TIGER, TIGERS, TIGERS & TAJ MAHAL, INDIA
BANDHAVGARH TIGER PHOTO SAFARIs 2011
This 10 day Tiger Photography Safari tour to India has 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.
Tigers, Wildlife, & the Taj Mahal
This is a fantastic 10 day photographic tour of India, leaving London on a Saturday. 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. 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
We will have a full 9 days in India. This 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. The tour also caters 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 no less than ten Tiger Safaris scheduled. No trip to India is complete without seeing the elusive Tiger. Our 2009 safari provided tiger sightings on all but one safari. That was an amazing 90% success rate. Furthermore, seven of the safaris produced multiple tiger sightings and one an encounter with an extremely rare Jungle Cat. Five full days of viewing should virtually guarantee tiger sightings for everyone. Only one safari will be on the more busy weekends, so we will have 9 safaris when things are much quieter. When tigers are spotted in deep undergrowth we will hopefully be able to approach them on elephant back. The cost of the elephant rides is included in the cost of the tour. 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. To avoid any ambiguity, all ten safaris are Jeep safaris. Elephants are used in the mornings by the mahouts in order to locate tigers hidden deeper inside the park. It is when they have successfully done this that we too climb aboard the elephants and then have the opportunity to photograph tigers that would otherwise remain concealed, from just a few metres away.
A Special Place for Tiger Sightings
Bandhavgarh widely considered as the world's premier place to view Tigers in the wild. Photographers on Safari is a regular benefactor to the local Tiger Conservation Project and has built a fantastic relationship with this organisation, the top drivers and the top guides. This means that 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.
Bandhavgarh Fort
Most days we take an extra optional trip (inexpensive but not included in the price quoted) to Bandhavgarh Fort. We take a packed lunch and are two of only four vehicles allowed in the park between 11am and 3 pm. The fort area is impressive and extensive. Tomb Bats reside in two of the buildings and Vultures often soar at eye level nearby. Possibly the main attraction are the smaller animals and birds that are often missed on the main safaris. Langur Monkeys, Rhesus Macaques Wild Boar and Spotted Deer are much more approachable during these quiet periods. Some stunning shots of these animals and other birdlife (Kingfishers, Owls, Eagles etc.) can be taken at this time.
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 leaf birds, minivets, nightjar, woodshrikes and the lovely paradise flycatchers. |
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. |
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.
Itinerary
Bandhavgarh Tiger Safari Tour 2011 (10 days) Departs London Thurs Feb 24th & Returns Mon. March 5th
Day 1: Depart London for flight to Delhi
Day 2: On arrival at Delhi international airport (early morning arrival) you will be met and transferred to Delhi Railway station (stopping en-route for lunch) to board the overnight sleeper train to Katni (first class or second class Air Conditioned) departs 14:30
Day 3: You will be met on arrival at approximately 04:00 and driven to ‘Nature Heritage Resort’, a drive of approximately 2-3 hours. Rest of morning free to relax before afternoon jeep safari inside Bandhavgarh National Park
Day 4: Morning jeep (+elephant) safari and afternoon jeep safari inside Bandhavgarh National Park
Day 5: Morning jeep (+elephant) safari and afternoon jeep safari inside Bandhavgarh National Park
Day 6: Morning jeep (+elephant) safari and afternoon jeep safari inside Bandhavgarh National Park
Day 7: Morning jeep (+elephant) safari and afternoon jeep safari inside Bandhavgarh National Park
Day 8: Morning jeep (+elephant) safari followed by transfer to Katni to board the overnight sleeper train to Agra (first class or second class Air Conditioned) departs 17:00
Day 9: On arrival at approximately 04:00 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 (not included). When appropriate you will be transferred to ‘The Bajaj Indian Homestay’ in Delhi (a journey of approximately 4-5 hours on good quality roads) for your overnight accommodation.
Day 10: When appropriate you will be transferred to Delhi international airport for your flight home
Based on 4 - 8 people sharing twin rooms throughout. Includes all transfers, transport, accommodation, meals, excursions and safaris as described above. Elephant safaris are subject to availability on a first come first served basis. Single supplements available.
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 are included, served both indoors and out.
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
Our 2009 and 2010 Tiger Safaris
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.
Click here to see 2009 India Tiger Safari Photos
Cost and Dates:
thurs. Feb. 24th - sat. mar. 5th 2011 £1665.00
International flights excluded (£400 approx.)
For your peace of mind, this tour is booked directly through our agent and full financial protection is afforded through AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators). Flights booked through this agent will be covered by ATOL.
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Additional tiger safari May 17 - 27 2011
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Professional Photography Tiger Photo Tour
In addition to the above tour Photographers on Safari will also undertake a second tour devoted solely to getting some outstanding tiger photos. Sightseeing will not form part of this trip. This safari was researched and previously undertaken in May 2009, when I photographed tigers and donated my resulting pictures to a conservation project. The pictures will feature in a future book, the income from which will be used to protect the tigers inside Bandhavgarh National Park. A sample of these pictures can be found on page 3 of the India photo gallery. The temperature was uncomfortably hot, often reaching the mid forties centigrade. The morning session in the park, starting at 5.30am and finishing towards 9.30am was quite comfortable. The three and a half hour afternoon session starting at 3.30 was less so. It was quite unforgiving for the first couple of hours or so, and the power of the sun should not be underestimated. Plenty of water to drink is paramount. The middle of the day was spent in the air-conditioned hotel. It was the foolish, and not the brave who ventured out at this time. The 2010 safari produced no less than 28 tigers, 2 Sloth Bears, 2 Leopards & 2 Jungle Cats plus many other animals and birds, which included the spectacular paradise flycatchers.
