Tours in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka

Testimonials

"This was our first trip to India and I had two aims. One was to see a Tiger and the other, to ride on an Elephant with my family. Both aims were achieved on our second morning in Bandhavgarh and both at the same time. What’s more, we saw the same Tigress two days later and had even better views of her then, again from Elephant back. Best of all though was the male Tiger named B2 that walked first across the road behind our jeep and then, having kept parallel with us through the bamboo forest, crossed again right in front of us. He was magnificent!

After initial arrangements in England, our whole trip was arranged by Manoj. He accompanied us both in Delhi on our arrival and in Agra, when we broke our journey home from Bandhavgarh to visit the Red Fort and Taj Mahal. The hotel in Agra was very swish and the arrangements throughout our trip were faultless. Travelling overnight on the train was an experience, but we found our fellow passengers friendly and helpful both times.

In Bandhavgarh we stayed at the Jungle Lodge and our naturalist guide worked hard to ensure we saw as many species as possible throughout our stay. He also answered all our questions about conservation and biodiversity. On our very first drive in the park, we followed the alarm calls of Spotted Deer hoping to locate a Tiger. What we found however was not one, not two, but three Leopards together. We saw the male mating with a female; another female close by. We were able to watch and film these usually elusive creatures for 45 minutes!

Between morning and afternoon game drives we were free to explore at leisure outside the park, but on one memorable day we re-entered the park to visit Bandhavgarh Fort, where the views are breath-taking and ruins fascinating. To look down on soaring Vultures is truly amazing.

This tailor-made wildlife holiday with a splash of culture was an experience I shall never forget and the whole family is looking forward to our next visit - - - arranged by the same people of course!"  Tigertail Tours and IGT

Pam Taylor and family

Norfolk, UK                                                                                                      

"As first-time visitors to India, we were captivated by the brilliant colors, artistic creativity, friendly people, and delicious food. The main purpose of our trip was to participate in the International Workshop on Environmental Education and the 7th Indian Birding Fair, which were both held in Jaipur. These two events were meticulously planned and executed by members of the Wildlife and Tourism Society of India. We were moved by the dedication of teachers, students, and local conservationists to improving the condition of Rajasthan’s environment and wildlife populations. While in Jaipur, we received a good introduction to some of India’s current and past culture. After a week in the city, we were ready to explore a few of the nearby national parks. Our Tourism and Wildlife Society host, Mr. Harsh Vardhan, scheduled trips for us to Keoladeo National Park and Ranthambhore National Park. We eagerly looked forward to seeing lots of migratory waterbirds and perhaps at least one of India’s national animal --- the magnificent tiger. As biologists with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we were also looking forward to learning about the plants and wildlife of these protected areas and the management issues that affected the parks’ resources. Everyone we met in Jaipur assured us that the visits would be spectacular. Our visit to Keoladeo and Ranthambhore National Parks was comparable to some of the best wildlife viewing experiences we have had anywhere in the world. Through our positions with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and as hobbyist travelers, we have had numerous opportunities to visit protected areas across the Americas and in Asia. These travel experiences have enhanced our knowledge about and changed our outlook on globally significant protected areas. Certainly both Keoladeo and Ranthambhore National Parks deserve the continued attention of the global community. After visiting India for the first time, we are anxious to return and learn more about its natural and cultural history. The parks and people of India have so much to offer, and we will encourage our friends and acquaintances to overcome their fears of political unrest to take a step into the unfamiliar. We hope the marketing of India’s wildlife, through a variety of nongovernmental organizations and tourist companies, could help to boost tourism in the parks, increase revenue throughout India, and provide additional jobs to local villages outside of the parks."     Brad Andres and Heather Johnson US Fish & Wildlife Service, Lakewood, CO, USA

"We have travelled to India many times and apart from the first trip they have all been organised by IGT. Being closely associated with the conservation of Indian wild life, IGT were able to organise our visits to suit our needs perfectly, consequently we have had wonderful sightings of Tigers and numerous other animals and birds on our trips to India. This close association also enabled us the benefit of the best guides available in the field. We couldn't think of any future visits to the sub-continent without the help and advice of IGT, a very friendly family run company who are as comfortable organising cultural as well as wild life tours." Derek & Karen Bryant Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK

"We had a wonderful greeting at the airport, where we were met by Manoj with the full tour details for our trip exactly as we had requested. It was beautifully presented in a colourful folder and he had a huge bunch of flowers to welcome us. Everything ran efficiently - we were always accompanied by knowledgeable guides and well looked after. Ranthambhore - hotel had spacious gardens full of birds. Friendly staff, excellent food. On the first game drive saw our first tiger. The birds at Bharatpur were so numerous we lost count! Bachu Singh is an amazing guide who knows all the names of birds, flowers and trees. We were privileged to visit a local village and take tea with a family. The Tiger lodge at Kanha is a peaceful, wonderful place where the hospitality and food are unsurpassed.The game drives to see Tigers were well ordered and relaxed. Many other animals and more birds seen. The Tiger Lodge at Bandhavgarh was busier and the game drives were more hectic. We saw Tigers on every trip out and the highlight was on Elephant back, when we followed a Tigress down a ravine to her cave where she had two cubs. We had hoped to see Tigers but saw 23 different Tigers in the 3 reserves - wow ! The whole trip was spectacular - all the local people were wonderful, friendly and kind. We even managed visits to the Taj Mahal at dawn and dusk."     Tom Birch Isham, Kettering, UK

"In 1998  I  decided to take a sabbatical from work,  with my wife and 2 younger children , and consulted a friend , who  I  knew had spent many years bird watching throughout India , for advice.  He said immediately " Harsh Vardhan at IGT in Jaipur "...we got in touch by fax and phone and Harsh organised a superb trip zigzagging across Northern India , including  "the Golden Triangle ", Bandavgargh and ending up in Varanasi .     IGT provided cars, drivers, guides and excellent hotels and places to stay including visits to tribal areas , bird and animal sanctuaries. As we enjoyed our trip so much IGT organised another long trip to Southern and Central India organised by Manoj Vardhan, which again was absolutely excellent ....since then we have recommended many friends to IGT and will continue to do so." John Playfair Moreton in Marsh, Gloucester, UK     "From beginning to end, I was very grateful to have the help of Harsh, Manoj and Tigertail Tours.  I found everyone that I came into contact with was very professional and helpful in planning all of our logistical and tour needs.   I found everyone to be very reliable and trustworthy and this assistance was very valuable in ensuring that we had a great time.   India can be difficult to navigate on your own without the proper arrangements in place.  I've just recommended Tigertail Tours to a friend of mine from Seattle planning an upcoming trip to India.  I know when I return some day, I will contact Tigertails again to make the arrangements.   Coming from Seattle, my family has always been a big supporter of the environment and conservation.  My Dad and brother met me in Hyderabad after my week of work and we travelled to Delhi, where our wonderful vacation adventure began.  Harsh and Manoj made arrangements for us to navigate an often rugged and difficult infrastructure and to get to our main travel sites.  The rewards are beyond words - so incredible.  There are no pictures that can do the Taj Mahal justice.  I was in awe of how massive and spectacular it is and how amazing that it has remained so well preserved through time.  Truly incredible!   We ended up having to change our plans from visiting Ranthambhore National Park to Bandhavgarh which was well worth the journey.  Manoj was instrumental in making the arrangements to make this happen.  My Dad mentioned that this was some of the best wildlife viewing he'd seen anywhere in the world and he's travelled through Africa and China.   The scenery of the park was amazing and the Tiger sightings in Bandhavgarh far exceeded our wildest hopes.  We ended up seeing 7 majestic Tigers during our stay, with 11 total sightings!   After my visit I feel a renewed passion for ensuring that we protect these amazing animals and the environment that they live in.  We need to find a way to address global poverty and development while protecting our environment.  Our guide Mahendra from the Jungle Lodge was fabulous.  I hope someday to have the opportunity to return to this wonderful park and this wonderful country."   Shannon Ansbaugh    Seattle, WA, USA              It was my first visit, and I have always dreamed of travelling to India and seeing the wonderful diverse culture, the Taj Mahal, and Tigers in the wild.  India far exceeded my wildest hopes and dreams.  The bright colors of the women's saris in the market places, women in full burkas, and the blending of cultures ancient and new, were life changing for me.  I was fortunate to receive the opportunity to travel to India for work, spending a week in Hyderabad.  I was intrigued by the contrast of the new developing high tech industry and the traditional Indian way of life.  I was amazed by how so many people are able to live together in close proximity while respecting and peacefully honoring their wonderful diversity of religion and ways of life.  The rest of the world can learn a lot from this.