Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The first time we saw a tiger. What an unbelievably beautiful moment that was. The first tiger we saw on this trip was in Kanha (we saw 2 cubs in the distance in Pench but they were spotty little blurs) was a male tiger named Chota Munna. Another jeep had seen him cross the road and pass into the forest when we arrived. We just saw the bushes move and thought we had missed our chance. After 20 minutes or so of alarm calls and driving around the area he was believed to be moving, there he was, all of a sudden, strolling through the clearing and then crossing the road in front of us and continuing down the road for a good 5 minutes or more. That just blew my mind. To see this amazing animal walking through his home in all his glory was magnificent. We were to be blessed twice more in Kanha. Once more that day as we were leaving the lunch area a female tigress Choti Mada was walking down the road, we were one of only 3 jeeps to have been lucky to see her. On our last morning drive in Kanha, we had what our tour leader Vijay described as a once a year sighting. We heard alarm calls, and then there she was the beautiful Dhwajhandi (daughter of Choti Mada), she crossed the road, scenting as she went and passed into the grassland, we sat and waited for quite some time and were super lucky in this time to also see a Sloth Bear bounding across the grassland, after the bear passed we sat and waited on the other side of the grassland, listening to her roar, most jeeps gave up and left, but we insisted on waiting, we knew she was there. And then, alarm calls, the remaining jeeps all started their engines and we went further up the grassland road to where the deer were now running and calling, and then she was there, strolling through the grassland and past the deer. She walked across the road near our jeep, stopped for a bit, then continued at this point she was behind us and we got to watch her and she sauntered down the road, scenting as she went, rubbing herself on a tree and then eventually going back in to the forest. This whole experience lasted over 2 hours. We were so incredibly blessed to have witnessed this amazing sighting. I will forever be grateful for this trip. We also saw 3 more tigers when we were in Bandhavgarh, Spotty, Solo and Tara. All female tigress. We were lucky to see Tara twice. In all we saw 8 tigers if you include the cub blobs, 2 sloth bear and so many deer, birds, monkeys etc. It really was the trip of a lifetime. I won't be coming down off that high for sometime.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oh Vijay was just truly wonderful. He is the best group leader I have ever had. He was so knowledgeable, passionate and committed. Every time we saw a tiger, it blew him away too, which was really touching. We were lucky to only have a group of 7, but he just did a marvelous job. I would 100% do another tour in India if Vijay was the leader. His passion for wildlife and knowledge of birds was phenomenal. He is a complete asset to your company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack thermals. It's only cold in the morning game drives, but you will need it, that and also some sort of windproof jacket. They give you blankets, but don't rely on them. You will need something else to keep you warm in the early mornings. Another thing you should 100% pack is something to cover you nose & mouth as the dust is pretty crazy.

Most Inspirational Moment

We all saw lots of evidence of Tigers including paw prints and alarm calls, and even caught glimpses of Tigers as they crossed road, or were asleep in the bush. And then finally on game drive number 15, that's over 60 hours on safari, with 5am starts and getting bounced around and covered in dust in the back of a jeep...we had a great clear close sighting of a magnificent Tiger. Fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Krishna was excellent, helpful, informative and with a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We took up the opportunity to do two extra optional game drives. The more time you spend in the parks then the better chance of seeing a Tiger.

Suggestions

the trip finished off with a visit to Agra, the Taj Mahal and Red Fort which were magnificent. We also did an optional tour of Delhi on the last day for which the Jamel mosque was great but New Delhi was a disappointment and covered in smog. We went out early and did a tailor made extension to Amritsar Dharamshala and Shimla which was excellent. If you have the time I would recommend doing an extension and exploring somewhere else in India.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a tiger at close range for the first time was awe inspiring. Literally couldn’t speak. X

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vijay was fabulous. Made us feel very safe and helped us integrate with the local people .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a bit more money than you think you will need. Most of our money went on beers each day!!!

Suggestions

Fabulous holiday. Go with the flow. Train journey is not as bad as you think it will be. X

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the tigers in their natural habitat We also saw a leopard with its kill and two wild dogs chase catch kill and eat a fawn. It was exciting and you didn't want to watch - but you did want to watch! It was fascinating to see how the dogs worked to capture the deer. The tigers of Bandhavgarh were fantastic. On our first game drive in Bandhavgarh we saw a male tiger lying in the middle of the road, to be joined a few minutes later by a female. They both lay there for a while and we watched them as they moved from the road to the bush and eventually into the forest. We watched them for almost 2 hours. It was fabulous.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was excellent. He made sure that we were at the gates of the reserves early so that we were among the first to enter. He was informative and extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife and especially the birds. It was clear that he loved his country and gave us information and insights of life in India, including the local villagers and their lives. At Bandhavgarh he managed to obtain an extra game drive, by getting up very early to go to the gate for tickets. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble for him. He showed great concern for his party of guests.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a scarf or 'snood' to cover your nose and mouth on the game drives - it gets very dusty. Make sure you have the correct electrical adaptors - although the European two pin (round pins) do fit. It does get quite cold in the early mornings as you travel n the open-top jeeps. It is advisable to have several layers.

Suggestions

In Pench there was a fridge in the room, but nt in Kanha or Bandhavgarh. A fridge in the room would have been useful for keeping water cold. The hotel in Agra was excellent but that in Delhi left a lot to be desired. Although the room was clean and comfortable the breakfast was very uninspiring The overnight train trip was not as difficult as expected. All in all, Exodus were a great Group to deal with and we would use Exodus again if we wanted to do something in their itinerary. The trip was worth every penny!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing our first tiger emerge out of the grass or it was the tiger that came out of the woods right next to our parked jeep or it was the visit to the red fort or it was the invite to join the community for the Holi festival or ... this is an impossible question to answer

Thoughts on Group Leader

Having done several Exodus tours I have to say Krishna was the top man. Extremely thoughtful, willing to impart information, great communicator and organiser, as well a good guide in the field. And a sense of fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

See above

Most Inspirational Moment

Just 4 in a jeep we are driving through the forest when - WOW - a tiger comes through the bush. Our driver, guide, us AND the tiger are surprised! We were SO close - a really precious moment just between the few of us, until he gently turned away and crossed the road. Such beauty and such power. But we were lucky - many ,more special moments. Drawn into a small local community to celebrate the festival of light; the tiger with her kill of barahsingha; the glorious stags of sambar; the marsh deer; the plain of vultures drying out; the efforts of our guide, the sun rises and sun sets; learning how jiggery is made - and tasting it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was one of the best - in fact the best I've ever had. Knowledgeable, fun, experienced, calm in emergencies - and he went that extra mile - or marathon! He had a birthday cake driven 70 km for one of our group; he got up at 3am to get tickets for others - a star!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I took a hot water bottle for the nights and a mini hot water bottle to put up my jumper for those hours 6-9 a.m. in the jeep. Enjoy Indian food - such a range of flavours and fresh local food. Put oil on your face if you go to the festival of light - or the dyes wear off slowly!!

