Tiger Spotting in Central India and The Taj

Day 01: - Arrive Mumbai
Arrive at Mumbai International Airport.

Mumbai : Mumbai or Bombay as it was known earlier, is the commercial capital of India, a city of entrepreneurs, concrete towers, clubs and discos, cricket, Bollywood and more. In 1661, Charles II of England received the islands of Bombay as dowry when he married Princess Catherine of Braganza. The British Government leased the islands to the East India Company, who developed it into a thriving trading port.

Today, Mumbai is the country's financial and cultural capital. It is also home to India's thriving film industry. It is seen, to the teeming masses that flock there to live and work, as a place where opportunities abound. Its inhabitants, an amalgam of great wealth and abject poverty, are swept into the endless malestorm of activity that characterizes this city of dreams.

Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our representative who will present you with a welcome pack including all necessary documentation and arrange your transfer to the Hilton Towers hotel for check-in. No activity is scheduled today, since most of the International flights arrive into India close to midnight only.

Trident Nariman Point

Trident Nariman Point : Towering above the skyline and overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Trident Nariman Point Mumbai is centrally situated in the heart of the shopping and business district. The city's main promenade, Marine Drive, lights up in the evening to give a spectacular view of the "Queen's Necklace". It is within walking distance from major corporate houses, entertainment, recreation and shopping centres, 5 minutes drive from the Gateway Of India and 10 minutes drive to the main convention- World Trade Centre. Well appointed rooms, many offering ocean views, with broadband and internet access, mini-bars, tea-coffee makers etc. Leisure facilities include a large swimming pool, fitness center and several restaurants and bars.

For the ultimate in luxury and for those wishing to stay at Mumbai's landmark hotel, you could choose to upgrade to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel : This gracious turn-of-the century hotel faces the Gateway of India and is considered a landmark in Mumbai's skyline. Located on the waterfront and minutes away from Mumbai's commercial, shopping and banking districts, the hotel has played host to several Heads of State and Royalty. Also a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the hotel provides international standard leisure and business facilities. The rooms at the Heritage Wing are renowned for their architecture and exude an aura of old-world elegance. Each corridor in this Wing resembles an art gallery, and the design, décor and furnishing ensure that no two rooms are alike. Guests have a choice of rooms that overlook the city or pool or face the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: - Mumbai - Kanha
This morning you will be met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to airport to board flight (9W 111 0705/0825 hrs.) for Nagpur.

On arrival at Nagpur airport you will be met and drive to Kanha National Park (200 kms/05 hrs).

Deer

Kanha situated in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the picturesque Kanha National Park was the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling's unforgettable classic Jungle Book. The romance of the Kanha National Park has not reduced over time-it is still as beautiful.

The park was created in 1955 by a special law and, since then, it has dedicated itself in preserving a variety of animal species. Many endangered species have indeed been saved here. Today Kanha is among the few most scenic and beautiful wildlife reserves in Asia. This 'Tiger Country' is the ideal home for both predator and prey. By far the most striking features of this region are the open grassy meadows, where sighting blackbuck, swamp deer, sambhar and chital is common. And, if one can transcend into time, a barefooted Mowgli would perhaps come padding along the dusty trail, for this is the land of Kipling's Jungle Book.

Kanha is perhaps one of the best parks for sighting tigers .Of the numerous Tiger reserves in India, that are preserving this ferocious beast, but nowhere can you see them as often, and as regularly as in Kanha National Park.

The main wildlife attractions in the park are Tiger, Bison, Gaur, Sambhar, Chital, Barasingha, Barking Deer, Black Deer, Black Buck, Chousingha, Nilgai, Mouse Deer, Sloth Bear, Jackal Fox, Porcupine, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Python, Pea Fowl, Hare, Monkey, Mongoose and Leopard.

Jackal

The birds species in the park include Storks, Teals, Pintails, Pond Herons, Egrets, Peacock, Pea Fowl, Jungle Fowl, Spur Fowl, Partridges, Quails, Ring Doves, Spotted Parakeets, Green Pigeons, Rock Pigeons, Cuckoos, Papihas, Rollers, Bee-Eater, Hoopoes, Drongos, Warblers, Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, Finches, Orioles, Owls and Fly Catchers.

However, if one animal species were to represent Kanha, it would probably be the barasingha, or the swamp deer. The barasinghas at Kanha are unique, being the hard ground variety, which populate the large open tracts of grass amidst the forests of teak and bamboo. Twenty years ago, the barasingha was faced with extinction but some desperate measures including the fencing-off of some animals helped save them and again the air in Kanha bugle with their rutting calls. On arrival check in to the Shergarh Lodge.

Tent

Shergarh : Set amongst woodland overlooking a lake, Shergarh is an exclusive camp providing tented accommodation at the southern edge of the pristine Kanha Tiger Reserve. Shergarh is the creation of naturalist Jehan Bhujwala and his English wife Katie, whose aim is to ensure a personalised and specialised wildlife experience to every guest. Six cosy tents are individually spaced inside a wooded grove to provide privacy. Each has a large front verandah and an attached bathroom with piping hot showers. Thatched roofs house each tent and are watered in the hot months to ease off rising temperatures. Meals at the Camp are wholesome Indian and Continental food prepared from home-grown vegetables, local produce and fish farmed from their own lake and are served in the Main House. Leisure activities at Shergarh include a library, wildlife based slide shows and talks from resident naturalists as well as guided tours of the surrounding villages.

Overnight at the Lodge.

Day 03: - In Kanha
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Kanha National Park. Safaris in Kanha are organized in jeeps and short elephant rides are also available . Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at the Lodge.

Day 04: - In Kanha
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Kanha National Park. Safaris in Kanha are organized in jeeps and short elephant rides are also available. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at the Lodge.

Day 05: Kanha - Bandhavgarh
This morning you drive to Bandhavgarh (325 kms/07 hrs).

Bandhavgarh Leopard

Bandhavgarh : Bandhavgarh National Park, situated in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, has established a reputation as one of the best places in India to observe Tigers. The 105 square kilometers of park area, open for tourists is reported to have over 25 tigers. Like many Tiger reserves in India, the area was formerly the hunting reserve of a Maharaja and contains much evidence of its royal associations, most spectacular being the ruins of a huge hilltop fort which dominates the centre of the reserve. The Sal Forest which predominates in the Park is replaced by mixed forests at the higher elevations in the hills and there are also expanses of grassland and bamboo in the north. The core of the reserve is hilly and dominated by the ancient natural fort which towers to an impressive 800 metres above the forest. The Fort too is worth a visit . Bandhavgarh being an arid region, water is always attractive to wildlife and the presence of pools and streams in the reserve is one of the reasons it is so favoured by both game and predators. Although Tigers are the star attraction at Bandhavgarh the list of other mammals and birds that have made Bandhavgarh their home , is very impressive too .The list of birds includes such species as Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Plumheaded Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise Flycatcher among a total of over 250 species recorded in the district. Tigers and the more rarely seen Leopards, have no shortage of prey in the

Chital

reserve. The Spotted Deer or Chital is a favourite item on the Tiger menu and several thousand of these delightful deer inhabit the park. Other species found here in varying abundance include; Chinkara, Chowsinga, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac and Nilgai. The Asian Bison or Gaur last sighted as a small herd in 1998, the animal is now conspicuous by its absence since. A closely monitored programme of the reintroduction of the Gaur is planned within couple of years. A hunting pack of wild dogs may also be seen on occasions. Mammal sightings always require a degree of luck, particularly when the species is essentially nocturnal or reclusive but each outing in the reserve will at least provide a chance to meet one of the rarer inhabitants such as Sloth Bear, Indian fox, Jackal, Wolf, Ratel, Striped Hyenas, Jungle Cat or Indian Pangolin. More predictable are the sounders of Wild Boar rooting among the vegetation, Indian Hares, the lively little Palm Squirrels which seem to be constantly in a state of agitation, and several members of the mongoose tribe. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaques are also plentiful, the former enjoying an elevated view of the forest as they devour their favourite leaves and often the first creature to bark out a warning at the appearance of a Tiger below.

