Travel to India: Tigers and Palaces of India Tour

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Tigers and Palaces of India Tour

The ever elusive tiger is seen most often in Khana and Bandhavgarh National Parks.

India travel is famous for its maharaja's palaces and Bengal tigers. Our Tigers and Palaces of India Tour is dedicated to the search for the elusive tiger in India's big two national parks of Bandhavgarh and Kanha. We also explore New Delhi and Agra, visiting the Moghul masterpieces the Taj Mahal and Fatipru Sikri, the wonderful Howa Mahal, Janta Manta, Palace Museum and Amber Fort in Jaipur. Ride camels into the countryside near Samode Palace and explore Khajuraho's spectacular temples. The tigers and elephants, the castles and palaces of unequaled grandeur, the chivalric legends and the echoes of the British Raj combine to produce an unforgettable India travel experience.

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE DELHI
Upon arrival at Delhi international airport transfer to overnight Hotel Park or similar. [B]

India offers a vast array of food to suit every palate, including this 'Tahli' tray, where you can sample a little of everything.

DAY 2 :  TOUR OLD & NEW DELHI
There have been seven cities constructed around Delhi stretching way back into history. In April 1526 the old city of Delhi was captured by Babur, descendant of both Ghengis Khan and Tamerlane, and ruler of Afghanistan. Babur became the first of the Moghul emperors, unifying northern India. Two hundred and fifty years later the British sailor Job Charnock founded Calcutta, which remained the British capital as British imperialism overtook that of the Moghuls. The latest city built at Delhi was constructed in the 1920s, designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Today it rubs shoulders with Moghul Old Delhi and its famous market, Chadni Chowk, the nearby Red Fort and the Jamia Masjid (Friday Mosque), all of which we visit today, along with India Gate, Hamayuns Tomb, President Square and Gandhi Memorial. Overnight Hotel Park or similar [B]

DAY 3 :  FLY NAGPUR -- DRIVE TO KHANA
This morning we transfer to the domestic airport to board morning flight for Nagpur. On arrival at Nagpur we are met for transfer by car to Kanha (5h). Upon arrival at Kanha we check in for overnight Camp Devi Villas or similar. [BD]

	Jeep safari

DAY 4 :  KHANA TIGER SAFARIS
This morning we embark on our first safari by jeep and in the late afternoon we take another safari to a different area of the park, always listening and keeping a keen eye out for tigers while observing an abundance of birds and other wildlife. There are numerous tiger reserves in India, but nowhere can you see tigers as often as in Kanha National Park. Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha extends over 1,940-sq-kms and is dominated by a central valley. The major topographical features are the Surpan River meandering through Kanha's grassland valleys and plateaus surrounded by the steep rocky escarpments of the Mekal Range. Overnight Camp Devi Villas or similar. [BLD]

DAY 5 :  KANHA: TWO TIGER SAFARIS; ELEPHANT & JEEP
We depart on our second jeep safari this morning. The terrain inside the park is varied. Bamboo forests flow into Sal forests and meadows. There are herds of spotted deer to be seen with smaller herds of beautiful Black Buck Antelope. With luck, we might spot the timorous Barking Deer. It's snapping warns other denizens of the forest that a predator is close. There is also a possibility of seeing the Rare Barasingha, or Swamp Deer. Once there were only 66 of these in Kanha, but careful conservation and management raised their population to over 400. Spotting wild animals is always a matter of luck, but Kanha is so rich in wildlife that the odds are in our favor. First time visitors are often so keen to spot the larger animals that they overlook the smaller ones, including over 175 varieties of birds, Porcupine, Gray Langurs, Mongoose, Hyena, Jungle Cat, even Leopard. Other wild attractions in this Tiger country include varieties of Deer - the Barasingha, Chital or Spotted Deer, Chousingha, Nilgai, wild pig and the majestic Gaur or Indian Bison. And of course, there are the tigers. Between safaris we return to our camp, where lunch is included. This evening we embark on an Elephant safari into the park. We return to our camp for diner and overnight. Overnight Devi Villas or similar [BLD]

	Elephant Safari

DAY 6 :  BANDHAVGARH: DRIVE BANDHAVGARH NP
We depart after breakfast on our drive to Bandhavgarh National Park, which takes much of the day (230 km / 6-7 hours). On arrival we check into our hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Prior to becoming a national park, the forests around Bandhavgarh were long maintained as a Shikargarh or game preserve of the Maharajas of Rewa. In fact, as recently as 1947 it was considered a good omen for the Maharaja of Rewa to shoot 109 tigers. Bandhavgarh Fort is believed to have been constructed over 2000 years ago. Several dynasties, including the Maghas, Vakatakas, Sengars and Kalachuris have ruled there. Overnight Kings Lodge Cottages or similar [BLD]

