Tigers of Central India

1. Day 1 Delhi - Nagpur - Pench (90 kms / 02 hrs)

   This morning you will be met by our representative and will be escorted from your hotel or local address in New Delhi to the airport to board your flight for Nagpur. Upon arrival at Nagpur airport you will be met by our representative and will be driven to your lodge near Pench National Park. Pench: Pench Tiger Reserve, located in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is the 19th Project Tiger Reserve and has been one of the best-kept secrets among wildlife enthusiasts who have long been acquainted with and bedazzled by its immensely varied flora and fauna. No wonder the area providing a backdrop for its animal character dominated by fairly open canopy of mixed forest, predominantly teak, with open grassy patches, the park with its undulating land boasts the highest density of herbivores in any Indian park. The population of cheetal, or spotted deer, is particularly high and there is also abundance of sambar and nilgai. Visitor cannot fail to be amazed by the mighty gaur or Indian bison, which shares its home with such diverse creatures as wild boar, sloth bear, dhole, and mongoose and jungle cat. As its name implies, the park is also home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger and the equally shy leopard. The bird life has been described by visitors as some of the best in India and among the 250 or so species are Malabar pied Hornbills, Painted stork, Long-tailed shrikes, Kingfishers, Blue jays and birds of paradise as well as Crested serpent eagles, Changeable hawk eagles and Vultures. The picturesque Pench River, which winds its way through the park, is a magnet for all birds, particularly during the winter migration when the area teems with visitor including Brahmini ducks and Bar-headed geese. Lying on the southern slopes of the Satpura ranges, the Tiger Reserve covers just over 757 sq kms and is two hours by road from Nagpur. Upon arrival check in to the Tathastu Resort. Upon arrival check in to the Pench Tree Lodge. Pench Tree Lodge: A unique experience of enjoying the bliss of the Pench National Park, the Pench Tree Lodge has 6 spacious cottages on the ground and 6 treehouses perched atop the Mahua trees. The wooden lodgings have options of king-size, queen-size and large four poster beds. Features include en suite bathrooms with 24 hours hot and cold waters, organic toiletries and bathroom essentials, tea and coffee pantry and decor of the specially-curated wildlife art and traditional patchwork. Evening jeep safari into Pench National Park. Overnight in Pench.

2. Day 2 In Pench

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

3. Day 3 Pench – Kanha (200 kms / 05 hrs)

   After breakfast drive to Kanha National Park. 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 in preserving 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 Kanha Jungle Lodge Kanha Earth Lodge: Lying in 16 acres of natural forest, the Kanha Earth Lodge is tucked away in the wilderness of the Kanha National Park. Outstanding hospitality, experienced team of naturalists and commitment towards conservation of nature and local communities make the lodge a particularly wonderful place to stay. The 12 luxury bungalows are inspired by Gond tribal architecture and have en suite bathrooms, open verandahs. All the rooms are equipped with modern luxuries. Meals at the lodge are healthy Continental and Indian food prepared from home-grown vegetables. The lodge also arranges recreational activities for the guests including nature walks, bird watching, cookery classes, elephant excursions, and village safaris. Proceed for an evening jeep safari into Kanha National Park. Overnight in 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 in Kanha.

5. Day 5 Kanha – Bandhavgarh (250 kms / 06 hrs)

   After breakfast drive to Bandhavgarh. 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 59 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 center of the reserve. The Sal Forest which predominates in the Park is replaced by 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 meters 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 favored 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, Plum-headed 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 favorite 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 Kings Lodge. Located at a 10 minutes’ drive from the Tala gate of the Bandhavgarh national park, Kings Lodge offers a wonderful wildlife holiday. Nestled in a forested estate, the lavish resort comprises of 10 well-appointed cottages and 8 stilt cottages well-equipped with modern amenities. Besides the incredible location, guests at the Kings Lodge have access to outstanding hospitality. The multi-cuisine restaurants boasts of an incredible view besides the mouth-watering dishes. Outdoor barbeque, spa treatments, bird-watching from the resort’s machan (tower), village safaris and more add to the thrilling experience of a wonderful stay. Evening jeep safari into Bandhavgarh National Park. Overnight in Bandhavgarh.

6. Day 6 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 in Bandhavgarh.

7. Day 7 Bandhavgarh – Jabalpur (220 kms / 05 hrs) & fly to Delhi & Depart

   After breakfast drive to Jabalpur airport in time to board your flight for New Delhi. Arrive New Delhi and connect your further flight home.

Price

Start from: USD 2007 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