India Wilderness Tour Exploring Flamboyant India

Duration: 16 Nights - 17 Days
Destination Covered: Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambhore - Bharatpur - Agra - Umaria - Bandhavgarh - Kanha - Jabalpur - Mumbai

Tour Highlights
Delhi	Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, India Gate, President's House, Humayun's Tomb & Qutub Minar Optional: Sound & Light Show at Red Fort with dinner at Chor Bizarre
Jaipur	Elephant ride to Amber Fort Palace , City Palace, Jantar Mantar (Observatory) & Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) Optional: Cultural evening at Chokhi Dhani
Ranthambhore	Tigers, Fort & Jeep Safari
Bharatpur	Bird Sanctuary
Fatehpur Sikri	Akbar's Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti
Agra	Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Sikandara & Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb
Bandhavgarh	Tigers, Caves, White Tiger, Elephant & Jeep Safari
Kanha	Tigers, Elephant & Jeep Safari
Mumbai	Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves boat cruise, Prince Wales Museum & Marine Drive

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 isa 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

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 Mughal 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 Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal 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.

Optional - Sound & Light Show at Red Fort with dinner at Chor Bizarre

Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)

Day 03 : Delhi – Jaipur (262km - 5hr)

Today we drive to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful 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 04 : 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 05 : 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, dhole, 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 at the wildlife Resort

Day 06 : 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 Mughal 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 07 : Ranthambore – Bharatpur (255km -05hr)

Today we drive to Bharatpur, founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in the year 1733. It was once an impregnable, well-fortified city, & the capital of a kingdom ruled by Jat maharajas. The trio of Bharatpur, Deeg & Dholpur has played an important part in the Jat history of Rajasthan.

Sanctuary was previously known as Bharatpur bird Sanctuary & now known as KeoladeoNational Park. The name Keoladeo is derived from the name of an ancient Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva in the sanctuary's central zone while the Hindi term 'Ghana' implies dense, thick areas of forest cover. This is a magnificent park having one of the World’s greatest & most important heronries. It is situated at the confluence of Ghambhir & Banganga Rivers in Bharatpur district. Now a World Heritage site by UNESCO, this former duck-hunting reserve of the Maharajas is one of the major wintering areas for large numbers of aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Siberia & Turkmenistan. Some 364 species of birds, including the rare Siberian Crane, have been recorded in the park.

Overnight Wildlife Resort – Bharatpur (B, L, D)

Day 08 : Bharatpur – Agra via Fatehpur Sikri

Today we drive to Agra, en route we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. We visit Emperor Akbar's Residential complex,Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti.

Further we continue our drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from the year 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Overnight Hotel – Agra (B)

Day 09 : Agra - Umaria (Overnight Train)

Today we visit Taj Mahal, symbol of eternal love, which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal emperor, Shah Jehan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22 years. Further we visit Agra Fort, taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate decorations.

We will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613. Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, built by Nur Jahan between 1622 & 1628. It belongs to the father of Nur Jahan, Ghiyas-ud-Din Beg. He was the Chief Minister of Emperor Jehangir. This white marble tomb was. This tomb was the first complete marble Mughal structure.

Evening we take an overnight train to Umaria.

Overnight in Train (B)

Day 10 : Umaria - Bandhavgarh National Park (Overnight Train)

orning, we arrive in Umaria & drive Bandhavgarh National Park, located in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It was declared a National Park in the year 1968. The Park derives its name from the most prominent hillock of the area, which is said to be given by Lord Rama to his brother Laxman. Hence the name Bandhavgarh (Bandhav=Brother, Garh=Fort). This is a Small National Park, Compact, yet full of game. The density of the tiger population here is the highest known in India. This is also white tiger country. These have been found in the old state of Rewa for many years, the last known captured was in the year 1951.

There are also 39 caves in the Bandhavgarh Fort. The oldest cave is from 1st century. Several caves carry inscriptions in Brahmi script & some caves have embossed figure such as those of tiger, pig, elephant & horseman. Badi Gufa, the largest cave, has broad entrance, nine small rooms & several pillars. It has been dated back to the 10th century. The cave appears to be primitive lacking the elaborate statues & carvings seen in the caves of Buddhist period.

