Introduction to the Indian Wilderness

Introduction to the Indian Wilderness

12 nights / 13 days
Commencing:  16 February 2019
Maximum number of participants is 8.
This departure is escorted by Martin Dunn

Cost per person sharing:                                             US$3,670
Single room supplement:                                            US$1,570
Domestic airfare:  Bhopal- Delhi                                US$     75

Personally escorted by Martin Dunn, this safari promises to be a real treat for wildlife photographers, especially keen birders, and is designed to showcase the diversity of bird and wildlife in North & Central India.
To do this, we’ve chosen two of the best Tiger Sanctuaries, Corbett Tiger Reserve and Satpura Tiger Reserve; allowing us to showcase not just the wildlife but a wonderful cross section of the habitats to be found in India.

India boasts of about 1250 species of birds, including migratory birds that travel here from all over the world. Of these the Corbett valley, in the foothills of the Himalayas, has about 600 species and the rivers, farmlands & plains of Central India are home to around 350 species. So we’re in for a real treat.

As for the mammals; our time in the two reserves will be spent exploring the forests and grasslands in search of the Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Golden Jackal, Sloth Bear, Yellow-throated Marten, Otter species, Indian Grey Mongoose, Ruddy Mongoose along with a variety of deer species.

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Delhi. Group participants will be arriving from various destinations so no activities are planned for this day. Overnight in Delhi.
NOTE: Optional activities within the city can be organised – at additional cost – for those who arrive early.

Day 2
We leave the hotel early morning for a  transfer by road to Kalagarh Wildlife Sanctuary (approx. 5hrs). Getting to Vanghat involves walking for about 2km and crossing the Ramganga river on a small pontoon raft. It’s well worth it. Lunch is at the lodge. In the afternoon, led by one of Vanghat’s guides, we will explore the Sanctuary on foot.

Day 3
Further exploration of the sanctuary on foot.
The sanctuary is not only home to a great variety of birds but also mammals such as tigers, leopards and Asiatic Elephants; though they are quite elusive in this part of the park.

Day 4
After an early breakfast we travel by road into Corbett Tiger Reserve (1hr). Accommodation for the night is inside the tiger reserve, in a Forest Rest House.

Day 5
After a day of game viewing in Corbett Tiger Reserve we’ll leave the park this evening and transfer to Jim’s Jungle Retreat, our accommodation for the next 2 nights.

Day 6
A morning visit to Tumeriya Dam, a great location for viewing aquatic/ riverine birds. After lunch at the lodge we return to the reserve for an afternoon game drive.

Day 7
This morning we check out early and visit Kosi River near Garjia Devi Temple. We will be searching in particular for the Ibis bill and the wallcreeper.
We continue our journey back to Delhi via road transfer in time to connect with the overnight train from Delhi to Hoshangabad. 

Day 8
Arrive at Hoshangabad station early morning. We will be met at the station and transferred by road to Forsyth Lodge, the accommodation for our stay at Satpura Tiger Reserve (approx. 1.5hrs).
After breakfast at the lodge the remainder of the morning will be at leisure. After lunch we explore Satpura in open jeeps.

Day 9
This morning we explore Satpura on foot. Walking safaris are excellent for birding and to learn about the lesser fauna of the park. Return to the lodge for lunch. This afternoon we explore the river and streams of Satpura by canoe.

Day 10
A full day safari today, deep into Satpura to the central Churna Zone. This takes us beyond the main tourist area. After spending the middle of the day at Churna an afternoon game drive brings us back to Forsyth Lodge for the night.

Day 11
This morning we venture into the park again, on a foot this time. The afternoon is free for you to relax at the lodge; at last a chance to use the swimming pool. Later in the evening we head out on a dusk drive to explore the nocturnal animals in the buffer forest end the journey at a mobile camp in the buffer forest. We spend tonight the night in the buffer forest, in our own private mobile camp.

Day 12
After breakfast in camp we’ll continue exploring the jungles of the buffer area before returning to Forsyth Lodge for lunch. This afternoon we’ll take our last jeep safari into Satpura Tiger Reserve. Overnight will be at Forsyth Lodge.

Day 13
This morning enjoy a canoe safari on the Denwa River. After an early lunch check-out and transfer by road to Bhopal.  We take the late evening flight to Delhi and catch your connecting international flight back home.
(This could be amended if there is interest in visiting the Rock Shelters at Bhimbetka. In this case we will have a morning at leisure and a hearty brunch before departing the lodge.)

Accommodation

Kalagarh Wildlife Sanctuary: Vanghat

On a secluded bank of the Western Ramganga River lies one of most remote wildlife lodges in northern India. Accessible only by a 2km cross-country walk and raft across the river, Vanghat lodge, with just 4 guest cottages, is a wilderness paradise unlike anything else to be found around Corbett Tiger Reserve.

The team at Vanghat is entirely local, so they know the surrounding landscape and wildlife intimately. Activities focus on walking safaris (a rarity in tiger country), birding and wildlife photography and are lead by some of the most knowledgeable naturalists and guides of the area

Forest Rest House – inside Corbett Tiger Reserve

There are Forest Rest Houses (FRH) inside all of India’s protected forests. Most of these were built at the time when India was still a British Colony. Corbett Tiger Reserve has many FRH that can be booked by wildlife enthusiasts who want the experience of spending nights inside the forest. 
Although these rest houses are very basic and lack electricity, the experience of living inside the forest which is home to wild tigers, leopards, elephants and more is an unparalleled experience.

Some of the of advantages of spending the night inside the park are:

  • You get to spend more time in the park. You don’t have to drive to the exit gate when others leave and you’re already inside the park when they arrive in the morning. This gives you valuable hours of exclusive game viewing.
  • Some zones of the park can only be accessed if you are staying inside the park.
  • The sounds of the jungle at night that are a real treat for wildlife enthusiasts.

Corbett Tiger Reserve: Jim’s Jungle Retreat

Jim’s Jungle Retreat is a highly rated wildlife resort offering an immersive jungle experience in over 15 acres of replanted forest at the southern edge of Corbett Tiger Reserve.
The 18 guest cottages are well appointed and the food is superb. If you do manage to find yourself some free time, the lodge’s large swimming pool is a great place to stay cool.
The food is excellent; having their own organic farm ensures that the Retreat offers delicious ‘farm-to-table’ cuisine.

Satpura Tiger Reserve: Forsyth Lodge

Nestled in the midst of 44 acres of jungle at the edge of the Satpura Tiger Reserve, Forsyth Lodge makes every effort to tread as lightly as possible on the ecosystem while making an exciting encounter with nature possible for the visitor. This is reflected in the care with which their buildings are constructed, and in the ways in which they manage and recycle water, and in the manner in which they cast about for better alternatives to existing technology.
At Forsyth, there is a team of enthusiastic and passionate naturalists, dedicated to helping their guests discover the diversity of the wilderness at Satpura.

What is included:

  • 12 nights accommodation in India with breakfast included in Delhi. Your stay in Satpura and in Corbett Tiger Reserve will be on full board
  • 3 Jungle Activities in Kalagarh Wildlife Sanctuary (Vanghat)
  • 4 Jeep Safaris in Corbett Tiger Reserve
  • 2 nature walks outside the park in the Buffer Forest
  • Train transfer from Delhi to Bhopal in 2 Tier Sleeper AC Coach. Packed dinner included
  • 4 Jeep Safaris in Satpura Tiger Reserve
  • 2 walks, 2 canoe excursions and 2 drives in buffer zone including 1 Dusk drive
  • 1 night camping in the Buffer Forest of Satpura
  • All safaris will be led by an English speaking naturalist provided by the lodge
  • All road transfers will be by air-conditioned Toyota Innova

What is not included:

  • Does not include any beverages including mineral water, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks etc. unless otherwise specified.
  • Any airfare or airport taxes (domestic flight Bhopal-Delhi quoted separately above)
  • Any items of a personal nature such as beverages, tips (except for group meals and baggage handling), laundry, telephone calls etc.
  • Anything listed as optional.
  • Significant escalation in fuel prices, new taxes,levies on hotels and transportation services or any increases in entrance fees.
Book this tour