FAST FACTS
| Where: | Ranthambore, Kahna, Bandhavgarh or Pench National Park, India |
| Population: | Less than 2000 in the wild |
| Tiger characteristics: | Largest cat, 3,5m body length, up to 380kgs |
| Classification: | Endangered, threats include loss of habitat and human conflict |
| Best time to travel: | October to May |
A tiger safari along with an incredible journey to India can be seamlessly organised by Timeless India Journeys – which is founded on the same philosophy of personal attention and bespoke itineraries. Get in touch with Casey van Embden on casey@timelessindiajourneys.com to find out about all the other wild and wonderful experiences in this incredible part of the world and see more of India.
THE EXPERIENCE
This was one of the many moving experiences that inspired my daughter, Casey, and I to start Timeless India Journeys – extending our Timeless Africa Safaris concept to planning amazing bespoke experiences for guests all over India.
At the crack of dawn, you climb on board an open vehicle with your game ranger. The professional tracker is collected at the park entrance as you drive through the gates for your first game drive. The way the rising sun filters through the dense trees will take your breath away – this is the forest that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book and it’s easy to see why. As you move through the park, you’ll encounter trees full of Langur monkeys and it’s worth taking the time to stop and laugh at their funny monkey ways. Also, look out for Barasingha (a species of swamp deer that was brought back from the brink of extinction), wild dog, jackal, spotted deer and lots of gaur (big bison).
There are often no radios allowed in Indian wildlife parks, so the rangers use traditional methods of tracking and listening for alarm calls, making the game drives feel like thrilling hunting trips. When you finally see a massive tiger coming over a hill, your stomach will flip flop and your heart leap as you crane to get a better view. Even though it is hard to get a great photo without a telephoto camera lens and a constantly moving subject, it is a completely thrilling encounter. There is another amazing way to see Tigers. In the early mornings in Khana, the tame elephants and their riders track the tigers and, when they find one, they allow the guests to view the tiger from the back of the elephant.
Choose from one of two camps run by &Beyond and the Taj Group for an exceptional all-round experience: earthy Baghvan camp at Khana, or modern Banjaar Tola at Pench.
For true wildlife enthusiasts, a tiger safari is an essential expedition: a glimpse of this magnificent and elusive creature in its natural habitat must surely rank as one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife adventures on the planet.
TIMELESS INDIA JOURNEYS TIPS
- Choose the time of year carefully for the best chances of tiger sightings.
- Be patient, finding tigers take time, but the thrill of seeing one is worth it.
- Include other destinations and experience the colour and culture of India.
- Arrange your journey to coincide with one of the fascinating festivals, which happen throughout the year in India.