Tigerland
Safari
11 Nights & 12 Days
withTigerland Safari
Delhi
/ Sariska / Jaipur / Ranthambhor / Bharatpur / Agra / Khajuraho / Bandhavgarh
/ Kanha / Nagpur / Bhuwaneshwar / Calcutta / Guwahati / Kaziranga / Guwahati
/ 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.
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