Tigers, Tribes and Wilderness

The Tiger, Tribes and Wilderness tour was specially designed for travellers who are cultural enthusiasts and want to experience the ethos and biodiversity of the region. The tour will guide you towards the extension range of Satpura in the north west region of Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh around the highlands of the Maikal Hills.

This itinerary is a celebration of the rich cultural history of primitive tribes, the sal forests’ rich flora and fauna together with a comfortable stay closer to the tribal territory. Whether it is the Dhurvas, Bison Horn Marias of the Bastar region or the Baigas of the Maikal Hillas, you will get a chance to closely explore the culture and lifestyle of different tribes. It’s a great opportunity to photograph the area on bicycle, on foot, from a machan (watch tower) or even a bullock cart.

Duration: 19 Days
Places to Visit: Jabalpur – Bandhavgarh – Achanakmar – Kanha – Khawardha – Jagdalpur – Kanger Valley  – Jeypore – Ankadeli – Vizag

Itinerary

Day 1. Jabalpur
Transfer from Delhi or elsewhere by flight or train to Jabalpur. Transfer to hotel and overnight stay.

Day 2. Jabalpur – Bandhavgarh
Drive to Bandhavgarh National Park (200 km/5 hrs), one of the finest and most popular tiger reserves in India. In the afternoon, enjoy an exciting and enjoyable jeep safari in the Park (if time permits) to explore the rich and varied flora and fauna of the Park.

Overnight stay in the resort.

Day 3. Bandhavgarh
Enjoy early morning and afternoon wildlife safaris in the Bandhavgarh National Park. Spot a variety of wild animals and exotic and colourful birds in Bandhavgarh National Park. Overnight at resort.

Day 4. Bandhavgarh
Another early morning safari in Bandhavgarh National Park. In the afternoon return to the Park to visit Bandhavgarh Fort. Overnight at resort.

Day 5. Bandhavgarh – Amarkantak Achanakmar Biosphere Reserve
Proceed toAmarkantak Achanakmar Biosphere Reserve by road (220 km/5 hrs drive). While travelling experience the local lifestyle and explore the countryside. There will be good opportunities to explore and photograph villages on the way. If you are lucky then you can also visit a weekly tribal haat which is a local market where villagers sell their hand-made products like mats and clothes.

On arrival, check in to the resort for lunch. Relax and,if time permits, explore the settlements of Keonchi Baiga Village which is very close to the resort. Dinner and overnight at resort.

Day 6. Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
After breakfast, proceed for a hill viewpoint inside the Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve known as Kanji Dwar. A full day excursion on foot.

A walk of 5 km on a side of the hill will take you to the viewpoint, exploring the forest flora and fauna on the way and birding with an experienced naturalist. A packed lunch and water bottles will be served in the middle of the jungle. Relax and enjoy the glimpses of the evening while walking back to your vehicle before sunset and driving back to the resort. Dinner and overnight at resort.

Day 7. Date with Baiga Tribe
An early morning breakfast is followed by a full day excursion to a Baiga village called Churadadar. This little home of the Baigas is situated among the Satpura Maikal Ranges extension. The location is picturesque and you will be travelling on the ridge. Baigas practise shifting cultivation in the forest areas. It is a common story among them to have never ploughed the earth, as it will be like wounding the breast of their Mother Earth. How can one ask a Mother to produce food from the same patch of earth again and again? She will get weakened. This is the reason for the Baigas to live a semi-nomadic life and practise Bewar Cultivation (Slash & Burn) out of respect and not aggression. A picnic lunch will be provided. After spending your day with the Baigas, return to the resort in the evening. Dinner and overnight at the resort.

Day 8. Achanakmar – Kanha
After breakfast drive to Kanha (240km/5.5 hrs).On arrival check into the resort. Evening safari in Kanha National Park. Dinner and overnight at resort.

