About the Experience
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment you fell in love with India. Was it that misty morning you watched a wild tiger moving through the meadow? Or was it sitting by the campfire surrounded by ancient Banyan trees that enveloped you like a dreamy fairytale from the pages of The Jungle Book, feeling as if you were floating in a sea of winking stars?
Maybe it was all of the moments wound together: learning to make Masala Chai from scratch, your fingers fragrant and colored with spice. Seeing a sloth bear creeping through the bamboo… Exploring the Satpura Tiger Reserve, the birdsong in your ears like the soundtrack to a lost paradise, and you wind all of these experiences around you, tighter and tighter, in the same fashion that you wound yourself in the dazzling crimson cloth of your Sari.
Each evening you sit in the deep harmony of the jungle under the stars and feel part of it all, vibrating with the wonder of everything you have witnessed that day. You hold up your hennaed hands, the beautiful swirls of design almost magical in the moonlight. And you wrap your arms around yourself, trying to contain the wild beauty of this adventure. Mowgli has nothing on you.
Wild Women Expeditions is a proud member of the TOFTigers India Wildlife Association. TOFTigers goal is to improve the ecological and economic sustainability of the wild lands and wildlife across South Asia.
About the Experience
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment you fell in love with India. Was it that misty morning you watched a wild tiger moving through the meadow? Or was it sitting by the campfire surrounded by ancient Banyan trees that enveloped you like a dreamy fairytale from the pages of The Jungle Book, feeling as if you were floating in a sea of winking stars?
Maybe it was all of the moments wound together: learning to make Masala Chai from scratch, your fingers fragrant and colored with spice. Seeing a sloth bear creeping through the bamboo… Exploring the Satpura Tiger Reserve, the birdsong in your ears like the soundtrack to a lost paradise, and you wind all of these experiences around you, tighter and tighter, in the same fashion that you wound yourself in the dazzling crimson cloth of your Sari.
Each evening you sit in the deep harmony of the jungle under the stars and feel part of it all, vibrating with the wonder of everything you have witnessed that day. You hold up your hennaed hands, the beautiful swirls of design almost magical in the moonlight. And you wrap your arms around yourself, trying to contain the wild beauty of this adventure. Mowgli has nothing on you.
Wild Women Expeditions is a proud member of the TOFTigers India Wildlife Association. TOFTigers goal is to improve the ecological and economic sustainability of the wild lands and wildlife across South Asia.
ARRIVAL DAY:
You will schedule your flights to Raipur through Delhi or Mumbai, and with the time difference and long journey, you may wish to spend a night or two in one of those cities. On Day 1 of your trip, fly from Delhi or Mumbai via a domestic flight to Raipur.
DAY ONE: KANHA BEGINS
Our tour officially begins with a pick up from Raipur airport. Plan your flight to arrive between 8 am and 11 am, and your guide will be there to greet you. If you’re early, you may be sent to the park right away, or we’ll grab some refreshments at a local hotel restaurant.
One of the largest and most scenic National Parks in India, Kanha National Park is an ideal habitat for both tigers and their prey. The lush sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows and ravines of Kanha shelter a significant population of rare species such as tiger, leopard and sloth bear. Kanha’s mixed forests are interspersed with vast meadows known as maidens, where perennial streams provide a source of water for the wildlife even in the hot summers.
Kanha meadow, with its hundreds of chital grazing on a carpet of green grass against the backdrop of the majestic Sal forest, is well known for its endangered swamp deer, or hard ground barasingha, which populate the large open tracks of grass amidst the forests of teak and bamboo. Brought back from the brink of extinction, these handsome animals are a remarkable conservation success story for Kanha.
We will stay for 4 nights at the historic Kanha Jungle Lodge, one of the original lodges in this area, built by the founder of Project Tiger, one of the earliest tiger conservation initiatives in India.
Kanha Jungle Lodge is spread over approximately 10.6 acres with 18 spacious rooms which are made up of locally available materials. The rooms have big windows/doors of glass to welcome lots of natural light and air to come in, thus reducing the burden on artificial lighting. The lodge is actively working for the training of local guides, forest guards community awareness programs on environmental issues, medical camps for villagers around various national parks etc. There is also a medicinal garden in the lodge where different varieties of medicinal plants are grown along with brief descriptions of their medicinal uses and parts used. We’ll enjoy nature walks along the river to explore the native plants and enjoy the vibrant bird life around the lodge.
Meals Included: Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Kanha Jungle Lodge, Cottage
DAY TWO TO FOUR: KANHA NATIONAL PARK
You will wake up to misty mornings and sounds of birds calling, which will make for an exciting start to your day. As soon as dawn breaks, we’ll leave for your Jungle Safari, accompanied by a resident naturalist and forest park guides in 4x 4 Jeeps. We’ll be treated to panoramic views of the landscape made famous by “The Jungle Book”, and open vehicles give us space to listen to the sounds of the jungle, tracking tigers through the sound of mating calls, alarm calls, distress calls or just a casual roar. We’ll tour the park, keeping our eyes wide open for wild animal sightings, and enjoy a picnic breakfast in the middle of the Jungle. We’ll return to our lodge later each morning to leisure or go for a guided nature walk and have lunch.
In the afternoon we’ll continue with our safari adventure and later return to our lodge for a gourmet buffet dinner and star gazing around the campfire.
Additional program activities at Kanha include:
Cooking classes: We’ll learn how to make masala chai and some simple snacks like pakora or crispy okra, Indian breads and curry. We’ll learn about Indian spices how they can be used and their secret medicinal uses.
Sari draping: We’ll learn the art of the traditional Indian sari-style dress and have a fun evening learning traditional dance moves! Both turban winding and donning a sari are intricate processes, each requiring deft handling of four meters or 13 feet of fabric. Learn the intricacies of draping a sari and dress up like a local lady, under the watchful eye and guidance of a ‘sari-draping’ expert.
Henna Tattoo (Mehandi) Demonstration: Mehndi is a ceremonial art form which originated in the ancient Indian subcontinent. It is typically applied during weddings – for brides. Traditional Hindu or Sikh weddings in India can often be long, ritualistic, and elaborate affairs with many pre-wedding, wedding and post wedding ceremonies. Different countries and regions of a country celebrate the ceremonies in different ways according to their own marriage customs, rituals, and culture. While it is popularly known as decorative material & in this process, we provide a local artist to decorate your hands by applying Henna tattoo on your hands.
Nature walks: Take in the sounds, sights and smells of the jungle. Our nature walks are designed in a way to encourage you to use all your senses, to be present in the moment, to learn to identify birds from their calls and plants from their leaves. Let our naturalist guides regale you with tales from the bush, let them teach you about the forest and how all its inhabitants contribute to our survival.
Elephant Observation: Elephants and park conservation staff engage in forest activities such as tracking tigers and patrolling against poachers. The elephants are then brought down to the Banjar River in the afternoon, where you can see them splashing in mud and bathing in the river, brushed down by their Mahouts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Kanha Jungle Lodge, Cottage
DAY FIVE: PENCH NATIONAL PARK
After your leisurely breakfast, we’ll drive 4 hours on to Pench National Park.
Pench National Park has been one of the best-kept secrets among wildlife enthusiasts who have long been acquainted with and bedazzled by its immensely varied flora and fauna. Dominated by a fairly open canopy of mixed forest, predominantly teak, with open grassy patches, the park boasts the highest density of herbivores in any Indian park. It has a large diversity of wildlife, including Leopard, Tiger, Jungle Cat, Dhole (Wild Dog), Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Mongoose, Gaur and the highest density of Herbivores including Cheetal (Spotted Deer) and Sambar.
We’ll arrive at our next jungle home, in the village of Jamtara, near Pench National Park. Jamtara Wilderness Lodge is a luxury tented property in the heart of rural Pench.
