Luxury in Indian Forest

This luxury wildlife tour entitled as “Luxury in Indian forest (jungle)” is specifically deliberate for those whose prime aim when traveling is to experience the very best. Not content with the ordinary or second best, you keenly seek out the ultimate in accommodation and avail personalized services in every aspect of your wildlife travel to Indian national parks.

Duration : 11 Nights & 12 Days
Destinations : Delhi - Khajurajo - Panna - Bandhavgarh - Kanha - Pench - Nagpur - Delhi

Day 0: Departure from U.K

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi international airport you will be welcome by our representative and escorted to your pre-booked hotel in Delhi. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02: Delhi - Khajuraho, by flight

Morning transfer to the airport to board the flight for Khajuraho. On arrival meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel. After fresh-n-up guests will be escorted to visit the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Western group of Temples at Khajuraho. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03: Khajuraho - Panna National Park

Morning after breakfast will leave for Panna National Park, our very first wildlife destination. On arrival check in at Taj Pashan Garh. After Lunch we will be heading for our very first jungle safari to Pana national Park on a specially designed Tata open 4x4 safari vehicle accompanying a trend naturalist. As you arrive back at the lodge after sunset, ice-cold signature cocktails are waiting on the guest veranda. Dinner may be served in the dining room or you may enjoy a surprise palanquin dining experience with a jungle dinner in an ox cart. Savour delicious Indian cooking, including Haandi dishes served in earthenware pots. After dinner, indulge in decadent desserts, served with tea, coffee or cognac. You will then be escorted back to your stone cottage for a peaceful night's sleep.

Panna National park is moreover wealthy in bird life. In the region of 200 species, as well as inhabitant and migratory birds institute the park. Species of birds comprise white necked stork, Painted Sandgrouse, bareheaded goose, honey Buuzzard, King vulture, Blossom headed Parakeet, Paradise flycatcher and an extensive multiplicity of owls.

About Accommodation :- Surrounded by 190 acres of private jungle wilderness, Pashan Garh draws inspiration from the dry-packed stone houses of north-central India. With breathtaking views over the dense forest, as well as a nearby waterhole, the stone cottages are approached by large flagstones. Inside, dry packed stone walls and airy architecture create the impression of a summer pavilion. Accents of ebony, chocolate and white combine with a dramatic central shower in the bathroom to create a clean, strong texture. A vast stone veranda with a comfortable day bed provides shelter from the heat of the day. Delicious Indian fare, prepared by expert chefs, is discreetly delivered using the unobtrusive butler hatches.

Day 04: Panna National Park

The next morning, your personal wake-up call will include the delivery of freshly squeezed orange juice, tea, coffee and homemade biscuits through the butler hatch for you to enjoy before departing on your morning jungle safari to the national park second time accompany with a naturalist. Later return to the Resort for fresh-n-up followed by breakfast. After breakfast will have 01 hrs boat ride on Ken River to spot the birds and some variety of reptiles such as snakes & lizards and amphibians like frogs, Crocodiles and Gharials.

After a buffet lunch we will proceed for our third safari to the national park, to spot some more wildlife species. Evening return to the resort. Overnight stay at resort.

Day 05: Panna - Bandhavgarh

We will awake with a morning call followed by tea as on previous morning & then get ready to enter to the national park for our morning scheduled safari on an open jeep accompany with a naturalist. After a morning filled with adventure, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. Enjoy freshly squeezed fruit and/or vegetable juice, or get hooked on the traditional Indian lassis! The various platters are laden with toast, jams and marmalades, chutneys, homemade muesli, fresh fruits and assorted cheese. Hot breakfasts are also prepared according to guests' preferences, with eggs and fresh breads.

Later we will drive to Bandhavgarh National Park. On arrival check in at Taj Mahua Kothi. The Mahua Kothi team will greet you at the Lodge entrance with a refreshing, ice-cold sweet and salty lime soda. A butler will then escort you to your kutiya - a charming jungle suite built in the vernacular style of Central India.

After fresh-n-up, you will be introduced to your expert naturalist, who will give you a full orientation of what to expect on your safari drives into the jungle. Dinners are a true highlight, with an abundance of flavours and textures on offer. Delectable dinner platters are served in the dining area or under the magnificent Mahua tree.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is mainly known for its Royal Bangal Tigers. It has a typical central Indian fauna & home of more than 22 species of mammals. Common langur and rhesus macaque represent the primate group. Among the carnivore species jackal, Bengal fox, sloth bear, rattle, grey (small Indian) and ruddy mongoose, striped hyena, wolf, wild dog, jungle cat, leopard and tiger are prominent. Ungulates (animals which walk on tips of their toes) include chital, sambhar, barking deer, chinkara, chausingha, nilgai and wild pig. Porcupine, lesser bandicoot and three-striped palm squirrel are among the rodents. Small Indian civet and toddy cat are also found here though seen rarely being nocturnal. Another nocturnal animal, the rufous-tailed hare is also seen usually during dusk.
Some of its mammals have been listed as threatened animals by IUCN in their red list like the wild dog, Bengal fox, sloth bear, leopard and tiger.

Day 06: Bandhavgarh National Park

Today we will awake with the morning call same as in Panna & enter twice to the national park for our morning & afternoon scheduled Jungle safari for its wildlife. Overnight stay at Resort.

Spread at vindhya hills in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park consists of a core area of 105 sq km and a buffer area of approximately 400 sq km of topography varies between steep ridges, undulating, forest and open meadows. Bandhavgarh National Park is known for the Royal Bengal Tigers. The density of the Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India. It was the former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa and at present is a famous natural hub for White Tigers.

Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968. Since then many steps have been taken to retain Bandhavgarh National Park as an un-spoilt national habitat for a variety of wildlife peculiar to the area. These includes gaur (Indian bison), sloth bear, leopard, porcupine, wild boar, sambhar and spotted deer, among others and of course, the tiger.

Day 07: Bandhavgarh - Kanha National Park

We will awake with a morning call followed by tea as on previous morning & then get ready to enter to the national park for our morning scheduled safari on an open jeep accompany with a naturalist. Later return to the resort for fresh-n-up & breakfast. After a levis breakfast we will depart for Kanha National Park. The journey by road will take approx 6 hrs to reach Kiplings country, an outstanding wildlife reserve of India. Situated within two main valleys, Halon in the east and Banjar in the west, and the grassy 'maidans', dotted with clumps of forest harbor large numbers of herbivores. The hills offer support sizeable plateaus (locally called 'Dadars') and the characterized by extensive grasslands and scant trees.

On arrival at the national park we will check in at Taj Banjaar Tola. Later, at afternoon tea, you will be introduced to your expert naturalist, who will give you a full orientation of what to expect on your safari drives into the jungle. Overnight stay at resort.

Day 08: Kanha National Park

We will continue with our scheduled jungle safari to the national park for wildlife viewing both morning & evening. Overnight stay at resort.

Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974 under Project Tiger. The park is the only habitat of the rare hard ground barasingha (Cervus Duvaceli Branderi). In the 1930s, the Kanha area was divided into two sanctuaries: Hallon and Banjar, of 250 sq km and 300 sq km each. Though one of these was subsequently disbanded, the area remained a protected one until 1947. Depletion of the tiger population in the years that followed led to the area being made an absolute sanctuary in 1952. By a special statute in 1955, Kanha National Park came into being. Since then, a series of stringent conservation programmes for the protection of the park's flora and fauna has given Kanha its deserved reputation for being one of the finest and best administered National Parks in Asia, an irresistible attraction for all wildlife lovers and a true haven for its animal and avian population.

Kanha national park is habitat for following wildlife mammals like 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.

Day 09: Kanha National Park - Pench National Park,

Morning after our scheduled jungle safari to Kanha National park, today we will be heading for Pench National park. Nestling in the lower southern reaches of the satpuda hills is named after Pench river, winding through the park from north to south. It is located on the southern boundary of Madhya Pradesh, bordering Maharashtra, in the districts of Seoni and Chhindwara. The undulating terrain of Pench is covered with small hills and well stocked taek and mixed forest. The main flora being Teak (Tectona grandis) , Saja (Terminalia tomentosa), Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium), Lendia, Haldu, Dhaora, Aonla, Amaltas etc. The ground is covered with a number of grasses, bushes, herbs & shrubs. Dazzling white Kullu trees scattered around singly in the forest is conspicuous among various hues of green. The old plantations of Teak & Bamboo add orderly vistas in the otherwise general wilderness.

On arrival check in at Taj Baghvan. As you will arrive at the Lodge, ice-cold signature cocktails are savored on the guest veranda. Dinners are a true highlight, with an abundance of flavors and textures on offer. Delectable dinner platters are served in a variety of surprise locations: among the chefs in the interactive kitchen, on the spacious veranda overlooking the nullah, by the poolside, or perhaps you will join other guests for an enchanting jungle banquet. Treat your palate to an array of Indian dishes, from stuffed lamb and marinated chicken in sealed banana leaves, to roasted vegetables and chicken tikka, all served with an assortment of fresh naan breads, homemade pickles and mint chutneys. After dinner, indulge in decadent desserts, served with tea, coffee or cognac. You will then be escorted back to your bungalow for a peaceful night's sleep.

Day 10: Pench National Park

Morning & afternoon jungle safari to the national for wildlife viewing. Overnight stay at resort.

The Pench National Park is very rich in fauna and a number of endangered species have made it their habitat. There are 25 tigers under this umbrella of the Park. 39 species of mammals, 13 species of reptiles, 3 species of amphibians. Apart from mammals and other land-based wildlife, the park is also rich in bird life. According to an estimation of the wildlife authorities, the bird population in the park counts to be over 210 species like barbets, bulbul, minivets orioles, wagtails, munias, mynas, waterfowls and blue kingfishers.

Day 11: Pench - Nagpur, 80 km - Delhi, by flight

After our very last jungle safari to the Pench national park we will return to resort for fresh-n-up & breakfast. Later we will drive to Nagpur airport to board the flight for Delhi. Arriving Delhi you will be met with our representative and escorted to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 12: Delhi - Departure

Today after breakfast we will have a city tour of Delhi including Old & New Delhi before setting off for the airport with a truly exhilarating safari experience.

Tour and Services Ends.

Price

Rates Valid From 16th Oct 13 till 30th March 2014

The Above Quote Includes:

• Accommodation as per the itinerary on twin sharing basis
• Breakfast in Delhi & Khajuraho
• Breakfast, lunch & Dinner in all the wildlife resorts.
• All the ground transport by exclusive vehicle
• Economy flight Tickets Delhi - Khajuraho & Nagpur - Delhi
• All jungle activities as per the itinerary
• Park entry fee
• Naturalist fee
• Driver allowance
• Alcoholic house beverages at all the wildlife resorts
• Laundry charges at all the wildlife resorts
• Toll tax
• Parking

The Above Quote does not include :

• Any expenses of personal nature
• Anything which is not mention above.

Remarks : A Supplementary costs would be applicable for festival periods such as Diwali, Christmas and New Year.

Images

Highlights

Reviews

Hi Tanmay,

Just writing a long overdue thank you for a wonderful (but too short!) holiday in India. We were very impressed with your service and all the trouble you went to in order to accommodate our ever changing itinery and had a fantastic holiday as a result. Also myself and Natalia got engaged in Ranthambore Park so some very fond memories.
I also wanted to thank you in particular for the service given by our driver Surendhar (I hope I have the spelling correct). He has a lovely, courteous and relaxed manner and we had fun on even the longest journeys! He was helpful in every little detail and I couldn't praise him highly enough.
We hope to return to India very soon and if we are arranging any tours yours is the first number we will call,
Cheers, Austin (U.K)

Dear Anil

Apologies for not replying to your earlier email.
My wife and I had a superb holiday in India. The sights and sounds will remain in our minds for many years to come (or at least until we return for another visit). I didn't appreciate how bespoke a tour you provide until actually arriving in India which was very reassuring.
The organisation was excellent and if permitted I would compliment the following people;
Sanjay the driver - superb ambassader really caring and friendly.
Bhim Singh Rana (Bharatpur bird park) & Surya Kant Paliwal (Jaipur) both guides were so passionate and informative on their part of the tour.
Hopefully when I revisit your country if I include Jaipur & Bharatpur in that visit then they would be my choice if guide.

