Before the Jeep became the preferred ride for Rajasthan’s long-route cabbies or turned farm hand for desert cowboys, it enjoyed an iconic status and a glorious past when it came to a Rajasthan desert safari. Truth be told, the ubiquitous but rugged Indian 4X4 Jeep that roams the land today has a fine pedigree indeed. A direct descendant of the world famous American Willys Jeep, the Indian Jeep lives up to its forebear that has become part of adventure and wartime folklore. Today, the Jeep is back with a bang, riding on its simple, no-frills old-world charm, acquiring cult status as it roars across Rajasthan. Some families have retained their Jeep for generations while those who have recently been bitten by the Jeep bug spend a fortune restoring old Jeeps to mint condition!

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So the not-so-humble jeep is one highlight of a Rajasthan desert safari experience – an adventurous drive scrambling and climbing over dunes and higher crests with a maybe-mustachioed Jeep driver in khakis and beret who has been morphed into a getaway guy in a James Bond movie!

It’s not all about the transport! While on a safari of this ilk the outdoors beckons and the wind blows over the dunes and down the intersecting valleys. A gentle drive (about an hour and a half) through the terrain is a great way to cover the distances needed to find another reason we are here: the free-roaming wildlife herds. The delicate desert gazelles wander freely across the plains and dunes, often stopping to dip their heads and drink within this conservation-led sanctuary – one might come upon them in the dunes or pick them out where they are well-camouflaged amongst trees and shrubs. We stop for photo opportunities, pointing out animals and tracks, or focusing on your own specific interests, as well as pointing out some of the many bird species or lucky encounters with rarer inhabitants.

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For the desert landscape is, literally, spellbinding. For miles on end there’s nothing to be heard except the whooshing of the wind as it races over the frame of your sunglasses. But then, appearing from this arid apparently barren nothingness, you suddenly see an unexpected group of village women appear out of nowhere in their colorful finery, only to disappear like a mirage before your eyes. While on a Rajasthan desert safari you can also visit the homes of the inhabitants living in the desert (Bishnois, Rajputs, Meghwals) and peek into the homes and lives of the desert craftsmen; carpenters, metal-smiths and cobblers. Then there are unique species of flora and fauna that have adapted to the desert whilch is also home to arid-land farmers where one may also visit their holdings and learn about agriculture in this extraordinary landscape.

I have been lucky enough to visit many national parks but I really think that Tadoba is the best park in India. This might sound biased because the park is in my home state but it truly is the best place to go on tiger safari. The forest cover at Tadoba is dominated by bamboo, teak and Tendu (Indian ebony) and when I visited in March it felt as if someone had laid a brown carpet as the dry deciduous trees had shed all their leaves. However, I’m also told that the park looks stunning just after the monsoon rains when the forest is lush, green and in full bloom. This is one of the few parks that is open all year round. The final approach to Tadoba is an hour-long drive on a single track road that passes through villages that make great photo stops.

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I was welcomed to Tiger Trails, currently Tadoba’s only lodge, by its owner, and passionate wildlife enthusiast, Amrut Dhanwatey. The lodge is simple but you have everything needed for a comfortable stay. The seven rooms are spacious, air-conditioned and have ensuite facilities. The lodge is set in an estate of 30 acres on the edge of the national park. The rest is left as natural forest with ponds, waterholes and some farmland that is shared by neighbouring tribal people. The lodge’s ecocredentials include solar energy for heating water and powering lights, distilled water is used in place of the bottled variety while the waste water is used on the banana and papaya plantations. On a walk through the estate, Amrut showed me how the conservation of water resources and the recharging of ground water has kept the forest green, the waterholes full and has in turn encouraged wildlife return to the area. Tiger, leopard and sloth bear pug marks can be seen within 500 feet of the lodge and carnivore kills are frequently spotted in the surrounding scrub. The estate has machans (stilted observation huts) overlooking the water holes, offering undisturbed wildlife viewing.

