Discover the Wonders of India Tigers and Temples
India is an ancient land rich in culture, history and an exotic wildlife habitat. Come experience it all on this two week adventure that will bring you to thousand year old temples and into the vast wilderness in search of the mighty tiger. We are very fortunate to have India native and acclaimed wildlife photographer, Anu Marwah leading this tour. Anu’s work is currently featured in the book Remember Tigers.
Upon your arrival in New Dehli, the capital city of India we will head off to explore the Unesco world heritage site of the Khajuraho Temples.
The group of temples at Khajuraho testifies to the culmination of northern Indian temple art and architecture of the Chandella dynasty who ruled the region in the 10th and 11th centuries CE. The temples were said to have been spread across 20 square kilometres and there were around 85 temples in the 12th century. Today there are only 23 temples including one partly excavated structure distributed over an area of 6 square km in a picturesque landscape, that have survived the ravages of time and destruction by invaders and marauders.
Built in sandstone, each temple is elevated from its environs by a highly ornate terraced platform, on which stands the body, whose sanctum is topped by a tower. The temples of Khajuraho are known for the harmonious integration of sculptures with their architecture. All surfaces are profusely carved with motifs depicting sacred and secular themes. Sculptures depicting acts of worship, clan and minor deities, and couples in union, all reflect the sacred belief system. Other themes mirror social life through depictions of domestic scenes, teachers and disciples, dancers and musicians, and amorous couples. While they are famous for their erotic sculptures, it comprises only 10% of several thousand carvings and artworks.
A mere 25kms from Khajuraho is Panna Tiger Reserve. The Reserve spanning 1,5981.sq km is a dry deciduous forest which is a critical tiger habitat located in Vindhya Hill in the state of Madhya Pradesh. This land is characterized by extensive plateaus and gorges, mesmerizing waterfalls, naturals and archaeological splendours, legends & cultural richness. The Ken river , which flows through the Reserve from south to north, is home to the Gharial and Mugger, and other aquatic fauna and is one of the least polluted rivers. It is one of the sixteen perennial rivers of Madhya Pradesh and is truly the life line of the Reserve. The Ken river offers some of the most spectacular vistas to the visitor as it meanders for some 55 km through the reserve.
Panna was declared a tiger reserve in the 90s under Project Tiger. By the turn of the century, Panna had around 40 tigers. Shockingly, by 2009, every single tiger had been hunted down owing to rampant poaching and illegal mining. Only two tigresses survived. An outcry triggered the Tiger Reintroduction Project, and thanks to the efforts of dedicated officials and conservationists, the big cat made a strong comeback. In just 10 years, the tiger count at Panna went up to 52 and now stands at 70 tigers. This conservation success story of Panna is the first ever successful tiger reintroduction and rewilding program in the world. Panna has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a site that will serve as a lab to test innovative approaches to eco-conservation and sustainability.
The biodiversity of Panna consists of the Tiger along with leopard , wild dog, wolf , Indian Striped hyena, caracal and smaller cats. The Sloth bears abound in the the rock escarpments and undisturbed valleys. The wooded areas are dotted with sambar deer – the largest of Indian deer, chital and chowsingha. The avifauna comprises more than 200 species including a host of migratory birds. Several varieties of snakes, including the python and other reptiles are found in Panna.
Bandhavgarh National Park is situated in the vindhya hills in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Bandhavgarh, with an area of 105 square kilometres (41 sq mi), was declared a national park in 1968 and then became Tiger Reserve in 1993. The Parks landscape varies between steep ridges, undulating, forest and open meadows. Famed as the land of tigers. This is one the best places to visit if you want to spot the Royal Bengal Tiger. The park has a large breeding population of leopards, and various species of deer. Apart from the tiger population, the area is also rich in biodiversity. More than 30 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, 70 species of butterflies, reptiles and insects are found in the region. The flora of the region comprises majorly evergreen Sal forests, mixed forests and grasslands. More than 500 species of plants are found in the forest area. The lush vegetation of the park attracts several birds and ornithologists
The Maharaja of Rewa captured the first white tiger in this region in 1951. He domesticated this male white tiger and was also able to successfully breed white tigers and export the cubs to other countries. As a result, all white tigers in captivity today are the same tiger’s descendants.
Bandhavgarh dates back to 2000 years ago and has great historical significance also which is evidenced by the presence of the Famous Bandhavgarh fort, various Caves, Rock paintings and carvings inside the Protected Area. The National Park gets its name from the ancient Bandhavgarh fort.
About your leader….
Anuradha (Anu), is an erstwhile IT-marketing professional, who has work for renowned IT companies like NIIT and MIcrosoft. She gave up, as the lure of being out in the wilderness paled in comparison to a high flying corporate career. Quitting her job gave her greater flexibility to pursue photography fulltime and over the years, she has travelled extensively across various wilderness domains, documenting natural history moments.
