Tiger Safari: India
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.
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 their dense Tiger populations. Along with Tigers we will have the opportunity to photograph 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. 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
Tiger Safari: India
12 Days
Trip Price: from $11,995 double occupancy
+$995 single occupancy
Deposit: $2500
Fitness Level: Easy. Light walks. Mostly jeep based
Meals: Most meals included (see itinerary)
Lodging: 10 nights lodging
Start/End: Delhi, India
Open Daily: 6am-6pm MST
2020 Departures
| Dates | Difficulty | Availability |
| January 16th to 27th, 2020 | 1 | Open |
2021 Departures
| Dates | Difficulty | Availability |
| January 21st to Feb 1st, 2021 | 1 | Open |
Physical Requirements
All participants must be in good physical condition and have the ability to walk with a day-pack.
Group Size
We keep groups small to maximize your one on one time with the guide / instructor.
Accommodation
Included throughout the trip.
Meals
Most meals are included during the trip dates (see itinerary)
Weather
Expect hot & humid weather for the duration of the trip. For more info on what to bring please email or call us.
Price Includes
Most Meals, ground transportation, accommodation during the trip dates, professional photography instruction, medically certified wilderness guide, local guides & drivers.
Price Does Not Include
Airfare, alcoholic beverages, accommodations before or after the trip dates, guide & staff gratuities
Departure City
Delhi, India
Itinerary
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.
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!
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 Raipur. Then it’s a four hour drive to Khana National Park in air conditioned vehicles. This afternoon we will have our first game-drive!
Days Four, Five & Six (B, L, D)
The next three full-days will be dedicated to game-drives in Khana 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 Khana before we depart for Bandhavgarh which is a four hour drive in air-conditioned vehicles. Check-in to our lodge near the entrance of Bandhavgarh, review images and prepare for the next few days.
Days Eight, Nine & Ten (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. Expect cozy accommodations, wonderful meals and great comradery in-between sessions.
Day 11 (B, L)
We will have a final morning game-drive in Bandhavgarh. 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 12
Arrive back home after a once in a lifetime experience. Begin pouring over your images!
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and nature photography we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions regarding wildlife or natural phenomena.
“This is the second trip I have taken with Backcountry Journeys and it was the second outstanding experience. Great guides who really know photography and were to get the best photos. There was a pretty wide range of skill in our group of six and the guides were able to assist all levels with equal level of attention. Again, made a group of new friends. Selected restaurants and accommodations did not disappoint with open selections from the menus. Guides do the heavy lifting with the bags. Another unforgettable experience. I am sure I will tour with BCJ again.”
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