ENDANGERED EIGHT IMPACT SMALL GROUP JOURNEY Discover India s iconic endangered eight

Transcription

1 ENDANGERED EIGHT IMPACT SMALL GROUP JOURNEY Discover India s iconic endangered eight

2 DISCOVER INDIA S ICONIC ENDANGERED EIGHT Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness India s most prized wildlife on a privately guided, 13-day Impact Small Group Journey. This adventure will see you in the company of a wildlife expert as well as like-minded enthusiasts, as you traverse through India s iconic sanctuaries in search of the Royal Bengal tiger, greater one-horned rhino, Asiatic elephant, Asiatic lion, wild dog (dhole), barasingha (hardground swamp deer), wild buffalo, and the hoolock gibbon - India s only ape. This journey will take you through the spectacular landscapes of Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and the Kanha and Gir National Parks providing beautiful surrounds to embrace a wider conservation awareness of diverse ecosystems, wildlife behaviour and interaction. Additionally, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation and the ethos that underpins all that &Beyond strives for in our Care of the Land, Care of Wildlife strategy. What we love about this journey: Two exclusive set-departure dates: o 01 to 13 March 2020 o 02 to 14 April 2020 Small group of just 6 to 8 guests, which means plenty of flexibility and exclusivity Guided throughout by Kartikeya Chauhan, an esteemed wildlife expert and naturalist Have the opportunity to spot eight endangered species in the wild Royal Bengal tiger, greater onehorned rhino, Asiatic elephant, Asiatic lion, wild dog (dhole), barasingha (hardground swamp deer), wild buffalo, and the hoolock gibbon - India s only ape Traverse through a trio of unique national parks (all hailed as conservation success stories); the Kaziranga, known for its tall elephant grass and swamps; Kanha National Park with its stretches of dense forest and vast meadows; and the Gir, with its rocky hills and rugged ravines Stay in comfortable accommodation options that have been hand-picked by our travel specialists Spend an evening with the respected Dr. Raghu Chandawat, one of India s leading authorities on tigers, and author of the acclaimed The Rise and Fall of the Emerald Tigers (2018) Visit the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation for orphaned and injured wild animals Gain insight into the life of local children at a community primary school and engage with them in the classroom Birding enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to witness the region s over 600 bird species Enjoy a delicious lunch at Haroo Charai Tea Estate, followed by a walk around the estate to learn about the intricate art of tea making

3 AT A GLANCE Jaisalmer GUJARAT Rajkot Bikaner RAJASTHAN Jodhpur Udaipur Ahmedabad Vadodara NEW DELHI Kota Indore DELHI 1 Jaipur Bhopal Agra Gwalior Khajuraho MADYA PRADESH UTTAR PRADESH Kanpur Jabalpur 4 Lucknow Allahabad NEPAL Varanasi CHHATTISGARH BIHAR Patna JHARKHAND Ranchi SIKKIM Darjeeling BHUTAN MANIPUR BANGLADESH Dhanbad TRIPURA MIZORAM WEST BENGAL 3 Kolkata Guwahati MEGHALAYA ARUNAC 2 ASSAM NAGALA TWO EXCLUSIVE SET DEPARTURE DATES: 01 to 13 March to 14 April 2020 Journey through Delhi, Kaziranga, Kolkata, Kanha, Mumbai, Gir 13 Days / 12 Nights 6 Surat Gulf of Khambhat Nashik 5 Mumbai (Bombay) Pune INDIA Nagpur MAHARASHTRA TELANGANA Hyderabad Raipur ODISHA Visakhapatnam Bhubaneshwar Private Guides: Kartikeya Singh Chauhan Maximum guests: 8 Rate: USD7625 per person sharing SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES 1 NIGHT PULLMAN AEROCITY NEW DELHI Delhi, India Arrive in Delhi and relax at your upmarket hotel, or choose to venture to Delhi s vibrant shopping malls in close proximity. 3 NIGHTS DIPHLU RIVER LODGE, KAZIRANGA Kaziranga National Park, India Relish a delectable lunch at Haroo Charai Tea Estate, and walk around the estate learning the inner workings of tea making. Explore the fascinating Kaziranga National Park, a textured terrain of tall grasslands and patches of swampy water bodies. Peer through the foliage and capture stunning sightings of one-horned Rhinos and herds of Asian elephants. Enjoy a relaxing river cruise and appreciate elegant dolphins diving in the deep. 1 NIGHT ITC SONAR BANGLA Kolkata, India Spend the night in Kolkata, home of intellect and art, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of your hotel. 3 NIGHTS SINGINAWA JUNGLE LODGE, KANHA Kanha National Park, India Marvel at the beauty and anticipation at Kanha National Park, boasting the ideal habitat for both tigers and their prey species. Traverse through lush sal and bamboo forests interspersed with vast grassy meadows. Gain greater understanding of the ecosystem of the park with a specially trained naturalist who will explain fascinating animals and plants. 1 NIGHT TAJ SANTA CRUZ Mumbai, India Spend the night in Mumbai, a powerhouse of a city, abuzz with activity, dreams and ambition. Explore dynamic Mumbai, a kaleidoscopic tapestry of movie moguls, dreamers, poets, cutting-edge fashion, and exquisite architecture. 3 NIGHTS THE FERN GIR FOREST Gir National Park, India Delve into Gir National Park, a rich biodiversity area that forms a haven for a number of endangered wildlife species. Capture sensational sightings of Asiatic lions, and India s highest densities of leopard and marsh crocodile.

