2023 India Tiger Photo Safari

Travel Plan

Accommodations

Helpful Information

Explorer Testimonials

• 2023 India Tiger Photo Safari Travel Plans

  Monday, January 30

  Arrive at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, India, any time of day. Our VIP welcome team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our five-star hotel for a couple of days of relaxation and being pampered. Feel a little “Royal” at the Capital’s only Modern Palace hotel. Always a great way to start a trip!

  Overnight at the luxurious The Leela Palace Hotel

  Tuesday, January 31 (B, D)

  Today is a buffer day to recoup from jet lag and get ready for our tiger safari. Relax at the hotel, or maybe take a rickshaw ride through the narrow alleys among 350-year-old markets built by the Mughal Empire. Pass through the shops of bustling Chandai Chowk, one of the largest wholesale markets in Asia. We’ll have an optional sightseeing tour in the Walled City of Old Delhi. Colorful, vibrant, noisy, and chaotic are words that best describe Old Delhi. The photography opportunities are endless! Overnight Leela Palace

  Wednesday, February 1 (B, L, D)

  After breakfast, we’ll depart for the airport and board our flight to Jabalpur, located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Upon arrival, we will organize into private air-conditioned vehicles and drive to Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge, our home for the next four nights.

  Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge is located at the entrance of Bandhavgarh National Park. Hear the sounds of the jungle in your own backyard! Our spacious cottages are equipped with modern amenities. Indian and continental cuisines are served in a spacious thatched dining room, which is also the basecamp for activities like campfire performances, lectures, and star gazing.

  Once we get settled into our rooms, the remainder of day can be spent enjoying activities around the lodge. Feel free to wander the lodge’s courtyard, organic farm, and medicinal plant garden. Take a nature walk. Butterflies, birds, and other animals, including spotted deer, mongoose, jungle cat, wild boar, porcupine, and langur monkeys frequent the lodge and a nearby watering hole. In the evenings, use the lodge telescopes to marvel at the galaxy of stars above.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  All of our lodge stays are run by a family whose heritage dates back three generations in Tiger Conservation. Kailash Sankhala was the founding Director of  Project Tiger, under which the inception of Tiger Reserves in India took place. The Discovery Channel’s documentary, Tigerland, focuses on two passionate people, one Kailash Sankhala, working to save the tiger from extinction. Sankhala’s grandchildren run and manage Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge, Kanha Jungle Lodge, and Jamtara Wilderness Camp.

  Thursday, February 2 – Saturday, February 4 (B, L, D)

  In the early morning, before the sun rises, we’ll drive into Bandhavgarh National Park in our 4×4 jeeps and begin tiger tracking.

  Set among the Vindhya Hills in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh consists of approximately 170 square miles of very biologically diverse habitat and boasts one of the highest concentrations of Bengal tigers in the world. Its dense forest, vast grasslands, and perennial streams provide critical habitat for the tigers. In turn, the majestic, solitary apex predators play a pivotal role in the Park’s ecosystem, helping to balance and support a rich abundance of wildlife and vegetation.

  Absorb the sights and sounds of the vibrant forest. Keep your eyes open for one of many species of mammals such as Bengal fox, sloth bear, leopard, dhole (Indian wild dog), and various ungulates including wild pig, spotted and sambar deer, nilgai antelope, and gaur (Indian buffalo). Birds, butterflies, and reptiles are also plentiful. But most of all, we hope for awe-inspiring encounters with the magnificent Bengal tiger, an emotional experience you will never forget!

  A naturalist guide and driver will escort us on daily tours, sharing their knowledge of the Park. Each open-air 4×4 jeep will host 2-3 guests per vehicle.

  Bandhavgarh is very popular with tourists and tightly controlled. Our special full day access permits will give us the best chance of spotting tigers and staying with them all day.

  Our special full day access permits are expensive, yes, but extremely beneficial. Here’s how they work:

  Usually, safari vehicles entering the Park must abide by strictly enforced operating times (7:00am-10:30am and 2:00pm-5:30pm) and stay in an assigned safari zone route. With our permits, we have the privilege of entering the Park early, staying all day (if we wish), and staying later. We’re allowed unrestricted travel in all the three safari zones (Tala, Magdhi, and Khitauli).

