India's Wildlife - A Photography Tour

Tour Code: IND03

A 12-day wildlife photography holiday to Bandhavgarh, one of India's finest Tiger Reserves with an impressive record of Tiger sightings (indeed, a 100% record on these tours!) and a wealth of other obliging wildlife subjects, including colourful birdlife and such mammals as Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chousingha, Nilgai and Grey Langur.

12 days from
£3,995 (Inc flights)
Land only price from
£3,495
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

Bandhavgarh is one of the best of India's many excellent Tiger Reserves with an impressive record for consistent Tiger sightings (indeed, a 100% record on these tours!). Set amongst the forested Vindhya Hills, and dominated by the impressive ruins of the hilltop Bandhavgarh Fort, photographers will be in their element. There is an abundance of wildlife subjects to be photographed on every Naturetrek tour to India, but this holiday is specifically designed to allow extra time with each wildlife encounter to allow the composition of that perfect photograph! Whilst the mighty Tiger is the star attraction at Bandhavgarh, the reserve offers a wealth of obliging wildlife subjects, including colourful birdlife and such other mammals as Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chousingha, Nilgai and Grey Langurs.

  • Expertly guided by at least one leading photographer of Indian wildlife
  • 7 nights / 8 days in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve – time for serious photography
  • Excellent opportunities for Tiger photography – from jeeps 
  • Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chousingha, Chinkara, Nilgai & Langurs amongst other mammals
  • Wealth of birds, including Peacock, raptors, bee-eaters & other colourful subjects
  • Bandhavgarh Fort – pre 10th century rock carvings & photogenic temple ruins

Grading

This is a straightforward wildlife tour with no strenuous walking.

In his famous ‘Jungle Book’ Rudyard Kipling acknowledged the undisputed status of the mighty Bengal Tiger by introducing Shere Khan as the king of the beasts. Although the cat family includes many impressive and attractive animals, there is an aura of power and majesty about the Tiger which makes it an automatic choice for this title and to observe a male Tiger patrolling his territory in an Indian reserve is to watch an unchallenged ruler strolling through his domain.

Unfortunately for the Tiger, being top predator was no protection against the activities of man, and a combination of habitat destruction and hunting pressures reduced the Indian population from an estimated 40,000 to less than 2,000 before the conservation initiative known as ‘Project Tiger’ sought to halt this rapid decline by the establishment of numerous Tiger Reserves. It is in reserves such as Kanha and Ranthambore that, over the years, many hundreds of Naturetrek clients have savoured the ultimate wildlife experience of watching Tigers in their natural environment. However, in recent times, another reserve, Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh, has acquired a rapidly growing reputation as one of the very best locations for consistent Tiger sightings.

Set amid the Vindhya Hills, Bandhavgarh was first established in 1968 but substantially increased in size 20 years later by the incorporation of several adjacent tracts of Sal forest. This is a region steeped in history and, in the heart of the reserve, towering 800 metres above the forest, stands the ruin of a magnificent hilltop fort which bears testament to the succession of dynasties which over the ages ruled this area. A former capital of the Baghel kings, Bandhavgarh Fort was eventually abandoned early in the 17th century and quickly reclaimed by the jungle around it, although it remained a royal hunting reserve for another 300 years, thus ensuring the protection of the forest. Today, careful management has ensured that the park is a haven for Tigers, and it also provides a remarkably picturesque and tranquil setting for that unforgettable encounter with the most magnificent of all big cats. Several Naturetrek groups have already discovered the delights of Bandhavgarh, but it is in acknowledgement of the park’s abundant photographic qualities that we are pleased to now offer this exciting 12-day tour which affords a wealth of subjects, both natural and man-made, for photographers to capture.

Our holiday begins in the capital city of Delhi, but we pause only briefly before catching an overnight sleeper train to Katni, the railhead close to Bandhavgarh. From here we drive to comfortable accommodation just outside the reserve where we stay for seven nights. During the following days we will board jeeps for morning and afternoon excursions into the national park, each visit charged with that unique tingle of anticipation generated by being in Tiger territory. Even here, appearances by Tigers can never be predicted or guaranteed and sometimes only a giant footprint in the dust, or a distant roar, betrays the presence of our quarry. However, perseverance has its rewards and that magical moment when the lord of the forest finally emerges into view will never be forgotten. Depending on the situation it is often possible to approach Tigers closely by jeep and much film is sure to be expended during such encounters. Even without the Tigers, there is much to see in Bandhavgarh. Herds of Spotted Deer roam the reserve and constitute one of the main prey items for the Tigers, although the utterly endearing little fawns look far too appealing to deserve such a fate. Other herbivorous residents are less conspicuous but include Sambar, Chousingha, Chinkara, Nilgai and Muntjac. Several hundred species of birds have been recorded in the reserve and it is often the excited behaviour of the birdlife that first announces the presence of a prowling Tiger, although the anxious chatter of Grey Langur Monkeys and barking alarm calls of Spotted Deer quickly relay the warning to all the creatures in the vicinity! The wildlife at Bandhavgarh will be mostly viewed from jeeps, but ‘riding elephants’ are also employed on occasions to traverse some of the areas impassable to vehicles and travelling on one of these huge animals as it plods with sure footsteps through fast-flowing streams or picks its way along a rocky trail, is a thrilling adventure, spiced with the constant possibility of coming upon a Tiger at rest.

With so much wildlife to photograph, participants will need to take plenty of memory cards, and as a diversion from the wildlife, may also wish to visit the scenic Bamera Dam at nearby Panpatha Sanctuary or Majhauli Dam, a good place for birdwatching. Bandhavgarh Fort is currently closed to tourists, but also contains rock carvings and photogenic deserted temples dating back to the 10th century and beyond. This wonderful national park richly deserves its reputation as one of the top Tiger Reserves in the subcontinent and we are confident that photographers will be delighted by the range of subjects during this specially designed tour.

 

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Depart London
Day 2
Delhi; overnight train to Katni
Day 3/9
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Day 10
Final day in Bandhavgarh; overnight train to Agra
Day 11
Full day's sightseeing in Agra; evening train to Delhi
Day 12
Fly London
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation: A simple but comfortable forest lodge at Bandhavgarh, with private facilities.
  • Food: All included in the price, except for dinner on Day 11.
Reviews
Extensions

Extensions

Chambal and Bharatpur extension

4 days from £1,295
View Details
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2024

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 16th Oct – Sun 27th Oct FULL £3,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 26th Feb – Sun 9th Mar 3 £3,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Wed 22nd Oct – Sun 2nd Nov SPACES £3,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 4th Mar – Sun 15th Mar SPACES £3,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Wed 21st Oct – Sun 1st Nov SPACES £3,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795

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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

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