Surrounded by tall Arjuna Trees and an ancient Banyan rooted on a dry riverbed, each tented room overlooks the forest which set the perfect background to this jungle experience, each luxury tent is designed to feel light and open, allowing guests the optimum view of nature. With the option of rolling up the front panels of the tent, you can bring the outside in but still being in the privacy of your own room. Although, these are tented rooms and the bathroom has been made into a permanent structure for the comfort of the guests. “Glamping” at its finest! While many may sleep inside the tent, some may feel a little more connected with nature and have the option of sleeping outside on their patio. Mosquito netting will keep the bugs away, quilts and hot water bottles will keep you cozy at night.
Since we also believe in supporting the community of our lodge, a “Machaan” night can be booked, to enjoy sleeping under the stars, just like the villagers. These Machaans are built on the land of the farmers and an amount of the night’s rate will be paid to the farmer. Sleeping up high on stilts will allow you to watch the sky and everything below…
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Jamtara Wilderness Camp, Luxury Tent
DAY SIX TO SEVEN: JAMTARA WILDERNESS
Each morning will feature Jungle Safaris, accompanied by a resident naturalist and forest Park guide in 4x 4 Jeeps. Meals will be at the camp.
In the afternoons, we’ll also enjoy daily nature walks led by our naturalist guide or a safari. Located at the edge of the wildlife-rich buffer zone forests at the northern end of Pench Tiger Reserve and separated from the core area by a narrow tongue of seasonal crop land, Jamtara Wilderness is perfectly placed to explore the jungle on foot – the only way to truly appreciate and experience the wilderness in its adrenaline-tingling, fascinating entirety.
Separated from the jungle by a dry nallah that is the nighttime corridor for much wildlife including leopard, this prime location allows you the fantastic opportunity to head out into the jungle at first light searching for tracks of big cats including the tigers that frequent these forests and the evidence of their potential prey. As with all of Pench, the Jamtara forests too are dense with a rich variety of figs whose prolific fruiting acts like an ecological force multiplier attracting frugivorous mammals and a multitude of birds both fruit-eating and those hawking for the insects that cluster around the figs.
It is not just the richness of wildlife that makes a walk in the Jamtara forests so special; it is the isolation- no other lodges or camps, no great congregations of villages – allowing you the incredible privilege of waiting undisturbed in a forest clearing watching and photographing all the many little things that make a jungle come alive or waiting for a leopard to move from its kill or even quietly following the pack of wild dogs that live here as they trot half-seen through the trees. This is indeed a unique offering at Jamtara.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Jamtara Wilderness Camp, Luxury Tent
DAY EIGHT: SATPURA NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, we’ll drive 5 hours to Satpura National Park, where we will be based at the luxurious Reni Pani Jungle Lodge.
In the afternoon we’ll head out for a canoe ride on Satpura River. Each canoe will include a local guide to show you the sweetest wildlife watching spots along the river and estuary. The calmness of water may be interrupted occasionally by the honking of Bar Headed Geese or the deafening screeches of a Black Ibis. We’ll drift in narrow creeks observing hordes of grazing herbivores on the shores and possibly sighting an alligator basking in the sun. This is water-level dependent, and if it’s not possible, we’ll head out on a safari or a walk.
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge is an exquisitely designed conservation and wildlife-focused lodge located close to the Satpura National park and Tiger Reserve. It features 12 luxury cottages encompassing 3 distinct structural designs, a cozy central meeting place called the Gol Ghar & a jungle pool located along its seasonal nullah. It’s spread over 30 acres of striking forest cover typical of Satpura. The camp-site features exactly what a nature lover would want, magnificent trees, a sprawling meadow, a seasonal nullah, uneven yet beautiful topography & waterholes that attract several species of birds & animals.
The Satpura Tiger Reserve is an amalgamation of the Satpura National Park, the Bori Wild Life Sanctuary & the Pachmarhi Sanctuary. This prime wildlife habitat is relatively unknown & is rightly believed to be one of India’s best-kept secrets. Here, we can explore true wilderness without the crowds. The park offers a diverse & unique range of activities. Apart from Jeep, Elephant & Boat Safaris, Satpura is the only park of its kind in Central India that offers Walking Safaris, giving enthusiasts a ‘one of a kind’ opportunity to explore tiger country on foot.
You are likely to sight Leopards, Sloth Bear, Indian Wild Dogs, hordes of Indian Gaur, Sambhar plus other herbivores found in Central India. Satpura is also the Northern most range of the Malabar Giant Squirrel. The sheer diversity of animals, the presence of several bird species, numerous species of endemic butterflies & the luxury of exploring this 1,500 square km expanse of classic Central Indian wildlife habitat in so many different ways make Satpura a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Cottage
DAY NINE: SATPURA UNDER CANVAS
Satpura Under Canvas is a unique mobile camping and walking expedition through the Satpura forest. After morning safari, depart from Reni Pani Jungle Lodge to an exclusive campsite set up. After settling in guests will be escorted by expert naturalist for an evening walking safari in the core area of the Satpura National Park. Although the walk will focus on the smaller aspects of the forest like tracks and signs, flora, butterflies, wildflowers and insects, guests can also expect to see a wide array of Central Indian birds including Black Naped Orioles, Malabar Pied Hornbills, Crested Hawk Eagles, Grey Headed Fish Eagles and many more.
You will also get a chance to see common mammals like the Sambar Deer, Nilgai, Gaur, Four-horned Antelope, Muntaj, Indian Giant Squirrel and if lucky even the Sloth Bear, Leopard and Wild Dog. You will spend the night at the campsite.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Under Canvas – Camping
DAY TEN: SATPURA SAFARI
After an early breakfast, we will set out on a morning walking safari.
In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a final game drive in the park. Apart from tigers this expanse of dry deciduous forest and is home to a number of species of animals, leopards, Wild Dogs, Sloth Bear, Indian Gaur, Sambhar, Wild Boar, Cheetal, Nilgai, Barking Deer, Black Buck and langoor are amongst the widely viewed animals here. The forest’s true wilderness and limited exposure to human pressure have enabled it to host some rare Indian fauna including the Hyena, the Flying Squirrel, and the porcupine. Satpura Tiger Reserve is also a birdwatcher’s paradise.
We’ll return to overnight at Reni Pani Jungle Lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Cottage
DAY ELEVEN: FAREWELL
After a leisurely and hearty breakfast at the lodge, we will say our farewells and drive 4 hours to Bhopal airport to connect with your international flight to Delhi or other destination.
You may also continue onwards to our wonders of Agra and Varanasi extension-see above!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Click here to see upcoming trip dates to book your spot!EXTEND YOUR STAY IN INDIA!
If you would like to extend your journey with us in India, we offer a unique 3-night program to tour the wonders of Agra and Varanasi. The extension tour is an additional $1,695 USD. This extension is only offered as an add on to to the Jungles & Jewels Adventure.
Please contact adventure@wildwomenexpeditions.com to book!
DAY ELEVEN: BHOPAL TO AGRA
From Bhopal, transfer to the railway station to board the 6-hour train ride to Agra.
Dinner and Accommodation will be at the ITC Mughal Hotel.
DAY TWELVE: THE TAJ MAHAL
At sunrise, we’ll visit the world-famous, architectural wonder, the Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
After the Taj we’ll head for breakfast to Sheroes Cafe, run by survivors of acid-attacks, to celebrate and be inspired by the courageous Indian women who are rebuilding their lives and livelihoods in the wake of extreme violence.
Following, we’ll take a visit to the marble and embroidery shops to learn about the traditional artistry of India and perhaps find a unique treasure to bring home with us!
Later transfer to Agra airport to take a 2-hour flight on to Varanasi.
Varanasi, known to the devout as Kashi, is said to have been founded by Shiva, Lord of the Universe. One of the oldest living cities in the world, and also one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, Varanasi is a major tourist attraction. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, the city has been a center of learning and civilization for over 2000 years.
We’ll spend 2 nights at an enchanting garden lodge, the Panchkote Raj Ganges. Located on the banks of the Ganges, it is a living testimony to the great values and extraordinary hospitality of the bygone era. Varanasi may have changed over the years but the atmosphere of tranquillity and serenity still remains inside the Panchkote Raj House. Immerse yourself in an environment of blissful silence accompanied by nearby melodies of chants that emerge from the temple nearby.
DAY THIRTEEN: VARANASI
This will be a magical day of adventure in one of the great spiritual centers of civilization.
