TIGER TRAIL
Mumbai-Nagpur-Kanha-Bandhavgarh-Khajuraho-Jhansi-Agra-Sawai Madhopur-Jaipur-Delhi
Day 1: Mumbai
Begin your trip right at the Mumbai Airport where you are accorded a traditional welcome to mark your arrival in this extraordinary country. After check-in and some rest at your hotel, gear up to explore the modern yet traditional beauty of Mumbai where historical styles converge in uniquely Indian blends of Victorian, Gothic, Indo-Saracenic, Art Deco and contemporary architectural styles. Visit the famous <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'GWI','BOM','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Gateway of India</a>, the unsurpassed architectural marvel of the Taj Palace Hotel, the ornate Flora Fountain and several other historic monuments that have been the silent witnesses of the transition of the city of Bombay into today’s metropolitan megalopolis, Mumbai.
Board the morning flight to arrive into the city of Nagpur from where you shall be driving into the wilderness of Kanha National park (260 kms- 5.5 hrs.). Popular for being the inspiration of Rudyard Kipling’s “Jungle Book”, the park is home to the rare hard-ground swamp deer as well as the tigers that live in the grassy meadows and lush bamboo forests of Kanha. The awe-inspiring backdrop of Bamni Dadar magnifies the breathtaking beauty of this natural habitat. Sighting a tiger roaming freely is surely one of the highlights on a jungle safari in Kanha, but the natural splendour makes this a worthwhile destintation in itself.
Be transported back in time when the bare-footed Mowgli padded along the dusty trails of Kanha in Kipling’s ‘Jungle Book’ with today’s jungle safari. The thrilling ravines and lush sal and bamboo forests of the jungle make for a compelling home for a large number of Royal Bengal Tigers, sloth bear, leopards, Indian wild hogs and Barasinghas. Spend the day in the wilderness with an adventurous jungle safari among the wild habitants of the forest.
Day 4: Kanha
Today the morning starts with an early jungle safari in the Kanha woods. Then get ready for a relaxing drive to the Bandhavgarh wildlife area. Located in Umaria district of the state of Madhya Pradesh, This place is said to have the highest density of tiger population in India. In fact, prior to becoming a national park, it was maintained as a ‘shikaragah’ or game reserve for the Maharajas of Rewa where hunting and their guests.
Day 5: Kanha
Today is all about exploring the wilds of Bandhavgarh. The original home of the white tigers, Bandhavgarh is often described as the best place in the world to view tigers. Named after the highest hill located in the centre of the Reserve, it was once the seat of Rewa rulers. Howeve India’s independence and abolition of the princely states, it was declared a National Park in 1965 on the insistence of Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewain an effort to curtail the destruction of this Beautiful forested area. So, enjoy and explore the unique flora and fauna of the area with guided morning and afternoon safaris!
Day 6: Kanha - Bandhavgarh
After an early-morning wildlife safari, you can Settle back for a relaxing drive to one of most famous cultural destinations in all of India-Khajuraho. Located in the Chattarpur District of Madhya Pradesh, this garden sanctuary is home to the largest group of medieval Jain and Hindu temples containing the famous erotic sculptures - a modern proof of India’s Kama Sutra past! Depicting an astonishing collection of erotic desires, this collection of well-preserved temples built by the Chandela monarchs is still discussed by scholars, for no certain explanation is known as to why such edifices arose at this place and time. As well as being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho is one of the Seven Wonders of India. Meals: B
Day 7: Bandhavgarh
A leisurely tour this morning to marvel at the erotic carvings that swathe the temples of Khajuraho, counted amongst the finest temple art in India. With an architectural style quite unique and distinct from any other found elsewhere in the country, and unlike the others having mainly unadorned interiors, Khajuraho temples have been richly decorated with sculptures of various deities enshrined in wall niches. There are dancers, musicians, attendants, maidens, lovemaking couples locked in provocative postures and many other figures. In fact, when counted, there are almost one hundred and fifty figures depicted on a single temple alone. Today, the sheer eroticism of the temples is often cited as evidence of the enlightened attitude of pre-modern Indian culture in comparison to the conservative modern culture. Your visit is then followed by transfers to the famous city of Agra via Jhansi by train
Day 8: Bandhavgarh
Home to the famous <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'A09','AGR','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Taj Mahal</a>, Agra was one of the premier cities of India under the last Lodhi sultan as well as the Mughal empire. Visit the stunning Agra Fort famous for its royal pavilions, grand courtyards and palaces that offer a fitting testimony of the Great Mughal Empire in the country. The city is also home to one of the world’s greatest monuments that embodies the true spirit of love- <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'A09','AGR','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Taj Mahal</a>. No trip to the city is complete without a visit to these landmark monuments that make for the best of Indian history. There is also the abandoned city of <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'A11','AGR','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Fatehpur Sikri</a> on the cards that conjure the mystery of India’s past with its glorious courtyards and majestic palaces. Built in 1569 by Emperor Akbar and later deserted due to the failure of its water supply system, the place is still a true historical city with all the trappings.
Day 9: Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho
Breakfast is followed by drive to one of the most famous national parks of the country- Ranthambore National Park. Located in the Sawai Madhopur region of Rajasthan, the place was once the hunting grounds for the Maharajas of Jaipur. Famous for its tigers, the place is counted among one of the best places in the country to catch these majestic predators in action in their natural surroundings. A treat for every nature as well as wildlife lover, the place brings you up close and personal with a gamut of chirpy birds, verdant greenery and wild animals in addition to the priceless sighting of tigers roaming round freely.
Day 10: Khajuraho
Explore more of the former princely hunting grounds of Ranthambore which are considered to be one of the best places to see the majestic tigers. Sprawling over an undulating and varying landscape, the place has a kaleidoscope of sceneries ranging from sharp conical Aravali hills to gentle slopes of Vindhyas. Tigers are not the only attraction of this place. Several other attraction of the park that you will be exploring during your safaris include a tenth century fort located in the heart of the park, the great Boundary Fault where the Vindhyas meet the Aravallis as well as Rivers Banas and Chambal located on the two corners of the park. To add more to the wilderness of the place, there are marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jackals, ubiquitous langurs, bears, leopards and various other wildlife species.
This morning, after breakfast, depart for the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. Once in this historic city, head out for a sightseeing tour of the city. This capital city of Rajasthan has all the trappings of a modern day metropolis but still retains the age old charm that surprises the travellers with its historic flavour. Stunning forts and havelis lining up every lane and corner make the place a standing reminder of the lingering romance and chivalry of the bygone era. Overnight stay in the city.
Head out for a visit to the honey coloured fortress of <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'AT2','JAI','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Amber Fort</a> located in the Aravali Hills, north of the town centre. Built in a unique hybrid Hindu Muslim style, this massive fort complex was once the royal palace of Kachwahas dating back to the time of Raja Man Singh. Some of the memorable views of the place include the Sheesh Mahal that has thousands of mirror tiles adorning its tiles and ceiling. The majesticity of the place has the ability to grip the imagination of any seasoned traveller. Afternoon leaves you free to explore the colourful lanes of Jaipur and its bustling markets where you can get some ethnic jewellery and traditional handicrafts that the place is famous for.
Day 13: Agra
Breakfast is followed by departure to the capital city of Delhi that offers a balanced mix of modernity and historic majesticity in its walls. A relaxing 5-6 hour drive away from Jaipur, the city of Delhi has wide lanes and world class high rise buildings jostling for space with open gardens, bustling markets, narrow by lanes and historic monuments that have been the witness of the development of this city and the country in whole since age old time. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 14: Agra
The end of your adventure comes in the capital city of Delhi wherein you get to experience both the modern as well as the old age charm living together harmoniously. Explore this city with our full day sightseeing tour that will take you to some of the major tourist attractions of the city. There is the famous <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'JMD','DEL','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Jama Masjid Delhi</a> , the historic The <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'A7M','DEL','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">India Gate</a> , the religious Laxmi Narayan Temple, the seat of the government <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'PTH','DEL','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Parliament House</a>, <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'A7L','DEL','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Humayun's Tomb</a> , <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'RGH','DEL','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Raj Ghat</a> and other tourist destinations in the city. The city has something for everyone with historic temples, contemporary stops and religious temples in equal mix.
