Experience of my first Tiger Safari India
My first ever tiger sighting stands as the strongest highlight of my wildlife career. It was the year 1999 and I was taking my first ever trip a national park, a real jungle – Ranthambore National Park.
Monday 25 November 2019
Thursday 21 November 2019
Why a Safari holiday is a great way to spend time with Family
With many families, family-bonding is an important part of the culture. The need to communicate, be transparent and share issues and ideas is always a healthy practice with family members – benefit for children and adults alike.
In today’s social-media driven and deeply engaging world, family bonding is more important than ever and we really think that a safari trip in the wilderness is the perfect family vacation!
Here’s why you should plan a Safari Family Holiday:
- Limited Mobile Network / Limited Wi-Fi: The mobile phone usually takes away from any family trip if you’re looking to get away from daily life and seek to strengthen a family bond, especially with children engrossed in the internet.
Limited Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile network signal have always helped in focusing on the here and now – and the majority of the smart phone generation spends way too much time immersed in mobile phones.
And though it may be difficult to adjust initially, you will realize that there is merit in disconnecting oneself from the world for a bit.
That is not to say that you will be completely disconnected from the outside world, means are always available.
Who knows, a great reading habit may be inculcated in the absence of the internet!
- No Television: Most wildlife lodges do not keep televisions in each room (although this is changing slowly) – but do choose a lodge without a TV in your room.
Nature is a great teacher as well as an entertainer, and living in large cities, we have clearly lost touch with it.
The jungles at night are filled with fascinating sounds, for example, living close to the jungles in India, one can hear all the deer cry out in fear as they raise an alarm as the Tiger or Leopard stalks them under the cover of night. Sounds of frogs, Owls and nocturnal birds fill the night.
It is indeed a magical experience, as these animals are a part of the planet we all share, yet theirs is an existence so different from ours which we may not be fully aware of.
Our constant updates on technology, business, entertainment and modern science keeps us away from our roots which are steeped in Nature and the creatures which survive in spite of us.
- Safaris – an Engaging and Educational activity: A Jeep Safari is conducted twice a day – and usually consumes 8 to 9 hours in that day where one has complete “family time”.
It is an engaging activity where one has no choice but to actively participate in it. Looking at beautiful animals and birds is a wonderful way to spend time, and if a good Naturalist or Guide is present, it is a great learning experience as well.
A safari jeep can be booked on a private basis for the family up to 06 persons in a vehicle.
On an Indian Safari, generally the search for the Tiger is always ongoing and being a very elusive animal, it keeps one excited all throughout. And if by chance you do see one, the collective delight is simply to be experienced to be believed.
Heck, your guide will be as excited as you even though he/she visits the park every day!
Moreover, learning about the ecosystem and all it encompasses is generally something that all of us should have an idea of, as it is in our own self-interest to have this awareness.
- Rural Life/ Life in the Countryside: As it stands today, it is the well-endowed or the more fortunate of us who can afford a family holiday.
Most of us who visit, visit these areas with a perspective of the fast-paced “city life”.
A visit to the countryside or a village gives one an idea of how a completely different section of our society lives. It also provides an insight into the way of life of our ancestors who lived off the land on which they lived, in harmony with it.
In India, it is a humbling sight to see the hardworking farming families who meticulously plant each sapling of rice or wheat by hand and use their cattle to till the soil.
Once again, these are great lessons to draw from and can be inspiring for both, the young and the adult mind.
- Walking in a Healthy Environment: Exposing oneself to the carbon positive environments of a forest area is extremely beneficial for our bodies as we leave behind the comparatively polluted city air.
There are several easy nature trails which one can partake in to enjoy the silence of the forest and surround oneself in the natural environs of butterflies, birds and other interesting creatures.
In a jungle, our lost natural instincts kick in and we are able to be more aware of our surroundings while learning about the tracks and signs of different animals.
On a guided walk, one also learns about the smaller creatures and the various uses and importance of indigenous plants, to the ecosystem as well as its traditional uses as medicine.
- Noise-free Environment: In a greatly stimulating modern world where our minds are constantly occupied and the white-noise of the city takes over, a venture into nature gives us the opportunity to take stock of where we are, and the noise-free environment provides much relief to the mind and body.
On a safari holiday, deep in the interiors, one notices the clear distinction between night and day as dusk brings an end to the light as people retire early to their homes.
Thus, these are our compelling reasons to plan a safari holiday as a great family vacation. We do hope you agree with them!
Safaris in India are an increasingly popular holiday choice and most of these are based around observing the Tiger in the wild – as many will agree, it is a life-changing experience to see such a gorgeous animal in its natural surroundings and especially in a densely populated country as India.
