India Tiger Safari

Arrive in New Delhi and transfer to the Taj Mahal Hotel. One of the most distinguished addresses in the city, this landmark 5-star hotel preferred by dignitaries, heads of state and celebrities provides a luxurious respite after your travels. It is located near the seat of India's government and numerous embassies among the wide, leafy boulevards of Lutyens' Delhi—the section of the city named after British architect Edwin Lutyens, who was responsible for much of the architectural design during a portion of the British Raj, when India was part of the British Empire until its independence in 1947. The evening is at leisure to enjoy dinner on your own—try one of the hotel's fine restaurants, or inquire with the concierge for nearby suggestions.

India’s capital offers a captivating introduction to the country and its cultures, in vivid counterpoint to the wild realms that lie ahead. There are two distinct sections of the city, ancient Old Delhi, and New Delhi, founded in 1911 by the British at the height of their empire. A half-day tour, timed to avoid the heat of midday, explores centuries of Old Delhi's complex, multi-layered history. A rickshaw ride provides a fitting overview, while a guided walk through the narrow lanes of bustling Chandni Chowk Market reveals the colorful, sensory display of everyday commerce.

Our local guide unveils the architectural treasure of Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques and the magnum opus of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Completed in 1656 by more than 5,000 laborers, the grand edifice features alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble, with a vast inner courtyard that can hold 25,000 people. We also visit Bangla Sahib, one of the country's most revered Sikh temples. The complex includes the main temple, a school, a sacred water tank and a large community kitchen that generously prepares over 10,000 free meals each day, known as langar, cooked by volunteers using donated ingredients from Sikh farmers. This evening, join our Expedition Leader for a welcome dinner and orientation to the tiger adventures that await.

From Delhi, we fly south two hours to Nagpur, then transfer 2.5 hours by air-conditioned vehicles to Tadoba, the oldest and largest national park in Maharashtra state and one of India’s 58 Project Tiger reserves. Tadoba has one of India’s densest concentrations of Bengal tigers, offering excellent odds for viewing these mesmerizing felines, the largest of the world’s wild cats. It also has a long conservation history. Once ruled by the Gond kings near the Chimur Hills, hunting in the area was banned in 1935. In 1955, 45 square miles of forest were designated as Tadoba National Park. The neighboring forests became Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary in 1986, and in 1995, both were merged to form the present-day Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, spanning 241 square miles. At the reserve's southwestern edge lies Tadoba Lake, a vital water source and crocodile habitat that also serves as a buffer between the forest and surrounding farmland. Nearby Irai Lake attracts migratory ducks, geese and waders, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

On arrival, we check in at Waghoba Ecolodge, our luxurious base for the next four nights. Surrounded by traditional agricultural lands, forest and grasslands that are the domain of the Bengal tiger, we stay in utmost comfort with superb proximity to the park. With India’s tiger numbers steadily on the rise, Tadoba offers an excellent opportunity to observe them in the wild, especially at this dry time of year when vegetation is sparse and tigers more readily visible. The park is comprised of mixed grasslands and tropical dry deciduous forest, with teak and bamboo the predominant tree species. The terrain is hilly, with dense wooded areas and deep valleys providing plenty of shelter and seclusion for wild animals, including tigers and other wildlife. This afternoon, time permitting, we make our first Jeep foray into the park. While tigers are always elusive, the odds of seeing them are high in Tadoba, especially at the time of year we visit.

Our twice-daily safari drives take place in the early morning and late afternoon, when temperatures are relatively cooler, wildlife is more active, and light conditions are better for photography. We head out in 4x4 vehicles before sunrise each morning, eager for the day's discoveries. In contrast to an African safari where wildlife is often on display before us, India's animals take more effort to find. Tigers typically take shelter under the cover of trees and bushes, hiding from their prey and seeking relief from the heat. Because their stripes provide excellent camouflage, we have to work to locate them. But our Expedition Leaders are seasoned trackers, and we follow their lead, listening for sounds and watching for signs that may reveal a tiger's location: rustling grass, deer racing away from its presence, birds circling overhead. Fortunately, however, the time of year we are here ensures easier sightings: tigers must emerge from the jungle to drink water from Tadoba’s lakes and the river that laces the park, and it’s easier to see them in the open.

While tigers are our main focus, other wildlife is also plentiful. Sightings may include the shy sloth bear, dhole (Asiatic wild dog), gaur (Indian bison), striped hyena, jungle cat, Indian civet, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, marsh crocodile, peacock, gray-headed fish eagle, crested serpent eagle, and many of Central India’s native woodland bird species. Leopards are also present, but rarely seen.

The area around Tadoba also offers glimpses of traditional rural life, and we are welcomed into the home of a local village family to learn about their culture and daily routines. We also may visit Ramdegi Temple, believed to be one of the spots where Rama, one of the most widely worshiped Hindu deities, stayed during his 14 years of exile. Local people believe that tigers can be seen boldly walking into the temple complex under the cover of night. The area around Ramdegi is also prime habitat for sloth bears, with a substantial population living in proximity.

In the middle of each day, return to the comfort of our lodge to rest, relax, browse the nature library, or cool off in the swimming pool. And as night falls, don't miss the chance for excellent stargazing, since we are far from the lights of any major city.

Our tiger safari comes to a close today as we return via air-conditioned vehicles to Nagpur, then fly back to Delhi, where we meet departing flights.