Our 20 Day, Tigers and Temples tour is an
ultimate safari through four of the top National Parks in India. The temples
and culture of the small cities, when combined with our wildlife tour, is
the perfect way to explore India in depth for both culture and wildlife. One
of our most popular safaris; a 20 day unique adventure of a lifetime.
Day 01 : Arrive Bombay
Late this evening we arrive at the cosmopolitan city of Bombay (now
officially referred to as Mumbai). After clearing airport formalities we
transfer to our hotel for check in. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 02 : Bombay
After breakfast, morning cruise across the harbour (9 kms) to see Elephanta
Caves noted for its huge rock cuts. Afternoon tour of Mumbai city. Main
attractions are Kamla Nehru Park, Hanging Gardens situated on the slopes of
Malabar Hill offering a panoramic view of Marine drive, Chowpatty Beach,
Mani Bhawan, Dhobi Ghat, Gateway of India & drive through the Crawford
Market, Marine Drive & Flora Fountain. Overnight in Hotel
Day 03 : Bombay / Kaziranga National Park
This morning we board our flight to Jorhat Airport, nearby to Kaziranga
National Park. Our drive from the airport (88kms) is interesting, as we stop
for photos at countryside villages enroute to the lodge. Check into
lodge/camp. Afternoon jungle excursions in jeep. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 04 : Kaziranga National Park
The park lies in the flood plains of the Bramaputra River, sloping a
gradually from east to west. With lush forests and woodlands, it is natural
habitat for many species of animals. Kaziranga it is the stronghold of the
One Horned Indian Rhinoceros, with numbers around 1000. The wild elephant
number around 700. Wild buffalo, mouse deer, hog, bears, leopard and around
50 magnificent tigers are tabulated to be at this park. Countless birds are
everywhere. Today we enjoy morning and afternoon safari by Jeeps. Overnight
in hotel.
Day 05 : Kaziranga National Park / New Delhi
This morning we have another early morning safari by Jeeps and after
breakfast, drive to the airport at Gawahati for our early afternoon flight
to New Delhi. On arrival, transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 06 : New Delhi
This morning we spend most of the day touring New Delhi and Old Delhi.
Visit Humayun's and Safdarjungs tombs the Qutab Minar and Iron Pillar, the
Embassy area, the Parliament buildings ending at Connaught Place, the heart
of the capitals shopping and banking district. The afternoon we leave the
new capital, crossing through the walled gates and into the old city. Here,
teaming with history, we explore the Jamma Mosque, the Red Fort, and the
crematoriums of Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. One of the
highlights of today's tour is a fascinating ride on a bicycle rickshaw
through the markets of Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi's bustling shopping and
bazaar area. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 07 : New Delhi / Jaipur (252 kms 5 Hrs)
This morning depart by road to the Jaipur "Pink City" of India.
Along our route stop at Neemrama fort to view the ruins and continue our
drive to Jaipur. On arrival at the outskirts of the city at Amber Fort, we
board brightly decorated elephants for a ride to the top of the fortress, as
did the Maharajas of days gone by. Once inside the fortress, our guide will
escort us through hidden passageways, various chambers and a historic
discourse that will remain with you for long after. Check in and-balance of
the day is at leisure. Overnight in Hotel.
Day
08 : Jaipur
This morning we continue our visit to the Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds),
the Maharaja's city palace, Museum and Observatory. Stroll the market with
our guide as the Photographs tell a thousand words. Afternoon is free to
explore the bazaars on your own. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 09 : Jaipur / Ranthambore National Park
This morning drive east through rural India to Ranthambore National Park (
185 kms / 4 hrs). Check into hotel.Our afternoon safari is through 410 kms
of desert ecologically speckled with a variety of trees, Including palms.
Three major lakes serve as watering holes for the creatures that inhabit
this park. Over 300 species of birds reside or migrate to this park every
year. Tigers, leopards, deer, hyena, Jackal, fox. Jungle cat and wild
monkeys live and roam through Ranthambore. Overnight at Hotel
Day 10 : Ranthambore
Morning and afternoon safaris in Jeeps. We will also visit Rajpur Pavilions
and the Ranthambore Fort, majestic buildings long ago built and abandoned.
Overnight in Hotel
Day 11 : Ranthambore / Fatehpur Sikri / Bharatpur
This Morning as we set out on a drive through rural Indian Countryside
towards Bharatpur (260 kms/ 6 Hrs) enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the
ancient ghost capital of India, still in a state of almost perfect
preservation. Check into hotel. Afternoon visit inside the park. Overnight
in hotel.
Day 12 : Bharatpur - Agra
Morning enter into the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary for a silent ride on
bicycle rickshaws to view the migratory birds from all over Asia. Evening
drive to Agra (55 kms / 1 hr.). Check into Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 13 : Agra
Today we will visit the Taj Mahal monument. Then visit the Agra Fort and
the numerous chambers overlooking the Jamuna River.
(Taj Mahal is closed on all Fridays).
Day 14 : Agra - Khajuraho
Morning transfer to Railway station to connect train for Jhansi (2 ½
hrs journey). Drive to Khajuraho (250 kms/ 5 hrs drive) enroute visiting
Orcha Temples which were built by Bir Singh Deo / Rudra Pratap, A Bundela
Ruler in 16th century dedicated to Lord Ram. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 15 : Khajuraho
Full day visit to temples. The temples at Khajuraho were built during the
Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 & 1050. Only
about 20 temples remain; this fall into three distinct groups and belongs to
two different religion -Hinduism & Jainism. They strike a perfect
balance between architecture and sculpture.
Day
16 : Khajuraho / Bhandavgarh National Park
This morning drive overland through primitive villages to Bhandavgarh
National Park (280 kms/6 hrs). Our accommodations are in cottages on an 11
acre site overlooking a private lake. Afternoon enjoy a Jeep safari through
the Park. Overnight in hotel.
Day 17 : Bhandavgarh National Park
The adventure unfolds at daybreaks as we board our jeeps for a safari as
the early morning mist lifts. Tigers are known to give audience in this
dense forest and experienced naturalists unravels the mysteries of nature as
we safari morning and afternoon. Overnight in hotel
Day 18 : Bhandavgarh National Park / Kanha National Park
This morning we set out on a drive through forests and tribal villages from
one park to the other. Our drive is 245 kms / 5 hrs deep into the heart of
Kanha National Park one of Asia’s largest parks. Studded with grassy
meadows and rivers, it is a wild country home to a variety of wildlife. The
magnificent gaur is one of the main attractions and with a large population
of tigers nearby. The bird life is also spectacular here with over 350
species nesting near waterholes. Arrive and check in to our cottages /
hotel.Overnight in the hotel.
Day 19 : Kanha National Park
Kanha Park is over 1940 square kms of diverse habitat. Wild monkey, boars,
jackals, spotted deer, leopard, and of course tigers call this park home.
Morning and afternoon Jeep safaris. Overnight in hotel.
Day 20 : Kanha National Park / New Delhi or Mumbai - Onward Destination
Morning transfer to Nagpur airport to connect flight for Delhi or Mumbai.
Upon arrival you will be transferred to the airport to connect flight for
onward destination.
