INCREDIBLE TOURISM
Tiger
Tours
Essence of India & Tiger
Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Ranthambore - Bharatpur - Agra - Umaria - Bandavgarh
- Kanha - Jabalpur
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 (Bandhavgarh): 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 Bandhavgarh:
Reach UMARIA and transfer to Bandhavgarh. Reach and enjoy breakfast.
Bandhavgarh 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 Bandhavgarh 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.
Bandhavgarh 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 Bandhavgarh 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 Bandhavgarh's Fort. Later Rama handed it over to his brother
Lakshmana who became known as Bandhavdhish "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 Bandhavgarh 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 Bandhavgarh 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 Bandhavgarh 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 Bandhavgarh 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.
Bandhavgarh 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 : Bandhavgarh:
A full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris)
Trip to the Bandhavgarh 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.
Day 9 : Bandhavgarh - 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 : 0830
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.
Essence of India & Tiger Tour Reservation Form
