12 days tour

India Photography Safari With Paul Goldstein − First Departu

India Photography Safari With Paul Goldstein − First Departu

This tour includes:

Transport

We use a combination of internal flights, private minibus, SUVs and 4x4s. All vehicles except the 4x4s are air-conditioned. Game drives: We use 4x4s in Bandhavgarh and Tadoba. These are exclusive to us with only three group members allocated to each in Bandhavgarh and Tadoba with exception of the full day drives in Tadoba where four group members are allocated per 4x4. Please note, seatbelts are not always available. During the game drives, each vehicle is accompanied by a local Forest Guard; they are not guides and their English and wildlife knowledge may not reach the same level as Paul and Himanshu, but many have worked there for 20 years or more. The Exodus leader will rotate between vehicles throughout the trip. Domestic flights: The domestic flights have the following baggage allowance (this may be lower than your international flight allowance). Hand baggage: One bag up to 15lb (7kg) Check-in baggage: 33lb (15kg) allowance per person (one piece only) Please note, electronic devices, powerpacks and batteries should be packed in hand luggage as these are not permitted in your hold/main luggage. Excess baggage charge: Approximately 500-1,000 rupees (US$6-US$12) for every kilogram over 15kg

Guide

Paul Goldstein and our local wildlife expert leader Himanshu accompany the group throughout. Both have infectious enthusiasm and reverence for the wildlife of India and particularly the beautiful Bengal tiger. Paul has run these tiger safaris for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts for more than 25 years. These photographic adventures have been remarkably successful. Many have done repeat safaris to India with him and this is sure to be popular. During the game drives, each vehicle is accompanied by a Forest Guard (mandatory by the local authorities). These are part of an initiative by the national park authorities to generate employment for the local villages. The Forest Guards have excellent awareness of the wildlife and are skilled in tracking; however, many have very limited English so will often communicate through hand signals rather than conversation. Himanshu and Paul rotate around the safari jeeps to ensure you all have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the wildlife through their experience.

Others

Game drive jeeps exclusive to Exodus Four full-day and 10 half day safaris across two National Parks Photography permits for full day game drives

Flights

Internal flights Included

Meals

11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 11 dinners included Breakfasts at the parks are taken after the morning safaris and afternoon tea is provided on some days. There is a restaurant at the hotels serving a variety of options. There are usually some non-spicy curries, but these are in limited supply. If you are a vegetarian, India is probably one of the best destinations to travel to with a wide range of dishes on offer. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A (large) bottle of beer is approximately 410 rupees (US$5). Mineral water is widely available.

Accommodation

We split this photography safari in India across two resorts, both very close to the national parks we visit. Bandhavgarh: Nature Heritage Resort (nights 1-6) Immerse yourself in the wilds of India at Nature Heritage Resort, which is just moments from Bandhavgarh National Park. We stay in air-conditioned cottages with views from the balcony over the Vindhyachal hills. The Indian cuisine is excellent and bountiful with a long established chef, plus a swimming pool with loungers. At night, guests gather around the campfire with Paul and Himanshu. Tadoba: Irai Safari Retreat (nights 7-11) Just minutes from Tadoba National Park, this peaceful retreat is ideally placed for our tiger-watching adventures. We stay in cottages with a private veranda and shared terrace. During downtime, make use of the swimming pool or, if you’re full of energy, there’s a small gym. Dinner brings a multicuisine buffet with plenty of Indian dishes − the Maharashtrian thali and local chichpalli chicken are highly recommended. On the other side of the retreat is the tribal village of Bhamdeli, which gives a true feel of the rural Indian life mixed with an authentic jungle atmosphere.

Not included:

Others

— Travel insurance — Visas and vaccinations — Single supplements where available — Day room at Delhi airport hotel (supplement where available)

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip India Photography Safari With Paul Goldstein − First Departu

  • Day 1 Day 1: Arrival In Delhi; Fly Onwards To Jabalpur; Transfer To Bandhavgarh (Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Arrival In Delhi; Fly Onwards To Jabalpur; Transfer To Bandhavgarh (Dinner)

