Tour Plan
Duration | 20 Nights / 21 Days |
Destination Covered | Delhi – Agra – Khajuraho – Panna – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Varanasi – Bandhavgarh – Kanha – Tadoba – Nagpur – Bangalore |
Exclusions |
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Itinerary
You will be welcomed by Vacations International representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Relax and unwind. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle for transfer only)
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken on a half-day sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. In the afternoon, proceed for sightseeing tour of New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards. The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak started it in 1199. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns erected the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque also built by him. Then visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence. Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour. Overnight at the hotel
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven from Delhi to Jaipur (260 KMS/5.30 Hours) and upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel. Rajasthan’s kingdoms are an enduring legacy to India’s history. A land endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces ad waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. No other region in the country assembles the many paradoxes of India, as does the desert land of Rajasthan. By far it is the most colourful region in India. Jaipur's past is never too far from hand. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the "pink city". Except for the busy traffic of bicycles, cars and buses, little seems to have changed. There is a timeless quality to Jaipur's bazaars and its people. With its historical past, Jaipur revives legends of the ancient Rajputs. The dresses of the women and the turbans of the men add colour to this fascinating city. Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast, go on a day-long excursion of Jaipur and Amber. After visiting the City Palace and the Hawa Mahal explore the ancient Amber Fort on an elephant back, (subject to availability) an unbelievable way to experience the overwhelming panorama of this delightful setting.. In the fort there lies Jai "Mandir" (Temple) with the world famous Sheesh Mahal, a hall full of mirrors. The walls and the ceiling of the Mahal are covered with a beautiful array of mirrors, which reflect any streak of light, so as to illuminate the entire hall. There is a break for lunch at one of Jaipur’s premier restaurants. Post-lunch visit will include the City Palace where there is former Royal residence built with a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style.In the palace there is a Museum with a fabulous collection of Rajasthani attires and Mughal and Rajput armoury including swords of various shapes and sizes with decorative handles, some decorated with jewels encased in superb scabbards. The palace also houses an art gallery having an exceptional assortment of miniature paintings, carpets, royal belongings and rare astronomical works. Jantar Mantar, the largest among Jai Singh's five notable observatories is adjoining to the City Palace. Also visit another major landmark of Jaipur - the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds which was built in 1799. This five-storey building is a stunning example of Rajput artistry. It has pink semi-octagonal and delicately honey-combed sandstone windows originally constructed to let the ladies of the royal family observe the daily activities and processions of the city without being noticed. Stay overnight at the hotel after a luxurious Rajasthani Dinner.
After breakfast drive to Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary - This Park is one of the leading examples of Project Tiger's conservation efforts in Rajasthan and is spread over an area of 392 sq kms of dense forests a perfect habitat for both carnivores and herbivores. The several valleys and flat hilltops form picturesque background of the 13th century historical Ranthambore Fort. The park is particularly famous for its tigers and is one of the best locations in India to see the majestic predators in its natural habitat. The tigers can be easily spotted even during the day time busy at their ordinary quest- hunting and taking proper care of their young ones. Other carnivores like Sloth Bear and Wild Boar, Scavengers like Hyena and Jackal and herbivores like Spotted Deer, Sambar, "Nilgai" (Blue Bull) Antelope, "Chinkara" (Indian gazelle) and the common Langur are a common in the park. The time spent here is priceless and worth enough to be explored at least once in a life. Stay at leisure for the rest of the day. Stay at the hotel overnight. (Vehicle for transfer only)
After breakfast in the morning and lunch in the afternoon go for game drives in open shared jeeps/canter (jeeps are subject to availability). Stay at the hotel overnight. (No vehicle)
In the morning jeep safari to the national Park to view wildlife and bird species then return to hotel.
