Ameliya's
Classic Itineraries
A SHORT WILDLIFE GETAWAY | 4N/5D
A Short Wildlife Getaway
A Classic Ameliya itinerary perfectly suited for Domestic Nationals looking for a quick getaway to the wild and witness the raw beauty of our country.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- 4 Nights and 5 Days
- 6 Safaris Professionally Guided by a Naturalist
- All meals and accommodations included
- Picnic breakfasts within the National Park
- Round-trip Transfers from the nearest airport
- Select between a classic or premium/luxury lodge.
APPLICABLE LOCATIONS:
BANDHAVGARH | KANHA | PENCH | SATPURA | TADOBA
Classic Package
₹1,84,200 + 5% GST
Premium/Luxury Package
₹2,97,000 + 5% GST
Inclusions
- All meals, tea/coffee and evening snacks
- Safaris as per itinerary in an exclusive vehicle with a naturalist
- National Park Fees, Permits and Vehicle Fee
- Round-trip Transfers from the nearest airport or train station in an AC vehicle
- Complimentary access to the online Wildlife Photography Masterclass by Suyash Keshari
Exclusions
- 5% GST
- Flights, laundry, packed beverages and alcohol
- Camera fees – if levied by the Government (such as in Tadoba)
- Any additional activities, items or personal in nature, tips
- Any changes in National Park fees or government taxes to be borne by the guest
Important Notes
- For additional rooms, 40% of the charges applicable per person on twin sharing on Classic Accomodations and 50% on Premium/Luxury Accommodations. And for addition of a single occupancy room, the supplemental charge of 50% is applicable.
- Safari vehicles in India have a maximum occupancy of six guests however we only recommend four guests per jeep due to the space constraint. Additional jeep will be chargeable.
- Safari permits in all parks are limited and so is the availability in the lodges. As wildlife tourism has grown, parks across India get sold out far in advance. We recommend booking at-least 2-4 months in advance and more for peak periods.
- Parks in India are only open from October 1st – June 30th. In the monsoons, only buffer zones remain operational.
- Standard check-in time at wildlife lodges in India are 13:00 hrs and check out time is 11:00 hrs. Meal cycle begins at lunch on the day of check-in, and ends at breakfast on the day of check-out.
- If you would like to focus on photography, filming, or want to use the services of a private guide we can assign you a highly trained Safari Director or Photography Mentor who will assist you every step of the way. The cost of adding a Safari Director or Photography Mentor is Rs. 6,500 per day plus accommodation, meals, and travel.
- Rates are subject to change and are valid only for 2024. Rates are not applicable for Christmas, New Year, Diwali, Dussehra, and other national holidays.
- We reserve the right to revise any published costs without prior notice. However, confirmed bookings will be honored.
Payment Terms
- All tours operate on 100% advance payment.
- We require a 50% deposit at the time of booking and 50% 45 days prior to the trip start date.
- These rates are applicable to Indian Nationals only. All foreign nationals must contact us on Reservations@AmeliyaSafaris.com
Cancellation Policy
- 30% is non-refundable once the payment is done.
- The remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 45 days prior to the tour start dates.
- Between 45-30 days, 50% will be refunded. No refund if cancellation is done between 0 – 30 days of the tour.
- Please note that the date of written communication (e-mail) of intent to cancel will be the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees. (email: Reservations@AmeliyaSafaris.com)
- The cancellation amount is calculated as per the total booking amount and not as per the advance deposited.
- No refunds in case of refusal to use a service/activity mentioned in the itinerary.
- Safari bookings are non-transferable as safari permits are issued by the Government under specified names and strictly enforced.
Note: The costs above are only applicable for Indian Citizens. Park fees, permits and accommodation cost for foreign nationals are different. So if you are a foreigner wishing to book this safari experience please contact us on Reservations@AmeliyaSafaris.com
Day 1
- Road transfer from the airport to the lodge. Enjoy a fresh welcome drink and settle into your rooms by the afternoon.
- Take some time to unwind on the deck with your favorite book and enjoy your first sunset in the jungle. This is the time to disconnect and appreciate the open skies, fresh air, and sounds of nature.
- At night, savor a delicious dinner made from local ingredients and sit by the fireside to enjoy the star-studded sky.
Day 2 & 3
- Early mornings set the stage for thrilling adventures with a wake-up call before dawn and an exhilarating jeep safari in search of – Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bear, and Indian Gaur, along with hundreds of bird species.
- Witness the jungle come alive during the golden light of dawn as you enjoy a picnic breakfast inside the park at a place where you can step out of your jeeps and even enjoy a cup of locally prepared chai or coffee with some snacks.
- Back to the lodge by late morning, you’ll have some time to unwind. Post lunch, leave for an afternoon safari which presents further opportunities to witness the wonders of the National Park
Note: In place of any of the safaris, you can opt for a village visit, or simply rest at the lodge. The activities differ depending on the park and accommodations you choose. In Satpura and Tadoba, you can opt for a scenic boat ride.
Day 4
- Wake up on your own schedule and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast.
- Spend the day at leisure, relaxing on the deck, by the pool, or exploring the amenities offered by your lodge (some of our partner properties boast well-stocked libraries, while some boast butterfly gardens)
- Post lunch, leave for another safari- another unforgettable drive through the jungle tracking and spotting big cats and bears, and maybe catching a glimpse into the lives of herbivores like the deer, wild boar, and the Indian gaur.
- Post dinner, spend this last night of the tour with a walk off the beaten path, or visit the local villages. Make this night yours- full of fun, great food, maybe even dancing. Collect core memories to remember this trip by.
Day 5: Departure
- Embark on a final awe-inspiring morning safari, making a mental note to return soon.
- After a heartwarming breakfast, bid farewell to the animals, your lodge, and your newfound safari friends (until your next adventure).
Experiences
Game Drives
Night Safari
Conservation
Birding
Bush Meals
Tribal Dance
Nature Walk
Temple Visit
Culture
* Experiences and activities are subject to the parks you choose, your travel dates, accommodation choices, and government regulations
Each National Park in Central India is special in its own way. While the animal species you encounter in each park are largely the same, the park you choose for your safari experience will dictate the activities you can partake in, the type of safaris available, big cat sightings, and how your tour turns out.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Nestled deep in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, this 1538 sq km haven is renowned for its dense tiger population – one of the highest in the world. As you embark on a safari through the diverse landscape of Bandhavgarh, you’ll soon notice that tigers aren’t the only beings that attract wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world.
Satpura National Park
Satpura is one of the most diverse forests in peninsular India, and also the biggest tiger reserve in Central India covering over 2,200 square kilometers with 3 distinct parts – Pachmarhi, a biosphere reserve with its dense jungles and highest peaks in the region, Bori, a sanctuary with its scrub forests and grasslands, and Satpura with its undulating terrain and rivers crisscrossing an old-growth forest.
Kanha National Park
Two main species attract most of the people to Kanha- The Barasingha (the state animal of Madhya Pradesh), a magnificent swamp deer known for its impressive antlers; and the Royal Bengal Tiger. However, the park also shelters a diverse array of wildlife, including 40 species of mammals such as leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, the rare Asian Otters, the Indian Gaur, and over 250 species of birds.
Pench National Park
Named after the winding Pench River that flows through its heart, this National Park is a collection of verdant forests, meadows, and hills, filled with diverse wildlife. It’s mainly recognized for its high concentration of leopards, tigers, wild dogs along with 40 other species of mammals and 300+ species of birds. There is also a famous although elusive black leopard in Pench buffer that attracts people from all across the world.
