India Safari

Take in the sights, sounds and smells of India on a unique wildlife-focused adventure. With a local leader and some fellow keen travellers by your side, this 12-day trip will take you to the local’s favourite for tiger spotting – Panna National Park – as well as the most popular national park for spotting the royal Bengal – Bandhavgarh Tiger Sanctuary. Head to Jabalpur to explore the architecture and waterfalls, then carry on to Satpura National Park for some night safaris on 4WDs and boats (look out for jungle cats and fruit bats!). See why Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary is one of the world’s best spots for birdwatching, then head to Delhi to uncover the wonders of India’s capital. If your heart is searching for birdlife, deer, flying foxes, leopards, sloth bears, monkeys and tigers – this adventure is calling you! In general, the best time to spot wildlife is at dawn and dusk. There will be many early starts on this trip to capitalise on optimum safari times or to avoid morning traffic on travel days.In the winter months of November to January, early mornings and late evenings tend to be cold, while the rest of the months offer hot and sunny conditions during safaris. Remember to stay hydrated, use sufficient skin protection and pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable experience.From May to September, it can be incredibly hot, but the wildlife can be easier to spot as they tend to gather at watering holes.While this trip doesn't include strenuous physical activity, the 4WDs used in national parks are simple, typically with a high step to get in and out of them, and the roads can be quite bumpy.While there is no guarantee you will see a tiger, you may have a chance to see a variety of other wildlife, including jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles, wild boars, and birdlife.Make sure your luggage is light and compact enough to be able to carry it up and down multiple flights of stairs (ie. in train stations, hotels without elevators).Some journeys take between six to eight hours, but are a great opportunity to get to know locals, fellow travellers, and the diverse scenery.It’s important to prepare for hot sticky temperatures during the day and cooler climates at night. Layers are one of the best ways to tackle this disparity in weather. We visit a variety of places on this trip, some of which require a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.