A Luxury Safari Holiday in India

A luxury safari holiday in India is a unique choice for anyone who is looking for a romantic getaway. Get away from the mass tourism in Europe and spend your days in the Indian Bush with the likes of elephant, tigers and wild dogs before relaxing at luxurious hotelsin bandhavgarh with delicious cuisine listening to the call of the wild. Enjoy candle light and bush dinners in total seclusion, action packed activities all on your safari holiday.

All Indian States have a sense of magic and mystery about them so it can be hard to choose a perfect destination. Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh National Park is a great place for a romantic getaway; being the home of the great Bengal Tiger, wildlife is in abundance, activities can be tailored to suit couples, and the accommodation offered is comfortable, an ideal setting for a wildlife safari. Combine this with a trip to the capital city of the mighty Bundelkhand Empire, Orchha which is known for its elegant architecture and its distinctive sequential development of domes, pillars, arches and ledges, the famous landmark example is the Jehangir Mahal, the Laxminarayan Temple. Khajuraho, is highly recommended for a honeymoon due to its erotic sculptures which have made it world famous. It is a World heritage site famous for temples built by the Chandela rulers around the 10th century. The country is extremely remote, the wildlife is rich and the pure variety of scenery makes it ideal for a unique honeymoon.

Perhaps you have children and you'd like them to come with you and celebrate? This is not a problem. Many cities in Madhya Pradesh accommodate for children providing spacious and comfortable camps and lodges that have helpful staff and dish up delicious food. You can participate in game drives and all of the other activities arranged for Wildlife Safaris, and your children can learn more about nature and wildlife with the help of a naturalist. 

‘Tiger Kill’ at Kanha

I feel lucky to have witnessed one of the rarest things happening in real. A few days ago we saw a tigress making a kill at Kanha Kanha National Park!

That morning started normally. I had taken off for safari with our guests from Kanha Earth Lodge, a specialty and luxury Resort in Kanha.  We were on our tiger hunt!! We had already crossed a patch from where a tigress had recently passed and we had missed her very closely. There were no alarm calls and the tigress had walked on the road a few minutes ago. I was a bit angry and frustrated about the situation that we had missed her so closely. Making some calculations to myself about where and how the tigress would show up next, we were crossing the meadows. Just then I noticed some fresh pugmarks! I and our guide both determined this time not to lose the tigress were taking a deep look through the jungles. A second later we heard a deep growling. The tigress was hiding in the thickets when she heard movement on the other side. Interestingly, we saw forest patrolling team with elephants which was on search for this particular female as she was missing since a few days. She was sick and was not seen around her cubs, which was dangerous for them.

And the game begins. We were all busy taking her photos as she was scent-marking on a tree. Suddenly, a fawn ran from bushes towards grasslands. This about-a-month-old baby spotted-deer was well camouflaged; neither we nor the tigress had noticed it. But I think the fawn’s fear instinct rode over when it could see its death standing nearby. It broke through the grass, so did the tigress. She chased it for around 50ft. The fawn tuned right sharply, that’s when she slammed her paw and took it down. Wow!!

All this drama was happening in front of our vehicles. Just realized once again how raw Mother Nature is. No place for emotions.  If you have to survive, you have to be the fittest, toughest, strongest. Another completely thrilling experience of my life!

Contribution & photo courtesy: Chinmay Deshpande