Tadoba National Park
Known for its diverse wildlife, including a significant number of tigers, Tadoba National Park is home to various other animals like leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison (gaur), spotted deer, sambar deer, wild boar, and many different bird species. The landscape of Tadoba includes dense teak forests, open meadows, and water bodies. The mix of plants creates a good home for the park’s wildlife
Our accommodation options are categorized into 2 verticals, each catering to different levels of exclusivity, comfort, and budgets.
Classic Stays
Rustic safari lodges with cozy spaces, basic room amenities, common areas, warm staff, and home-cooked meals. Perfect for the non-discerning traveler.
Premium/Luxury Stays
Choose from spacious rooms in traditional safari lodges and camps, featuring modern amenities for a comfortable stay. Upgrading to luxury accommodations provides the latest technology and unparalleled comfort in expansive suites. All options boast large common areas and chef-prepared meals. Premium accommodations include impeccable service, while luxury options elevate your stay with award-winning hospitality.
Classic Package
₹1,84,200 + 5% GST
Premium/Luxury Package
₹2,97,000 + 5% GST
Inclusions
- All meals, tea/coffee and evening snacks
- Safaris as per itinerary in an exclusive vehicle with a naturalist
- National Park Fees, Permits and Vehicle Fee
- Round-trip Transfers from the nearest airport or train station in an AC vehicle
- Complimentary access to the online Wildlife Photography Masterclass by Suyash Keshari
Exclusions
- 5% GST
- Flights, laundry, packed beverages and alcohol
- Camera fees – if levied by the Government (such as in Tadoba)
- Any additional activities, items or personal in nature, tips
- Any changes in National Park fees or government taxes to be borne by the guest
Important Notes
- For additional rooms, 40% of the charges applicable per person on twin sharing on Classic Accomodations and 50% on Premium/Luxury Accommodations. And for addition of a single occupancy room, the supplemental charge of 50% is applicable.
- Safari vehicles in India have a maximum occupancy of six guests however we only recommend four guests per jeep due to the space constraint. Additional jeep will be chargeable.
- Safari permits in all parks are limited and so is the availability in the lodges. As wildlife tourism has grown, parks across India get sold out far in advance. We recommend booking at-least 2-4 months in advance and more for peak periods.
- Parks in India are only open from October 1st – June 30th. In the monsoons, only buffer zones remain operational.
- Standard check-in time at wildlife lodges in India are 13:00 hrs and check out time is 11:00 hrs. Meal cycle begins at lunch on the day of check-in, and ends at breakfast on the day of check-out.
- If you would like to focus on photography, filming, or want to use the services of a private guide we can assign you a highly trained Safari Director or Photography Mentor who will assist you every step of the way. The cost of adding a Safari Director or Photography Mentor is Rs. 6,500 per day plus accommodation, meals, and travel.
- Rates are subject to change and are valid only for 2024. Rates are not applicable for Christmas, New Year, Diwali, Dussehra, and other national holidays.
- We reserve the right to revise any published costs without prior notice. However, confirmed bookings will be honored.
Payment Terms
- All tours operate on 100% advance payment.
- We require a 50% deposit at the time of booking and 50% 45 days prior to the trip start date.
- These rates are applicable to Indian Nationals only. All foreign nationals must contact us on Reservations@AmeliyaSafaris.com
Cancellation Policy
- 30% is non-refundable once the payment is done.
- The remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 45 days prior to the tour start dates.
- Between 45-30 days, 50% will be refunded. No refund if cancellation is done between 0 – 30 days of the tour.
- Please note that the date of written communication (e-mail) of intent to cancel will be the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees. (email: Reservations@AmeliyaSafaris.com)
- The cancellation amount is calculated as per the total booking amount and not as per the advance deposited.
- No refunds in case of refusal to use a service/activity mentioned in the itinerary.
- Safari bookings are non-transferable as safari permits are issued by the Government under specified names and strictly enforced.
Note: The costs above are only applicable for Indian Citizens. Park fees, permits and accommodation cost for foreign nationals are different. So if you are a foreigner wishing to book this safari experience please contact us on Reservations@AmeliyaSafaris.com
GENERAL QUERIES
MEDICAL FACILITIES
All Central Indian National Parks are located in a very remote region of India with the nearest hospitals being 4 hours away.
