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COCO’S ISLAND - Undersea Hunter, March 28-April 7 2010
The Best of Botswana and Cape Town Expedition, May 11-24 2010
Tonga Vava'u: Humpback Whale Watching Trip, August 19-28 2010
PNG: Febrina Special Liveaboard Trip, May 17-29 2011
Indonesia - Dive Damai - Triton Bay, Misool, Halmahera; April 24 - May 8 2012
Africa Discovery Group Trips

Tigers & Temples Safari in Luxury
November 16 - 24 2009

Dream Catcher II Liveaboard, Maldives
November 25 - 30 2009

Escorted by: Cindi LaRaia

Tigers & Temples Safari in Luxury, November 16 - 24 2009

COSTS(based on 6 passengers twin share) :
Land cost guaranteed for 2009 rate is $6,850.00 per person NEW RATE!
**single supplement will apply.
LOCAL AIR IN INDIA: as per itinerary DELHI/JABALPUR // KHAJURAHO/DELHI $496.00 Per Person
*** please note local air is subject to change, rate not guaranteed unless ticketed.***

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - NEW DELHI (16 Nov 2009)

Upon arrival at New Delhi International Airport by Singapore Airlines, you will be met by an India Safaris & Tours representative and transferred to the Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi.

Spend one night at the Oberoi’s Hotel in New Delhi. Accommodation is in a deluxe room with ensuite facilities. Your stay is on bed and breakfast.

DAY 2 - DELHI/JABALPUR/MAHUA KOTHI (17 Nov 2009)

This morning your scheduled transfer to the domestic terminal for the Air Deccan flight (07hr 10-09hr 55) to Jabalpur.On arrival at Jabalpur; you will be met by our India Safaris & Tours representative and transferred to Mahua Kothi: Bandhavgarh (approximately 4 hours by surface).

Airplane is an ATR aircraft-40 seater. (Only economy class available).

Tigers, (Panthera Tigris), the most mesmerizing and glorious example of Mother Nature’s perfection, are assuredly the pinnacle symbol of India’s ecological survival. They are a “keystone” species, and therefore the hope of a secure future for all the other magical wildlife species that are sheltered in its natural habitats. Without these wild and free natural guardians, the remaining 13.6% of the country’s jungle covered landmass will simply disappear under the axe. There is an unbearable and unrelenting amount of pressure on all India’s jungles from over 1 billion plus inhabitants, and too few people who have time to look at what is happening at the cost of the natural world, and all other life forms – their own included. The other species of fauna is equally important to all who truly care about Indian wildlife, but without Tigers & jungles these species will vanish too from the face of our world.

Madhya Pradesh’s Baiga & Gond Tribes have always revered their habitats, and it is primarily due to their ancient ecologically respectful way of life that the Government of India was able to establish in 1973 not one, but four of the nation’s Project Tiger Reserves in this verdant central state, namely at Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna and Pench.

Madhya Pradesh is known as the “Tiger State” of the Indian sub-continent, and has the best surviving jungle cover contributing to the survival of all central India’s flora and fauna – especially most this most magnificent of the world’s Big Cats. MP is also undoubtedly has the most opportunities and chances for meetings with Tigers that are still high. The ‘meetings’, (for you don’t see Tigers, or look and them - you meet them), of Tigers with humanity that have occurred in all of these reserves over the years have fuelled passion in the hearts of many, many, men and women to ensure Tigers survive to silently protect the natural green world of purity and calm. However, the pleas for even stricter protection laws, and even more severe punishment for the poachers, simply have to become more effective, and a global demand if Tigers are to win the right to survive.

You shall go for your first game drive inside the national park this afternoon.

Spend four nights at the CCAfrica / Taj Safaris Lodge; Mahua Kothi in Bandhavgarh. Accommodation is in a Kutiya (traditional jungle house). Your stay is on a full board basis including scheduled game safaris.

DAY 3/4/5 - BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
(18/19/20 Nov 2009)

Safaris in the Park

There are two safaris a day in Bandhavgarh National Park, one starting in the morning and the other late in the afternoon. While one can take one's petrol driven vehicles (diesel vehicles are not allowed), the best way to see the park and its inhabitants is by 4x4 open jeeps.

Our explorations inside the reserve will take the form of a mixture of early morning and evening jeep drives and trips on elephant back. Elephant rides cannot be guaranteed as this depends on the successful tracking of the tiger by the mahouts.

DAY 6 - BANDHAVGARH /KHAJURAHO (21 Nov 2009)

This morning after your morning game drive (around 11.00 Am) your private road transfer from Bandhavgarh to Khajuraho (approximately 6 hrs). On arrival in Khajuraho you shall be transferred to the Grand Temple view.