Later in the morning you will be driven to Agra and check-in at the hotel. After lunch on the way , you will visit Agra Fort & the Taj mahal (Closed on Fridays). Agra houses one of the most famed milestones of India and the world's ultimate symbol of love - the Taj Mahal. This architectural wonder is best viewed at sunrise or sunset, when the light reflects off the white marble to give it a wonderful pink color. The unbelievable magnificence of the Taj Mahal represents the most perfect and romantic architectural monument in the world. Constructed by Emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this most famous and unique Mughal monument is the most extravagant monument ever built for love. No wonder, Sir Edwin Arnold, the noted British poet and journalist wrote about Taj - “Not a piece of architecture as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor's love wrought in living stones". One of the Seven Wonders of the World, this symmetrical masterpiece took 22 years of strenuous effort by 20,000 people to build. The use of semi-precious stones makes the designs and decorations startling in their lavish detail. One of the most photographed structures in the world, the Taj Mahal is remarkably charming from almost any angle, which is really amazing. Visit the Taj Mahal at sunset. Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
Agra which is known around the world for the Taj Mahal has numerous other monuments that symbolize the high point of Mughal architecture. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of Mughal India where Babar, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the river Yamuna. The Red Fort was built by his grandson, Akbar while the successive kings built palaces, courts, mosques and gardens. Today, the Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the day exploring the numerous sights of Agra and visit the Itmad-ud-Daulah tomb after lunch. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal)
After an early buffet breakfast at the hotel, a VACATIONS INTERNATIONAL representative will transfer you to the Railway Station in time for your train to Jhansi. A VACATIONS INTERNATIONAL representative will meet you at the Jhansi Station, you will be driven from Jhansi railway station to Khajuraho (170 KMS / 5 Hours) en-route visiting Orchha, a city frozen in time. It was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela chieftain, Rudra Pratap Singh, who built this new capital on large wooded islands on the River Betwa. Today, remains of the fort and palaces speak eloquently of Orchha's time of glory, of its splendid legacy of art and culture. Though little more than a village today, stepping back in time, into Orchha's fortress and palaces is an enjoyable experience. Place of interest in Orchha include the multi-tiered Jehangir Mahal, within the fort, built in 1606; the Raj Mahal noted for its fine murals and the Rai Praveen Mahal, a palace set in the gardens of Anand Mahal. Orchha has tall-spired temples that are certainly worth visit. Notable among them are the Ram Raja Temple, Laxminarain Temple with its exuberant frescoes, and the Chaturbhuj Temple After your visit, continue your drive to Khajuraho and upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel where remainder of the day will be at leisure. In the realm of architecture, Khajuraho holds a unique position. The temples here were built between 950 and 1050 A.D. by the Chandela dynasty, who claims descent from the Moon God and a mortal, Hemavati, with whom the god fell in love. Most of the temples of the north were destroyed by invaders, but Khajuraho escaped and stands today as an island of beauty. The Chandelas built 85 temples and some 22 survive today. Architecturally the temples have some unique features. They stand on high platforms and do not have customary enclosures. Each temple has a large number of spires in ascending order representing man's aspirations towards spiritual goals. They are ornately carved, with each frieze and sculpture depicting the genius of the men who carved it and the king who inspired them. Although famous for erotic depictions, these form only a small part of the wealth of the site. Taken in totality, the sculptures of Khajuraho depict the everyday life of the people and the court in the 10th and 11th centuries. Khajuraho is not something that can be described in words; it has to be experienced. Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast drive to Panna. Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Panna National Park is at a distance of around 57 km from Khajuraho. Famed for its diamond industry, the area also houses a wide collection of wildlife species and is one of the most famous Tiger Reserves in the country. Well known around the world for its wild cats including tigers, deers and antelopes, the Panna National Park is open from 15th Oct till June. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (Vehicle for transfer only)
Enjoy the excitement of a game safari in the morning. Stroll around the hotel and explore the forest closely at mid-day or relax in the hotel. Arrive at Bandhavgarh where you are greeted by the hotel staff and then check-in to your jungle lodge. There is a break for lunch. Drive to Bandhavgarh in the morning and check-in at the hotel. The Bandhavgarh National Park spread over an area of 450 Sq Km, known for its wonderful array of flora and fauna is situated in the Vindhyan ranges and flanked by the Satpura hills on the eastern side. Besides being known as the real home of white tigers, it also provides shelter to several Indian wildlife species like Bison, Cheetals, Langurs and Sambars and sloth Bear. In the midst of Sal and Bamboo forests, you will find a massive sandstone cliff. In early mornings and afternoons, game safaris venture out on jeeps, though elephants are also available for short trips into the forest for close tiger sightings. You can also explore the temple in the park between game drives. This Park is open from Oct till June (subject to change). Overnight, stay at the hotel. (A Vehicle will be provided for transfer only)
Enjoy the excitement of a game safari in the morning. Stroll around the hotel and explore the forest closely at mid-day or relax in the hotel. Go for another game safari drive in the afternoon. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (No vehicle).
