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Presents
India
Photo Tour
Tiger Expedition
16th rich
to 31st,
A May
country
with2015
beauty and culture...
Photo Tour May 2015
India - “A Living Heritage”
Explore and photograph the beauty and culture of India ...
India Photo Tour
Tiger Expedition
May 16th to 31st, 2015
“Incredible India - Incredible Tiger ”
For the avid traveler, India provides an authentic adventure - stimulating, absorbing, daunting, sometimes moving and shocking.
Here is one of the world's great dramas; an ancient, vast and crowded land committed to the most formidably challenging exercise in
mass democracy. It is a spectacle in which hope, pride, paradox and uncertainty mingle and struggle. It is conducted on the whole, and
to India's credit in the open.
The lasting memories of the land are hospitality, kindness, good humor and generosity. Here is a society of over a 1000 million
people, growing by a million a month, divided and united by language, caste, religion and regional loyalties. It has often been described
as a functioning anarchy; and it is in many ways an amiable one, of marvelous fluidity and tolerance. Indeed, the true Indian motif is
not the Taj Mahal, the elephant or the patient peasant behind the ox drawn plough. It is the crowd, the ocean of faces in the land of
multitudes, endlessly stirring and moving. It is in this human circulation that one sees India's colour, variety, busyness, giving you a
sense of its power, vitality and grandeur!
This time visiting India Trekkers is offering a photo adventure in the wild. Join me as we explore several of India’s national parks
and jungles to photograph the tiger. On this tour we will be exploring Sariska, Ranthambore and Bandavgarth National Parks. This is
the perfect time of year for tiger photography as the jungle floor is drying waiting for the June rains. No visit to India would be
complete with out a touch of culture, as we journey across the country we will be visiting Jaipur, the Taj Majul and the old walled city in
Delhi. I look forward to sharing this tour experience with you.
James Cowie
Ranthambore Ancient Hunting Lodge
Tiger Expedition Team:
Daulat Singh, Dinesh Verma, James Cowie
Our Tiger Expedition Team - During a warm April morning in Ranthambore National Park in 2012, park naturalist and
tiger specialist Daulat Singh, tour guide and naturalist Dinesh Verma, and Trekkers photographer and travel host James
Cowie met for morning tea. Their location, the ancient Ranthambore Hunting Lodge (see inset for image). During their
time together they discussed creating a multi park trek combining their knowledge of the tiger habitats, best times to
locate, visit and photograph, thus creating our Tiger Expedition Photo Tour. We are pleased to introduce you to our
Expedition Team.
Daulat Singh Shaktawat - Will host a Special Presentation in Ranthambore National Park.
Mr. Singh was born in Deoli, Tonkm Rajasthan, and has been employed by the Wildlife Wing of the Forest
Department, Government of Rajasthan for the last 33 years. Daulat monitors and works on conserving the
endangered species of wild life. The Royal Bengal Tigers and Leopards are two of his specialties. He has
been instrumental in saving the lives of these wild animals on numerous occasions when they have
somehow escaped the sanctuaries and entered villages and human dwellings. When they get into these
situations, the animals are in danger of being killed by humans. His job is to locate the animals, educate the
locals and bring the animals back to a safe haven.
Daulat is the recipient of many Wildlife Awards from the sanctuaries in India and has been recognized on
many occasions as being one of India’s leading experts on the tiger and tiger conservation projects. Dault
has had many dangerous encounters with the tiger. Once such incident a few years ago resulted in severe
injuries when attacked by the tiger. He will be sharing this and many more experiences with us during his
presentation.
Dinesh Verma - Naturalist and India Tour Escort
As a graduate of Tourism & Management from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Dinesh takes great
pleasure in sharing his expertise in Nature and Wildlife management with his guests. His career has been
driven by a lifelong passion for wildlife. Working at the Bharatpur Nature Conservation Society, Wildlife
Warden at Misnomer Bird Reserve in the UK and his Naturalist work at Keeled National Park, Bharatpur,
Ranthambore National Park and the Sariska Tiger Foundation. Photo Tour Trekkers is a proud member of
the Foundation.
Born and brought up in Bharatpur amid birds and mammals, he has grown up to be a nature-lover. Dinesh
shows his love by leading guided bird watching, wild life, cultural and many other such tours in India, Nepal
and Bhutan for over 20 years. He has led many successful expeditions for US, UK, German, French,
Canadian, Japanese and many other Tour Operators over the years.
James Cowie - Photographer and Photo Tour Trekkers Host
James brings over 30 years of experience as a photographer who has worked directly in the photography
industry, and10 years in the travel and specialty tour industry. He is passionate about travel, capturing
beautiful images and making sure his photographers come home with the best images. This has earned him
recognition within the travel adventure industry. He has hosted and traveled on over 60 photo adventure
tours world wide, including numerous visits to India and her national parks. James looks forward to sharing
the Tiger Expedition with you.
