Tigers and the Golden Triangle
Mumbai - Pench - Kanha - Agra - Bharatpur - Ranthambore - Jaipur -
Delhi
A two week Safari offering
excellent wildlife viewing opporutinites in Pench, Kanha and Ranthambore
and Bird viewing in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. In addition, this holiday
also includes India's must visit Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and
Jaipur.
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 maelstrom of activity
that characterises 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 for check-in. No activity is scheduled today, since most of
the International flights arrive into India close to midnight only.
Hilton Towers : Towering above the skyline and
overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Hilton Towers 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 centers, 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.
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Taj Mahal Mumbai |
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.
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Day 02: - Mumbai -
Nagpur - Pench
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.
Upon arrival at Nagpur airport you will be met and drive to Pench
National Park. (90 kms/02 hrs).
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Pench Tiger |
Pench :
Pench Tiger Reserve, located in the Central Indian state of Madhya
Pradesh, is the 19th Project Tiger Reserve and has been one of the
best-kept secrets among wildlife enthusiasts who have long been
acquainted with and bedazzled by its immensely varied flora and
fauna. No wonder the area providing a backdrop for it's animal
character dominated by fairly open canopy of mixed forest,
predominantly teak, with open grassy patches, the park with its
undulating land boasts the highest density of herbivores in any
Indian park. The population of cheetal, or spotted deer, is
particularly high and there is also abundance of sambar and nilgai.
Visitor cannot fail to be amazed by the mighty gaur or Indian bison,
which shares its home with such diverse creatures as wild boar,
sloth bear, dhole, and mongoose and jungle cat. As its name implies,
the park is also home to the illusive Royal Bengal Tiger and the
equally shy leopard. The bird life has been described by visitors as
some of the best in India and among the 250 or so species are
malabar pied hombills, painted stork, long-tailed shrikes,
kingfishers, blue jays and birds of paradise as well as crested
serpent eagles, changeable hawk eagles and vultures. The picturesque
Pench River, which winds it's way through the park, is a magnet for
all birds, particularly during the winter migration when the area
teems with visitor including Brahmini ducks and batheaded geese.
Lying on the southern slopes of the satpura ranges, the tiger
reserve covers just over 757 sq kms and is two hours by road from
Nagpur. While still known locally as Pench National Park, it's name
was changed in November 2002 to Indira Priyadarshni Pench National
Park in honour of the Late Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi.
The Park is open from 1st October till 30th of June every year.
Upon arrival check-in to the Pench
Jungle Camp.
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Indian Bison |
Pench
Jungle Camp - An oasis of calm in an all-too troubled
world - offers the discerning guest the chance to experience the
beauty of the wild coupled with luxurious living. Whether it is
relaxing in one of the 12 de-luxe tents, 3 cottages or 5 premier
rooms, with birdsong and exotic jungle trees just outside the door,
the resort is the ideal place to free one self from the stresses and
strains of 21st century living. Each tent is housed on a raised
platform with ensuite facilities. Centrally located common
facilities include a spacious dining hall and sitting lounge cum
library.The resort's adjoining eco-park is ``home'' to wildlife
including numerous Birds, Cheetal, Sambar, Nilgai and resident
leopards which have been seen walking through the camp, to the
delight of amazed guests. Leisure facilities at the Pench Jungle
Camp include a well- stocked library. a recreation room for
informative slide shows and wildlife discussions, evening bonfires,
nature walks ,night safaris in the buffer area of the reserve and
Bird watching trips.
For the ultimate in luxury, you could choose to upgrade to the
Taj CC Africa Bagh Van Lodge : A product of the recent
partnership between CC Africa and the Taj Group, the Bagh Van offers
the ultimate in luxury, as far as lodge accomodation in Pench is
concerned. The name Baghvan draws its inspiration from one of
India's iconic symbols, the Bengal tiger (bagh - tiger and van -
forest). Pronounced baagh-vun, this charming lodge is located on the
edge of Pench National Park . The Bagh Van has 12 stand alone
suites, each charming individual suite has a contemporary bungalow
feel with a cheeky 50's ambiance. All suites have a spacious air
conditioned bedroom with private shaded sit-outs. Bedrooms all have
a Jharokha (wooden latticed bay window) that filters the soft early
morning light and covered inter-leading link takes guests to
generously proportioned bathrooms with double vanity, separate w.c,
indoor and outdoor showers. Leisure facilities at the Bagh van
include a large Swimming pool, and large common guest areas, where
talks and film shows on wildlife are held almost daily.
Overnight at the Camp. |
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Day 03: Pench
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Pench National
Park. Safaris in Pench 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 Camp. |
Day 04: Pench -
Kanha
This morning you drive to Kanha (160 kms/05 hrs.).
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Sloth Bear |
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, Tiger
and Leopard.
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.
Upon arrival check-in to the Shergarh
lodge
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Shergarh 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.
Evening game safari into 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.
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Day 05: - 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. |
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Day 06: - 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. |
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Day 07: - Kanha -
Jabalpur - Agra
Early morning game safari into Kanha National Park. Afternoon drive
to Jabalpur (Nearest railway station of Kanha) in time to board
overnight train to Agra (1805/0815 hrs.). Overnight on board. |
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Day 08: - Arrive
Agra
Upon arrival at Agra Railway station, you will be met and escorted
to for check-in at the Trident Hilton.
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.
Trident Hilton : - The Trident Hilton 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.
Afternoon, you are collected from your hotel for a half-day 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.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel. |
Day 09: Agra -
Bharatpur
This morning you drive to Bharatpur (56 kms/01 hrs.) visiting
Fatehpur Sikri en-route - often called the ghost city, built by
Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his
vast empire, Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously abandoned 13 years
later.
Later continue your drive to Bharatpur.
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Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary |
Bharatpur
: Now known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the Bharatpur Bird
Sanctuary, situated in the North Indian state of Rajasthan (actually
very close to Agra) is without question one of the finest
birdwatching locations in the world. The reserve provides a
diversity and abundance of birdlife only equalled in Africa and keen
birdwatchers are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of birds
present. Notable species amongst the throngs of nesting Painted
Storks, White Ibises, Darters and Spoonbills are specialities such
as the threatened Black-necked Stork, Comb Duck, and the elusive
Spotted Creeper. Thousands of ducks crowd the marshes and pools and
include, amongst the more familiar species, hundreds of Ferruginous
and Lesser Whistling Ducks plus smaller numbers of Red-crested
Pochards and Spotbilled Ducks. Both White and Dalmatian Pelicans may
occur and large numbers of Common Cranes along with smaller numbers
of Sarus Cranes use the reserve in which to winter. Bharatpur has
also been famous as the winter hideaway of the very rare Siberian
Cranes, though the sighting of these has reduced considerably in
recent years. Bharatpur also provides unrivalled opportunities for
observing a large range of raptors, including Spotted, Imperial,
Steppe and Tawny Eagles, as well as a host of vultures. Bharatpur is
also known for sighting of rare bird species such as Orange-headed
Ground Thrush, Dusky Warbler, Marshall's Iora and Large-tailed
Nightjar. Other wildlife inhabiting the Bharatpur Sanctuary includes
the rare and beautiful Blackbuck, Indian Smooth Otter, Fishing Cat,
Soft-shelled Turtle and Indian Python. Nilgai, Sambar, Spotted Deer
and Rhesus Macaques .A very interesting feature of Bharatpur is the
way game rides are done -- on cycle rickshaws .You could also take a
cycling or walking tour of this park.
Upon arrival check-in to The
Bagh.
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The Bagh Resort |
The
Bagh : The Bagh is a heritage hotel set in 12 acres of
beautiful gardens, very close to the Bharatpur Bird sanctuary. The
hotel's twenty three rooms are located in three different
residential complexes. A restaurant, banquet hall, coffee shop,
library and a gym, all situated in a verdant orchard, allow guests
to enjoy solitude and companionship in restful indoor and outdoor
spaces. Each of the Bagh's twenty three rooms is unique. Spacious
bathrooms, luxurious fabrics, fine furnishings and all modern day
amenities, let the weary traveler retreat and recoup after a day of
sightseeing and bird watching. Gulmohar, the main restaurant,
specializes in the wonderful vegetarian cuisine of the Braj region.
With over fifty species of flora, including fruiting trees and
flowering plants which attract birds, small animals and insects,
guests can enjoy quiet walks in the garden and commune with nature.
The handsome buildings made in local stones are designed to merge
with their natural surroundings. Works by contemporary Indian women
artists are displayed throughout the complex. A stroll through the
Bagh's garden and buildings leads a visitor through the realms of
nature and art.
Late in the afternoon rickshaw ride into Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
Safaris in Bharatpur are organized on Cycle rickshaw. Local guides
and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at
hotel. |
Day 10: Bharatpur
- Ranthambore
Morning rickshaw ride in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Safaris in
Bharatpur are organized on Cycle rickshaw. Local guides and
naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience.
Later drive to Ranthambore (250 kms/06 hrs.
Ranthambhore
: The most conveniently located National Park in the North Indian
state of Rajasthan, is considered by many to be one of India's most
beautiful national parks .The Ranthambore National Park is one of
the prime examples of Project Tiger's conservation efforts in
Rajasthan. It covers an area of 400 sq km with many steep crags
embracing a network of lakes and rivers. Atop one of these hills,
the 10th century Ranthambore Fort stands like a silent sentinel. The
terrain is a blend of impregnable forests and open bush land. The
forest is the typically dry deciduous type with dhok being the most
prominent tree. Ranthambore is best known for its tiger population,
and tiger sightings are common here. Apart from tigers, the park has
its share of panthers, too. Kachida Valley is believed to be the
place to sight these rather elusive cats. One can also find marsh
crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats and sloth bears apart from Chital,
Nilgai, and Chinkara. The avian population comprises of black
storks, quails, Bonelli's eagles, spur fowls, crested serpent eagles
and painted storks. During the winter months, the park attracts a
lot of migratory birds, including a variety of ducks. It is the
ideal park for wildlife photography.
OveUpon arrival check-in to the Taj
Sawai Madhopur Lodge.
The
Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge : Located amidst 12 acres of lush
gardens, this 70-year-old hunting lodge exudes a rustic, earthy
charm and an air of history. The Lodge is a heritage building and
was the the hunting lodge of the Maharajah of Jaipur . It has about
30 newly refurbished rooms , with all modern amenities . Leisure
facilities at the Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge include a swimming pool,
a well stocked bar, a library, a billiards/snooker room and massage
services.
For an experience of tented camp living , you could choose to
upgrade to the Sher Bagh
:-- Sher Bagh is a tented camp ,situated at the edge of the
Ranthambhore National Park in Rajasthan. It is set amidst trees on a
private estate, overlooking a valley and has a wonderful forest feel
to it . It is a short ten minute drive from the main entrance of the
reserve.The camp consists of 12 luxurious bedroom tents with
attached verandahs and bathrooms, a dining tent, a cafe and lots of
verdant spaces in which to loll!
To experience world class luxury accommodation in Ranthambhore, you
could choose to upgrade to the Oberoi
Vanya Vilas in Ranthambore. -- Vanya Vilas is India's
first luxury jungle camp and it is situated adjacent to the famous
tiger sanctuary of Ranthambore. Accommodation is in 25 luxury
air-conditioned tents, which are located to ensure maximum privacy.
In true Oberoi Vilas style, each tent has a large well-appointed
marble bathroom with freestanding, bathtub, separate shower stall
and double vanity. The resort area totals almost 20 acres and yet
only 5% is to be built upon, leaving space for the many trees and
extensive natural flora, ensuring the natural beauty of the area is
maintained.Leisure facilities at the Oberoi Vanya Vilas , include a
Swimming Pool, a Banyan Tree Spa , a library, a fully stocked bar
and Cigar lounge .
For an even more luxurious time in Ranthambhore, there is also the
Aman- i-
Khas :--- The Aman-i-khas was the famous Aman Group's
first foray into India , and those familiar with the Aman brand,
would know that Aman represents the last word in luxury, comfort and
personalised care . A luxury tented wilderness camp set on the edge
of Ranthambhore National Park, Aman-i-Khás echoes the rich
Moghul travelling tents of another era. Each of the 10
air-conditioned tents has a soaring six-metre canopy with draped
cotton partitions which create separate bathroom, lounge, private
dining and sleeping areas.A large fireplace acts as the Camp's
informal lounge and dining area with cushioned seating for nightly
log fires and pre-and post-excursion gatherings. Camp facilities
include a traditionally-inspired 'step-well' for refreshing dips and
sunning. A Dining Tent serves Indian and Western cuisine with fresh
produce from the Camp's organic garden; a Lounge Tent provides books
on the Park and Rajasthan's culture and a Spa Tent offers massages,
scrubs and traditional henna art.
Overnight at the Lodge. |
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Day 11: -
Ranthambore
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Ranthambore
National Park. Safaris in Ranthambhore are organized in jeeps and
open air mini trucks, and local guides and naturalists are at hand
to enhance the experience. Overnight at the Lodge. |
Day 12: -
Ranthambore - Jaipur
Early morning game safari at Ranthambore National Park. Safaris in
Ranthambhore are organized in jeeps and open air mini trucks, and
local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience.
Later drive to the Pink city of Rajasthan - Jaipur (180 kms/3½
hrs.).
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Jaimahal Luxury Room |
Jaipur : Jaipur is an exuberance of
colour, dance, and song with the traditional arts and crafts. It's
one of India's most well planned cities, with wide, straight
avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid system. The great
warrior/astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II carefully planned Jaipur's
foundation. Laid out in the 18th century, its design followed
specifications from an epochal Hindu treatise on architecture.
This "Pink City," so called because its buildings are
painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, intersperses the play of
red and pink with white borders and motifs. The royal family's
residence at Amber is only 11 km away. The palaces and forts of
yesteryear, once witness to royal processions, now shine amid the
splendor of modern monuments, juxtaposition accepted quite naturally
into the lifestyles of an amazing people.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in to the Jai Mahal Palace.
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Jaimahal Exterior |
Jai Mahal Palace : - Set in several
acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, the Jai Mahal Palace was
the residence of the former Prime Minister of the state of Jaipur.
Now a Deluxe hotel, managed by the Taj Group, the hotel has recently
been refurbished and upgraded. Almost all rooms offer breathtaking
views of the Moghul gardens or the swimming pool. Excellent service
and modern amenities make the Jai Mahal Palace one of the finest
hotels in Jaipur.
For the ultimate in luxury, you could choose to upgrade to the
Rambagh Palace : --- Once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur,
this magnificent palace is spread over 47 acres of land and is now a
luxury hotel managed by the Taj Group. The hotel offers spacious
rooms tastefully decorated in traditional Rajasthani style and
excellent leisure facilities like an indoor swimming pool, health
club and live entertainment every evening. The Rambagh Palace is
also home to the Polo Bar, rated as one of the finest Bars in the
world.
Later you are collected from your hotel for half day sightseeing
tour of Jaipur visiting Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds,"
one of the major landmarks of Jaipur, although it is actually little
more than a façade. The five-story building was originally
built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the
everyday life and processions of the city. The City Palace, located
in the heart of the old city, is a large complex of courtyards,
buildings, and gardens, and also houses an interesting museum.
Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the ancient
astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, whose passion for
astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as a warrior.
Overnight at hotel.
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Day 13: Jaipur -
Delhi
This morning you are collected from your hotel for excursion to
Amber fort, situated on the outskirts of the city. Here, you are
transported back in time today, riding like royalty atop elegantly
draped and painted elephants into the high mountain fortress. Amber
Fort was the ancient capital of the State until 1728 and inside the
fort, you visit the Jagmandir or the Hall of victory glittering with
mirrors, Jai Mahal and the Temple of Kali.
Your sightseeing tour is followed by a drive to Delhi (265 kms/05
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.
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 in Delhi check-in at the Claridges.
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.
Overnight at hotel. |
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Day 14: 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 in time to board flight home. |
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Land Cost |
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USD 3495 per person |
|
Domestic Airfare
(not included in land cost) |
: |
USD 236 per person for the sector Mumbai
Nagpur in economy class. |
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Supplements for suggested hotel upgrades
.
- Hilton Towers to Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai for 01 night
including breakfast Usd 64 per person
- Pench Jungle Camp to Taj CC Africa Bagh Van Lodge in
Pench for 02 nights including all meals Usd 1262 per
person
- Trident Hilton to Amar Vilas in Agra for 01 night
including breakfast Usd 308 per person
- Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge to Sherbagh in Ranthambore for
02 nights including all meals Usd 296 per person
- Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge to Oberoi Vanya Vilas in
Ranthambore for 02 nights (on bed and breakfast basis)
Usd 630 per person
- Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge to Aman-I-Khas in Ranthambore
for 02 nights including all meals Usd 875per person
- Jai Mahal Palace to Rambagh Palace in Jaipur for 01 night
including breakfast Usd 207 per person
- The Claridges to The Imperial in Delhi for 01 night
including breakfast Usd 82 per person
* A supplement may apply for travel
between 20th Dec and 05th Jan
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