06 Jun 2006
Help stop the decline of the mighty Bengal Tiger through responsible tourism � Colours of India, a member of Tour Operators For Tigers has the perfect itinerary to catch a glimpse of this majestic creature whilst contributing to their much needed conservation.
A nationwide survey has revealed that India�s tiger population has halved in the last four years, with figures barely reaching 1, 500. There are more tigers found in captivity in the US than there are in the wild. Increasing demands upon the tiger's habitat have undoubtedly contributed to the decline, but the biggest threats come from poaching and the illegal trade of tiger skins.
Tourism can play an integral part in tiger conservation. The revenue from park entrance fees goes towards the protection and management of environmentally sensitive areas. This money is also channeled into the local community providing jobs as well as educating local people about the value of a living tiger and the importance of its preservation. By visiting and supporting these parks tourists are contributing to conservation and helping to raise much needed national and international awareness of the tiger�s plight.
For the ultimate tiger viewing experience, Bandhavgarh National Park cannot be missed. Originally the private game reserve and hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Rewa, Bandhavgarh is named after the ancient fort built on 800m high cliffs which can be reached after a steep walk! The park is home to one of the highest densities of tigers in India. The striking white tiger, now only found in zoos, was first discovered in Rewa not far from Bandhavgarh. The park is renowned for its biodiversity, with over 250 species of birds, as well as monkey, sloth bear, gazelle and leopard, to name just a few.
Located in the heartland of India, Kanha National Park is not only the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling�s The Jungle Book but also one of the best sanctuaries to see tigers. The park spreads over 1,945 sq. km. of dense forest, interspersed with extensive meadows, lakes and streams. Tigers share the park with a plethora of birds, as well as bison, barking deer, black buck, sloth bear, monkey and leopard.
Both Kanha and Bandhavgarh use four-seater jeeps instead of the packed 20-seater vehicles, a common sight in the more touristy Ranthambore. In order to get that little bit closer to a tiger, nothing beats looking down on these magnificent carnivores from the back of an Indian elephant!
For ultimate luxury on a tiger holiday, a stay at the exquisite and BRAND NEW Tuli Tiger Resort in the very heart of Kanha is a must. With eight sumptuous safari styled tents complete with air conditioning, the grounds boast a swimming pool and a natural lake from which fishing can be arranged. Luxury permanent tents and wooded thatched huts are also available in Camp Mewar, set in ten acres of lush woodland on Bandhavgarh�s periphery. The al-fresco dining around camp fires is delightful.
Colours of India offer a 16 night holiday which includes two nights in Bandhavgarh and three nights in Kanha guaranteeing ample opportunities to see a tiger, as well as time to discover the delights of India.
WHEN TO GO: End of October to mid April (parks close during our Summer months)
PRICES FROM: �3422 per person with return Economy class flights with Virgin Airlines, flying in to Bombay and out from Delhi. Price includes all transfers, hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis (excluding Sher Garh and Camp Mewar, which are on a full board basis), park entrance fees and ten game drives. For more information and a detailed description of the itinerary check out the Colours of India website (www.partnershiptravel.co.uk/web/page/803/default.asp)
Colours of India is a UK-based tour operator providing luxury individually-tailored holidays to India, Indian Ocean Islands, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Dubai. The team comprises dedicated individuals who have detailed specialized knowledge on the Asian subcontinent and have visited the locations themselves.
For further information about tailor-made holidays in India please contact Colours on 020 8343 3446 or email info@partnershiptravel.co.uk
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For further press information and images please contact Taffeta on 020 8343 3446 or email taffeta@partnershiptravel.co.uk
