Highlands of Central India

Highlands of Central India

6 nights / 7 days
Commencing:    07 March 2019

Cost per person sharing:                                             US$1,435
Single room supplement:                                            US$   880
Domestic airfares: Delhi-Bhopal- Delhi                     US$   210

Satpura Tiger Reserve in Central India today offers one of the most diverse wilderness experiences in the country. The Satpura ranges is part of the Deccan Plateau and literally marks the dividing point between north and south India.

While the National Park was established in 1981, the Satpura Tiger Reserve was set up in 2000 under Project Tiger by combining Satpura National Park with Bori and Pachmarhi sanctuaries. The park is part of the government’s initiative to preserve and reclaim the dwindling forests of wild India. And covers an area of 1,427 square kilometres.
The region is largely hilly, veined by a number of streams and nullahs (water courses) that have gouged deep ravines in the land, creating a habitat that perfectly suits the reclusive habits of most predators.

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Delhi. Group participants will be arriving from various destinations so no activities are planned for this day. Overnight in Delhi.
NOTE: Optional activities within the city can be organised – at additional cost – for those who arrive early.

Day 2
Transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to Bhopal. On arrival you will be transferred by road to Forsyth Lodge, your accommodation during your stay at Satpura Tiger Reserve. Lunch will be at the lodge. Your safari experience begins this evening with a dusk drive in the buffer zone of Satpura.

Day 3
Today you explore the jungles closer to the lodge. In the evening stake out some of the waterholes seeking the nocturnal species that visit them such as the sloth bear, nightjars and maybe even a leopard. Tonight is spent in a specially erected camp under the stars located in the buffer forest. Enjoy a wonderful meal under the stars exchanging stories from the wild with your accompanying naturalist.

Day 4
More exploration today in the buffer forest. The evening safari will be in Satpura. Overnight at Forsyth Lodge.

Day 5
This morning there is a slight change of pace and you embark on a walking safari inside the tiger reserve led by a naturalist who will showcase some of the lesser fauna of Satpura. If luck is with you, you might encounter a herd of Gaur or a pack of Dhole (wild dogs) on foot. In the evening go on another jeep safari to search for some of the iconic species that Satpura has to showcase. Overnight will be at Forsyth Lodge.

Day 6
Today you spend the whole day in the park. You morning drive takes you deep into the heart of Satpura to Churna Forest Rest House where you will spend the afternoon exploring the birds and other fauna by the creek. An afternoon game drive brings you back out of the park to Forsyth Lodge.

Day 7
This morning you venture again into the park on a walking safari.
After an early lunch you will check out and transfer to Bhopal airport for a flight back to Delhi where you catch your connecting flight back home.

Accommodation

Satpura Tiger Reserve: Forsyth Lodge

Nestled in the midst of 44 acres of jungle at the edge of the Satpura Tiger Reserve, Forsyth Lodge makes every effort to tread as lightly as possible on the ecosystem while making an exciting encounter with nature possible for the visitor. This is reflected in the care with which their buildings are constructed, and in the ways in which they manage and recycle water, and in the manner in which they cast about for better alternatives to existing technology.

At Forsyth, there is a team of enthusiastic and passionate individuals, dedicated to helping their guests discover the diversity of the wilderness at Satpura.

What is included:

  • 6 nights accommodation in India with breakfast included in Delhi. Your stay in Satpura Tiger Reserve will be on full board
  • 8 Jungle Activities in Satpura Tiger Reserve
  • All safaris will be led by an English speaking naturalist provided by the lodge
  • All road transfers will be by air-conditioned Toyota Innova

What is not included:

  • Does not include any beverages including mineral water, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks etc. unless otherwise specified.
  • Any airfare or airport taxes (domestic flight Delhi-Bhopal-Delhi quoted separately above)
  • Any items of a personal nature such as beverages, tips (except for group meals and baggage handling), laundry, telephone calls etc.
  • Anything listed as optional.
  • Significant escalation in fuel prices, new taxes,levies on hotels and transportation services or any increases in entrance fees.