5 Nights / 6 Days
9 nights / 10 days
11 Nights / 12 Days
The Guide
Rajasthan: Jaipur – Ranthambore 5 Nights / 6 Days Itinerary
Dev Villas and Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national park in Northern India. The park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, which is about 130 km from Jaipur. Being considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park terrain is major wildlife tourist attraction spot that has pulled the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers in this destination.
Dev Villas is owned and run by Balendu Singh who is not only a Honorary Wildlife Warden of Ranthambore but also one of India’s leading conservationists.
Dev Vilas with its individually decorated 21 Suites (14 Double/ 5 Twins/2 Superior Suites), 7 Tented Bungalows is the artistic conception of Ms. Jane Emison of Minneapolis, USA. All materials and craftspeople have been sourced locally, thus ensuring the participation and benefit of the local talent. No two rooms are alike, each designed in a unique sequence of color, style and ambience.
Jaipur
Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City, thanks to the colour of the buildings. Built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur follows a grid system, which made it the only planned city of its time. A young Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city in accordance with Shilp Shastra – an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture.
Jai Mahal Palace is set amidst 18 acres of beautifully landscaped Moghul gardens, this incomparable Palace dates back to 1745 A.D. A masterpiece in the Indo Saracenic style of architecture, it blends spotlight-grabbing opulence with tantalizing comforts that transport guests to a world of Rajasthan magnificence. It is located downtown, close to the main shopping center and historical monuments.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ranthambore National Park
Fly from Delhi on arrival at Jaipur airport our driver will meet you and take you to Ranthambhore 180 kms (3-4 hrs drive.) On arrival check into the resort. Lunch and afternoon game drive to the national park. Dinner and overnight at Dev Villas. (www.devvilas.com)
Day 2: Ranthambore National Park
Morning and evening Jeep Safari in Ranthambore Nat Park. Overnight at Dev Villas
Day 3: Ranthambore National Park
Morning and evening Jeep Safari in Ranthambore Nat Park. Overnight at Dev Villas
Day 4: Ranthambore National Park
Morning and evening Jeep Safari in Ranthambore Nat Park. Overnight at Dev Villas
Day 5: Ranthambore National park.
Morning game drives to the national park and after lunch drive to Jaipur 180 kms/3-4 hrs drive Overnight in Jaipur at Jai-Mahal-Palace (www.tajhotels.com/leisure/jai-mahal-palace-jaipur)
Day 6: Jaipur
After breakfast Jaipur day tour and evening transfer to Jaipur airport to board flight back to Delhi.
Bandhavgarh – Kanha u2013 Tiger Tour 9 nights / 10 days
This tour offers you the finest experience of a Tiger Safari in India, the program aims to explore the big cat in the wild and the circuit is rated as the best for a Tiger Tour in India.
Kings Lodge and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Kings lodge is environmentally sensitive, harmonious with the natural features of the site and accentuates natural daylight to all facilities. Local knowledge and art has been incorporated in the development and the lodge has been constructed using local manpower.
Bandhavgarh was established in 1968 as a National Park, and is spread over an area of 448 sq. kms. This national park was declared as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in the year 1993. It is predominantly covered with vegetation like SAL, SALI, DHOBIN and has vast stretches of grasslands spread over 32 hills, the region though smaller than other wildlife parks has one of the highest density of tigers in the world and thus making it the perfect place for an Indian Tiger Safari. (www.pugdundeesafaris.com/kingslodge-bandhavgarh.php)
Kanha Earth Lodge and Kanha Tiger Reserve
Kanha Earth Lodge- one of the finest parks for an Indian Tiger Safari, is spread in a forested area of 16 acres adjoining the buffer zone of Kanha in a small tribal hamlet. The lodge architecture has been inspired by the Gond tribal villages situated on the fringes of Kanha. The lodge has been built with high standards towards eco sensitivity, local village cooperation and a great wilderness experience.
As a conscious decision the lodge is situated remotely, away from the tourism hub, yet close enough for an easy access to the park.