4 SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES At &Beyond we believe in taking a shared responsibility for our future, as well as the futures of our children and our planet. From our greater conservation model, down to the tiniest details of our activities, every decision that we make revolves around our core ethic of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, and Care of the People. These values have become an intuitive part of the way that we operate and, increasingly, are part of the reason why our guests find their experience with us so rewarding. &Beyond offers forward-thinking, global travellers an exclusive experience of the world as it should be; a world that is in balance with itself, and we go beyond mere luxury to enrich their experience. This extraordinary set departure journey caters for intimate groups and offers special access to a series of unique experiences that are exclusive to &Beyond Asia guests. In addition to encountering iconic wildlife of the region, and traversing fascinating unique habitats, gain a deeper insight into conservation and the protection of these highly endangered species. PRIVATE GUIDES - IN OUR HANDS FROM BEGINNING TO END From the moment you touch down in India, to the moment you leave, &Beyond will be at your side throughout your adventure. Our wealth of expertise found in our private and specialist guides, ground logistics teams and over 2000 &Beyonders means that you will experience a journey unlike any other! MEET THE PRIVATE GUIDES KARTIKEYA SINGH CHAUHAN Kartikeya lives and breathes the natural world. Throwing himself into his studies of ecology and the environment, he has devoted his life to conservation and wildlife. From humble beginnings as a part time education officer at the Gujarat Nature Conservation Society, to becoming a research technician on the Conservation of Indian Wolf project, a technical consultant for the Wildlife Institute of India s wild dog research project, and providing scientific and field assistance on the BBC natural history film, Desert Wolves of India; to serving as head naturalist and a freelance consultant (who helped develop the training programme for naturalists), in the Bandhavgarh National Park. His field experience includes big game capture in South Africa, involving the capture of free ranging white rhino and Cape buffalo, at Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Hluluwe Game Reserve, and Phinda Private Game Reserve. He has also been involved in live trapping, tranquilising and radio collaring endangered species including Asiatic lion, Indian wolves, blackbuck, Indian wild dog and other wildlife. Kartikeya now freelances his skills as a naturalist and wildlife guide. He has a vast number of publications behind him and is a life member of the Marwari Horse Society and the Bombay Natural History Society in India. In his spare time he enjoys hobbies such as nature photography, filming and horse riding.