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After the walk we sat down for a chilled beer and Amrut told me a funny story about the machan we saw earlier. He once spent the night in it to observe and photograph wildlife in the jungle but the machan collapsed as he tried to photograph a leopard in the waterhole beneath him! He has since rebuilt the machan with a strong metal frame! Like other parks in India, Tadoba offers morning and afternoon safaris. These are arranged in private jeeps and either Amrut or his son Aditya, act as accompanying naturalist. We entered the park at 6:30am and I was astonished to see that ours was the only jeep at the Khutwanda gate. We drove down a tar road that runs through the forest. It is lined with imposing stone pillars, a remnant of the reign of the Gond Kings from the 12th to the 18th century. Originally each pillar had a bell attached and formed a means of communicating to the surrounding area that the King was traveling through the forest and that the path should be cleared. Soon, in one of the side lanes our observant driver Lahu spotted four tiger cubs. It was only my first tiger safari here and I had already seen four healthy cubs! Wow! On my next two game drives we saw four male tigers, one female, four cubs, two leopards, and a sloth bear as well as numerous birds. At Tadoba you see everything from butterflies to big cats, a sign that the park has a very healthy ecosystem. Due to the consistent efforts of people like Amrut, the Chichghat valley has grown thicker and denser attracting smaller wildlife like peafowl, jungle fowl, monitor lizards, hares, partridges and quails, which had almost disappeared, but today can be frequently spotted or at least heard.

The next day, Amrut took me on a short walk through the farmland adjoining his estate. I was really happy to see the good relationship he has formed with the local villagers. Before he set up home here the land was barren and deforested but after establishing plant nurseries with the help of the local people, they replanted local forest species and recreated the natural forest and grasslands. Amrut continues to support the farmers by providing them with good quality seeds and manure and then buying back the vegetables they produce. The tribal cooks offer an array of different cuisines: dishes local to the area, more mainstream Indian food and, for those that crave it, a proper full English breakfast! The tiger safari on my last day surpassed each and every tiger sighting I have previously had: I saw an adult male tiger making a kill in one of the less explored areas of the park. The tiger growled several times as if he was celebrating his victory. What an experience! We were all awestruck. As Amrut says ‘When it comes to wildlife be extremely patient and before you know, nature will do its best to make your day’. More than satisfied with this experience we began our return to the lodge when a leopard crossed in front of us. I have seen leopards at Pench and Sasan Gir National Parks but never had such a clear sighting. This was literally the icing on the cake. Amrut couldn’t stop laughing as he couldn’t believe our good luck. It was as if nature was trying to show off.

The tropical sun-drenched island of Sri Lanka is truly a breathtaking and exotic destination. It’s  an extraordinary destination which offers newlyweds an array of incredible experiences. Ceylon Tea Trails is a new concept which combines boutique luxury with the plantation bungalow experience. Set amidst a working tea estate at an altitude of 5000ft, the four luxuriously appointed Tea Trails bungalows are situated at different points around the beautiful Castlereagh reservoir in the Bogowantalawa region of the hill country, thus making them a perfect place for the newlyweds planning their honeymoon in Sri Lanka .

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The bungalows have 4-5 rooms, each unique in decor and design, provide lavish comfort on an all-inclusive basis. Each bungalow is different, and you can choose to stay at one bungalow or mix your time amongst a couple of the properties. ‘Tientsin’ has six suites, wood panelled rooms and large fireplaces is in high British colonial style and eclectic ‘Castlereagh’ has five suite rooms on a lakeside setting, croquet lawn & pool. ‘Norwood’s’ five suites are reminiscent of a 60’s tropical bungalow while ‘Summerville’ has four suites and offers contemporary elegance and stunning views of the lake.  The privacy and solitude at Tea Trails is perfectly suited for a blissful honeymoon. Long walks through beautiful tea country, evening sipping wine in front of a log fire and being pampered by staff, in room spa treatments and dinning underneath the stars will make for a memorable honeymoon in Sri Lanka.