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  We will return to the lodge in the evening, after sunset. A delicious dinner will be served by the resident chefs. Well fed and relaxed, take some time to reminisce by the campfire, curl up with a book in the library, or spend some time stargazing in the canopy of galaxies above. Overnight Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge

  Sunday, February 5 (B, L, D)

  Today we depart Bandhavgarh to start a new journey in one of the largest wildlife reserves in India, Kanha National Park/Tiger Reserve. Kanha is in the heart of India and considered one of the finest wildlife areas in the world.

  Arrive at Kanha Jungle Lodge and get settled into our cottages overlooking the lush green forest. The lodge is set among 11 acres of thick Sal forest, close to the Mukki entrance of Kanha National Park. The family-run lodge was built with minimal interference to its natural surroundings and is managed with eco-friendly principles. You can expect outstanding service and food.

  There is an onsite professional resident naturalist along with an extensive library abundant in wildlife books and magazines. Aside from daily safaris, activities at the lodge include cooking classes, bird watching, nature walks, elephant baths by the river, and visits to the nearby village. Tribal dances and barbecue dinners around a campfire are some of the treats in store for you! Here in the midst of the jungle, you will find an oasis of peace. We’ll spend three nights at Kanha Jungle Lodge.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Monday, February 6 and Tuesday, February 7 (B, L, D)

  Kanha National Park is the jungle of your imagination, one of a few that may have inspired Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, The Jungle Book. Lush Sal and bamboo forests interspersed with meadows and waterholes create a picturesque home to a seemingly endless splendor of wild animals.

  Kanha is not a new Park. It was declared a reserve forest in 1879 and revalued as a wildlife sanctuary in 1933. Kanha became a National Park in 1955. Animal viewing is outstanding in Kanha, a treat for any wildlife enthusiast. Of course, we will always be on the prowl for the great Bengal tiger, and we’re sure to encounter many other creatures along the way. Kanha is well-known for the exclusive deer species barasingha, or swamp deer, which are often seen at watering holes throughout the Park.

  Populations of leopard, wild dog, foxes, and jackals reside here. Gaur, sambar, chital, barking deer, black deer, black buck, chousingha, nilgai, hyena, python, sloth bear, mongoose… the list goes on and on, and on. And let us not forget our avian friends; Kanha hosts around 300 species!

  We have secured a special full day access permit for our last day in Kanha, similar to Bandhavgarh. Khana is divided into four Safari Zones: Kisli, Kanha, Mukki, and Sarhi. Our lodge is near Mukki, but we can travel into any zone with our permit.

  Additional activities are always available during your stay. Maybe a morning at leisure, a nature stroll, or a visit to a nearby village/school. Whether you want to learn to tie a sari or cook Indian food, or go on a dragonfly and butterfly walk, just ask your expedition leader or a team member at Kanha Jungle Lodge.

  Wednesday, February 8 (B, L, D)

  Now that we have experienced the full romance of Kanha, we will say goodbye and make our way to our final destination.

  Jamtara Wilderness Camp is a luxury tent camp in the humble village of Jamtara near Pench National Park. This remote camp is an ideal location to spend the last few days of our adventure. Surrounded by tall arjuna trees and an ancient banyan rooted on a dry riverbed, each tented room overlooks the forest which sets the perfect background to this jungle experience.

  Each luxury tent has a bathroom that has been made into a permanent structure for the comfort of guests with air – conditioning!. Roll up the front panels of your tent for an optimum view of nature. And while you have the option to sleep inside your tent, there is also the option to sleep outside in the patio bed for an even deeper connection with nature.  We’ll spend three nights at Jamtara Wilderness Camp.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Thursday, February 9 and Friday, February 10 (B, L, D)

  Pench National Park/Tiger Reserve is named after the pristine Pench River that runs north to south, dividing the Park in half. Pench is another jungle thought to have inspired Kipling’s The Jungle Book.

  Here we will spend our last two full days on safari tracking Bengal tigers. Pench is home to the very famous tigress and supermom—named Collarwali by the locals—who has birthed almost 30 cubs! You may recognize her as a cub herself from the BBC documentary, Spy in the Jungle. Collarwali is credited as playing a key role for the excellent sightings of tigers in the Park.

  Pench, like Bandhavgarh and Kanha, hosts a plethora of wildlife for us to enjoy while out on safari. The mostly open canopy of predominately teak forest, grassy open patches, and highest density of herbivores in any Indian Park, make Pench a special place to visit. Leopard and Indian wild dog sightings are excellent here!

  Immerse yourself in the Indian jungle experience as we look for tigers and other wildlife. Relish in the beauty of your surroundings, and take in all this spectacular Park has to offer. Our time in Pench will be a perfect ending to our very own Jungle Book story!

  Saturday, February 11 (B, L, D)

  Today we drive to Nagpur to board our flight back to Delhi. Depending on our flight time (TBA).

  Group farewell dinner in Delhi this evening to celebrate our trip and toast to an amazing Indian experience. All guests have their own dayrooms to freshen up or stay overnight. Depart on a late evening flight out tonight or overnight at the JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity.

  Sunday, February 12 (B)

  Transfer to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) for your flight home today.

  • Tour Extensions Available

    • 2023 Snow Leopard Photography Tour

      January 17th - 29th, 2023

    • 2023 India Jaipur “Pink City” Extension

      February 11th - 15th, 2023

  • Guest Limits

    4 Guests Minimum
    14 Guests Maximum

  • Trip Cost

    12,800 pp, DBL occupancy

    • Includes 4 Special Full Day Park Access Permits

    Single sup: 1,500

    Pricing in USD

  • Deposit

    $2000 Per person due at time of booking
    Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check accepted

    Deposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.

  • Installments

    April 1, 2022: $5,500 per person first installment
    October 15, 2022: Final payment

    Check only for first and final installments. Please make checks payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:

    Natural Exposures

    810 N. Wallace, Suite E

    Bozeman, MT 59715

  • Included

    • VIP concierge service upon arrival in New Delhi and departure transfer by hotel on scheduled itinerary day
    • Meals where indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) in itinerary
    • Accommodations as noted in itinerary
    • Internal flights Delhi-Jabalpur-Delhi
    • National Park permits, fees, and tariffs
    • Special Full Day Park Permits for three days in Bandhavgarh and one day in Kanha
    • Trekking excursions with expert wildlife naturalists
    • Gratuities for jeep guides and drivers

  • Not Included

    • International flights / departure taxes
    • Visa fees
    • Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance
    • Miscellaneous personal expenses – laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.
    • Excess luggage fees
    • Any changes of permit/Park fees/regulations
    • Airport transfers on non-itinerary days
    • Any changes to itinerary out of our control
    • Local guide Harry gratuities and lodge staff

  • Flights to Book

    January 30, 2023
    Arrive in Delhi (DEL) any time of day.

    February 11 or 12, 2023
    Depart Delhi (DEL) late evening February 11 or any time of day on February 12. Checkout time from the hotel is at noon on February 12.

    OR

    Join  Jaipur “The Pink City” Extension

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance is not required for this photo tour, but we always recommend purchasing it for any trip. We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:

    Global Rescue
    (use code natexp)

    Allianz Global Assistance 
    (use travel agency ID F203564)

    Insure My Trip

  • Terms & Conditions

    Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.

    By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY

• Accommodations for 2023 India Tiger Photo Safari

  January 30 and 31, 2 nights
  Leela Palace Hotel
  Enjoy luxury at Delhi’s modern palace hotel. This lovely hotel provides upscale accommodations and decadent rooms in the precincts of Diplomatic Enclave, residence of India’s Prime Minister and the seats of Government.

  Rooms and suites offer free high-speed wireless Internet, complimentary tea and coffee, and a newspaper delivered daily. The onsite spa provides the perfect retreat. Take in views of New Delhi from the rooftop infinity pool or sample something delicious at The Qube or at one of their other onsite restaurants, including their signature Indian restaurant, Jamavar; Japanese restaurant, Megu; and fine-dining Franco Italian restaurant, Le Cirque Signature.

  February 1-4, 4 nights
  Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge
  Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge is located at the entrance of Bandhavgarh National Park. The lodge is built with minimum interference to the natural environment of the jungle and is managed on eco-friendly principles.

  Fourteen spacious cottages and four rooms in a separate villa have modern facilities with attached bathroom (all amenities). Indian food and continental cuisines are served in a spacious thatched dining room, which is also the center point for activities like campfire performances, lectures, and star gazing. Butterflies, birds, langur monkeys, and spotted deer are frequent visitors around the lodge.