Khajuraho was once the capital of the Chandela Rajputs of Bundelkhand, who ruled over this part of India from the 9th to the 12th Centuries. The city derives its name "Khajuraho" from the Hindi word "Khajur", meaning date palm. These most attractive palms once flanked each side of the eight-gated walled enclosure of the city. The spectacular temples, described as Aryan Nagara styled temple architecture, are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma and Tirthankaras, are famous for their exquisite beauty and masterpieces of art work in stone. The frescos that adorn the temples intrigue the mind with their eroticism and replication of the wide variety of activities & beliefs that existed during that time. Today as a UNESCO world heritage site, Khajuraho boasts the largest group of medieval temples in existence, which originally numbered 80 temples, out of which only 25 remain today. These temples fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions - Hinduism and Jainism. The temples strike a perfect balance between architecture & sculpture, and represent the expression of a highly matured civilization.

Spend one night at the Grand Temple View Hotel in Khajuraho. Accommodation is in a superior room. Your stay is on bed and breakfast.

DAY 7 - KHAJURAHO/DELHI (22 Nov 2009)

This morning you shall be taken on a private sightseeing tour of the Khajuraho temples. Later your scheduled transfer to the domestic terminal for the Jet Airways flight (13hr 30-16hr 00) to Delhi. On arrival at New Delhi; you will be met by our India Safaris & Tours representative and transferred to the Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Spend one night at the Oberoi Hotel in New-Delhi. Accommodation is in a deluxe room. Your stay is on bed and breakfast.

DAY 8 - NEW DELHI/AGRA (23 Nov 2009)

This morning your private transfer to the New Delhi railway station to connect to the air conditioned express train to Agra (06:15- 08:10 ). On arrival in Agra you will be met by your guide and assisted to a guided tour of the Red Fort. Later you will check in at the Amarvilas hotel.

Late afternoon you will be taken on a guide tour of the Red Fort & the Taj Mahal.

Check In at Amarvilas is at 14:00 Hrs.

The city of Agra flourished under the patronage of the emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan and attracted artisians from Persia and central Asia. Agra is still famous for handicrafts products such as Inlay work on Marble, Carpets, Jeweler, Zari and Embroidery work. A few kilometers Northwest of Agra lies Sikandra Akbar’s mausoleum. Said to be one of the most elegant and harmonious buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal manifests the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in architecture and garden design, painting, and calligraphy. The 144 foot double dome of the Taj is capped with a finial and the four minarets each 131 ft high and crowned by an open octagonal pavilion highlight the perfect symmetry of the tomb. The filigree screen, meant to veil the area around the royal tomb was carved out of single block of marble. Mumtaz Mahal’s cenotaph, raised on a platform is next to Shah Jahan's. The actual graves are in a dark crypt below and is closed to visitors.

Spend one night at the Oberoi’s Amarvilas Hotel. Accommodation is in a premium room with terrace. Your stay is on bed and breakfast.

DAY 9 - AGRA /NEW DELHI (24 Nov 2009)

This morning your private road transfer to Delhi (205 kms – 5 hrs.). On arrival you will be transferred to an airport hotel where we shall book a day use room (9.00 am to 9.00 Pm).Post lunch you shall be taken on a guided tour of New Delhi. Late evening you will be transferred to the Delhi International Airport for your flight back home.

***** End of services******

INCLUDES:

• Personalised Meet & Greet
• Twin Share accommodation
• Meals as specified
• Scheduled road transfers as specified
• Scheduled excursions and sightseeing as specified
• Airfare as per itinerary subject to change
• Monument entrance fee at Delhi/Agra
• Porterage
• Travel Journal

CCAfrica /Taj Safaris lodge –Mahua Kothi

The prices are inclusive of:

• Accommodation per person per night
• Park fees
• Photographic fees (non-professional)
• Forest guide fees
• Elephant Safari fees
• Three meals daily (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers
• Teas and coffees
• Laundry
• 2 Scheduled safari activities morning and evening
• Refreshments on game drives
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance
• All applicable taxes

EXCLUDES:

• Gratuities and all items of personal nature
• Meals and drinks not specified above
• Camera fee wherever levied
• Sightseeing and excursions other than those specified
• Any increase in taxes by the Government of India
• Any increase in Airfares
• Any increase in monument entrance fee

THE OBEROI HOTEL – NEW DELHI

Located in New Delhi, India’s capital city, The Oberoi, New Delhi reflects the city’s spirit in a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary sophistication. Located close to the city center near business, commercial and shopping districts, the luxury hotel overlooks Delhi’s prestigious Golf Club on one side and the heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb on the other. Exquisite interiors, impeccable service and fine cuisine combine to make this the Capital’s most graceful and elegant hotel. The award winning hotel is ideal for business travel or holidays to explore the cultural wonders of Delhi.

