Asia and Pacific

India | Quest for the Tiger: Exploring the Natural Wonders of India

Gustafson Photo Safari
Date:
Mar 19 - Apr 3, 2025
Duration:
16 Days
Price:
From $18,750
Interests:
Photography
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Tiger
Brahminy Starling; Langurs
Bee-eaters
Gray langur
Tiger cub
Gaur, or Indian bison
Chital, also known as the spotted deer
Male peacock displaying
Wild tiger snarling
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About this program

A wildlife safari in India continues to be unmatched with more than 350 different mammals, 1,220 birds, and 1,600 species of reptiles and amphibians populating the Indian subcontinent. We will be tracking tigers, the most beautiful animal on earth. Imagine following fresh tiger tracks along a sandy road winding through mighty forests of India at the ends of the Earth, when suddenly you hear the alarm call of a deer… a monkey’s scream and the peacock voices his haunting call to signal tiger’s arrival. You follow the sounds until they are eclipsed by the roar of a tiger. Thirty feet away, a giant orange and black striped Bengal tiger emerges and shows its famed snarl, announcing “Beware, I am the tiger. I have arrived!” There is no greater feeling of excitement, intensity, and awe than to capture that photographic moment.  Each of these amazing natural history subjects has a prominent place in the India chapter of To the Ends of the Earth Volume 3 The Natural World. Powerful images from India include two tigers sparring in open woodlands, a tigress relaxing in a cooling forest pool, a peacock in full display, and a lovely jungle owlet roosting on a single forest branch. Join Todd Gustafson on this photographic journey to experience India’s fabulous wildlife in some of the most stunning natural settings. With Kanha, Pench, and Bandhavgarh National Parks rated the best for tiger spotting, prepare for a fabulous range of photo opportunities and exhilarating moments in the wild. With tips, techniques and personal instruction from a top digital photography expert, you will return with an amazing portfolio of colorful images and a new sense of wonder about India.
OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION: Begin your India journey with an optional pre-trip extension, Exploring Delhi and the Taj Mahal, March 16-20, 2025.

Highlights

  • Tigers, tigers, and more tigers!
  • Observe and photograph tigers, wild dogs, and many more in the wild at Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench National Parks by 4x4 open Jeeps.
  • Only two people maximum per Jeep during jungle safaris.
  • Experience great opportunities for wildlife photography including many bird species.

Meet your leader

Todd Gustafson

Todd Gustafson is an internationally renowned photographer and videographer who has been photographing nature, wildlife and natural history around the world for the last 3 decades. Capturing beautiful light on beautiful subjects in an artistic way at the decisive moment is a continuous personal goal. He is a seasoned photo safari leader who combines his passion for photography with his love of exploration. He guides nature and photo enthusiasts through breathtaking landscapes and habitats in search of the dramatic and the unexpected. This enables them to capture the world’s beauty at its most dramatic. Todd’s approach to leading photo safaris is rooted in his deep respect for nature and culture. He emphasizes the importance of ethical photography, encouraging participants to tread lightly and leave no trace. For many years, Todd photographed and worked as a clinician/teacher for NIKON Corporation. In April 2015, Todd switched equipment and now shoots Canon equipment.

Land Cost

$18,750

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $2500

What makes us different

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Designed for photographers

Itineraries are thoughtfully scheduled to provide an optimum balance of beautiful natural light and wildlife activity

Expert guides

We take pride in hiring local guides who are carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the field

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with making your flight arrangements if desired

Sustainable travel

We believe travel should have a positive impact on the world. We are committed to maintaining responsible travel practices and partner with ClimateSafe to provide carbon offsetting.