Ranthambore National Park, Brahma Temple, Henna Hands, Delhi ladies by fountain,
India Tiger Adventure Photo Tour - May 16th to 31st, 2015
Day One: Sat May 16th: We will be flying to Delhi.
Day Two: Sun May 17th: We arrive into Delhi, Indira Gandi International airport in the
evening. We will be met by our local host and guide and transfer to our hotel. While in Delhi
we will be staying at the Radison Blu Paschim Vihar Hotel. It is approximately 45 minutes from the Airport to
our hotel.
Day Three: Monday May 18th: Breakfast. Welcome to Delhi, India’s capital and a major gateway to the
country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines the ancient with the
modern. Amidst the spiraling skyscrapers are remnants of a bygone time with many old monuments
standing as reminders to the city’s ancient legacy.
Here you will pass through Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. We will
visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, then Chandi Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the
old city. Next a visit to Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi.
Later in the day we will begin our drive to Sariska. Sharp cliffs of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravalis
dominate the landscape of Sariska, who’s forest is dry and deciduous. Within the Sariska wildlife sanctuary
there are the ruins of the medieval temples of Garh-Rajor, belonging to the 10th and 11th centuries. A 17th
century castle on the hilltop at Kankwari, provides a panoramic view of flying Egyptian vultures and eagles.
The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979. On arrival we will check
into our hotel Tiger Heaven and enjoy some time to freshen up prior to dinner. (B,D)
Columns of Red Fort, Old Delhi
Jama Masjid, Mosque, largest in India
Old Delhi Market
Day Four: Tuesday May 19th: Sariska, Early morning proceed for a jungle
safari in the park by exclusive jeeps. The Sariska park is home to numerous
carnivores including Leopards, Wild Dogs, Jungle Cats, Hyena, Jackals, and
Tigers. These feed on an abundance of prey species such as Sambar, Chital,
Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska is also well known for its
large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are found in large numbers around
Talvriksh. We will then return to the hotel for breakfast. We will have some time
to relax and enjoy our surroundings, lunch and then in the evening we will have
another opportunity to photograph the tiger during our 2nd safari of the day.
Dinner after sunset and overnight Tiger Heaven (B,L.D)
Day Five: Wednesday May 20th: Early morning proceed for a jungle safari
in the park by exclusive jeeps. Then return to our hotel for breakfast check
out and begin our 160 kms journey to Ranthambore. Ranthambore
National Park was once the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur.
The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambore; you could also see
several varieties of birds other animals in the reserve include leopards,
caracals, hyenas, jackals, jungle cats, marsh crocodiles, wild boars, bears
and various species of deer.
On arrival check in and have Lunch. Rest of the day at leisure. In the
evening, you have an opportunity to spot the tiger, during our first evening
safari at Ranthambore. We will then return for dinner. Dev Vilas (B,L,D)
Day Six: Thursday May 21st: Ranthambore, Early morning proceed for
a jungle safari in the National Park. Mid morning we return to the hotel for breakfast, then some leisure time and
lunch. Meet for coffee and then again in the evening, we have another opportunity to spot the tiger, during your
second safari of the day. Overnight: Dev Vilas (Deluxe Room) (B, L, D)
Day Seven: Friday May 22nd: Ranthambore, Early morning proceed for our last morning jungle safari in
Ranthambore National Park. Mid morning we return to the hotel for breakfast, then some leisure time and lunch.
Meet for coffee and then again in the evening, we have another opportunity to see the tiger, during our final safari
of the day. Overnight: Dev Vilas (Deluxe Room) (B, L, D)
Day Eight: Saturday May 23rd: Ranthambore / Jaipur (145 kms) Breakfast at the hotel. Check out of the
hotel. Pick up from the hotel lobby and proceed on our drive to Jaipur the capital city of Rajasthan, also known as
the “Pink City”. It is an abode of extensive boulevard and beautiful gardens. Jaipur India was founded by Sawai
Jaisingh II, in 1727 AD, but still preserves its glory of rich history and culture. The past comes alive in its
impressive forts, majestic palaces and in its royal building which for centuries were the abode of royal families.
Rajasthani jewelry, art and fabrics maintain an ageless feature and are surely a treasure-trove for the shoppers.