5 ICONIC DESTINATIONS DELHI Delhi was established over three thousand years ago and is today the capital of the largest democracy of the world. A mixture of bustling international metropolis, medieval chaos and regal splendour, the city is crammed to bursting point with the relics of past empires; tombs, temples, monuments and ruins, all of which exist side by side with modern suburbs and glass and chrome skyscrapers. In this quintessentially Indian city a surprise lies around every corner. Colonial architecture in New Delhi is combined with ancient Islamic and Mughal ruins, modern suburban developments and even a touch of rural India. KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK Slightly over 100 years ago, a small patch of wetland on the southern side of the Brahmaputra River was protected for a tiny population of greater one-horned rhinoceros. Today, Kaziranga is a World Heritage Site, a tiger reserve and home to some of the finest wildlife viewing in Asia. The national park has been recognised as a conservation success where a small population of 12 rhinos has increased to almost Everything appears larger than life at Kaziranga, the reserve is a birdwatcher s paradise and even some of the largest snakes in the world are found here. KOLKATA Jumbled and chaotic, Kolkata nevertheless retains the title of India s friendliest metropolis, as well as the country s intellectual and cultural capital. Once the birthplace of the British Raj, the city is filled with now-crumbling remnants of colonial architecture that seem to both complement and contradict its quintessentially Bengali soul. Buzzing with creative energy, Kolkata s many museums, galleries and theatres sprawl along the east bank of the Hooghly River. Crowded bazaars and teeming streets appear alongside upmarket shopping centres and restaurants where visitors can sample the mild, fruity tang of Bengali cuisine. KANHA NATIONAL PARK Discover the natural wonders of Kanha National Park, which boasts the ideal habitat for both tigers and their prey species. Prime tiger wilderness, Kanha National Park was one of the first areas to be protected under Project Tiger, aimed at preserving this magnificent animal, and remains a renowned conservation success. This picturesque reserve is one of India s largest national parks and is renowned not only for its high number of tigers but as the last remaining habitat of the hard ground barasingha, or swamp deer. Lush sal and bamboo forests are interspersed with vast grassy meadows known as maidans, and the Banjaar River provides a steady water source for wildlife. MUMBAI Mumbai is an endlessly fascinating hive of activity. India s largest port is also the country s commercial and industrial centre, fashion capital and the heart of Bollywood (India s thriving movie industry). A melting pot for cultures from every corner of the country, Mumbai embodies a little bit of all India s diverse traditions rolled into one. Expect a jumble of captivating contradictions; grand colonial architecture rubs shoulders with chaotic bazaars, trendy restaurants, exclusive boutiques, slums and shanty towns, all interspersed with tropical palm trees. This bustling cosmopolitan metropolis offers everything from pavement stalls and ancient markets to glitzy malls. GIR NATIONAL PARK Located in Gujarat, Gir National Park is the last remaining habitat for Asiatic lion, and is a vast haven for other extraordinary wildlife such as leopard, three smaller cats (jungle cat, desert cat, and rusty spotted cat), Indian fox, nilgai, chinkara, sambar deer, jackal, wild boar, and striped hyena. Be sure to keep an eye out for the shy chowsingha, a four horned antelope which is an incredibly impressive sight. The terrain is dry and deciduous, ideal for the resident lion and an abundance of birdlife, notably the under-threat white-backed and long-billed vultures that perch on stark trees.

6 EXPECT THE EXTRAORDINARY 1 night Pullman Aerocity New Delhi Delhi India Arrive in Delhi and rest at your hotel before embarking on your wild adventure Upon your arrival in bustling Delhi, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from &Beyond who will personally assist you through customs and immigration, and the baggage collection process. You will then be driven to the Pullman Aerocity New Delhi. A sophisticated contemporary hotel, it is in close proximity to both the international and domestic airport terminals. Easily connected through the Airport Express Line, a mere five minutes away, the hotel is located close to the commercial business hubs of Gurgaon and New Delhi, and Delhi s shopping malls including DLF Promenade. A fascinating history awaits you here in Delhi, a modern vibrant metropolitan city with crumbling, ancient buildings juxtaposed with gleaming stylish architectural wonders.