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Depart United States for India.
Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi, the capital of India, and after clearing customs and immigration, a representative will welcome you at the airport arrival lounge and then coordinate the transfer to the hotel; please note that the hotel check-in time is 2 pm. Most flights arrive very late in the night.
Andaz
Bandhavgarh National Park
Meet you guide for breakfast and a brief program orientation at 7:00 am in the hotel restaurant. After breakfast transfer to airport for the flight to Jabalpur. Upon arrival, transfer approximately 3-4 hours to Bandhavgarh. Set among the Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh with an area of 168 square miles, the park contains a wide variety of habitats and a high density of game, including a large number of tigers. On arrival at Bandhavgarh, check into your jungle lodge and have some time to rest and relax. If you prefer, you can also explore the surrounding area of the lodge on foot. Your lodge is within walking distance of the entrance to the national park, so you will hear the sounds of the jungle throughout your stay. During the safari portion of the program, you will have a maximum of two photographers in the open Jeeps with a naturalist guide.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge
Bandhavgarh National Park
During the next three days, explore Bandhavgarh National Park. In the early mornings around 5:30 am, enjoy a safari by 4x4 open Jeep, returning back to the lodge around 10:30 am. The rest of the morning will be free to rest and relax. After lunch, depart for your afternoon safari around 2:30 pm and return around 6 pm. India’s acclaimed tiger parks are quite popular and therefore visits are tightly controlled. Upon arrival at the gate, vehicles are assigned a prescribed route based on whether or not tigers have been seen on the track recently. To ensure the best viewing and photo opportunities, one of the safari days at Bandhavgarh National Park have been upgraded to a Golden Permit. This permit allows entry into the park earlier than a regular permit, when animals by the roadway have not been disturbed, as well as access to all zones without time restrictions, and the ability to leave the park later than closing time to capture the best sunset light in the afternoons. Unlike with the regular permit, the group also does not have to leave the park at midday if you choose to stay longer.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge
Bandhavgarh National Park
Morning and afternoon safari in an open 4x4 Jeep. The chances of seeing a tiger in Bandhavgarh are greater than in any of India’s other forests. During the summer, tigers can be seen at several of the main waterholes such as Chakradhara, Gopalpur, Jurmani and Barwanala. As many as 37 mammal species have been listed for this park including three types of antelopes: blue bull, chinkara, and the chausingha. Species that can also be seen include the cheetal, sambar, barking deer, four species of bats, two types of squirrels, Indian pangolin, Indian porcupine, palm civet, rare Indian wolf, Indian wild dog, ruddy and common mongoose, honey badger, jackal, wild boar, Indian hare, common langur and rhesus macaque. The park also has around 255 species of birds. It provides the ideal habitat for various species of storks (White-necked and Lesser Adjutant Stork), hornbills (Malabar Pied and Common Grey Horbill), herons, cranes and birds of prey like the Crested Hawk, Crested Serpent-Eagle, Honey Buzzard, Shikra, and Lesser Kestrel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge
Bandhavgarh National Park
Continue the exploration of the park with morning and afternoon safaris in an open 4x4 Jeep. During the program there will be elephant safari included at Kanha. The availability is at the sole discretion of the park authorities and confirmation is not known until the last minute. During the safari, have the unique opportunity to experience the forest on the back of an elephant for about an hour-long ride, allowing for a bird’s-eye view of the core zone.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge
Kanha National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Kanha National Park (approximately six hours). The drive passes through rural countryside and colorful towns and villages. Stop in the sleepy town of Mandla, the sacred city of the Gond tribe, where the center of activity is the Narmada River, second holiest after the Ganges. The long drive is also broken up with a stop for a picnic lunch before arriving at the lodge. This afternoon we will take the opportunity to stretch our legs and walk down to the Banjar River while our naturalists identify the local flora and fauna. Our resident naturalist will give an orientation to Kanha National Park. We will look at some maps, understand what is a buffer area and core area, get a good understanding of the areas we will do our safaris in. Set on the Chota Nagpur Plateau in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve was originally established to save two endangered species, the tiger and the barasingha. The park provides breathtaking vistas of grassy plains, meandering streams, and lush sal and bamboo forests. Kanha was the site that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s famous collection of stories, "The Jungle Book," and in addition to frequent sightings of wild tigers, a variety of other species can be seen in the reserve including black buck, chital, Indian bison, barking deer, sambar deer, leopard, and gaur.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Kanha Jungle Lodge
Kanha National Park
This morning we'll explore Kanha National Park in our open 4x4 jeeps, returning to our lodge late in the morning. PLEASE NOTE: ALL NATIONAL PARKS IN MADHYA PRADESH ARE CLOSED TO THE VISITORS FOR AFTERNOON SAFARIS ON EVERY WEDNESDAY. The rest of the day will be at leisure to go for a nature walk, visit a nearby village/school, or participate in a cooking demonstration. We are staying with the family whose heritage dates back 3 generations in Tiger Conservation. Kailash Sankhala, was the founder director of Project Tiger, under which the inceptions of the Project Tiger Reserves in India took place. Their Grandchildren run and manage the three jungle lodges we will be spending 12 nights at. We will also have the chance to watch the Tigerland documentary, made by Discovery Channel and premiered at Sundance Film Festival that focuses on two passionate people trying to save the Tiger. One of them is Kailash Sankhala.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Kanha Jungle Lodge
Kanha National Park
This morning and afternoon, we will explore Kanha National Park in search of tigers and other wildlife, such as swamp deer, black buck, cheetal, Indian bison, barking deer, and sambar in our open 4x4 jeeps. One of these three days, we will use our second Golden Permit to visit the national park.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Kanha Jungle Lodge
Kanha National Park
Morning and afternoon safari in an open 4x4 Jeep.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Kanha Jungle Lodge
Pench National Park
Early this morning, enjoy a final safari in Kanha and then transfer to Pench National Park (approximately five hours). Situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Pench National Park is the 19th reserve in the Project Tiger conservation program and has been one of the best-kept secrets among wildlife enthusiasts. The fairly open canopy of mixed forest, predominantly teak, with open grassy patches, boasts the highest density of herbivores of any Indian park. Notable wildlife - including leopard, tiger, jungle cat, dhole (wild dog), sloth bear, wild boar, mongoose, gaur and herbivores including cheetal (spotted deer) and sambar - can be found at this national park. During the coming days on safari, focus on photographing wild dogs as the target species. Upon arrival, check in to luxury tent accommodations.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Jamtara Wilderness Camp
Pench National Park
Early morning and afternoon game safaris into Pench National Park.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Jamtara Wilderness Camp
Pench National Park
Early morning and afternoon game safaris into Pench National Park.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Jamtara Wilderness Camp
Pench National Park
Early morning and afternoon game safaris into Pench National Park.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Jamtara Wilderness Camp
Delhi
After breakfast at the camp, we will transfer (approximately four hours) to Jabalpur airport for the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, check into the hotel to rest and prepare for your flights home departing this evening.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Day room at Andaz
Arrive in the United States.
Land Cost