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You set your own pace here; whether you wish to while away the hours reading in the grounds, lazing by the pool, pampering yourself in the tea spa or trying one of the many activities on offer. Ceylon Tea Trails have teamed-up with a local adventure operator to offer some of the most varied activities in the region. Excursions from guided walks and mountain bike rides to kayaking and rafting are all available on request. The walking opportunities here are superb and all four bungalows are linked by a trail. The pristine trails through immaculate tea gardens surrounded by beautiful valleys and hills are an unparalleled experience if you are on your honeymoon in Sri Lanka.

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Romantic candle lit dinners on the verandahs or in your private gardens at Ceylon Tea Trails is something to look forward to while you are on your honeymoon in Sri Lanka. Food and drink is included in the price and the standard very high. Although there is a menu, meals can be tailored to suit guests tastes. The wine is new world and excellent quality. If you are out all day a wonderful picnic hamper is packed and sent with you, so you can enjoy your lunch wherever you are.

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You can also enjoy the ‘Tea Experience’ – where you follow the production process from plucking your own tea leaves right through to brewing them for your very own ‘cuppa’. However, while the theme is tea, the emphasis is very definitely on luxury. Ceylon Tea Trails is a hotel by which standards many others are judged, with a proven record of delivering spectacular experiences time and time again. A truly superb destination for a honeymoon in Sri Lanka.

Everyone wants to get away from their hectic life to a place where they can relax and see places they have heard before. I recently came across one such location off the beaten track. Nandadevi is an exclusive heritage estate – an invitation for people with a love of the Himalayas and nature. Guests may step back in time and enjoy their Himalayan Holidays in simplicity coupled by style and sophistication.

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Between 1805 and 1947, the British ruled Kumaon and established their administrative capital in Almora. With a keen eye for the best spots and a great sense of style and good taste, the British discovered Binsar, with its unparalleled natural beauty and sweeping views. Set at 7500 ft in the heart of Binsar Sanctuary, the NandaDevi property was the residence of a succession of District Magistrates from 1856 to 1945, after which it passed into the hands of the Shah family of Almora who owned a store providing groceries and wines to the British. Against a 700 rupee wine bill, Mr Van Renen handed over the property to Shyam Lal Shah who in turn sold it to Vivek Datta, a philosopher turned gentleman farmer from an aristocratic Delhi family, and his Belgian musicologist wife Marie in 1956, exactly a hundred years after it was built. It provides a unique Himalayan holidays experience, where the awe inspiring peaks in an unbroken chain of 500 kms can be contemplated up close. The wild beauty of virgin Himalayan oak and rhododendron forests surrounding the estate urge you to connect with nature, explore its secrets, and return to time and again.

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Nandadevi Estate is located in the core area of Binsar Sanctuary, which is under the management of Corbett National Park. There are only 5 properties in the higher reaches of Binsar Sanctuary, and they are all separated by kilometres of thick forest. The property, 20 acres of land, comprises of terraced fields and a 155 years old heritage bungalow – originally built by a British administrator in 1854. What makes the Nandadevi Estate one of the most beautiful places in the world, is not only its views but the harmonious way in which the property is naturally set with its own five hills, each with exquisite views, and its terraced fields which once were a thriving farm and apple orchard, and are gradually being restored to their original state a few acres at a time. All efforts have been made so that guests have the unique experience of stepping back in time and enjoying the simplicity coupled by the sophistication. The entire estate is at the disposal of the guests along with the estate staff making it a relaxing Himalayan holiday.

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The Estate has two Bungalows – The Goralkot Bungalow, built in the mid nineteenth century, is steeped in history and atmosphere and has been restored in a typical colonial style with wide verandahs, bay windows, and high ceilinged rooms with plenty of light and space. The whole structure is made of stone and wood. The rooms with four poster beds and their arched wooden ceiling and bay windows are furnished with priceless antiques from the Raj.  The Writer’s cottage was originally a barn located in the middle of the apple orchards and farm and was converted into a cottage in the mid 1980’s. An Italian writer called Tiziano Terzani, an icon in Europe as much for his writing as for his philosophy, stayed in the cottage for five years and wrote his most celebrated book there. The cottage is double storeyed and has a wraparound verandah from which views of Nandadevi, framed between two hills, views of Panchachuli and the Nepal Himalayas are visible. Done in pinewood and stone, the cottage has picture windows in every room and sunlight throughout the day.  Built around the concept of light and space, each room, including the bathrooms, have breath-taking views making it a perfect retreat for a Himalayan holiday.

