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Rajasthan Tour Packages
Ranthambore Tiger Tour
Ranthambore Tiger Tour
Places
to See : Delhi - Ranthambore - Bharatpur – Agra - Bandavgarh –
Kanha - Nagpur - Delhi
Duration
: 11 Nights / 12 Days
Day 01: Delhi Company representatives will receive you on
arrival at the international airport in Delhi late in the night or midnight.
Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms
and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the
past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture
of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi -
Ranthambore: By Train 400 km in 6 hr Transfer to the station for
train to SAWAI MADHOPUR after breakfast.
Reach and transfer to
the resort. Evening free at the resort and you can relax or watch some
slides on the tiger.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction
of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and
historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and
denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai
Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart of the
jungle. Ranthambhore - perhaps the best place in the world to sight a tiger
in the wild. The Ranthambhore National Park has had more Tiger sightings
than any other National Park in the country. It has come to be known as "The
land of the Tiger", where most of the documented footage of this
majestic beast has been recorded.
It spreads over a highly
undulating topography varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped
hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the
Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An important
geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhya plateaus
meet the Aravali hill ranges, meanders through the Reserve. The National
Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.
Ranthambhore forest is of tropical dry deciduous type, further classified as
Dhok climax forest because of the predominance of Dhok (Anogeissus pendulla)
found nearly everywhere. Dhok is an extremely hardy tree, capable of
withstanding prolonged droughts. The leaves of this tree are good fodder and
they are browsed by herbivores, and form a significant part of their diet.
Even the dry, fallen leaves, eaten by them, are rich source of nutrition.
Palas or Cheela or the Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperms)
blooms magnificently around mid-April. During the period, Kachida and
Anatpura provide an amazing view, like a forest on fire. Around Kamaldhar
massive Gum trees (Sterculia urens) with smooth white trunk stand out
conspicuously. Similarly, Gurjan (Lannea coromandelica) with greyish trunks
at the banks of the lakes and soft wood Salar (Boswellia serrata) dotted
atop hills are noticeable.
Fruits of Ber (Zizyphus spp.) and
'crocodile bark' Tendu (Diospuyros melanoxylon) are highly relished by Sloth
Bears.
The lakes abound with aquatic vegetation including duck
weeds, lilies and lotus.
A haven for a multitude of wild
animals, the Park boasts of playing host to tigers, leopards, the elusive
caracals, hyenas, sloth bears, wild boars, crocodiles and so on. Besides,
there are over 300 species of birds, from the majestic Crested Serpent Eagle
to the exotic Golden Oriole.
Tiger, at the apex of the food
chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary by nature, it
operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are
always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's activities are
very exciting.
The other kinds of cats found in Ranthambhore are
Leopard (Panthera pardus), Caracal (Felis caracal), Leopard Cat (Felis
bengalensis), Fishing Cat (Felis viverrina) and the Jungle Cat (Felis
chaus). Besides the big cats, the other large predators found in
Ranthambhore include Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Wolf, Wild dog (or Dhole),
Jackal, Indian Fox, Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet,
Common
Indian Mongoose, Small Indian Mongoose, Ratel (or Honey Badger), Marsh
Crocodile and the Indian Python. There are two species of Antlers, namely
the Spotted Deer (or Chital) and the Sambhar Deer, and, two kinds of
Antelopes, namely the Indian Gazelle (or Chinkara) and the Bluebull (or
Neelgai). Black Buck (another kind of antelope), which is rarely found in
the National Park is common in Devpura area, in the outskirts of the park.
Overnight at resort.
Day 03: Ranthambore
A full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris)
Overnight at the resort.
Day 04: Ranthambore - Bharatpur:
Keoladeo Ghana National Park By Road 400 km in 6 hr Breakfast at
hotel. Proceed to Bharatpur.
Just 176 km from Delhi is a very
special wilderness - the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the finest
water-bird sanctuaries in the world. The Maharaja of Bharatpur artificially
created the lake and wetland in the 19th century. By building small dykes
and dams and diverting water from an irrigation canal, he converted this
low-lying area into a fine wild fowl shooting preserve. In a few years, the
new wetland surrounded by marginal forests was able to support thousands of
water birds.
Commonly referred to as Bharatpur, the Park is a
delight for bird watchers. Over 375 species of birds are found here and
raised paths, camouflaged by babul trees and undergrowth make viewing easy.
A quiet ride by boat in the early hours of the morning is also unforgettable
experience. The cacophony is unbelievable as painted storks, open bills,
spoonbills, egrets, cormorants, white ibis and multitudes of others, tend
their young. Jacanas with their iridescent colors and elegant tail feathers
and purple moorhen can be seen delicately treading over the floating
vegetation.
Every year Bharatpur waits with bated breath for the
arrival of the Siberian cranes. There are only two wintering places for this
rare species one in Iran and the other Bharatpur and these beautiful birds
with their distinctive red beaks and facial patches, fly over 6400 km from
their summer retreats.
Colorful kingfishers, graceful pelicans rare Siberian cranes and Trans-
continental fliers - the migratory water - fowl are amongst the 375 species
of birds found in the Keoladeo National Park. The most spectacular nesting
is that of the egrets, storks, herons and cormorants, which make over 10,000
nests every year. This makes outstanding bird havens of the world. The park
covers an area of 28.73km.
The story of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
is incomplete without an account of the migratory waterfowl. The most
prominent waterfowl coming to this park are bareheaded and greyleg geese.
Ducks also create a lot of fluttering in the lakes. The ducks usually found
here are pintail, widgeon, common shelduck, shoveler, garganey, teal, etc.
Attracted by the influx of the waterfowl the predatory
birds-tawny eagles, spotted eagles short-toed eagles imperial eagles and
fishing eagle also arrive. They all form the apex of the biological pyramid
of the sanctuary and complete the avian food chain of the ecosystem. There
are large herds of the nilgai, chital, wild boar and fear cows in addition
to a few herds of sambar.
Reach and check in at the hotel.
Proceed on RICKSHAW for viewing the birds. RICKSHAW PULLERS have been
trained by the forest department in bird watching and are knowledgeable.
Return to the lodge in the evening and relax.
Overnight at Bharatpur.
Day 05: Bharatpur - Agra: By Road
55 km in 1 hr Early morning RICKSHAW RIDE at the Bird Park.
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to Agra.
AGRA: Two great
Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of
Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the
name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is
caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white
marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that
this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that
modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk
down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to
the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Reach Agra. Check in at
hotel.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 06: Agra -
Umaria (Bandavgarh): By Overnight train Proceed to visit Taj after
breakfast. Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is
always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by
Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz
Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and
planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from it's stunning design
balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its
elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work
ever seen.
Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT - Built by
the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red
sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a
major tourist attraction.
Visit Itmadullah's Tomb built by
Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father (The interiors of which are
considered better than the Taj).
Transfer to station for train
to UMARIA. Overnight will be on train.
Day 07: Arrive at
Bandavgarh Reach UMARIA and transfer to Bandavgarh. Reach and enjoy
breakfast.
Bandavgarh is a new National Park with a very long
history. Set among the Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh with an area of 168sq
miles (437sq km) it contains a wide variety of habitats and a high density
of game, including a large number of Tigers. This is also the White tiger
country. These have been found in the old state of Rewa for Many years.
Maharaja Martand Singh captured the last known in 1951. This white Tiger,
Mohun is now stuffed and on display in the Palace of Maharaja of Rewa. Prior
to becoming a National Park, the forests around Bandavgarh had long been
maintained as a Shikargah, or game preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa. The
Maharaja and his guests carried out hunting - otherwise the wildlife was
well protected. It was considered a good omen for Maharaja of Rewa to shoot
109 tigers. His Highness Maharaja Venkat Raman Singh shot 111 Tigers by
1914.
There are 32 hills in this part of the park, which has a
large natural fort at its center. The fort's cliffs are 2625 feet (800
meters) high, 1000 feet (300 meters) above the surrounding countryside. Over
half the area is coverd by Sal forest although on the upper slope it is
replaced by mixed forest of sal, saj, dhobin, and saja. Winter temperatures
(Nov-mid-February) vary from almost freezing at night to around 68 degree
Fahrenheit in the daytime. Summer nights are also cooler than the daytime
temperatures, which rise to 104 degree Fahrenheit. This park is closed
during the breeding season, which coincides with the monsoon (July-October).
Rainfall in the park averages50 inches (120cm) per year.
Bandavgarh has been a center of human activity and settlement for over 2000
years, and there are references to it in the ancient books, the Narad-Panch
Ratra and the Shiva Purana. Legend has it that Lord Rama, hero of the Hindu
epic, the Ramayana, stopped at Bandavgarh on his way back to his homeland
after defeating the demon King Ravana of Lanka. Two monkey architects, who
had engineered a bridge between the isle of Lanka and the mainland, are said
to have built Bandavgarh's Fort. Later Rama handed it over to his brother
Lakshmana who became known as Bandavdhish "The Lord of the Fort".
Lakshmana is the particular God of the fort and is regularly worshipped in a
temple there.
The oldest sign of habitation in the park are
caves dug into the sandstone to the north of the fort. Several contain
Brahmi inscriptions dating from the 1st century BC. Various dynasties have
ruled the fort, for example, the Maghas from the 1st century AD, the
Vakatakas from the 3rd century AD, From that time onwards Bandavgarh was
ruled by a succession of dynasties including the Chandela Kings of
Bundelkhand who built the famous temples at Khajuraho. The Baghel Kings, the
direct ancestors of the present Royal family of Rewa, established their
dynasty at Bandavgarh in the 12th century. It remained their capital till
1617 when the center of court life moved to Rewa, 75 miles (120Kms) to the
north. Without royal patronage Bandavgarh became more and more deserted
until forest overran the area and it became the royal hunting reserve. This
helped to preserve the forest and its wildlife, although the Maharajas made
full use of their rights. Each set out to kill the auspicious number of 109
Tigers.
At independence Bandavgarh remained the private property
of the Maharaja until he gave it to the state for the formation of the
National Park in 1968. After the park was created poaching was brought under
control and the number of animals rose dramatically. Small dams and water
holes were built to solve the problem of water shortage. Grazing by local
cattle was stopped and the village within the park boundaries was relocated.
The Tigers in particular prospered and the 1986 extension provided much
needed forest to accommodate them.
Bandavgarh is justifiably
famous for its Tigers, but it has a wide range of other game. The
undergrowth is not as dense as in some northern terai forests, but the best
time to see the park inhabitants is still the summer months when water
becomes more scarce and the undergrowth dies back.
A full day
game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris).
Day 08:
Bandavgarh A full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris)
Trip to the Bandavgarh Fort: The oldest fort in India - considered to be
more than 2500 years. One-hour trek up the fort is worth the effort. The
charm of this trek lies in discovering these monuments in the jungle,
unspoiled and unexplored. Some of the statues lie off the main path and so
it is best to take a guide. Apart from the avatars, well worth seeing are
three small temples of around the 12th century. These temples are deserted
but the fort is still used as a place of worship. Kabir Das, the celebrated
16th century saint, once lived and preached here. The natural ramparts of
the fort give breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. The fort
still belongs to the Maharaja of Rewa and permission is required to visit
it. However permission is available locally and no trip to Bandhavgarh is
complete without making an effort to climb up the fort. The staff of the
resort carries your lunch while you are busy negotiating the trek to the
fort.
Overnight at the resort.
Day 09:
Bandavgarh - Kanha: By Road 255 km in 6 hr After breakfast drive to
Kanha.
This is the place that has been described by RUDYARD
KIPLING in his great book "The Jungle Book". Located in the Mandla
district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is a tiger reserve that
extends over an area of over 940 square km. A horseshoe shaped valley
bounded by the spurs of the Mekal presents an interesting topography. Steep
rocky escarpments along the edges offer breathtaking views of the valley.
Realizing the danger on the Tiger population in the country, the Government
started the "Project Tiger" at Kanha and in 1974 the area was
declared a Tiger reserve. The park is also the habitat of the high ground
Barasingha.
In 1930s, the Kanha area was divided into two
sanctuaries - Hallon and Banjar of 250kms to 300kms each. Though one of
these was subsequently disbanded .The area remained a protected one until
1947. Depletion of the tiger population in the year that followed led to the
area being made an absolute sanctuary in 1952.
Patient watching should reward the visitor, with a sight of Indian Fox,
Sloth bear, Striped hyena, Jungle cut, Lepord, Mouse Deer, Chausingha or
four horned antelope, Nilgai, Ratel and Porcupine Kanha has some 200 species
of birds. Watchers should station themselves in the hills, where the mixed
and bamboo forests harbour many species and in the grassy forest clearings.
Water birds can be seen near the park's many rivulets and at Sarvantal, a
pool that is frequented by water birds and the area in front of the museum.
Excursion to Kawardha just east of the Maikala Range (up to
1100m) to the south east of Kanha National Park, Kawardha is a small town in
Chhattisgarh (34 forts) region of M.P. In this remote area Maharaja Viswaraj
Singh has recently opened his palace to visitors. It provides a delightfully
quite unspoiled contrast with India's big cities and with the much busier
tourist circuit of Rajasthan's 'palace circuit'. This town is in the center
of the Baiga tribe, who live in forest surrounding the town, and these are
several eleventh century temples in the immediate region.
Reach
in the afternoon and relax at the resort.
Overnight at the Kanha
Resort.
Day 10: Kanha A full day game viewing
inside the jungle. (Two safaris) Overnight at the resort.
Day
11: Kanha - Nagpur Proceed to Nagpur by surface & stay
overnight.
Day 12: Nagpur Flight to Delhi. Spend day
doing last minute shopping and transfer to airport for flight home.
RANTHAMBHORE TIGER TOUR RESERVATION
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