A Week in a "Raj Bungalow"
in Madhya Pradesh Tiger Country

When: Anytime - You can visit any time of year but between November and the end of April is the best weather.

Length: As long or as little as you like but we recommend at least a week

Fee charged: £769 for a 10 day trip which includes transfers from Bombay. Our friends will meet you and show you round Bombay and Geoff and Cherrie will meet you at Pipariya. We can organise flights for you too.

About the Program:

There can't be many destinations where you willingly pay a not inconsiderable sum to share the deprivations of a team dedicated to saving the tiger. Deprivations is perhaps too harsh a word, for in many ways you're spared the things that travellers fear most in India - heat, dirt and disease. We 'take the heat out of India' for those unwilling to suffer too much culture shock or share their bed with wildlife; but you don' t get five star luxury, even though the service is personal and the time with us is geared to your specific wishes - whether you crave tranquillity or scenery, birdlife or animal life, we can help you achieve your own dreams. You'll live as a houseguest, part of the family. You'll see a part of India that few experience, live in a village, meet tribal people, immerse yourself in the wilderness and hopefully become a friend of ours thereafter.

An example itinerary (but they change for everyone):

Arrive Bombay, go to a hotel we know for a shower or a nap, half-day tour of Bombay.

Transfer to the train station to catch overnight train to Pipariya, 2nd Class air conditioned train travel to Pipariya

We pick you up at the train station at Pipariya and take you up to Riverside and then 7 nights staying as our houseguest enjoying basic but homely hospitality in an old 'Raj' style bungalow; on a remote plateau surrounded by jungle. As well as seeing one of the most natural and beautiful areas left in India, guests are escorted into the jungle where they can stay overnight in a jungle lodge to absorb the ambience of this wild world. You can expect to see leopards, giant Gaur, Blackbuck, Chital, Crocodile, Porcupine, Eagles, Wild Dog, Sambar and a multitude of butterflies and birds. We might even see the Bengal Tiger, we will certainly follow the trails, tracking the pug marks.

We will explore on foot within the wilderness, jeep through the jungle, dine beneath the stars, picnic and pool-hop, amble through ravines, cycle over the plateau, haggle in the village market and photograph and absorb the world that is Pachmarhi. It's up to you.

You might be interested in Geoff's story Where Tigers Stalk in our "Writings by EarthFooters" section.