Indian tigers in October?

[Neilyb]

I know that Ranthambor opens on 1st October and having been there already would love to go back with better lense etc...but is it a good time that fist week? (only week Ihave free to do this) or is there a better park to visit for tigers which will be open and accessible from Delhi (flights are reasonable there)?

Any info from India or anyone who wknows will be appreciated. Thanks.

I was thinking Florida, buuuuuuut they aint got big scary cats.

[biswasg]

I know that Ranthambor opens on 1st October and having been there already would love to go back with better lense etc...but is it a good time that fist week? (only week Ihave free to do this) or is there a better park to visit for tigers which will be open and accessible from Delhi (flights are reasonable there)?

Any info from India or anyone who wknows will be appreciated. Thanks.

I was thinking Florida, buuuuuuut they aint got big scary cats.

Dear Neil, Incidentally, I am also going to India during Sept and October and planning a short trip to Ranthambhore. I have been in touch with a tour operator and just now spoke to one of their agents. According to him the best time for tiger or for that manner wildlife viewing is Mid April to end of May, when the availability of water is restricted to few known sources and animals are forced to come out to drink. However, October bing just after the monsoons, there is likely to be abundance of water deep in the forested areas and animals may not come out so frequently. Another thing to note that September-October are festival season in most of India and there is also a high density of domestic tourists, making jeep reservations difficult.

When did you visit last. Excellent photos on your website.

[Ritul]

Hi Neil
As Biswasg said, the best time is any time starting Dec till late May or June. I just did a trip to Ranthambhore in June 09 (my seventh) and it was pretty fabulous as usual! The only minus I see about this park are the extremely crazy system of booking jeeps and canters. The rules have been framed so that touts and travel agents get business and in turn they charge exhorbitant fees for booking a simple safari. I would advise you either Bandhavgarh or Kanha if you're really interested in tigers. Bandhavgarh is a relatively small park, but has a good density of tigers. If you're going to be in Delhi, there's an overnight train to Umaria, and from here its only 35 kms drive to the park. If you need any help, info, please feel free to contact me.

You've got some awesome pics on your website!

Cheers and all the best!
Ritul

[symbolphoto]

Any pics from this?