Dose anyone know of a tiger safari company that goes to all four of the popular tiger reserves: Corbett, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Rathambhore?

Since they are all run independently by the government, the answer is basically, no. However, you may be able to find a tour company from the many mentioned on this site that would be willing to put together an itinerary for you.

CCAfrica (under the name andbeyond.com) has expanded into India:
http://www.andbeyondindia.com/india_...y_india_lodges
We stayed at their lodge in Bandhavgarh and thought it was great. (We saw three tigers.) For more details see my report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...andhavgarh.cfm

I have relied on National Geographic's 2009 Best Adventure Travel (http://adventure.nationalgeographic....ings-list-text) and asked Ibex to do exactly what Craig suggested and was familiar with andBeyond that Marija mentioned. I, too, have been to Africa and will look forward to reading her trip report soon.

Wildlife is a specialized job. It is an addiction. The love of the ‘chase’ may well be beyond comprehension of majority, except those who themselves are addicted to it!
Happy Hunting!!

Hi

Corbett - visit is technical as one of the best beats to visit is Dhikala core region - but there is only a simple state run guests house there. One can stay at one of the nice resorts on the periphery and visit other nice beats like Bijrani etc and take special permission to visit Dhikala.

Bandavgarh - If budget is not an issue than Taj CCA lodges is the best bet here since they take care of everything. But in case budget is an issue - there are resorts to suite every pocket and they are also able to cater to the game viewing and other variables.

Kanha - same as above - If budget is not an issue than Taj CCA lodges is the best bet here since they take care of everything. But in case budget is an issue - there are resorts to suite every pocket and they are also able to cater to the game viewing and other variables.

Ranthambpre - again here there are resorts to suite every pocket - the top of the line are Oberoi Vanyavilas and the Aman Resort - Aman-I-Khas. and scores of other nice and not so nice lodges.

Chances of spotting the big game like Tigers is best in Bandavgarh and Ranthambore.

I would suggest that you let one of the specialised companies handle your tour. I would recommend - www.yatrik.com - based in Delhi who have conducted such tours for many of their clients.

All the best.

What is the best time of year to go?

In terms of Tiger sighting - the summer months are considered to be better - as the animals inevitabely head for the water holes to quench their thurst....so April,May are good months and even June.

But weather wise in India October to Feb is better.

But parks like Bandavgarh and Ranthambore even have excellent sightings in winter months from October to February - specially Bandavgarh. I have always seen Tigers at Bandavgarh whenever I have gone there.

Look at elderhostels Taj & Tigers; the tour does Ranthambore, Bandavgarh, Kanha & Pench

We found a pair of Tigers at Ranthambore in February, plus a fleeting glimps of another female. Had we not, we would give it another try with elderhostel.

Holikurry,

How many times you have been to Bandavgarh? And, what times of the year did you go?

My dilemma is that I was trying to build an itinerary around the Pushkar Camel Fair based on a recommendation from a friend who went in 2001 and that would dictate a trip in November. But, my main goal is to see at least one tiger and I will delete the Pushkar Camel Fair to go in the spring if I have to.

I have heard mixed reviews on the Pushkar Camel Fair e.g., "I personally think that the Pushkar fair is highly overrated. In the last few years it has become so popular that one sees more tourists over there than locals. Pushkar was good till about 2002 – 03. I had been a regular visitor there till then but since then it is not the same." What have some of you heard?

For a hardcore tiger-wallah staying inside a tiger reserve is in my opinion a must-do, even if it means basic accommodation & egg-curry in the way of non-veg. Staying outside of the Park dilutes the pleasure of sharing the forest with wildlife, princely comfortable as these may be. I have no experience of Kanha but no other park allows you a stay inside, except Corbett.
March / April is good time, for it also is the mating season for big cats & often one hears them roaring about in search of a mate. I have twice seen a pair of mating tigers, once from the tree-machaan, a mile or so from Dhikala & once, through a pair of night-visions, right behind the camp, in the Ramganga basin, with the entire load of visitors, grabbing to take a look at the amorous activity, from the escarpment!
As the Park closes entry a hour before sunset, one night in the periphery hotels is fine. The bird-watching early next morning in the Kosi valley is great.
In Corbett, you will probably see a tiger at close range, you will see him drop on his belly, size up the situation, expose his entire length & glide away, leaving you out of breath at the spectacle you have just seen! This is on account of the dense foliage & lantana. But then sightings no where can be guaranteed…the old hunting adage & Lord Shiva, the Protector at full work!!!
May is unpleasantly hot, with hot winds blowing in the day. June is impossible…I shall be there second week, for a couple of days, with my family, on way to Mukteshwar Hills, above Nainital. Shall be happy to give a report on ground conditions.
The sightings at Ranthambhore have been very good this season but avoid December when the schools & colleges have closed down & everyone makes a beeline for the Parks, some for the love of wildlife & some for a picnic!!
Pushkar Fair is an excellent opportunity to witness the actual sale / purchase of cattle. It has not changed, over the years. A day here shall be fine. You do have some good accommodation, which is reasonably priced & has ambience!

Corbett - OK best Place to stay { authentic experince } and the only of its kind :
THE HIDEAWAY RIVER LODGE
Please don't get confuse with THE CORBETT RIVER VIEW RETREAT & THE CORBETT HIDEAWAY .

The Hideway River Lodge is inside the Forest just outside the core area only few tents .6 Hours from Delhi one way .
Ranthambore is waste . No sighting ...
Bandhavgarh & Kanha is Good must add Pench . Pench has the best sighting .
Kanha best Place : Singinawa www.singinawa.in
Pench : Taj CC Africa www.andbeyond.com
which is at Kanha & Bandavgarh as well
Samode Safari Lodge is also the latest at Bandavgarh
www.samode.com

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