Anu has been a Canon brand ambassador,in the past, championing women in the field of photography. She has delivered several training sessions for canon as well as several prestigious institutions. She also conducts wildlife tours in Indian and several other Asian & African destinations.
Anu contributes her photographic and written works to photography and nature magazines, books and online platforms. She has authored the recently published Official Coffee Table book of Corbett National Park, India’s and Asia’s 1st National Park, a place she considers to be her second home. While she loves to travel and shoot for its simple pleasure and for the joy of being in the moment, awards and accolades have not eluded her, she has been honoured by Sanctuary Asia, International Nature Namur, Golden Orchid International, National Biodiversity Authority Photography Awards, Network for Certification and Conservation of Forests, PEFC International, UNESCO to name a few.
6 Participants
$7,995
$1,700 single supplement*
Payment schedule: August, November
*If you would like a roommate, every effort will be made to match you with someone. However if we ar unable to find a roommate for you the single supplement will apply.
Read the 2024 trip report here.
Feb. 11th – 25th, 2025
Day 1 (Feb. 11th)
You will be picked up from New Delhi – Indira Gandhi International Airport and transported to you hotel.
Day 2 (Feb. 12th)
The tour begins with a morning meet up at the hotel lobby and transfer to the Airport to board our flight to Khajuraho. Khajuraho is a town of great cultural and historical significance. On arrival we will check in at the hotel. Time permitting, and if operational, we shall head out to one of the temple complexes for some photography during the light and sound show at the temple. February is also when the Temple complex at Khajuraho host the annual 4 day Khajuraho Dance Festival, where renowned artists perform on a stage set against the backdrop of the historical monuments. The cultural extravaganza aims to promote and encourage the culture and heritage of India, through Indian classical dance forms. If our tour dates coincide with the festival we shall try and visit the festival , the entry is first come first serve.
Day 3 (Feb. 13th)
After an early morning wake up and a quick breakfast, we head to the temples, this is to avoid the crowd as well the day time heat. Our local guide will tell you all about Khajuraho’s history and culture. Admire the erotic carvings at the main temples and also check out some that other travellers miss. We will also spend some time exploring the markets. Entrances to the main groups of temples have their own markets, selling souvenirs and other things that are popular with tourists. These little shops are particularly famous for their brass statues and silver jewelry, in authentic and ornate designs. These markets also give you a great opportunity for some street photography, capturing the colours and chaos that make these places so interesting. We head back to hotel to check out and head towards Panna. The drive to Panna will take 30 mins. Upon reaching, we check in and have a hearty lunch. The remainder of the day is free to explore your surroundings or relax on the banks of the Ken River. Optional activities like Boat safari, night time drive, gharial sanctuary visit can also be taken up. Over night at Ken River Lodge.
Day 4 – 8 (Feb. 14th – 18th)
Each day at Panna Tiger Reserve there will be open-top jeep drives to see the birds and mammals in the park in the mornings and afternoons. At Panna you come across the rich wildlife and nature and numerous sites that hold the historical importance. You will also get the opportunity to witness the stone paintings that date back to the Neolithic era. For the morning safari, packed breakfast will be provided. Post Morning safari you shall return to the lodge and rest. After lunch you shall proceed for the noon safari. On returning in the evening, you have time to freshen up, and enjoy the evening snacks or enjoy the wildlife talk or film at the common area.
Day 9 (Feb. 19th)
Today after a leisurely breakfast we pack up and leave for Bandhavgarh. The drive through forest and villages will take us 4 and a half hours. On arrival in you check in and the remainder of the day is free. Optional Night drives can be taken up.
Day 10 – 13 (Feb. 20th – 24th)
We will go for open-top jeep drives (walking is restricted) to see the birds and mammals in the park in the mornings and afternoons in different zones of the National Park. Zones with high tiger sighting probabilities are selected, to maximize chances of seeing tigers and other wildlife. For the morning safari, packed breakfast will be provided. You will proceed to reach entrance gate 30mins prior to safari start so as to have time to complete all entry formalities. Post Morning safari you shall return to the lodge and rest. After lunch you shall proceed for the noon safari. On returning in the evening, you have time to freshen up, and enjoy the evening snacks or enjoy the wildlife talk or film at the common area.
Day 15 (Feb. 25th)
This would be the last day of the tour and post breakfast we head to the airport for our flight back to New Delhi. For those taking their flights back home on the same day will be dropped off at the international terminal.
- All airport ground transfers
- All domestic flights
- Accommodations for the entirety of the tour
- All meals except at New Delhi Hotel and Khajuraho
- Expert guiding experience by local guides
- 10 safaris at Pana
- 10 safaris at Bandhavgarh
- Photography mentoring
- Park fees
- International airfare to and from New Dehli
- Meals at New Dehli Hotel
- Meals at Khajuraho
- Trip Insurance (highly recommended)
- Gratuities for your leader, guides and local staff
Easy, for the most part you will be traveling in vehicles.