Fishing in Tigerland – Jungles of India

Itinerary

VIEW FLYER (the pdf is too big)  VIEW MAP

Goonch Catfish, Golden Mahseer, Tiger Mahseer, Rohu, Pulasa,
Catla and many more.

Best time: November till April

The word Jungle conjures up images of dense tropical forest with torrential rainfall, huge trees, infested with dangerous animals, snakes and insects. In Sanskrit it means any wild country, untamed land, a wilderness. In this itinerary we have captured for you the Indian Jungles in their true essence. The dry deciduous forests on Madhya Pradesh Kanha and Bandhavgarh and the most famous Tiger Reserve The Corbett National Park in the Gangetic Himalayas. Together they have about 1200 species of birds and 350 species of mammals. Though Tiger remains the main attraction in each of them.

DAY 1 – Arrival in Delhi.

Meet and Greet at airport and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Oberoi Maidens. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

DAY 2 – Delhi.

Overnight at Oberoi Maidens. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Full day a guided tour of Old Delhi which shall include: the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jahan.

In New Delhi, visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on January 31st, 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President’s House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy’s House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Humayun’s Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Moghul architecture in India. Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture.

DAY 3 – Delhi – Corbett National Park (250 km/ 8-9 Hrs).

Overnight at Hideaway River Lodge. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

After breakfast drive to the world renowned Corbett Tiger Reserve. The Corbett Tiger Reserve is one of the most beautiful and famous tiger reserves of India. Apart from tigers some of the wildlife found in the reserve are Blue Bull, Sambar, Hog Deer, Wild Boar, Mugar and Langur. The tiger reserve is also famous for the colorful flora and fauna. The lower Himalayan ranges forming the background of the park makes the location exceptionally beautiful.

The varied topography comprises hilly and riverine areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines. The lower areas are almost completely populated by Sal trees. 110 tree species, 50 mammals species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species are found here.

Corbett is a haven for Tigers as well as its prey, which include four kinds of Deer, Wild Boar and some lesser-known animals. Leopards are mostly found in the hilly areas of the park. Some nocturnal cats found here are the Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat. Sloth Bear is found in the lower regions of the park while the Himalayan Black Bear is seen in the higher hills only. The Dole or Wild Dog, can be seen in the southern areas of the park along with the Jackal.

Some of the smaller residents of the park are Himalayan Palm Civet, Indian Gray Mongoose, Common Otter, Blacknaped Hare and Porcupine. Elephants are among one of the main attractions of Jim Corbett Park. Along the Ramganga River shores, one can spot the long-snouted, fish-eating Gharial Crocodile and the ‘Mugger’ Crocodile. Also seen on the rocky hillsides is the Ghoral or Goat Antelopes. The Langur and Rhesus Monkeys are well distributed throughout the park, warning the whole Jungle with alarm calls when they see either a Tiger or Leopard from tree-top perches.

On arrival, check into hotel. In the evening relax at the resort.

DAY 4 – Corbett Tiger Reserve.

Overnight at Hideaway River Lodge. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included. Full day reserved for fishing
Ramganga river flows through Corbett National park & is the lifeline of the area .The wilderness & healthy flora & fauna makes Corbett National park an Ideal destination for your fishing trip. Legendry River Ramganga offers a great oppurtunity for Golden Mahseer & Gounch ( Cat Fish ) angling expeditions.

This trip provides a pure wild experience which involves great fishing in some sections where very few anglers have casted for their Mighty Mahseer. Ramganga is probably the only fishing destination where one can cast right inside tiger territory. The largest trophy in this part of river is 70lbs. No doubt it is called the Water Tiger.

Goonch Catfish

This little known about and pretty much untouched species offers the angler who wants something really big and toothy a great opportunity to tangle with the beast of the river. Goonch catfish are normally found in the fastest water in the river and at the top and bottom of the rapids where they meet the pool or in the whitest water you can find; they can grow to over 300lb in weight and a massive 3 meters in length!

DAY 5 – Corbett.

Overnight at Hideaway River Lodge. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Morning & Afternoon Jeep Safari inside the park.

DAY 6 – Corbett – Delhi.

Drive back to Delhi. Overnight at the Ashok Country Resort. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

DAY 7 – Delhi – Jabalpur.

