27th February - 12th March 2017

INDIA REQUEST

On this trip we visit three parks, Kanha, Pench and Satpura, considered to be some of the best places in the world to see the endangered Bengal tiger. But the National Parks are also home to other exotic animals such as barasingha deer, gaurs, langurs and macaques, and with some luck we may see sloth bears, wild dogs and leopards. India does not only offer unique nature experiences – it also evokes flights of imagination and curiosity, a canvas of spectacle and colour. On our adventure we get an insight into the culture and are treated with tasty Indian meals under starry skies.

Day 1: London – Helsinki – DelhiDepart from London and fly over night.

Day 2: Arrive in DelhiWe are now in the colourful capital of India, the seat of power for Indian

dynasties from the moghuls to the British Raj. Today we go on a sightseeing tour through this vibrant city. The night is spent at a centrally located hotel.

Day 3: Delhi – Raipur – KanhaEarly morning we transfer to the airport, board our flight to Raipur and continue by minibus towards Kanha National Park. The 4 – 5 hours drive to Kanha takes us through rural countryside, passing colourful towns and villages. We check in at the charming Kanha Jungle Lodge – our home for the following four nights. Located in the middle of the wilderness, the call of a deer or the occasional roar of a tiger is never far away. The lodge is managed by Amit Sankhala, grandson of Kailash Sankhala – known as Tiger man of India. Together with Indira Gandhi he founded Project Tiger. After we have settled in, we enjoy our first jungle dinner.

Day 4 – 6: Kanha National ParkDuring our stay here we explore the park by jeeps, constantly keeping our eyes peeled for the characteristic tiger stripes. Set on the Chota Nagpur Plateau in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha provides bre-athtaking views of grassy meadows and strand sal forests. The park supports the full range of Indian wildlife including leopard, Indian gaur, wild boar and the endangered barasingha deer and Bengal tiger. Our days start early in the misty morning when we can hear the sounds of birds calling. As soon as dawn breaks, our local nature guides take us into the lush jungle. After a while we stop the jeeps for a picnic breakfast in the middle of the jungle – a perfect start of the day! Before heading out on afternoon safaris, there will be time for some nature walks, exploring the area surrounding the lodge. During our stay we also have the chance to

India’s wildlife is outstanding. Leopards and monkeys live alongside tigers and bears and there is an amazing variety of deer and birds. On this adventure we will travel through the Indian wilder-ness, the same natural world that inspired Rudyard Kipling to write his classic, The Jungle Book.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF SHERE KHAN

enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn more about the tasteful Indian cuisine.

Day 7: Kanha – PenchAfter a last exciting morning safari in Kanha it is time to leave for Pench National Park. After a 7 hours drive we reach the beautiful Jamtara Wilderness Camp, with it luxurious tents, located only a couple of minutes’ drive from the gate entrance, giving us exclusivity to this end of the park. It is an incredible experience to fall asleep surrounded by the mystical sounds of the jungle…

Day 8 – 9: Pench National ParkPench is one of India’s lesser known and explored reserves. The area is dominated by hills, forests and valleys and its name derives from the Pench river, which beautifully meanders through the park. Pench supports a rich variety of wild-life and during morning and afternoon safaris we search for tigers, leopards, wild dogs, jungle cats and more. We are also greeted by a brilliant birdlife. The park, with its undulating land, boasts the highest density of herbivores in any Indian park. A stay here is not complete without a visit to the nearby village, Jamtara, where we get insight into the life in the Indian countryside.

Day 10: Pench – SatpuraAfter a morning jungle safari in Pench we continue to our third National Park, Satpura, located in the southern parts of Hoshangabad district. High sandstone mountains, narrow gorges, ravines, waterfalls, streams and dense forest distinguish the park and the area boasts a unique diversity of butterflies and birds. Here, we stay at the beautiful lodge Reni Pani. We set out on safari to explore the spectacular nature and hope-fully encounter some of its diverse fauna including leopard, sambar deer, wild dog and wild boar. Satpura also offers the best chance in India to encounter the sloth bear, also known as Baloo…

Day 11 – 12: Satpura National ParkSatpura is one of few nature reserves in India where you get the opportunity to explore by foot. During walking safaris we experience the heart of the jungle and get a deep insight into the land of the tiger. We will also have the chance to undertake boat rides and canoeing on the river.

Day 13: Satpura – Bhopal – DelhiWe enjoy one last morning excursion in this extraordinary wilderness. In the afternoon we transfer from Satpura to Bhopal airport. In the evening we arrive

in Delhi, where we check in at a hotel conveniently close to the airport.

Day 14: Delhi – Helsinki – LondonAfter a last Indian breakfast, we head towards the airport and begin our flight home. We arrive in London late evening, bringing with us fantastic memories, many photos and new friendships!

Please note: The itinerary is subject to change. Please keep in mind that flexibility is the key to a successful adventure!

During our adventure in India we are staying at small and cosy lodges, which all offer a perfect location nearby the National Parks visited during the trip. The lodges are built to blend into nature, giving us India’s spectacular wildlife just around the corner. The rooms and tents are beautifully decorated in traditional Indian style. The lodges are simple but have most of the comforts of a hotel, serve delicious meals and have en-suit bathrooms. At night you can marvel at the starry sky and listen to the sounds of the wilderness.

Dates: 27th February - 12th March 2017.Group size: Min 12 & max 16 participants.Duration: 14 days.Accommodation: Hotels & lodges.Transport: Plane, car, jeep & boat.Price: USD 8 990 per person. Single supplement: USD 2 100.

DATES, PRICES & ACCOMMODATION

RATE INCLUDES: Return economy flight London - Delhi, domestic flights Delhi - Raipur and Bhopal - Delhi, all other transportation, all accommodation, all meals, all activities in the program, all entrance fees, gratuities, camera fee (for still cameras), a tour leader from PolarQuest, local tour escourt, expe-rienced local guides and park rangers, comprehensive pre-departure material and a post expedition log book.

NOT INLCUDED : Travel and cancellation insurance, drinks, visa costs.

Photo: Amit Shankala, Adrian Nordenborg, Gordon Gould, Hashim Tyabji, Jamtara Wilderness, Maria Nordvall, Pär Skog, Reni Pani.