India Tiger Safari

We loved the entire trip. It took us to three very different National Parks, all of which were fascinating and the scenery was surprisingly different. India is so full of colour and noise that even the long drives between parks were interesting, allowing us a glimpse of rural life in India. The hotels (lodges) were quite varied. Our favourite was the last, at Bandhavsgar. The gardens were beautiful and I managed to photograph what is, apparently, a rare bird, from our balcony. The birds were superb, colourful and noisy. And then, there's the Tigers!!

My wife and I had a fantastic holiday on an Exodus Private Tour as the group tour was already full. Our guide, Krishna, has been doing these tours for about 14 years and made the whole time very easy and enjoyable for us. In the national parks, he quite often spotted animals and birds before the official guides. He also tried to ensure that we had drivers that he had worked with before which was also very valuable. The official guides in the parks are very much hit and miss. Some of them are just starting and didn't know what all of the animals were called; others were very knowledgable (one even had his own guide books in which he pointed out the flora and fauna). As the trip notes states, it can be cold in the mornings and a substantial fleece is needed. However, as soon as the sun comes up, the temperature was very nice. During the 15 game drives, we had 5 tiger sighting (one mother and two-year old cub; one male; one rear end of a male; one mother and four young cubs; and a tigress sunbathing on the road). Apart from all of the deer and different birds, we also saw a leopard; a sloth bear; a jungle cat; jackals; and wild dogs. The food was served buffet style and was very good everywhere that we stayed. The accommodation was also quite good although one of the rooms smelled very musty but leaving the windows open mostly sorted out. Everywhere that we stayed, the staff were very friendly and helpful and as soon as we asked for anything, it was quickly sorted out. The train was ok but not very comfortable and, if you can't handle bad smells, Indian railway stations are going to be an unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, it was a bit misty when we got to Agra so didn't get a perfect view of the Taj Mahal. However, Krishna had already been in contact with the local guide (who was also excellent) and we had decided that going there at either sunrise or sunset was going to be a waste of time. We went mid-morning and then on to Agra's red fort afterwards. All in all, it was a wonderful trip and I would very happily recommend it.

Land of the Tiger  Tourists expect, travellers experience. Of nowhere is this more true than India.Unpack preconceptions and expectations, replace them with a sense of adventure and a sense of humour!The busy streets teem with life and colour. Ox carts brush flank to wing with limousines, brightly painted trucks play chicken with cycle rickshaws.The flaming flash of tigers moving proudly through the jungle, confident in their own superiority.  Langours lazing languorously in the sun, bemused by four wheeled creatures with clicking cameras. Leopards, deer, jungle cats, wild dogs and jackals. Beautiful birds in blues and greens decorate the trees.All this and the Taj Mahal. A timely reminder of the amazing skills of the Indian artisans. Forts and temples beautifully preserved.Accommodation from 5 star luxury, through to simple lodges, in stunning surroundings, to a basic couple of nights on a train!Throw in the colour and fun (?) of Holi Festival. A warning here for ladies with blonde locks, they will end up pink!A truly wonderful and memorable trip.

This was a great trip for seeing Tigers in the wild a very enjoyable couple of weeks , a good mix of adventure , relaxation and culture , for the first time visitor to India it certainly gives a good insight to local life but at the same time mainly focusing on the safari's , the Tigers and wildlife !! Our group had some great sightings we saw 17 Tigers including cubs ...An amazing time ....

Very well organised trip to three parks where chances of tiger sightings are high and we were delighted to have many good sightings

Overall, a really excellent holiday. We received exactly what was described in the broacher. The staff were excellent and went out their way to provide for us.

I had wanted to visit India for 60 years and I was not disappointed. A fabulous country. Everything I had hoped for....and more. It probably hasn't changed since I first thought of going! My daughter arranged the trip as a surprise because my husband had never wanted to go. We had an excellent mixed group of people. From 23years old to 68years old. Male and female. A great experience to share with like minded people. The trip is by no means leisurely, Very long days in bumpy jeeps over rough terrain. But I loved every minute!

We had a great experience on this holiday. The lodges were all free wifi, albeit a bit slow. 2 of the 3 had pools, great for the free time between 11 and 2.30 between game drives. At the 3rd lodge the pool was being renovated which was a shame. Saw 6 tigers ncluding a fleeting glimpse of 3 cubs on 4 of the 16 game drives we experienced.

As with any wildlife holiday there are no guarantees, but the viewings that we did have were fantastic. Tigers, leopards, sloth bears and much more.

Beautiful game parks, fantastic wildlife, good accommodation. Altogether a great experience.