North India Wildlife

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

Taj Mahal

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 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 Claridges hotel for check-in. No activity is scheduled today, since most of the International flights arrive into India close to midnight only.

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.

Day 02: - Delhi - Ranthambore
This morning you will be met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to the Delhi railway station intime to board train (0710/1305 hrs) to Sawai Madhopur (Nearest railway station for Ranthambore).

Crocodiles

Ranthambhore : the most convienently 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.

Upon arrival, you will be met and escorted for check-in to the Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge.

Day 03: Umaria - Bandhavgarh

Upon arrival at Umaria Railway station, you will be met and drive to Bandhavgarh (30 kms/45 minutes).

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.

UFor 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!

Oberoi Vanya Vilas

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 famouus 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.

Evening game safari 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 03: - In 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 04: - In 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 05: - Ranthambore - Bharatpur
Morning game safari into Ranthambore National Park. Later met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to Sawai Madhopur railway station intime to board train (1240/1511 hrs.) to Bharatpur.

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 you will be met & escorted for check-in at the Bagh.

Restaurant

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 06: - Bharatpur - Agra
Morning 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.

Later drive to Agra (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 Agra.

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 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.

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 07: - Agra - Corbett
This morning you drive to Corbett (345 kms/08 hrs).

Caracal

Corbett :- Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the North Indian state of Uttaranchal, Corbett, is arguably one of the most picturesque National Parks in India . Corbett was named in honour of late Jim Corbett, a legendary figure in the conservation history of India who played an important role in helping to create the reserve. The park spans across some 920.9 square km at an altitude of 600 to 1100 metres , and has grown substantially in size , since being declared India's first Project Tiger Reserve in 1973 .

Corbett National Park has more than 50 species of mammals, 585 species of birds and 25 species of reptiles, but the Park is known for its elephants and leopards, even more than its tigers. Many kinds of deer, namely chital (spotted deer), sambar (Indian stag), chinkara (Indian gazelle), pada (hog deer) and muntjac (barking deer) abound in the Park. Tiger sighting is rare, in spite of a lot of alarm calls from monkeys and deer. Elephant herds comprising tuskers, females and calves are commonly seen.Leopard sighting is even rarer than that of the tiger, and these spotted cats confine themselves to the higher reaches of the Park. Other feline species found in the Park are leopard cats, jungle cats, the rare fishing cat, and caracal, to name a few. Sloth bears, wild boars, monkeys, wild dogs, jackals and mountain goats also inhabit the Park.The aquatic reptile population in the Park consists of mugger (Crocodylus palustris) and gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) crocodiles, while Indian rock pythons, Russell's vipers, cobras, king cobras and common kraits are some of the snakes found in the Park. Bird life includes parakeets, flycatchers, babblers, cuckoos, robins, bulbuls, Indian and Great Pied hornbills, warblers and finches amongst other rare Himalyan birds. Corbett is also a favourite amongst fishing enthusiasts, with opportunities to fish for the rare Mahseer and Cat fish.

Upon arrival check-in to the Ramganga Resort.

Corbett Ramganga Resort : Situated on the northern boundary of famous Corbett national Park, right on the banks of the crystal clear River Ramganga, the resort is spread over 20 acres and facilities available include a full size swimming pool, toddler's pool for kids, indoor games such as table tennis, chess, carom, outdoor games like cricket, football, volley-ball, badminton, tennis (hard court), tug-of-war, library . The biggest attraction of the resort is its fishing facilities -- the Ramganga is just right for testing the King of the River.....the Mahseer. The biggest catch recorded here is a 6-foot, 76 lbs.The resort also organises elephant rides , mountain treks and nature walks .

You could also choose to upgrade to the Infinity Resort : Located on the periphery of Corbett Tiger Reserve in the Kumaon region of Uttaranchal, it reflects a high standard of jungle accommodation which is unique in India. The lodge reminds one of the famous African lodges. It has a distinct outdoor atmosphere, right down to the staff uniforms. The lodge has a typical jungle ambience with its huge wooden rafters in a dome-shaped split level mega-pagoda, which serves as a lounge with a cozy fireplace, a fully-stocked bar and a dining hall. Its 32 bedrooms offer a panoramic view of the Kosi river with the backdrop of the Kumaon hills. The Resort has a long stretch of river front and wonderful lawns and is set amidst a mango grove. Leisure facilities at the Resort include a full sized swimming pool, an activity center with indoor and outdoor games, a fully stocked bar, a wildlife library etc. The Resort also offers arrangements for fishing in the Kosi River.

Overnight at Resort.

Day 08: - In Corbett
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Corbett National Park. Safaris in Corbett are organized in jeeps and short elephant rides are also available .Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at Resort.

Day 09: - In Corbett
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Corbett National Park. Safaris in Corbett are organized in jeeps and short elephant rides are also available. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at Resort.

Day 10: - Corbett - Delhi
Early morning game safari into the Corbett National Park. Safaris in Corbett are organized in jeeps and short elephant rides are also available. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Later drive to Delhi (290 Kms/07 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 check-in to 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.

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 in time to board flight home.