4 independent reviews for Tiger safari and Golden Triangle tour in India
Reviews for Tiger safari and Golden Triangle tour in India
Carole MacLaren review 29 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So hard to decide between seeing the Taj Mahal and seeing my first tiger in the wild! Oh and then there was the leopard...2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We were exceptionally lucky and had 14 tiger sightings along with 4 leopards. We had increased the number of safaris to 14 to increase the chances of sightings and went mid April, again to increase chances. The parks visited were Bandhavgarh, Kahna and Pench. Bandhavgarh is the smallest of the 3 parks but had a high density of tigers and accounted for 7 of the tiger sightings.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Money went to Global Tiger Patrol through TOFT campaign.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The vacation was exceptionally well organised. We were met at every stage, all transfers went smoothly and the guides were excellent. We had very enthusiastic naturalists at the three parks visited who were knowledgeable and environmentally aware. Accommodation was perfect and food delicious!Dave Torr review 4 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing tigers and leopards (an unexpected bonus) at really close quarters.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be patient! It took 9 safaris (with excellent guides) before we saw our first tigers. It is largely a matter of being in the right place at the right time - some people get them first time! But there are lots of birds and other mammals to see so never boring. Transfers between parks - whilst in comfortable cars with good drivers - can be quite lengthy because of the state of the roads and traffic.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - everywhere seemed to have large numbers of local staff who clearly benefited from the tourism. I suspect that if it were not for the numbers of tourists. Wanting to see tigers then much less money would be available for conservation and the numbers would decline.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great. Perhaps a bit of shock if you have never been to India before, but just go with the flow and relax. The arrangements worked perfectly, hotels were very comfortable and people were very helpful - my wife had a minor health issue and staff at the resort arranged for medical treatment which was effective. The only downside we felt was the constant need to tip people - most of our recent vacations have been inclusive of tips. We were given a fairly comprehensive set of guidelines but they did not cover every occasion - and having the right small change each day is a constant hassle. The argument is that tipping encourages good service - but if everyone tips the "recommended" amount then I do not see that this is true.Ted Jackson review 20 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Actually seeing the tigers that we went to see - and very much more besides. A porcupine was a special unplanned and unexpected bonus.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Finding wild tigers is never a 'given' and almost certainly requires significant safari time to have hope of success. In our case we spent some 40 hours in safari jeeps experiencing what was effectively a full body work out for 8 hours a day. If you are in your late seventies this may be good for you but it's no picnic! You need to allow time for a rest when you get home. The bottom line here is that we were successful.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The vacation was essentially about wildlife conservation and the programme delivered by local experts. We benefited from them and they benefitted from us. We clearly helped raise awareness in one village when three of us were watching a wide variety of birds on a local lake and attracted a crowd of thirty people who took much delight in watching us watching the birds.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Faultless. A complex programme which was perfectly choreographed - and enjoyable to excess.Susan Hunter review 19 Feb 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing tigers, without a doubt! I was very lucky and saw both male and female tigers at Tadoba National Park as well as the famous Maya with her three six month old cubs. At Kanha we also had a fantastic encounter with a male tiger. He wandered up the road ahead of us, glancing back as if to make sure we were all following. Then he sauntered across a meadow with spotted deer alarming and watching his every move. On the first day at Kanha, we also saw a pair of jackals with their kill, a spotted deer fawn, which they were taking back to their den and cubs.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I opted for game drives every day and had a wonderful wildlife experience. But it might have been good to have some downtime too to enjoy the tranquillity at Shergahr camp, or the swimming pool at Svasara.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The parks and lodges I visited employ local people which also helps conserve the protected natural areas. Without visitors, the parks might struggle to survive and without the parks the ecosystem would be lost.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a fantastic trip. I saw some amazing wildlife and met some lovely people. The food was pretty darn good too.Holiday Reviews
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