Suggestions

February seemed an ideal time to go - hot but not too humid. Try to learn a few words beyond namast . . . Read some of William Dalrimple for atmosphere. Enjoy the train ride - much improved in the last 49 years! Take a hot water bottle and always keep tissues in your pocket.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being entranced by beautiful wild Tiger laying on a bank in the shade up close to the road for the first time , An amazing feeling looking into its eye's !! Witnessing a live kill by a large male tiger , from it's stealthy stalk across the road , to the raw explosiveness of its attack , and its struggle to finish the kill , ( a 20 minute once in a life time moment ) a truly awesome experience !! Langurs - I could watch these monkeys play all day ....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Krishna , a great guy , had everything well organised , was there to answer any questions and solve any problems , a fun guy to be around and very knowledgeable and informative , joined in with the dynamics of our group , very passionate about his country , the local people and the wildlife and protection of the Tigers .. A real cool guy , great to have met him , a major part of the whole experience ... A credit to Exodus !!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Embrace the whole trip the people, the culture , try not to be hooked up on seeing a tiger , they can be very elusive , they are not just siting everywhere , I had 7 safari's before my first encounter but when the time comes it is magical !! There is a lot of other wildlife to enjoy .... The safari's can be very dusty and hot in the summer months , tracks can be very bumpy but the drivers do a good job , pack less than you think , good laundry service at resorts : The Train journey was different , but was enjoyable , just go with the locals and enjoy the flow so may be surprised ... Sightseeing at the end of the trip can be hectic , but just embrace the beauty of the Taj and the Red Fort ... Enjoy everything and you will be rewarded with a great experience !!

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational part of the trip was definitely seeing Tigers and other wildlife, like the Sloth Bear in Kahna and the Jungle Cat in Bandhavgarh. The Taj Mahal was second but a good way behind. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Tuk Tuk cycle ride in Delhi through the different streets, this was really interesting visiting the silver street, saree street jewellry street etc and the spices. Very very exciting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour guide Vijay Chansoria was absolutely excellent, so knowledgeable about the wildlife and surroundings and obviously loved his country. It was great when he was in the jeep with you as it was another pair of eyes. We couldn't fault him and he was so caring.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We have just come back (April) and the mornings in Kahna were really cold, so we had to wrap up well but by 9.00a.m. it was hot. Just put on layers. Regarding the train, someone previously mentioned to take a sleeping bag liner, this is not necessary as you are given two sheets, blanket and a pillow. yes you do actually sleep. it is a long journey but it was good 13+hrs. Don't change money at Mumbai airport, use an ATM instead as this gives a better rate. Mumbai airport is great, some super shops and much better than Delhi. Make sure you take something to cover your cameras as this area is very very dusty with very fine sand, you come back from each safari absolutely filthy and its great to get a cold towel to wipe hands and face when back at the Lodges. You don't really get chance to shop so don't think about purchasing gifts, just enjoy.

Suggestions

There are very early starts, wake up 4.30a.m. but we went expecting this and it didn't bother us at all - we are in our 70's - but you are in bed usually by 9.00p.m. In fact the days you do get a lie-in it seems strange. The accommodation varies and we found the best was in the Tented Camp at Pench and the best food was at Kahna where the accommodation wasn't so good. The travelling by road was really interesting, seeing how the people live and work. The roads aren't too bad either. GO FOR IT AND ENJOY Traveller images & videos

Most Inspirational Moment

The Tigers were by far the best part for me. They are beautiful and we were so lucky to see 18 including some cubs too. The rest of the wildlife was also really good from leopard, sloth bear, Peacocks, monkeys dear, and countless birds! For me the countryside was lovely.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was our group leader and he definately made sure our holiday was a great one. He was very knowledgable and couldn't do enough for us. He arranged extra game drives, joined in with the group and gave us plenty of information along the way! Excellent guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although this is stated as a leisurely holiday, the early starts make it a long day but well worth it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Being charged by a huge male tiger who clearly wasn't pleased at our attentions. He really wanted to scare us off!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hemal was very good in all respects, all the organisation and logistics went perfectly and he was very clear in his briefings and explanations.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1.This is not a trip for people who suffer from a bad back. The jeep rides are very rough and bumpy, especially when the drivers hurry to get to spots where they think the tigers may be. 2. Patience is essential. We spent very many hours seeing nothing, but the rewards of a good sighting are worth the wait. In some parks you may see nothing at all, in others you may have several good sightings in a day.

Suggestions

Both the accommodation and the transport were better than expected. Very comfortable lodges with spacious rooms and excellent food most of the time. All the long drives were in modern people carriers rather than a coach.