These exquisite items are of great demand in the international market. On arrival at Jaipur check-in at the hotel
freshen up, then time for lunch. (on own account today)
City Palace, Jaipur
Interior City Palace, Jaipur
(day Eight continued)
This afternoon, Jaipur City: Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone
with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was
built in 1799 so that veiled royal woman could peer down unseen by
the world through its 593 stone screens. We proceed for a guided tour
of the City Palace & Museum : The City Palace in the heart of the old
city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The center of
the palace is a seven storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine
views over the gardens and the city. Then to the City Palace and the
Solar Observatory - an astronomical treasure house, with solar device
that gives accurate predictions still today. Dinner at the hotel. and
overnight: Mansingh Tower. (B, D)
Day Nine: Sunday May 24th: Hotel check-out, pick up from our
Ranthambore National Park
hotel lobby and proceed to the Amber Fort. Here we will ascent to the
fort by Elephant or Jeep. This is the former capital of the Royal Rajputs. Few fail to
be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11-km north
of Jaipur. Set on the dry wrinkled hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the
palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake, and its
sprawling crenellated walls, lattice the surrounding hills.
After time at the fort we will drive to Agra, en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost
Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from the
year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water.
Next we will start our drive to Agra. At the time of the Mughals, in the 16th and 17th
centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the
city became a leading centre of art, science, commerce and culture. Akbar the Great
made Agra great. The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth
century reign of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal.
Arriving in Agra lat in the afternoon, check in at our hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Mansingh Palace (Standard Room) (B, D)
Amber Fort, Jaipur
Day Ten: Monday May 25th: Agra / Umaria Kalinga Utkal Express – 18478 at 3:58pm - Breakfast at the
hotel. Pickup from the hotel lobby and proceed to visit the Taj Mahal. This grand edifice was built by
Shahjehan from 1631to 1653 to enshrine the remains of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal. The semi translucent
white marble is inlaid with thousands of semi-precious stones in beautiful patterns and built with four identical
facades. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by Persian architect
Ustad Isa.
Rathambore Game Drive
Macaques Monkey
Leopard, Rathambore National Game Reserve
Day Ten continued:
We will also visit AGRA FORT - The city built by Emperor Akbar and
beautified with palaces and gardens by designer Jehangir. The crescentshaped fort is enclosed by its 20-metre high and 2.4 km long outer walls.
The fort contains a maze of buildings forming a small city within a city.
Lunch on own account. Later transfer to the Agra Cant railway station to
board our train for Umaria. Overnight: on the train.
Fatehpur Sikri
Day Eleven: Tuesday May 26th: Arrive Umaria 05:24 a.m. We will be
picked up from railway station drive the 35 km to Bandhavgarh.
Bandhavgarh with an appropriate of 365 sq. Kms acquired status as a
National Park in 1968. Prior to becoming a National Park, the rich forests of
Bandhavgarh served as Shikarghar for the Maharajas of Rewa. The park
Bandhavgarh has been the centre of human activity for over 2000 years.
Lunch is included on arrival, check in at the hotel. Late afternoon enjoy a
jungle safari in the park. Dinner, Overnight: Bandhav Vilas (L, D)
Day Twelve: Wednesday May 27th: Bandhavgarh, Early morning we
proceed on a jungle safari in the National park. We will Opportunity to spot
the species like the mighty tiger, elusive leopards, caracals, wild dogs.
Jungle cats rule the forest with other species of herbivores like gaurs, sloth
bears, and macaques; various species of deer family like sambar, chital,
muntjac; antelope species like nilgai, chinkara, chausingha and supported
with scavenger species like jackal, hyenas etc. Around 150 species of
resident birds including migratory birds like the steppe eagle. Then return to
our hotel for breakfast. We will have some afternoon time to rest during the
day. In the evening, we have another opportunity to photograph the tiger
during our second safari of the day. Overnight: Bandhav Villas (B,L,D)
Taj Mahal
Day Thirteen: Thursday May 28th: Bandhavgarh, early morning we will
proceed on another jungle safari in the National Park. Then returning mid morning to our hotel for
breakfast and some leisure time. Enjoy a relaxing lunch and in the evening we will have another
opportunity to photograph the tiger during our second game drive. Dinner at our hotel. Overnight Bandhav
Vilas (B,L,D).
Agra Fort
Holy Man
Agra Town Scene
Day Fourteen: Friday May 29th: Bandhavgarh to Khajuraho
(260kms) After breakfast at our hotel we will drive to Khajuraho - Known
as "The City of the Gods", Khajuraho is renowned for the more than 85
intricately decorated temples that feature carved stone statues of griffins,
nymphs, beasts, demons, gods-and of women expressing ranges of
emotion from fear and pain to love and passion. This fascinating area is
now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival at Khajuraho, check in at
our hotel. Dinner and Overnight Radisson Jas (B, D)
Day Fifteen: Saturday May 30th: Khajuraho / Delhi. Breakfast at our
hotel and a visit to the 1000 year old Chandela’s Temple. The temples are
superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture and depict images of gods
and goddesses, warriors and musicians, real and mythological animals
and in great detail women and sex. Later in the afternoon we depart for
Delhi.
Bandhav Vila
Arriving in Delhi, we proceed towards the exit gate of the airport and look
for our representative who will assist our transfer to our hotel near the
airport for wash. change and dinner. (a couple rooms will be provided)
Dinner, then transfer to the airport to board our flight back home to
Canada.
Day Sixteen: Sunday May 31st: We will arrive in Toronto at 4:40 p.m.,
clear customs and meet our coach for return drive home arriving at
approximately 8:00 p.m.
Khajuraho
Khajuraho
Khajuraho
Photo Tours / Information / Booking
India is a country rich with beauty and history, the land of culture and traditions. Each location has
been selected to offer you the ultimate photographic opportunities. India’s native language is Hindi, but
a good majority of the folk speak english and are always happy to help. The average temperature during
our visit will be lows of 12 C and highs of 27 C. We look forward to you joining us on this photo
adventure to incredible India.
Workshop Opportunities: During the tour we will be offering up many different opportunities to
explore different ideas with your photography. There will be daily challenges, which will be suited to
the shooting environment. There will also be time as we travel to look at digital workflow and post
processing ideas with your images. Each day one on one time is available with James for
photography conversation and/or for help or review of your images on the computer. The tour is
designed to learn as you go, and there is no better place to improve your photography than out
working with your camera.
Pre-tour Information Night: As with all our photo tours, we will hold a photo information night
approximately three to four weeks prior to departure. For this tour it will be Monday May 11, 2015.
Here we will present the final itinerary, travel suggestions, what gear to pack, and hand out all related
travel documents. The pre-tour presentation is designed to give our photographers all the information
needed for our trek. This also allows a chance for you to meet your fellow travellers, and host.
On-line Booking: We are pleased to offer on-line booking for all our photo adventures. This is a
quick and easy way to book your tour and provide all the travel information we need to make your trip
worry free. If you would like to use our on-line booking system please visit our website at
www.PhotoTourTrekkers.com select the tour from the main page, this will take you to the tour page
and there you will find the link to the on-line booking form.
Tourist visa for India: A visa is required for this tour. Upon booking we will supply you with the
necessary information on applying and obtaining a visa.
Tour Details
Our India Photo Tour is $6230 per person plus air taxes of $715 CAD, this is based on double occupancy,
single supplement is an additional $995.00 CAD. This tour price is based out of Toronto. If departing from
another city please contact us for pricing.
Includes:
- Round trip coach transfer to Pearson International Airport
- Departures from London, and Woodstock
- Round trip economy class airfare via Lufthansa Toronto / Delhi / Toronto
- Economy class airfare on domestic flight via Spice Jet Khajuraho to Delhi
- 2nd Class AC train fare Agra Cant to Umaria sector
- 12 nights Accommodations while in India
- Breakfast and Dinner included each day of the tour except train day May 25th
- Lunch most days
- One bottle of water per person per day
- All airport and hotel transfers and porterage at airport and hotels
- Luxury air conditioned motor coach and local guide while in India
- Any local admissions to monuments as mentioned in itinerary
- Elephant ride at Amber Fort, Jaipur (elephants subject to availability)
- Rickshaw ride on the streets of Chandi Chowk, Old Delhi
- 2 safaris in Sariska, 5 safaris in Ranthambhore & 5 safaris in Bandhavgarth all by exclusive jeep 3 pax
- Access to hotel, prior to return flight departure
- Tour hosted and escorted by photographer James Cowie
** Schedule may vary according to weather and travel conditions.
** Guests must have a valid passport, your passport must be valid for a min of 6 months after your return
travel date, and a valid India tourist visa for entry.
Tour Exclusions: Any item not listed on the itinerary, gratuities to India guide or driver, personal
insurance coverage, alcoholic beverages, and laundry.
Booking space for this tour may be done online or by contacting James Cowie at 519-679-8520 ext. 2223 or by email
[email protected] or Shari Parker at 519-679-8520 ext 2231 by email [email protected]
the online booking is available by visiting www.PhotoTourTrekkers.com then select India Tigers Adventure Photo Tour.
A non refundable deposit of $1700 CAD is required at time of booking, balance due April 10th, 2015. We recommend
the purchase of travel and health insurance as tour takes us out of the country. Health insurance is highly
recommended.
TICO Registration #50017274
Carlson Wagonlit Travel - 224 Central Ave. London, Ont. N6A 1M8
www.PhotoTourTrekkers.com