Tiger Safari: India · Our safari takes places in both Kanha & Bandhavgarh National Parks – both...
Transcript of Tiger Safari: India · Our safari takes places in both Kanha & Bandhavgarh National Parks – both...
Backcountry Journeys – Tiger Safari India 1
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Tiger Safari: India
"There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society, where none intrudes, By the deep Sea, and music in its roar:
I love not Man the less, but Nature more." —Lord Byron
Pricing, Dates & Booking
For current pricing, trip dates
& online reservations please
see our website.
Trip Packets
Our PDF Trip Packets are being
updated all the time. Ensure you
have the most recent version by
clicking here.
Last Published: December 13,
2019
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Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Trip Overview
Join Backcountry Journeys this year in India on one of the world’s most
unique photo safaris as we search for the elusive Bengal Tiger. The goal
of our trip being to return with an impressive portfolio of high-quality
images of Tigers in the wild! India is home to 70% of the world’s tiger
population which at the time of this writing was approximately 2400 of
the 3800 remaining wild tigers in the world. If you know where to look –
India’s National Parks are the premier destination to photograph tigers
in the world. As the world’s largest living cats, tigers instill an
appreciation and a deep sense of respect and awe – to witness a tiger
appear from the brush is an incredible experience! They are threatened
throughout most of their range due to overpopulation, illegal poaching
and disappearing habitat.
This trip is intended not only to focus on the star attraction, Bengal
Tigers, but to experience and photograph all of India’s unique wildlife.
Our trip takes place in two different National Parks that are known for
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Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
their dense Tiger populations. Along with Tigers we will have the
opportunity to photograph leopards, sloth bear, Indian wolf, black-faced
langur, wild dogs, jungle cat, striped hyena, jackal, antelope, barking
deer, chital and gaur (Indian Bison) as well as approximately 300
species of birds. Although the main goal of this trip is photographing
tigers you will leave with a diverse and interesting portfolio of other
creatures as well.
As the world’s largest living cats, tigers instill an appreciation and a
deep sense of respect and awe – to witness a tiger appear from the
brush is an incredible experience! They are threatened throughout most
of their range due to overpopulation, illegal poaching and disappearing
habitat.
Our safari takes places in both Kanha & Bandhavgarh National Parks
– both locations having growing tiger populations that are the densest
on earth. The landscape is a mixed forest of bamboo, sal, grassland and
a complex of deciduous forests. We spend equal and ample time in each
park to ensure we leave with incredible tiger images.
When in the parks we travel in specially designed 4×4 vehicles with
only two photographers per vehicle to allow for maximum versatility
while shooting.
Special Access Permits
If you are traveling all the way to India, you want to ensure you return
with the best possible portfolio of Tiger images. For this reason, we
have secured for each of our guests – special government granted
permits reserved specifically for professional photographers.
We will utilize these special all-access passes on 4/8 of our full-day
shoots.
National Parks in India close every-day for about three hours and all
vehicles must exit the park. Not only do our special use permits allow
us early access prior to the park’s opening and to stay past close but we
are able to remain in the park while everyone else must leave!
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This is incredibly important if you happen to be on a tiger around
closing as normally one would be forced to exit the park. Not you!
Normally in India’s wildlife parks – safari vehicles are assigned a
specific zone and game drive route that they must adhere to –
regardless of whether or not the guide might know of Tigers in another
area. Without our all access permits the vehicles are only allowed to
drive forward – which is problematic if a Tiger appears behind you!
Our itineraries were designed to ensure the best possible chances for
getting incredible tiger photos. The logistics of this trip have been
meticulously designed under the guidance of some of India’s top wildlife
guides & photographers. It has been thoroughly planned and setup so
that you can show up and shoot – in the right places, in the right parks
and at the right time alongside a professional photographer and expert
tiger guides.
Please note: This is a “standard” tour so there is little to no hiking on
this trip – it mostly based out of 4×4 vehicles.
Highlights
• Photograph two of India’s National Parks
• Densest Tiger population on Earth
• Only two photographers per 4×4 vehicle
• Small Groups
• Return to our cozy lodge each night to unwind
• Top-notch meals, excellent lodging included
• Learn from & shoot alongside a seasoned pro
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Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Noteworthy Travel Logistics
This trip begins & ends in Delhi, India
Specific Travel Logistics for India
Cell Phones:
India has pretty good cell coverage and there are several carriers. You
can purchase a pre-paid SIM card at the airport or any convenience
store.
Money:
The currency is the Indian Rupee
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Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Passport:
You must have a current passport to enter the country. Immigration
may deny entry if your passport is damaged. Visitors are required to
carry appropriate documentation at all times. Tourists should carry
their passports when taking domestic air flights, driving, planning to
use a credit card, traveling overnight or a considerable distance from
their hotel. You must have at least one blank passport page when
arriving in India.
Tourist Visa:
Apply online more than 4 days prior to departure
U.S. Embassy Delhi
Address: Panchsheel Marg, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi,
Delhi 110021, India
Telephone: +(011-91-11-2419-8000)
Fax: +(011-91-11-2419-0017)
For more information on international travel to India refer to the US
Department of State Site
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Itinerary Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day One (Travel Day)
Leave home and travel to India.
Day Two (Travel Day)
Arrive in Delhi in the evening.
As most international flights come in late – after clearing customs you
will be met by our tour representative and transferred to your hotel
for a great night’s sleep after a long journey!
