India school trip · 11 days
Tiger Tracks and Camera Traps
India - a destination so diverse and intricately woven in its customs, colours, landscapes and wildlife that a lifetime is not long enough to explore this magical country in its entirety.
About this trip
India - a destination so diverse and intricately woven in its customs, colours, landscapes and wildlife that a lifetime is not long enough to explore this magical country in its entirety. On this biology and conservation related tour, we head to the national parks and tiger reserves of central India. We will become Junior Rangers, in an experience full of adventure and fabulous wildlife watching. Alongside jeep, boat and foot safaris, our expert rangers will discuss important issues, such as conservation, tiger poaching, human-animal conflict and how tourism might provide the solution to saving the tiger. We’ll learn how to set camera tracks and monitor animal movements through impression pads, and visit a local village to see how they feel about their feline neighbours. Oh, and we drop in on the Taj Mahal too, just for good measure!
Trip highlights
- Delhi sightseeing and transfer to Agra
- Agra and Overnight Train transfer to Satpura
- Satpura National Park
- Satpura National Park; Walking safaris and human-animal conflict
- Satpura National Park; Full day jeep safari
Your recommended itinerary, with the meals included on each day.
- 1–2
Days 1–2
Arrive Delhi
Leave the UK on an overnight flight to India. Arrive at New Delhi’s International Airport, transfer to the Hotel. Time allowing, we’ll head out into the city this afternoon and get a feel for heat, dust and general organised mayhem of old and new Delhi.
- 3
Day 3
Delhi sightseeing and transfer to Agra
We start with a tour of the old city. We go on a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk seeing typical Indian market scenes and the oldest spice bazaar. Later we can visit Raj Ghat, the cremation place of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of Modern India. In the afternoon, we transfer to Agra.
- 4
Day 4
Agra and Overnight Train transfer to Satpura
We rise early this morning to make the most of the dawn light and a visit to see the Taj Mahal, the seventh wonder of the world, before the crowds arrive later in the day. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Taj is his glowing tribute to his love for Mumtaz Mahal. The most complete and perfect of the wonders of the world; Taj was built in 1652 and took 22 years and 20,000 skilled artisans to complete. After visiting Taj, we have the opportunity to explore some of the markets and surrounding sites of Agra before an afternoon transfer to the train station to board the overnight train heading south to Satpura National Park.
- 5–6
Days 5–6
Satpura National Park
We are met from our overnight train and drive by road to Satpura National Park, one of the richest and best maintained ecosystems in the Indian subcontinent. On arrival, we are welcomed and introduced to the Denwa Backwater Escape. After breakfast there is a briefing on the program and assignment of duties. In the afternoon, we walk around the grounds, followed by an evening presentation on the flora and fauna of Satpura National park. Dinner at the Lodge.
Junior Ranger Programme - introduction
Our experience over the next few days as Junior Rangers aims to give us an introduction to Wildlife Conservation in India at a grass roots level. We learn about the tribal people of the region and gain an understanding of their role in the conservation of the area. Early morning safaris, boat rides and nature treks allow us an insight into the practical problems of conservation and give us an opportunity for rare glimpses of Tiger, wild dogs, Gaur, Deer and other mammals. The area is extremely rich in bird and insect life and there are fantastic opportunities for observing and photographing animal behaviour. After the safaris there will be talks on wildlife management and human-animal conflict.
We set off on another safari in the morning, followed by an afternoon Boat safari in the tiger reserve. After this, we learn to set up camera traps to record animal movement. The park also has a significant population of leopards, sloth bears and wild dogs and the lush sal forests of Satpura offer the perfect opportunity for the young rangers to learn more about these fascinating animals. In the evening the rangers will assist in setting up camera traps followed by a talk on wildlife conservation in India.
- 7
Day 7
Satpura National Park; Walking safaris and human-animal conflict
We have a morning walking safari in the National Park followed by discussions of what we have seen and what data our camera traps may have recorded. After lunch, we will head into the village to discuss and gain some perspective on human-animal conflict, animal movement, habitat destruction and conservation. In the evening we will set up our camera traps again.
- 8
Day 8
Satpura National Park; Full day jeep safari
Today we go for a full day Jeep Safari in the Tiger reserve, a hot lunch will be served inside the park. On our return we will learn to make impression pads for monitoring animal movements followed by a talk on illegal trafficking of tiger parts alongside information regarding poaching and anti-poaching measures.
- 9
Day 9
Satpura National Park; Jeep safari, camera trapping & discussions
Our day begins with a jeep safari in the National Park followed by lunch and checking the camera traps and impression pads for animal movement. There will be a barbeque dinner in the evening and a discussion about what we have learnt and experienced during our time as Junior Rangers.
- 10
Day 10
Satpura National park; Bhopal, Delhi
An early morning walking safari is followed by breakfast and a vehicle transfer to Bhopal for our flight connection to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi we transfer back to our hotel and head out for a walk around the city.
- 11
Day 11
Return to UK
We transfer to the airport in time for our flight back to the UK.
Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.
Questions teachers ask about this trip
How long is this itinerary? The suggested itinerary is 11 days.What is planned for day 3? We start with a tour of the old city.