photography at sunset

nightjar

lady with heavy load

washing in river ganges

lady carrying water in india

TIGER, TIGERS, TIGERS & TAJ MAHAL, INDIA

BANDHAVGARH & Ranthambhore TIGER PHOTO SAFARIs february 2012

These Tiger Photography Safari tours to India have been designed to provide you with viewings of the two things that most people wish to see during a visit to India. Tigers in the wild, and the Taj Mahal. Either location can be chosen as a separate safari, or both can be seamlessly combined as one three-week saqfari. The choice is yours.

Tigers, Wildlife, & the Taj Mahal

Our main subjects on this holiday will be wildlife, but you will be just as blown away by what you see when travelling between venues. In the countryside people still harvest their crops by hand, plough with oxen, and thresh corn manually. Women are regularly seen carrying huge loads of all descriptions on their heads. On our return from Agra we will spend time in a small village, rarely visited by outsiders, that survives by making baskets from wood gathered by these hard working ladies.

Amazing Photography

India is fascinating country provides endless photo opportunities that never cease to amaze. The tour has been designed to maximise your chances of getting some great tiger photos. Bandhavgarh is possibly the world's premier location for consistently sighting tigers in the wild. Ranthambhore comes a close second. The tours also cater for other interests and will, without doubt, leave you with a huge desire for a return visit. Photographers On Safari will constantly be on hand to offer any relevant photographic advice or tips that you may require.

Tiger Safaris & Elephant Rides

There are twelve Tiger Safaris scheduled for the Bandhavgarh Tour, and eleven for Ranthambhore. No trip to India is complete without seeing the elusive Tiger. Five or six days of viewing should virtually guarantee tiger sightings for everyone. When tigers are spotted in deep undergrowth in Bandhavgarh, we will hopefully be able to approach them on elephant back. The cost of the elephant rides is a small extra amount and the elephants usually get within a few metres of the tigers. This is without doubt AN ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE that will remain with you forever.

A Special Place for Tiger Sightings

Bandhavgarh widely considered as the world's premier place to view Tigers in the wild, and has the highest density of wild Tigers anywhere in the world. Photographers on Safari is a regular benefactor to the local Tiger Conservation Project and has built a fantastic relationship with this organisation. We use the top drivers available and we consistently achieve well above average sightings. For anybody wishing to help preserve the tiger, please visit Tiger Guards of India's website at http://protecterraef.org/tgi/ -This is a charitable organisation that addresses local needs that are often overlooked by the Indian government and other charities. It is paramount that local people appreciate the tiger, rather than despise it for causing them inconvenience and hardship.

"The Year of The Tiger Cubs"

2012 is destined to be an outstanding year for viewing young tiger cubs. There are NEVER any 100% guarantees with wildlife, but all signs are pointing to a very special year for Tiger photographers in India's two premier Tiger parks. There is currently (May 2011) a really amazing situation in these two venues. Bandhavgarh has 4 pregnant female Tigresses and Ranthambhore has three pregnant Tigresses. There should be lots of small Tiger cubs on view, therefore, in 2012.

Tal Mahal & the River Ganges

The Taj Mahal is absolutely awe-inspiring. It is the seventh wonder of the world. Mere words cannot describe this wonderful place. We will spend a morning in Agra to enabling you to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, from where we will also witness primitive agricultural practices on the banks of the Ganges.

Photographic Tuition

Time is put aside to ensure that each person receives the necessary help and advice to enable them to make the most of their photographic opportunities. Participant's photographs are viewed on a computer on a daily basis, and a constructive critique session addresses any problems that may have been encountered during the day. Complete beginners will not only learn how to, but will also be regularly taking take top quality photographs during this safari. Non photographers and artists are also most welcome.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Safari Itinerary

Bandhavgarh Tiger Safari Tour 2012 (11 days) Departs London Tues Feb 7th & Returns Fri. Feb 17th

Feb 7 (Tues): BA257 departs LHR at 15:25 (9W121 departs LHR 20:50)

Feb 8 (Wed): on arrival at Delhi international airport (BA257 arrives 05:00/ 9W121 arrives 10:40) you will be met and transferred to Delhi Railway station (vehicle available for local running, stopping en-route for brunch) to board the overnight sleeper train to Katni. 2nd class AC, with packed meal (*will aim for 1AC for as many as possible as first choice) departs 15:25

Feb 9 (Thurs): you will be met on arrival at approximately 05:15 and driven to ‘Nature Heritage Resort’, a drive of approximately 2-3 hours. Rest of morning free to relax, afternoon jeep safari inside Bandhavgarh National Park

