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INDIA
The Tiger & Leopard Ride
Satpura Tiger Reserve
Madhya Pradesh
Ride in the hoof prints of the Nawab Begums of Bhopal on this horse safari & cultural delight - guiding you away from the tourists traps & something different.
Very unique to not be obliged to sit in a jeep to view wildlife in the reserves of India - here we can ride & walk with the rangers and guides. This horse safari will take riders through a magical exploration of Indian architecture, including asia's oldes Buddhist stupa, important siva temples and riding (or walking) in a reserve environment that would be reminiscent of that that inspired Kipling.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
DETAILS
BOOKING SEASON
Safaris are operational between October until early March.
The core offering is in and out of Bhopal - combining initial 2 nights in the family palace or nearby wilderness treat; experiencing of the most historic, yet little visited archicture gems of India. Then onto to the wilderness lodge for days in the saddle - with smart mobile safari camps - and riding through the Satpura hills and wetlands amongst Tigers, Leopards, bears ... with expert nature specialists and horsman guides.
This is a unique partnership between Jehan Numa Wilderness & Bagual Horse Safaris.
The guides are permitted to take you on foot following the wildlife. A refreshing change from a lot of parks which only permit jeep safaris.
Quite simply, we love India & have been travelling here since University Studies of the region.
(please contact us for more details)
DURATION
Core timescale would be in and out of Bhopal with 7 nights.
Longer if guests want to have an itinerary from arrival in Delhi & onward for an extended itinerary afterward.
COST
U$ to be confirmed
(all inclusive in India)
No minimum to book out a ride as a private safari
DATES
PRIVATE TRIPS FROM NOVEMBER TO FEB!
Come! You'll get something profoundly connected with our bespoke journey.
'' In the hush of the cool, dim dawn
When the shades begin to retreat;
And the Jackal bolts to his lair at the sound
of your horses feet;
When the great Kite preens his wings
& calls to his mate in the tree
and the lilac opens her buds ere the
sun shall be up to see;
When the trailing rosebush thrills with the sparrow's pent up strife.
Oh! a ride in an Indian dawn, there is no such pleasure in life. ''
A Morning Ride
by Rudyard Kipling
ITINERARY
TIGERS & LEOPARDS RIDE - 7 nights in Madhya Pradesh
DAY ONE
Guests arrive in Delhi for night 1 of their Indian adventure.
Overnight Accommodations: Imperial Hotel
Unique guiding will be tailored according to time of arrival.
DAY TWO
Guest will enjoy a gentle morning walking tour of Old Delhi, with specialist guide from a street children trust we work with. The walk will include a journey through the Chandi Chowk spice market area - we will also include some architectural sites and be spontaneous to what is on during the calendar.
Those wanting to shop for traditional Indian garb (nehru jackets, khadi cloth etc) will be taken before supper to textile emporiums & tailors nearby in the Connaught area.
Overnight Accommodations: Imperial Hotel
DAY THREE
(The 7 nights on Safari begin today for those arriving independantly in Bhopal)
This morning we will either catch the fast express train direct to Bhopal from the station. Recommended for introduction to Indian Rail! It is a good train to Bhopal. If not domestics flights are daily.
On arrival in Bhopal you are now in private family hands. That is all the accomodation; the Palace tonight, the retreat lodge, the safari lodges, the mobile camp - the vehicle transport between the Palace and the Park; the horses & the staff team! Nice and neat.
Whats more the family have old history in this province - they are the Nawab Begums of Bhopal. a family which hosted and interesting array of families on their safaris over the centuries. So there is tradition and knowledge - and theses previous hunting grounds are now protected wildlife and wilderness zones.
Time permitted we will do an excursion into Bhopal before supper; to see some of the important monuments in the old city - the mosque, fort etc. The palace is located just on the outskirts of the town.
Overnight Accommodations: Jehan Numa Palace (the hotel as a gallop in the grounds!)
DAY FOUR
Today we will depart to park to the wilderness lodge. We'll leave after breakfast. The drive in total is about 3.5 /4 hours. We will make two important stops. The first at the the very tranquil buddhist site of Sanchi Stupa. A remarkable site. Buddhism's oldist monument (250BC) and in excellent condition.
The second stop is at one the most important Shivaite temples. The area steeped in ancient hindu history. Actually it is in this region where cave paintings date back to prove one of the oldest records of humans.
Late afternoon we will arrive at Reni Pani safari Lodge and meet our horses! A sunset leg stretch.
DAY FIVE
An early morning ride and late afternoon ride in the Satpura region - from the lodge. Back to the lodge for lunch.
DAY SIX
We head off for a full day ride, stopping for picnic lunch en route. Including a boat and river crossing! Heading deep into the Satpura park.
Wildlife should be abundant - huge variety of birdlife; and fauna including varieties of deer, bear & of course leopard and tiger.
We will have our expert ranger and specialist guides at all times.
Overnight Accommodations: first of 3 nights in mobile camp
DAY SEVEN & EIGHT
These two days we continue across the Satpura forest hills with the safari team - with two more nights out. Each night the mobile camp moving. Full day riding. 5 hours in the saddle per day.
DAY NINE
Today, after 2.5 hours in the saddle. We will arrive at our other safari lodge for lunch.
The horses will be washed down and put out in the paddock to rest.
Afternoon the guides will offer a guided walk for those wanting some walking to stretch out.
DAY TEN
Guests will be driven back to Bhopal to meet their train or flights & continue their onward journey as planned.
Safari Notes:
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Guests will be provided with overnight stays in fully serviced moving traditional Rajasthani camps, as well as excellent fort, castle, and palace accommodations.
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Our team is committed to offering a special attention to good wholesome local cuisine at all times.
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The horses are thoroughbreds.
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Riders will enjoy comfy English tack, and be accompanied by experienced nature guides, rangers & horseman.
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Our hosts have a long history of private family safari hosting stretching back to earlier centuries!
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The aim is that guests feel at home & experience fine & friendly hosting throughout - and feel something unique and authentic.
CULTURAL TRAIL EXTENSIONS
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All guests who are interested in adding cultural trail extensions to their adventure, are encouraged to contact us for ideas.
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Trail extensions include special and unrivaled advice on the history of arts, architecture, textiles, culinary advice, as well as knowledge of wonderful 'hidden gems' throughout India.
Sample Trail Extensions:
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Expert Textile Tour in Jaipur
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Sufi Arts & Music Festival in Rajasthan
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Yoga & Well Being retreats.
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Temple tour and foodie experiences in Tamil Nadu & Karnataka.
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Old Delhi Spice tour with Street Connections (Salam Balak Trust, supporting rescued street children).
Do not miss out on this amazing experience where you will make lots of wonderful new contacts,
and have an abundance of new experiences that will forever be with you!
Designd by Bagual Horse Safaris
& hosted by the Nawab Begums of Bhopal
SAFARI EXTENSIONS
GALLERY
