Current as of: April 19, 2024 - 18:45
India Tiger Safari Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: India
- Programmes: Wildlife
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Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
- 17 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 16 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: WIW
- Carbon Footprint: 47kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Embark on a comprehensive wildlife tour of the best tiger parks in India
Bengal tigers are a highly seductive class-A predator; they are also desperately endangered. Seeing one in the wild is intoxicating, which is why this comprehensive safari visits three of the best tiger parks in India. Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh national parks are all ideal for viewing both predator and prey, and with 15 game drives included the chances of seeing the magnificent Bengal tiger are greatly increased. There are many other animals to see, too, but tigers remain top of the agenda throughout.
At a Glance
- 14 nights in standard hotels, one night in an air-conditioned sleeper train
- Travel by 4×4, train and air-conditioned private bus
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Highlights
- Embark on 15 game drives
- Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal
- Support the TOFTigers campaign to protect biodiversity and restore habitats
Is This Trip for You?
This trip has been rated Activity Level 1 (Leisurely) with a Wildlife Rating of Five. Visit our Activity Level Guidelines page for more on our trip gradings or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings.
This tour is not physically demanding; however, days can be long (up to nine hours) and busy on occasion, especially when taking the overnight train and driving from park to park. The roads are generally pretty good, but local traffic and/or road damage after the monsoon can slow us down. We travel on comparatively quiet roads for at least half the journey but the road between Pench and Kanha is known to be bad.
Please be aware, there are very early morning starts (4.30am for example) on consecutive days at each national park as this is the best time to get out and spot tigers, which can make for much longer days. We do expect you to have several tiger sightings across this trip; however, the wildlife is free-roaming and unpredictable and we, unfortunately, cannot guarantee you will see tigers or other animals on every game drive. Some days may feel long and uneventful on your search for the elusive tiger but the sightings you do have, are always an exhilarating reward for the wait!
The jeeps throughout the national parks are simple and will often require you to step up into them and have a noticeable step down from them. On the game drives, you will be navigating bumpy tracks for most of the day and this can be uncomfortable for some after a long day in the jeep.
Monuments
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India, including the Taj Mahal. Very occasionally, this means work is taking place at sites visited on this trip. The ASI schedule is never published, so it is impossible to predict when work will take place.
Game drive regulations – book early!
The management of national parks by the Indian authorities and the system for booking game drives is very rigid. The number of 4x4s that can enter national parks has been reduced, and all game drives need to be booked and paid for well in advance.
We must provide a list of client names and passport details at the time of booking each game drive. Once game drives are booked, they are non‐refundable and name changes are not permitted. If you renew your passport after the game drives are booked, you must travel with both your old and new passports so the authorities can ascertain the authenticity of the previous passport mentioned in the booking.
You cannot change or swap 4x4s during the trip. It is four people per vehicle, so please let us know at the time of booking if you are a group of five or more travelling together with separate bookings to ensure you are seated appropriately.
Due to ongoing changes in the system, the following guidelines and conditions now apply to all bookings:
1) We cannot guarantee the operation of any departure until we have the necessary game drives secured. We aim to secure game drives from a variety of gates/zones as per the itinerary, but please be aware that this is subject to availability. The date at which we book the game drives will vary depending on when the booking system allows us to do so for your departure, usually will be around 120 days before travel but this is subject to change.
2) Within 120 days prior to travel it may be possible to book passengers onto a departure after the game drives have been confirmed but additional supplement costs are likely to be incurred. If we have made initial game drive bookings for a departure, we may need to wait until we have a further three or four clients ready to book before we can secure an additional vehicle and spread the cost of any supplement.
3) At the time of booking the game drives, approximately 120 days prior to travel, they are non‐refundable. If for any reason we are unable to secure the game drives and we must cancel the trip, you receive a full refund.
4) We want to encourage you to book this trip as far in advance as possible; we are confident we can secure the game drives needed if passengers are book four to five months in advance of the departure date.
5) It is important we have your correct passport details at the time of booking. If you end up travelling on a different passport, you must carry your old passport, or a photocopy of it, with you. If this isn’t possible, you will need a letter from the passport agency regarding the change of passport, specifying the details of the old passport and the details of the new passport issued.
We regret that these measures are necessary, but we are keen to ensure we secure the game drives as early as possible.