Absolutely Amazing Photo Opportunities
If the above paragraph has not completely put you off, then read on. The sightings in May 2009 were phenomenal. I was there for five full days and two half days. That meant 12 safaris. These produced 24 sightings of tigers (28 in 2011). Only one safari was without a tiger sighting and I saw 11 different tigers throughout my stay. The difference between tiger viewing in late May and the rest of the year is that water is very scarce. The tigers have to drink twice a day and there are only a limited number of places where they can drink. Some will undoubtedly have no choice but to drink at large pools where they can be photographed with perfect reflections. All you have to do is sit and wait. Occasionally you will make the wrong choice of where to wait, but when you guess correctly the photography is incredible.
Top Guides and Two-Man Jeeps
We will use some of the top guides in Bandhavgarh. Their knowledge is at times uncanny. It is as if they are able to read the tigers' minds. It makes such a difference to the end results you will achieve. I have also arranged for just 2 photographers to share a 4 passenger jeep. That means that each person will have a seat each on the side of the vehicle where the action is. You will not be leaning across each other and there will be much less movement within the vehicle. I will rotate who I share a vehicle with, and each photographer will be able to spend a couple of half days exclusively benefitting from my advice and tuition. We will almost solely target tigers throughout our time in Bandhavgarh and only stop to photograph other species when Tigers prove difficult to find. It is a true Tiger Safari.
Tuition & Photographic Guidance
During the day, some time will be put aside to assess your photographs and a constructive critique will help you to make the most of the opportunities you encounter. You will have the opportunity to view a selection of your pictures on a computer, where any shortcomings in technique can be easily identified. Our aim is that you return home with some absolutely stunning images. There is also plenty of time to rest as our early morning starts mean that the days are long.
Amateurs & Non-Photographers Welcome
Although described as a professional tour, this safari is not just for professionals. Everybody is equally welcome. It is described as a professional tour because it is geared up to produce the maximum possible tiger sightings with a minimal amount of photographers in a vehicle. You will see quite a number of top professional photographers in Bandhavgarh at this time of the year and the number of tourists is far less than normal. It is too hot for all-day activities. Mad dogs and Englishmen .................!!! The accommodation and travel arrangements will be exactly the same as described above for the earlier tour, except that the visit to the Taj Mahal will not be included. We will return directly to Delhi. We will have 24 hours in Delhi to unwind before our return flight to the UK. We would be able to catch a return flight on the day we return to Delhi if we knew our train was going to be on time. Should this not be the case, then we would be left stranded. To avoid any complications a buffer day has been added to your trip. Group sightseeing in Delhi (not included) can easily and cheaply be arranged there and then. Alternatively, your "batteries" can be recharged in an air-conditioned hotel.
Itinerary
Bandhavgarh Tiger Safari Tour (10 days)
May 17: Depart London for flight to Delhi
May 18: On arrival at Delhi international airport (early morning arrival) you will be met and transferred to Delhi Railway station (stopping en-route for lunch) to board the overnight sleeper train to Katni (first class or second class Air Conditioned) departs 14:30
May 19: You will be met on arrival at approximately 04:00 and driven to ‘Nature Heritage Resort’, a drive of approximately 2-3 hours. Rest of morning free to relax before afternoon jeep safari inside Bandhavgarh National Park
May 20: Morning jeep (+elephant) safari and afternoon jeep safari inside Bandhavgarh National Park
May 21: Morning jeep (+elephant) safari and afternoon jeep safari inside Bandhavgarh National Park
May 22: Morning jeep (+elephant) safari and afternoon jeep safari inside Bandhavgarh National Park
May 23: Morning jeep (+elephant) safari and afternoon jeep safari inside Bandhavgarh National Park
May 25: Morning jeep (+elephant) safari followed by transfer to Katni to board the overnight sleeper train to Agra (first class or second class Air Conditioned) departs 17:00
May 26: On arrival at approximately 07:30 you will be met and taken to a suitable restaurant for breakfast (paid for by client). You will then be transferred to ‘The Bajaj Indian Homestay’ in Delhi (rooms available from 11am) for your overnight accommodation.
May 27: Early morning transfer to Delhi international airport for your flight home
Based on 4 - 8 people sharing twin rooms throughout. Includes all transfers, transport, accommodation, meals, excursions and safaris as described above. Elephant safaris are subject to availability on a first come first served basis. Single supplements available.
Cost and Dates:
tues. May 17th - fri. may 27th 2011 £1945.00
International flights excluded (£400 approx.)
For your peace of mind, this tour is booked directly through our agent and full financial protection is afforded through AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators). Flights booked through this agent will be covered by ATOL.