Overnight at Narmada Jackson. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Fly to Jabalpur IT 4375 0710/0900. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a short rest. Afterwards we will leave for fishing on the Narmada.

Jabalpur

Around 30kms from Jabalpur, surrounded by lush green cultivated land, breathtaking landscape, traditionally styled villages, there is a gem in the clutches of nature called Khapa Guari. As one moves into the village, a sense of mystery prevails with anxiousness & bewilderment. The narrow passage leading to greenery & pulsating freshness follows to the shores of the Narmada river, with awesome panorama.

Apart from this treasure, approximately 35 kms from Jabalpur is another ground for fishing amongst the bounties of nature called the BARGI DAM. It is one of the first completed dams out of the chain of 30 major dams to be constructed on Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh. A beautiful lake of about 75 km in length and 4.5 km width, spreading over 267.97 km² can be a wonderful suggested location for fishing. Along with fishing as an option, a personalized boat ride can be organized for specific guests upon request. Fishing is practiced there on a yearly contract basis from the state governments formed body called the Bargi Bandh Visthapit Matsya Utpadan Avam Vipanan Sahakari Sangha Maryadit, the link to which is http://www.narmada.org/nvdp.dams/bargi/bargi.html

DAY 8 – Jabalpur to Kanha.(169 Km / 4 hrs).

Overnight at Kanha Jungle Lodge. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Drive to Kanha Arrive for lunch. Late afternoon we take a safari into the park. Overnight Kanha Jungle Lodge.

There are numerous Tiger reserves in India, that are preserving the Tiger but nowhere can you see them as often, and as regularly as in Kanha National Park.

Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha national park and Project Tiger reserve extends over an area of over 1,940-sq-kms. The major feature of this region’s interesting topography is the horseshoe shape valley which is surrounded by the spurs of the Mekal. The Surpan River meanders through Kanha’s central Maidans, grasslands that cover the extensive plateau. Steep rocky escarpments along the edges offer breathtaking views of the valley.

The terrain inside the park is varied, nonetheless enjoyable. Bamboo forests flow into Sal forests and meadows. There are herds of spotted deer to be seen with smaller herds of beautiful Antelope, the Black Buck. With a little luck, you could also spot the timorous Barking Deer. It’s snapping warns other denizens of the forest that a predator is around. There is also a very strong possibility that you will see the Rare Barasingha, the Swamp Deer. Once there were only 66 of these in Kanha, but careful conservation and management raised their population to over 400.

Spotting wild animals is always a matter of luck but Kanha is so rich in wildlife that the odds are tilted in your favor. There are 175 varieties of birds in Kanha. One can easily catch glimpses of all the grazers, a Porcupine, many Gray Langurs, Mongoose, Hyena, Jungle Cat, even a Leopard. Other wild attractions in this Tiger country include varieties of Deer – the Barasingha, Chital or Spotted Deer, Chousingha, Nilgai, as well as the majestic Gaur or Indian Bison and wild Pig.

DAY 9 – Kanna National Park.

Overnight at Kanha Jungle Lodge. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Morning and afternoon safaris. (Elephent safari subject to availabilty).

DAY 10 – Drive to Bandhavgarh (265 Km / 6 Hrs).

Evening rest. Overnight at the Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Bandhavgarh was an ancient stronghold of many kings, a land with history dating back to roughly 4000 years ago. This area had many dynasties ruling over it and finds mention in the Ramayan. This park once the private game reserve of the ruling family of Rewa also holds the distinction of being the home of the last White Tiger in the wild. The park is dotted with many caves with ancient rock paintings and carvings. The majestic Bandhavgarh Fort dominates center of the park with its own history dating back thousands of years. Various temples with statues depicting incarnations of Lord Vishnu dot the fort.

The chances of seeing a Tiger in Bandhavgarh is greater than in any of India’s other forests. In summer months Tiger can quite often be seen at couple of major waterholes in the park like Chakradhara, Gopalpur, Jurmani and Barwanala. Other important cats in Bandhavgarh are Leopard and the jungle cat. As many as 37 species have been listed for this park including 3 types of antelopes – Blue Bull, Chinkara and the Chausingha. Deer species like Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, 4 species of bats, 2 types of squirrels, Indian Pangolin, Indian Porcupine, Palm Civet , Rare Indian Wolf, Indian Wild Dog, Ruddy and Common Mongoose, Honey Badger, Jackal, Wild Boar, Indian Hare, Common Langur and Rhesus Macaque.