Feb 10 (Fri): morning and afternoon jeep safaris inside Bandhavgarh National Park

Feb 11 (Sat): morning and afternoon jeep safaris inside Bandhavgarh National Park

Feb 12 (Sun): morning and afternoon jeep safaris inside Bandhavgarh National Park. Between safaris you will be taken to the fort which overlooks the park (note: access to begin the climb is by jeep, then on foot with a guide)

Feb 13 (Mon): morning and afternoon jeep safaris inside Bandhavgarh National Park

Feb 14 (Tues): morning and afternoon jeep safaris inside Bandhavgarh National Park

Feb 15 (Wed): morning jeep safari followed by transfer to Katni to board the overnight sleeper train to Agra. 2nd class AC, with packed meal (*will aim for 1AC for as many as possible as first choice) departs 17:20

Feb 16 (Thurs): on arrival at approximately 04:15 you will be met and transferred the Taj Mahal for a sunrise tour. After this you will be taken to a suitable restaurant for breakfast (paid by clients). When appropriate you will be driven to the ‘Bajaj Indian Homestay’ in Delhi (a journey of approximately 4-5 hours, stopping en route at Akbar’s Mausoleum in Sikandra if you wish, *guide/ entry fee not currently included) for your overnight accommodation

Feb 17 (Fri): early morning transfer to Delhi international airport to connect with your flight home (BA256 departs 07:10 and arrives LHR at 11:00/ 9W122 departs 13:40 and arrives LHR at 17:40)

Based on 4 - 6 people sharing twin rooms throughout. Includes all transfers, transport, accommodation, meals, excursions and safaris as described above. International flights not included. Morning elephant show safaris are subject to availability, and are on a first come first served basis at a small extra cost.

Single supplements available. £285.00

Accommodation

Nature Heritage Jungle Resort, Attractive and comfortable single storey cottages, with ceiling fans and en suite bathrooms, each has it’s own veranda. A small number of cottages offer air-conditioners. Set in three acres of forest on the periphery of Bandhavgarh National Park. Resident naturalists and an enthusiastic team of staff. All meals while at the resort are included.

Bajaj Indian Homestay, New Delhi. Located in a residential area close to a bustling bazaar. Essentially a guest house, bedrooms have all modern amenities including air-conditioning. Roof-top terrace bar recently opened. Breakfast included

Wildlife in Bandhavgarh National Park

There are more than 22 species of mammals. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaques represent the primate group. Carnivores include the Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Gray Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard and Tiger. The artiodactyls frequently sighted are Wild Pigs, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chausingha, Nilgai and Chinkara. Mammals such as Dhole, Civet, Palm Squirrel and Lesser Bandicoot Rat are seen occasionally.

Birding in Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is also famous for bird watching. It has more than 140 bird species. The main bird species at Bandhavgarh national park are White Browed Fantails, Steppe Eagles, Green Pigeons, Grey Malabar hornbills, Black and White Malabar Hornbills (quite a rare sighting), Blossom Headed Parakeets, Parakeets, Blue Bearded Bee Eaters, Green Bee Eaters, White Bellied Drongos, Owls, Jerdon's and Gold Fronted lLaf Birds, Minivets, Nightjar, Wood Shrikes and the lovely Paradise Flycatchers.

Ranthambhore Tiger Safari Itinerary

Ranthambhore Tiger Safari Tour 2012 (10 days) Departs London Wed Feb 16th & Returns Sat. Feb 25th

Feb 16 (Wed) BA257 departs LHR at 15:25 (9W121 departs LHR 20:50)

Feb 17 (Fri): on arrival at Delhi international airport (BA257 arrives 05:00/ 9W121 arrives 10:40) you will be met and transferred to Delhi Railway station (vehicle available for local running, stopping en-route for brunch) to board the train (2AC) to Sawai Madhopur, departs 16:55 and arrives at 20:40. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the ‘Ranthambhore Regency’ (barely 20 minutes away)

Feb 18 (Sat): morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Ranthambhore National Park

Feb 19 (Sun): morning and afternoon jeep safaris inside Ranthambhore National Park, between safaris you will be taken for a guided tour of the cliff-top fort with fantastic views across the park’s main lake (may be dry by this time of year)

Feb 20 (Mon): morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Ranthambhore National Park

Feb 21 (Tues): morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Ranthambhore National Park

Feb 22 (Wed): morning excursion to the tribal villages of Devpura where Black Buck Antelope might be spotted in the fields (these are not found inside the park). Afternoon activities to be decided (use of a jeep and naturalist included for local exploration outside of park?)

