For the first time, Jim is offering a photography tour to India focusing on capturing stunning images of wild Bengal tigers in their natural habitat.  There are other subjects too, such as axis deer, gray langur monkeys, peacocks plus many other species of color birds, and more.  But our focus will be on the most beautiful of all cats, the tiger.  Our two bases of operations are Ranthambhore and Bandarvgarh National Parks, chosen for their high density of tigers. The timing of this tour coincides with the end of the dry season, and this forces the big cats to seek out waterholes where we can get images of them drinking and bathing in the cool water. There is nothing like looking through a telephoto lens and seeing a frame-filling composition of a tiger!  Don't miss this experience!

Itinerary

Day 1, May 20, Wednesday

Leave your home and arrive this day in Delhi, India (airport code DEL).  Upon arrival, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to our hotel.  Rest from the long flight and meet Jim in the lobby for a meet & greet at 6pm and to discuss the upcoming tour. Enjoy a welcome dinner with the group and then overnight Hotel Pride Plaza, Delhi, 4 star.

Day 2, May 21, Thursday

After breakfast we depart for the railway station to board the train to Ranthambhore (about 3 1/2 hours).  When we arrive, we'll be transferred to our hotel. Depending on the time of our arrival, we should have the opportunity to visit the beautiful ruins of the 10th century Ranthambhore fort surrounded by and engulfed in green vegetation.  Overnight Nahargarh Ranthambhore Hotel, 4 star.

Days 3 - 6 May 22 - 25, Friday - Monday

For the next 4 days we get up early for morning game drives in search of Bengal tigers, and then after a midday siesta and lunch, we return in the late afternoon for more opportunities to photograph the majestic tigers in their natural habitat.  Ranthambore National Park is 151 square miles of wildlife sanctuary that was originally the royal hunting ground of maharajas. It has a thriving population of tigers, and its varied landscape is the home to a wide variety of animals and birds. We start the days early to take advantage of the best 

protect and to insure a healthy population of Bengal tigers in India. The 105 square mile park has a high biodiversity. In addition to tigers, the bird life is phenomenal.  You will see species like the blue-bearded bee eater, the white-throated kingfisher, rose-ringed parakeet, the Indian roller, and the Malabar pied hornbill. We will rest, have dinner, and prepare for our safari tomorrow.  Overnight Bandhav Vilas Jungle Resort, 4 star.

Days 9 - 11, May 28 - 30, Thursday - Saturday

For the next 3 days we explore the maze of roads that crisscross Bandavgarh National Park.  Our local driver has an intimate knowledge of the park's tigers, and although it's impossible to predict the movements of individual cats, we will have the best chances of sightings with our guide.  We typically 

Tour cost:  $7350.  Includes 12 nights lodging based on double occupancy, all meals except in Delhi, all game drives in jeeps with 2 photographers per vehicle, entrance fees, services of an English speaking guide, all ground transportation, train tickets, photo instruction, and critiques on demand.

Domestic air flight cost Delhi to Jabalpur and return):  $200

Single supplement (to have your own room): $1125

Not included: International airfare to and from India, Visa fee for India, trip cancellation insurance, medical evacuation insurance, items of a personal nature, alcoholic beverages, and excess baggage charges.