These wildlife excursions are indeed exciting, and no matter how many times one sees them, each glimpse of the Tiger keeps one coming back for more.
There are various Safari Destinations in India, which are well-connected to other cities and other popular tourist destinations in India. You may follow our blog to get a fair idea of a few National Parks where one has great chances of seeing the Tiger here.
While India is generally known for its cultural history and diversity, a trip to see the Natural Heritage of India is equally immersing and is definitely an unforgettable experience.
Introducing the Red Panda and Where to find it in India – Varun Mani
The awareness and infrastructure of Wildlife Tourism in India is rising manifold and it is now the fastest growing form of Tourism in India.
There truly are wonders to be seen, and after conservation struggles and the successes ascertained, Endangered Species such as the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) or the Firefox can be seen now on specialist safaris in India.
The real-life “Pikachu” (from the vastly famous Pokemon Cartoons), these are one of the most beautiful and fascinating animals on the planet, which live in mesmerisingly beautiful habitats, rich in biodiversity.
About the Red Panda:
The Red Panda can be found in the high-altitude Himalayan forests of India, Nepal & Bhutan as well as the Mountains of Southern China and Myanmar. They inhabit in the Mixed Deciduous & Coniferous Forests which have a good density of Bamboo, at altitudes between 2200m-4000m above sea level.
They are highly arboreal, and can see amongst trees or bamboo. They primarily feed on bamboo shoots, leaves, acorns, roots, invertebrates, eggs and small birds.
The original “Panda”, the name was given to the Red Panda far before the Giant Panda was described. Earlier considered as descendants of the family of Bears, and then the Raccoon, it is in fact classified in a family of its own: Ailuridae.
They have long claws which help them maneuver through trees. They also have an additional 6th Digit in their hands or modified thumb – this enables them to pick out the shoots and the leaves of bamboo, which is their primary diet. It is not as highly evolved as the human thumb, but it is highly specialized for them in their feeding habits.
- The Singalila Ridge is located in the Himalayas, in the state of West Bengal, on the border of India and Nepal, stretching into Nepal.
- A famous birding and trekking route, it has so much to offer for every nature lover, one of the attractions would be the gorgeous panoramic view of 4 out of 5 Highest Mountain Peaks in the World including Mount Everest and Kanchendzonga.
- The Rhododendron and Broad-leaved Mixed Forests, forest of the surrounding valleys and in the mountains nearby, are home to key wildlife species.
- A Relocation Program me carried out for the Project Red Panda in 2004 has seen success, where in 02 females were introduced to the wild, from a Captive Breeding Facility.
- There are around 30 Red Pandas now in the forests of the Singalila National Park, which are well-protected.
- It is probably the best area to find Orchids in these cloud forests with almost 600 species which occur here, adding to the unique biodiversity of the area. It also is one of the most fruitful Birding Areas of India as well with close to 300 amazing Himalayan species recorded here.
- There are several rare birds, which occur in good numbers in the Singalila National Park, including the Satyr Tragopan, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Black-throated Parrotbill, Green Shrike-Babbler, Green Cochoa, Purple Cochoa, amongst several others.
How to get to Singalila:
- 04 hours’ drive away from the Bagdogra International Airport – well connected by flights from New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Guwahati.
- It is also an hour’s drive away from popular tourist town Darjeeling.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Singalila:
- March-May or Summer when the vegetation is at its lowest ebb, with the breeding season of the Red Panda and Birds, is a very fruitful time for a visit.
- The Rhododendron and Orchid Blooms of Summer make it a truly special experience to witness.
- November to mid-May is when the park is open. Chances of seeing the Panda are high across Winter as well.
How Many days to spend for the Red Panda Tour:
- A minimum of 5 nights at the Singalila National Park is recommended to see the Red Panda.
Price of the Red Panda Tour:
- Approximately USD 1700/- per person all-inclusive for our 05 nights/06 days Tour, from your arrival at the nearest airport.
Type of Safari at for the Red Panda:
- A 4×4 Land Rover vehicle does accompany while ascending the hills – however, one has to explore trails on foot to look for Red Panda. The drive at times may be a bit bumpy as it is on a mountainous terrain, but definitely worth it.
- Teams of local Spotters are on the lookout ahead, and in touch with the accompanying team, in case of any sightings of the Red Panda.
Type of Accommodation for the Red Panda Tour:
- An Experiential Homestay part of Community-based Conservation at Tinchule Forest, Singalila National Park.
- The facilities at the Homestay include 4 double rooms with en-suite facilities, all rooms have balconies with a wonderful valley and sunset view, room fireplace, running hot and cold water, in-house bird studio, lounge and dining with a bar, trained naturalists and power back up.
