Wild Safari in India | Indian National parks

Monday, June 12, 2023

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Tadoba National Park

Tadoba is the oldest national park of Maharashtra. It is a compact national park spread across approximately 120 sq. km. perched at an altitude of 200m, 100 km south of Nagpur and 45 km north of the district headquarter and industrial town of Chandrapur.

Tadoba National Park

Tadoba National Park is like heaven for wild life enthusiasts and is known as the Jewel of Vidarbha. The area around Tadoba was once highly populated by the Gond tribes. Tadoba name was derived from their local deity Taru, who was killed in an epic fight with a tiger. He is still worshiped by the locals as the deity of Tadoba. The Tadoba National Park consists of two forest rectangles of the Tadoba and Andhari Range.Tadoba is also one of the India's 48 Project Tiger Reserve. It has around 72 tigers along with some other Indian wildlife such as leopards, sloth bear, gaur, wild dogs, hyenas, civet and jungle cats as well as species of Indian deer like sambar, cheetal, Nnlgai, and barking deer.

Tadoba National Park Safari

The national park also has a lake which sustains the marsh crocodile, which were once common all over Maharashtra. It is one of the main attractions of the park, which is the natural habitat of many water birds. Densely forested hills form the northern and western boundary of the tiger reserve. The elevation of the hills ranges from 200 m to 350 m. To the southwest is the Tadoba Lake which acts as a buffer between the park's forest and the extensive farmland which extends up to Irai water reservoir. This lake is a perennial water source which offers good habitat for muggar crocodiles to thrive. Other wetland areas within the reserve include the Kolsa Lake and Andhari river. These mesmerising trails of Tadoba could be a treasured experience of a lifetime.

Svasara -Tadoba

Svasara at Tadoba is the first jungle lodge in the luxury chain, and is situated 300 metres from the Kolara gate at Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in north-eastern Maharashtra. The resort is Tadoba's premier luxury destination!

Svasara is a conservation focused wilderness lodge offering a luxurious and immersive jungle safari experience. The upscale Svasara Lodge is set over a sprawling 10 acre campus next to Tadoba jungle. The lodge features 12 spacious suites with all the modern amenities and luxuries, multi-cuisine dining including delectable Indian, Continental, and local Varadi cuisine, and its own custom-fitted comfortable jeeps accompanied by expert naturalists for thrilling jungle safaris at Tadoba. A new and exciting update at Svasara Lodge at Tadoba is "The Teakhouse" -- a pavilion made of recycled old wood and other natural materials that encompasses Svasara's Outdoor Dining in the Vegetable Garden, Open-Air Cinema & Conservation Centre, and an Outdoor Tandoor & Bonfire for evening settings.

Svasara Lodge Tadoba

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the lush green sprawling grounds of the lodge. The carefully selected location right next to the reserve provides an ideal retreat to recharge and refresh, while comfortably immersing in the jungle experience.

The lodge has luxurious air conditioned suites with elegant bathrooms, premium bedding, in-room amenities (TV, mini-fridge, coffee/tea maker, etc.), sofas within each suite, private outdoor veranda seating, and much more! Guests can enjoy sumptuous local and other cuisines in the privacy of their suites, or have their meals in the restaurant or outdoor ethnic gazebo under a starlit night. There is an elaborate outdoor play structure and art/craft supplies for the children to enjoy.

The Svasara guest can retreat to the oasis of the lodge after the thrill of a tiger safari, and savor old world hospitality, high standards of luxury, and personalized service. Business customers can combine the retreat with conference facilities. Svasara guests will also take pride in supporting a business that aims to promote sustainable eco-tourism, and is committed to conservation, local community development, and green practices.

Satpura National Park

Satpura National Park is located in district Hoshangabad of Madhya Pradesh. It gets the name from Satpura hill ranges (Mahadeo hills) and covers an area of 524 sq km. Satpura National Park, and along with the adjoining Bori and Panchmarhi sanctuaries, provides 1,427 km2 (551 sq mi) of unique Central Indian Highland ecosystem. It was set up in 1981.

Satpura Tiger Reserve

Satpura National Park, being part of a unique ecosystem, is very rich in biodiversity. The fauna comprises tiger, leopard, sambar, chital, bhedki, nilgai, four-horned antelope, chinkara, bison (gour), wild boar, wild dog, bear, black buck, fox, porcupine, flying squirrel, mouse deer, Indian giant squirrel etc. There are a variety of birds. Hornbills and peafowl are the common birds. The flora of the national park consists of mainly sal, teak, tendu, aonla, mahua, bel, bamboo, and a variety of grasses and medicinal plants.

