Wild India in style with Taj Safari Lodges

Delhi : A bustling metropolis and a city of 14 million inhabitants, is also India’s capital. A near perfect blend of the ancient and the modern, Delhi, consisting two parts Old & New Delhi, is a city with something for everyone. From Forts and monuments that are almost 500 years old, to modern shopping malls, nightclubs and golf courses, Delhi truly is India’s crown jewel.

Humayun’s Tomb : – The tour of New Delhi includes the Humayun’s Tomb, the precursor of the Taj Mahal. Drive down the spectacular Rajpath (“the Kingsway,”) passing the India Gate (the memorial built to commemorate the unknown soldiers,) the President’s House, and the House of Parliament. Enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city at Birla Mandir, a modern and colourful Hindu temple.

Evening at leisure to perhaps venture out and discover the city or its many restaurants on your own.

Day 03 : – Delhi – Nagpur – Pench

This morning you will be met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to airport to board flight for Nagpur.

Upon arrival at Nagpur airport you will be met and drive to Pench National Park. (90 kms/02 hrs), the first of the four National parks that you visit as a part of your luxury safari in India.

Visitor cannot fail to be amazed by the mighty gaur or Indian bison, which shares its home with such diverse creatures as wild boar, sloth bear, dhole, and mongoose and jungle cat. As its name implies, the park is also home to the illusive Royal Bengal Tiger and the equally shy leopard. The bird life has been described by visitors as some of the best in India and among the 250 or so species are malabar pied hombills, painted stork, long-tailed shrikes, kingfishers, blue jays and birds of paradise as well as crested serpent eagles, changeable hawk eagles and vultures. The picturesque Pench River, which winds it’s way through the park, is a magnet for all birds, particularly during the winter migration when the area teems with visitor including Brahmini ducks and batheaded geese. Lying on the southern slopes of the satpura ranges, the tiger reserve covers just over 757 sq kms and is two hours by road from Nagpur. While still known locally as Pench National Park, it’s name was changed in November 2002 to Indira Priyadarshni Pench National Park in honour of the Late Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. The Park is open from 1st October till 30th of June every year.

Upon arrival check-in to the Taj Safaris Baghvan Lodge.

Bedrooms all have a Jharokha (wooden latticed bay window) that filters the soft early morning light and covered inter-leading link takes guests to generously proportioned bathrooms with double vanity, separate w.c, indoor and outdoor showers. Leisure facilities at the Bagh van include a large Swimming pool, and large common guest areas, where talks and film shows on wildlife are held almost daily.

Afternoon Game ride into the Pench National Park. Safaris in Pench are organized in jeeps. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at the Lodge

Day 04: Pench

Early morning & evening game safaris into the Pench National Park. Safaris in Pench are organized in jeeps. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Those of our guests, who have been lucky to sight a Tiger at close range (and most have) have said, that, the image will always remain in their memory, as a high point of their tiger safari in India.

Kanha National Park : – The park was created in 1955 by a special law and, since then, it has dedicated itself in preserving a variety of animal species. Many endangered species have indeed been saved here. Today Kanha is among the few most scenic and beautiful wildlife reserves in Asia. This ‘Tiger Country’ is the ideal home for both predator and prey. By far the most striking features of this region are the open grassy meadows, where sighting blackbuck, swamp deer, sambhar and chital is common. And, if one can transcend into time, a barefooted Mowgli would perhaps come padding along the dusty trail, for this is the land of Kipling’s Jungle Book.

The birds species in the park include Storks, Teals, Pintails, Pond Herons, Egrets, Peacock, Pea Fowl, Jungle Fowl, Spur Fowl, Partridges, Quails, Ring Doves, Spotted Parakeets, Green Pigeons, Rock Pigeons, Cuckoos, Papihas, Rollers, Bee-eater, Hoopoes, Drongos, Warblers, Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, Finches, Orioles, Owls and Fly Catchers.

Taj & Beyond Banjaar Tola : Taj Safaris’ third jungle safari lodge is situated along the banks of the Banjaar River, directly overlooking the heart of Kanha National Park. The luxurious, yet lightweight, ensuite tents have been designed in a contemporary style with pressed bamboo wall panels, gorgeous bamboo floors, and locally crafted furniture hewn from the timber of exotic Indian trees. The intimate camp, is set in 90 acres of lush green property. The lodge has a café at the entrance, dining decks on the river side, and a swimming pool.

Bandhavgarh : Bandhavgarh National Park, situated in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, has established a reputation as one of the best places in India to observe Tigers. The 105 square kilometers of park area, open for tourists is reported to have over 25 tigers. 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.

Taj & Beyond Mahua Kothi : A product of the recent partnership between CC Africa and the Taj Group, the Mahua Kothi offers the ultimate in luxury , as far as lodge accommodation in Bandhavgarh is concerned. The twelve charming suites or Kutiyas (jungle village huts) are newly built in the 40 acre grounds of the renowned tented camp formerly known as Churhat Kothi. The original Kothi (homestead) comprising the guest areas remains and has been extensively renovated, but the guest accommodation is all brand new. Those familiar with CC Africa’s standards when it comes to Game lodges , would no doubt know what to expect here — the best accomodation , top class services , gourmet cuisine and the best naturalists.

Day 08: In Bandhavgarh

Early morning & evening game safaris into the Bandhavgarh National Park. Safaris in Bandhavgarh are organized in jeeps. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience.

Day 09: Bandhavgarh – Panna

Early morning game safari into the Bandhavgarh National Park. Safaris in Bandhavgarh are organized in jeeps. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience.

Later drive to Panna (200 kms / 03 hrs).

Herds of Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Chinkara and Sambar inhabit the reserve forming the principal prey species for the Tigers. The former hunting preserve of the Panna family, the park comprises large tracts of riverine forest providing perfect cover for both predators and prey. Panna Tiger A Gharial sanctuary along the river Ken near the spectacular Raneh Falls is an added attraction where we may be lucky to see a number of these endangered fish eating crocodiles basking on the muddy banks. For keen birders, over 200 species of birds have been identified in Panna Tiger Reserve and visitors are likely to encounter more than 100 species around the reserve to augment the mammal observations. A good variety of birds of prey includes the Black-shouldered Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, White-eyed Buzzard, Shikra, and several species of Vulture along with of course the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Black-headed Oriole, and a selection of flycatchers, babblers and warblers.

Upon arrival check-in to the Taj CC Africa Pashan Garh.