  

  February 5-7, 3 nights
  Kanha Jungle Lodge
  Kanha Jungle Lodge is set among 11 acres of thick Sal forest, close to the Mukki entrance of Kanha National Park. The family-run lodge was built with minimal interference to its natural surroundings and is managed with eco-friendly principles. Cottages overlooking the lush green forest are spacious and have all modern amenities. You can expect outstanding service and food.

  There is an onsite professional resident naturalist along with an extensive library abundant in wildlife books and magazines. Laundry services are available. Aside from daily safaris, activities at the lodge include cooking classes, bird watching, nature walks, elephant baths by the river, and visits to the nearby village. Tribal dances and barbecue dinners around a campfire are some of the surprises in store for you! Here in the midst of the jungle, you will find an oasis of peace.

  

  February 8-10, 3 nights
  Jamtara Wilderness Camp
  Situated in the village of Jamtara, near Pench National Park, Jamtara Wilderness Camp is a luxury tent camp in the heart of rural Pench. Surrounded by tall arjuna trees and an ancient banyan rooted on a dry riverbed, each tented room overlooks the forest which sets the perfect background to this jungle experience.

  Each air – conditioned luxury tent is designed to feel light and open, allowing guests the optimum view of nature. With the option of rolling up the front panels of the tent, you can bring the outside in but still enjoy the privacy of your own room. These tented rooms each have a bathroom that has been made into a permanent structure for the comfort of guests.

  While many prefer to sleep inside the tent, some may feel a little more connected with nature sleeping outside on their patio. Mosquito netting will keep the bugs away, while quilts and hot water bottles keep the cold away.

  February 11, 1 night
  JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity
  An unforgettable experience awaits you at JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity. Their 5-star hotel offers stylish accommodations, personalized service and an ideal location. Recharge in luxury rooms and suites with indulgent bedding, mini-bars, marble bathrooms, ample workstations, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service. Indulge at any of their remarkable restaurants and bars and enjoy their upscale day spa, heated outdoor pool and modern fitness center. Stay in style and sophistication at the award-winning JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity.

• Helpful Information for 2023 India Tiger Photo Safari

  Tigers

  Patience is always needed for wildlife photography. We will try to provide guests with the best opportunities to see tigers in the wild, but we cannot guarantee wildlife We have secured special permits that allow maximum time in Bandhavgarh and Kanha, and we’ll have expert guides and naturalists who are well trained to track tigers in the wild. Look for tracks, and listen for the alarm calls of other animals. The Parks we are visiting have a great variety of wildlife for you to photograph. Take advantage and enjoy them!

  General permit days there will be only two guests per vehicle while on safari. Full Access Permit days there will be three per vehicle but if you wish to only have two per vehicle the full trip, please inquire. The Full Access Permits are very expensive and based on 2022 trip, we feel 3 per vehicle on 4 days of safari is very workable.

  At times, tiger viewings can be congested with other vehicles around. This is something that is out of our control.

  Activity

  This trip is considered low activity.

  Weather

  During November through February, the climatic conditions are excellent and vegetation in the Parks is rejuvenated, along with their inhabitants. Temperatures are cooler this time of year, much more comfortable and pleasant than the hot summer months. Average daytime temps are around 65°F, while mornings and evenings can be chilly, with potential for freezing temperatures. Layer up!

  Passport and Visa (US citizens)

  Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of your India visa application. Two blank pages are required for the entry stamp.

  A tourist visa is required for this trip. Please visit the Indian government’s website for electronic travel authorization for additional information regarding the eligibilities and requirements for this type of visa. Visa requirements may change prior to trip time. Please visit the US Bureau of Consular Affairs for the most up-to-date entry requirements. Once you have received your visa, check it carefully to ensure that the type of visa and number of entries is appropriate for your travel plans.

  It is advisable to carry photocopies of the bio-data page of your passport and the pages containing the Indian visa and Indian immigration stamps.

  Please Note: Satellite phones are prohibited in India.