Kanha Tiger Reserve’s spectacular Sal and Bamboo forest, rolling grasslands and meandering streams stretch over 1945 sq. km. in the heart of central highlands. This is the original Kipling country so fondly written about in his Jungle Book. The park is the only home to the Rare Hard Ground Barasingha found in its large grasslands. Kanha is also home to Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Deer, Ungulates, lesser cats and over 250 bird species. (www.pugdundeesafaris.com/kanhaearthlodge-kanha.php)
Itinerary
Day 1: Bandhavgarh National Park
Arrive by flight to Khajurao and road transfer 5.5 hrs to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve for late lunch.Evening nature walk, Bush Dinner and overnight at Kings Lodge.
Day 2: Bandhavgarh National Park
Morning and evening Jeep Safari in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Overnight at Kings Lodge.
Day 3: Bandhavgarh National Park
Morning and evening Jeep Safari in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Overnight at Kings Lodge.
Day 4: Bandhavgarh National Park
Morning and evening Jeep Safari in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Overnight at Kings Lodge.
Day 5: Bandhavgarh u2013 Kanha
Post breakfast drive 5 hours to Kanha Tiger Reserve.Evening nature walk and village visit.Overnight at Kanha Earth Lodge.
Day 6: Kanha National Park
Morning and evening Jeep Safari in Kanha Tiger Reserve. Overnight at Kanha Earth Lodge.
Day 7: Kanha National park.
Morning and evening Jeep Safari in Kanha Tiger Reserve. Overnight at Kanha Earth Lodge.
Day 8: Kanha National park.
Morning and evening Jeep Safari in Kanha Tiger Reserve. Overnight at Kanha Earth Lodge.
Day 9: Kanha National park.
Post breakfast transfer by road with packed lunch (5.5hrs) to Nagpur for flight to Delhi/Mumbai.
Tigers & Temples Trails – 11 Nights/ 12 Days
This program covers the top three parks for Tiger viewing in Central India ‘Bandhavgarh’ Kanha – Pench offering the best chances to sight the elusive Tiger. Panna Tiger Reserve has recently seen a spurt in Tiger population due to active conservation effort and offers high possibility of viewing the magnificent cat. This itinerary also covers Khajuarho, a world heritage site famous for its temples and erotic sculptures.
Khajuraho
A World heritage site famous for temples built by the Chandela rulers around the 10th century. It has much more to offer than the erotic sculptures which have made it world famous. The famous Western group of temples is designated as the World Heritage Site and is enclosed within a beautifully laid out park. The Lakshmana and Vishwanath Temples to the front and The Kandriya Mahadev, Jagadami and Chitragupta Temples displays the best craftsmanship of Khajuraho.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh is spread over an area of 448 sq kms and has vast stretches of grasslands spread over 32 hills. It boasts of the one of highest density of tigers in the world, besides Healthy population of Cheetal, Sambhar and Barking Deer. Bandhavgarh Fort scattered with remnants of the past forms the heart of the park and offers breathtaking views of the forest all around it. Kings lodge is environmentally sensitive, harmonious with the natural features of the site and accentuates natural daylight to all facilities. Local knowledge and art has been incorporated in the development and the lodge has been constructed using local manpower. The lodge is spread in a sprawling estate of 12 acres in Rancha village (8-10 minutes from the park gate) and is surrounded by Sal forested hills on all sides. (www.pugdundeesafaris.com/kingslodge-bandhavgarh.php)
Kanha National Park
Kanha Tiger Reserve’s spectacular Sal and Bamboo forest, rolling grasslands and meandering streams stretch over 1945 sq. km. in the heart of central highlands. This is the original Kipling country so fondly written about in his Jungle Book. The park is the only home to the rare hard ground Barasingha found in its large grasslands. Kanha is also home to Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Deer, Ungulates, Lesser cats and over 250 species of birds.
Kanha Earth Lodge- one of the finest parks for an Indian Tiger Safari, is spread in a forested area of 16 acres adjoining the buffer zone of Kanha in a small tribal hamlet. The lodge architecture has been inspired by the Gond tribal villages situated on the fringes of Kanha. The lodge has been built with high standards towards eco sensitivity, local village cooperation and a great wilderness experience. As a conscious decision the lodge is situated remotely, away from the tourism hub, yet close enough for an easy access to the park. (www.pugdundeesafaris.com/kanhaearthlodge-kanha.php)
Pench National Park
Pench National park, nestling in the lower southern reaches of the satpuda hills is named after Pench river, meandering 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. Pench National Park, comprising of 758 SQ Kms, out of which a core area of 299 sq km of Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park and the Mowgli Pench Sanctuary and remaining 464 sq km of pench national park is the buffer area.
The area of the present tiger reserve has a glorious history. A description of its natural wealth and richness occurs in Ain-i-Akbari. Pench Tiger Reserve and its neighbourhood is the original setting of Rudyard Kipling’s most famous work, The Jungle Book.
Pench Tree Lodge – Is located in the Karmajhiri area of Pench National Park and in a large estate of 36 acres. It is the first lodge to be set up in this underdeveloped zone and supports are conservation policy of not overcrowding areas and making them unsustainable with over exposure to tourism. The Lodge offers multiple wildlife and village activities within and around the lodge. Only 6 Tree Houses are built in a large forested estate keeping with the Pugdundee policy of minimal foot print on top priority. (www.pugdundeesafaris.com/penchtreelodge-pench.php)
Itinerary
Day 1: Khajuraho
Reach Khajuraho by flight from Delhi. After lunch temple visit.Overnight stay Lalit Temple View.
Day 2: Khajurao – Bandhavgarh
After breakfast with packed lunch drive 5-6 hours to Bandhavgarh. Overnight at Kings Lodge, Bandhavgarh.
Day 3: Bandhavgarh National Park
Morning and Evening jeep safari in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Overnight at Kings Lodge, Bandhavgarh.
Day 4: Bandhavgarh National Park
Morning and evening Jeep Safari in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.Overnight at Kings Lodge, Bandhavgarh.
Day 5: Bandhavgarh National Park
Morning and evening Jeep Safari in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.Overnight at Kings Lodge, Bandhavgarh.
Day 6: Bandhavgarh – Kanha
After early breakfast drive 5 hours to Kanha Tiger Reserve.Evening Jeep Safari in Kanha Tiger Reserve. Overnight at Kanha Earth Lodge.
Day 7: Kanha National Park
Morning and evening Jeep Safari in Kanha Tiger Reserve. Overnight at Kanha Earth Lodge.
Day 8: Kanha National Park
Morning and evening Jeep Safari in Kanha Tiger Reserve. Overnight at Kanha Earth Lodge.
Day 9: Kanha National Park
Morning and evening Jeep Safari in Kanha Tiger Reserve. Overnight at Kanha Earth Lodge.
Day 10: Kanha National Park u2013 Pench Tiger Reserve
After early breakfast drive 2.5 hours to Pench Tiger Reserve.Evening Jeep Safari in Pench Tiger Reserve.Overnight at Pench Tree Lodge.
Day 11: Pench Tiger Reserve
Morning and evening Jeep Safari in Pench Tiger Reserve.Overnight at Pench Tree Lodge.
Day 12: Pench- Nagpur
Morning and Jeep Safari in Pench Tiger Reserve.After lunch drive to Nagpur 2.5 hr for evening flight to Delhi/Mumbai.
Teeku Patel
Teeku Patel is one of Kenya’s home grown photographic talents. Teeku spent a great deal of his early years on safari, exploring and camping in the game parks and reserves of East Africa under the expert tutelage of his father, an Honorary Game Warden. This is where he learnt a great deal about wildlife and the different cultures and customs of East Africa. When he was given a camera at the age of ten, Teeku was on the road to the career of his choice.
He regularly contributes to wildlife and nature magazines, and his photographs can be found in libraries around the world. Many of his images have been commissioned by wildlife conservation trusts.
Teeku, specializes in nature and landscape photography. Being a certified professional safari guide, he leads photographic safaris through Eastern, Southern Africa and Asia. He co-owns and operates Sokomoto Images based out of Nairobi, Kenya.
A preview of his work can be found at www.teekupatel.com