Bandhavgarh tiger
| country: | India |
| location: | Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve |
| departures: | 2008: 17 Oct, 14 Nov, 5 Dec, 26 Dec |
| price: | From £1295 (9 days) including flights from the UK, from £895 excluding flights |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
check out similar holiday ideas...
introduction to Bandhavgarh tiger
Bandhavgarh National Park, situated amid the airy Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh, has established a reputation as one of the best places in India to observe Tigers.
Although a relatively small reserve when first established in 1968, it was enlarged twenty years later to include adjacent tracts of Sal forest and this extension has proved very beneficial for the Tiger population. The 105 square kilometres of park area, open for tourists was reported to have 22 tigers, a density of one tiger for every 4.77 square kilometres (Population estimation exercise 2001). Like many Tiger reserves in India, the area was formerly the hunting reserve of a Maharaja and contains much evidence of its royal associations, most spectacular being the ruins of a huge hilltop fort which dominates the centre of the reserve.
Bandhavgarh is somewhat isolated in the rural heart of India but the long overnight train journey from Delhi is well worth the effort and visitors are richly rewarded by a fine selection of wildlife and the real chance of never to be forgotten encounters with the greatest of the big cats.
Although a relatively small reserve when first established in 1968, it was enlarged twenty years later to include adjacent tracts of Sal forest and this extension has proved very beneficial for the Tiger population. The 105 square kilometres of park area, open for tourists was reported to have 22 tigers, a density of one tiger for every 4.77 square kilometres (Population estimation exercise 2001). Like many Tiger reserves in India, the area was formerly the hunting reserve of a Maharaja and contains much evidence of its royal associations, most spectacular being the ruins of a huge hilltop fort which dominates the centre of the reserve.
Bandhavgarh is somewhat isolated in the rural heart of India but the long overnight train journey from Delhi is well worth the effort and visitors are richly rewarded by a fine selection of wildlife and the real chance of never to be forgotten encounters with the greatest of the big cats.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Depart London. |
| Day 2: | Delhi; overnight train to Umaria. |
| Day 3: | Arrive at Umaria. Afternoon in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. |
| Day 4-6: | Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. |
| Day 7: | Train to Delhi. |
| Day 8: | Delhi. |
| Day 9: | Fly to London. |
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
|
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in Madhya Pradesh. It was one of the first of India’s Project Tiger reserves, and today it is perhaps the best known and most popular – an example of how a high profile and good visitor numbers can deter poachers. Another attraction of Bandhavgarh is that we travel there and back in a manner that is as environmentally friendly as possible – by train.
Our small groups (of between 6 and 16) are guided by one of our highly trained team of expert Indian and Nepalese naturalists (who not only rank amongst the very best in the subcontinent, but are invariably active participants in the region’s wildlife conservation organisations and in encouraging conservation in schools). Whilst Bandhavgarh is not short of visitors and tourist income, the growing number of overseas wildlife tourists increasingly serves notice to the Indian Government of the importance of all of its national parks and of wildlife conservation… and, we hope, will encourage further action to prevent the trade in endangered species from India (mostly to China and south-east Asia). 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 led 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. |
check out similar holiday ideas...