DAY 7 :  BANDHAVGARH: TWO TIGER SAFARIS
Bandhavgarh is essentially known for Indias highest national park population of Bengal tigers, and its wide range of other wildlife, including langurs, chinkaras, chitals, sambars Indian bison, Sambar, Barking deer and Nilgai. The terrain is rocky with swamps and thickly-forested marshy meadows (bohera). There are also numerous caves containing shrines with ancient Sanskrit inscriptions dating to 100 BCE, and an impressive fortress. This morning we rise before dawn to embark on our first jeep safari in search of tiger. During the winter months, migratory birds, including the steppe eagle and a variety of wildfowl, head for the salubrious clime of this park. Some deadly reptiles can be found here too - namely cobras, kraits, pythons and a variety of lizards. Returning to the hotel between safaris, we take a leisurely lunch. This afternoon we return to the park for our second jeep safari. Overnight Kings Lodge Cottages or similar [BLD]

DAY 8 :  BANDHAVGARH: TWO TIGER SAFARIS
The vegetation in Bandhavgarh is varied, and includes grasslands and forests that support large herbivores, an impressive diversity of birds and a host of insect life that has not yet been fully catalogued. This wildlife haven is linked through patchy corridor forests with Kanha and together these two National Parks constitute one of the world's most important tiger-breeding habitats. In fact, over 20 per cent of the world's tigers are to be found in these two parks. This morning we depart on an Elephant safari, returning to the hotel for lunch and free time prior to our evening jeep safari. Successful tiger sightings cannot be guaranteed on Elephant rides as this depends on the successful tracking of the tiger by the mahouts. Overnight Kings Lodge Cottages or similar [BLD]

Kajuraho's spectacular temple carvings

DAY 9 :  KHAJURAHO: AM DRIVE KJH. PM TOUR TEMPLES
This morning we drive to Khajuraho. On arrival we are transferred to the hotel, and then embark on a guided tour of the famous erotic temples. Constructed during the Chandel Empire between 950 and 1050 ACE these temples are considered an architectural genius of Indias medieval period. The temples are a classified world heritage site and the erotic scenes are a relatively small part of the carvings, although sensuous eroticism prevails throughout all of the sculptures. Originally there were 85 temples, of which 22 survive. The murals depict the life and times of the Chandelas, and celebrate the erotic state of being. Legend records that Hemavati, the beautiful young daughter of a Brahmin priest, was seduced by the moon god while bathing in the Rati. A man-child was born, half mortal, half god, named Chandravarman. Harassed by society, the unwed mother sought refuge in the dense forest where she was both mother and guru to her young son. The boy grew up to found the great Chandela Dynasty. When he was established as a ruler, he had a dream-visitation from his mother, who implored him to build temples that would reveal human passions, and in doing so bring about a realization of the emptiness of human desire. Overnight Taj Chandella or similar [B]

DAY 10 :  AGRA: DRIVE JHANSI VIA ORCHA. TRAIN TO AGRA
After breakfast we drive to Jhansi, (approximately 4 hours 30 minutes). En route we visit Orcha (18k/11m from Orcha) Orchha. The main attraction is the Orchha Fort complex, located on an island in the River Betwa. We cross the famous four-arched 17th c. bridge to the fort. Palaces inside the fort include the Jahangir Mahal, the Raj Mahal, and the Rai Parveen Mahal, plus some beautiful temples. We visit the temple complex. On arrival in Jhansi we board our train for Agra (1730/2030; Shatabdi Express; A/C Chair Car). On arrival in Agra we transfer and  check into our hotel. Overnight Trident Hotel or similar [B]

We visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset for spectacular photo opportunities.

DAY 11 :  AGRA: TAJ & RED FORT
This morning we rise early to visit the Taj Mahal at dawn. Exquisite in design and beautiful to behold, the Taj Mahal is perhaps the worlds most famous building and certainly the most beautiful. It is actually a white marble tomb built by Shah Jehan between 1631 and 1648 CE for his wife Arjuman Banu Begum, whose death in childbirth broke the Moghul Emperors heart. Later, imprisoned in the Red Fort by his son Aurangzeb, Shah Jehan lay dying. His last wish was to be propped up to look one more time at the Taj across the river, last resting place of his beloved, using a strategically held mirror (he was almost blind). The refined elegance of the Taj Mahal is a conspicuous contrast both to the Hindu architecture of pre-Islamic India and to the later Indo-Islamic styles. Despite the over publication, the Taj Mahal carves a place in every visitors heart. After lunch we visit the Red Fort. Situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, the Red fort was constructed 65 years before the Taj Mahal by Shah Jehans grandfather, Emperor Akbar the Great, in 1565 CE. The impressive red sandstone fortress extends for about 2.5 km and is surrounded by a deep moat which was once filled with water from the Yamuna River. Though Akbar built it mainly as a military centre, under Shah Jahan's rule the fort became more a mini city. Of the many gates, the only one open to public is the Amar Singh Gate, through which we enter. Among the many impressive monuments within the fort are the Diwan-i-Khas, where the emperor met the dignitaries, the Diwan-i-Aam, Nagina Masjid (built by Shah Jahan for his harem) and the Moti Masjid. Towards the northeast of the fort is the Musamman Burj, where Shah Jahan peered myopically at the Taj Mahal before dying. After our visit we drive to the Mehtab Bagh to take photographs of the Taj Mahal at Sunset from across the Yamuna River. Overnight Trident Hotel or similar [B]

