India Wildlife ToursOur India Wildlife tours are aimed specifically at the wildlife enthusiast and anyone who has ever wanted to see a tiger in the wild. But the natural wonders of India range far beyond its tiger reserves. India's cities, with their diverse cultures and fascinating history, have a lot to offer the traveller. The bustling port city of Mumbai on the coast of the Arabian Sea boasts the Gateway to India. Colourful Delhi is the home of myriad mosques, monuments, temples, bazaars and forts. The world's most famous monument to love, the Taj Mahal, is situated in Agra. India's natural locations are just as spectacular. Ladakh is nestled amongst majestic mountains and scattered with Tibetan monasteries. Blessed with a cool, refreshing climate and a panoramic view of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is most famous for its once magnificent tea estates. Rajasthan is home to invincible desert forts, magnificent palaces and undulating sand dunes. The city of Amritsar in Punjab is home to the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion, with its intricate marble walls and golden dome. From high mountain passes to tropical beaches, the vast country of India offers something for everyone and the travel professionals at African Encounter can help you put together your ideal Indian journey. |
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India's Wildlife
With its rusty red coat, white markings and black stripes, the tiger is perhaps the most glamorous jungle animal. A rare species, tigers are highly territorial and solitary. The dense jungle they favour and their exceptional camouflage makes them notoriously difficult to spot. However, a glimpse of this beautiful animal in the wild is a truly rewarding sight. Tigers will only inhabit territory where plenty of prey is found, and prefer to hunt at night, rarely being spotted stalking their prey. During the heat of the Indian day, they may be seen cooling off in pools or rivers and are excellent swimmers.
The elegant spotted chital deer are endemic to India. Golden brown in colour, with big eyes and ears, these delicate looking animals make a pretty sight grazing in a jungle clearing. Males have three-tined antlers that they shed once a year. With two peak rutting seasons a year, these prolific breeders make excellent prey for the tiger. Chital are most active in the early morning and evening hours. When they sense the presence of a predator, they give our sharp alarm calls, which are often referred to as the quintessential sound of the Indian jungle.
Trapeze artists of the jungle, the gray langur pull off acrobatic stunts among the trees. With their distinctive black faces, ears and limbs, and smooth gray coats, these little animals always looked impeccably groomed. Spending most of their time in the trees, they feed on leaves, stalks, fruits, buds and flowers. Chital deer are frequently spotted feeding on leaves dropped by the langur. The langur's coughing, guttural alarm calls are often the first indication of a predator on the prowl. They also give out a whooping call in the early morning hours to indicate territory or greet other troops.
Giants of the grasslands, Indian gaur are the largest wild bovines in the world. The handsome, muscular males of this wild ox, with their jet black coats, can weigh up to 1 000 kg (2 205 lb). The females are smaller, with coffee coloured coats, and both sexes sport white markings below the knees that resemble stockings. Despite their size, they are shy animals and are normally found in herds of 10 to 15. After the monsoon season gaur are frequently spotted grazing on the fresh green grass in the valleys of Pench, moving to higher elevations in the early summers.
The rocky escarpments and lowland forests are the ideal habitat for the sloth bear. With its shaggy, auburn fur and the white V on its chest, the sloth bear's cuddly appearance is belied only by its curved claws, used for breaking into termite mounds. Ants and termites form the bulk of the bear's diet, although it also enjoys honey, flowers, tubers, fruits, grains, and even meat and eggs. Sloth bear cubs are born in caves or among large boulders and remain with their mothers for up to two years. Cubs jostle with each other for a secure position on their mother's back, where they remain even when she is running or climbing.
Under cover of darkness, the Indian jungle resounds with the eerie, chattering calls of the striped hyena. Striped hyena have a brownish-grey coat covered in stripes, a massive head and coarse fur running down the spine, ending in a bushy tail. Unlike their spotted African cousins, Indian hyena are solitary and are almost entirely nocturnal. They make their living mainly by scavenging and have been known to confront the big cats, even tiger, at their kills. However, when the need arises they are also adept hunters, taking down small to medium-sized prey.