The selection of hotels was good. My only critism would be the first hotel we stayed at on arrival in New Delhi - The Parkland. Being dropped off at a hotel which had only limited facilities, in a part of a city which had not "tourist" facilities - restaurants / shops etc (in fact we had no idea of what part of Delhi we staying in). Possibly the issue of a short introduction to the local area, local map or suggestions on local places of interest. Other than this the accommodation was OK.

I would recommend your agency to anybody interested in visiting India and will certainly be using your organisation again.
Thank you and your colleagues for all your assistance.

Best regards
Graham (U.k)

Dear Tanmay,

I would like to thank you for having arranged our one week Corbett trip and 2 night Delhi stay, you understood my requirement perfectly and provided a perfect holiday. The Traveller Van helped us not feel the strain of a 300 Km Journey from Delhi to Corbett, Infinity resort was comfortable at the same time rustic and not overly luxurious helping us get the perfect Jungle feel, the Jeep Safaris were always on time (05:45 AM!!) and very professional, the fishing safari was an experience in itself though the 2.5 Km mountain trek to reach the fishing beats was not anticipated and hence caused some worry to my elderly parents but in all fairness they enjoyed the experience. I would suggest though that you suggest a stay in Bijrani Forest rest house for the serious wildlife enthusiasts as they get an extra 15-20 minutes before park closes increasing chances of a tiger sighting, we did see the Tiger and enjoyed the experience.

I would definitely recommend your services.
Regards,
Naveed Naqshbandi Dubai, UAE.

To Tanmay Sharma

Just back home after 3 weeks in India. We want to tell you, that we had a wonderfull trip. Everything in your arrangement worked perferctly. Our driver, Kundan Singh, was great. We allways felt safe in his car, and he was allways there for us. On top of this he was good company, important when you spend so much time together. If you want to do something for him, let him learn a little more english. We could easily communicate, but often he needed more words. The birding guide, Nirankar Singh Yadav, was also very good. Qualified and nice to spend 10 days with. If other birdwatchers ask for a guide in that area, use him again. Thanks for your flexibility when we had bad weather in Pangoot. Camp River Wild is a great place, beautiful surroundings and a very good staff.
Birdwatchers often make a report of their trips. Others read it on the internet when planning their trips. We will definitely recommend your company and the driver as well as the birding guide in our report.

Best wishes and many thanks
Tina and Mads Elley

Hi Anil

We are now home from our trip to India and I thought I would give you a little feedback on our time at Corbett National Park.

Firstly, we loved the park and we managed to get a tiger sighting which was amazing so we felt really lucky to be fortunate enough to see one. Our driver was great and Dikhala was definitely the best place to stay to get the most from the wildlife. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there and would definitely return.

Thank you for all of your help in arranging the tour and like I say we did thoroughly enjoy our time there.

Many Thanks,
Alex Fredrickson

Hi Anil

I don't even know how to begin this mail.

Planning such a trip was a dream that I have been dreaming for more than 10 years, since I last traveled in India.

It took time and lots of effort, and finally it took form and shape, and I did it!!!

My enjoyment and satisfaction had exceeded my expectations, and I left India with a wonderful taste and a desire to do it again!!

It would not have been so successful without your skillful trip production. Every place you booked for us was excellent. From

Bandhavgarh, to Kanha, from Pench to Agra, it was all super good. Accommodation, food, transport, guides, you have chosen the best for me, and I am thankful.

The first thing I told my wife when I came back was that we are going to do it again soon, the two of us.