They have recently revived the farm and four acres of land have been planted with vegetables and crops slowly we will bring the property back to its former days when there used to be 4000 fruit trees and substantial agriculture. The property also has a cowshed housing five milk cows, a bull, two riding horses, a few sheep, and chickens. Guests can order their meal fresh from the vegetable garden or dairy and watch the cows being milked. The farm, providing fresh dairy and poultry products and a range of local and exotic vegetables and fruit, ensures guests will enjoy Indian and Continental cuisine cooked to their taste and requirements in the bungalow kitchens.

They have a range of activities like hikes and bird watching in the Sanctuary, camping, horse riding, and mountain biking and day treks inside the Sanctuary as well as visits to nearby places of interest. However, the breath-taking surroundings and the luxuries of old world comforts and home grown, home cooked food will make it hard for guests to move out. Having said that I am sure guests who decide to go on Himalayan holidays want to explore the countryside and for those walks in Binsar Sanctuary ranging from easy strolls to day treks with picnic lunches can be arranged.  For guests who love riding, Horse riding along the old British horse trails in the Sanctuary can be organised. If you want to taste a bit of culture excursions to Almora to visit the Nanda Devi temple, the Old Bazaar and the main production unit of Panchachuli Women Weavers can be arranged.

It’s a unique concept and a one of a kind Himalayan holidays experience.

If asked – where are the best tiger safaris in India, then this is one story which convinces me that Corbett must rank as one of the best places to view them in relative privacy. There were five of us in the jeep, including two experienced local guides and of course it had to be the least experienced who spotted her – a striped beauty watching us from the pebbled bank of a channel of the Ramganga River in Corbett Tiger Reserve. We were the first jeep there and the tigress felt too exposed as more vehicles arrived. Suddenly, with the effortless power of her kind she was up the bank, across the road and floating gracefully off into the jungle. It was February and the undergrowth under the towering sal trees had thinned out, so we watched her for a satisfying minute or more before she melted into the bush. We had just arrived off the train from Delhi that morning. As we drove the two hours along the more or less deserted roads of early morning, my excitement mounted. In common with so many of my generation I had been an avid reader of Jim Corbett’s adventures in these foothills. And here we were driving through the towns and villages that had once been his stamping grounds – Haldwani and Kaladhungi and Ramnagar. This was mythic country!

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The heart of Corbett Tiger Reserve is the beautiful valley of the Ramganga River, winding through narrow, forest clad hills, its course punctuated by deep pools that are the haunt of golden mahseer – one of the worlds most prized game fishes – and giant goonch a catfish as big as a grown man. And basking on the banks are the long sleek shapes of gharial – a rare fish-eating crocodilian endemic to the Subcontinent. To enter this zone of Corbett requires an overnight booking in one of the old forest resthouses dating from the Raj era that are picturesquely located about half-a-days ride apart. Our luck is in from the moment we pass the gates. A cock Kalij pheasant, elegant in black and white plumage with gaudy scarlet eye-patch struts his stuff at the very edge of dense, moist undergrowth. As we near Dhikala where ancient sal trees shade the jungle, we encounter a wonderful heard of elephants – mothers and calves. And then immediately after lunch the splendid lady in stripes. Could it get any better? It could. Ritish Suri, our expert guide and owner of the award-winning Camp Forktail Creek, has booked an elephant for us. No sooner had we clambered aboard and headed into the dense high elephant grass, than we picked up the fresh tracks of another tigress. The chase was on and suddenly there she was – a slim elegant figure disappearing into the grass.

