Great Indian Tiger Safari

Additional Information

Preparation for trip:

To join this trip you will need to
• complete a reservation form for JOURNEYS. You may do so online at our web site.
• obtain India visa. We will furnish the forms.
• arrange international air travel to India (JOURNEYS will help).
• possess a passport valid for 6 months from date of entry into India.

Getting to India
There are many airlines and routes serving India via both the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. We are pleased to offer extensions to other points in Asia before or after the trip and help you book your air accordingly.

Trip Leadership
The primary leadership will include an Indian naturalist familiar with the parks of India and the wildlife we seek.

What to expect on the trip
Generally we utilize the best available facilities outside large cities, or lodges and camps particularly well-sited to our quest to see large mammals. The trip will emphasize opportunities to see and photograph wildlife. This will require very early morning starts and some physical effort not typical of conventional India trips. The trip is not only for those who have interests in photography and birding, but for those who love natural history. Temperature may reach the low 90’s in some areas, but this is generally a mild and dry time of year in northern India. Rivers and water features are low, grassy areas are grazed, cut or burned off, making animals easier to spot. While tiger sightings are a primary quest, they are not guaranteed. We have included the sanctuaries in India and Nepal where they are most often sighted. Due to water conditions and changes in local wildlife conditions, we may choose to modify the trip. For example, in drought years there may be no water at Keoladeo Ghana making it relatively unattractive relative to other areas we might include. We have included some of the spectacular cultural monuments of northern India. The protection these areas have been afforded also makes them attractive natural sanctuaries. We have included a variety of transportation modes and in the case of trains, you will be booked in first class reserved compartments. We will use private, air conditioned motor vehicles for travel between sites. If you have never been to India before, you may take some time to adjust to the scale and momentum of human activities. There are people everywhere. The parks we visit are tiny island sanctuaries in a sea of humanity lapping at the shores. The cultural experience of India is a necessary and wonderful part of the trip. Everyone must be prepared for the possibility of delays, reservation changes and the predictable and unpredictable rigors of travel in India and Nepal.

What you will need on the trip
You will want a camera with telephoto lens, good binoculars, camouflage or muted color lightweight, wash and wear clothing, lightweight hiking shoes, and malaria prophylaxis. Warm clothing, durable rain gear or sleeping bag will not be needed. We will have at least one spotting scope as part of the group equipment. A full checklist and reading list will be sent when you sign up.

Why choose JOURNEYS for your India trip?
You will be traveling with a company and staff who understand India, travel and your high expectations for an extraordinary experience. JOURNEYS has been offering India and Nepal trips since 1978. We emphasize respectful appreciation of local cultures and environments and contribute to local conservation causes through our Earth Preservation Fund. Prior to departure you enjoy the benefit of a full time support staff in Ann Arbor accessible by toll-free calls. We look forward to guiding your preparations in such areas as clothing and equipment, medical considerations, visa acquisition and international airline ticketing and reservations. On all JOURNEYS trips you may book your arrival and departure independently of the group flights and we are prepared to assist in arranging travel extensions to any other part of India, Nepal or Asia at reasonable cost.
Participants on previous JOURNEYS trips receive a lifetime 5% discount on the land cost of all future trips. Prior to departure you will receive and extensive portfolio of information about your trip including detailed checklists, language guide, T-Shirt, travel insurance policy, cultural information and other background materials. You can be assured you will be well prepared for your travels and well-informed about the conditions you will encounter.

To reserve or discuss this itinerary, contact: info@journeys-intl or by toll-free phone at 1-800-255-8735, or fax: 734-665-2945. You may also sign up on line at: www.journeys-intl.com/sign_up/

Detailed Trip Information

Dates	Mar 14 to Mar 28, 2009
Duration	15 days
Land Cost	$4,995 8-12 participants; $4795 13-16 participants
Single Supplement	$650 Nepal Ext. $1565 (pre-trip Mar 9-14)/Single Supplement $350
Lodging	- rustic to comfortable hotels & lodges
Grade	I-II walking
Group Size	8-16

Trip Terms & Conditions

Included in costs: Meals as noted, each night in double occupancy accommodations, land transfers between components, English speaking guides, park or site entry fees, surface transport, equipment other than personal gear, government tax, airport transfer assistance, in-country ticket reconfirmation & check-in assistance (where permitted), complete pre-departure packet, toll-free pre-departure phone assistance.

Not included in costs: Meals not noted as included, gratuities, beverages (except tea or coffee at meals), international or domestic airfare unless specified, airport departure taxes not included with air tickets, visas, itinerary changes after confirmation, any services not included in itinerary, any costs incurred due to canceled or delayed flights, acts of nature or other happenings beyond our control, or other costs as are more fully described in JOURNEYS Terms & Conditions.

Deposit and payment schedule: $500 per person per trip or the applicable amount based on the trip and the proximity of the departure date. A second deposit of $800 per person is due four months prior to departure, and final payment for land arrangements is due 60 days prior to departure. Airlines require full payment when tickets are issued. The deposit may be made by Visa, Master Card or check, and the Reservation Form may be submitted by fax, mail or via our website. Full payment schedule and cancellation penalties are described in our Terms and Conditions as noted in our Global Expedition Catalog, on our website and elsewhere. Please request these if you do not have them before advancing a deposit.

Insurance: When you make your application, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.

Air fares: JOURNEYS can make complete air arrangements applicable to your trip as noted in this itinerary. If you wish to redeem frequent flyer mileage or arrange flights directly with the airline, you may do so on your own at no penalty. If you do, please consult with us on exact arrival and departure dates and times before having your tickets issued to avoid errors.

Itinerary Change Fee: There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.

Internet Resources

• Center for Disease Control
• Consular Information Sheet
• Detailed Facts About India
• India Reading List
• Google News - India