Home-stay & Facilities:
- 4 Rooms with Double Beds, Attached Western Toilets & a Balcony.
- A special Sunset from every balcony.
- Fireplace in every room.
- Running Hot & Cold Water.
- Natural Himalayan spring water & Filtered RO Drinking Water.
- Room Service (Morning & Evening Tea)
- Reading Library.
- International Calling Facility.
- TV in the sitting area (only for presentations & documentary)
- A stocked Bar cum sitting area with a fireplace which is the lounge area.
- Power supply (Generator) runs for 6 hrs/ Day and Solar Power.
- Perfect Blend of Local Food with Western choices.
- In-house Bird Studio with a hide.
- Trained Naturalists, Field Biologist, Guides & Porters.
- Exclusive Red Panda Tourism.
- Directly takes part in the conservation, 20% of profit margin goes to the Conservation fund. Be a part of Sustainable Tourism.
Highlight Mammal Species:
- Red Panda
- Clouded Leopard
- Yellow-throated Marten, Leopard Cat, (Melanistic) Barking Deer, (Melanistic) Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Serow, Himalayan Pika, Himalayan Palm Civet, Ghoral
Highlight Bird Species:
- Blood Pheasant
- Satyr Tragopan
- Himalayan Monal
- Fire-tailed Myzornis
- Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Great Parrotbill,
Green Shrike-Babbler, Fulvous Parrotbill, Brown Parrotbill, Black-throated Parrotbill, Spotted Laughingthrush, Hill Partridge,
Yellow-rumped oneyguide , White-tailed Robin, Blue-fronted Robin, Purple Cochoa, Brown Bullfinch, Red-headed Bullfinch,
Darjeeling Woodpecker, Crimson-breasted or Rufous Breasted Woodpecker, Rufous throated Wren Babbler, Beautiful Rosefinch, Scarlet Finch, Gold-naped Finch, Collared Grosbeak, Himalayan Griffon, Slender-billed Vulture, Spotted Nutcracker, Gould’s Shortwing, Rusty-bellied Shortwing, Sapphire Flycatcher, Orange-flanked Bush Robin or Red-flanked Bluetail, Indian Blue Robin, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Tibetan Siskin, Red Crosbill, Robin Accentor, Mrs.Gould’s Sunbird, Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Maroon-backed Accentor, ltai Accentor, Blanford’s Rosefinch, Rufous-capped Babbler amongst many many other species.
Thursday 7 November 2019
India Tiger Tours - Wildlife Safaris and Tiger Trails in India
Find the Best India Tiger wildlife safari tours with us. Over 20 years of experience in arranging Tiger safaris and tours in Ranthambhore, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Corbett, Pench, Kanha Tadoba Tiger Reserves and other popular national parks in India, with leading responsible tiger safari specialists. Book now and save with India-Tigers.com.
Tiger Safari Tour | India Wildlife Tour | Birding Tour in India
India Tiger Trail
Duration: 11 nights / 12 days
Places to Visit: Mumbai - Nagpur - Kanha - Bandhavgarh - Umaria - Agra - Delhi
Day 1: Mumbai Marine Drive - Mumbai, Mumbai Travel Agents
Day 2: Mumbai
Marine Drive - Mumbai, Mumbai Tours & Travels Morning begins with deliciously laid out Breakfast at the hotel.
After a good travel in the city to all the places of tourist interest, the afternoon is at leisure (No vehicle at disposal). Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 3: Mumbai to Nagpur to Kanha Tiger Reserve in India
Day 4: Kanha National Park
Day 5: Tiger Tour in Kanha National Park
Day 6: Kanha Tiger Tour - Bandhavgarh National Park
Day 7: Bandhavgarh Tiger Safari
Day 8: Tiger Safari Tour in Bandhavgarh National Park
Day 9: Wildlife Tours in Bandhavgarh
Day 10: Bandhavgarh National Park to Umaria Tiger Reserve in Umaria to Agra
Day 11: Arrive Agra at 10:00 hrs
After arriving at the airport, you are given a grand welcome by our officials who take you to the hotel. The Taj Mahal amidst sunset will be a moment to capture. After Lunch proceed to see the Agra Fort, Sikandra and then drive to Fatehpur Sikri
Day 12: Agra to Delhi
Agra Fort, Agra Travel Vacations After early breakfast drive to New Delhi, 4 hours drive, 225kms.
Click Here for Tiger Trail in India
Tuesday 5 November 2019
Search of the Tiger in Kanha and Bandhavgarh (OCTOBER 2019)
We're looking for the beast while the beast is already looking at us.
As he takes a casual stroll through his kingdom, his fresh pug mark test our tracking wisdom.
Take this journey with us, this odyssey, that throbs our pulse.
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