Experiencing the Real Delhi

One of the highlights of our time in Delhi was an extraordinary morning walk through Old Delhi, led by our guide, Rohit.

Rohit's story is both inspiring and humbling. As a child, he lived on the streets of Delhi before being supported by the Delhi-based NGO, Salaam Baalak Trust, an organisation dedicated to helping vulnerable and homeless children. Today, he shares his experiences and offers visitors a unique insight into a side of Delhi that many tourists never see.

As we wandered through the narrow lanes and bustling alleyways of Old Delhi, Rohit brought the city to life with stories of its people, history and culture. The sights, sounds and aromas were unforgettable. We explored the famous spice market, where towering sacks of colourful spices filled the air with incredible fragrances, and sampled delicious local street food along the way.

A rickshaw ride through the busy streets gave us a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in the city. We passed traders opening their shops, families going about their daily routines and the endless stream of activity that makes Old Delhi such a vibrant and captivating place.

More than just a sightseeing tour, this experience provided a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by many children living on the streets and the life-changing work carried out by Salaam Baalak Trust. It was an eye-opening and memorable morning that left a lasting impression on all of us.

An Afternoon at Humayun's Tomb

After our immersive morning exploring the bustling streets of Old Delhi, the afternoon offered a complete contrast as we visited the magnificent Humayun's Tomb.

Set within beautifully landscaped gardens, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India and is often regarded as the architectural inspiration for the Taj Mahal.

As we wandered through the peaceful gardens and explored the impressive red sandstone and white marble mausoleum, our guide brought the site to life with fascinating stories of Emperor Humayun, the Mughal dynasty, and the rich history that shaped this remarkable monument.

The symmetry of the gardens, the intricate architectural details, and the tranquillity of the surroundings provided a welcome escape from the energy of the city. It was easy to spend time simply admiring the craftsmanship and imagining the centuries of history that have unfolded here.

Humayun's Tomb was one of Delhi's hidden gems – a place of beauty, history and reflection that perfectly complemented our exploration of the city's vibrant streets earlier in the day.

36 Tiger Sightings in Six Nights – An Incredible Bandhavgarh Adventure

After Delhi, we flew to central India (just 1hour 15 minutes flight) and travelled to Bandhavgarh National Park, where we would spend the next six nights immersed in nature.

Bandhavgarh is renowned as one of the best places in the world to see Bengal tigers in the wild. With its mix of dense forests, open grasslands, rocky hills, and ancient ruins, the park offers a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing.

Safari days started early. Before dawn, we would leave the lodge and make our way to the park gate, ensuring we were ready when the park opened for the morning safari. Armed with packed breakfasts, we headed into the forest as the first light illuminated the landscape and wildlife began to stir.

Each safari zone has a designated picnic area where visitors can step out of their vehicles, enjoy breakfast and share stories of the morning's sightings. These breaks provided a wonderful opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the forest while enjoying a well-earned cup of tea or coffee.

Every game drive brought a sense of anticipation. Alarm calls from deer, peacocks and monkeys would often signal the presence of a predator nearby, and there was always excitement as guides and drivers worked together to track the movements of the park's tigers. Watching these magnificent animals in their natural habitat was an unforgettable experience, whether they were resting in the shade, walking along a forest track, or disappearing silently into the jungle.

After the morning safari, we returned to the lodge for lunch and some well-deserved relaxation. The swimming pool became a popular place to cool off during the heat of the day, while others chose to review photographs, enjoy the gardens, or simply unwind before the next adventure.

By late afternoon, it was time to head back into the park for the evening game drive. As the day began to cool and the golden light of sunset bathed the forest, wildlife activity increased once again. These afternoon safaris often produced some of our most memorable sightings and photographic opportunities, with the beautiful evening light adding a special magic to every encounter.

Bandhavgarh certainly lived up to its reputation.

Beyond the tigers, the park offered an abundance of wildlife. We encountered jackal, wild boar, elephants and numerous species of deer, including chital and sambar. The birdlife was equally impressive, with colourful kingfishers, eagles, owls, bee-eaters, and many other species delighting both photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Why Visit Bandhavgarh in April?

Many people are surprised to learn that April is one of the best times of year for tiger sightings in India's national parks.

As the dry season progresses, the forest becomes less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife amongst the trees and grasslands. Visibility improves significantly compared to the greener months, giving visitors a greater chance of seeing tigers and other animals.

The rising temperatures also influence animal behaviour. During the hottest part of the day, tigers often seek relief in the park's waterholes, where they can cool down and rest. These areas become important gathering points for wildlife and offer excellent opportunities for observation and photography.

On several occasions during our stay, we were fortunate enough to watch tigers relaxing in or near water, completely at ease in their surroundings. Seeing one of these magnificent cats stretched out in a pool, seemingly oblivious to our presence, was a truly special experience and provided some fantastic photographic opportunities.

While the temperatures can be warm, the rewards are considerable. For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike, April offers some of the best chances of encountering tigers in their natural habitat, which was certainly reflected in our remarkable total of 36 tiger sightings during the trip.

I am already looking forward to leading future wildlife journeys to India and sharing the magic of this remarkable country with more travellers.