A tour not only through some of the most important "tiger country"
but a superb blend of the Indian "pot-pourrie". You will have a
chance to see everything that is associated with India. We have the Taj, the
colourful bazaars of Jaipur, the mega city of Delhi, the mud fort of
Bharatpur, the marvels of Khajurao, the oldest city of India Varanasi.
Besides the wild life sanctuaries of Kanha, Ranthambhor, Bhandavgarh and the
best bird sanctuary at Bharatpur. This tour can be extended to include a
visit to the national parks in Nepal along with the Budhist centres.
Day - 1 -- Delhi
Arrival Delhi in the morning. "Namaste" a warm welcome to India,
a sincere greeting with a bow and folded hands. Transfer to a 5-star hotel
in New Delhi. After a short break we embark on our first journey to discover
India. Our introduction to India will be by a " Rickshaw" ride a
mode of transport used in small towns and in Old Delhi.
We
head for a guided city tour to the most interesting sights of the city that
is the Red Fort a fort made of red sand stone which once housed the world
famous PEACOCK throne and the Jama Masjid mosque. Welcome Dinner at the old
Hauz Khas village complex overnight stay at the hotel.
Day - 2 -- Jaipur
We leave for the pink city of Jaipur arriving for lunch. After lunch day at
leisure to explore the streets and bazars of Jaipur. Overnight at hotel.
Day - 3 -- Amer
We visit the city palace, the palace of winds and then proceed to Amer fort
the ancient capital of Jaipur built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh in
red sandstone and marble. It has some very intersting apartments like the
Sheesh Mahal the glass canopy apartments and Jai Mandir, Sukh Niwas Baodi
etc.
The highlight of this trip is the elephant ride up the ramparts of the fort
just like the maharajas did. After this we visit the Jaigarh fort the
armoury of the erstwhile state which houses the biggest cannon on wheels in
the world. Overnight at hotel.
Day - 4 -- Ranthambhor
Drive to Ranthambhor the finest national park of India arriving in the
hotel in afternoon. Evening visit the old fort which overlooks the national
park. Overnight hotel.
Day - 5 -- Ranthambhor
Ranthambore Morning & Evening drives in the park.
Day - 6 -- Bharatpur
Ranthambore - Bharatpur drive to Bharatpur the capital city of another
racial community of India The Jats. Afternoon visit Bharatpur fort which is
different from other Rajasthan forts as it has thick mud walls which the
British army could not break despite laying a seige for 4 months.
Day - 7 -- Keoladeo Ghana National Bird Sanctuary
Full day bird watching in possibly the biggest bird sanctuary in the world
Keoladeo Ghana National. To take in the essence of the park you need to
divide your trips into different times of the day, Early morning take in
spectacular sightings of large flocks of water birds & their exquisite
birdsongs. At dusk catch the elusive bird (night herons ,bitterns &
owls). Post lunch catch the python basking in the sun.Overnight at the
hotel.
Day - 8 - Agra
Take the road for Agra Enroute we visit the ancient city of Fathepur Sikri
built by Emperor Akbar as thanks giving for the saint who blessed him with a
son. In the afternoon check in to the hotel. After a short break leave for
the Agra Fort. The fort where Emperor Shajahan the builder of Taj was held
captive by his son Emperor Aurangzeb, who had usurped the throne of India.
One can see the magnificant Taj from the quarters in which the emperor was
jailed. Before sunset visit the Taj a monument of Love and romance.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day - 9 -- Orcha
Take
an executive class airconditioned train to Jhansi drive to Orcha the old
capital of the Bundhela Kings who were the contempories of the Mughal
Emperors. Check into the hotel on the banks of the river. Go exploring the
marvels of Bundhelkhand. Overnight at the hotel.
Day - 10 -- Bhandavgarh National Park
Some more exploring later in the day take the train to Katni / Umaria.
Disembark for Bhandavgarh National Park. Afternoon take the first drive into
the park if luck favours us we will sight the Tiger. As the concentration of
tiger population is highest in this park hence our chances of sighting.
Overnight at hotel / camp.
Day - 11 -- Bhandavgarh National Park
Full day for the park. We will take two trips into the park. Early morning
on elephant back, post lunch & evening in jeeps.
Day - 12 -- Khajuraho
Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho. Drive to Khajuraho the citadel of power of the
Chandela Kings in 10th &11th century. Khajurao has been declared a World
Heritage Site. Though famous for its Erotic temple sculpture Khajurao is
much more then just Kamasutra. The question which comes to mind is how could
any society approve of such eroticism in a place of worship. To answer this
question only a visit to khajurao can do. Overnight at the hotel.
Day - 13 -- Varanasi
Walk the streets of Khajurao leave for the airport around 11:30 A.M. to
catch the flight for Varanasi the oldest living city in India and one of the
worlds most ancient previously known as Kashi in the times of Puranas and
Vedas. Its also the second most important religious city on the Ganges.
After check in and a short break visit the bazar of Benaras which is an
experience of a life time even for the Indians living in other cities.
Varanasi is a city which can not be described it can only be experienced.
Around sunset take a visit to the ghats (Banks of river ganga) and a boat
ride in the Ganges to see the AARTI (culmination of the days prayers with
lamps) which are offered to the mother Ganga and left to float in the river.
It's a spectacle seen nowhere else in the world. It seems that stars are
floating in the river.
Day - 14 -- Kashi
Early morning again visit the ghats before sunrise to see people praying to
the Sun god another experience of its kind. After breakfast visit Kashi
Vishwanath temple the most important temple of Lord Shiva in India Saranath
where lord Budha preached his first Sermon. It was here he revealed the
eight fold path of Nirvana.
Day - 15 -- Delhi
Varanasi - Delhi In the morning take another river cruise on the Ganges. In
the evening, fly to Delhi to catch your international flight.