Day 9. Elusive Swamp Deer at Kanha
Early morning safari in Kanha National Park to look for tigers, hardground swamp deer, Indian bison, wild dogs and leopards. The wetlands harbour many water birds. In the afternoon, enjoy another jeep safari. Overnight at the resort.

Day 10. Kanha – Khawardha
After breakfast drive to Kawardha, the Baiga tribal heartland (125km/3 hrs). On arrival check in to the hotel and enjoy lunch. Explore the magnificent Bhoramdeo temple and its mesmerizing erotic carvings or visit the Baiga Tribal market at Chilpi. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11. Kawardha & Baiga Village
After an early breakfast start a full day excursion by road to a nearby Baiga village. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the village. Leisure time to explore the tribal village market at Taregaon. Later in the evening return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 12. Kawardha – Jagdalpur
After breakfast drive to Bastar, the tribal heartland of India (435km/8 hrs). Enjoy the scenic drive through the countryside. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Jagdalpur.

Day 13. Jagdalpur – Tribal Village – Jagdalpur
After an early breakfast at your hotel, proceed for a full day excursion to explore a “Bison Horn Maria” village (175 km/3.5 hrs). The Bison Horn Marias call themselves the Dandami, but, because of the elaborate headdress, they were named ‘Bison Horn’ by 19th century anthropologists and administrators. It is said that the Bison Horn Marias put great dedication and flair into their dance and indeed the dance is a beautiful and grave sight. At your leisure explore the village and the lifestyle of the Bison Horn for the entire day and have your packed lunch in the village. Later in the evening return back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 14. Jagdalpur – Tribal Haat – Jagdalpur
After a relaxing morning at your hotel, proceed to a tribal “Haat”, a weekly market place and a social occasion that has something for everyone. Daily use items like pots and baskets, food items such as dried fish and meat and mahua flowers are sold at wholesale rates. Bangles, silver jewellery and toys are also available. It will be easy to lose track of time. You may also sample a local brew or get a tattoo. Explore the local markets in Jagdalpur city on foot. Later in the evening return back to the hotel.   Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 15. Jagdalpur – Kanger Valley National Park – Jagdalpur
After an early breakfast start for the Kanger Valley National Park (40 km/1 hr). En route visit the Bastar Hill Myna at the Forest School at Jagdalpur. The Bastar Hill Myna is a Kanger Valley endangered species and is also the State Bird of Chhattisgarh. At the Kanger Valley National Park visit the caves with stalactite and stalagmite formations and then visit the refreshing seven tier Teerathgarh waterfalls. Enjoy your picnic lunch at the waterfall. Then proceed to the Chitrakote waterfalls. Enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the largest Indian waterfall. Later in the evening, return back to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 16. Jagdalpur – Jeypore
After breakfast drive to Jeypore (84 km/3 hrs). You will be driving from the State of Chhattisgarh to the State of Orissa. Enjoy the scenic beauty and acknowledge the change in culture, you will be placed at the best accommodation available in this small city. Check in to your hotel and relax or walk around the town. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17. Jeypore – Ankadeli – Jeypore
After an early breakfast at the hotel take a full day excursion to a “Haat” at a small village named Ankadeli, about 82 km from Jeypore. A Haat offers an excellent opportunity to closely experience the lifestyle of the local community. It will be a great prospect to photograph the elusive “Bondo” tribes of the Koraput – Malkangiri region. “The Bondos”, though few in numbers, have successfully retained the distinctive features of their culture, chiefly on account of geographical isolation and more perhaps due to their stubborn and independent spirit. Their language is called remo which comes under the Austro – Asiatic language belonging to the Mundari group. Enjoy a packed lunch at the Haat. Later in the evening return back to your hotel at Jeypore. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 18. Jeypore – Vizag
Proceed to Vizag by road (220 km/7 hrs). Experience the countryside drive with a rare chance to experience the real spirit of the region. On arrival transfer to a hotel or the airport to board your flight.

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