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In line with its vision of creating itineraries that go beyond luxury to offer forward-thinking travellers experiences that enrich their lives, &Beyond has launched a privately guided tour that explores wildlife conservation in India, seeking a deeper understanding of the country’s eight most endangered species.      

The Endangered Eight Impact Small Group Journey traverses three of India’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries, the Kaziranga, Kanha and Gir National Parks, all regarded as conservation success stories. Guided by wildlife expert and naturalist Kartikeya Chauhan, travellers gain a deeper awareness of diverse ecosystems and wildlife behaviour as they search for eight threatened species. These include the Bengal tiger, one-horned rhino, Asiatic elephant, Asiatic lion, wild dog (dhole), barasingha (hardground swamp deer), wild buffalo and the hoolock gibbon, India’s only ape species.

Underpinning the adventure is the opportunity for activities that are generally not available to travellers, such as the chance to spend an evening with Dr Raghu Chandawat, one of India’s leading authorities on tigers and author of The Rise and Fall of the Emerald Tigers, as well as the opportunity to engage with local children at a community primary school. Guests also enjoy activities as diverse as a visit a wildlife orphanage where animals are rehabilitated and a lesson on the intricate art of tea making.

The itinerary is guided by Kartikeya Singh Chauhan, an &Beyond private guide who has devoted his life to conservation and wildlife. Beginning his career as a an education officer with the Gujarat Nature Conservation Society, Kartikeya went on to work on conservation projects with companies as diverse the Wildlife Institute of India and BBC Natural History. He also served as head naturalist in the tiger stronghold of Bandhavgarh National Park. Kartikeya has also gained experience in big game capture in South Africa and has been involved in trapping and radio collaring endangered species such as Asiatic lion, Indian wolf, blackbuck and Indian wild dog.

Guided throughout by Kartikeya, the Endangered Eight Impact Small Group Journey kicks off with a night in Delhi, followed by three nights in Kaziranga National Park, famed for one-horned rhino and Asiatic elephants. Travellers then spend a night in Kolkata before heading to the tiger reserve of Kanha National Park for another three nights. A brief stop in Mumbai follows before the remaining three nights are spent in Gir National Park, known for high densities of leopard and marsh crocodiles.

Two exclusive set departure dates are set for 01 to 13 March 2020 and 02 to 14 April 2020. The 13-day endangered wildlife adventure is priced at USD 7 625 per person sharing.