Big Cats of India Tour
23 Nights / 24 Days
Destinations Covered
- Day 01: Arrive New Delhi (Flight)
- Day 02: New Delhi – Rajkot - Sasan Gir (Flight + 180 Kms/04-hours drive)
- Day 03 - 04: In Sasan Gir National Park
- Day 05: Sasan Gir – Ahmedabad (Drive 330 Kms/ 06-07 hours drive)
- Day 06: Ahmedabad to Bera (Drive 290 Kms/05- hours drive)
- Day 07: Bera
- Day 08: Bera – Jaipur (Drive 390 kms/07- hours drive)
- Day 09: Jaipur – Ranthambhore (Drive 180 kms/03-hours drive)
- Day 10 - 11: Ranthambhore
- Day 12: Ranthambhore – New Delhi (by day train)
- Day 13: New Delhi – Chandigarh – Shimla (Flight + 120 kms/ 03-04 hours drive)
- Day 14: Shimla – Rampur (Drive 130 kms/ 04-05 hours drive)
- Day 15: Rampur – Tabo (Drive/10-12 hours drive)
- Day 16 - 21: Tabo – Kibber
- Day 22: Kibber – Rampur
- Day 23: Rampur - Chandigarh (Drive 425 kms/08-hours drive)
- Day 24: Chandigarh – New Delhi – Onward (Flight)
Tour Overview
India is lucky to home 4 of the biggest cats in the world – The Bengal Tiger, Asian Leopard, Snow Leopard and the Indian Leopard. Our Big Cats of India Tour gives you the opportunity to witness these stunning felines out in the wild in some of the most stunning wildlife destinations in India – Kibber, Ranthambore, Sasan Gir National Park, and Bera.
From the scrub forests of Gir National Park to the snow-clad expanse of the mesmerizing Himalayas, you get the chance to see the magnificent Big Cats of India – the majestic Lion, the illustrious Tiger, the graceful Leopard and of course, the elusive Snow Leopard. This once in a lifetime expedition encapsulates the most sought after species on Earth and is sure to get the adrenaline pumping for weeks on end. Book the Big Cats of India Tour with Tiger Safari India NOW!
What you will experience on this tour
Experience the best of Indian wildlife safari tours that includes the Royal Bengal Tigers, Asiatic Lions, Black Leopard, Indian Leopards, Snow Leopards, Red Panda, Asian Elephants, and a plethora of reptile and bird species, with experienced naturalists while you stay at the best-selected premium wildlife lodges and hotels.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive New Delhi (Flight)
On arrival at the New Delhi airport, you will be received by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel, assist you in check in procedure and handover all travel related documents, as he briefs you on your upcoming tour. Overnight stay at the hotel in New Delhi.
Accommodation: The Roseate House, Aerocity or similar
Day 02: New Delhi – Rajkot - Sasan Gir (Flight + 180 Kms/04-hours drive)
After Breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a flight to Rajkot at 0515 hrs, which arrives at 0700 hrs. Meet our driver at the airport and depart for Sasan Gir (180 kms/ 4 hrs). On arrival, check into the lodge. Lunch at the lodge and afternoon jeep lion safari to the national park. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation: The Fern Gir Forest Resort or similar
Day 03 - 04: In Sasan Gir National Park
Morning and afternoon jeep lion safari to the National Park. Breakfast and lunch at the Lodge.
Gir is the only home in India for the Asiatic Lion, with a population of over 600. The Gir National Park lies in the Gujarat peninsula in South-Western India. The terrain is rugged with low hills and the vegetation is mixed deciduous, with stands of Teak, Acacia, Jamun, Tendu and Dhak trees, interspersed with large patches of grasslands. The trees on the hills are sparse and stunted. Within the sanctuary there are numerous human settlements of cattle herders called Maldharis with an estimated 20,000 head of livestock (which, incidentally, forms a significant part of the Lion’s diet). There are also places of Hindu worship and pilgrimage and sulphur springs at Tulsi Shyam and Kankai Mata. The edges of the park have a good population of Indian Gazelle, which are protected by the religious sentiments of the local people. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
The largest compact tract of dry deciduous forest in the country, protected as Gir National Park and Sanctuary, covers an area of 1412 sq km in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Gir has evolved to host a very stable ecosystem with tremendous regenerating, self-supporting and self- sustaining capacity due to its richness of biodiversity: 606 different plant species, 39 species of mammals, 37 species of reptiles and over 300 species of birds and more than 2,000 species of insects.
A breeding ground for migratory birds, the avifauna of Gir includes a variety of raptors and many other significant species, including Lesser Florican, Osprey, Indian Pitta, Red-headed Vulture, etc. It also supports a variety of reptiles, including the Indian python and the Indian star tortoise, and possibly one of the highest populations of Marsh crocodile in the country. Gir also has one of the densest concentrations of leopards in India. The park is therefore a great place to see Leopards as well, with a population of over 400 individuals that inhabit the area. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation: The Fern Gir Forest Resort or similar
Day 05: Sasan Gir – Ahmedabad (Drive 330 Kms/ 06-07 hours drive)
Morning jeep safari to the national park and after breakfast, drive to Ahmedabad (330 kms/6-7 hrs). On arrival, check into the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Ahmedabad.
Accommodation: Comfort Inn Sunset
Day 06: Ahmedabad to Bera (Drive 290 Kms/05- hours drive)
After an early breakfast, depart for Bera (290 km /5 hrs) and drive through the countryside. On arrival, check into the lodge.
Bera, Rajasthan is located adjacent to the Jawai Dam. It is well-known for its magnificent sightings of Leopards. The experience is unique as it’s not a forest; instead, you will sight leopards near and around this sandy village.
Bera is home to a number of mammals and birds, it attracts wildlife enthusiasts from all over to spot the elusive Leopard, the mighty Bluebull, the Mugger Crocodile, the ever so mischievous Hyena, the graceful Pelican, the Greylag Goose, Robin Accentor, Demoiselle Crane, and the Bar-headed Goose, to name a few. Indulge in a Late evening leopard safari as you navigate trails that share space with leopards. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel.
Accommodation: Jawai Leopard Safari Lodge or similar
Day 07: Bera
After breakfast, experience the golden mornings of Rajasthan with spectacular wildlife sightings. Morning & Afternoon leopard safari also one can see the village life in Rajasthan. All Meals at the hotel.
Not only Leopards! Bera is a well-known habitat for Crocodiles. These 15 feet giants are notorious to bask close to mudflats as if they’re asleep. They could be as active as in the hunting process even if they are doing nothing. They won’t move, hence sometimes create camouflage with the marshy banks of the reservoir. They sunbathe for the entire day and whenever hungry they simply dive in the lake full of fishes, which makes sightings a bit challenging when they are in action, however, they will always be visible on a sunny day, glistening onshore.
Accommodation: Jawai Leopard Safari Lodge or similar
Day 08: Bera – Jaipur (Drive 390 kms/07- hours drive)
After breakfast, transfer to Jaipur and on arrival, check in to Hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to unwind.
Jaipur – the capital of Rajasthan is washed in pink – the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This Pink City of fairytale palaces, rugged fortresses that lay perched on barren hills and broad avenues, is immensely picturesque. The first planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall that was impenetrable among the many invaders who laid siege on the land. Overnight in Jaipur.
Accommodation: Oberoi Rajvilas or similar
Day 09: Jaipur – Ranthambhore (Drive 180 kms/03-hours drive)
After breakfast, depart for Ranthambhore (180 kms/3 hrs). On arrival, check into the lodge. After lunch, leave for an afternoon jeep tiger safari. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Accommodation: Oberoi Vanyavilas or similar
Day 10 - 11: Ranthambore
Morning & afternoon jeep tiger safaris in the park. Meals at the lodge. Overnight at the hotel in Ranthambore.
Ranthambore encompasses an area of 400 sq. km encompassing rocky hill crests which descend to open valleys between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges, dotted with water pools and fruit trees, this park gets its name from the thousand-year-old fortress, which lies nestled on the hill above the forest. Well known for the diurnal activity of tigers, Ranthambore is a special and unusual area where the natural present meets the historical past. Sambar, cheetal, chinkara, nilgai, and langur are predominant in these parts. The elusive leopard and tigers are found in this reserve with tourists standing a very good chance of seeing tigers at close quarters during the safaris.
Ranthambore is also rich in bird diversity with over 300 species that can be seen here. In fact, for a keen bird watcher, Ranthambore and the surrounding area is a birding paradise. Some interesting resident species of birds are the Great Cormorant, Painted Spurfowl, Sarus Crane, Bronzed Winged Jacana, Sandpipers, Kingfishers, Nightjars, Painted Sandgrouse, the Indian Eagle Owl, and many more winter migrants which arrive from their nesting ground north of the Himalayas.
Dotted across the landscape are the crumbling ruins of past glory, be it chatris or cupolas like palaces or old guard posts, all of these reinforce the magical and ethereal quality of this great wilderness.
Accommodation: Oberoi Vanyavilas or similar
Day 12: Ranthambore – New Delhi (by day train)
Morning jeep tiger safaris in Ranthambore national park and breakfast at the lodge. Post lunch or (with packed lunch) transfer to Sawai Madhopur station to board a 1st or 02nd A/C Sleeper class day train to New Delhi at 1230 hrs. Arrive at Hazrat Nizamuddin station at 1845 hrs and transfer to New Delhi Hotel or International airport to board your flight back home.
Accommodation: The Roseate House, Aerocity or similar
Day 13: New Delhi – Chandigarh – Shimla (Flight + 120 kms/ 03-04 hours drive)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a flight to Chandigarh at 1115 hrs, which arrives in Chandigarh at 1210 hrs. Our representative will meet you at the airport, post which, you will depart for Shimla. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. The evening is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at the hotel in Shimla.
Accommodation: Woodville Palace
Day 14: Shimla – Rampur (Drive 130 kms/ 04-05 hours drive)
After a relaxed breakfast drive to Rampur. Stay at Nau Nabh Heritage hotel in Rampur. Rampur is situated at an altitude of 4000 ft above sea level. Guests stay here on a double occupancy basis.
Accommodation: Nau Nabh Heritage
Day 15: Rampur – Tabo (Drive/10-12 hours drive)
We depart from Rampur at 7 AM with a packed breakfast and drive to Tabo which is situated at 10,500 feet. This stop is required to acclimatize guests. We will make a halt midway for lunch. The stay will be in a clean and functional homestay. Guests stay on double occupancy basis. It is a 10 to 12-hour drive depending on the weather and road conditions that prevail.
Accommodation: Homestay
Day 16 to Day 21: Tabo – Kibber
Early next morning, we will visit the Tabo monastery before making our way to Kibber. Kibber is situated at 14,500 feet. On the way to Kibber, which is a 2-hour drive, if there are any snow leopard sightings, we will drop you off and get you ready with your cameras. The porter and guide will come and assist you but it is better to go up, settle in and come back once you are acclimatized as exhaustion can lead one to mountain sickness. So depending on how difficult the sighting site is to reach, we will take a call then.
Once you are settled in your rooms at the homestay in Kibber, you can go for a short walk around the village to familiarize yourself. In the afternoon, if there are any sightings, we will take you to the site as soon as receive the news. We use a Maruti Suzuki Gypsy so that it is convenient for the guests to reach the site rather than hiking. There will be some points like 100- 400 yards one may have to walk as they navigate their way to the snow leopard site. There is also Yak available in case one is comfortable to ride one.
Generally, the daily routine is as follows – Morning tea/coffee around 6:30 AM, and one has to be ready by 7:15 AM for breakfast. The spotters come for a meeting by 7:15 AM and set out for the snow leopard sighting sites. Once breakfast is over, guests can step out to see Blue Sheep, Red Fox, and Ibex. We encourage everyone to stay close to the homestay till they’ve received word of a good snow leopard sighting and then pursue other wildlife prevalent in the area. Lunch is generally served at the snow leopard sighting site.
If there are no sightings on certain days, we will stay back at the homestay and have lunch there. Dinner is always at the homestay. In between the meals tea/coffee/snacks are served at the site and at the homestay. Mineral water is provided free of charge throughout the trip. Each room is equipped with a wood-fired hot stove and electric heater. Each bed has an electric blanket. Heavy quilts are provided too. Bath towels are also provided. There is a generator set in case the electricity goes out.
There is no running water in winters. Hot water will be provided for freshening up every day. The toilet present is a dry toilet. Wet wipes and toilet paper will be provided. The bathroom is separate and hot water will be provided in case someone wants to take a bath. A porter is available for each guest. You don’t have to lift anything during the course of your stay. Your camera is carried by the porter and he will also carry your daytime camera bag/backpack. Extra scanner guides are present for maximum chances of quick and confirmed sightings.
You will be provided with a walking pole and a chair/stool while sitting down for photography. A tent is also pitched in case one has to lie down. Insulated mats are kept inside the tent. An oxygen tank is also carried along with the group while going to the sighting site. An oxygen saturation measurement device is available to test for any symptoms of shortness of breath. The escort will guide you and be available for any issues you may have. There is an arrangement of dropping the guest to a lower altitude in case they’re suffering from mountain sickness or experiencing shortness of breath. There could be a detour up to 30 kilometers for new or different sites for Snow Leopard sighting. Any extra help needed or extra trips will be undertaken by the helpers to get the equipment or other essential items from the homestay to the site.
This is the routine for 6 days.
Accommodation: Homestay
Day 22: Kibber – Rampur
Early morning departure from Kibber to Rampur. Stay at Nau Nabh Heritage hotel.
Accommodation: Nau Nabh Heritage
Day 23: Rampur - Chandigarh (Drive 425 kms/08-hours drive)
Early morning departure from Kibber to Rampur. Stay at Nau Nabh Heritage hotel.
Accommodation: Nau Nabh Heritage
Day 24: Chandigarh – New Delhi – Onward (Flight)
After relaxed breakfast, transfer to Chandigarh airport to board a flight to New Delhi at 1245 hrs which arrives at 1355 hrs, Post which, you can board a flight back home or to any onward destination.
IMPORTANT
One has to take Diamox 250 mg twice a day 3 days before the commencement of the trip and three days into the trip so that there is no acute mountain sickness. In case of any guests having any medical problems, please consult your doctor regarding taking this medicine. One is rapidly going to a higher elevation in 48 hours so one needs to take this precaution.
What our Guests Say
This is the 2nd time we have travelled with Nature Safari India. We had a 17 night holiday, visiting the nature of Sasan Gir National Park, Little Rann of Kutch, Velavadar Black Buck National Park and Leopard Hills at Bera. The nature was interspersed with various ... Read More
this was our second tiger safari at Corbett with Nature Safari and turned out to be worth every penny. We saw 7 tigers in 3 days and from quite close distance too. The best part was seeing a tigress wit her 2 grown cubs who crossed our path and walked... Read More
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