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Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Day Three (B,L,D)
This morning we will meet as a group and discuss the trip over
breakfast. After orientation we will transfer to the airport for a short
flight to Jabalpur.
Then it’s a four-hour drive to Bandhavgarh National Park in air-
conditioned vehicles. This afternoon we will have our first game-drive!
Days Four-Six (B,L,D)
The next three full-days will be dedicated to game-drives in
Bandhavgarh National Park photographing tigers and other wildlife.
Afternoons & evenings in-between drives will be spent at our
beautiful, air-conditioned lodge right outside the park. The food is
excellent!
Day Seven (B,L,D)
This morning we will have our last game-drive in Bandhavgarh before
we depart for Kanha, which will be a four-hour drive in air-
conditioned vehicles.
Check-in to our lodge near the entrance of Kanha, review images and
prepare for the next few days.
Days Eight-Ten (B,L,D)
The next three full-days will be dedicated to game-drives in Kanha
National Park photographing tigers and other wildlife.
Afternoons & evenings in-between drives will be spent at our
beautiful, air-conditioned lodge right outside the park.
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Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Expect cozy accommodations, wonderful meals and great comradery
in-between sessions.
Day Eleven (B,L)
We will have a final morning game-drive in Kanha. After our final
morning with the tigers it’s off to Delhi for international flights home
this evening.
Most international flights leave Delhi late at night and so we have
secured day-rooms to rest-up before the long journey home.
Day Twelve
Arrive back home after a once in a lifetime experience. Begin pouring
over your images!
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Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Trip Details
Physical Requirements
All participants must be in good physical condition and have the ability
to hike with camera equipment and essential hiking gear. For example,
tripod, camera, lense(s), sunscreen, water (up to 2 liters person) and
snacks. The weight of your pack largely depends on what gear you
choose to bring on each hike. Typically backpacks weigh between 15 and
20 lbs - the choice is yours
Group Size
We keep groups small to maximize your one on one time with the
guide/instructor.
Accommodation
10 nights of lodging is included.
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Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Trip length
12 days
Fitness level:
This is a “standard” tour so there is little to no hiking on this trip – it
mostly based out of 4×4 vehicles.
Meeting Time and Place
We will have an orientation/breakfast in the morning of Day Three in
Delhi. Please make sure to send your flight information to
Trip Conclusion
Delhi, India
Price/Start Dates
Please see the Tiger Safari: India trip page on our website for the most
current dates and pricing.
Meals
Most meals are included during the trip dates. Lunches will often be in
the field.
Weather
Expect hot weather for the duration of the trip. For more info on what
to bring please email or call us. You won’t need much in the way of
layering on this trip BUT make sure you and your camera are prepared
for rain!
Here is a link to the weather forecast for Kanha National Park, India.
Be sure to check this weather link for current weather conditions before
you go!
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Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Price Includes
Most meals, ground transportation, transportation within India during
trip dates, accommodation during the trip dates: from the evening of
Day Two through the morning of Day Twelve, professional photography
instruction, medically certified wilderness guide, & gratuities for
service personnel such as drivers, pilots, captains as well as hotel &
restaurant staff.
Price Does Not Include
Airfare, alcoholic beverages, accommodations before or after the trip
dates, souvenirs & trip leader gratuities (industry standard is typically 10%-20% of the trip cost based on your experience)
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Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Lodging & Meals
This trip includes most meals, lodging from Day Two through the
morning of the last day of the tour, ground transportation while on the
tour, National Park entrance fees, guide fees and other items essential
to a successful trip – meaning that once your there all you will have to
focus on is your photography. We can accommodate most special diets
so please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
Gear List
This gear list should answer a lot of your gear questions so please read
through this carefully. If you still have questions, please give us a call.
Photo & Field Gear Recommended Camera Gear:
• DSLR or Mirrorless Camera. (Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic etc.) • Telephoto Lenses (ranging from 100-600mm approximately)
• Normal Lenses (ranging from approximately 35mm to 100mm)
• Memory Cards
• Batteries & Chargers
• Lens cleaning pen & cloth
• Camera Rain Sleeve
Optional (but recommended) Camera Gear:
• Sturdy but lightweight Tripod • Back-Up Camera Body
• Wide-angle lens (10-20mm, 16-35mm or equivalent zoom) • 1.4x tele converter
• Laptop Computer with Lightroom / Photoshop Pre-Installed (for
personal use in hotels for downloading images while on tour).
• External Hard Drives
• Remote Shutter Trigger
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• Camera’s Instruction Manual
Suggested Field Gear & Clothing: • Personal Field Clothing
• Warm top, such as a long-sleeved sweater or fleece jacket for the
evenings.
• Convertible hiking pants, or lightweight trousers to block sun, and
protect from insects
• Socks (Smartwool, Darn Tough etc.)
• Brimmed Sun Hat (really important!) • Sunglasses
• Sturdy Boots
• Casual wear, for your evenings
• Rain shell, waterproof/breathable jacket
• Rain pants (check the weather first!)
• Headlamp (with EXTRA Batteries)
• Power strip (optional) • Binoculars (optional) • Hydrocortisone ointment or cream, and/or afterbite
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Personal toiletries & medications
• Money, for tipping staff & guides (industry standard is generally 10%-20% of the trip cost based on your experience), and for any
personal expenses not included in the tour package such as alcoholic
beverages, souvenirs, etc.
This is a general list. Call with any questions!