Central India Wilderness

ITINERARY….

DAY 1 & 2 Nov 26, 27 2017: ARRIVE DELHI ( B&B) Arrive Delhi - the capital of India. Our tour representative will welcome you at the airport arrival lounge. Transfer to hotel where you receive a traditional garland welcome while the hotel formalities are completed.

Delhi, India’s capital city, offers a glimpse of both ancient and modern day India, and is the third largest in India and one of the fastest growing in Asia. This city is rich in culture, always changing with time but never hiding its splendid past. The various ancient ruins seen in the city are silent witnesses to its magnificent history. The city of Delhi is a blend of two different yet perfectly balanced parts, the Old and the New Delhi. With its intricate streets, elegant

mosques, forts, monuments, and bazaars that sell a variety of goods, Old Delhi speaks volumes about its Mughal past with its multi-ethnic, multi-cultural population, New Delhi is truly cosmopolitan. Nov 27 will include a morning half day tour of the old city and its famous bazaars. Overnight at Imperial Hotel DAY 3 Nov 28 : DELHI – AGRA (B) After breakfast, drive 4 hours to Agra Agra - Badal Singh established the city of Taj in 1475 AD. Agra finds mention in the Mahabharat as Agraban. Sikandar Lodi made Agra his capital but Babur defeated the Lodis to capture not only Agra but also laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire. In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th century AD, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. In the afternoon visit Agra Fort, a massive structure with 70-foot high, 1.5-mile long walls encompassing an astounding collection of well preserved buildings, many of them completed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan.

Sunset visit of Taj Mahal: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble

memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. Overnight at Oberoi Amarvilas

DAY 4 Nov 29 : AGRA – BHOPAL – SATPURA (B, L & D) After an early breakfast transfer to Agra railway station to board the train to Bhopal Agra – Bhopal Shatabdi Express departure 0800 / arrival 1400 hrs Pick up from Bhopal railway station and drive to Satpura (4 hrs) Satpura National Park is located in south Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh. The 524 Sq km Park is the core area of the Panchmarchi Biosphere Reserve that includes Bori wildlife sanctuary to its south-

west and Panchmarhi wildlife sanctuary to its north-east. The park has an elevation of 320-1,352m with tall sandstone mountains, narrow gorges, ravines, water falls, streams and dense forests near the Mahadev hills in the Pachmarhi plateau The park is classified as part of the Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forests eco-region and forms part of a zone of steady transition

between the forests of eastern India and Western India—the careful observer will thus come across stands of both Teak and Sal (Shorea robusta).

This confers on those who arrive here the privilege of being at the exact place where several habitats coincide and overlap. Apart from the tiger and the leopard, the area is also home to Gaur - the Indian Bison, to the Sloth Bear, to several species of deer, the Chausingha or four-horned antelope, and the Nilgai antelope, the wild dog, the wolf, the hyena and the Rhesus Macaque. The Malabar Giant Squirrel

and the Mouse Deer, unusual species for Central India, have also been spotted here. Among the smaller mammals reported are the Indian Civet, the Palm Civet, the Indian Porcupine, the Bengal Fox, the Black-naped Hare, the Jungle cat and the Rusty Spotted Cat. Upon arrival at Satpura check into the lodge

Overnight at Reni Pani Lodge Note: National parks in Madhya Pradesh (Central India) are closed on Wednesday afternoons, so we will organize various activities at the lodge such as nature walks/bird watching in and around the lodge or a village trip.

DAY 5 Nov 30: SATPURA NATIONAL PARK (B, L & D) Indulge yourself in Game drive / elephant safari / night safari (2 times during the stay) and around camp or village walk. Overnight at Reni Pani Lodge

DAY 6 Dec 1: SATPURA – PENCH (B, L & D) After a morning safari and breakfast drive, to Pench National Park (5 hrs) Pench National Park: located in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is the 19th Project Tiger Reserve and has been one of the best-kept secrets among wildlife enthusiasts who have long been acquainted with and bedazzled by its immensely varied flora and fauna. The area provides a backdrop for its wildlife dominated by fairly open canopy of mixed forest, predominantly teak, with open grassy patches, the park with its undulating land boasts the highest density of herbivores in any Indian park. It has a large diversity of wildlife, including Leopard, Tiger, Jungle Cat, Dhole (Wild Dog), Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Mongoose, Gaur and the highest density of Herbivores including Cheetal (Spotted Deer) and Sambar.

About Jamtara Wilderness Camp – Situated in the Village of Jamtara, near Pench National Park, Jamtara Wilderness Lodge is a 12 luxury tented property in the heart of rural Pench. Surrounded by tall Arjuna Trees and an ancient Banyan rooted on a dry riverbed, each tented room overlooks the forest which sets

the perfect background to this jungle experience. Each luxury tent is designed to feel light and open, allowing guests the optimum view of nature. With the option of rolling up the front panels of the tent, the guests can bring the outside in but still being in the privacy of their own rooms. Although, these are tented rooms, the bathroom has been made into a permanent structure for the comfort of the guest

Overnight at Jamtara Wilderness Camp

DAY 7 & 8 Dec 2 – 3 : PENCH NATIONAL PARK (B, L & D) Morning & afternoon Jungle Safaris, accompanied by a resident naturalist and forest Park guide in 4x 4 Jeeps, meals will be at the lodge

Overnight at Jamtara Wilderness Camp

DAY 9 Dec 4: PENCH – KANHA (B, L & D) After a morning jungle safari and breakfast drive to Kanha National Park (4.5 hours) Kanha National Park: One of the largest and most scenic National Parks in India is an Ideal habitat for both tigers and their prey, the lush sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows and ravines of Kanha shelter a significant population of rare species such as tiger, leopard, sloth bear, Barasingha, wild dog to name a few. Kanha'ʹs mixed forests are interspersed with vast meadows known as maidens. Perennial streams run through a number of such meadows, providing a source of water for the wildlife even in the hot summers. Kanha meadow, with its hundreds of chital grazing on a carpet of green grass against the backdrop of the majestic Sal forest, has been aptly referred to as 'ʹthe Ngorongoro of India". Kanha is particularly well known for its endangered swamp deer, or hard water barasingha, which populate the large open tracks of grass amidst the forests of teak and bamboo. Brought back from the brink of extinction, these handsome animals are a remarkable conservation success story for Kanha.