Important Notes:
- Please carry your personal medications.
- Expecting mothers, patients with heart conditions, and any other health ailment that require constant medical attentions are advised not to travel.
PHOTO IDENTITY
Please ensure that you are carrying a Government issued photo ID with you at all times during your travel.
For foreign nationals, a valid passport and visa is required for travel to India and entry into the National Park
FOOD ALLERGIES
If you are allergic to any food items, kindly inform at the time of check-in. A delectable spread of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is served at all the lodges. Breakfast is the combination of variety and choices from the varied cuisine and is usually served in the park, during the safari itself.
ACCESS TO INTERNET
All lodges have basic internet connection. The offices in the lodges have an extra computer which can be used free of cost for emailing. Internet may not be reliable at all times as breakdowns take time to fix as we are remotely located.
WHAT TO PACK
Practical colors to wear to the park are khaki, beige and white in all seasons. Please avoid bright and flashy clothing and strong perfumes/deodorant. It is advisable not to wear sandals or shorts during nature walks
Here are some of our packing suggestions:
- Light cotton trousers & cotton shorts
- Light cotton shirts (long & short sleeved)
- Cotton socks & comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals
- Showerproof rain jacket/ windbreaker
- Hats, sunglasses & scarves
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Insect Repellents
For winters, pack extra:
- Heavy woolen clothing
- Woolen hats
- Scarves and gloves
- Fleece
CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS OR MEDICAL CONDITIONS?
Yes, we can accommodate all special dietary requirements but need advance notice to ensure that all arrangements are in place.
As for the medical conditions, please discuss the conditions with your travel advisor before your experience so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO ON A SAFARI?
The best time for a safari can vary depending on the destination and the wildlife you want to see. For tiger safaris in India, we recommend travelling between October and June, and for snow leopards between November and March. Between July and October, several reserves are closed for the monsoon season, however, a few remain open and offer good wildlife sightings with smaller crowds. It is advisable to drop an inquiry so a travel designer can be in touch with you and customize the experience according to your needs.
Africa offers year-round game viewing across most locations. However, if watching the great migration is your priority, then we suggest going to Masai Mara between July and September or Serengeti between October and June. Please note that migration patterns change with time, and it is important to discuss your expectations with our travel designer beforehand.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO IN NEED TO BOOK A SAFARI?
While Ameliya’s travel advisors do their best to accommodate our guests’ last-minute needs and requests, we strongly advise booking as far ahead in advance as possible to ensure the availability of accommodations. The best thing to do is to get in touch with us as soon as you think of a safari experience, whether it is this year or the next.
Here’s a general advisory that will help you with the decision-making process:
For Indian parks, we recommend at least 4 -12 months notice, especially for a tiger/snow leopard experience, but lower lead times are possible depending on the locations and activities. Parks in India are regulated by the government and each reserve has a cap on the number of vehicles that can enter the park. If tickets are sold out, we are unable to book the safaris.
For Africa, we recommend 6-10 months for the high season (June – October), and 2-4 months for the low season (November – April).
CAN I CUSTOMIZE THE EXPERIENCES I'VE SEEN ON YOUR WEBSITE?
Yes, please feel free to reach out to us in case you want to get a customized itinerary according to your preferred destinations, accommodations, interests, and requirements. For e.g. number of days or friends and family members you want to travel with.
SHOULD I PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE AND HEALTH INSURANCE?
We strongly recommend that our travellers buy comprehensive travel and health insurance prior to coming on an Ameliya Safari experience. Should you require any assistance with purchasing such policies, our travel advisors will be happy to assist you.
WHAT ARE THE MODES OF PAYMENT?
We accept wire transfers, debit/credit cards and UPI payments. Please note that a 2% gateway fee is applicable for cards.