Feb 23 (Thurs): morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Ranthambhore National Park

Feb 24 (Fri): morning safari in Ranthambhore National Park. Followed by afternoon transfer to Sawai Madhopur station to connect with the afternoon train (2AC) to Delhi, departs 12:30 and arrives at 18:30. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the ‘Bajaj Indian Homestay’ for your overnight accommodation

Feb 25 (Sat): early morning transfer to Delhi international airport to connect with your flight home (BA256 departs 07:10 and arrives LHR at 11:00/ 9W122 departs 13:40 and arrives LHR at 17:40)

Based on 4 - 6 people sharing twin rooms throughout. Includes all transfers, transport, accommodation, meals, excursions and safaris as described above. International flights not included.

Single supplements available. £275.00

Accommodation

Ranthambhore Regency, a well run property with air-conditioned cottages set around lawns and an outdoor swimming pool. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with en suite bathrooms and outdoor terrace, room service is available. All meals while at the resort are included.

Wildlife in Ranthambhore National Park

Ranthambore National Park’s predators include Leopards, Tigers, Jackals & Jungle Cats. The herbivores include Chital or Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Nilgai, Chinkara or Blackbuck and Gazelles. Other mammals include Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Mongoose, Indian Hare and Porcupines. Monitor lizards, Crocodiles, Hanuman Langurs, Common Langurs and Macaques are also seen.

Birds in Ranthambhore National Park

There are also over 270 different species of birds in the park.The most important birds in Ranthambore include Woodpeckers, Indian Gray Hornbills, Common Kingfishers, Bee Eaters, Cuckoos, Parakeets, Asian Palm Swifts, Owls, Nightjars, Pigeons, Doves, Crakes, Snipes, Sandpipers, Gulls, Terns, Great Crested Grebe, Eagles, Darters, Cormorants, Egrets, Herons, Bitterns, Flamingos, Ibis, Pelicans, Storks, Pittas, Shrikes, Treepies, Crows, Orioles, Cuckoo-Shrikes, Minivets, Drongos, Flycatchers, Loras, Wood Shrikes, Pipits, Bayas, Sparrows, Finches, Wagtails, Munias, Bulbul, Mynas & Falcons.

Our 2009, 2010 and 2011 Tiger Safaris

Our 2009 safari proved that our timing for a tiger safari in India is just perfect. In March 2009 we photographed a tiger on 9 out of our 10 safaris. An amazing tally, and we enjoyed multiple sightings on no less than eight of those. The March trip in 2010 produced 19 tigers and the May trip no less than 28 tiger sightings. This was in addition to 2 leopards, 2 Sloth Bears and 2 Jungle Cats. March 2011 produced 31 tiger sightings and the two May 2011 safaris a lesser figure of 15 and 17 respectively. Bookings now being taken for 2012.

Recommendations;

Hi John and Nadine, Thanks for a wonderful holiday in India. It was really well organised and ran smoothly from beginning to end. I really enjoyed the wildlife and the opportunities to take lots of fabulous photos, in the park, at the Taj Mahal and on the road back to Delhi. The lodge hotel was great, the guides and drivers just fantastic. The tigers of course performed beautifully! More could not have been asked for. Best wishes, Nicola

Hi Nadine and John, I must thank you for a wonderful trip to India. I can truly say it was the best holiday I have ever been on, and although I did have fairly high expectations to start with, it blew them out of the water. And thanks to you guys, I have come home with some really good shots which I am very pleased with. I couldn't have hoped for better. Take care, Steph.

Dear John and Nadine, Thank you so much for the best two weeks of my life. I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed myself in India. Such good company, wonderful tigers and other wildlife, and also the people I met. I believe I was in Paradise. Thank you. Lesley Galton

India Tiger Census - Shocking News

The India National Tiger Census revealed a drastic reduction in Tiger numbers over the last 11 years. The total number of Tigers in India has dropped by no less than 60% from 3508 in 1997 to just 1411 in 2008. That means that over 2000 Tigers have disappeared forever during those 11 years. If they continue to disappear at the same rate, then there will be no Tigers in India in 2017. A further 66 Tigers are known to have lost their lives during the first 8 months of 2009, some due to poaching and some due to poisoning. Photographers on Safari are now contributing financially to help protect the Tigers in Bandhavgarh.

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