7 EXPECT THE EXTRAORDINARY 3 nights at Diphlu River Lodge Kaziranga National Park India Seek out Asian elephant at Kaziranga National Park Enjoy a delicious breakfast and then you will be driven by car to the airport for your flight to Jorhat via Guwahati. On arrival at Jorhat Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and driven to the nearby Haroo Charai Tea Estate for a delicious lunch, followed by a walk around the estate to learn about the tea making process. You will then be driven to the Diphlu River Lodge, featuring magnificent jungle views. Cottages look out into tangled foliage and are raised off the ground on stilts. Perfectly blending into the natural surroundings the air-conditioned rooms are beautifully decorated with unique local artefacts. Over the next three days you will have an incredible opportunity to explore Kaziranga National Park, home to some of India s largest mammals, Kaziranga boasts a thriving population of one-horned rhino, Asian elephant and Asiatic wild buffalo.

8 EXPECT THE EXTRAORDINARY 1 night ITC Sonar Bangla Kolkata India Arrive in Kolkata and enjoy your beautiful accommodation Experience a short morning safari drive and then be driven to Guwahati Airport for your flight to Kolkata via Guwahati. On arrival you will be warmly welcomed and driven by car to your hotel, the sophisticated ITC Sonar. The contemporary ITC Sonar is a sophisticated architectural hotel that juxtaposes with the richly embellished materials of classical Kolkata. Nestled on a vast expanse of lush greenery and shimmering bodies of water, it is easily accessible, and as much as it is a business hotel the ambiance is one of open, natural warmth. Kolkata is a fascinating montage of beautiful architecture, captivating history and culture. Once the stronghold of the British, Kolkata still exudes a refined atmosphere befitting of the Raj.

9 EXPECT THE EXTRAORDINARY 3 nights Singinawa Jungle Lodge Kanha National Park India Be captivated by dynamic tigers at Kanha National Park It s an early morning start where you will be driven by car to the airport with a packed breakfast, for your flight to Raipur. On arrival you will be warmly welcomed and driven to the beautiful Singinawa Jungle Lodge in Kanha National Park. Singinawa Jungle Lodge is situated in the heartland of the magnificent tiger. The main building is structured around an exotic Indian tree and draws on classic architecture, featuring imposing brick walls and panoramic windows that welcome early morning sun rays. Stone cottages are nestled around distinctly native trees over wide expansive grounds. Over the next three days, explore Kanha National Park on early morning and afternoon game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. End your daily adventures at the lodge s palatial pool, or indulge in an oriental spa treatment that both rejuvenates and heals.

10 EXPECT THE EXTRAORDINARY 1 night Taj Santa Cruz Mumbai India Delve into the bustling, whirling power city of Mumbai Enjoy a morning game drive in Kanha and after an early lunch you will be driven to Raipur Airport for your flight to Mumbai. You will be warmly welcomed on arrival and transferred to the Taj Santa Cruz, which is a mere 10 minutes drive from the airport. Situated in a bustling and commercial section of Mumbai, close to the film and fashion suburbs of Andheri and Bandra, the Taj Santa Cruz is a fine example of the architectural features of art deco and palatial design. The warm and welcoming lobby features an imposing, crystal chandelier. Delight in some of Mumbai s finest restaurants, conveniently situated in the sprawling hotel, revel in the expansive pool and in-house Jiva Spa. Mumbai is a jumble of captivating contradictions, grand colonial architecture rubs shoulders with chaotic bazaars, trendy restaurants, exclusive boutiques, slums and shanty towns, all interspersed with beautiful, tropical palm trees.

11 EXPECT THE EXTRAORDINARY 3 nights Fern Gir Forest Resort Gir National Park India Discover Asiatic lions in Gir National Park Spend your morning at leisure in Mumbai and after an early lunch, you will be driven to the airport for your flight to Rajkot. You will be welcomed on arrival and driven to the Fern Gir Forest Resort in Gir National Park. The resort is built in an ethnic style inspired by local design and offers an array of well-appointed, air-conditioned villas, suites, cottages and tents. True to an authentic experience of living in undisturbed nature, the resort ensures the environment remains protected with The Fern s award-winning, environmentally sensitive programmes. Famed as the last natural habitat of the Asiatic lion, Gir National Park is known as a rich biodiversity area that forms a haven for a number of endangered wildlife species. The reserve supports not only the Asiatic lions, but also India s highest densities of leopard and marsh crocodile.

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