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

S E E U S O N T H E W E B AT wildlifeworldwide.com Bharatpur (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) Bharatpur consists of an area of 29 square kilometres of shallow wetland, which was once the private hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Bharatpur. Declared a National Park in the 1980’s, it is now one of the finest water-bird sanctuaries in the world with over 400 species of bird. Guided morning and afternoon excursions are by boat (subject to water levels) rickshaw and on foot. Mammal species here include Sambar, Chital (Spotted Deer), Nilgai, Fishing Cat, and Asiatic Jackal. A few highly endangered Siberian Cranes travel 5000 kilometres to winter in this area. Other notable species include Pallas’s Sea Eagle, Black-Necked Stork, Comb Duck and the elusive Spotted Creeper. Bharatpur is easily reached by daily express trains from Delhi or Ranthambhore, and is a couple of hours drive west of Agra on the road to Jaipur. The park is open throughout the year but the best time to visit is November to February when water levels are high and migratory birds are also in residence. Laxmi Vilas Palace was built in 1887 for the younger brother of the then ruler of Bharatpur. The palace has been operational as a hotel since 1994. The property is well kept and the service personalized, although the amenities here are a little basic. National Chambal Sanctuary This beautiful sanctuary is a 400 kilometre stretch of the River Chambal in northern India. The Chambal ravines on both sides of the river are the product of centuries of soil erosion by flood and rain waters, and they form an incredible maze of intertwining mud cliffs, with tropical dry scrub forest. The cliffs and vegetation provide shelter for numerous birds, mammals and reptiles, in particular Gharial Crocodiles. The river itself is one of India’s most pristine and as a result it is one of the last surviving habitats of the Gangetic River Dolphin. The sanctuary also provides protection for Marsh Crocodiles, eight species of Turtles and Smooth-Coated Otters. For keen birders it has an impressive bird list and is one of the most reliable places to see Indian Skimmer. Chambal Safari Lodge is spread across an 18 hectare plantation of large shady trees. There are eight aircooled independent cottages and two air-conditioned rooms with attached bathrooms and verandahs. The lodge is largely built using local materials local craftsmen. The plantation is surrounded by fields of organically grown produce, which supply the lodges kitchen. 93 Asia / India Gaur Black-necked Stork Itinerary suggestions Regal India Day 1. Depart London for Delhi Day 2. Delhi [B] Day 3. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, 4-nights [B, L, D] Day 7. Jaipur, 2-nights [B] Day 9. Agra, 2-nights [B] Day 11. Return to the UK via Delhi [B] Day 12. Arrive home Tigers of Panna & Bandhavgarh Day 1. Depart London for Delhi [B] Day 2. Delhi [B] Day 3. Khajuraho [B] Day 4. Panna Tiger Reserve, 2-nights [B, L, D] Day 6. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, 4-nights [B, L, D] Day 10. En-route to Agra Day 11. Visit Agra, then head to Delhi to fly home Day 12. Arrive home Cost per person: From £3,995 Single supplement: Available on request What is included: Flights, meals as indicated, transfers & guided activities Accommodation: Hotels & lodges Departure dates: Daily, except Wednesdays & Fridays, November to April Cost per person: From £2,295 Single supplement: Available on request What is included: Flights, meals as indicated, transfers & guided activities Accommodation: Hotels & lodges Departure dates: Daily, November to May At Wildlife Worldwide we specialise in tailor-making our holidays. It is what we started doing in 1992, it has been our philosophy right from the start. A tailor-made journey gives you the freedom and flexibility to travel how, when and where you want to. And of course, you are unconstrained by the wishes of a group. Throughout the brochure we show a series of itineraries to whet your appetite. These are all suggestions and ideas, none are cast in stone. We can change the properties, extend or shorten your trip, combine destinations and countries, fly you in Business Class, organise car rental and of course offer advice and suggestions from a wealth of experience that we have gained over many years. Call us on 0845 130 6982 and we will be happy to discuss the options with you! Tailor-made holidays – a unique journey designed just for you!