We’ll set out on a sunrise boat ride on River Ganges to see people praying and bathing and to witness burning ghat.
Later, we’ll walk through the mystical landscape of poets, sacred temples, holy ponds near Assighat, the southernmost embankment of the holy Ganga river, in the footsteps of 16th century Banaras poet and mystic Pandit Goswami Tulsidas, translator of the sacred Ramayana text.
We’ll take a walking tour of the city alongside the Ganges, to visit the Goddess temples and learn about Devis and the worship of the feminine Shakti in India, from ancient times to the present day.
In the evening, we are back to the Ganges for glittering evening Aarti (prayer) ceremony and a sunset cruise on the Ganges. Here you will witness striking religious rituals being performed—a truly unique experience.
DAY FOURTEEN: VARANASI DEPARTURE
After breakfast and a sunrise yoga session on the banks of the Ganga, we’ll offer a transfer to Varanasi airport to catch your flight for the onward destination, or you can stay on in Varanasi to explore more at your leisure!
We recommend you plan your travel to India as follows:
- International flight to India via Delhi or Mumbai
- Overnight in Delhi or Mumbai
- Domestic flight from Delhi or Mumbai to Raipur (RPR) on Day 1. Consider staying one night in Delhi or Mumbai to allow for potential flight delays and so that you are well rested and ready to meet your group on Day 1.
If you are arriving on Day 1, please choose a flight arriving in Raipur before 12 noon.
Group Rendezvous Point
There are two pick-up points:
Raipur Airport (RPR)
- Date: Day 1
- Time: Between 10:00 AM and 12 NOON
- Location: Arrivals Section, Raipur Airport (RPR)
Courtyard by Marriott
- Date: Day 1
- Time: Between 12 NOON and 12:30 PM
- Location: Lobby of the Courtyard by Marriottl
Notes about Pick-Up
- Your guide will be waiting at the airport. Disembark, grab your luggage and meet your guide at the designated area. She will be holding a Wild Women Expeditions sign.
- We suggest taking any flight to Raipur that lands before 12 NOON, so we can drive to Kanha Jungle Lodge together.
- If you are arriving in Raipur prior to Day 1 of our trip, please be at the arrivals section of the airport terminal no later than noon to meet your guide, or in the lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott (see above) at noon.
- Depending on the number of guests who have landed, you will either set off immediately for Kanha or we will take you to a nearby hotel for coffee and refreshments until the rest of our party has arrived.
- From Raipur, we will begin our 5-hour drive from to Kanha National Park to begin our adventure!
If arriving early and spending the night in Raipur, we recommend Courtyard by Marriottl. The hotel is 10 minutes-drive from Raipur airport.
- We leave Satpura after breakfast at around 9 AM and drive to Bhopal (3 hours). We will stop for lunch at Jehan Numa Palace (included).
- Please choose a flight departing Bhopal late in the afternoon or in the evening.
Wild Women Expeditions recommends that you plan your departure as follows:
- Domestic flight Bhopal to Delhi or Mumbai
- Overnight in Delhi or Mumbai
- International flight from India via Delhi or Mumbai
Be sure to add your flight departure information to your Travel Details Form.
Alternatively, those taking our Trip Extension, we will transfer you to the Bhopal railway station for a train to Agra.
Drop-Off Point:
- Date: Day 11
- Time: 9 AM departure from lodge, drop off at airport (BHO) after lunch
- Location: After lunch at Jehan Numa Palace, transfer to Raja Bhoj Airport or Bhopal Railway Station.
If you wish to extend your stay in Bhopal, we recommend booking at the following:
- Jahan Numa Palace – an old palace heritage hotel
- Jehan Numa Retreat – new modern spa resort
You are responsible for booking your own flights or other transport arrangements to the trip start location. These arrangements and any other independent arrangements that you may make are not a part of the trip booked with Wild Women Expeditions and are entirely at your own risk. Wild Women Expeditions accepts no responsibility, directly or indirectly, for any loss, damage or injury to property or person in connection with such arrangements.