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As we turn back a Pallas’ Fish eagle wheels low over our heads. The sun is beginning to sink into the hollow hills and it was time to head for the splendid isolation of our magical resthouse in the middle of tiger country – and a hot cup of tea.

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Ask anyone their favourite beach destination in India and Goa is still the winner. Goa has seriously moved on.  Forget the happy-clappy scene – now Kate Moss, Mick Jagger and Daniel Craig are all going. All the kaftan-wearing, champagne-sipping thirty something’s are renting stylish, funky houses that equal the places they love in Ibiza and Morocco.

Talk about luxury holiday homes in India and tucked away at the end of a quiet lane, off the bustling main road to Calangute, is Aashyana.  This royally appointed jewel in the crown nestles on the prettiest stretch of Candolim beach, in a lush tropical garden exuding tranquillity. It’s a lovely, intimate little hotel created by a local entrepreneur named Ajai Lakhanpal.  The choice is yours to be pampered in the elegant luxury holiday home, the fully staffed 5 bedroom villa or reside in style at one or more of the three self-contained two bedroom cottages – Casinhas – each complete with an individual, private garden.

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A sweeping drive leads you to the entrance villa, a stunning two-storey, five-bedroom luxury holiday home. The spacious veranda spans the entire ground floor, with built-in seating areas in the traditional Goan-Portuguese style. Inside, the contemporary décor offsets select pieces of furniture from the owner’s collection. The luxurious use of materials in the architect designed rooms includes honey-coloured Rajasthani stone, charcoal grey granite and subtle mosaics. Both in the interior and in the external spaces, the essence of Aashyana Lakhanpal is conveyed through an emphasis on tranquillity.

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There are three Aashyana Casinhas – Leo, Libra and Capricorn, clustered within the grounds of the main villa and are reached through their independent, wrought-iron gate leading to a delightful courtyard. The whitewashed casinhas are stylish and welcoming, using neutral décor and local features like terracotta-tiled roofs, stone floors and traditional built-in seating. This décor contrasts and highlights the owner’s private art collection. Whichever you choose, this gorgeous holiday home in India awaits you in a breath-taking setting, within a few paces of Candolim’s sun kissed beach.  The shadowy garden, with its coconut groves, lime, cashew and ‘ guava trees, contains a dragonfly-spangled , swimming pool, a gate to Candolim beach,  also a pavilion from which to watch Goa’s stupendous oceanic sunsets.

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Ashyana’s spacious dining area is complemented by an optional garden dining facility for al fresco lunches or candle lit dinners under the stars – unforgettable luxury. The kitchen garden supplies a variety of organic herbs and vegetables and you can also plan an exciting fresh seafood menu with our chef Jagat Singh who recipes are a treat in itself.

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There is an informal gallery where guests may ponder a unique collection of modern Indian art. Lakhanpal, before he turned his home into a hotel, threw it open to any young painters requiring free board and lodging, and in return asked only that each give him a picture. They’re hanging there today, among the most interesting a portrait of Lakhanpal himself by Goa’s most famous son, Mario Miranda. This luxury holiday home comes along with armies of staff on-site masseurs and gourmet chefs -  oh, and the decor is pretty hot, too.  The back of Aashyana Lakhanpal opens up, LA-style, onto a lush garden, the kind of green paradise we all want to find in the hippie idyll.

A shaded path leads up to a classical porch and wide veranda which overlooks an inviting, mosaic tiled 20 meter private pool set to the right of the villa. Both internally and externally the Villa has been thoughtfully provided with easy access to all facilities for wheelchairs if needed. Whether relaxing in the air conditioned luxury of the interior or sunbathing in the sumptuous gardens around the pool, let your senses be seduced by the Aashyana. Delicadeza, a charming Portuguese term, describes a specific sense of style, courtesy and gracious living. I am convinced that your stay at this luxury home in India will be permeated with this sense of delicadeza.

