Come with us on this German and English speaking guided round trip to two of the most beautiful tiger reserves of India: Corbett and Bandhavgarh. Ideal for all tiger fans who don't want to travel individually but also don't want to go through mass processing. This tour is led by Big Cats of India owner Luc Lippuner and is for a maximum of 12 participants.
Itinerary
Delhi – Corbett – Jabalpur –Bandhavgarh – Jabalpur – Delhi
Transport
Flight, drive with private driver
Big Cats
Tiger, leopard
Dates
April 10 – 22, 2022
Duration of the tour
12 days
Price per person in double room
CHF 2950.–
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Single room supplement
CHF 850.–
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** Dhikala Forest Rest House in Corbett is a unique experience – only here can you stay overnight in the middle of an Indian national park. But it is a very simple accommodation, comparable to a mountain cottage. Power outages and hot water interruptions are to be expected. For an extra charge we offer you a comfortable alternative at the edge of the park.
Hotels & Lodges
2 nights in Delhi
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2 nights in Dhikala
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2 nights in Dhela
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4 nights in Bandhavgarh
Tour Program
Day 1, April 10, 2022
Arrival in Delhi
Upon arrival at New Delhi airport, you will be met by our local partner who will take you to our hotel and assist with check-in. Meet with the rest of the group arriving from Switzerland.
Day 2, April 11, 2o22
Delhi – Corbett 5-6 hours drive, 275 km
Early breakfast and then drive to Corbett National Park.
Early breakfast and then drive in an air-conditioned vehicle to Corbett National Park. The drive to reach the jungle on the southern slope of the Himalayas in Ramnagar takes about 5 hours. Here we change from a closed vehicle to an open safari jeep – and enjoy the beautiful landscape and wildlife of the Terai.
After another 2 hours we reach the Dhikala Forest Rest House built by the British – the only accommodation in India within a national park. It offers no luxury, but for nature lovers the experience is unique. Check-in and lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon first jeep safari on the trail of tiger, leopard and elephant. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
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Remark:
Dhikala lies picturesquely slightly elevated above the shore of the Ramganga reservoir and overlooks the foothills of the Himalayas. Only vegetarian food is served here, so no predators are attracted. Alcohol is not allowed. Dhikala is neat, but very simple, don't expect luxury and no hot shower.
Day 3, April 12, 2022
In Dhikala
Early morning and afternoon jeep safari. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the lodge.
Corbett was aptly described as "the land of the roar, trumpet and song" – representing the tiger, the elephant and the incredible variety of birds with more than 600 present species. Corbett displays a scene of remarkable beauty and was also the place where Project Tiger as inaugurated by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The magical landscape with dense vegetation gives you the feeling that the tiger is watching you from every corner - but you can't locate it. It feels as though it was lurking around every corner and disappears soon as you get closer. This tension will captivate you. The rich biodiversity of the park is attributed to the richness in habitats: Due to its location at the foothills of the central Himalayas, both the flora and fauna of the Himalayas and of the subcontinent can be found. Read the writings of Jim Corbett to get in the right mood for this wonderful park and its fauna.
Day 4, April 13, 2022
Dhikala – Dhela 3 hours drive, 50 km
Breakfast and check-out from the Forest Rest House until 8.00 am. Then drive to the park exit. The route runs for 32 km through the jungle. Tigers, leopards and elephants are often sighted on this route at this time. So don't put your camera away yet!
Drive on to Dhela to the beautiful Jim's Jungle Retreat on the outskirts of Corbett. Check-in, lunch and relax in this delightful jungle atmosphere. In the evening walk in the dry riverbed near the lodge to admire the breathtaking birdlife and nature. From time to time even tigers can be seen in the riverbed! Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 5, April 14, 2022
In Dhela und Jhirna
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the lodge. Morning and evening jeep safari in the nearby Dhela and Jhirna areas of Corbett. These zones offer good opportunities for tiger and elephant sightings. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 6, April 15, 2022
Dhela – Delhi 6 – 7 hours drive, 280 km
In the morning last jeep safari in Corbett. After breakfast drive to Delhi. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.
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Day 7, April 16, 2022
Delhi – Jabalpur – Bandhavgarh
Flight & 4 hours drive, 200 km
Early breakfast and transfer to the national airport to catch the flight at 05.55 to Jabalpur. After arrival drive to Bandhavgarh. Upon arrival check-in and lunch at the lodge. After lunch first safari in Bandhavgarh.
From Bandhavgarh comes the last known wild white tiger – this is the father of all today in captivity existing specimens. Today Bandhavgarh scores with its incomparably high tiger density.
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Days 8 - 10, April 17-19 2022
In Bandhavgarh
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the lodge. Morning and evening jeep safari in the National Park. On Wednesday afternoon the park is closed; either we go for an ornithological walk or visit a local village.