Continuing with the activities of the previous day, enjoy the excitement of a game safari in the morning. Stroll around the hotel and explore the forest closely at mid-day or relax in the hotel. Go for another game safari drive in the afternoon. Overnight, stay at the hotel. (No vehicle).
Enjoy a wildlife safari into the park this morning. After this you will return to your lodge to freshen up, and check out. Proceed on the drive to Kanha National Park. It will take about 5½ hours to cover the distance between Bandhavgarh and Kanha. Kanha is one of India’s largest National Parks and many wildlife enthusiasts consider it to be Asia's finest Park. One of the India’s greatest conservation successes -saving the Barasingha (Swamp Deer) - was accomplished here. Kanha National Park covers an area of 1945 square kilometers, including a core zone of 940 square kilometers. The setting of Kipling’s ‘Jungle Book’, it is a beautiful area of forest and lightly wooded grassland with many streams and rivers. It is the home of a variety of animals including tiger, panther, and many species of deer, wild pig, bison, a variety of monkeys and other animals, as well as some 200 species of birds. It is also a part of ‘Project Tiger,’ one of India’s most important conservation efforts.
Game drives are organized in the early mornings and late afternoons. You are taken in open jeeps and will be accompanied by a trained naturalist. Once a tiger is spotted in the jungle, the park staff relays the information to all the chauffeurs by radio, and then keeps track of the animal’s location.
Enjoy morning and afternoon safaris into the park today.
Enjoy a safari into the park in the morning, after which you will return to your lodge to freshen up & check out. A packed lunch will be provided for your journey. Proceed on the drive to Tadoba. Although a long drive (about 6 hours), much of this will take you through some heavily forested and other scenic areas of these rural and remote regions of Central India. Tadoba National Park is the oldest national park in the State of Maharashtra and since 1993, a Project Tiger Reserve. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger reserve has a total area of 625 square kilometers. Tadoba has around 50 tigers along with other rare Indian wildlife such as, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Gaur, Wild Dogs, Hyenas, Civet and Jungle cats, and many species of Indian deer like Sambar, Cheetal, Nilgai, and Barking Deer. You may also sight the rare Indian pangolin, which is now considered an endangered species. Tadoba Lake’s former breeding farm was responsible for saving the threatened Marsh Crocodiles, which were once common all over Maharashtra, as well as Python, and the Bengal Monitor Lizard. Tadoba is also an ornithologist's paradise with a varied diversity of raptors and aquatic birdlife. (NOTE: The accommodations at Tadoba are relatively basic, below our normal First Class level, however they are the best available.)
Enjoy morning and afternoon safaris into the Park today. (NOTE: Safaris closed on Tuesdays in Tadoba)
Enjoy a wildlife safari into the park this morning. After this you will return to your lodge to freshen up and relax for the rest of the morning. After breakfast drive to Nagpur for the evening non-stop flight to Bangalore and on arrival transfer to the hotel.
In the morning drive (approx 5 hours) to Nagarhole. Arrive at Nagarhole and check in at your lodge. Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary stretches over a series of gentle hills and valleys north of the river Kabini. This wildlife sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The original forest was once a private hunting ground for the former Maharajas of Mysore. Later in 1955, this sanctuary was developed around a beautiful water reservoir which was formed after the construction of a dam on the Kabini River. Twenty years later, it was chosen as a national park. Enjoy an afternoon safari into the park. A trained naturalist will join you on your safari as you search for the elusive Tiger. Elephants in particular are seen the most, and they can be spotted enjoying their natural habitat at its best. Other large animals include spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, four-horned antelope, and wild boar. Evening - This evening you can stargaze or gather around the nightly bonfire and listen to the finest local naturalists spin yarns about Tiger and Elephant encounters!
This morning you are greeted with tea or coffee before you prepare for your morning safari. You may also enjoy a nature walk through the Rosewood, Teak, Sandalwood and Silver Birch. Afternoon- After a relaxing lunch you will embark on your afternoon safari, followed by dinner and memories of the day’s adventure. Evening - Enjoy the activities around the hotel such as the wildlife movie and the campfire gathering and conversation that ranges from what other guests experienced on that day, to the resident naturalists accounts about their wildlife encounters.
Enjoy your last safari into the park this morning. Return to your hotel to freshen up and check out. After breakfast drive to the Bangalore to board on evening flight for onward destination.