  Vaccinations

  Make sure you’re up to date on routine vaccines. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), and polio. Also recommended, but not required are:

  • Hepatitis A and B (combo shot series)
  • Typhoid

  Some travelers may also consider vaccinations for cholera, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies, along with malaria prevention. Please consult with your doctor/medical professional.

  There is no risk of yellow fever in India. However, if you are arriving in India from Sub-Saharan Africa or other yellow-fever areas, Indian health regulations require that you present evidence of vaccination against yellow fever. If you do not have such proof, you could be subjected to immediate deportation or a six-day detention in the yellow-fever quarantine center. If you transit through any part of sub-Saharan Africa, even for one day, you are advised to carry proof of yellow fever immunization.

  Visit the CDC for the latest requirements/recommendations for India health information.

  Camera Gear

  Dan will phone each guest prior to trip time to discuss camera gear and make suggestions for what to bring. Please feel free to email at any time if you have questions regarding camera gear for the trip.

  Electricity

  In India, the standard voltage is 230 volts, and the frequency is 50 hertz. Power plug types and sockets used are C (also works with plugs E and F), D, and M.

  You will need a voltage converter to use US appliances such as hair dryers and electric shavers. Since the US uses a different frequency (60 hertz), a voltage converter that also converts frequency is recommended. However, these can be hard to find.

  Typically laptop, camera, toothbrush, and cell phone chargers only require a plug adapter and not a converter. Check the label if you’re unsure.

  Currency

  The Indian rupee is the official currency of India.

  Good to Know

  The left hand is considered unclean (being associated with matters in the bathroom) and is never used for eating, passing/receiving objects, shaking hands, etc.

  Cows are considered sacred in India.

  India is a conservative society. It’s best to keep affectionate gestures private. Keep clothing looser versus tight/revealing. Cover your legs and shoulders, especially when visiting temples/shrines/mosques. Ladies will want to cover their heads in these places also.

  Pay attention to your body language. Don’t point your feet/finger. A “Namaste” with both palms together is a safe alternative (especially for women) rather than a handshake.

  It’s good manners to take off your shoes before entering someone’s home, and it’s required if entering a temple/mosque/shrine. If you see shoes at an entrance, it’s a good idea to take yours off as well. Feet are typically considered unclean, so don’t touch anyone with your feet/shoes.

  Arranged marriages are commonplace. Family values are fundamental in daily life. Patriarchal families are the norm.

  Additional information will be sent closer to trip time.

  Have a question?

  Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.

  • Your Name*
    First Last
  • Email Address*
  • What is your question?*

  Δ

• Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers

  • "If you ever want to travel to another country and you want to go first class, travel with Natural Exposures. They are number one in showing their guests the best time ever in the classiest way. I would recommend Natural Exposures Tours to everyone. If you want to go in style, go with NE!"

    Michelle Duggan, Massachusetts

  • "Tanya/Dan are a dynamic duo! There are not enough adjectives in the dictionary to cover the entire breath of their combined strengths. Fair, attention to detail, supportive of everyone’s needs, ability to get things done, did I mention down right good people, and on and on. We hope there will be a trip in the future that we could take advantage of."

    Corbett Alley, Arizona

  • "What a trip
    What a group
    What a fabulous everything
    To our next encounters with nature"

    Maud and Leon Soriano, Florida

  • "I just wanted to again thank you for a wonderful week of photography and relaxation away from the office. It was a really a good group."

    Sue Wolfe, Texas

  • "We have been friends and have traveled with Dan and Tanya for almost 20 years. We have had the privilege of being invited to join them on their wonderful photography adventures. Dan, a master of photography, is always willing to share his vast knowledge of cameras and photographic skills. Tanya has mastered the art of arranging great tours along with being able to please everyone involved. I keep thinking of how Dan and Tanya pass the Rotary International "Four Way Test". Is it the Truth? Is it fair to all concerned, will it build good will and better friendships and yes it will be beneficial to all concerned. We love, trust and feel safe with Dan and Tanya. Our home is filled with spectacular images we have taken on tours with Natural Exposures Photo Tours."

    Ed and Pat Nahin, California

  • "Tanya and Dan’s logistic skills provide a seamless photo tour where one can truly enjoy the experience. With unlimited photographic opportunities Dan’s instruction has taken my photography to a higher level."

    Linda Henry, Oregon

Are you ready to start your next adventure?