$18,750

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $2500

What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Full time guide for the duration of your program
  • Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
  • Internal flights relevant to itinerary
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • All Tips except Guide and Driver
  • Water refill station during transfers
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
  • Carbon Offset
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Travel Insurance
  • Items of personal nature
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 4 participants in double occupancy.

Payments associated with the land program (not including any additional services such as pre or post nights) will be made directly to Todd Gustafson. A $1000 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. This deposit is not refundable.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $2500


Final payment due date: December 14, 2024

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter India. Passports must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least six months after the date of entry.

A visa is required to enter India. For tourism visits not exceeding 60 days, U.S. citizens may apply for an electronic travel authorization at least four days prior to arrival at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. Visas are not available upon arrival in India, and if you arrive without the correct visa it is possible that you will be deported immediately.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Indian Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

Immunizations

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into India, unless you have been in a country where yellow fever is endemic within six days prior to entry, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination is required.

Though not required, the CDC recommends vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to India.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

Malaria

The CDC warns that travelers to India are at moderate risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. There is no vaccine to protect against malaria. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription. To protect against mosquitos, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).

Other Insect-borne Illnesses

In addition to malaria, the CDC warns that travelers may be at risk for other insect-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika virus, leishmaniasis, and others.

Travelers to India should protect themselves against insect bites using the measures described above. Additionally, after spending time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.

As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

Animal Bites/Rabies

Dogs, bats, monkeys, and other mammals are known to carry rabies in India. Avoid stray dogs and wild animals that seem curious or don’t run away from humans. In the unlikely event of being bitten, clean the wound and control bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately. The CDC advises if you wake up with a bat in your room, assume you might have been exposed to rabies (even if you don't detect a bite) and see a doctor right away to find out if you need treatment.

Sun Exposure

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Food & Water

It is generally not safe to drink tap water in India; instead use bottled water or water that has been boiled. Also use bottled water to brush your teeth. You may also wish to bring water purification tablets with you as a precaution if you are traveling to more remote areas. Avoid taking ice in cold drinks, and do not eat salad vegetables unless you are eating in a major international hotel or restaurant.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Resources

Print Resources

From your leader

Packing Recommendations

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is appropriate for most activities. Modest clothing (such as long pants/skirts that cover the knees, and tops or a shawl that covers the shoulders) is culturally appropriate, especially when visiting temples and other religious buildings. Some monuments and other sites require that you remove your shoes upon entering, so it is recommended to wear a pair of socks.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. India’s rainy season is June through September, but it can rain at any time. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts that can be worn in layers
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and insect protection
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s) – Some hotels have swimming pools.
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs.
  • Shoes – You’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes or boots with good ankle support, suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals for around your accommodations.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites and to be considerate of your fellow travelers.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card and cash, including tip money (US$45 per person per day recommended); small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • USB personal fan
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool – Pack in your checked luggage.
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Travel seat cushion – If you normally have hip or back problems, you may appreciate having some extra padding on the bumpy roads.
  • Music or reading material for down time, long drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Money belt
  • Voltage converter and plug adapter
  • Chargers for electronics

Todd's Gear list, for reference

  • (2) R5 cameras, Chargers, (2)512 gig C FAST express Cards & reader, (2) 256 gig CF express cards
  • (2) 4 TB storage drive
  • Laptop – Power Cord, Extra Battery, Mouse and Link
  • Compact Flash Cards – (3) 64 gig  (3) 64 gig C FAST cards
  • TODD-PLUG and India Adaptor
  • AA/AAA Battery Charger 110-220 volts
  • AA rechargeable Batteries (14)
  • AAA rechargeable Batteries (12)
  • Camera cleaning kit:  gel pen, micro cloth, micro tools
  • USB Drive with programs, codes, documents, etc
  • Video head and big tripod
  • Tripod head clamp
  • 100-400mm
  • 17-45mm
  • 600 mm
  • 8-15mm fisheye
  • Rapid strap
  • (2) 2X and (2)1.4X teleconverters
  • Tascam Sound Recorder, SD Cards, AA batteries (5)
  • Shotgun mic and cable, ambient mic and cable
  • LowePro backpack for game drives
  • Micro cloths
"Loved the whole trip. Todd Gustafson is a marvelous teacher, photographer and all around good, kind man."
- Kitty Kono Cobb
Madagascar , 2022
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