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On this short tour our goal is to observe the endangered Bengal tiger in the wild. We spend three days in the Ranthambore National Park, home not only to this rare creature but also to leopards, crocodiles and many species of bird. We also discover the architectural and cultural delights of New and Old Delhi.
What we say
Staff Member Louise Ponting travelled on this tour in 2011.
"This is a fantastic tour for wildlife lovers, as well as those who want to experience a completely new culture. We spent two days in Delhi and three in Ranthambore National Park in search of Bengal tigers. Delhi is chaotic, energetic, loud and exciting, and Rathambore is beautiful, serene and relaxing – I loved them equally but they couldn’t be more diverse. Spotting a tiger in the wild is a magical experience and one you can’t prepare for, I was lucky enough to spot two on my tour, but I’m still desperate to go back and relive the whole experience."
Explore's Prue Payne has had the privilege of going on our Tiger Tracking tour in India not once but twice. Read her blog here.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour Delhi
Our first afternoon in the capital will be leisurely with your tour leader introducing you to Delhi.
Overnight Standard Hotel
2
Train to Sawai Madhopur; drive to Ranthambore; game drives in Ranthambore National Park
This morning we take a train and travel on the “Golden Temple Mail” from New Delhi to Sawai Madhopur. From here we drive the short distance to Ranthambore – one of Project Tiger’s conservation projects. The best chance of sightings is between October and May as during this period water is scarce and the animals must stay close to the lakes and river. It is little wonder that this was once one of the best hunting areas of the Maharajas. Making the most of our time we enter the park for an afternoon game drive. Pleasse note: todays game drive will depend on the train arrival. In India it is very common for trains to be delayed.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
3
In Ranthambore; game drives
This morning, often at dawn, we venture into the park in search of wildlife which includes sloth bear, langur, jackal and fox as well as crested hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, jacana, parakeet and white-breasted kingfisher. The park itself is very picturesque with lakes, rivers and forests being surrounded by steep cliffs and rocky outcrops. This afternoon we go on another game drive and also visit Ranthambore Fort. Perfectly situated for defence, on a natural escarpment producing sheer drops of some 65m, it gives superb views over the Sawai Mar Singh Sanctuary, part of the National Park.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
In Ranthambore; game drives
The morning is free to relax (or for the enthusiast it is possible to go on an additional optional game drive) and in the afternoon we pay our final visit to the park. We use an elevated truck known as a “Cantor” which gives us excellent viewing potential.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5
Train to Delhi
This morning we board the “Jan Shatabdi Express” to arrive in Delhi early afternoon. We head off on a city tour of the sights of New Delhi. The Indian capital has long been a phoenix rising again and again out of its own ruins. New Delhi was the creation of the British Raj of the 1930s and includes the President’s Palace, Lok Sabha (Parliament), India Gate and the Rajpath. Later in the afternoon we set off to explore Old Delhi on foot and by cycle rickshaw, visiting Chandni Chowk Bazaar, a jamboree of deafening barter, vivid colours and smells. We’ll pass by the imposing Red Fort and the remarkable Moghul architecture of the Jami Masjid Mosque.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
6
Tour ends Delhi
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast