15 Days, The Royal Indian Safari Experience

Tour overview:

One of the most popular wildlife destinations in the world, India is home to not just lions and tigers, but a plethora of other rare species of birds and animals. This itinerary is designed to transport you to some of the most fascinating national parks in the country, offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to catch a glimpse of these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. And of course, no trip to India is complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal!

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Arrive tonight in India’s bustling capital city of Delhi, where you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the hotel. (Room would be available from 1400 hrs).

Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing

Embark on a guided tour of Old and New Delhi. The morning begins with the historic Red Fort (drive by), Raj Ghat and the mile-long ChandniChowk bazaar of Old Delhi. The afternoon is dedicated to New Delhi and the Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar, Birla Temple, and a drive along Rajpath. (B)

Day 3: Delhi / Jaipur

Today morning you will leave for the “pink city” of Jaipur, where the old city is surrounded by a massive wall pierced by magnificent doorways. Your tour of Jaipur takes you to Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds.” Continue to City Palace, characterized by balconies, tiny windows, cupolas, courtyards and arched entrances. (B)

Day 4: Amber Fort Excursion – Jaipur / Ranthambhore

Visit the mountain fortress of Amber where you have a choice of ascending the fort, riding royally atop elegantly draped and painted elephants or by jeep. Amber is a superb example of Rajput architecture with its complex of palaces, temples and ornate apartments. Later continue your to Ranthambhore, arrive and check in at the hotel. (BD)

Day 5: Ranthambhore Game Reserve

Ranthambhore is one of the few preserves where the nocturnal, camera-shy tigers may be seen in daylight. You’ll take thrilling game drives in the morning and evening in search of wildlife. (BLD)

Day 6: Ranthambhore / Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur

Start off your day with a morning game drive. Later in the day depart by surface for the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur, home to over 350 species of birds. Walk along the beautiful trails in the sanctuary lined with Babul trees. (BLD)

Day 7: Bharatpur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra

Rise early to see Bharatpur at its most glorious. Enjoy either a pedicab or boat ride (water levels permitting), with the opportunity to see flocks of ducks, widgeon, heron and spoonbill in graceful flight. After breakfast, drive to the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Continue to Agra, the last capital of the Mughal empire in India. Your afternoon in Agra will be spent exploring the city and the 16th century Agra Fort. Your day ends with the magnificent Taj Mahal, a monument to the memory of love. Your romantic encounter is further enhanced by the opportunity of viewing this beautiful edifice in the warm glow of sunset. (B)

Day 8: Agra / Khajuraho

Today, board the train for Jhansi. Visit the medieval city of Orcha en route to Khajuraho. This afternoon visit the Western group of temples. Not much has changed to the appearance of the city since the 17th century. (B)

Day 9: Khajuraho / Bandhavgarh

Leave for Bandhavagarh, after visiting the Eastern Group of Temples. Arrive and check in at the hotel. (BD)

Day 10-11: Bandhavgarh Game Viewing

Enjoy morning & afternoon game viewing. (BLD)
(On Wednesday Afternoon Park remain Closed)

Day 12: Bandhavgarh / Kanha National Park

After a morning game drive in Bandhavgarh, travel to Kanha, the original country Rudyard Kipling so vividly described in his Jungle Books. Kanha has some 22 species of mammals: most commonly spotted are langur, jackal, wild pig, spotted deer, swamp deer, sambar and black buck. You may also see tiger, Indian hare, wild dog, barking deer, Indian fox, sloth bear, striped hyena, panther, mouse deer, Indian bison, jungle cat, four horned antelope, blue bull, ratel and Indian porcupine. Kanha also has some 200 species of birds. Spend two days game viewing and bird watching in Kanha, a true haven for the animal and avian population. (BLD)
(On Wednesday Afternoon Park remain Closed)

Day 13: Kanha National Park

Enjoy morning & afternoon game viewing. (BLD)
(On Wednesday Afternoon Park remain Closed)

Day 14: Kanha / Nagpur

After your last game drive today, drive to Nagpur, India’s geographical center and Maharashtra’s Winter capital. (BLD)

Day 15: Nagpur / Mumbai Depart

Fly this morning to Mumbai (formerly Bombay). You will be provided a day room till your onward flight back home or to continue your extensions to India. B