Tigers of India
24 Nov -5 Dec 2021 Special Interest

When you are accompanied by a passionate and experienced naturalist and wildlife photographer you benefit from their encyclopedic knowledge, identifying what would otherwise remain unseen. Join wildlife photographer Steve Race on Indus Experience tour you will never forget.

The mountains, forests, lakes, deserts and savannas of India occupy one of the great wilderness areas of Asia. Our exclusive 12-day tiger tour will be led by award winning professional wildlife photographer Steve Race and is a wonderful opportunity to join a small group of like-minded people with the aim of creating an unforgettable experience. We will spend our time in the beautiful Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks, which are rich in biodiversity.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park was established in 1968 as a National Park, and is spread over an area of 1150 sq. kms. This National Park was declared as a tiger reserve under ‘Project Tiger’ in the year 1993. It is predominantly covered with vegetation like Sal, Sali, Dhobin and has vast stretches of grasslands spread over 32 hills, the region though smaller than other wildlife parks has one of the highest density of tigers in the world.

One of the biggest attractions of this national park is the tiger (panthera tigris tigris) and its sightings. Bandhavgarh has a very high density of tigers within the folds of its jungles. With the tiger at the apex of the food chain, it contains 37 species of mammals, more than 250 species of birds, about 70 species of butterflies and a number of reptiles.

We will be staying at the idyllic Kings Lodge, which is situated in between two forested hills of Bandhavgarh National Park in a large natural forested estate of 14 hectares in Rancha village. The lodge is in the heart of wild country and only ten minutes drive from the Tala gate of the National Park. This Luxury Hotel has 10 cottage rooms and 8 stilt cottage rooms with en-suite modern bathrooms spread across a natural forest offering great ambience and privacy.

Kanha National Park

Situated in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the picturesque Kanha National Park was the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling's unforgettable classic Jungle Book. The park was created in 1955 by a special law and, since then, it has dedicated itself in preserving a variety of animal species. Many endangered species have indeed been saved here. Today Kanha is among the few most scenic and beautiful wildlife reserves in Asia. This 'Tiger Country' is the ideal home for both predator and prey. The Park extends over an area of over 1,940-sq-kms. The major feature of this region's interesting topography is the horseshoe shape valley.

The Kanha National Park also supports habitat for many animal species. There are approximately 22 mammal species and 11 rare species of animals. Swamp deer is the most prominent species of the reserve. Birdlife is abundant with approximately 300 avian species in Kanha National Park. One can easily get delighted to spot spell-bounding birds from the top of hills and in the grasslands.

We will be staying at The Bagh Resort, which is a forest retreat in the heart of Central India. It is located just 15 minutes away from the Mukki Gate of Kanha National Park - one of the largest tiger reserves in India. A small hut cast in mud, painted with earthy colours and lit up with lanterns, invites you into the expanse of The Bagh, which is spread over 20 acres of land. There are over 20,00 fruit and flowering trees spread across the resort’s campus that surround the 26 rooms, 16 Deluxe Cottages and 8 Junior Suites for guest accommodation. All the rooms have terraces that open towards the garden and the lake. Guests can enjoy escorted tours to the national park and witness the Indian wildlife first hand with our experienced naturalists.

Our small group will include only 8 photographers attending 11 game drives using three jeeps. This will give maximum room for prime photographic spots and positions within the vehicle and to accommodate for baggage and camera equipment. Steve will spend an equal amount of time in each of the three vehicles, ensuring that every guest benefits from his extensive wildlife photography knowledge. He’ll be on hand to ensure that you’re getting the very best from your photographic experience. He’ll also be on hand in the evenings to answer any technical or compositional questions that you may have relating to your days adventures.

Our small group will include only 8 photographers attending 13 game drives using three jeeps. This will give maximum room for prime photographic spots and positions within the vehicle and to accommodate for baggage and camera equipment. Steve will spend an equal amount of time in each of the three vehicles, ensuring that every guest benefits from his extensive wildlife photography knowledge. He’ll be on hand to ensure that you’re getting the very best from your photographic experience. He’ll also be on hand in the evenings to answer any technical or compositional questions that you may have relating to your days adventures.

Bookings will be confirmed on first come first served basis. This tour is limited to 8 passengers.

Steve Race - Wildlife Photographer

Steve is an award-winning professional wildlife photographer based in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. He has been a keen naturalist and photographer for over 30 years, lived on the Yorkshire Coast all of his life and believes there is no better place for variety of habitats and amazing wildlife.

Inspired by the natural world around him Steve captures incredible wildlife images. In 2013 he was “Commended” in the “Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards”, “Big Picture USA – Natural World Photography Competition” and “British Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards” in which in 2015 he was “Highly Commended”. His work has been published in national and regional media and magazines, leaflets, websites and publications. Steve has also been featured on BBC Countryfile, Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, regional television programmes, and recently being a researcher/location assistant on Channel 5’s “Yorkshire | A Year in the Wild” series.

Steve previously worked for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds as Education Officer at Bempton Cliffs for 6 years and has taken part in numerous projects for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, National Trust and other conservation organisations. He also runs regular exhibitions, workshops, and delivers talks and lectures. He also has his own website www.steverace.com

Steve is currently a Director of Nature Tourism Company “Yorkshire Coast Nature” based in North Yorkshire, which delivers nature tours, photography workshops and events across the Yorkshire Coast and beyond, for more information visit www.yorkshirecoastnature.co.uk