Royal Tiger Safari Tour with CCAfrica Lodges

Tour Length: 15 Days
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Locations Visited: Delhi, Jaipur, Bandhavgarh National Park ( Bandhavgarh ), Khajuraho, Nagpur, Pench National Park, Delhi.
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Highlights: Highlights of Royal Tiger Safari Tour with CCAfrica Lodges.

The 15-day Royal Tiger Safari unveils the beauty, mysticism and timeless appeal of north central India, from the bustling city of Delhi to the vast jungle wilderness of Bandhavgarh and Pench National Parks. On arrival in Delhi, witness grand architecture, palaces, tombs, mosques, medieval ruins, and of course an overwhelming choice of shopping and restaurants. The first two nights of the safari are spent at the Taj Mahal Hotel, one of the capital’s most distinguished addresses.

After a short flight to Jaipur, check into the luxurious Rambagh Palace, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Explore Jaipur’s spectacular forts, bustling bazaars, colourful markets and rich culture. Journey onto Agra for a night, staying at the Taj View Hotel, a mere 3 km from the breathtaking Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s most famous monument to love.

A first class air conditioned overnight train will take you to Katni, followed by a three-hour drive to Bandhavgarh National Park. Here, you will spend three nights at Mahua Kothi, deep in the heart of the Indian jungle. Witness India’s extraordinary wildlife on twice-daily jungle drives with expert CC Africa trained rangers who will reveal dramatic wilderness landscapes and an abundant diversity of flora and fauna, including the great Bengal tiger. Meander slowly by road onto Khajuraho, for an overnight stay at the Taj Chandela. Khajuraho’s world-famous and pristinely preserved 10th century Hindu temples, with their erotic sculptures, certainly deserve their World Heritage Site status.

A short flight from Khajuraho will bring you back to Delhi for an overnight stay at the Taj Mahal Hotel. A morning flight will take you to Nagpur, followed by a scenic two-hour drive to Pench National Park where you will spend three nights at Baghvan, surrounded by forest and overlooking a lovely nullah (dry riverbed). Explore the beauty and mystique of Pench – straight out of the Jungle Book. The Royal Tiger Safari is completed with a drive back to Nagpur, followed by a short flight to Mumbai where you can relax and freshen up in a day room at the Taj Lands End hotel in preparation for your flight home.

This grand Royal Tiger Safari is a truly memorable and unique introduction to India’s history, culture, wilderness and architecture.


Irresistibly India

THE INDIAN JUNGLE SAFARI EXPERIENCE
Our guests experience firsthand the beautiful Indian jungle with its towering, ancient trees, enchanting chorus of forest birds, and herds of gentle chital (spotted deer). Twice-daily jungle drives are conducted in the comfort of a specially designed Tata open 4x4 safari vehicle, accompanied by an expert CC Africa trained naturalist. Shy sambar (large forest deer) are spotted slaking their thirst at clear streams. Driving out into the constantly changing terrain, panoramic vistas unfold before the eye, with sweeping grasslands and often mighty cliffs as the backdrop. Guest delight in identifying each lodge’s ten unique Star Birds. Minivets, parakeets, orioles and barbets are a beautiful sight, glistening in the morning sunlight. The Indian jungle is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The morning peace of the jungle can be abruptly interrupted by the sharp distress calls of chitals and the constant chattering of langur monkeys. This could mean a tiger is on the prowl, and perhaps guests may catch a glimpse of this endangered predator, in all its striped glory. Elephant back safaris 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 a herd of chital in the open meadows. Pause briefly and listen to the jungle sounds as the sun gently dips over the huge horizon.


Your Wildlife Accomodation

India’s finest jungle lodges
Enjoy luxury stay in wildlife resorts. Quintessential resorts, finest accommodation with open facades so that guests in bed have uninterrupted view of the forest. Come experience a life of both pleasure and adventure, of elemental living in an extraordinary place.

Baghvan Jungle Lodge
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. The twelve charming stand alone suites are located on a lovely nullah (dry riverbed) surrounded by forest. Each has a contemporary bungalow feel with a cheeky 1950’s ambiance, with cool pale cream cement screed floors and contrasting hues of copper and pale turquoise. The spacious suites comprise two buildings. A covered inter-leading link takes guests from their bedroom to a generously proportioned bathroom with twin hand basins, separate w.c., and indoor and outdoor showers. Stairs lead guests up to a machan (a covered jungle rooftop platform) which is perfect for romantic sleepouts, complete with mosquito net, overhead fan and hookah pipes. Guests can also enjoy in-room Ayurvedic massage. The spacious guest areas are elegantly finished with delicate handmade Parsi tiles, woven hyacinth furniture, and giant ebony chests. Cool, airy and comfortable, they boast high ceilings and deep welcoming sofas. Large shaded decks lead guests down from the sitting room to the nullah. Baghvan’s interactive open kitchen spills out into the dining area, where guests are encouraged to learn how to prepare traditional Indian dishes – recipes and spices provided! 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.

India’s finest jungle lodges
The name Mahua Kothi draws its inspiration from one of India’s most beautiful trees, the Madhuca Indica, or as it is commonly known, the Mahua or butter tree. Pronounced ‘ma-hoo-a’, this tree with its fleshy off–white flowers plays a central role in festivals and rituals. 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) – are built in the vernacular style of Central India, affectionately known as ‘MP Chic’ (MP being the state of Madhya Pradesh). Each is accessed through private courtyards with shaded seating and traditional mud floors. Interiors include wooden shutters, tapered mud coloured walls in lime and earth washes (finished by hand), open rafters with roughly hewn wooden beams, and handmade pottery roof tiles. Floors are dressed in katni stone strips set in lime mortar. Each ensuite bathroom features twin hand basins, indoor shower, bath and separate w.c. Richly coloured local textiles, used throughout, are in shades of rust and burnt orange. Each kutiya features roll-down mats to keep out the early morning sun, as well as overhead fans and air conditioning. Guests delight in the yoga amenities provided in a basket (complete with instructions), as well as traditional Indian games of marbles and Chaupad. Kettles of boiling water on chulhas (charcoal burners) are brought out with early morning tea to the kutiyas. Bicycles, parked in the kutiya courtyards, are an invitation to explore.

This grand Royal Tiger Safari is a truly memorable and unique introduction to India’s history, culture, wilderness and architecture.


From Mahua Kothi Guest Book
“A familiar CC Africa-style welcome made us feel at home straight away. Right from the start we were spoiled rotten! A truly delightful group of people have been chosen to run this lodge, and they clearly take the greatest pride and pleasure in welcoming guests and making them feel immediately at home. The chef was outstanding, producing the most delicious food, served in a variety of lovely locations. This is the perfect combination of style, simplicity, colour, texture and comfort. And yes, we did see tigers – six of them! It is a wonderful experience to set off into the jungle on an Indian elephant in search of the tigers. Our thanks to the entire team at Mahua Kothi for a delightful few days. We look forward to our second visit!”