Later we take a Jeep safari trip in inside the Park to view animals & Games.

Overnight Wildlife Resort - Bandhavgarh (B, D)

Day 11 : Bandhavgarh National Park

Today we take an Elephant Safari in the Jungle, a most memorable experience. Also enjoy a good wild photography in the jungle from elephants back.

Later visit the Bandhavgarh Fort & Caves. Also take a Jeep Safari in the Jungle.

Overnight Wildlife Resort - Bandhavgarh (B, L, D)

Day 12 : Bandhavgarh National Park

Today again we take an Elephant Safari in the Jungle, a most memorable experience. Also enjoy a good wild photography in the jungle from elephants back.

Evening take a small walk with the naturalist

Overnight Wildlife Resort - Bandhavgarh (B, L, D)

Day 13 : Bandhavgarh–Kanha National Park (265km-07hr)

Today we drive to Kanha National Park, part of Project Tiger, is located in Madhya Pradesh. In the 1930s, the Kanha area was divided into two sanctuaries, Hallon & Banjar. It was created in the year 1955.

The lowland forest is a mixture of sal & other trees, interspersed with meadows. The highland forests are of a completely different nature. A very good looking Indian ghost tree can also be seen in the dense. Kanha is home to about 22 species of mammals & about 300 species of birds. Commonly observed mammals include the Common Grey Langur, Wild Boar, Chital, Chowsingha, Sambar & Barasingha or Swamp deer (this is the hard ground swamp deer, found only in Kanha). One can also find leopards, the Sloth bear & Indian wild dog. Very rarely seen are the Indian wolves which live in the far east of the park. It comes out after dark which is not a visiting hour. The Nilgai (blue bull), though rare, can also be found in Kanha.

Later in the day we explore the near by area of the Resort by Foot

Overnight Wildlife Resort – Kanha (B, L, D)

Day 14 : Kanha National Park

Today we take an Elephant Safari in the Jungle, a great time to take pictures from the elephants back.

Later in the day we take Jeep Safari through the jungle.

Overnight Wildlife Resort – Kanha (B, L, D)

Day 15 : Kanha National Park

Today again we take an Elephant Safari in the Jungle, a great time to take pictures from the elephants back.

Later in the day we take Jeep Safari through the jungle.

Overnight Wildlife Resort – Kanha (B, L, D)

Day 16 : Kanha – Nagpur – Mumbai (200km-05hr)

Morning game drive is your last opportunity to enjoy Indian wildlife on this tour. Later we drive to Nagpur to board flight to Mumbai is an archipelago of seven islands. Artifacts found that these islands had been inhabited since the Stone Age & documented evidence of human habitation dates back to 250 BC. In the 3rd century BC, the islands formed part of the Maurya Empire. In 1534, Portuguese appropriated islands from king of Gujarat later ceded to Charles II of England in 1661, as dowry for Catherine de Braganza. These islands were in turn leased to the British East India Company in 1668.

Overnight Hotel – Mumbai (B)

Day 17 : Mumbai

Today we take a City tour of Mumbai visiting Gateway of India, the entrance to the port of Mumbai. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911. Across the road we visit Prince Wales Museum, built in a confluence of Gothic & Moorish styles. It boasts a collection of ancient Indus Valley artifacts dating 2000 BC, plus some priceless Tibetan & Nepali Art.

Later we take the boat cruise from Gateway of India to visit Elephanta Caves, houses rock cut temples dating back to 5th century CE. It was named by the Portuguese, after the statue of an elephant near the landing area of the island. We also drive through the Marine Drive, which runs along the shore of the Arabian Sea from Nariman Point past Chowpatty Beach to the foot of Malabar Hill.

In the Evening we take a flight for onward destination.

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

Package includes:

• 16 Nights accommodation on twin sharing basis with Breakfast.
• All meals in Ranthambore, Bharatpur, Bandhavgarh & Kanha
• A/C transportation as per the itinerary (No transportation on leisure days).
• Local English speaking guide for the Tour
• Local Naturalist in Sanctuaries.
• Elephant ride in Jaipur.
• All Safaris mentioned in the above Itinerary
  

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".