Another of India's predators is the Indian wild dog or dhole. While its large, round ears are similar to its African cousin, its colouring is distinct, with a reddish brown back and flanks, and white or ginger neck, chest and belly. Wild dogs are highly social animals, living in organised family groups with a strict social hierarchy. The dominant pair in the pack are usually the sole breeders, although most of the other adults will help feed the young. Pack members bond through playing and mock-fighting, as well as grooming each other. The wild dog's extraordinary vocal range ensures close communication within the pack.
Kanha is particularly renowned for its thriving population of the highly endangered hardwater barasingha, a species of swamp deer that was brought back from the brink of extinction in the park. These handsome animals are remarkable for their outstanding antlers, with a mature male boasting between ten and fourteen tines on their horns. Unlike the nocturnal sambar deer, in the morning and evening barasingha can be spotted feeding in grassy clearings close to the forests. Their shrill, baying alarm calls often announce the presence of predators.
The national bird of India, the peacock, is often spotted displaying its spectacular colours among the dense forests of Panna. The male is famous for its iridescent blue-green plumage and extravagant tail, which it displays as part of its courtship ritual. The female, or peahen, is far less flashy, with her dull green and grey feathers. During mating season, the loud, high pitched cries of the peacock echo hauntingly through the jungle. Peacocks are ravenous eaters and will feed on anything from insects and plants to mice and scorpions, or even small reptiles and amphibians. The peacock is an important symbol in Indian folklore and mythology.
Viewing the wildlife:
- Twice daily game drives - explore the dense jungles of Bandhavgarh National Park on early morning and afternoon game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. One of our specially trained naturalists will accompany you throughout, pointing out and explaining details about the fascinating animals and plants of the jungle. Your early morning drive enters the park as the dawn is breaking over the jungle. You might stop for a mid-morning snack at the ancient fort. On an afternoon drive, watch out for the elusive leopard and listen to the calls of jackal getting ready for the hunt.
- Guided nature walks - In the quiet midday hours between game drives explore the sprawling grounds of Mahua Kothi in the company of your naturalist. Learn about the jungle vegetation from your naturalist and keep an eye out for fascinating insects. Watch colourful birds and butterflies flutter by, and try to identify them from your Star Birds list.
- Tiger viewing from elephant back - This activity is dependent on the National Park by which it is run and generally only takes place in the early mornings. If news comes in of a tiger sighting, you will be driven to the nearest access area, where you will climb on the back of an elephant and slowly move towards the tiger. After a photo session, the elephant will take you back to your waiting vehicle.
Pench National Park
Intersected by the Pench River from which it takes its name, the hills, forests and valleys of Pench National Park lie at the foot of the Satpura Range. The park is very rich in wildlife and a number of endangered species make it their home. Apart from the magnificent tiger, Pench has large numbers of wild pig, nilgai, chital, muntjac, gaur and four horned antelope. Leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, porcupine, jungle cat, fox and striped hyena also make an appearance.
A number of streams and nullahs flows through the teak forest of Pench, although most of them are seasonal. Even the Pench River dries up in April, leaving only scattered pools known as dohs. Chital, sambar and nilgai are commonly found grazing on the banks of the rivers and reservoirs. The groups of prey animals attract the majestic tiger to these deeply forested regions. In contrast, the elusive leopard prefers the outskirts of the dense jungle. Jackals are seen throughout the park and packs of wild dog may also be spotted. In the summer months herds of gaur can graze near streams and bamboo patches. Sloth bear occupy the hills and rocky outcrops. The park is also rich in bird life, with over 200 species that include barbets, bulbuls, minivets, orioles, wagtails, munias, mynas, waterfowl and blue kingfishers.
The forests of Pench consist mainly of teak, interspersed with bamboo and shrub species. Creating a startling contrast to the lush greenery with its pale bark and outspread branches, the kullu tree shimmers in the jungle depths. Many rare varieties of herbs and grasses occur in the park's open areas, many of them with fascinating medicinal uses.