MAHUA KOTHI- BANDHAVGARH

The name Mahua Kothi draws its inspiration from one of India's most beautiful trees, the Madhuca Indica, or as it is commonly known, the Mahua or butter tree. Pronounced ma- hoo-a, this tree with its fleshy off - white flowers plays a central role in festivals and rituals, as the vitamins, minerals and sugar-rich flowers are used in a number of ways. The twelve charming suites or Kutiyas (jungle village huts) are newly built in the 40 acre grounds of the renowned tented camp formerly known as Churhat Kothi. The original Kothi (homestead) comprising the guest areas remains and has been extensively renovated, but the guest accommodation is all brand new.

MAHUA KOTHI'S GUEST ACCOMMODATION

• Charming individual Kutiyas built in the vernacular style of Central India
• Each is accessed through private courtyards with shaded seating, traditional swings and traditional mud floors
• The architectural style is affectionately known as MP chic (MP being the state of Madhya Pradesh)
• Wooden shutters, tapered mud-coloured walls (finished by hand) in lime and earth washes, open rafters with roughly-hewn wooden beams, handmade pottery roof tiles, floors dressed in Katni stone strips set in lime mortar
• Ensuite bathrooms with twin hand basins mounted on a wooden log, indoor shower, bath, separate w.c. and house gowns in traditional MP cloth
• Richly coloured local textiles in shades of rust and burnt orange
• Roll-down mats to keep the early morning sun out
• Ceiling fans and air conditioning
• Built-in seating in yellow situ (local cement screed)
• Yoga amenities in a basket (complete with instructions)
• Traditional Indian games of marbles and Chaupad
• Hand-blended natural guest amenities from Jiva Spa - all made from pure Indian herbs and essential oils
• In-room Ayurvedic massage
• Rose and Khus (Verbena) sherbets and pitchers of iced water for guests to mix themselves
• Kettles of boiling water on Chulhas (charcoal burners) are brought out with early morning tea to the Kutiyas
• Beautiful terracotta roof that floats over the Kutiya - MP style
• Bicycles for every guest parked in the Kutiya courtyards

MAHUA KOTHI GUEST AREAS

• High ceilings, terracotta floor tiles, overhead fans, fireplace, and traditional sit areas and window seats
• An enormous 600 sq ft veranda runs the length of the building with generous built-in seats for star gazing
• Beaten Bastar metal and hand-blown glassware
• Huge windows to catch the jungle breeze
• Open kitchen that welcomes guest upon arrival - watch butter being churned, Masala being grounded by hand, garden fresh vegetables being chopped using traditional sickles, and Rotis being prepared on a Chulha
• Browse peacefully in the lodge's Safari Shop, idle away the hours in the library, or beat the midday heat in the swimming pool
• Guests arriving early or departing late can freshen up in the Goings & Comings room

DINING AT MAHUA KOTHI

• Bullock cart breakfast in the Baghiya (traditional garden)
• Picnic lunches under the Mahua tree
• Chowki roof dinners under a star strewn sky
• Moonlit dancing at the lake
• Discover fresh lime, exquisite teas and fine Indian wines.

MAHUA KOTHI'S SAFARI EXPERIENCE

• Discover the beautiful jungle of Bandhavgarh National Park
• Learn about the rich biodiversity of Central India from a CC Africa trained naturalist
• Travel in comfort in a specially designed Tata open 4x4 safari vehicle
• View tigers whilst riding an elephant
• Twice-daily safaris in the reserve
• Tick off Bandhavgarh's ten Star Birds (a unique Taj & CCAfrica programme)
• Absorb the sights and sounds as you walk through a traditional MP village

HOTEL AMARVILAS – AGRA

Amarvilas is located 600 meters from India’s most beautiful monument – The Taj Mahal. The resort has exquisitely appointed rooms and suites, most with uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal. Each bedroom has an area of approximately 42 square metres, teak wood flooring, spacious marble bathroom with separate shower stall, walk-in closet, personal bar, satellite television, compact disc, digital video player, in-room safe and two line telephones with data ports. Esphahan - a specialty restaurant serving Indian cuisine, Bellevue - an all day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge, a bar and tea lounge add to the other amenities of the hotel. The luxury resort also features a swimming pool and a spa and fitness centre offering a complete Ayurvedic treatment programme.

PLACES OF INTEREST:

DELHI

Delhi was established from as early as 900B.C to 1930 when the British completed construction of New Delhi as the capital of Imperial India. It is, therefore not surprising that the monuments of Delhi successfully mirror the development of the architectural styles in the country. Delhi's famous "seven cities" range from the 12th century Quli Rai Pithora, built by Prithviraj Chauhan, to the imperial Shajahanabad, constructed by the Mughals in the 17th century. After Delhi Sultans consolidated their territories; they moved their defensively situated capital into the rocky outcrops of the Aravallis, to the northeast, towards the open plains by the banks of Yamuna. Today Delhi is an amalgam of the ruins of medieval citadels, palaces, tombs and mosques, and an ever-expanding, modern concrete jungle.

