Tiger spotting in Central India and The Taj

1. Day 1 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 a 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 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 Trident Nariman Point hotel for check-in. No activity is scheduled today since most of the International flights arrive in India close to midnight only. 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. Overnight stay in Mumbai.

2. Day 2 Mumbai - Nagpur - Kanha 260 kms/06 hrs)

   This morning you will be met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to airport to board flight for Nagpur. On arrival at Nagpur airport, you will be met and drive to Kanha National Park (260 kms/06 hrs). 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 to preserve 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. 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 Chitvan Jungle Lodge. Chitvan Jungle Lodge: Chitvan is among the most beautiful secrets among the Jungle and Safari Lodges in India. It blends into the surrounding landscape, while providing a stunning viewpoint for observing the area’s wealth of Wildlife. The surrounding hills are wooded, and the open grassland in front is interspersed with some Sal trees, whistling thorns, and some scrub. You will be captivated by this unspoiled corner of Kanha National Park, spread in about 14 acres of land. The 18 Luxurious and well-appointed suits with large windows offering views of the adjoining forests, farm and hill areas. Savor fresh food items taken from the organic farm along with thrill of the wilderness. Overnight in Kanha.

3. Day 3 In Kanha

   Early morning & evening game safaris into the Kanha National Park. Safaris in Kanha are organized in jeeps. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at the Lodge. Overnight in Kanha.

4. Day 4 In Kanha

   Early morning & evening game safaris into the Kanha National Park. Safaris in Kanha are organized in jeeps. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight in Kanha.

5. Day 5 Kanha - Bandhavgarh (325 kms/07 hrs)

   This morning you drive to Bandhavgarh (325 kms/07 hrs). 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. 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 meters 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, Plum-headed 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. 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 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 a well-furnished cottage style accommodation set amidst well-manicured lawns. Facilities here are rather basic, but the resort's management more than makes up for them, with their excellent all-round services and their excellent naturalists. Overnight in Bandhavgarh.

6. Day 6 In Bandhavgarh

   Early morning & evening game safaris into the Bandhavgarh National Park. Safaris in Bandhavgarh are organized in jeeps. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight in Bandhavgarh.

7. Day 7 Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho (270 kms/06 hrs).

   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 different way to live, 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. The erotic art is the highlight of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival in Khajuraho, check in to the Radisson Blu Hotel. Radisson Hotel: 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 speakerphones with international direct dialing facility, Internet connectivity, mini-bar, personal safe, channel music, and color television. Overnight in Khajuraho.

8. Day 8 Khajuraho - Panna National Park (35 kms/01 hrs). - Khajuraho

   This morning you are collected from your hotel for a full day excursion to Panna National Park (35 kms/01 hrs). 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. Evening game safari into the Panna National Park. Safaris in Panna are organized in jeeps. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. After game ride, back to Khajuraho. Enjoy the comforts of Radisson Hotel. Overnight in Khajuraho.

9. Day 9 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. 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 ancient city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabana, a forest that 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 a landscaped central courtyard with a 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. Overnight in Agra.

10. Day 10 Agra - Delhi (220 kms/ 04 hrs).

    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 of 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. The Claridges: Located in the heart of the city, The Claridges has been a landmark in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950s. 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. Overnight in Delhi.

11. 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"). Visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. The tour of New Delhi includes the Humayun's Tomb, the precursor of the Taj Mahal and also a world heritage site. 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. Lastly, end the sightseeing tour with Qutub Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your sightseeing tour is followed by a drop at Delhi International airport in time to board a flight home, hopefully, armed with plenty of memories and images of your Tiger safaris in India.

Price

Start from: USD 2352 Per Person

Accommodation

Important Information

• Small supplements may apply for travel between 18th November and 03rd December’, 20th December' and 05th January' and during the month of February’ .
• All the figures quoted above are net per person in US Dollars.