Safaris in style There's no sense in going further -- it's the edge of cultivation," So they said, and I believed it -- broke my land and sowed my crop -- Built my barns and strung my fences in the little border station Tucked away below the foothills where the trails run out and stop: Till a voice, as bad as Conscience, rang interminable changes On one everlasting Whisper day and night repeated -- so: "Something hidden. Go and find it. Go and look behind the Ranges -- "Something lost behind the Ranges. Lost and waiting for you. Go!" - From “The Explorer” by Rudyard Kipling get away, your way! 1 Safaris in style Central India Trails Valid from 15-Oct 2011 to 30-June 2012 *Surcharges apply between 15-Dec 2011 to 15-Jan 2012 & during Easter period Our contact details Tel: +91-40-65643839 (9.30 AM to 7.30 PM (+5.30 hrs GMT)) Tel: +91-40-65643839 / 27713787 / +91-9391167071 or +1-510-275-4460 (USA/Canada) Bookings email: [email protected] Visit us at www.conceptvoyages.net 24 hrs Help Line: +91-9391167071 Happy Holidays! Why Safari in India? ............................................................................................. 3 TAJ SAFARIS ...................................................................................................... 4 Sheer Luxury in Wilderness ................................................................................. 5 Madhya Pradesh Jungles .................................................................................. 10 Khajuraho-2 nights / 3 days ............................................................................... 13 Pench Tiger Reserve – 3 nights / 4 days ........................................................... 14 Pench & Kanha Jungle Trail – 4 nights / 5 days ................................................ 15 Khajuraho Wild Escapade-4 nights / 5 days ...................................................... 16 Pench & Kanha Jungle Trail – 4 nights / 5 days ................................................ 17 Heritage Trails – 7 nights / 8 days ..................................................................... 18 Wild Circuit of Central India-10 nights / 11 days ................................................ 19 Wild Circuit of Central India-12 nights / 13 days ................................................ 20 Tour Notes ......................................................................................................... 21 Booking Terms and Conditions .......................................................................... 21 get away, your way! 2 Safaris in style Why Safari in India? India is home to a rich diversity of wildlife supplemented by an equally rich variety of flora and fauna. The sight and sounds of a majestic Here are some of our packing suggestions: elephant, a peacock’s dance, the stride of a camel, Light cotton trousers, Cotton shorts, Light the roar of a tiger are unparalleled experiences in cotton shirts (long and short sleeved), themselves. Watching birds and animals in their Cotton socks, Comfortable walking shoes, natural habitats is an experience in itself. Sandals, Any special medicines, especially anti-malaria, Shower-proof rain jacket / The country offers immense opportunities for windbreaker, Sunhat, Fleece, Insect wildlife tourism. The immense heritage of wildlife in India comprises of more than 70 national parks repellent, Small torch, Bathing suit, Suntan and about 400 wildlife sanctuaries including the lotion, Sunglasses, Camera (telephoto lens bird sanctuaries. recommended), Batteries, Binoculars, For winter, pack extra: Heavy woollen clothing, A paradise for the nature lovers, these forest areas Woollen hat, Scarf and gloves. are also crucial for the conversation of the endangered species like the Leopard, Lion, Asiatic Elephant, the Bengal tiger and Siberian Crane. Spread across the length and breadth of India, these reserves and forest areas, right from the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan to the Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary in Bihar, from the foothills of Himalayas, the Jim Corbett National Park to six national parks in Andaman; the Indian Wildlife circuit is an Incredible treat, unmatched by any other experience. Central Indian state Madhya Pradesh has 4 wildlife reserves are equipped with world class lodges for luxury travellers. The forests of Madhya Pradesh are a haven for wildlife. Kipling made the Mahadeo hills famous tiger country, but the king of the jungle can also be found in Kanha and Bandhavgarh. The Barasingha (deer) has survived extinction and today can be found in Kanha. Admire the beautiful diversity of the Indian Jungle: dense forests, fresh streams, green hills, bamboo thickets, and flower-filled valley. Discover the unique wildlife on interpretive jungle safaris: tiger, elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, wild deer, sloth bear, wild boar, and 1400 recorded species of birds, including the peacock, Malabar hornbill and Kingfisher. Witness the Land of the Tiger: capture a majestic tiger on camera in one of India’s 28 tiger reserves Marvel at the varied Landscapes: majestic mountains, dense jungles, rolling hills, sacred rivers, pristine beaches, lush forest, tropical islands and arid deserts Experience Indian’s royal residences: romantic palaces, forgotten forts, spiritual sites, and towering temples Sense each different season: the freshness of spring, the warmth of summer, the fiery tones of autumn, and the flaming torches of winter. What to Wear: We recommend light cotton tops, short and trousers. The best colours to wear are khaki, beige and white. Light cotton, long sleeved clothing is especially recommended for game drives. Please ensure that you pack warm clothing if they are travelling in the winter months, as temperatures can drop dramatically... Best time to visit: Summer: March to mid-June & Winter: Mid-Novemeber to February. The reserve is closed from the 1st of July to 15th of October for visitors every year (dates are subject to change). get away, your way! 3 Safaris in style TAJ SAFARIS The 'Heart of India', where the majestic tiger once roamed unchallenged, Madhya Pradesh is the largest state in India, exceeding 440 000 km². The region accounts for one-third of the total forest cover in India. It is a multi- faceted nation, offering incredible wildlife reserves, intricate temples and palaces, and a dazzling tradition of arts, crafts and cuisine. Madhya Pradesh stretches from the rugged ravines of Chambal to the borders of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. With its boundaries touching seven other states, Madhya Pradesh inherits some of the surrounding cultures and traditions making it a vibrant state. Days during your stay at Madhya Pradesh Jungle begin early to experience the beautiful Indian Jungle with its towering, ancient trees, enchanting chorus of forest birds, Star Mammals of Madhya and herds of gentle chital (spotted deer). Twice-daily jungle drives are conducted in the comfort of specially Pradesh designed Tata open 4x4 safari vehicles accompanied by • Tiger an expert naturalist who is well versed with Madhya Pradesh Jungles. Shy Sambar (large forest deer) is • Dhole or Wild Dog spotted slaking their thirst at clear streams. Driving out • Sambar into the constantly changing terrain, panoramic vistas • Sloth Bear unfold before the eye, with sweeping grasslands and Grey Langur often mighty cliffs as the backdrop. You will be delighted • in identifying each lodge’s ten unique Star Birds, • Leopard Minivets, Parakeets, Orioles and Barbets, which offer a • Indian Gaur beautiful sight, glistening in the morning sunlight. The • Nilgai Indian Jungle is a bird watcher’s paradise. • Chital or Spotted Deer The morning peace of the jungle can be abruptly • Barasingha or Swamp Deer interrupted by the sharp distress calls of Chitals and the constant chattering of Langur monkeys. This could mean that a Tiger is on the prowl, and perhaps you may catch a glimpse of this endangered predator, in all its striped glory. Elephant back safaris (subject to availability) offered by the park authorities also provide a unique jungle experience. The adventure continues on Afternoon safaris. Bask in the early evening light, and witness a sounder of wild boar or herd of Chital in the open meadows. Pause briefly and listen to the jungle sounds as the sun gently dips over the huge horizon. get away, your way! 4 Safaris in style Sheer Luxury in Wilderness The Luxury Lodges where we will be accommodating you BAGHVAN, Pench National Park Baghvan is aptly named after one of India’s iconic symbols, the Bengal tiger (Bagh – tiger and van – forest). Pronounced ‘Baaghvun’, this enchanting lodge is located on the edge of Pench National Park, a dry deciduous forest of predominantly teak trees and meandering jungle streams. A mere five-minute drive to the park’s entrance takes our guests deep into the heart of the Indian jungle. Breakfasts and lunches are served on a sweeping shaded deck surrounding the beautiful swimming pool and overlooking the nullah, a favoured route of the Pench tigers. Sunset is celebrated with cocktails under a huge Banyan tree whilst watching a giant flying squirrel perform breathtaking aerobatics. get away, your way! 5 Safaris in style MAHUA KOTHI, Bandhavgarh The Lodge sprawls over the 40 acre grounds, just 20 minutes from the park entrance. The original kothi (homestead) comprises the guest areas and has been beautifully renovated, and the guest accommodation is all brand new. Each of the twelve charming guest suites – or kutiyas (jungle village huts) – is built in the vernacular