Of the many attractions in Delhi, the major sites are the Rashtrapati Bhawan, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens as the British Viceroys Palace, Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) where the Red Fort, Jami Masjid stands and the famed Chandni Chowk in the heart of Old Delhi. Humayun's tomb, the second Mughal emperor, is the first great example of a Mughal garden tomb, and inspiration for several later monuments such as the incomparable Taj Mahal. The Qutb Minar, a UNESCO world heritage monument, at Mehrauli area was built over Rajputs territories, by Qutubuddin Aibak. India's highest single tower the Qutub Minar marked the site in North India for the first Muslim kingdom in north India established in 1193. A mix of four major religions, thousands of years of history and cultural development, significant movements of different populations, invasions and colonialisation, Delhi has one of the most vibrant and profound cultures in the world.

AGRA

The city of Agra flourished under the patronage of the emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan and attracted artisians from Persia and central Asia. Agra is still famous for handicrafts products such as Inlay work on Marble, Carpets, Jeweler, Zari and Embroidery work. A few kilometers Northwest of Agra lies Sikandra Akbar’s mausoleum.

Said to be one of the most elegant and harmonious buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal manifests the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in architecture and garden design, painting, and calligraphy. The 144 foot double dome of the Taj is capped with a finial and the four minarets each 131 ft high and crowned by an open octagonal pavilion highlight the perfect symmetry of the tomb. The filigree screen, meant to veil the area around the royal tomb was carved out of single block of marble. Mumtaz Mahal’s cenotaph, raised on a platform is next to Shah Jahan's. The actual graves are in a dark crypt below and is closed to visitors.

The Mughals believed that flowers were the symbols of the divine realm, thus in the Taj pietra dura has been extensively used to translate naturalistic forms into decorative patterns that complement the majesty of its architecture. While pietra dura adds color to the pristine white marble, the decorative panels carved on the lower portions of the walls highlight the texture of the polished marble. Inlaid calligraphy in black marble was used as a form of ornamentation on undecorated surfaces, with the size of the Koranic verses increases as the arch gets higher, creating the subtle optical illusion of an uniformly flowing script.

BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK

The tourism zone of the park that most people take to be Bandhavgarh is actually a small part of the reserve. The area of this is 105 sq km and is known as the Tala range.This was the original area of the park when it was started. There are four more ranges in the reserve namely - Magdhi, Kallwah, Khitauli and Panpatha. These were added later and together these five ranges comprise the 'Core' of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve - a total area of 694 sq kms. There is then the 'buffer,' which is spread over the forest divisions of Umaria and Katni and totals another 437 sq kms.

Bandhavgarh National Park gets its name from the tallest hill located amongst a chain of hills situated in the tourist zone of the Tala range.This hill is called Bandhavgarh and is located in the center of the reserve. This hill rises 811 meters above sea level, and is surrounded by smaller hills separated by gently sloping valleys. As this hill has vertical cliffs and a plateau on the top, it became a natural fort for the Baghela Kings, ancestors of the Maharajah of Rewa, who started their rule here in the 12th century.

The mean altitude is between 1444 feet (440 metres) and 2657 feet (810 metres), with the Fort being the highest point and the Park entrance, at Tala village being the lowest. These hills form a number of valleys and spurs, interspersed with a number of grassy meadows found in the low-lying areas. These intermingling grasslands, locally known as "baheras" provide good habitat for herbivores and hunting cover for predators. These grasslands that occupy the valley floor and favored by ungulates, are relics of village fields, which at one time existed here before they were relocated outside when the Bandhavgarh National Park was formed.

The geology is soft feldspathic sandstone with quartzite. The soil is generally sandy to sandy-loam. Because of this, rainwater percolates through the ground, forming a number of perennial streams and springs. More than twenty streams rise or flow through the park. Of these Umrar (forming the western boundry) is the largest. The other important streamsare Johilla (eastern boundary), Janadh, Charanganga, Damnar,Banbei,Ambanala and Andhyari Jhiria. The Charanganga has its source at the Fort. All these streams eventually flow into the river Son, which is an important tributary to the Ganges.

There are about 100 villages around the Bandhavgarh National Park. As they lack any good grazing ground for their cattle, tremendous grazing pressure exists on the Reserve. While poaching of wild animals inside the core area is almost non- existent, animals moving out into the buffer area do get killed occasionally by some communities who have been killing and eating wild animals since ages and have not yet changed their thinking. Poachers also take advantage of any opportunity to kill the endangered Indian Wildlife.

Contact Cindi at Request Info to reserve your spot!

For more information
Contact:
Dive Discovery
@
1 800 886-7321
ph- 415-444-5100
or
Request Info

Dream Catcher II Liveaboard, Maldives, November 25 - 30 2009

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