India – Tiger Marathon

Delhi – Khajuraho - Panna – Bandhavgarh – Kanha – Mumbai

Introduction

This is an exciting tour taking you straight into the heart of Tiger country on an 11-day safari that combines Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Panna, three of India’s finest national parks and Tiger reserves. Offering the wildlife enthusiast the ultimate luxury – a holiday to India that largely avoids sprawling cities and huge crowds.

Tiger sightings are, of course, not guaranteed. However, in the 15 years that Hi tours has been operating groups on our main Tiger-watching tours have so far had a 90-100% success rate. You should be aware, however, that although sightings remain good, poaching is reducing chances. It is therefore essential to appreciate that Tigers are very rare and very shy mammals and that, although you are likely to see one, you may not! If you enjoy birds, mammals and wild environments, and look upon a Tiger sighting as a bonus earned from spending a lengthy time in such an environment, please do join us!

  • Arrive New Delhi

    Welcome, met & assisted by our representative at the airport and straight transfer to your hotel

    Delhi - the capital of India – one of India's fastest growing cities spread far beyond the "seven cities" created between the 13th and the 17th centuries. The city consists of two parts - Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between 17th and 19th century and has many mosques, monuments and forts. New Delhi, the imperial city was created by the British as the capital of India.

    Overnight stay

    Your Stay – The Imperial, New Delhi
    Located in the center of New Delhi, The Imperial is a splendid reminder of the city’s colonial past. All rooms and suites are designed in a combination of Art Deco and traditional English styles, and the hotel’s main lobby has an impressive collection of colonial-era Indian art. The hotel offers great dining options including other amenities: complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness center, outdoor pool, and a great Spa.

  • In Delhi

    Begin your exploration in Old Delhi visiting the Jama Mosque, the royal mosque built by the   Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. It is one of the largest in the world the main prayer hall can accommodate 20,000 people, ride through the narrow by lanes of the old bazaar of Delhi by a tricycle paddle Rickshaw.

    Drive past Red fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Built in red sand stone by Shah Jahan in 1648, this magnificent monument is laid out along River Yamuna as an irregular octagon. Also visit Rajghat, the site of Mahatma Gandhi's final journey.

    Proceed to India Gate (drive past) war memorial dedicated to the martyrs of World War I, The President' Palace   former Viceroy's Palace, Parliament House and the Secretariat Buildings  – an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture.

    Post lunch enjoy next visit Qutab Minar, a soaring tower of victory, 72.5m high with five distinct stories. This minaret is built on the foundation of a Hindu temple; many elements of the construction reflect their Hindu and Jain origins. Within the complex, are myriad monuments that combine both Islamic calligraphy and Hindu motifs.

    Conclude your day with a religious and philosophy tour visiting a Sikh Temple situated at the city heart, Catch the spiritual fervor at some of Delhi's most popular sites of worship.

    Overnight Stay

  • Delhi – Khajuraho by flight

    This Morning take a flight to Khajuraho, upon arrival transfer to hotel 

    Afternoon proceed for sightseeing visiting;

    The western group is reputedly the most beautiful and the most popular with tourists. The main temples in this group are Lakshamn, Jagdambi, Vishwanath, Chitragupta and Kandariya Mahadev. The beautiful walled garden that surrounds the structures is among the most notable features of the western group

    Located relatively close to the western group, the Eastern groups of temples, which are known as Jain temples, include Parsvanath, Adinath and Gantai. A museum is also situated onsite and contains a variety of statues that were found scattered around the area when the temples were first rediscovered. The carvings on the eastern group temple walls are slightly less erotic, tending to depict stories from Jain mythology more than anything else.

    Overnight stay

    Your stay – The Lalit Temple View
    overlooks the Western Group of Temples famed for their erotic sculptures, The hotel features 47 exquisitely appointed rooms & suites, fine dining restaurant & a bar, besides three banquet & conference venues and the award-winning Rejuve – The Spa.

  • Khajuraho – Panna by surface (approx. 45 Kms / 1 Hr.)

    Morning drive to Panna National Park

    During our stay we’ll be making twice visits into Panna Tiger Reserve and our aim will be to observe, enjoy   and photograph its many species of mammals and birds. Our explorations inside the Tiger Reserve will involve a mixture of early morning and afternoon jeep drives. Outside Panna Tiger Reserve we’ll be able to enjoy the area’s birdlife on foot.

    Post lunch, game drive inside the reserve Dinner at Lodge

    Overnight stay

    Your Stay – Taj Pashan Garh

    A cluster of stone cottages huddled atop a small hill, with magnificent views over the forest and a large nearby waterhole, which has been host to numerous tiger and resident antelope sightings.