About Singinawa Jungle Lodge – The lodge has grown from 58 acres to 110 acres of land and houses an 18 acre farm which is one of the many experiences that we offer, located near the Mukki gate of Kanha National Park with experienced naturalists and in-house Jeeps, the focus is on delivering the highest quality of Jungle experiences, moreover Singinawa is now a destination in itself not only for the wilderness experience, which is the soul of the place but also as a hub for art, culture and cuisine.

The lodge has also been actively involved in a number of conservation and community drives as part of the Singinawa Conservation Foundation initiatives and we encourage all our guests to be part of these drives during their stay at Singinawa. Overnight at Singinawa Jungle Lodge

DAY 10 – 11 Dec 5 - 6: KANHA NATIONAL PARK (B, L & D) Morning jeep safaris As the shimmering fireball sun rises over the expanse of wilderness that is this magnificent expanse of beguiling jungles called Kanha, our expertly driven, guided and equipped, customized 4 x 4 vehicles make their way steadily through the park’s gates and beyond to help you catch that dreamed of glimpse of untouched, truly wild and free life in these vital jungles. Observe a skulk of fox preening themselves, the stealth of a Jungle Cat relishing its early morning kill, or simply immerse yourself in the pristine chirping and songs of over 300 species of birds - delightfully winging their way through the mighty Sal

trees found aplenty in this park. Gape in total awe and reverence as you first set eyes on the majestic strides of a striped Tiger; a rosette marked Leopard streaking past you, or the confident swagger of a Wild Bunch pack of Dhole (Wild Dog – Whistling Dogs). Observe in wonderment as large herds of multi-species Deer and Gaur make their way cautiously from one watering source to another, accompanied by obliging insect picking birds and the teasing antics of mischievous Black-faced Langur monkeys.

Alternatively, simply challenge yourself to notice the variety of Butterfly species, large and small insects, an almost motionless Black-napped Hare hidden amongst fallen leaves – too petrified to twitch even its nose, and the multitude of rare and curative plants found in abundance all around you as you wait with bubbling anticipation for an alarm call to erupt through the almost still jungle air. The afternoon safaris can be just as exhilarating as the morning drives, and allow you to feast on the preparations of the inevitable jungle activities to commence as the setting sun signals the advent of the game of opportunities between skilled predators and their alert prey. Our specialized Naturalists skilfully guide you through the maze of flora and fauna, leading to marked territories of resident. Tigers to help you observe the theatre of nature from the front stall Overnight at Singinawa Jungle Lodge

DAY 12 Dec 7 2017 : KANHA – JABALPUR – DELHI (B, L & D) After morning safari and breakfast, on time transfer to Jabalpur airport to connect flight to Delhi SpiceJet Airlines departure 1610 / arrival 1755 hrs (time subject to change) Pick up from airport and transfer to hotel for room until departure, farewell dinner in the hotel Later mid night transfer to Delhi International airport to connect flight for onward destination.

No. of Person Traveling Per Person Cost in USD on Twin Sharing

06 Passengers USD 7941 Per Person

08 Passengers USD 6963 Per Person

10 Passengers USD 6650 Per Person

Single room Supplement USD 3765 Per Single

Reduction, for client who will do both trip back to back ( Delhi and Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra)

USD 793 Per Person

*Airfare Supplement (Economy Class) USD 210 Per Person

From Jabalpur – Delhi, for 20 kgs

City / Nights Hotel Name Room Category

Delhi / 2 Imperial Deluxe Room

Agra / 1 Oberoi Amarvilas Premier Balcony Room

Satpura / 2 Reni Pani Jungle Lodge Cottage

Pench / 3 Jamtara Wilderness Camp Luxury Tent

Kanha / 3 Singinawa Jungle Lodge Cottage

Delhi / Day Use JW Marriott Day Use Room for few hrs

THE COST INCLUDES:

Accommodation on double/twin sharing basis at hotels mentioned above or in similar category.

Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch & D=Dinner). Accompanying English speaking tour escort (India) from arrival until departure

Package drinking water for the entire tour (available in vehicle).

Meeting / assistance at the time of arrival and departure at airport and during check in/out at hotels in major cities.

Entrances fees to the monuments and parks.

Train ticket from Agra – Bhopal by executive Car with AC. Government Service tax. COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Any airfare, airport taxes and any insurance fee.

Anything not mentioned in inclusion above.

Any expenditure of personal nature like video camera fee, laundry, telephone calls, hard drinks.

Tipping at hotels/lodges, restaurants, porters, safaris guide/drivers, local guides, resident naturalist and the accompanying tour escort.

Any sudden increase in price due to steep hike in park Entry Fee, steep hike in fuel cost, change in government tax policy or for any reason beyond our control like acts of god, natural calamity, law and order situation, riots etc and any forced change in itinerary for any unforeseen situation or reason beyond our control.

NOTE:

Airfare is quoted on the basis of best available average fare which is subject to change. This fare can be low or can be higher at the time of booking. Exact fare will be advised at the time of booking.

Tim Lapage Independent Safari Consultant

P.O.Box 680098 Park City UT 84068-0098 - Tel 435 649 4655 - e-mail: safari@safariexperts.com -

www.safariexperts.com