India Tiger Safari

Seeing one in the wild is intoxicating, that is why this comprehensive safari visits three of the best parks in India for this striped cat. There are many other animals to enjoy, but tigers remain top of the agenda throughout this itinerary. Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks are teeming with a variety of wildlife and all have something different to offer. All are ideal for viewing both predator and prey, and with fifteen game drives included the chances of seeing the magnificent Bengal tiger are greatly increased.

We spend 14 nights in en suite hotels and one night on an air-conditioned sleeper train. In Pench, Bandhavgarh and Kanha national parks, we stay in forest lodges with modern facilities and attached bathrooms (standards between the three lodges vary). On the rare occasion that a lodge/hotel is overbooked, the accommodation in national parks will be in comfortable safari fixed-tents fitted with electric lights and attached toilet with shower with hot and cold water readily available.



Overnight train journey



[caption id="attachment_120297" align="alignnone" width="470"] Sleeper Train[/caption]



The overnight train from Katni to Agra will be booked in two-tier air-conditioned sleepers (or three-tier if unavailable). There are many excellent trains in India; however, the standard of seating and sleeping is not in line with Western standards. Seats are allocated when the tickets are issued, meaning we cannot guarantee the whole group is together in the same carriage; your leader will manage this as best as possible and will always check on you during the journey.



Indian trains are safe but we recommend you keep valuables with you at all times as the sleeper compartments are open with curtains for privacy along the aisle. Snacks are often offered on board (at an additional cost) but you may wish to purchase your own food before the journey. While some trains have Western-style facilities, the majority of services are equipped with squat toilets.



Please note, trains are sometimes delayed for reasons beyond our control, but we endeavour to minimise the impact of these delays on the overall itinerary.



Worth knowing



Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months when the weather can get cold. You can, however, request more blankets if needed or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.

Its common for hotels in India to have limited times in the day for hot water use to save energy. If you find your shower is cold, please let your leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on.

Sleeper trains are not enclosed compartments, bed bunks are set up within a carriage with curtains for some privacy.

Within the sleeper train, you may be sharing a compartment of four beds with members of the public depending on how the seats are allocated.

Single accommodation excludes sleeper trains