    This lodge draws inspiration from the dry-packed stone houses of the Panna region. These houses differ from other Madhya Pradesh styles, with dramatic roofs constructed from massive slabs of irregularly shaped slate. The guest areas celebrate Haveli design, with a spacious central courtyard. The interiors are a contemporary mix of chocolate linens, block-printed black silks, celadon cottons and cotton lace chandeliers. A strong motif throughout the lodge is the motif of the crocodile, which inhabits the nearby Ken River. Although the structures are rough, chunky and stony, the interiors are sleek and sexy.

  • Panna – Bandhavgarh National Park by surface

    Today we will do morning game drive inside the Reserve. There may be a boat ride in the morning. If so, these will be taken in small boats, which are low to the water, and offer a unique and very atmospheric way to watch wildlife. In particular we will be looking out for birds and crocodiles!

    Panna Tiger Reserve encompasses 543 square kilometers of varied habitats and extends along the Ken River, which flows north to join the Yamuna River, a tributary of the mighty Ganges. The region, which is famous for its diamonds, is also home to some of the best wildlife species in India. A former hunting preserve of the Panna family, the Tiger Reserve comprises large tracts of riverine forest providing perfect cover for both predators and prey. There are Leopard and Wolf in the Reserve, though both species are elusive. Herds of Spotted Deer inhabit the Reserve, as well as Nilgai, Chinkara, Sambar and the shy Chousingha. Together, these species form the principal prey for the Tigers.

    Lunch at the lodge
    Drive to Bandhavgarh

    During our time at Bandhavgarh we will be staying for two nights at the Bandhavgarh Tiger Lodge, situated within walking distance of Bandhavgarh National Park's main gate, the jungle lodge has been developed on the theme of an Indian village, offering spacious, comfortable individual cottages with en suite facilities. The spacious thatched dining room serves mainly Indian food, though a choice is possible on request. There are some nature trails to explore within the wooded grounds, plus good bird watching opportunities.

    Dinner at the Lodge

    Overnight stay

    Your Stay – Taj Mahua Kothi

    The name Mahua Kothi draws its inspiration from one of India's most beautiful trees, the Madhuca Indica, or as it is commonly known, the Mahua or butter tree. Pronounced 'ma-hoo-a', this tree with its fleshy off–white flowers plays a central role in festivals and rituals. The Lodge sprawls over the 40 acre grounds, just 20 minutes from the park entrance. Each of the twelve charming guest suites – or kutiyas (jungle village huts) – are built in the vernacular style of Central India, affectionately known as 'MP Chic' (MP being the state of Madhya Pradesh). Each is accessed through private courtyards with shaded seating and traditional mud floors. Interiors include wooden shutters, tapered mud colored walls in lime and earth washes (finished by hand), open rafters with roughly hewn wooden beams, and handmade pottery rooftiles.

  • Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

    We take the first of two game drives in Bandhavgarh with the same routine of early morning and afternoon visits which will provide many opportunities for wildlife viewing.

    Sal forest predominates in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, giving way to tracts of mixed forest at higher elevations in the hills. To the north there are expanses of grassland and bamboo. The core of the Tiger Reserve is hilly, and is dominated by a long-deserted ancient fort, which rises 800m above the forest and sits at the top of an impressive plateau. It’s a steep climb through dense Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve vegetation to the top, but the rewards are breathtaking views from the ramparts, as well as ancient rock carvings among the ruins.

    In a region as arid as this the presence of water attracts wildlife. Luckily, the Tiger Reserve contains pools and streams, which ensure that it is frequented by both game and predators. We will explore the Tiger Reserve mainly by following a network of jeep tracks that will lead us into the forested areas. Our excursions in the Tiger Reserve will by jeep.

    As well as making early morning and afternoon excursions we will have periods of relaxation back at our lodge; these are especially welcome during the midday heat. 

    Although Tigers are the star attraction at Bandhavgarh, there is an impressive supporting cast of mammals and birds, the latter including species such as Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Plum-headed Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise Flycatcher; over 250 bird species have been recorded in the Reserve. Tour members with an interest in ornithology will value the time between game drives as an opportunity to explore some of the habitats close to our base.

    Other animals present in larger numbers in the tiger Reserve Tiger include several species of mongoose, Rhesus Macaque, Indian Hare and the delightful Palm Squirrel – lively little animals that seem to be in a constant state of agitation. Common Langurs are also plentiful, sitting with an elevated view of the forest as they devour their favorite leaves. This gives them an excellent vantage point for spotting predators and they are often the first creatures to bark out warning of a Tiger below.

