
at Kanha and in 1974 the area was declared a Tiger reserve. The park is also the
habitat of the high ground Barasingha.
In 1930s, the Kanha area was
divided into two sanctuaries - Hallon and Banjar of 250kms to 300kms each. Though
one of these was subsequently disbanded .The area remained a protected one until
1947. Depletion of the tiger population in the year that followed led to the area
being made an absolute sanctuary in 1952.
Patient watching should reward
the visitor, with a sight of Indian Fox, Sloth bear, Striped hyena, Jungle cut,
Lepord, Mouse Deer, Chausingha or four horned antelope, Nilgai, Ratel and Porcupine
Kanha has some 200 species of birds. Watchers should station themselves in the
hills, where the mixed and bamboo forests harbour many species and in the grassy
forest clearings. Water birds can be seen near the park’s many rivulets and
at Sarvantal, a pool that is frequented by water birds and the area in front of
the museum.
Excursion to Kawardha just east of the Maikala Range (up
to 1100m) to the south east of Kanha National Park, Kawardha is a small town in
Chhattisgarh (34 forts) region of M.P. In this remote area Maharaja Viswaraj Singh
has recently opened his palace to visitors. It provides a delightfully quite unspoiled
contrast with India’s big cities and with the much busier tourist circuit
of Rajasthan’s ‘palace circuit’. This town is in the center of
the Baiga tribe, who live in forest surrounding the town, and these are several
eleventh century temples in the immediate region.
Reach in the afternoon
and relax at the resort.
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 11 : Kanha
Enjoy a full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two
safaris)
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 12 : Kanha
- Jabalpur - Delhi
By Road : 180 km in 4 hr
By Overnight Train
Proceed for the morning safari into forest.
Proceed to JABALPUR after
lunch. Reach and board overnight train to Delhi.
 Day
13 : Delhi
Reach and check into hotel for the day.
Proceed for
a day tour of Old & New Delhi after freshening up at your hotel.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj
Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the
largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace
of the Moghul Empire.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour
of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutub Minar,
a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament
House and the President’s Residence and would end with a drive through the
Diplomatic Enclave.
Proceed back to the hotel and transfer to the airport in time for
flight home. (For early morning of 11th of April 2007)
TOUR
ENDS
Tiger and
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