Baghvan Jungle Lodge
With its open rooftop machans and large wooden decks that overlook the shady nullah, guests to Baghvan Pench Jungle Lodge are constantly immersed in the sights and sounds of the Indian jungle.
Rich birdlife flits through the trees overhanging your machan and monkeys chatter excitedly in the dense foliage. The sounds of the jungle filter through the night and you drift off to sleep to the distant yipping of jackal.
The sandy bed of the dry nullah provides a clear path through the dense jungle for the forest's inhabitants and guests needn't be surprised to find a sambar deer on their doorstep in the morning.
- Just five minutes drive from the entrance to Pench national Park
- View the majestic tiger from the back of an elephant
- Open rooftop machan or covered platform for romantic sleepouts
- Overlooks a dry river bed or nullah, a favoured route of Pench tigers
- Mouthwatering aromas from the interactive kitchen will entice and challenge with colourful spices and recipes.
Kanha National Park
One of India's largest wildlife reserves, Kanha National Park covers 1 945 km² (750 square miles) of pristine Indian wilderness. An excellent habitat for many mammals and bird species, Kanha's lowland forest is a mixture of typical forest trees, interspersed with meadows, while its highland forests are made up of tropical, deciduous species, with bamboo growing freely on the slopes. The Indian ghost tree, or kullu, with its pale bark, shines through the lush vegetation of Kanha.
Open meadows, or maidans, attract herds of chital and sambar, the most abundant prey species for the majestic tiger. Apart from the king of the jungle, Kanha is also home to common grey langur, wild boar, gaur and leopard. The rare barasingha, or hardground swamp deer, survive thanks to stringent conservation efforts in the park. The beautiful and diverse landscape of Kanha is also ideal for birdwatching, with 175 species, including the purple heron, pond heron and white-eyed buzzard, being recorded.
Banjaar Tola Tented Camp
Overlooking the lush forests and grassy meadows of Kanha National Park, at Banjaar Tola Kanha Tented Camp you are one with the environment.
Just 18 lightweight tented suites are spread out along the riverbank and into the sal forest. Contemporary, flowing shapes, canvas walls and roofs, and immense glass doors that let in the Indian sky create an atmosphere that is light and ethereal.
In the silence of the night, listen to the jungle sounds floating across the river from the comfort of your tented suite.
Admire stunning river views from the privacy of your own veranda or share the experiences of the day on dramatic decks facing the Banjaar River.
- Track the majestic tiger, as well as the endangered hardwater barasingha or swamp deer
- On the banks of the Banjaar River
- Ethereal tented camp with light footprint
- Genuine jungle atmosphere, floating verandas and jungle dinners
Bandhavgarh National Park
Famed for its tiger sightings, Bandhavgarh National Park is also known as one of India's most beautiful reserves. With its high tiger densities, it is a prime destination for viewing this rare and beautiful animal. At only 437 km² (169 square miles) Bandhavgarh is not one of India's largest parks, but it is noted for its incredible diversity. Although it is best known for its tigers, the park is also home to 37 species of mammals, including leopard, chital (spotted deer), sambar deer, nilgai, wild boar, chinkara, sloth bear, rhesus macaque, grey langur, jungle cat, hyena, porcupine, jackal, fox and wild dog. It is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with more than 250 types of birds and 70 different butterflies.
Most of Bandhavgarh consists of jungle with mainly sal trees. The northern reaches of the park are covered with vast grasslands and bamboo forests. This bowl of thick forest is enclosed by cliffs and wooded mountains. Clear, tricking streams intersect the vast plains and create swampy meadows, known as bohera, in the gently sloping valleys. Kingfishers and hunchbacked egrets are often seen in the shallows. High above, vultures build their nests in the sheer cliffs. Great rocky hills rise from the densely forested depths of the valleys and it is from the largest one of these that the park derives its name. The Hindu Lord Rama is said to have given this hill to his brother Laxman as a watch post, giving rise to the name Bandhavgarh, which means 'brother's fort' in Sanskrit.
Known for more than just its natural diversity and beauty, Bandhavgarh is a park with a rich historical past. Long maintained as a shikargah, or private game reserve, by the maharajas of Rewa, it was also the site where the famous white tigers of Rewa, now extinct, were discovered. Guests to the park can also explore a 2 000 year old fort and a 10th century statue of Lord Vishnu.
Mahua Kothi Jungle Lodge
Guests in search of an authentic jungle experience won't be disappointed at Mahua Kothi Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge, where just 12 kutiyas scattered around an original homestead disappear into the bamboo fronds.
Given over to natural forest, the vast grounds create a park-like atmosphere that guests are free to explore on bicycles invitingly parked in the private courtyards of their jungle suites.
Eclectic Indian handicrafts create humorous touches and original homestead furniture contributes to the feeling of a personal home.
Rural accents, like our traditional vegetable garden or baghia, with a bullock cart that doubles as buffet table, or picnic lunches under the mahua tree, enchant and delight. Cocktails or an evening meal served in the light of the moon on the rooftop of the main veranda enhance the beauty of fragrant Indian nights.
- Just 10 minutes away from the entrance to Bandhavgarh National Park, famed for its tiger sightings
- Bandhavgarh is one of India's most beautiful reserves
- Explore India's rich cultural past with a 2 000 year old fort and ancient statue of Lord Vishnu
- Charming kutiyas with private courtyards
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest and most famous national parks in northern India. It is situated in southeastern Rajastan, about 130 km from Jaipur.
Ranthambhore was established in 1955 and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973. Ranthambhore became a national park in 1980 and in 1991 the tiger reserve was enlarged to include Sawai Man Singh and Keladevi sanctuaries.
The park lies at the edge of a plateau, and is named for the historic Ranthambhore fortress, which lies within the national park. The park covers an area of 392 km², and is famous for its tiger population. Other major wild animals include the leopard, nilgai, dhole, wild boar, sambar, htena, sloth bear and chital. It is also home to wide variety of birds and is also the site of one of the largest banyan trees in India.
Khem Villas, Luxury Jungle Camp
Khem Villas is established on land purchased in 1989 and converted into a wilderness area by planting indigenous trees and creating open grasslands and small water bodies, spread over an area of 10 acres it has become a habitat in itself. It is common to see jackals, jungle cats, hyenas, desert fox, hares etc. within the camp grasslands. As it is close to the park one can sometimes see pug-marks of leopards, tiger and bears that have passed by and sometimes if one is lucky one may even get to see them near the camp. The different habitats within the property have created a bird watchers paradise. Guests view all kinds of birds from the flocks of White Throats among the grasslands to the Sparrow hawks hovering in the sky, the Black Winged Kites in the trees and the Moore Hen near the water hole. The peace and tranquillity offered at camp is unlike that of any other place in Ranthambhore.
Accommodation is divided into three categories and designed keeping in mind that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication; great pains have been taken to use locally sourced materials and skills. The camp is designed to provide an authentic experience that is unfussy, functional yet special.
Cottages
These are stand-alone cottages with a total private area of 40 X 40 feet. This includes a spacious and comfortable bedroom, large bathroom, an open to sky private plunge pool with an outdoor shower. Also included in this space is a large private courtyard and veranda. The bedroom is air-conditioned with a large glass doors overlooking beautiful undisturbed vistas that could be a water body or a dense jungle.
Tents
These are erected on a wooden platform on a steel frame with all the modern amenities. The bathrooms are minimalist using simple natural materials like bamboo and wood to give a rustic charm without compromising on comfort and functionality.
Rooms
The main building provides four bedrooms that are self contained and can be used as individual rooms or can provide the option for a small group to hire the entire portion as a private space to be enjoyed together. All the rooms are air-conditioned spacious with en suite bathrooms. The upstairs rooms have large bay windows from which you can enjoy view along with the multitude of sounds of nature.
Food
The food in the camp is freshly cooked using mainly home grown organic vegetables. Even the milk is from the local farm where the cows are fed organic feed. Guests will be provided a satisfying selection of Indian, Western and Oriental Cuisine during their stay. Out of respect to nature all the food at Khem Villas is vegetarian; rest assured, you will be pleasantly surprised!