Upon arrival in Bandhavgarh, check in to the Tiger Den.

Tiger Den Resort

Tiger Den : located less than 500 meters from the entrance of the Bandhavgarh National Park, the Tiger Den is a comfortable jungle lodge , with well furnished cottage style accomodation set amidst well manicured lawns .Facilities here are rather basic , but the resorts management more than makes up for them ,with their excellent all round services and their excellent naturalists .

For the ultimate in luxury, you could choose to upgrade to the Taj CC Africa Mahua Kothi : -- A product of the recent partnership between CC Africa and the Taj Group, the Mahua Kothi offers the ultimate in luxury , as far as lodge accomodation in Bandhavgarh is concerned. The twelve charming suites or Kutiyas (jungle village huts) are newly built in the 40 acre grounds of the renowned tented camp formerly known as Churhat Kothi. The original Kothi (homestead) comprising the guest areas remains and has been extensively renovated, but the guest accommodation is all brand new. Those familiar with CC Africa's standards when it comes to Game lodges , would no doubt know what to expect here -- the best accomodation , top class services , gourmet cuisine and the best naturalists.

Overnight at the Resort.

Day 06: In Bandhavgarh
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Bandhavgarh National Park. Safaris in Bandhavgarh are organized in jeeps and short elephant rides are also available. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at the Resort.

Day 07: Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho
This morning you drive to Khajuraho (270 kms/06 hrs).

Khajuraho : Famous for its temples that are India's unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy, perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Life, in every form and mood, has been captured in stone, testifying not only to the craftsman's artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed in the short span of a hundred years, from 950-1050 AD, in a truly inspired burst of creativity.

Upon arrival in Khajuraho, check in to the Taj Chandela hotel.

Taj Chandela

Taj Chandela : Just 1km from the famous temples, this is the best place to stay in Khajuraho. An inviting pool, good food, a lively bar and spacious rooms combine to make a comfortable stay. All rooms are elegantly appointed and offer guest amenities like speaker phones with international direct dialing facility, Internet connectivity, mini-bar, personal safe, channel music and colour television.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Khajuraho - Panna National Park - Khajuraho
This morning you are collected from your hotel for full day excursion to Panna National Park (35 kms/01 hrs).

Panna Tiger

Panna : Panna Tiger reserve is the 4th Project Tiger reserve situated in the Central Indian State of Madhya Pradesh. Panna Tiger Reserve encompasses 543 square kilometres of varied habitats and extends along the river Ken which flows north to join the Yamuna River, a tributary of the mighty Ganges. The region, which is famous for its diamonds, is also home to some of the best wildlife species in India and thanks to the recent conservation efforts has now become one of the premier Tiger Reserves in the country. The magnificent king of predators has become increasingly easy to observe at Panna as the population grows and other rare species such as Leopard and Wolf may also be seen by the fortunate visitor. Herds of Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Chinkara and Sambar inhabit the reserve forming the principal prey species for the Tigers. The former hunting preserve of the Panna family, the park comprises large tracts of riverine forest providing perfect cover for both predators and prey. A Gharial sanctuary along the river Ken near the spectacular Raneh Falls is an added attraction where we may be lucky to see a number of these endangered fish eating crocodiles basking on the muddy banks. For keen birders, over 200 species of birds have been identified in Panna Tiger Reserve and visitors are likely to encounter more than 100 species around the reserve to augment the mammal observations. A good variety of birds of prey includes the Black-shouldered Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, White-eyed Buzzard, Shikra, and several species of Vulture along with ofcourse the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Black-headed Oriole, and a selection of flycatchers, babblers and warblers.

Ghariyal

Evening game safari into the Panna National Park. Safaris in Panna are organized in jeeps and short elephant rides are also available. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Khajuraho - Jhansi - Agra
This morning you are collected from your hotel for half-day City tour of Khajuraho visiting eastern & western group of temples.