The journey through India is never ending. For most travellers North India meant a journey through the Golden Triangle visiting the iconic Taj Mahal and beautiful palaces in the colourful city of Jaipur. You can make it a memorable experience by trying to explore the rich heritage and diverse cultural influences of northern India by taking a tour that encompasses the holy city of Varanasi and the intricately carved temples at Khajuraho.
Varanasi is the spiritual heart of India – a seething throng of pilgrims, holy men, Saddhus and tourists, all gathered to give praise to the Holy Ganges. Combine that with a trip to the erotic temples of Khajuraho and Gwalior, a city with a remarkable ancient palace, temples and cenotaphs. Having backpacked through the subcontinent I always dreamt of luxury holidays to North India and finally embarked on one such journey. I boarded the Shatabdi Express, a fast train between Delhi and Gwalior. On arrival, a cheerful guide drove me to the beautiful Usha Kiran Palace where I was welcomed in true Gwalior tradition. Enter at this 120-year-old palace, which has played host to the King of England and is now a heritage hotel. Set amidst 9 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns, this regal palace, rich in history, is outfitted with artistic stone carvings and delicate filigree work. I visited the majestic Gwalior Fort on the day I arrived to experience the Son et Lumiere show. Replete with every contemporary amenity, its original architecture, meticulously restored, every dining moment at the Usha Kiran Palace is truly reminiscent of living as royalty. After a sumptuous breakfast I went on a guided visit to Gwalior Fort and the Archaeological Museum in the morning. Don’t miss the many giant Jain carvings hewn into the cliff sides leading to the fort. In the afternoon I wandered to the Palace Museum which is next door to your hotel. I continued my journey through this fascinating part of North India to visit Orchha and pretty village known for its outstanding palaces and temples set along the River Betwa.

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For someone going on luxury holidays to North India, Orchha doesn’t offer the Oberoi’s or the Taj’s but trust me, it’s a great stopover between Gwalior and Khajuraho. En route I stopped at Datia Fort which can be seen from miles around. After spending a day walking through the fairly less explored town of Orchha, I travelled by road to Khajuraho which is famous for its temples dating back to the 10th and 12th century. The Khajuraho temples were built over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150. The whole area was enclosed by a wall with eight gates, each flanked by two golden palm trees. There were original over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 25 now stand in a reasonable state of preservation. My stay was at the Grand Temple View, the only luxury hotel within close proximity to the Western group of temples. For anyone visiting Khajuraho this is probably the best property to stay and guests have an option of choosing a temple view room to make their stay even more memorable. The roads are quiet here so you can hire some bikes and explore the more remote temples. The evening comes alive with the Son et Lumiere show at the main complex.

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After being templed out, I travelled by air to Varanasi the Hindu religious centre. I knew this was the highlight of my trip and my wish came true when I checked into the grand Nadesar Palace. Your search for luxury holidays in North India ends here. Situated in one of the oldest living cities of the world, on the banks of the river Ganges, Nadesar Palace has hosted royalty, statesmen and celebrities since 1835. The name Nadesar is derived from the Goddess Nadesari, whose shrine is located in the front of the Palace. Set amidst verdant gardens, mango orchards, marigold and jasmine fields, Nadesar Palace is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Works of art from the Maharaja’s collection decorate the walls of the Palace’s 10 luxurious suites. Embellished with original pieces of furniture refurbished to recreate the atmosphere of a bygone era, the décor of the rooms is intended to evoke the colours of marigolds, jasmines, and pale pink lotuses that are offered to the holy Ganges. Dining at the Nadesar Palace is an indulgent experience starting with breakfast on the sun-kissed veranda; a spiritually inspired plated meal at lunch in the dining room, and a barbeque dinner by the poolside.
Early in the morning I was taken to the Ganges for a boat ride at sunrise when you can witness people performing their morning rituals along the ghats. The boat ride was followed by a walking tour of the old city. If you aren’t tired it’s worth visiting Sarnath which is supposed to be the place where Buddha gave his first sermon. In the evening I visited the Dasaswamedh Ghat to experience a religious ceremony. It’s simple and an experience not to be missed.

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The palace has a beautiful spa that brings guests the essence of traditional royal wellness and therapeutic experiences. Blending ancient Indian wisdom with contemporary therapies, the Jiva Spa offers Indian rejuvenation therapies ranging from aromatherapy massages, time-honoured treatments, body scrubs and wraps.
My memorable journey through some of the most interesting cities and a fantastic luxury holiday to North India had come to an end. It was time to head back to the capital New Delhi.

Tiger Safaris in India -

A fantastic initiative to save the tiger was launched yesterday by Aircel, a company renowned for its mobile service in India. It partnered with a respected and reliable news channel called NDTV to provide a platform to tiger conservationists for issues to be raised, engaging key stakeholders in discussions and providing concerned citizens an opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to the cause.

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The king of Bollywood Mr. Amitabh Bachchan joined the initiative as the campaign ambassador and showed his support for the cause by spending an entire day in the pristine forest of Pench. The setting was the beautiful Bagh Van lodge that is on the top of everyone’s list when it comes to tiger safaris in India. NDTV-Aircel ‘Save Our Tigers’ initiative set the agenda for the campaign through a LIVE TELETHON to engage all the key stakeholders and tiger experts to voice their opinion on what needs to be done to protect the tigers. The highlight of the campaign was live, non-stop programming for a day dedicated to tigers, with the aim of creating public outcry and helping to raise funds to protect our tigers from extinction.  Over a million people pledged their support to this cause including famous personalities from the corporate and political world.  Several famous artists played music including Shankar Mahadevan who did a live performance at Pench to help raise funds for such a worthy cause.

In Delhi and across the whole nation children from different schools participated and staged shows to raise funds and to generate awareness to save the tiger. It was a great platform for some like Bittu Saihgal who bring with them huge of amount of experience in wildlife to connect to the masses and tell them why we should strive to save this wonderful animal.  It was really an interesting day in the history on Indian wildlife as you could see the entire nation coming together for such a worthy cause.  Many felt that this could actually bring India together as the cause had nothing to do with religion, caste or creed.

In a single day the Save the Tiger campaign was able to raise £600,000 which in real terms meant 35 rapid response teams who will be equipped to protect our tigers and respond to any emergency in and around our tiger parks. For this they have partnered with Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT), an NGO which endeavours to strengthen the protection of forest ecosystems and mitigate climate change by working towards Forest Protection, Training and capacity building of forest personnel, Motivation of forest personnel, Health and education of communities living along forest periphery and strengthening NGOs and individuals working in the field of wildlife conservation.

For a tiger safari in Pench, staying at Bagh Van Lodge or any of the other lodges in Kanha, Corbett, Satpura or Bandhavgarh, contact IndianExplorations.com, the wildlife specialists!

Luxury holidays to India

Luxury,  as easy as it sounds is in fact extremely difficult when you actually try to define it.  During my visit to Rajasthan in July 2009, I came across the Aman Resorts, a chain of luxury resorts scattered not far away from each other in the colourful state of Rajasthan.  Since 1988 when the flagship Amanpuri opened in Phuket, Aman has established three resorts in India redefining luxury holidays to India.

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It’s difficult to express the guests experience at Aman as it ticks all the boxes. It offers an intimate and discreet experience while providing the highest level of service. Each resort and setting is unique, but certain elements characterise all of them — a beautiful natural location, outstanding facilities, exceptional service and a small number of rooms to ensure exclusivity and privacy.  From the garden estate Amanbagh set in the foothills of the Aravallis built in a haveli style to the wilderness camp Aman I Khas that sits on a gentle slope on the fringes of Ranthambore National Park against a backdrop of hills each leaves an impression, an indelible mark. Their newest addition is Aman Delhi just minutes from the grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhavan and the peaceful Lodhi gardens. It completes the triangle for someone in search of luxury holidays to India. The design of the resort is contemporary, complemented with Indian touches such as hand-made rugs and jaali screens. Spacious suites afford guests the opportunity to relax in enveloping comfort.