Sample Wildlife Itinerary (Brief)
Day 1
Arrive in Mumbai today . Upon arrival assisted transfer to hotel Taj Mahal Palace & Towers.
Overnight: The Taj Mahal Hotel, Luxury Grand Sea Facing (Breakfast)
Day 2 (Mumbai -‑ Nagpur )
Early morning assisted transfer to board flight for Nagpur S2-111 (departs at 0705 and arrives Nagpur at 0825 hrs). Upon arrival in Nagpur you will be met by our representative and driven to Pench National Park (92 kms/2 hrs approx) and transferred to Bagh Van. Today enjoy the afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Bagh Van, Cottage (Full board)
Day 3 & 4 (Pench)
Enjoy early morning and afternoon game drives in the national park, with the rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight: Bagh Van, Cottage (Full Board)
Day 5 (Pench - Nagpur ‑- Kanha)
This morning you will be transferred to Kanha by surface (170 kms/4 hrs approx).
{ Optional: Drive from Pench to Nagpur airport (92 kms/2 hrs approx) to board shuttle flight to Kanha airstrip in Baihar (departs at 0900 hrs and arrive Baihar at 0950 hrs). Upon arrival in Baihar you will be transferred to your hotel Banjaar Tola (1.5 hrs approx) }.
Later enjoy the afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Banjaar Tola, Cottage (Full Board)
Day 6 & 7 (Kanha)
Enjoy early morning and afternoon game drives in the national park, with the rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight: Banjaar Tola, Cottage (Full Board)
Day 8 (Kanha-Bandhavgarh)
This morning you will be transferred by road to Bandhavgarh (248 kms/ 6 hrs approx).
{ Optional : Drive from Kanha to Baihar airstrip (30 mins approx) to board shuttle flight to Bandhavgarh airstrip in Umaria (departs at 1020 hrs and arrive Umaria at 1105 hrs). Upon arrival in Umaria you will be transferred to your hotel Mahua Kothi (01 hrs approx) }
Later enjoy the afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Mahua Kothi, Cottage (Full Board)
Day 9 & 10 (Bandhavgarh)
Enjoy early morning and afternoon game drives in the national park, with the rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight: Mahua Kothi, Cottage (Full Board)
Day 11 (Bandhavgarh – Jabalpur – Indore – Mumbai)
Today you will be driven to Jabalpur (200 kms/4 hrs approx) to board flight IT-2802 ** (departs 1635 hrs arrives Indore 1755 hrs) to Indore to connect to Mumbai flight S2-384 (departs at 1940 and arrives Mumbai at 2050 hrs). Upon arrival in Mumbai you will be transferred to your hotel.
** IT 2802 operates only on MON, WED, FRI & SAT
Overnight: The Taj Mahal Hotel, Luxury Grand Sea Facing (Breakfast)
Day 12 (Mumbai)
(Check-out time at Taj Mahal Mumbai is 1200 hrs)
Today assisted transfer to international airport to board flight ( TBA ) for onward destination
PRICE:
Total Land Arrangement (Hotel+Transport): USD 6,995 per person on twin sharing basis excluding international airfares andsubject to confirmation on booking.
Valid from 01 Nov 2009 – 15 Apr 2010
Supplements:
Scheduled flights Airfare supplement: USD 665 per person
MUMBAI‑NAGPUR / Class: Y‑Class; Scheduled flight
JABALPUR‑INDORE / Class: Y‑Class; Scheduled flight
INDORE-MUMBAI / Class: Y-Class; Scheduled flight
Supplement for inter-park shuttle flights (rather than by road):
Shuttle flight airfare supplement: USD 1675 per person
NAGPUR‑BAIHAR; on inter park shuttle service
BAIHAR‑UMARIA; on inter park shuttle service
Timing and cost of shuttle flights is subject to change and is to be reconfirmed at the time if booking.
Baggage allowance on inter park shuttle will be 15 kilograms per person only