DAY 12 :  JAIPUR: DRIVE JAIPUR VIA FATIPUR SIKRI
This morning we have an OPTIONAL Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal (entrance fees to be paid directly by clients), before taking breakfast at our hotel. After breakfast we drive to Jaipur (approximately 5 hours 30 minutes). En route we visit Fatehpur Sikri and stop for lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharatpur. Fatehpur Sikri is the deserted capital of the Mughal Empire. Constructed in honor of the Muslim saint Shaikh Salim Chisti, the Sufi Fakir who accurately prophesized the birth of a son to Akbar the Great and his queen Jodhabai, who later became the Emperor Jehangir. Akbar ordered a city to be constructed on Sikri Ridge as the new Mughal capital in Christis honor. In 1571 CE construction began. Within a year, most of the work was finished and over the next few years a well planned administrative, residential and religious center had been created. Among the important buildings is the Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti with its huge single-piece 3 by 2 meter latticed marble screens. However, Fatehpur Sikri remained capital for only a short period, abandoned soon after due to a fatal dearth of water. Upon arrival in Jaipur we check in at our hotel. Overnight Hotel Trident (or similar) [B]

	Howa Mahal - the Palace of Winds

DAY 13 :  SAMODE: TOUR JAIPUR & AMBER. DRIVE SAMODE
This morning after breakfast, we depart on a guided tour of Jaipur.  Ordered painted pink in preparation for a visit of the British Viceroy in the 19th century, Jaipur is still nicknamed the Pink City. Today, Jaipur remains Rajasthans most vibrant cultural hub, and populated by a cosmopolitan array of old-world imperial characters, desert peoples in Rajasthans traditional bright clothing, businessmen and politicians. If the flag flies at the palace, the Maharaja is home and the business of politics is brisk. We spend the morning touring Jaipurs main sites, including the Janta Manta, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). The we drive the 11k to Amber Fort. Amber is one of Rajput historys most spectacular fortified buildings. We explore the labyrinthine passages, chambers, and ornate shrines of the palace. Amber is situated in the former capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs on a hillside overlooking Maotha Lake, 11 km from Jaipur on the Delhi - Jaipur road. Its construction began in 1592 ACE by Raja Man Singh I, army commander of Mughal Emperor Akbar, and was completed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh; a period of about two centuries. It is a classic fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, built in red sandstone and white marble. Some of the noteworthy architectural marvels in the complex are the Diwan-E-Khas, the Sheesh Maha,l and the Jai Mandir with exquisite mirror work, the Diwan-E-Aam, the Sukh Niwas, the Shila Mata and Kali Temples and the well laid out garden the Kesar Kyar'. Inside the huge walls, the palace is a veritable labyrinth of inlaid marble, mirrors, and plaster relief. Overlooking the courtyard are the veiled windows through which the Maharanis, often in reclusive purdah (a state in which wives are religiously ostracized if seen by any man other than their husband), were permitted to watch the trappings of court. There are many stories and legends claiming women to be the brains and subtlety behind many a Maharaja. Perhaps this is why these screened windows are so often found overlooking the audience halls in which the princes and kings would conduct affairs of state. Miles of secretive corridor connect the royal apartments to those of the Harem, in which one of the Maharajas during his dotage used to play a fruity variety of hide and seek with his concubines, in which he would race his wheelchair. After our visit we drive to Samode (approximately 1 hour). Upon arrival at Samode we check into our hotel. Overnight Samode Palace or similar [B]

DAY 14 :  SAMODE: CAMEL / JEEP DRIVE
After breakfast today we spend a leisurely morning riding camels out into the countryside. We eat lunch at a Rajasthan farmhouse and explore a rural village, where traditional dances are performed. Later in the day we return to the hotel by Jeep. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight Samode Palace or similar [B]

DAY 15 :  DELHI: DRIVE DELHI
This morning we depart Samode and drive to Delhi. On arrival the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight Hotel Park or similar [B]

DAY 16 :  FLY: TRANSFER TO AIRPORT
This morning we transfer to the airport to catch international flights home. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Adrian Chalker 1(800)345-4453