    Lunch & dinner at the Lodge

    Overnight stay

  • Bandhavgarh – Kanha Tiger Reserve by surface

    After our early Breakfast, we traverse the scenic Vindhya Hills as we transfer by road to Kanha Tiger Reserve where we will have further opportunities to look for Tigers during daily excursions.

    About 120 species of birds are likely to be encountered around the Reserve during our stay, and these will be among the highlights of this tour. There’s a good variety of birds of prey here, including Black-shouldered Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, White-eyed Buzzard, Shikra, and a variety of vultures. Open country birds such as Painted Francolin, Indian Roller, Yellow- and Red-wattled Lapwings, and a variety of woodpeckers, pigeons, larks, pipits, and drongos are common. In the forests, the elusive Malabar Pied Hornbill, Black-headed Oriole, and a selection of flycatchers, babblers and warblers may be found. In particular, we will keep a look out for the very rare Green Munia. Sloth Bear and two of India’s lowland antelopes – Chousingha and the beautiful Blackbuck – also occur and may be seen with patience and good fortune.

    Our aim during our stay at Kanha will be to observe, enjoy and photograph the Reserve’s many species of mammals and birds. Naturally, we will spend a great deal of time looking for Tigers, and with luck we may see and photograph this magnificent animal. Although Kanha is one of the very best reserves for Tiger sightings, and we shall be going at one of the best times of year, we cannot guarantee them!

    Lunch & Dinner at Lodge

    Overnight stay

    Your Stay – Taj Banjaar Tola

    Situated along the banks of the Banjaar River, directly overlooking the heart of Kanha National Park. The luxurious, yet lightweight, ensuite tents have been designed in a contemporary style, with pressed bamboo wall panels, gorgeous bamboo floors and locally crafted furniture hewn from the timber of exotic Indian trees. The textiles have been designed in tones of delicate saffron and acid-washed green, with rich block-printed Madhya Pradesh cottons and silks. The atmosphere is light, ethereal and organic.

  • Kanha Tiger Reserve

    Our programme will include both a morning and an evening jeep drive inside the Tiger Reserve.

    So, each morning we will aim to leave our lodge at around 5.45 am, taking a picnic breakfast with us which we can eat at one of several designated stopping places, and we’ll stay in the Tiger Reserve until midday, when it closes (during the hottest part of the day). We will return to the Reserve when it opens again at 4pm and stay there until dusk, at around 6.30pm (NB From 1st November to 15th February the Reserve opens in the afternoon at 3pm and our stay will last until dusk at around 5.30pm) In the middle of the day, after lunch, there will be time to rest or go on short bird watching walks around the lodge.

    At some stage we will also visit the Kanha Museum, located inside the Reserve, which contains fascinating, well-conceived exhibits relating to the entire ecosystem and its fauna and flora. Outside the Reserve we will be able to enjoy the area’s birdlife on foot, walking being forbidden in all of India’s Tiger Reserves for obvious reasons!

    Lunch & Dinner at Lodge

    Overnight stay

  • Kanha – Nagpur by surface
    Nagpur – Mumbai by flight

    This Morning drive top Nagpur, upon arrival transfer straight to Nagpur Airport to baord flight to Mumbai

    Arrive Mumbai, met & assisted at airport and transfer to your hotel

    Overnight stay

    Your stay – Taj Mahal Palace & Towers

    The history of Mumbai and The Taj Mahal Palace are dramatically intertwined. The hotel is Mumbai’s first harbour landmark (built 21 years before the Gateway of India) and the site of the first licensed bar in the city. For more than a century, the Taj has played an intrinsic part in the life of the city, hosting Maharajas, dignitaries and eminent personalities from across the globe. Today it is a Leading Hotel of the World and favorite destination for discerning business travelers.

    A treasure-trove of invaluable memorabilia, there is a story to tell behind every pillar, a landmark deal in every boardroom, and a storied celebration under every awning.

  • In Mumbai

    This day proceed for city sightseeing visiting, Mani Bhawan - Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi used to stay here during his visit to Mumbai, Hanging Gardens - terraced gardens perched at the top of Malabar Hill, on its western side. They provide lovely sunset views over the Arabian Sea and feature numerous hedges carved into the shapes of animals. The park was laid out in 1881 over Mumbai's main reservoir, some say to cover the water from the potentially contaminating activity of the nearby Towers of Silence.

    Marine Drive - also known as the Queen's Necklace is a 3 Kms long boulevard in South Mumbai. It is also the world's largest viewing gallery and hence has been a host to a number of events that take place along the promenade.

    Overnight stay

  • Depart Mumbai

    Morning transfer intime to international airport to baord flight for onward journey.

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