Satpura National Park

The terrain of the national park is extremely rugged and consists of fascinating deep valleys, sandstone peaks, narrow gorges, rivulets, waterfalls, thickly dense green forest of sal, other medicinal herbs as well as Tawa’s vast reservoir. Uneven altitude ranges from 290m. to 1352 m. Highest peak of national park is in Satpura National Park i.e. Dhoopgarh at an altitude of 1400 m.

Flora of Satpura National Park

Bio-diversity of national park is stunning with over 1300 species of plants. Flora of national park includes teak, sal, tendu, mahua (Indian butter-tree), bel (stone-apple), bamboos, grasses, bushes, unchecked grown lantanas and other many medicinal plants. Sal is the prominent tree found in the national park.

Forsyth - Satpura

Forsyth’s Lodge, Satpura is named in memory of one of the pioneers of the Indian Forest Service, a man who memorialized these fabled jungles and their human and wild inhabitants – in his classic account “The Highlands of Central India”.

Forsyth’s Lodge is located on the edge of Satpura National Park amongst 44 acres of restored wild jungle. This area was previously degraded overgrazed land and over the years the jungle has taken it back making it a paradise for spotted deer, wild boars, smaller cats and brilliant birdlife. This environmentally friendly lodge comprises twelve stylish mud cottages designed in keeping with the local style and constructed from local materials. Forsyth's Lodge works very closely with the park management and local people to create a unique jungle experience, whilst benefiting the local community.

Forsyth’s Lodge has been adjudged ‘The Most Inspirational Eco-Lodge’ and has been ranked as an Outstanding Practice Certification provider in our operational practices and the highest PUG rating by TOFT (Travel Operators for Tigers Campaign).

Forsyth Lodge Satpura

It is a warm and welcoming place with great food and service and a team of young and enthusiastic manager and naturalists. We hope that you will enjoy the lodge as much as the magnificent Satpura Tiger Reserve that it serves.

At Forsyth, we believe in the ideology of taking to your feet to explore the wilderness and pay attention to every detail that surrounds you, making the journey one to remember for a lifetime. There’s no better way than exploring the forest by foot, to truly marvel at the wild sights around you. You are encouraged to try the various other non-motor based activities like canoe and mountain bike safaris to enhance your Satpura experience. Hence our focus at the lodge is more towards non-motor based safaris than just visiting the wilderness in a Jeep.

In consultation with your naturalists, we aim to provide you with a tailor-made Satpura experience, which will ensure that you experience the exotic jungle along with its many denizens that comprise a Tiger’s habitat, as opposed to just one species at a time.

Kanha National Park

The lush sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows and ravines of Kanha provided inspiration to Rudyard Kipling for his famous book The Jungle Book. Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh came into being in 1955 and forms the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, created under Project Tiger in 1974. It is located in Mandla and Balaghat districts of the state. The Park's landmark achievement is the preservation of the rare hard ground swamp deer (bara singha), saving it from near extinction. Stringent conservation programmes for overall protection of the park's fauna and flora, makes Kanha one of the most well maintained national parks in Asia.

Kanha Tiger Reserve

A heightened attraction within the park is Bamni Dadar, popularly known as Sunset Point that offers the most awe-inspiring backdrop of the sunset against grazing sambhars and gaurs, magnifying the natural splendour of the area. Besides diverse wildlife and bird population, tigers are frequently spotted roaming in the wild at Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary. In the 1930s, Kanha area was divided into two sanctuaries, Hallon and Banjar, of sq m 250 and sq m 300 respectively. Kanha National Park was created on 1 June 1955. Together with a surrounding buffer zone of 1,067 sq km and the neighbouring 110 sq km Phen Sanctuary it forms the Kanha Tiger Reserve. This makes it the largest national park in Central India.

Kanha National Park

The park has a significant population of royal Bengal tiger, leopards, the sloth bear, barasingha and Indian wild dog. The lush sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows and ravines of Kanha are reason enough to go there.

Kipling Camp-Kanha

KIPLING CAMP was established in 1982 on the edge of Kanha National Park, by conservationists Bob and Anne Wright. It is now owned and managed by Anne and their daughter, renowned tiger conservationist Belinda Wright. It was one of the first private wildlife resorts in India and remains among the finest, with attention given to every little detail.

Kipling is the perfect destination for those who wish to relax in idyllic surroundings and explore the remote forests and villages of Central India. It is also the home of Tara, the much-loved elephant who starred in Mark Shand’s best-selling book “Travels on my Elephant”. Tara loves to be bathed and scrubbed in the Banjar River – an unforgettable experience for the guests. Accommodation is in comfortable cottages, with en-suite bathrooms and large verandahs, which are set in acres of unspoilt jungle and a lake. A large portion of the property has been set-aside as a sanctuary for the wildlife.

Kipling Camp - Kanha

Kanha National Park is one of the largest and most beautiful wildlife areas in Asia. Safaris into Kanha offer excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and bird watching and it is considered one of the best places in the world to see wild tigers. Other activities include bird watching walks and visits to local villages and colourful weekly markets. Guests can also choose a book from the extensive camp library and relax in a hammock, or indulge in a massage from our two masseuses using the purest Ayurvedic oils. At night we show wildlife films and host tribal dance performances.

Kipling Camp’s motto is “treading softly in the jungle”. Apart from ensuring that guests have a comfortable and memorable experience, Kipling has always supported wildlife conservation initiatives, community welfare and responsible tourism. We have tried to move gently with the times without spoiling the area and the Camp's magical atmosphere. It is a place of peace and relaxation that strives to stay in harmony with nature. Many guests return time and again, staying for a week or more.

In December 2012, Kipling Camp received the Tour Operators for Tigers’ (TOFT) coveted PUG certificate for “Outstanding Practice”. TOFT is India’s voice for responsible tourism in wilderness areas and this is their highest rating given to “exemplary industry leaders”. In September 2014, Kipling Camp was selected as the Joint Winner of the prestigious Sanctuary TOFTiger "Most Inspirational Eco Lodge of the Year 2014” Award.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the popular national parks in India located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968, with an area of 105 sq km. The buffer is spread over the forest divisions of Umaria and Katni and totals 437 sq km. Bandhavgarh has the highest density of Bengal tigers known in the world, and is home to some famous named individual tigers. Charger a tiger so named because of his habit of charging at elephants and tourists (whom he nonetheless did not harm), was the first healthy male known to be living in Bandhavgarh since the 1990s.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Also equally famous is female known as Sita, who once appeared on the cover of National Geographic and is considered the most photographed tiger in the world. Bandhavgarh National Park was the former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa and at present is a famous natural hub for white tigers. White tigers, now a major attraction around the world's zoos, were first discovered in Rewa, not far from here. The terrain is broken, with rocky hill ranges, running roughly east west, interspersed with grassy swamps and forested valleys.

Bandhavgarh National Park Safari

Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the finest national park in the India and has the distinction of harbouring the highest concentration of tigers per unit area of forest. At the centre of the park is the Bandhavgarh hill or the fort rising 811 meters above sea level and surrounding it are a sloping valleys, these valleys end in small, swampy meadows locally known as bohera. The park is an unspoilt national habitat for a variety of wildlife peculiar to the area. These include gaur (Indian bison), sloth bear, leopard, porcupine, wild boar, sambhar and spotted deer, among others. There is large variety of species of diverse origin - Bengal tiger and their family is making their home from past few decades in this nature reserve. In the forest of Bandhavgarh you will find tropical green wilderness, lush green meadows and chirping of birds all around.

Samode Safari Lodge

The Samode Safari Lodge at the Bandhavgarh National Park is an extravagant wilderness experience cradled in luxury and unusual sophistication. Located in the heart of Tiger country, adjacent to the 450sq kms Bandhavgarh Tiger reserver in the central indian state of Madhya Pradesh, this divine getaway is designed around a series of individual safari lodges. The inspiration, the décor is indian and the ambience magnificent and hospitable – unmistakably Samode.

Besides wildlife excursions conducted by the highly trained and dedicated naturalists, sightseeing tours to ancient temples and nearby villages, there is much to do at the lodge itself – a well-stocked library, lounges, swimming pool, a gym are all set to welcome you. A fully equipped spa allows you to combine your wildlife experiences with the therapeutic benefits of modern spa. This is quite simply an exclusive and complete rejuvenation getaway that takes you to nature and to yourself.

Samode Safari Lodge

The Lodge is located 3 hours from Jabalpur and 5 hours from Khajuraho, the 2 closest airports. The 2 closest railheads are Umaria ( 30 kms ) and Katni ( 80 kms ). There are 12 Luxury villas and each villa has a spacious sitting room, a bedroom with modern en suite bathroom, an oversized tub, separate showers and a dressing area, a unique open air bath court, bathrobes, hair dryer, luxurious toiletries, air-conditioning & heating. In room safe, mini bar, lavazza coffee machine, ipod docks. Internet access at the library.

The lodge is situated in open grassland and 2 main lodges with spacious lounges at the top floor open onto wooden decks and offer an almost spiritual relaxation in a tree – top setting machans provide opportunities for bird and wildlife sightings.

Panna National Park

Panna National Park is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, at a distance of around 57 km from Khajuraho. The region, famous for its diamond industry, is also home to some of the best wildlife species in India and is one of the most famous tiger reserves in the country. The park is known worldwide for its wild cats, including tigers as well as deer and antelope. Due to its closeness to one of the best-known Indian tourist attraction in India, Khajuraho, the park is recognized as an exciting stop-over destination.

Panna Tiger Reserve

The climate of the region is tropical. Summers, somewhat scorching, are when one has the maximum chances of encountering the exclusive wildlife of this park. Winters are cold and comfortable and the temperature generally remains under 25°C. Monsoon touches this region in July and continues till mid-September. Tiger (Panthera tigristigris), the king of the jungle, roams freely in this secure, though a bit small habitat along with his fellow beings - leopard (Panthera pardus), wild dog (Cuonalpinus), wolf (Canis lupus), hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), caracal (Felus caracal) and other smaller cats. Sloth bear has his most favourite home in the rock escarpments and undisturbed vales. The wooded areas are dotted with sambar, the largest of Indian deer, chital and chowsingha. One can easily see nilgai and chinkara in most open areas in the grasslands, especially on the periphery.

Panna National Park

Avifauna

The avifauna comprises more than 200 species, including a host of migratory birds. One can see white necked stork, bareheaded goose, honey buuzzard, king vulture, blossom headed parakeet, paradise flycatcher, slaty headed scimitar babbler to name a few.

Reptiles

Variety of snakes, including the python and other reptiles are found here.

Flora Attractions

Dry and hot climate, in union with shallow Vindhyan soils has given rise to dry teak and dry mixed forest. The dominating vegetation type is miscellaneous dry deciduous forest interspersed with grassland areas. Other major forest types are riverine, open grasslands, open woodlands with tall grasses and thorny woodlands. The characteristic floral species of this area include tree species such as Tectona grandis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca indica, Buchnania latifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Anogeissus pendula, Lannea coromandelica, Bosswelia serrata etc.

Sarai at Toria - Panna

The tigers of the Panna National Park have had a chequered history; but the diversity of ungulates, birds and other carnivores is fantastic. Panna is one of central India’s lesser known gems. Dramatic landscape and a beautiful mix of habitats provide the visitor with a wonderful variety of wildlife experiences. The pristine ecologically rich Ken River flows through the tiger reserve and just downstream lies the Sarai at Toria.

The Sarai at Toria is a small experiential lodge - eight double cottages designed and created with the planet’s environment paramount in mind. The vision and creation of a husband-wife team of wildlife biologist and wildlife photographer/writer, the Sarai was begun as ecologically and culturally appropriate alternative accommodation for visitors to Khajuraho. However it is also perfectly positioned for visitors to Panna Tiger Reserve as it is just across the river and within five minutes of the park gates. These are only two of many other activities on offer at this wonderful riverside retreat that can introduce you to many cultural and natural aspects of this part of Bundhelkund.

Sarai at Toria - Panna

Set in nine acres of grassland midst rural farmland, there is a strip of forest at the back and the Ken river at the front; the Sarai itself is a delight for wildlife lovers - around 175 bird species and many of the smaller mammals: jackal, jungle cat, toddy cat, Indian civet, mongoose, wild boar can be seen on the property itself.

While relaxing in the elegant, large bedrooms, you can rest assured that your comfort is not costing the earth; the sun powers your lights and fan and burnable waste and wood heat the water individually for each cottage. The building is created from mud, thatch and local materials. Most of the furniture has been designed and made on site from village-grown woods, the furnishings are natural and much of the cloth is hand woven and the soaps and shampoo are made and scented with natural materials by a community that promotes integral living and ecological sustainability.

The Sarai has a prolific organic garden that produces wonderful vegetables, salads and fresh herbs. Our Indian dishes, many from the Malwa region of central India, home-baked breads and pastries, soups and continental deserts ensure that food will be another highlight of your stay.

Gir National Park

Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary is a 1412 sq km hilly tract of dry deciduous forests, acacia scrub, evergreen and semi-evergreen flora and grasslands, fed by rivers and streams. Among the many water-bodies in the reserve is the Kamleshwar Dam, known for its large crocodile population.

Originally protected by the Nawab of Junagadh, after British viceroys brought to his attention the plight of the lion in Asia, the sanctuary is the jewel of Gujarat's ecological resources.

Gir National Park

The park is open from mid-October and a Lion Safari by jeep showcases the diverse habitat of Gir. Gir has some of the largest panthers. Other wildlife to look out for are the four-horned Antelope (the only four-horned ungulate in the world), Indian gazelle (chinkara), spotted deer (chital), blue bull (nilgai), wild boar, wolf, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, hare and other mammals found in the forest.

The Kamleshwar dam in the middle of the sanctuary is home to a record population of marsh crocodiles.

Interesting birds at Gir are the paradise flycatcher, grey drongo, grey & painted Francolin, painted sand grouse, bush quail, crested hawk eagle, and crested serpent, eagle, Bonnelli's eagle, shikra hawk, sirkeer cuckoo and white-necked stork.

Gir National Park Safari

The Gir - the largest compact tract of dry deciduous forests in the semi-arid western part of India is the last abode of the big and regal predator Asiatic lion (Panthera leopersica), an endangered species. The sanctuary is internationally acclaimed for successfully saving this precious species from the brink of extinction. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1965. Subsequently, an area of 258.71 sq. km. was declared a national park.

Lion Safari Camp - Gir

Lion Safari Camp, Gir National Park

The Lion Safari Camp at Gir National Park A Luxury Wildlife Camp is owned and managed by Camps of India. It is located in a private mango orchard overlooking the Hiran River. The location presently has around 900 Mango Trees with only 2% of the entire land area being built so that the natural setting is maintained. This eco-friendly camp has 21 AC Luxury Tents each with large well-furnished bedrooms and an attached en-suite bathrooms. All the tents are beautifully furnished with natural materials and open out to an extended deck - An ideal place to sit and relax amongst nature.

Lion Safari Camp Gir

Gir National Park is the last remaining bastion of the Asiatic Lion. It also has the highest population of Leopards compared to any other national park in making it one of the best places in India to see the Big Cats. The Kamleshwar Dam in the middle of the sanctuary is home to a record population of marsh crocodiles. Other wildlife includes Chital (spotted dear), Nilgai (blue bull), Wild boar, Jackals, Hyenas, etc. Gir National Park also has over 300 different varieties of birds.

Accommodation Facilities

Luxury Tents:

All the 21 tents are beautifully furnished with natural materials and have an extended deck. The deck is the ideal place to sit and relax sipping a cool drink while you enjoy the sounds and sights of nature.

Tent Facilities:

A well-furnished large bedroom

En suite bathroom with shower and hot and cold running water

Air-conditioner

Telephone

Resort Facilities

Dining:

The open air restaurant overlooks the Hiran River. A choice of Indian, Chinese and Continental food is available. There is a barbeque in the evenings.

Fresh seafood can be arranged on a days advance notice.

Picnic lunch or tea can also be arranged at the nearby scenic locations.

Whether there is a special occasion or you just feel like it we can arrange a candlelight dinner for two at the camp.

Other Facilities

Recreation room with Indoor games, Pool table, Library and Satellite Television

Customized 4*4 Safari vehicles for Jungle Safaris

Generator Backup

Airport / station drop and pick up (extra charges apply)

Excursions to the nearby attractions (extra charges apply)

Cultural evening with folk dance and music (extra charges apply)

DJ can be arranged for parties (extra charges apply)

Souvenir shop

Credit cards accepted

Doctor on call

Wild Safari in India | Indian National parks | Birds Sanctuary India