Bandhavgarh is located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, also known as the Tiger State. Most tiger reserves and best sightings take place here. Also the jungle book plays in Madyha Pradesh. The vegetation here is much drier than in Corbett, especially since April is midsummer and the temperatures are quite hot. The dryness ensures that at this time of year the best tiger sightings take place – the leafless trees give free sight and the tigers stay for hours at the water holes to keep cool and escape the heat.
On one of our safaris we will visit the Vishnu statue near the temple hill, to which a pilgrim procession leads twice a year. This enchanted place surrounded by tropical vegetation will captivate you. Be sure to check out the ingenious documentary by National Geographic on Bandhavgarh to boost your anticipation.
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Day 11, April 20, 2022
Banhdavgarh – Jabalpur – Delhi 4 hours drive, 200 km & flight
In the morning last jeep safari in the park. After lunch drive to Jabalpur airport and flight to Delhi at 18:45. Upon arrival in Delhi transfer to hotel and overnight in Delhi.
Day 12, April 21, 2022
Delhi & individual home or onward journey
Day at leisure in Delhi or individual onward journey. In the evening transfer to the international airport.
Included services
The above prices per person include:
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Hotel in Delhi and Agra including breakfast
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Lodge in Corbett, Bandhavgarh and Kanha with full board
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​Continuous supply of bottled drinking water in hotels, lodges and vehicles
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Domestic flights in economy class Delhi – Jabalpur – Delhi with Air India, Spice Jet or Jet Airways
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Entrances and guides in Corbett and Bandhavgarh
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7 exclusive safaris in a 4x4 jeep in Corbett
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7 exclusive safaris in a 4x4 jeep in Bandhavgarh
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Continuous German and English support by Luc Lippuner and local English speaking guides
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Assistance at the airports and hotels
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All land transfers with private driver in air-conditioned van
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All currently applicable taxes
The following is not included:
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Individual travel to Delhi
Visa: all foreign visitors need a valid visa for India: the easiest way is to apply for an e-Tourist-Visa directly online: indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa. The e-Visa can be applied for up to 120 days in advance and is valid from the day of entry. For a regular visa you must send your passport to an Indian representation in your home country. The passport should in any case be valid for 6 months beyond the validity period of your visa.
Tips for drivers and guides: Tips are expected when you are satisfied – for exceptional services you may also exceed our recommendations. Calculate with 400-600 INR per guide and 300-500 for the driver per day or half of it for half a day or a single safari.
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Tips in hotels/lodges: we recommend not to tip individual staff members such as the concierge as this would be unfair towards others. Instead, at the end of your stay, put something in the most common tip box – the tip will then be evenly distributed among the staff. We recommend about 5 US $ or 350 INR per person and day.
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Possible fees for photo and video cameras in the national parks and at monuments
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Elephant safari in Kanha and Bandhavgarh à INR 2000 per person for 30 minutes. Subject to availability, cannot be booked in advance.
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Personal expenses such as smoking, soft drinks, alcohol, laundry and telephone calls.
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Travel Insurance
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Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Remarks ​
- Check-in and check-out are always at 12.00 noon.
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If the intended hotel or normal room category is sold out, alternative accommodations will be suggested.
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Single room surcharges or larger groups on request.
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Our jeep safaris are on an exclusive basis, which means you do not share your jeep with any other travelers.
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Ideally you should travel in groups of two or four, as the jeeps can accommodate a maximum of 4 tourists (5 are possible, but not very comfortable).
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The allocation of the park zone in which the individual safaris take place depends on the forestry authority and can only be influenced to a limited extent, depending on the park.
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Entrance costs to national parks or state taxes may change at any time. Such changes will be communicated to you in good time.
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Safari permits must be applied in most parks 120 days prior to departure. It is therefore often not possible to book at short notice or to change your name less than 120 days before the start of your trip.
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The above travel times from one location to another are based on normal road conditions and may vary. Every break for food, tea, toilets etc. prolongs the travel times.
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Vaccinations: please check the current recommendations of your country such as wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel for the US or safetravel.ch for Switzerland. In general, standard vaccinations and hepatitis A are recommended. Good mosquito protection and long-sleeved outdoor clothing are recommended at dusk.
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Travel safety: please refer to the recommendations of the US Department of State Travel Advisory, the Smart Traveller of the Australian Government or the UK Government foreign travel advice respectively for safety and security information on the areas you want to visit
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Vaccinations: please check the current recommendations of your country such as cdc.gov/travel for the US or healthytravel.ch for Switzerland. In general, standard vaccinations and hepatitis A are recommended. Malaria proyphylaxis or the carrying of standby emergency treatment as well as good mosquito protection and long-sleeved outdoor clothing are recommended at dusk.
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