      The adventure begins in Delhi, you will meet your local leader at Delhi International Airport, terminal 3 – see the Joining Instructions for more details. We transfer to the domestic terminal at Delhi Airport to catch the two-hour flight to Jabalpur in the state of Madhya Pradesh. On arrival, we drive (approximately three to four hours) to Bandhavgarh National Park. You have time to relax at the resort before dinner, perhaps with a refreshing post-flight dip in the pool. Accommodation: Nature Heritage Resort

  • Day 2 Day 2-6: Seven Half-Day Safaris And One Full-Day Safaris In Core Zones; Free Afternoon (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2-6: Seven Half-Day Safaris And One Full-Day Safaris In Core Zones; Free Afternoon (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Bandhavgarh is one of the smaller national parks and enjoys an impressive setting with a cliff-top fort overlooking grasslands, birch forests and bamboo. It is home to a wide variety of game, including leopards, sloth bears, jungle cats, wild pigs and, of course, tigers. The healthy tiger population of approximately 60-70 means this park has the highest tiger density of any reserve in India. It also hosts up to 150 bird species including many on the migratory trail, such as the steppe eagle. We spend five days in the national park; one day on a full-day game drive and seven half-day (morning and evening) game drives in the core zone. There is one free afternoon on Wednesday (day 2) when the park is closed for you to relax by the pool or chat through your photo skills with Paul. Sometimes it is possible to drive into the buffer zone on this afternoon but this will be decided on the day and a supplement costs paid locally. Look forward to an early starts! Gates open at 5.30am and your tour leader will advise on wake-up times and breakfast arrangements for each day, which will either be a packed breakfast to take into the park or on return from the safari. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided before we drive to the park. Accommodation: Nature Heritage Resort

  • Day 3 Day 7: Drive From Bandhavgarh To Tadoba National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Drive From Bandhavgarh To Tadoba National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Today is a full-day journey to Tadoba National Park , an 11 to 12-hour journey of 375mi (600km). We have an early morning wakeup call, leaving Nature Heritage Resort by 7am. Our long journey is mostly on the plains, through the rural part of central India; in between, we cross the Pench-Kanha Corridor, which helps the wildlife of central India cross national parks without any trouble. Along the way, we take comfort stops as well as a lunch to break up the journey and stretch our legs. Our aim is to reach our hotel in Tadoba for check-in by 7pm. Accommodation: Irai Safari Retreat

  • Day 4 Day 8-11: Five Half-Day And Two Full-Day Game Drives In Tadoba National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8-11: Five Half-Day And Two Full-Day Game Drives In Tadoba National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Spend four days exploring the wildlife-rich Tadoba National Park, where deep valleys, riverbeds and small grassy meadows are home not only to tigers but also leopards, sloth bears, honey badgers, bison, wolves, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs and foxes. The habitat also suits both forest and wetland birds, making it a popular destination for birders and photographers. The reserve is 667sqmi (1,728sqkm) with a 241sqmi (625sqkm) Core Zone, which is further divided into the North Forest and South Forest. The North Forest is the original Tadoba National Park, declared a Tiger Sanctuary in 1935 and a National Park in 1955, with an area of 45sqmi (116sqkm); the South Forest is the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary with an area of 197sqmi (509sqkm). We have two days with morning and afternoon game drives (first in the Core Zone, and the second in the Buffer Zone) and two full-day game drives, both in the buffer zones. Game drives start each day at approximately 6am and 3pm; the morning drive will finish at 10am and the evening drive will finish when it gets dark. The days in Tadoba are very special and should give some wonderful sightings. Accommodation: Irai Safari Retreat

  • Day 5 Day 12: Morning Game Drive; Transfer To Nagpur Airport And Fly To Delhi Airport Where Your Trip Ends (Breakfast,Lunch)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Morning Game Drive; Transfer To Nagpur Airport And Fly To Delhi Airport Where Your Trip Ends (Breakfast,Lunch)

      Rise early for our last safari in Tadoba National Park before breakfast. On return, it’s time to pack up and check out. We can enjoy our final lunch together at the resort before a transfer to Nagpur Airport, where we catch our return flight to Delhi, where the trip ends on arrival at Delhi Domestic Terminal. There is a transfer to the international terminal, which you are welcome to join – speak to your sales representative to confirm your place. Alternatively, if you would like to extend your stay in Delhi, we have a selection of options for airport or city hotels – speak to your sales representative for more information.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but you’re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

You’ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 80

Age range allowed for this experience.

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