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Aman excursions are a class apart. I was particularly impressed by their walks that can be combined with culture trails.  At Aman Bagh the resort can arrange day trips to the Pink city of Jaipur and walks to the surrounding countryside.  The experience at Aman I Khas is focused on wildlife viewing. Having said that they also arrange visits to the Old City and Khandar Fort which is one of Rajasthan dramatic ruins. Not very far from the resort is the Banas River, an ideal spot for a picnic style lunch. The pools are fringed by water grass and decorated with lilies, creating an excellent feeding ground for wading birds and other water fowl. Guests can enjoy a half-day excursion to this birder’s paradise, strolling the banks of the river with a naturalist. At Aman Delhi they arrange off the beaten track tours to the Moghul city of Shahajanabad or to several private galleries that regularly host art exhibitions of paintings, pottery, sculptures, photographic art and prints by many up-and-coming artists.

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The Spa at Aman Resorts is a class apart. It provides a refined and peaceful environment in which to relax. Using organic Aman products created from pure and proactive ingredients, traditional treatments as well as henna art, local specialities are on offer.

Tiger safaris in India – On my recent visit to India, I visited the Tadoba National Park, an amazing undisturbed wildlife reserve in Central India.  The name ‘Tadoba’ is the name of the God “Taru”, praised by the tribal’s which live in the dense forests of Tadoba and Andhari region. Various legends have been woven around this mystical place. In the 17th century the tribal Gond king ruled from the fortress of Chanda, which still exists today. When he would travel to his outlying districts, through the forest of Tadoba, the message of his arrival would be transmitted by an engineering marvel. There were rock pantheons erected every hundred yards. Over these were drawn inter-connected ropes which rung a bell at the end. The soldier had just to tug the rope at one end and the bell would ring 50 kms away, signalling the approach of his majesty. Many of these rock pillars can still be seen along the Tadoba to Chandrapur road.

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Tadoba is a comfortable three hour drive from Nagpur, a city famous for its oranges. The 620 sq.km park is dominated by bamboo forest which is a great habitat for a wide range of wildlife including the prized royal Bengal tiger.

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I visited the park in March which tends to be a great time for tiger safaris in India. The park is open throughout the year but remains closed on Tuesday. On arrival I received a truly warm welcome from Mr. Amrut Dhanvatey who owns the lodge there and has been instrumental in getting Tadoba on the map. Tiger Trails lodge offers clean comfortable accommodation. Through friendship with the local tribal’s and protection from cattle grazing, they have managed to bring back the natural forest, planted over millions of local fruit trees and Bamboo, created waterholes and ponds, and given employment to several local tribal’s directly and indirectly.

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The Tiger Trails estate has few water holes that are overlooked by machans (a work of art by tribal’s) which can be used by guests day and night. Amrut has some really interesting experiences to share about the times he spent on the machan particularly one where the machan felt apart and he managed to fall into the water and even a tiger, who had been hiding from the rain underneath the Machan, with a startled roar of annoyance rushed off into the night.

The park gates are right next to the lodge as its shares the boundary wall with the buffer zone.  Whether it’s at the park gate or inside the park, a pleasant surprise is the occasional noise of any other jeep. You literally get feeling that you are in a private game reserve. This is probably unheard of if you ask anyone who has been on tiger safaris in India.

I spent two days at Tadoba and was fortunate to get three safaris during my stay. Tadoba made me proud by showing off what it had to offer. Amrut always said that be patient and nature will unfold in front of you and I must say he was right.  I saw a mother and four cubs, three sloth bears, an adult male tiger and two leopards during my stay. To top it all, on my last safari we saw an adult male tiger making a kill and guess what, we were the only jeep viewing the entire episode. What more can a wildlife reserve offer you? I must say that it was very much down to our driver Lahu who was also a fantastic tracker. As he grew up in that area, he knew the park like his backyard. After spending time here I was convinced that this was the next big thing for wildlife enthusiasts who were interested in tiger safaris in India.

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