The park also has over 70 species of butterflies and around 255 species of birds. It provides ideal habitat for various species of Stork ( White-necked & lesser Adjutant), Hornbill (Malabar Pied & Common Grey), herons, cranes and birds of prey like Crested Hawk, Crested Serpent Eagle, Honey Buzzard, Shikra, Lesser Kestrel. In winter Bandhavgarh attracts large number of migratory birds such as Nakta, Lesser Whistling Teal and Ruddy Shelduck. One can also see smaller birds like Gery Tit, Baya Weaver bird, Spotted Munia, the Green and Bearded Bee-eater, flycatchers and three species of parakeet- Alexandrine, Plum Headed and Rosering.

DAY 11 – In Bandhavgarh.

Overnight at the Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Morning and afternoon jungle safaries.

DAY 12 – Bandhavgarh – Panna (196 Km / 4 Hr).

Overnight at Ken River Lodge. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Ken River (Near Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh)

The Ken river is an Anglers Paradise. The river tiger – Mahaseer, close to every anglers heart is found in abundance. The prize catch in 2002 was 37 kg, you could well guess what awaits you. The other carps can be caught the whole year, though the resident stork billed kingfisher is a close competitor. Relish the fish pokaras here. Ken River is excellent for fishing, a camp 45 minute upstream from Ken River Lodge called Bahaarganj which is inside the park and has excellent fishing. The Highest catch last year was 57 KGs.

DAY 13 – Panna.

Overnight at Ken River Lodge. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day reserved for fishing.

DAY 14 – Panna – Kahuraho (47 Km / 1 Hr).

Overnight at Taj Chandela. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
After breakfast drive to Khajuraho. Afternoon, we visit Classical Temples from Chandella Style of the 9th- 11th century, illustrated with remarkable sculptures of the classical erotic literature, the KAMA SUTRA.

DAY 15 – Kahjuraho – Orchha – Agra.

Overnight at the Trident. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Drive to Orchha.(170km/ 105 miles) which was the capital of the kingdom of the Bundella Rajputs from 1531 to 1783. We visit Jahangir Mahal Palace, an Indo-Persian style palace of the Moghul period and the Ram Raja Temple, built in the 17th century. Lunch at the Orchha Palace Hotel. Afterward, we drive to Jhansi and board Shatabdi Express to Agra (dep 1755/ arr 2030).

DAY 16 – Agra – Delhi.

Some rooms for Wash and Change at the Ashok Country Resort. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Return to hotel for breakfast. Then we visit the Agra City famous for its Marble inlay work. After lunch we drive back to Delhi. Drop at hotel near International airport.

DAY 17 – Drop at the international airport to fly back to Toronto.

Price PP in CA$:
Min 6-15 Pax: $4990 (Traveling in A/C Coach)
Min 2 Pax/ 1 Car: $5209
Min 3 Pax/ 1 Car: $4730
Min 4 Pax/ 1 Mini Van: $4830
Single Room Supp $2610
It includes:
Accommodation on twin sharing basis with all meals.
2 nights Delhi at Oberoi Maidens
3 nights Corbett at The Hideaway River Lodge
1 night Delhi at Ashok Country Resort
1 night Jabalpur at Narmada Jackson or Maikal Resort
2 night Kanha at Kanha Lodge Jungle + Jungle Safaris
2 night Bandhavgarh at Bandhavgarh Lodge Jungle + Jungle Safaris
2 nights Panna at Ken River Lodge
1 night Khajuraho at Taj Chandela
1 night Agra at Trident
Room fro wash and change at Ashok Country Resort until departure.
All arival/departure transfer and land transport in A/C Coach as per itinerary
Accompanying Escort throughout with a minimum Group size of 6 Persons.
Professional English Speaking Guide during sightseeing in Delhi, Khajurao and Agra
Local fishing guides. Fishing permits
Entrances to monuments and parks
Train Tickets in A/C Chair Class from Jhansi – Agra
India Gov Service Tax 2.58%
Airfare Extra PP: (Exact price TBD when booked)
Delhi – Jabalpur min $100 max $250
Does not include: International Air Fare, Insurance, Fishing Equipments, Camera Fees, Tips, Any expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc.