Enchanting Temple & Wildlife Tour Exploring Flamboyant India

Duration: 13 nights - 14 days
Locations: Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Bharatpur - Agra - Jhansi - Orcha - Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh - Kanha - Jabalpur - Delhi

Tour Highlights
Delhi	Raj Ghat, India Gate, President’s House, Humayun's Tomb & Qutub Minar Optional Sound & Light Show at Red Fort & dinner at Chor Bizarre
Jaipur	Fort Palace , City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory & The Palace of Winds. Optional Cultural evening at Chokhi Dhani,
Ranthambore	Tigers, Fort & Jeep Safari
Agra	Taj Mahal, Agra Fort ,Excursion to Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura & Vrindavan, Optional Magic Show.
Khajuraho	Temples
Orcha	Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Ram Raja temple
Bandhavgarh	Tigers, Caves, White Tiger, Elephant & Jeep Safari,
Kanha	Tigers, Elephant & Jeep Safari

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi

Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad.

Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles.
Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B)

Day 02 : Delhi - Jaipur (262km - 5hr)

Today we drive to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colorful past, resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in the year 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors.

Optional - Chokhi Dhani
An evening excursion to Chokhi Dhani complex, ethnic village Resort located at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur. Rajasthani village atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling ground & includes the entertainment by folk dancers & musicians. Later drive back to hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (B)

Day 03 : Jaipur

Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort, the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience.

Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city. Further we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory), an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone. It was built in the year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down the busy street market unseen by the world through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows).
Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (B)

Day 04 : Jaipur - Ranthambore (145km -3hr)

Today we drive to Ranthambore National Park, bounded to the north by Banas River & to the Chambal River in the south. It is named after historic Ranthambore fortress, which lies within the park. The Park was established as Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in the year 1955 by the Indian Government & was declared as Project Tiger reserves in the year 1973. It became National Park in the year 1980 & later in the year 1991 the tiger reserve was enlarged to include Sawai Man Singh & Keladevi sanctuaries, total area 1334 km.

It is famous for its tiger population & is one of India's Project Tiger reserves. Other Major wild animals found in the national park include the tiger, leopard, Nilgai, dholes, wild pig, Sambar, chital & the gaur. It is also home to wide variety of trees, plants, birds & reptiles

In the Evening, we take a Jeep safari to try luck in spotting the Tigers
Overnight Wildlife Resort - Ranthambore (B,D)

Day 05 : Ranthambore

Early morning today before Breakfast, we take Jeep Safari to the Tiger Reserve, since becoming one of the original areas under Project, the park has recovered much of its natural beauty & dry deciduous forest has been restored.

Later we visit the Ranthambore Fort, founded in the year 944 by the Chauhan Rajputs. After the defeat of the Chauhan king Prithviraj III by Muhammad of Ghori in the year 1192. It led by Govinda Raja, grandson of Prithviraj became the center of Chauhan resistance to the expanding Sultanate of Delhi. Later after many battles & rulers, it came in hands of Mughals Emperor Akbar in the year 1559. The fortress passed to the Kachhawa Maharajas of Jaipur in the 17th century & it remained part of Jaipur state until Indian Independence. The area surrounding the fortress became a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur.
Overnight Wildlife Resort - Ranthambore (B,L,D)

Day 06 : Ranthambore - Agra via Bharatpur & Fatehpur Sikri (260 km- 6 hr)

Early morning drive to Agra via Bharatpur, erstwhile royal hunting retreat famous for its proximity to Keoledeo Ghana National Park, which has the largest concentration & variety of bird life in all of Asia. Stop by at Fatehpur Sikri, one of the capital cities of Akbar. This new capital came up in 1569. Upon arrival at Agra, check in at hotel
Overnight Hotel - Agra (B)

Day 07: Agra - City Tour
Agra - Jhansi (Train no.:2410 - 1715hrs-2008hrs)
Jhansi - Orcha (20 km - 30 mins)

Agra, the erstwhile capital of India under Great Mughals & known for Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday) - Eternal Poetry of love, built by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Most of Agra is on the West bank of river Yamuna, with the Agra Fort & the Taj Mahal at its nucleus. Taj Mahal is quite simply one of mankind's most remarkable creations. After an early breakfast, visit Taj Mahal , followed by Agra Fort. Later in the afternoon take an excursion to Sikandra , Akbar's tomb.

Evening transfer to Agra station to board train for Jhansi, arrive Jhansi railway station our representative would assist you & transfer to Orcha.
Overnight Hotel - Orcha (B)

Day 08 : Orcha- Khajuraho (145 km-5hr)

Post breakfast visit Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Ram Raja temple in Orchha, further drive to Khajuraho.
Overnight Hotel - Khajuraho (B)

Day 09 : Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh (200 km - 07 hr)

Early morning after breakfast visit Khajuraho temples built between 950 - 1050 AD by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty, a truly inspired burst of creativity. Only 22 temples survive of the 85 originally built. Matangeshwara temple is still in worship today, continuing an unbroken 1000 year tradition. Later drive to Bandhavgarh. Upon arrival check in hotel
Overnight Wildlife Resort - Bandhavgarh (B, D)

Day 10 : Bandhavgarh (Two Safaris)

Early Morning & Afternoon jeep safaris of Bandhavgarh National Park, its much smaller than Kanha National Park, but claims to have the highest density of tiger population in India, reportedly between 46 to 52 tigers. There are also 27 leopards there. The park area is 448 sq. km. Evening free for nature walk.
Overnight Wildlife Resort - Bandhavgarh (B,L,D)

Day 11 : Bandhavgarh - Kanha (200 km - 5 hr)

Post breakfast departure for Kanha National Park, one of India's largest national parks, covering 1945 sq. km, including a core zone of 940 sq. km. Upon arrival check in hotel. Leisurely evening. Overnight Wildlife Resort - Kanha(B, L,D)

Day 12 : Kanha (Two Safaris)

Early Morning & Afternoon jeep safari at the Park. Proper wildlife management over the past 30 years has noted a steady increase in the numbers of tigers & leopards, not to mention Sambhar, Cheetal (Spotted Deer), Swamp Deer & Gaur (Indian Bison). The 1997 census put the Tiger population at 114 & the Leopards at 86. There is a reasonably good chance of sighting tigers here & this is one of the best places in the state for bird watching. Evening dedicated to bird watching.
Overnight Wildlife Resort - Kanha(B, L,D)

Day 13: Kanha - Jabalpur ( 170 km - 5 hr )
Jabalpur - Delhi (Train no.:2411 - 1555 hr-0725 hr)

Morning drive to Jabbalpur to board overnight train for Delhi.
Overnight Train

Day 14 : Delhi City Tour, Departure

Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel.

Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughals Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.

In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughals Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughals architecture in India. Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Later dinner transfer to International airport.

Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & look forward serve you again in near future

Package includes:

• 13 Nights accommodation on twin sharing basis with Breakfast which includes one overnight on train.
• All meals in Ranthambore, Bandavgarh, Kanha.
• A/C transportation as per the itinerary (No transportation on leisure days).
• Local English speaking guide for the Tour
• Local Naturalist in Sanctuaries with entry fees.
• All Safaris mentioned in the above Itinerary.
• Elephant ride in Jaipur.
• A/C chair car for Agra - Jhansi.
• A/C second class sleeper for jabalpur - delhi.

Package does not include:

• Any airfare or airport tax.
• Any refund for unused services
• Any Monument entry fee & camera fee.
• All presently applicable taxes.
• Any expense of personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, laundry, phone/fax calls, tips etc.
• Any other expense not mentioned in the “Package includes”.