S E E U S O N T H E W E B AT wildlifeworldwide.com 91 Asia / India Kanha Tiger Reserve Kanha offers some of India's finest Tiger-viewing with the 2002 census counting a staggering 114 tigers. It is located in a remote part of central India in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The grasslands and deciduous forests also support 22 other mammal species including Barasingha, Chital, Muntjac, Swamp, Spotted and Barking Deer, Sambar, Common Langur and Rhesus Monkeys, Wild Boar, Asiatic Jackal, three of India's four lowland antelopes (Nilgai, Four-horned Antelope and Blackbuck) and occasionally Leopard, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Wolf and Dhole. Over 220 species of birds are found here including drongos, bee-eaters, eagles, shikras, flycatchers, partridges, falcons, orioles and the omnipresent Red Jungle Fowl. Waterholes and high plateaux such as Bahmni Dadar are excellent spots for birdwatching, and quiet locations to stop and immerse oneself in the natural peace of the jungle. Wildlifeviewing in Kanha is by jeep and elephant back. Kanha is reached by a flight to Nagpur and then a seven hour road transfer. There are also overnight trains from Agra and Delhi to Jabalpur (approximately 15-16 hours), plus a road transfer of four to five hours. (The transfer times are very much dependent on road conditions.) Tuli Tiger Resort, set in the buffer zone of the park, has eighteen air-conditioned cottages, each room having ensuite facilities. Public areas include an audio/video theatre, pool table, library, swimming pool and a restaurant. Tiger Corridor is a sumptuous complex of eight exclusive tents at Tuli Tiger Resort. It has its own pool, and air-conditioned restaurant. Shergarh Tented Camp is situated four kilometres from the Mukki (southern) entrance to Kanha Tiger Reserve. Its six tents are individually spaced in a wooded grove to provide privacy, each having a verandah and private facilities. Singinawa Jungle Lodge is set on a 25 hectare reserve just outside the Mukki gate. It has 12 air-conditioned cottages with en-suite bathrooms, a well stocked bar, dining-room, library, lounge and a swimming pool. Bandhavgarh National Park Bandhavgarh was formerly a royal hunting reserve of the princely state of Rewe. The Park is situated in 450 square kilometres of mixed forest in a remote part of Madhya Pradesh in central India. It is famous for its Tiger population but many other mammals are found here including Chital, Sambar, Muntjac, Nilgai, Chinkara, Four-horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Leopard and Dhole. Birdlife also abounds with over 275 species of bird including hornbills, orioles, parakeets, peacocks, and eagles. Wildlife-viewing is on Elephant back and by jeep. Bandhavgarh is reached by private road transfer from Kanha (six hours) or Khajaraho (six hours). There are also overnight trains from Delhi and Agra to Umaria Station, plus a road transfer of one hour. (Transfer times are dependent on road conditions which are variable.) Tiger Trails Resort consists of twelve two-bedroom cottages spread over a four hectare site, each with ensuite facilities. There is a well-stocked library, restaurant and bar area. The lodge overlooks a private lake which attracts a variety of resident and migratory birds. Camp Mewar has twelve rooms set within five hectares of beautifully wooded grounds. The camp is simple and effective, and a perfect place from which to explore the park. Kings Lodge is set in five hectares and is surrounded by forested hills. There are four cottage rooms and eight rooms on stilts each with a lofted balcony and beautiful views. The lodge is newly constructed lodge with an eco-friendly design. Mahua Kothi, a tented camp, is probably India’s most luxurious wildlife property. Each of the 12 tents (or ‘kutivas’) is accessed through a private courtyard with shaded seating, traditional swings and mud floors. This beautiful resort on 20 hecatares resort has a library and pool, and an open kitchen welcoming the guest on arrival. Breakfast is arranged in the garden and picnic lunches organized under the Mahua tree. Pench National Park Pench on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra has been known through the ages for its rich flora and fauna and it was a great inspiration to Rudyard Kipling. Named after the nearby river, Pench was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1983 and it covers some 760 square kilometres. Cheetal, Sambar and Nilgai are common sightings, Gaur, Sloth Bears and Dhole (Indian Wild Dog) are frequently seen, but it is most famous for its Tigers. Pench is reached via flights to Nagpur, plus a two hour road transfer. Pench combines well with Kanha which is another three to four hours. Pench Jungle Camp consists of 12 spacious safari tents in an area of eight hectares of mature forest. Each tent is housed on a permanent platform and offers an elegant twin room setting along with ample seating space both inside and on private balcony enabling you to enjoy the view of the camp and its natural jungle environment. Baghvan is located just five minutes drive from the park entrance. This is a new and exciting property – one of India’s best. It consists of 12 suites with private shaded ‘sit-outs’. There is a large sitting room with sofas, an ‘interactive’ open kitchen that spills out into the dining area, a library and a swimming pool. Displaying Peacock Itinerary suggestions Tiger Tiger Day 1. Depart London for Delhi. Day 2. Delhi [B] Day 3. Pench National Park, 2-nights [B, L, D] Day 5. Kanha National Park, 4-nights [B, L, D] Day 9. Bandhavgarh National Park, 4-nights [B, L, D] Day 14. Agra Day 15. Return to the UK via Delhi [B] Day 16. Arrive home Bharatpur & Ranthambhore extension Day 15. Bharatpur [B, L, D] Day 16. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, 3-nights [B, L, D] Day 19. Return home via Delhi Day 20. Arrive home Cost per person: Tiger Tiger ( lodges) Jan to 20 Mar, 11 Apr to Oct £3,095 21 Mar to 10 Apr, Nov to 10 Dec £3,195 11 to 24 Dec £3,395 Tiger Tiger (Tents) Jan to 20 Mar, 11 Apr to Oct £3,350 21 Mar to 10 Apr, Nov to 10 Dec £3,495 11 to 24 Dec £3,695 Single supplement: Available on request What is included: Flights, meals as indicated, transfers & guided activities Accommodation: Hotels & lodges Departure dates: Daily, November to May