Group
Our Indian team has proved very popular with clients with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Indian culture than having a local guide show you around their country.
During the game drives each vehicle will be accompanied by a local Forest Guard (mandatory by the local authorities). The Forest Guards are part of a initiative by the national park authorities to generate employment opportunities for the local villages surrounding the area. They have excellent awareness of the local wildlife and skilled in tracking however, many have very limited English skills so will often communicate through hand signals rather than conversation. Your local Leader however, will rotate around the safari jeeps to ensure you all have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the wildlife through his translation.
We will always endeavour to rotate the group around the game drive jeeps to allow you to mix with other members travelling on your departure. However, due to the nature of the Forestry booking system, we secure the main jeeps around 120 days prior to travel, therefore if you confirm onto this trip, after the main jeeps have been secured, this will limit our ability to mix you up across the whole group on the game drives and you may be allocated with same passengers on each game drive throughout the trip.
If you are a bird enthusiast or, just keen to identify the local birds (of which there will be plenty to see) our expert leader, Krishna recommends downloading the app “Merlin Bird ID by cornell Lab” as a great way to quickly identify the many species you’ll spot on this trip.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Delhi
- End City: Delhi
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
Depart London.
Start Delhi
The group flight arrives at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and we transfer to our hotel approximately 30 minutes away. You can normally check in around midday. Those not travelling on the group flight, please ensure you provide your flight details at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to secure your airport transfer.
There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, your Leader will advise the time and location on your arrival (the information will also be posted in the hotel lobby).
Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)
Fly to Nagpur; transfer to Pench National Park
The group will transfer to Delhi Domestic Airport for a flight (around 1hr 40min) to Nagpur. The drive to Pench National Park, where your safari adventures begin, will take approximately three hours.
Accommodation: Pench Jungle Camp (or similar)
Four game drives over two days in Pench National Park
Spend two days exploring Pench National Park in the lower southern reaches of the Satpuda hills. It provided inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book and marks our first chance to see our very own Shere Khan.
This designated tiger reserve is home to around 45 Bengal tigers, plus leopards, wolves, monkeys, deer, and nilgai (the largest antelope in Asia). Our two days include four game drives, in which we’ll keep our eyes peeled for the incredible creatures that live here.
Accommodation: Pench Jungle Camp (or similar)
Transfer to Kanha National Park
We depart in the morning and drive to Kanha National Park. Although the distance is not far, the journey usually takes approximately four hours. On arrival, there is time to relax by the pool and share wildlife stories with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Celebration Van Vilas (or similar)
Five game drives over three days in Kanha National Park
Created in 1974, Kanha National Park is often described as the greatest wildlife reserve in India – during our time here, we go on five game drives to explore it.
The park is vast, encompassing expansive grasslands, plateaus and dramatic rocky escarpments that house hundreds of wildlife species. The tiger population – which currently numbers around 500 – has been affected by poaching in recent years but the huge abundance of animals makes the game drives a memorable experience.
Accommodation: Celebration Van Vilas (or similar)
Transfer to Bandhavgarh National Park
We leave Kanha National Park after breakfast and drive to Bandhavgarh, stopping en route for refreshments. This journey will take approximately six to seven hours. On arrival there is free time to settle in.
Accommodation: Nature Heritage Resort (or similar)
Six game drives over three days in Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh is one of the smaller national parks and enjoys an impressive setting with a cliff-top fort overlooking grasslands, birch forests and bamboo.
It is home to a wide variety of game, including leopards, sloth bears, jungle cats, wild pigs and, of course, tigers. The healthy tiger population of approximately 60-70 means this park has the highest tiger density of any reserve in India. The park also hosts up to 150 bird species including many on the migratory trail, such as the steppe eagle. During our stay, we embark on six games drives.
Accommodation: Nature Heritage Resort (or similar)
Drive to Katni; overnight train to Agra
This morning, we drive for approximately three hours to Katni Railway Station. We stop for refreshments, conveniences and photo opportunities along the way. In the evening, we catch the overnight train to Agra.
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Arrive Agra; visit Agra Fort; sunset at the Taj Mahal
Arriving in Agra in the morning, we transfer to our hotel. No stay in Agra would be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal, built by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first-time visitor – the white marble exterior changing colour according to the position of the sun. Nearby is the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque, palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains.
Accommodation: Royal Regent Hotel (or similar)
Drive to Delhi; free afternoon
We leave for Delhi after breakfast, stopping en route for lunch and arriving at our hotel in the afternoon. You are then free to relax or explore the sites of New and Old Delhi. Your Tour Leader can organise an optional sightseeing trip if you prefer.
Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)
End Delhi
Our adventure draws to a close after breakfast.
Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport. If you are not travelling on the group flight, please ensure you provide your flight details at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to secure your return airport transfer. Alternatively, if you’d like a little more time in Delhi, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Accommodation
Hotels, Lodges and Sleeper train
We spend 14 nights in en suite hotels and one night on an air-conditioned sleeper train. In Pench, Bandhavgarh and Kanha national parks, we stay in forest lodges with modern facilities and attached bathrooms (standards between the three lodges vary). On the rare occasion that a lodge/hotel is overbooked, the accommodation in national parks will be in comfortable safari fixed-tents fitted with electric lights and attached toilet with shower with hot and cold water readily available.
Overnight train journey
The overnight train from Katni to Agra will be booked in two-tier air-conditioned sleepers (or three-tier if unavailable). There are many excellent trains in India; however, the standard of seating and sleeping is not in line with Western standards. Seats are allocated when the tickets are issued, meaning we cannot guarantee the whole group is together in the same carriage; your leader will manage this as best as possible and will always check on you during the journey.
Indian trains are safe but we recommend you keep valuables with you at all times as the sleeper compartments are open with curtains for privacy along the aisle. Snacks are often offered on board (at an additional cost) but you may wish to purchase your own food before the journey. While some trains have Western-style facilities, the majority of services are equipped with squat toilets.
Please note, trains are sometimes delayed for reasons beyond our control, but we endeavour to minimise the impact of these delays on the overall itinerary.
Worth knowing
- Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are only a couple of months when the weather can get cold. You can, however, request more blankets if needed or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.
- Its common for hotels in India to have limited times in the day for hot water use to save energy. If you find your shower is cold, please let your leader or reception know so they can make sure the water heater is on.
- Sleeper trains are not enclosed compartments, bed bunks are set up within a carriage with curtains for some privacy.
- Within the sleeper train, you may be sharing a compartment of four beds with members of the public depending on how the seats are allocated.
- Single accommodation excludes sleeper trains
Single supplement from £ 540
Food & Drink
Breakfast and 11 dinners are included.
Allow around 1,400 – 2,400 rupees (US$20-US$35) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. In Agra and Delhi, there is a good choice of restaurants and a selection of Indian and Western food. If you are a vegetarian, India is probably one of the best destinations to travel to with a wide range of dishes on offer. Please note, there are usually some non-spicy curries while we’re at the national parks, but these are in limited supply. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A (large) bottle of beer is approximately 600 rupees (US$7). Mineral water is widely available. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow.
Transport
We use a combination of private minibus, SUVs and a train for our journey, and 4x4s in the national parks. The 4x4s are exclusive to Exodus guests with only four clients allocated to each. All vehicles except the 4x4s will be air-conditioned. Please note that seat belts are not always available on the national park 4×4 jeeps.
Train journeys: The overnight train from Katni to Agra will be booked in second-class (two-tier) air-conditioned sleeper (occasionally we may have to use three-tier if this is unavailable). See accommodation section for further information.
Game drives: At Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh, we use 4x4s (we only put four group members in each vehicle allowing you extra space and comfort). During the game drives, each vehicle will be accompanied by a local forest guard; they are not local guides and their English and wildlife knowledge may not reach the same level as your Exodus leader. The Exodus leader will rotate between vehicles throughout the trip.
Domestic Flights: Please note the domestic flight from Delhi to Nagpur has the following baggage allowance (this may be lower than your international flight allowance).
- Hand baggage: One bag up to 7kg and 115 cm (L+W+H : dimension: 55cm x 35cm x 25cm) per person
- Check-in baggage: 15kg allowance per person (one piece only)
- Please note, electronic devices, power packs and batteries should be packed in hand luggage as these are not permitted in your hold/main luggage.
- Excess baggage charge: Approximately 580 rupees (US$7) per 1 kilogram over 15kg
Weather & Seasonality
September to April is the ideal time to visit these areas of northern India. Days are normally warm to hot and nights cool or mild. Humidity is very low with little or no rain. In March/April and September/October, it can get very hot during the day. Evenings in Delhi and at the game parks can be surprisingly cool. It gets very cold in the early mornings and evenings between December and February.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Deventure, BP -11, near Shadipur Metro Station, Opposite Metro Pillar No 221, West Patel Nagar, New Delhi,110008
Phone: +91-99962 17770
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. Check in is usually around midday. Your leader will be meeting up with the whole group sometime later in the day and there will be information at the hotel reception about this meeting time. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Delhi Airport (DEL) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Delhi
Location end: Delhi
Free Transfers
Exodus offers free airport arrival and departure transfers on any flight for this trip. Unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel, and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same flight, or on a flight with similar arrival times. All those taking advantage of the free airport transfers must provide full flight details for both arrival and departure in advance.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen and lip salve with sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Light casual clothing
- Warm sweater/fleece
- Cotton scarf or buff (for dust/pollution in some areas)
- Torch (flashlight)
- Trainers/walking shoes
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Anti-bacterial hand gel
- Small personal first-aid kit
- Additional warm base layer, scarf and gloves (for departures between November and February)
- Cable lock, or small chain and padlock, to lock your bag up on the train
It gets very cold in the early mornings and evenings, particularly between November and February, and you should be prepared for this. You should bring additional warm clothing such as good fleece jackets, gloves and a scarf as it can drop to near freezing conditions and will be cold on the open jeeps in the national parks.
Clothing should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee. Women especially should always dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention and not to cause offence; vests, tight-fitting trousers, short skirts and shorts are not recommended.
It doesn’t matter what type of bag or case you use on this trip although it is preferable to use a soft holdall (with wheels if necessary) or rucksack/travelsack as they tend to be easier to manage on the overnight trains. You should also bring a small day bag for your valuable items.
Please note, electronic devices, power packs and batteries should be packed in hand luggage as these are not permitted in your hold/main luggage.
Please note: The Indian government has banned e-cigarettes and related products. You can’t buy e-cigarettes in India or bring them into the country. Please ensure you do not pack these in your luggage.
Optional Equipment
- Light waterproof
- Earplugs
- Money belt
- Travel pillow
- Face mask – those with asthma/allergies may wish to use a face mask in addition to a scarf/buff. The national park roads can become quite dusty and at certain times of the year, there can be added pollution from farmers burning off crop waste in the local villages you pass through.
Practical Information
Visa
India
To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.
Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html
Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
For more information on applying for your Indian Visa, including details required for your start hotel and local reference contacts, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information
Vaccinations and Health
India
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.
You will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of a polio vaccination may also be required by some travellers. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Additionally, dengue, a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, is a known risk in India. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approximately 6,560ft (2,000m), there is little risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips above 9,840ft (3,000m), there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the Trip Notes for further information.
The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Local Time
India's time zone: Asia/Kolkata (UTC +05:30)
Electricity
India's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins), D (three round pins) and M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
India's currency: Indian rupee (INR). Please note, it is illegal to import or export rupees. Do not accept torn or very dirty Indian banknotes from banks or in change as they will almost certainly not be accepted as legal tender in India. You can normally change money back from rupees into US dollars or British pounds at the departure airport, but you must produce an exchange receipt showing that you changed money in India.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available in the main towns (Visa and MasterCard are best) though you should not rely on these 100 percent of the time, so please take some cash with you. Please inform your bank before departure that you are travelling to India and carry the relevant telephone number with you in case they block your card. You can pay with credit cards in bigger shops all over India. As this trip spends a lot of time in more remote areas where ATMs will not be available, please make sure you carry enough cash with you. You can bring British pounds or US dollars.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Money change facilities are available at the hotel in Delhi, your leader will arrange for a money changer to come into the hotel, you will receive a better rate here than the airport. Change most of your money here as there will be few opportunities to do so as we travel between the national parks. You can change money back from rupees into British pounds or US dollars at Delhi Airport; this has to be done before you go through security and please note that only one or two small outlets accept rupees in the departure lounge (the Duty Free shop does not accept rupees), you must produce an exchange receipt showing you changed money in India.
We recommend you allow at least 650 rupees (US$8) per day for minor purchases, such as soft drinks and small souvenirs.
