Day 01 Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi. You will be met by our representative at the arrivals lounge and escorted till your check in at Hotel.
Delhi, the Empress of Indian cities has a fascinating history and a stimulating present. She has often been sacked and left naked and desolate. But she could not be despoiled of the incomparable situation that marks her for the metropolis of a Great Empire. The capital of India, Delhi has been the seat of power of a number of dynasties – the Rajputs, the Afghans, the Turks and the Mughals who continued their imperial line until the British. Scattered over are surviving ruins, remnants of mighty edifices, tombs of warriors and saints, which in an impressive sense of magnificence are memorials not of a single city but of supplanted nations.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 In Delhi
Morning city tour of New Delhi the new capital designed by Sir Edward Lutyens. Drive past the Presidential Palace, the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the secretariat buildings – the centre of all government activity and down the main avenue, the impressive Rajpath to the World War I memorial arch, the India Gate, the High Court Building and the Old Fort. Visit Humayun’s Tomb built in 1565 AD by his grieving widow Haji Begum, the Qutub Minar, 72 metres high and the ruins of Quwat-ul-Eslam (Light of Islam) Mosque. See Delhi’s most curious antique, the uncorroded Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD. Visit the Birla (Laxmi Narayan) Temple, with its many idols.
Afternoon visit old Delhi visiting the Red Fort (Closed on Monday) the 300-year-old walled city built by Emperor Shah Jehan in 1648 as his capital and named after him. The magnificent Red Fort built of red sandstone dates from the very peak of the Mughal power, Opposite the fort are the black and white onion dome and minarets of the Jama Masjid, the most elegant mosque in India. Drive past Kotla Firoze Shah, ruins of an old fort of the 14th century with the 13 metre high Ashoka Pillar of 3rd BC. Visit Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Drive through the old city subject to traffic restrictions.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03 Delhi – Corbett
Post breakfast drive to Corbett.
Corbett is India’s first national park and one of its finest. It is notable not only for its rich and varied wildlife and bird life but also for its scenic charm and magnificent sub-montane and riverain views. Set up in 1936, in large part due to the efforts of Jim Corbett, this wildlife reserve was name Hailey National Park after the Governor of United Provinces. On Independence it was renamed the Ramganga National Park and later still the Corbett National Park.
The park comprises the broad valley of the Ramganga River backing onto the forest-covered slopes of the Himalayan foot hills which rise to 1210 m. at Kanda Peak. Longitudinal ridges separate ravines and uplands. Adam at Kalagarh has created a large reservoir at the western end of the park. The Ramganga itself runs through high and narrow banks in places. The only perennial source of water, it meanders to the northwest, creating a beautiful scene from Dhikala.
On arrival transfer check in at hotel.
Balance day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel
Day 04 In Corbett
Morning & Afternoon game ride in the park with the naturalist.
The park has always been noted for its tigers, there are around 50 but are not easily spotted. About 10% of visitors see one – usually entering at the Bijrani gate. There are leopards too but they are seldom seen. Sambar, Chital, para and (hog deer) and muntjac (barking deer) are the main prey of the big cats and their population fluctuates around 20,000. Some like the chital are highly gregarious whilst the large sambar, visually very impressive with its antlers, is usually solitary. The two commonly seen monkeys of North India are the rhesus (a macaque – reddish face and brownish body) and the common langur (black face and silvery coat). Elephants are now permanent inhabitants since the Ramganga Dam has flooded their old trekking routes. There are now a few hundred and they are seen quite often. Other animals include porcupine, wild pigs (often seen around Dhikala), one male is quite dangerous and attacks unsuspecting visitors who have food with them). In total there are over 50 species of mammal alone, though the dam appears to have caused significant losses. The last Swamp deer was seen in Mar 1978, and the loss of habitat has been keenly felt by the cheetal, hog deer and porcupine, all of which appear to be declining.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05 Corbett- Delhi
Morning free for independent activities.
Afternoon drive to Delhi.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 06 Delhi- Ranthambore
Morning transfer to railway station to board train to Ranthambore. Leaving Delhi at 0740 Hrs arriving Ranthambore at 1303 Hrs.
The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (near Sawai Madhopur) is known for its spectacular scenery. The sanctuary is a system of lakes and rivers – hemmed by steep, high crags and the remains of a thousand year old fortress and temple. The area has a dramatic terrain of rocky, steeply–scarped hills, valleys and open land, enhanced by structures that testify to a heroic past; old guard posts, pavilions and ruins of palaces. There is a good chance of seeing one of the few, highly endangered Bengal Tigers still remaining in the park. The deep gorges of Ranthambore serve as hide outs for leopards, tigers and sloth bear. The park also provides a congenial habitat for the ‘chital’ or spotted deer and sambar, the largest of the Asiatic deer. Woodland, ground and water birds also bound in the area, including the uncommon red jungle fowl and eagle.
You will be met by our representative at the arrival at railway station and escorted till your check in at Hotel.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07 In Ranthambore
Morning & Afternoon Jungle Safari in the Park accompanied by a Naturalist.
Ranthambore has for over a century been one of the most sought after hunting grounds for tiger on the Indian subcontinent. In more recent times and especially in the last decade this reserve has become internationally known as an exciting hub for research and conservation directed towards protecting the majestic Royal Bengal tiger and its total environment. Some individual tigers in the reserve that developed unique styles of hunting became the subjects of films and books that have won worldwide acclaim. The 10th century fort that overlooks the reserve provides a sense of grandeur and history that puts its diversity of wildlife (much of which continue to use the ancient ramparts!) in unique perspective.
Overnight at hotel
Day 08 Ranthambore- Bharatpur – Fatehpur Sikri Agra
Morning in time transfer to railway station to board train to Bharatpur. leaving Ranthambore at 0710 Hrs arriving Bharatpur at 0923Hrs.
You will be met by our representative at the arrival at railway station and drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. .
35 kms after Agra is Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned red sandstone city built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, one of India’s greatest rulers. Remarkably broadminded for his time, this Muslim king married a Rajput princess in order to win over his Hindu subjects. The architecture at Fatehpur Sikri is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles, expressing Akbar’s vision of synthesizing the cultures.
Continue to Agra.
Agra, the city known for the famous monument of love – the Taj Mahal. The Mughal Emperor, Shah Jehan, constructed Taj Mahal. It is said he built this monument in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is ethereal at any part of the day – blushing in the rosy glow of dawn or sunset, appearing like a pearly mirage in the moonlight or reflected in the pools of the garden. Perhaps the most moving view of the Taj is from an octagonal tower in the Agra Fort further along the river Yamuna.
There are very few cities in the world that can match the history and heritage of Agra. Located at a distance of 204 km south of Delhi, Agra is the single most famous tourist destination of India. Situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra is a part of the great Norther Indian plains. The architectural splendor of the city is reflected in the glorious monuments of medieval India built by great Mughals who ruled India for more than 300 years.
In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th century Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality, which is still reflected in whatever monuments remain in Agra.
On arrival transfer check in at hotel.
Afternoon visit Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday) & Agra Fort.
With its incredible lacy white grandeur the Taj Mahal is perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the world. To the poet Tagore it was a `tear on the face of eternity’. In memory of his wife the great Mughal emperor Shah Jehan constructed this most extravagant and incomparable monument built for love. Amazingly graceful from any angle, it is the close up detail, which is really astounding.
Agra Fort is situated on the banks for the river Yamuna, another monumental mission accomplished by the great Mughal visionary Emperor Akbar. His son Jehangir and grandson Shah Jehan added to this imposing structure during their rule. The Palaces, mosques and audience halls contained within its massive wall of red sandstone are perfect examples of blending Islamic and Hindu traditions.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 Agra- Jhansi- Orchha – Khajuraho
Morning in time transfer to railway station to board train Shatabdi Exp. to Jhansi. Leaving Agra at 0817 Hrs and arriving Jhansi at 1048 Hrs.
Meet & assist at railway station & drive to Khajuraho enroute visiting Orchha.
Orchha’s grandeur has been captured in stone. Frozen in time a rich legacy of the ages. The palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th & 17th centuaries retain much of their pristine prefection. Founded in the 16th century, Orcha boasts of the exquisite Jehangir Mahal a tiered palace crowned by graceful chattatris, In Raj Mahal and Laxmi Narayan Temple, vibrant murals brings the walls and ceiling alive
Continue to Khajuraho.
Khajuraho temples are India’s unique gift to the world, representing a paean to life, love and joy: perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Life in every form and mood, has been captured in stone, testifying to the craftsman’s artistry and the extraordinary breath of the vision of Chandela Rajputs. The Khajuraho temples were built in short span of a hundred years from 950 – 1050 A.D., in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 still survive constituting .
On arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh
Monring city tour visiting the world famous Khajuraho temples built by Chandela kings between 250 AD and 1050 AD. The most important are the Chaunset Yogini Temple dedicated to Godess Kali, the Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely image of 11 headed Vishnu, Vishwanath and Nandi Temples, Lakshmana Temple, Visha Temple dedicated to Shiva, which is the largest and most typical of temples.
Later drive to Bandhavgarh.
Bandhavgarh (pronounced Bandogarh) is famous as the place in which the (albino) white tiger originated. Now it is only found in zoos. Before becoming a National Park in 1968, it was the game preserve of the maharajas of Rewa. Though it involves quite a journey, you may be rewarded with sighting one of the few tigers. There are also interesting cave shrines scattered around the park, with Brahmi inscriptions dating from the 1st century BC. You can visit the archaeological remains of a fort believed to be 2,000 years old where you may spot crag martins and brown rock thrush.
On arrival transfer check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 In Bandhavgarh
Morning and afternoon Jungle safari in the park accompanied by a naturalist.
Bandavgarh park has a wide variety of game. Its main wild beasts are tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, chital, muntjac, nilgai, chinkara, wild pigs. In 1990, a census revealed that the tiger population had grown from nine in 1969 to 59, sambar from 111 to over 4,500 and spotted deer from 78 to over 7,000. The tigers, whilst elusive, are increasingly seen. The flowering and fruit trees attract woodland birds, which include green pigeon, Jerdon’s leaf bird, crested serpent eagle and variable hawk eagle.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 Bandhavgarh – Kanha
Morning after breakfast drive to Kanha.
This is the country about which Kipling wrote so vividly in his Jungle Books. The same abundance of wildlife and variety of species still exists today and the park which forms the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve (1,945 sq. km) within the game reserve, created in 1974, also protects the rare hard-ground-adapted barasingha (swamp deer). The park has deciduous hardwoods including sal and stands of bamboo, rolling grasslands and meandering stream of the Banjar River. It lies in the Mandla District in the Makai Hills in the eastern part of the Satpura Range. Originally the area was famed as a hunter’s paradise but now the valley has been well developed as a national park
Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 In Kanha
Morning and afternoon Jungle safari in the park accompanied by a naturalist.
Kanha has 22 species and the most easily spotted are three-striped palm squirrel, common langur monkey, jackal, wild pig, cheetah, rasingha and blackbuck. Less commonly seen are tiger, Indian hare, dhole (Indian wild dog), sambar and gaur. Rarely seen are Indian fox, sloth bear, striped hyena, panther (leopard), nilgai (blue bull), Indian porcupine, wolf (outside park proper) and the Indian pangolin (sometimes called the scaly anteater).Kanha has 230 species recorded, more to be found. Good vantage points are in the hills where the mixed bamboo forests harbors many species. Commonly seen species are leaf warblers, minivets, black ibis, common peafowl, racket-tailed drongo, hawk eagle, red-wattled lapwing, various species of flycatcher, woodpecker, pigeon, dove, parakeet, babbler, mynah, Indian roller, white-breasted kingfisher and grey hornbill.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 Kanha- Nagpur – Kolkata
Post breakfast drive to Nagpur airport to connect flight to Kolkata. Leaving at Nagpur at 1740 Hrs and arriving Kolkata at 1910 Hrs.
Kolkata over the years has been ‘The City of Paradoxes’. Living up to this name, Kolkata had done away with the so-far-accepted story of its birth. After a legal battle, the courts have ruled that Job Charnock was not the founder the city, and that August day in 1690, the 24th, when he landed on the banks of the Hooghly River, is not the birthday of Kolkata. The courts have ruled that sufficients evidence is available to accept that Kolkata existed before Job Charnock’s arrival. So after quite a long period of accepting 24 August 1690 as Kolkata’s Birthday and Job Charnock as the city’s Founding Father, the city is currently ‘fatherless’ and without a birthday. Past history may have got shrouded in doubts, but there is no doubt at all about the current –history –in –the –marking. The city is fast expanding eastwards with landmarks –type residential building and institutional /commercial complexes of the most impressive, contemporary stylish kind coming up at many places on and around the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass and the road to the airport. A city center is coming up in the Salt Lake area, Satellite Township has been planned at Rajarhat; and much more that is beautiful and impressive is being created. All this coupled with a number of flyovers, widening of roads, continued explosion of quality retail shopping malls/high class stores, and many other such activities show that Kolkata is on the fast track of development and modernization.
The almost – religious attachment and following of the city’s famous football clubs is making way for the greater popularity of cricket. If this be taken as an indication, Kolkata is firmly in the grip of the winds of change. The results of these changes can only be told by the future. Wherever it may reach, Kolkata remains a wonderful, humane and throbbing living megapolis.
You will be met by our representative at the arrivals lounge and escorted till your check in at Hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 Kolkata – Guahati – Manas
Morning after breakfast in time transfer to airport to connect flight for Guwahati
Guwahati : Situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in the Kamrup District of Assam, Guwahati is a fast growing premier city. It is the gate way to the North Eastern States of India and a principal center of socio cultural, political, industrial and trade and commerce of the entire region. Dispur, the capital of Assam is a part of Guwahati. Earlier, this city was full of areca nut trees rappled by pan creepers. Hence, this city subsequently got the name Guwahati. The word ‘Guwa’ in Assamese means areca nut and Hat means market.
You will be met by our representative on arrival and drive to Manas National Park.
Manas National Park -the most scenic park in Asia, a tiger country and a bird’s paradise. It is blessed with a beautiful combination of grasslands and woodlands. This park is a paradise for nature lovers. It is a haven for no less than 20 highly endangered species e.g. Pygmy Hog, Royal Bengal Tigers, Asiatic Elephants, Hornbill, Hispid Hare etc. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this extremely picturesque park is located at the base of the Bhutan Himalayas.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 In Manas National Park
Early morning go for an elephant safari. Later after breakfast visit a Bodo Tribal Village.
Visits to Bodo villages:The Bodo tribe, indigenous to Assam, have a rich culture of textile, handloom and music. We organize walks through the villages where you can see Bodo women weaving their traditional fabrics and observe village lifestyle at close quarters
Afternoon explore the park by jeep upto Mothanguri (approx 22 kms).
Overnight at hotel.
Day 17 In Manas National Park
Early morning go for elephant safari.
Post breakfast take a Jeep safari with packed lunch.
This 90 kilometre jeep safari is of especial interest to the birdwatcher, takes in the area round the village of Koklabari, which is now being developed as a bird-watching area, then through jungle to Alabari and Namlang. There are a number of watch towers built by the forest department on both these routes.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 18` Manas – Kaziranga
Early morning elephant safari into the park.
Later drive to Kaziranga.( The park remains open from 1st Nov to 30th April only)
Kaziranga national PARK (100 mtr approx.) – is a World Heritage Site, where more than 75% of the world’s total population of the great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros can be found. It lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River and is one of the oldest parks of Assam. Besides rhinos, the Asiatic Water Buffalo numbering over 1200, elephants over 1000, tigers more than 81, Swamp deer, Barking deer and Hog deer can be seen. About 400 species of birds are found in Kaziranga National Park. Swamp Francolin, Kalij Pheasant, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Shoveller, Northern Pintail, Streak Throated Woodpecker, Bay Woodpecker, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Osprey, Palas’s Fish Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Pied Falconets, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Greater Adjutant Stork, Black necked Stork, Grey-headed Lapwing, Indian White Backed Vulture, Long Billed Vulture, along with a large number of Spotted Billed Pelican. Sighting is excellent and is always a great experience.
On arrival transfer check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 19` In Kaziranga
Early morning elephant safari in the central range of the park followed by a jeep safari after breakfast to the Central range of the park.
The Central Range passes through the entire habitat spectrum from ox-bow lakes, savannah woodland to Dillenia Swamp Forest. It is very good for mammal sightings as well as birds (Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Great Hornbill, Rufous Woodpecker). Driving along one can see rows of Indian Roofed and Tent Turtles (Kachuga tecta and Kachuga tentoria). Water Monitors Varanus salvator is sometimes seen in the beels. The elephant ride also takes place in this part of the park and one gets good views of the Rhino while traversing through its terrain of swamps and tall grass. It is also good for early morning photography of rhinos in the mist. There are chances of seeing Bengal Florican from the elephant.
Afternoon visit the western range of the park by jeep.
The Western Range has the highest density of Rhinos, as this part is swampier with extensive Haemarthia compressa stands. It is also good for grassland birds and raptors (Swamp Francolin, Pallas’s Fish-Eagle). Smooth Indian Otters Lutrogale perspicillata is sometimes seen fishing in the ox-bow lakes.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 20` In Kaziranga
Morning jeep safari in the Eastern Range of the park.
Afternoon visit Central, Western & Eastern Range by jeep.
The Eastern Range is good for water birds such as Bar-headed Geese, Falcated Duck, Grey-headed Lapwing and Spot-billed Pelican (a colony of c 200 pairs of this globally threatened species nesting on Bombax trees is located here).
Overnight at hotel.
Day 21` Kaziranga- Jorhat- Kolkata
Post breakfast drive to Jorhat airport to connect flight for Kolkata.
You will be met by our representative at airport & transfer to international airport to connect flight to onward destination.
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