Kanha tiger safari, India
| country: | India |
| location: | Madhya Pradesh, Kanha |
| departures: | 2008: 14 Nov, 12 Dec, 19 Dec |
| price: | From £1850 - £1995 (13 days) including flights from the UK, from £1450 excluding flights |
read 2 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
This holiday is designed to maximise your chances of Tiger sightings by spending an extended period in India's best Tiger Reserve. We shall also enjoy Kanha's excellent variety of birds and mammals, which compensate amply if Tigers prove hard to see.
Time outside Kanha will be limited, as we aim to make this holiday affordable to as many people as possible, and to restrict its overall length in order to satisfy those of you with limited holiday. However, if you would like to extend your holiday in any way - perhaps including other national parks or cultural sites - we should be pleased to organise this for you.
On this holiday you must be prepared for a long and tiring journey both to and from Kanha, BUT you will have time to relax once you are there! It is, after all, one of India's more remote reserves, and for this reason offers some of the subcontinent's finest mammal-viewing. In 1993 two groups enjoyed this holiday - between them amassing over 20 Tiger sightings! In 1995, our three groups saw Tigers on only 6 occasions between them.
In 1996, sightings thankfully improved, and our two groups had around 12 sightings between them and in subsequent years our groups have managed observations on most days culminating with particularly successful tours from 2000-2006. The 'lean' years in the mid-90's do however, give an indication of how seriously poaching can reduce chances. It is therefore essential to appreciate that Tigers are very rare and very shy mammals, and there can be no guarantee of seeing one on any tour. However, we have no doubt that by combining Kanha and Ranthambore; we are providing the best chance of a Tiger encounter within a 17-day period.
If you enjoy birds, mammals and wild environments, and look upon a Tiger sighting as a bonus earned from spending a lengthy time in such an environment - and you are prepared to put up with the rigours of travelling in India at a hot time of the year (and for that reason the best for mammals) - please do join us! The departures from November to January offer cooler weather though sometimes fewer Tigers.
NB. From the time that Tigers first show on a more regular basis each year, we carefully monitor where they are most regularly being seen. If for any reason they are showing more regularly in reserves other than Kanha and Ranthambore, we will advise you, and be pleased to offer an extension to the location of the moment.
Time outside Kanha will be limited, as we aim to make this holiday affordable to as many people as possible, and to restrict its overall length in order to satisfy those of you with limited holiday. However, if you would like to extend your holiday in any way - perhaps including other national parks or cultural sites - we should be pleased to organise this for you.
On this holiday you must be prepared for a long and tiring journey both to and from Kanha, BUT you will have time to relax once you are there! It is, after all, one of India's more remote reserves, and for this reason offers some of the subcontinent's finest mammal-viewing. In 1993 two groups enjoyed this holiday - between them amassing over 20 Tiger sightings! In 1995, our three groups saw Tigers on only 6 occasions between them.
In 1996, sightings thankfully improved, and our two groups had around 12 sightings between them and in subsequent years our groups have managed observations on most days culminating with particularly successful tours from 2000-2006. The 'lean' years in the mid-90's do however, give an indication of how seriously poaching can reduce chances. It is therefore essential to appreciate that Tigers are very rare and very shy mammals, and there can be no guarantee of seeing one on any tour. However, we have no doubt that by combining Kanha and Ranthambore; we are providing the best chance of a Tiger encounter within a 17-day period.
If you enjoy birds, mammals and wild environments, and look upon a Tiger sighting as a bonus earned from spending a lengthy time in such an environment - and you are prepared to put up with the rigours of travelling in India at a hot time of the year (and for that reason the best for mammals) - please do join us! The departures from November to January offer cooler weather though sometimes fewer Tigers.
NB. From the time that Tigers first show on a more regular basis each year, we carefully monitor where they are most regularly being seen. If for any reason they are showing more regularly in reserves other than Kanha and Ranthambore, we will advise you, and be pleased to offer an extension to the location of the moment.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Depart London. |
| Day 2: | Delhi. |
| Day 3: | Full day in Delhi; overnight train toJabalpur. |
| Day 4-10: | Kanha Tiger Reserve |
| Day 11: | Final morning at Kanha; overnight train to Agra. |
| Day 12: | Full day's sightseeing in Agra; then drive to Delhi. |
| Day 13: | Return London |
travellers' tales
We did see lots of tigers in the Kanha Park, often from elephant back but the rest of the wildlife was almost as stunning. (Taj Mahal was also pretty special!)
(more)
this holiday is operated by a wildlife specialist
Typically trips are expertly guided by a leading specialist with a good knowledge of the area to be visited. Inevitably, birds, plants and mammals are the main focus of attention however, the aim will be to incorporate all other aspects of the natural world in an attempt to be as broad-minded as possible. A local guide may often accompany trips.how this holiday makes a difference
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This is a 13-day safari in search of Tigers, other Indian mammals and birdlife, based in Kanha, India's most rewarding Tiger Reserve. Unlike other Tiger or wildlife tours in India, this holiday's sole focus is on one – the best! – reserve, thereby both minimising travel (and associated environmental damage) and travel-stress and maximising your chances of encountering Tigers and other wildlife. Indeed, with the exception of our game drives and railway transfers (using local drivers), our travels within India consist of just two train journeys.
The very comfortable lodge that we use throughout our stay in Kanha is privately owned by a local Sikh family and staffed by local villagers; its meals are based on fresh local produce. Our small groups (of between 6 and 16) are guided by one of our highly trained team of expert naturalists (who not only rank amongst the very best in the subcontinent, but invariably are active participants in the region's wildlife conservation organisations and in encouraging conservation in schools). Additionally, we use local guides and drivers, many of whom have received training, encouragement and equipment from us (notably guidebooks and binoculars). Be reassured that your visit to an Indian national park or wildlife reserve brings valued income and employment to impoverished rural communities, and encourages both local people and their governments to value and protect one of the world's richest wildlife heritages. Unsurprisingly, this is the most popular expert-escorted Tiger tour on the market today. As a company we have achieved AITO’s top level, 3-star Responsible Tourism accreditation and we have always tried to operate our holidays in an environmentally responsible manner, striving to contribute to wildlife conservation and habitat preservation at all times. Our policy includes: We also encourage our clients to offset their carbon dioxide emissions. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've lead the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |