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Tigerland Safari
Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Ranthambhor - Bharatpur - Agra - Umaria -
Bandavgarh - Kanha - Jabalpur - Delhi
Day 1 : 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 2 : Delhi - Ranthambore
By Train 400 km in 6 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 - perhaps the best place in the world to sight a tiger
in the wild. The Ranthambhore National Park 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, in the outskirts of the park.
Overnight at resort.
Day 3 : Ranthambore
A full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris) Overnight
at the resort.
 Day
4 : Ranthambore - Bharatpur
Keoladeo Ghana National Park By Road 400 km in 6 hr
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to Bharatpur. 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 at Bharatpur.
Day 5 : Bharatpur - Agra
By Road 55 km in 1 hr Early morning RICKSHAW RIDE at the Bird Park.
Breakfast 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 6 : 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 it's 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). Transfer to station for train to UMARIA. Overnight will be on
train.
Day 7 : 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 more scarce and the undergrowth
dies back.
A full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris).
Day 8 : Bandavgarh
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 at the resort.
Day 9 : 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 at the Kanha Resort.
Day 10 : Kanha
A full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris) Overnight
at the resort.
Day 11 : 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 12 : Delhi
Arrival Reach and check into hotel for the day. Spend day relaxing
at the hotel or spending time at local markets. Transfer to the airport
in time for flight home.
TOUR ENDS
Tigerland Safari, Wildlife Holiday
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