There is now very little opportunity for optional extra game drives but if there is a chance they will cost approximately 10,000 – 14,000 rupees (US$120-US$170) per 4×4 depending upon the zones/gates you will access in the park (based on one to four people per vehicle). The park charges have recently been revised and some zones declared ‘premium zones’ with higher entrance fees. This has been done to regulate game drives and reduce pressure on the park. All optional game drives should be booked and paid for locally. The cost of game drives can change without our knowledge: the prices are correct at the time of publication.
Tipping
Tipping is part of the culture in India and is usually expected. Your tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a group tipping kitty, which will be used to tip hotel staff, drivers and any other support staff used throughout your trip. Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, depending on group size, but it is usually around 4,000 rupees (US$48) per person based on the maximum group size of 16 passengers. For smaller groups, the leader may ask to collect more than the suggested amount relative to the group size, this is to assist with covering the standard tipping expectations for things like the local guides, drivers, and hotel staff (which, are generally fixed amounts no matter the group size).
At any time during the trip, your leader will happily show you an account of how the kitty is being distributed. For smaller groups, the leader may have to collect more than the above amount.
Tipping of leaders is not included in the kitty and is at your own discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation, a tip of 350-430 rupees (US$4-US$5) per person per day would be appreciated.
People, Places & Planet
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food, and supporting of other local enterprises.
- The hotels we stay in are dedicated to hiring local staff, this benefits the community by providing employment opportunities and income alternatives where they may be otherwise hard to come by.
- Our local partners share a commitment to projects that benefit their communities.
- This tour encourages guests to visit local cafes and restaurants and use markets to purchase traditional crafts.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here,including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
- By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- On this trip, we visit national heritage sites and the entrance fees included generates income that is used for the upkeep and development of these important monuments and nature parks.
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
- Our Bandhavgarh Project started in 2005 in collaboration with our local partners Kash Venture Travels to promote tiger conservation through short- and long-term projects. Short-term initiatives included immediate financial support to the park authorities for acquiring better equipment and facilities for forest guards, such as personal gear, vehicles for patrolling, construction of water holes for wild animals for summer, fencing of the park at some crucial points with adjoining local villages to avoid animal-human conflict. Since 2014/15, Exodus Bhandavgarh project has been handled by the Corbett Foundation, India, and we now have the Worth More Alivecampaign to continue this necessary work.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for reusable bottles.
- Paper bags are used as an alternative to single-use plastics where possible on this trip.
- As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, Exodus supports the TOFTigers’ campaign to protect biodiversity and restore habitats across India’s national parks through the wise use of sustainable tourism.
- Exodus will donate £25 for every passenger travelling on this itinerary to support the TOFTigers campaign to protect biodiversity and restore habitats through sustainable tourism.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- In some restaurants there is the option to have plant-based meals.
- This trip favours locally owned and run accommodation.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
- Cultural respect:
- Ask before photographing people, ceremonies or sacred sites.
- It’s polite to use only your right hand when eating without cutlery and when handing money and small objects to someone else.
- Before entering a holy place, remove your shoes and give them to the shoe minder. When you recollect your shoes, give the minder a few rupees. You’re permitted to wear socks in most places of worship.
- Religious etiquette advises against touching the heads of local people (including children) or directing the soles of your feet at a person, shrine or an image of a deity. You should not touch a carving of a deity.
- When visiting religious sites, dress and behave respectfully, don’t wear shorts and sleeveless tops – this applies to both men and women. A head cover for women and sometimes men is required in some places of worship.
- Generally, it is best to dress modestly throughout your time in India as a sign of respect.
- Making the effort to fit in is invariably appreciated so being aware of these aspects of cultural respect will assist you during your travels in India.
Non-refundable items in the event of customer cancellation
If you choose to cancel your trip, the standard cancellation fees are shown in our Booking Conditions. However, there are additional fees for extra non-refundable items for this trip, and these are detailed below. For more information, see Section 4 of the Exodus Booking Conditions. If you are booking your flight through us, your sales representative may also confirm separate cancellation terms related to your international flights at the time of booking.
Within 120 days prior to departure:
- Game Drive Permits: From £500 to £1,900* per person
*Game drive cancellation costs are estimated and subject to vary depending on time of cancellation prior to travel and based on national park regulations and terms. Accurate cancellation fees will be provided prior to cancellations being actioned.
Costs are accurate at time of writing in February 2024.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.