Let me promise you this, if you are still with "Wildlife Tours India" when I paln my second round, I would like you to organize it again for me.

It was perfect!!

Sincerely
Aviad Horev

Hi Anil

Thank you very much for everything during our recent trip to India. You did a terrific job making all of our arrangements and making adjustments whenever they were required. It could have been extremely stressful on our end, dealing with numerous flight delays and unexpected weather conditions, but it wasn't at all, because you took care of everything. weI have already had someone ask me about traveling to India, and we are planning on giving him your information. we can recommend your company highly enough.

Thanks once again for everything. Should we find ourselves in India once again, we will definitely turn to you.

All the best ,
Fred, Robert and Charles

Hi Anil

Thank you for the services, i will certainly pass on and recommend your services.

Lee Smith

Hi

Toni and I just wanted to pass on our thanks for the organization of the trip. We had a great time.

Best regards,
Debi Brunning & Toni Fleming

Hi Anil,

I just want to give some feedback on the service that you provided.

I would like to say a huge thank you for everything that you arranged for us. The two tours were also excellent. We really enjoyed our day. we will have to come back.

We will be recommending your company to our friends and colleagues.

Best regards,
Janet Newman-Carty

Hello Anil

How are you doing? I had a great time visiting your country these past few weeks!

Best regards,
David Lee-Sue

Hi Anil

And thanks again of the great work you did as a successful photo safari!

We will be looking for the new dates and forms now for the future.

I will come back when I do have better idea about further programs and dates. Kanha and Bandhavgarh are very good, but we will need to find then some hopefully little different place to be included.

Best regards,
Jouni Klinga

Essential Information

Visa

You Need to have Indian Visa for entry to India on your holiday. To apply for Indian Visa you have to contact your nearest Indian consulate or you can call on 09057570045 or visit http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/ for more information.

Indian Embassy in London
Address : Indian Embassy
India House, Aldwych,
London WC2B 4NA.
Tel: 020 7836 8484
Site URL : http://www.hcilondon.net/

Money

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring.

Banks

Banks are open in the major cities & the nearest towns of the sanctuaries for transaction from 10.00 to 14.00 hrs on all days except Sunday.

Best time to visit

High season: October to April.

Travel wear

Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc. Some woolen clothes require, during winter.

Round the year temperature chart for the Cities & wildlife parks covered in during the Itinerary.

Credit cards

Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centers honor major credit cards.

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Drugs

Heavy punishments including imprisonment are imposed for possession of narcotic drugs.

Food

All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian & local.

Water

It is always better to drink bottled drinking water or drinking water from restaurants. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Mineral water is available in sealed bottles.

FAQs

May I ask for tailor-made itinerary?

Yes, you can ask for it.

What is Indian Time zone?

t is + 0530 GMT

Can I use British pound there in India?

No, you can't use British pound in India directly, you need to change it through bank or authorize money changer into Indian Rupees (INR).

What type of plug sockets use in India?

Please look at the photograph for better idea.
Voltage: 230-240V Frequency (Hz): 50Hz

Who will meet us at the Airport?

Our company representative will be there at the airport arrival lounge carrying a company placard mentioning your name on it.

Does entry fees to the national parks are included in the cost?

Yes, entry fee to all the national parks is included with the cost.

Does monument fees for cities included in the cost?

No, it's not included in the package cost it will as per actual if there are any in the itinerary.

What is the maximum weight allowed on domestic flights?

The normal weight limit is 15 -25 kilogram's.

Is communication to home possible while on wildlife tour?

Yes almost all the wildlife resorts will have the dialing facilities except the few, like in north east India.

What is the weather & temperature like?

Weather in the Indian jungle will be very much pleasant during winter time as the Sun is gradually up, but generally it will quite cold in the morning while you are on your jungle safari.

Which Vaccination is required before visiting India?

The citizens and travelers coming from the United Kingdom, Canada & United States, do not require any vaccination certificate or inoculations. It is highly recommended to get a precautionary measure vaccination against Hepatitis B & carry mosquito repellents, nets or take a course of anti Malaria tablets to avoid Malaria.