Afternoon drive from Khajuraho to Jhansi (172 kms /3½ hrs.) nearest railway station for Khajuraho, and board train to Agra (1750/2030 hrs).

Agra : "The Land of Taj" was once the capital of the Mughal Empire and even today it seems to linger in the past. Not surprising, for the Mughal emperors with their passion for building, endowed the city with some of the finest structures in the world. Agra is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabana, a forest that's finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. In more recent times Agra came into prominence when Sikandar Lodi made it his capital city in 1501. Later it passed into the possession of the Mughals. It was during the time of the third emperor "Akbar" that Agra came into its own and later on his grandson "Shah Jehan" ornamented the city with that masterpiece of Mughal architecture - The Taj Mahal.

Upon arrival at Agra railway station you will be met and escorted for check-in to the Trident.

Trident : The Trident Agra, is set amidst beautiful gardens and is only a few minutes walk away from the famous Taj Mahal. The hotel is built of the red stone reminiscent of the Mughal era, designed around landscaped central courtyard with swimming pool and fountains. All rooms are centrally air-conditioned and equipped with modern facilities like a mini-bar, complimentary tea and coffee making facility, direct dial telephone, data port connectivity, television set with satellite transmission and a personal safe. The hotel features an informal, poolside brasserie and a Bar. The restaurant serves an extensive buffet, and a choice of Continental and Indian cuisine.

For the ultimate in Luxury, you could choose to upgrade to the Oberoi Amar Vilas :- Only 600 metres from the Taj Mahal stands the Oberoi Group's luxury resort, Amarvilas. The classical architecture of the hotel is complemented by the elaborate gardens, terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions. The hotel has been designed to give guests uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal from all rooms and suites. The lobby, restaurants, bar and tea lounge also offer spectacular views of the world famous monument. The décor and service spell the ultimate in comfort and the luxurious spa offers non-clinical therapies.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Agra - Delhi
This morning you are collected for half day city tour of Agra visiting The Taj Mahal - a poem, a feeling of love, in white marble, is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles. It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. Your tour also includes a visit to the Red Sandstone Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century, lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years of 1565-1573.

Your sightseeing tour is followed by a drive to Delhi (220 kms/ 04 hrs).

Delhi - A bustling metropolis and a city of 14 million inhabitants, is also India's capital. A near perfect blend of the ancient and the modern, Delhi, consisting two parts Old & New Delhi, is a city with something for everyone. From Forts and monuments that are almost 500 years old, to modern shopping malls, nightclubs and golf courses, Delhi truly is India's crown jewel.

Upon arrival in Delhi, check in to the Claridges. Overnight at hotel.

The Claridges : -Located in the heart of the city, The Claridges has been a landmark in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950's. Set on 3 acres of land, the hotel is a low-rise building with only three floors. It is within close proximity of the business district, ministries, diplomatic missions, shopping & cultural centers and historical landmarks. The Hotel's facilities include a Swimming Pool, Health Club and several Bars and Restaurants .

For the ultimate in luxury, you could choose to upgrade to The Imperial : - The Imperial Hotel, one of Delhi's best known luxury Hotels is also one of the oldest hotels in Delhi .Built in 1933, it has a somewhat unconventional style & design; a mixture of Victorian and old colonial with a playful dosage of art deco. The hotel, which is centrally located on Janpath, is set in beautiful gardens and its facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a shopping arcade, permanent in-house art galleries and a variety of restaurants.

Day 11: Depart Delhi
This morning you are collected from your hotel for full day tour of Old and New Delhi.

The tour of the 17th-century old city includes the great mosque of Jama Masjid, The main street of Old Delhi is the colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk ("Moonlit Street"). Drive past Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.

The tour of New Delhi includes the Humayun's Tomb, the precursor of the Taj Mahal. Drive down the spectacular Rajpath ("the Kingsway,") passing the India Gate (the memorial built to commemorate the unknown soldiers,) the President's House, and the House of Parliament. Enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city at Birla Mandir, a modern and colourful Hindu temple.

Your sightseeing tour is followed by a drop at Delhi International airport intime to board flight home.