92 F O R R E S E R V A T I O N S C A L L U S O N 0845 130 6982 Corbett National Park Corbett National Park lies at the base of the Himalayan foothills, and was named after the legendary hunter and naturalist, Jim Corbett. His books about the hunting of man-eating Tigers and Leopards in these Kumaon hills, still provide an accurate picture of the wildlife and peoples of this region, if much of the impenetrable tract of forest that once covered all the foothills of the Great Himalaya has now gone. The park extends for 270 square kilometres, and protects an undulating land of dry foothills clothed in Sal forest and dense riverine jungle. Large areas of riverside grassland provide a third rich habitat. Corbett's rich variety of habitats, and position in the foothills, are the reason for its good population of mammals. Rhesus Macaque, Common Langur, Golden Jackal, Wild Boar, Chital, Sambar, Muntjac and Hog Deer are all common and regularly seen, whilst a good population of Indian Elephant is discreet. The park remains famous for its Tigers however which are frequently seen. The birdlife here is exceptional too with more than 620 species recorded. Wildlife viewing is by open-topped jeep and on Elephantback. Overnight Elephant safaris are offered but the accommodation is very basic. On all occasions you will be accompanied by both a driver/mahout and guide. Corbett is reached via a long drive from Delhi of about six hours, and there is also an overnight train option. Claridges Corbett Hideaway is concealed in the thick of a mangrove. It is a largish property with 40 well appointed rooms. Dhikala Forest Lodge is located inside the forest overlooking the Ramganga reservoir. No comfort or luxury should be expected. It is basic. Its position maximizing the chances of seeing good wildlife give us reason to offer it as an option. Rathuadab Forest House is a very basic government camp deep within the park. It is usually only used by those wishing to enjoy elephant-back safaris through the park. Accommodation here is in very simple rooms with Indian-style washing and toilet facilities. Ranthambhore National Park Ranthambhore in Rajasthan is famous for its Tigers and stunning scenery. It evokes all the princely splendour of this famous Rajput State and comprises rolling hills, dry dhok forest and tranquil lakes, decorated with the crumbling ruins of numerous temples and a hilltop fort. The park offers good opportunities for seeing Tigers during the day, as well as many other mammals, including Leopard, Sloth Bear, Rhesus Macaque, Nilgai, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Sambar and Chital. The birdlife here is also excellent, particularly around the lakes where you will also have the opportunity to view Marsh Mugger Crocodiles. Upwards of 300 species of bird include parakeets, storks, egrets, flycatchers, eagles and partridges. Whilst being one of India’s most famous Tiger reserves Ranthambhore is not what it used to be. The current number of tigers is disputed and is generally thought to be under 20 – down from a high of 40 or so a few years back. The game-viewing here can be frustrating as the drivers are forced to keep to certain routes which are only allocated on the morning fo the drive. Also, it is difficult to secure private jeep hire in Ranthambhore with most game drives conducted in large government gameviewing trucks (canters). On the positive side the Tigers are well acclimatised to the vehicles and their excited passengers, and do not seem at all phased by them. Ranthambhore is accessed by rail. Sawai Madhopur station is 20 minutes drive from the park entrance, and there is at least one express train daily to and from Delhi via Bharatpur. It is half a day’s road transfer from Jaipur. Tiger Moon Resort has twenty cottages and one suite are set amongst the trees on a private estate overlooking the Aravali Hills. Khem Villas is situated on Ranthambore’s northern periphery. The camp consists mainly of luxurious tents in a style originally designed for the Maharaja of Jodhpur. There are also six beautiful cottages. Unique in India, the luxury VanyaVilas jungle resort is located right next to Ranthambhore National Park. Accommodation here is in sumptuous tents discreetly positioned around this 10 hectare private jungle estate. You can view wildlife from a watchtower, listen to a lecture on the regional flora and fauna or, in the evenings, take your seat in the amphitheatre for an evening of Rajasthani music and dance. Panna National Park Panna National Park is one of India’s least explored parks, and is located in central India in the state of Madyha Pradesh, 28 kilometres from Khajuraho. The park is home to Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Jungle Cat, Rusty-Spotted Cat, Desert Cat, Civet, Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Four-Horned Antelope, and both Marsh Mugger and Gharial Crocodiles. For bird lovers over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Panna is prime Tiger country with an estimated 35 tigers, and the big cats have made a big comeback in the last seven years due to the efforts of Project Tiger. Game-viewing is by jeep, Elephant back safari and boat. Panna is easily visited en-route between nearby Khajuraho and Bandhavgarh National Park (five or six hours drive to the south). Ken River Lodge consists of eight deluxe safari tents amongst 15 hectares of private jungle. Sloth Bear Vanya Vilas, Ranthambhore Other ideas Kanha & the Sundarbans Day 1. Depart UK for Nagpur via Delhi Day 2. Kanha Tiger Reserve, 4-nights [B, L, D] Day 6. Kolkata [B] Day 7. Sundarbans, 4-nights [B, L, D] Day 11. Kolkata [B] Day 12. Depart for home arriving same day