What should I carry?

Cool cottons for daywear, Light woolens for the morning & evenings (a warm jacket is required for morning safari as it will be chilling), a couple of pairs of shoes, shorts, sunglasses, anti sun tanning lotion, good Binocular & Camera with a couple of batteries.

What are the major wildlife species, inhabiting in Indian wildlife?

India is well known for a large extent of its tigers, elephants and rhinoceroses, but these are just three giant of the more than 500 species of mammals living in the country. India is blessed with over 2000's species and sub-species of birds. India offers a number of National parks and sanctuaries where you can watch the magnificent tigers, the stately elephants, leopards, the one horned rhinos, a myriad of exotic birds and countless reptiles and insects.

Can we have an Elephant safari during our wildlife tour?

Elephants are the most preferred and convenient way of watching wildlife species in their natural habitat. It is very much possible in most of the tropical wildlife sanctuaries of India like, Corbett, Raja ji, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Pench & Kaziranga National Park.

What is the present status of tigers in India?

India has twenty seven Tiger Reserves which comes under the organization of Project Tiger, a joint effort of the Government of India and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). As per the current census there are tiger population will as per below table.

Tiger Watching Tips

If you're serious about observing wildlife there are a few things you can do to enhance your experience and bring you even closer to nature.

1) nce you've planned your trip, visit your local bookshop, library or go on the internet to find a wildlife guide for the area you intend visiting. This will give you the best idea of the kinds of plants and animals you can expect to see.

2) Always take services of a local and experienced naturalist/guide who knows the area better. There is nothing better than local knowledge when it comes to spotting wildlife.

3) Wild animals have their distinct daily and seasonal patterns of activities. a baisc knowledge of these patterns increases one's chances of seeing them. The frequency of wildlife sightings in national parks and reserves varies, depending on the time of year.In India the best times are from February to May,during these months the trees are often bare, so visibility is considerably improved. Since there is also a general scarcity of water, the animals concentrate near sources of water.

4) Many animals have an amazingly alert sense of sight which helps them survive in the wild. To get close takes a great degree of patience and time but you can increase your chances by wearing natural or neutral colours that blend into your surroundings. Keep your movements to a minimum and when you do move, do it slowly and quietly.

5) Animals are very wary of the human voice. So, in order to get close to them, absolute silence is essential. Walk softly and watch where you're placing your feet so as not to snap branches or twigs or create other noise as you make your approach. Even if you have to take a less direct route, avoid walking through dense undergrowth as the animal is more likely to hear you and run away. Avoid carrying any metal objects in your pockets which will make noise. This includes things like car keys and loose change.

6) A highly attuned sense of smell is one of the key aspects for many species of wildlife to detect where food is or, indeed, even prey. It is, for many, the most important of their senses in their battle for survival. Don't wear any aftershave or perfume and avoid scented soaps and deodorants. There are plenty of environmentally friendly non-scented soaps and toiletries on the market from specialist camping stores. Although you may baulk at this suggestion, wear your clothes for several days if you're really serious about wildlife spotting. The more you wear your clothes outdoors, the more the fabrics will absorb natural outdoors scents and smells. Always be aware of the wind direction and make sure that the direction in which you approach an animal is where the wind is blowing towards you. If it's blowing away from you, animals can detect your scent from many hundreds of yards away.

7) It shouldn't be important to get too close up to an animal to enjoy the experience and, in some instances, if you do get too near, it can even be dangerous and sometimes life-threatening. Binoculars can keep you at a safe distance from your quarry and means they are less likely to run away. Also, binoculars are the only way to view nesting birds or other forms of young wildlife. You should never get too close to a burrow, a nest or animals out and about with their young.

A magnifying glass will also come in handy if you're interested in examining insects and smaller wildlife alongside plants, flowers etc.

Following these tips and advice will ensure that your experience will be heightened as you marvel at all the wildlife and nature you've witnessed.