From January to April vibrant India beckons to adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts and lovers of all things wild. The winter months offer a cooler climate in which to enjoy jungle drives in more comfortable temperatures. Wildlife and tiger photography is at its best during the months of March to May as temperatures start increasing, urging animals to remain close to waterholes.
A kaleidoscope of colours greets visitors over the months of March to April. The flowering season transforms the Central India forests into brilliant hues of reds and yellows. It’s the season for love for the deer of India, particularly swamp deer and sambar who strut their stuff from January to April.
Beginning mid-January until the end of April, those travelling to India will have the opportunity to witness the significant Hindu ceremony of Ardh Kumbh Mela, at Haridwar in North India. This must-see spectacle, where thousands of Hindu devotees flock to the banks of the Ganges to purify themselves.
We have two amazing itineraries that will take you up close and personal to the beauty and wildlife of India.
TEMPLES AND TIGERS
Cultural and wildlife enthusiasts will delight in this breathtaking 7-night India tour to Delhi and the flourishing havens of the Kanha and Pench National Parks. Fully inclusive rate per person sharing starts at $5315 CAD.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
One of the most distinguished addresses in the national capital, The Taj Mahal Hotel is located in the exclusive residential area of Lutyens’ Delhi. The hotel is a city landmark, centrally located, in close proximity to key areas.
Day 2: Tour of Delhi
In the morning take a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, which was once the grandest of market in India to taste the delicious street food. Visit Jama Masjid, which is the principal mosque of Old Delhi and the largest and best known mosque in India. In the afternoon visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Qutub Minar tower and Humayun's Tomb.
Day 3: Fly to Pench National Park
With its open rooftop machans and large wooden decks that overlook the shady nullah, guests at Baghvan Jungle Lodge are constantly immersed in the sights and sounds of the Indian jungle. A spectacular natural reserve set among typical Central Indian teak jungle, Pench National Park offers a quiet and secluded game viewing experience. Pench supports a rich variety of wildlife, including the tiger, leopard, wild dog, gaur, sambar, chital and brilliant wildlife.
Day 4: Explore Pench National Park
Explore the dense jungles of Pench National Park on early morning and afternoon game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. A specially trained naturalist 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. Explore the densely forested parts of the park, where the tiger prefer to hunt, in search of the elusive king of the jungle. On an afternoon drive, the wildlife is settling down for the night or having a final drink at the Pench River. Watch out for the elusive leopard and listen to the calling of jackal getting ready for the hunt.
Day 5: Drive to Kanha National Park
Overlooking the lush forests and grassy meadows of Kanha National Park, at Banjaar Tola Tented Camp you are one with the environment. Prime tiger wilderness, Kanha National Park was one of the first areas to be protected under Project Tiger, aimed at preserving this magnificent animal, and remains a renowned conservation area. This picturesque reserve boasts the ideal habitat for both tigers and their prey species.
Days 6 & 7: Explore Kanha National Park
Explore the sal and bamboo forests of Kanha National Park on early morning and afternoon game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. A specially trained naturalist 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. Explore the meadows, or maidans, where scores of grazing herbivores attract tiger, leopard and wild dog to the edges of the clearings. On an afternoon drive, the wildlife is settling down for the night or having a final drink at the Banjaar River or the many perennial streams that run through the park.
Day 8: Return Flight to Delhi & the end of the Trip
WILD INDIA
This exceptional 9-day India tour takes you to the vibrant attractions of India’s Old and New Delhi before whisking you away to the pristine wilderness destinations of the Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks. Fully inclusive rate per person sharing starts at $6280 CAD.
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
One of the most distinguished addresses in the national capital, The Taj Mahal Hotel is located in the exclusive residential area of Lutyens’ Delhi. The hotel is a city landmark, centrally located, in close proximity to key areas.
Day 2: Tour of Delhi
In the morning take a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, which was once the grandest of market in India to taste the delicious street food. Visit Jama Masjid, which is the principal mosque of Old Delhi and the largest and best known mosque in India. In the afternoon visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Qutub Minar tower and Humayun's Tomb.
Day 3: Fly to Kanha National Park
Overlooking the lush forests and grassy meadows of Kanha National Park, at Banjaar Tola Tented Camp you are one with the environment. Prime tiger wilderness, Kanha National Park was one of the first areas to be protected under Project Tiger, aimed at preserving this magnificent animal, and remains a renowned conservation area. This picturesque reserve boasts the ideal habitat for both tigers and their prey species.
Day 4 & 5: Explore Kanha National Park
Explore the sal and bamboo forests of Kanha National Park on early morning and afternoon game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. A specially trained naturalist 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. Explore the meadows, or maidans, where scores of grazing herbivores attract tiger, leopard and wild dog to the edges of the clearings. On an afternoon drive, the wildlife is settling down for the night or having a final drink at the Banjaar River or the many perennial streams that run through the park.
Day 6: Drive to Bandhavgarh National Park
An essential stop on any serious tiger safari, Bandhavgarh National Park is renowned for its population of tigers. A relatively small park with thriving wildlife, it offers guests a good chance of encountering the magnificent tiger, as well as other fauna like gaur, jackals, leopards and other smaller cats. Cradled between the picturesque Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges, Bandhavgarh boasts a breath-taking mixture of dense green valleys and rocky hills. Mixed deciduous forests and woodlands are interspersed with flat grasslands and serene waterholes – a beautiful setting for exciting safaris! On arrival at Bandhavgarh National Park, you will check into Mahua Kothi Jungle Lodge. 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.
Day 7 & 8: Explore Bandhavgarh National Park
Explore the dense jungles of Bandhavgarh National Park on early morning and afternoon game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. A specially trained naturalist 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. On an afternoon drive, watch out for the elusive leopard and listen to the calls of jackal getting ready for the hunt.
Day 9: Return Flight to Delhi & the end of the Trip
BOTH TRIPS INCLUDE:
- Accommodation at all hotels provided by &Beyond
- All transfers, sightseeing and overland trips by an air-conditioned vehicle
- Travel Journal
- All internal regular flights in economy class subject to change at the time of issuing
- Entrance fee and services of English-speaking local guide during sightseeing in Delhi
- Mineral water during sightseeing and overland trip
- All current taxes as on date
SAFARIS LODGES INCLUDE:
- Park fees
- Photographic fees (non-professional)
- Services of English-speaking naturalist
- Forest guide fees
- Cycle of three meals daily (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers
- Teas and coffees
- Laundry (6 pieces per person/per day)
- Scheduled safari activities morning and evening by shared jeeps
- Refreshments on game drives
- All applicable taxes
Now is the perfect time to go and visit these beautiful creatures in their equally beautiful setting!
Contact one of our Adventure Specialists today at 604-736-7447 or by click on the 'contact us' button to get yourself one step closer to walking with tigers!!
