It's easiest to spot a tiger in the summer, when the animals frequent a shrinking selection of water holes. But the weather is punishing. Bandhavgarh in the winter is better: it has one of the highest concentrations of tigers among tiger reserves in India, which means that your chances of a sighting are pretty good, and you don't have to sweat it out. The park runs jeep safaris, as in most tiger reserves, but you could try an elephant safari (book at the Park office near the gate, $10 per hour for up to 4 people). To get to Bandhavgarh from Delhi take the Utkal Express train to Umaria (32 km away). You can also drive, or take a bus from Jabalpur, Katni or Satna. Stay at the White Tiger Forest Lodge (07653-65308; $30-$40/double). Or Bandhavgarh Jungle Camp (07653-65317; two-room luxury tent.
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Palani Hills, Tamil Nadu
This part of the Western Ghats is one of the richest biospheres in India; but the big draw of the Palani hill forests around kodaikanal (2,133m) is the flowering of the pretty kurinji flower (Stroilanthes kunthianus), every 7-12 years. It last flowered in 1992, which means you can prepare for the wonderful sight of hillsides covered in delicate purplish-blue flowers. Its advent has been systematically recorded since 1858. Thanks to Cockburn of Kotagiri, who built a record of 100 years. Today, the plant is threatened by tea plantations, roads and exotics like wattle and eucalyptus.
GETTING THERE: - The nearest airport is Madurai, 120 km away. The nearest railhead is Kodai Road Railway Station, 80 km away. Kodaikanal is linked by road to all major towns. Taxis are available for hire. There's no shortage of accommodation: Hotel Tamil Nadu, Hotel Clifton, Carlton Hotel, and Kodai Lodge for starters.
Gir Sanctuary
One can find panther, hyena, nilgai, chinkara and the chowsingha. Few people realize that Gir is one the best bird sanctuaries in India-watch for the crested serpent eagle, crested hawk eagle, king vulture, jungle quail, paradise flycatcher, pygmy woodpecker, etc
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Getting there: - Daily flight from Mumbai to Keshod (nearest airport, 90kms away) you can also drive or take train from AHMEDABAD (395kms) you can stay at
Forest guesthouse, taj gir lodge, and Maneland jungle lodge
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