Should you require assistance with your travel arrangements, please contact:
Megan and Zale | Now Boarding Travel Travel Specialist
Email: wildwomen@nowboarding.travel
Note: Now Boarding Travel only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.
Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. For these reasons, we encourage you to consider arriving a day early, which will also help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!
- Passport
Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules. For Canadians, you can find information specific to entering India here; for U.S. citizens, click here.
Important: A copy of your passport must be emailed to the Wild Women Expeditions office by 130-days pre-trip.
- Visa
Everyone needs to apply for a visa before arriving in India.
Some nationalities can obtain a 60-day e-Tourist visa/Visa on Arrival. You can also apply online. This is valid from the day you arrive.
If your application is approved, you will receive an attachment to an email, which you’ll need to print out and take with you to the airport. You’ll then have the e-Tourist visa stamped into your passport at the airport, hence the term ‘Visa on Arrival’, though you need to apply for it beforehand. It is valid from the date of arrival.
If you are from Canada, you can find more information on obtaining an e-Tourist visas: here.
You’ll need a local host address, which will be our partner, Encounters Asia:
- Address: Suite # 206, Rakeshdeep, 11 Commercial Complex, Gulmohar Enclave, New Delhi – 110 049 (India)
- Tel: +91-11-26516770, 26853760
- Fax: +91-11-26865212
- E-mail: info@encountersasia.com
If you would like additional assistance in securing your visa, we recommend you consider using the services of CIBTVisas.
Click HERE if you are in the USA.
Click HERE if you are in Canada.
Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
There is no obligation to tip your guides, but many participants do when they feel they were provided great service. We are often asked what an appropriate amount is; most participants who provide a gratuity for their guides have each tipped in the range of $8 – 12 USD per person per day or $80 – 120 USD total.
- Rooming Arrangements
Our trip prices are based on a twin share (minimum of two women per room/tent), so we’ll team you up with another solo wild woman to share with if you’re on your own, or of course, you can share with your travel partner. Single rooms are available and are subject to availability. Please contact support@wildwomenexpeditions.com to request for a single room.
- Bathrooms
All lodges feature western-style flush toilets and have hot water showers.
- Internet / WiFi / Cell Coverage
Electricity is available at each lodge but ONLY for charging batteries. There is no wifi/internet or cell service so prepare to unplug and enjoy the sounds of nature!
- Potable Water
Bottled water is provided throughout the trip. Never drink tap water. Bottled water is generally safe – check the seal is intact. Avoid ice unless you know it has been made hygienically. Be careful of fresh juices served at street stalls in particular – they may have been watered down or may be served in unhygienic jugs/glasses.
If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!
The rooms are facilities including attached bath with running hot and cold showers and comfortable furniture. All rooms have twin beds (as in image right) with reading lights, a writing table, and lounge chairs, large luggage rack etc. and even a hot water bottle at night. The lodge is built with a small footprint and uses eco-friendly practices such as solar energy, so no high energy use appliances please (hairdryers etc.).
Each luxury tent provides an optimum view of nature. With the option of rolling up the front panels of the tent, you can bring the outside in but still be in the privacy of your own room. Although these are tented rooms, the bathroom is ensuite.
While many may sleep inside the tent, some may feel a little more connected with nature and have the option of sleeping outside on their patio. Mosquito netting will keep the bugs away, quilts and hot water bottles will keep the cold away.
An exquisitely designed conservation and wildlife-focused lodge located close to the Satpura National park and Tiger Reserve. Relax on the spacious deck with a brilliant view of the nallah and the forest. These cottages feature lavish bathrooms with running hot water and an outdoor shower.
- Capital City: New Delhi
- Language: Hindi, English
- Population: 1.252 billion (2013) World Bank
- Religion: Predominantly Hindu, with Islam and Christian
- Government: Federal parliamentary constitutional republic
- Currency: Rupee
230V/50Hz. Plugs have two round pins.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/2OrNFXKq4Ult7GA9lxAllKJgvS9vS3_BFgr7wJca2JQBhMdSJBEC1dvkuC-vlziySeH0F3p4RpCYxXVeXMPqeaQT1l7BcSzdclU5Xu7bsrxKglDPdL9Dfi_8p6ktStAc96y5G3AH
November is the introduction to Winter. The weather will start to get cold, so expect cold mornings with requirements for jackets. Please do not underestimate India for its winter, as mornings (at 5 AM), when you wake up for safaris will be cold and jackets will be required. You can expect temperatures of 5C/ 41F degrees centigrade in the morning, but during the day, it will go into mid 20sC/ 68F for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Hence, there is a big change in temperature. It is better to layer rather than having one big jacket. Rain is generally uncommon this time of year.
For the safari portion, be sure to pack your sunglasses, hatt and buffs for possible dust during safari drives. Keep hydrated as much as possible. More information on packing can be found in your packing list.
Travelers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals. Do not touch, pet or feed any animals. Approaching them too closely or taking flash photography will disturb them.
Wild Women Expeditions recommends that each participant should bring enough cash in local currency or available credit/debit funds to cover their meals during travel to and from their destination. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, meals not included in the trip package, shopping, etc., and we also suggest you have access to emergency funds.
- Currency Exchange Offices & Banks
Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter
We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.
- Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. We also recommend the use of cash in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they usually charge a 2-4% transaction fee.
- Credit Cards
Mastercard and Visa are the most accepted credit cards.
- Cash
This is the best way to pay for items in the communities we will be visiting.
A medical emergency situation is extremely unlikely; however, should it arise we need to be prepared with the necessary information to help you.
Important Note: If you choose not to disclose a condition, infirmity, injury, or ailment herein and are subsequently deemed to be unfit for expedition travel due in whole or in part to such condition, infirmity, injury or ailment, Wild Women Expeditions guides, and partners shall have the right to remove you from the trip with no refund or compensation payable. Any evacuation expenses incurred are payable by the evacuee via their medical travel insurance or personal expense.
Getting Fit
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women expedition. Not by a long shot! You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve with our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie.
That said, you’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation so your body is conditioned and ready to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors.
Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:
- Take every opportunity you can to be active.
You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!
- Rev up your ticker!.
Think ‘interval training’, which means doing short bursts of high intensity work with recovery time in between. Depending on how fit you are this can mean strolling with bursts of power walking, or jogging with sprints. Either way the aim is to get your heart rate up.
- Join a local walking or running group.
This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.
- Hill training.
The most spectacular views aren’t from the bottom of a valley – so the places we go on our trips aren’t flat. A little time training on hills and stairs is an investment that’ll pay off big-time when you’re on your trip. When it comes to hills there’s no hurry – get into a slow steady rhythm and you’ll be at the top before you know it.
- Practice ‘backpacking’.
Grab your backpack (or borrow one) and head for the hills! If you’re bringing your own backpack, practice adjusting the various straps so you know how it feels in different positions. We aren’t multi-day hiking every day, but you’ll be carrying a day pack almost everyday, so it’s well worth a bit of practice. Backpacks sit differently and so change your centre of balance when it’s full of gear so make sure you put a few pounds of weight in it in training.
- Break in your hiking boots.
Blisters and sore feet are no fun at all! So make sure that while you’re getting yourself ready you’re doing the same for your boots. Start by just wearing them around the house, then down the road, and walking the dog. Then ideally do a couple of decent length weekend hikes to prepare them for what is to come.
- Warm up, cool down and stretch.
If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.
- Hydration.
When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.
- Nutrition.
Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!
- Have fun!
The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.
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BOOK NOW -
Starting At$6,495Deposit$995Duration11 DAYS
- 🇺🇸USD PRICEFOREIGN EXCHANGE FEES MAY APPLY
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What's Included
- Stress-free airport transfers
- 10-night luxury eco-lodge accommodations in double rooms
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) from Day One dinner to Day 11 breakfast
- Water and snacks while on expedition (in vehicles)
- Sightseeing in national parks escorted by naturalist guide in air-conditioned private coaches and 4X4 vehicles
- Safari specialist, English speaking female tour leader
- Guided canoe outing
- All applicable lodge taxes and gratuities
- All entry fees to national parks
- Optional single room upgrade, subject to availability
- All applicable taxes are included in the trip price