DELIGHT in the BEST of HERITAGE and WILDERNESS of CENTRAL INDIA - 15 nights / 16 days

Delhi (2 nights) – Agra (1 night) – Bhopal (2 nights) – Satpura (3 nights) – Kanha (3 nights) – Pench (2 nights) – Mumbai (2 nights)

India is not just about culture and history: this tour lets you explore the wilder side of this diverse country. Taking you through some of the buzzing Indian cities of Delhi and Agra, this tour gives you a plethora of opportunities for rest, adventure, thrills and exploration. The humble culture of Bhopal with its food and heritage will leave a stamp in your heart before you guide your way to the exotic and flora / fauna-rich National Parks of Satpura, Kanha and Pench. The National Parks are a treat for nature and wild-life lovers, offering fun activities to indulge in like canoe rides, nature walks, safaris and more. Some of the less-explored areas featured in this tour are more than enough to feed the traveller spirit inside you, leaving no place for boredom.

Highlights of this itinerary will include –

• A visit to the iconic parts of India- Delhi, Agra and the Taj Mahal
• A heritage walk of Bhopal - the city of lakes, history and vibrant life-style
• A drive to embrace the wild-life at Satpura National Park along with a fun canoe-ride
• An adventurous jeep safari at Kanha National Park and Pench National Park
• A visit to the ‘City of Dreams’ - Mumbai and Elephanta caves

All touring will be on a private basis with your own driver / guide. All ranges of accommodation would be available from 3* hotels upwards and to include deluxe 5* hotels and palaces as well as boutique-style / heritage properties. Just indicate your preference and budget and leave the rest to us and our expert ground handlers in India!

Programme:

DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI by FLIGHT

After a warm welcome from one of our local representatives, you will be transferred to your hotel where you get ready for a mesmerising city tour.

Delhi – The Heart of Bharat

Being the national capital of India, Delhi has always been everyone’s fascination. Right from colonial times to this day, Delhi has seen kingdoms thriving, flourishing and then disappearing all by the power of time. Being a strong observer of the past, Delhi is home to some unique and adorable remnants that bring back memories of the time when life was much simpler, marvellous and more fulfilling. Qutub Minar is a wonder in itself because of its non-rusting quality and the fact that it was manually made and is 234-feet high. Humayun’s Tomb is a unique piece of architecture and embraces the glory of a great Mughal emperor. Admiring the gigantic size of Red Fort is obvious when you come to Delhi. Jama Masjid calls for pious belief in the divinity when Azaan voices come from the loudspeakers. You can tantalise your taste buds in Chandni Chowk’s street food and you may wish to bargain in the local shops.

Day 2: EXPLORING OLD and NEW DELHI – The sight-seeing experience

A sweet encounter awaits you at India’s national capital, where you will be able to shake hands with the long-forgotten cultural trivia of India. You will experience the historical charm of Delhi in the morning with a visit to Old Delhi. You will be amazed by the hugeness of the Red Fort, which was once built to satisfy the urge for grandeur of Mughal emperors.

You can learn the ability to stand taller in all circumstances from the magnificent Qutub Minar, which has been standing tall amidst dust and storms. You can discover something new in the crowded bazaars of Chandni Chowk. Relishing your taste buds is a great option in this food-friendly market, along with a plethora of bargaining and shopping experiences. Don’t forget to smell the roses at the divine-looking Mughal Garden if you are lucky to have a visit there. You can listen to the divine sounds of Azaan coming from Jama Masjid and bless yourself in the light offered by the almighty. A fun rickshaw ride is enchanting.

In the afternoon, you explore New Delhi and the pleasant change it offers. You can get closer to the Indian legacy and witness the journey of India from a ruled country to a free democracy by taking a look at places such as India Gate, the President’s Palace, Secretariat Buildings and Indian Parliament House. You may wish to enjoy shopping at Janpath and take a stroll at Connaught Place or you could head to the many shopping malls and gardens.

You spend the rest of the day at leisure at your hotel.

Day 3: DELHI – AGRA by TRAIN  08h10 / 09h50 (205 kms. / approx. 2 hours)

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you board the Gatimaan Express 12050 train in the morning at Nizamuddin Railway Station. 

Agra – The Land of Love

Known for its World Heritage site and memoir of everlasting love, the Taj Mahal stands right inside the heart of Agra. Silently standing on the ever-flowing waters of the River Yamuna, Taj reminds everyone of the glory, charisma and the love for life that were carved strongly in the heart of the Mughal emperor - Shah Jahan. The architectural importance of all monuments like Taj, Agra Fort and other tombs is so great that travellers keep coming over here again and again. In addition to the architectural wonders, this city is famous for its crowded markets and road-side stalls, where one can find local chicken clothing, small replicas of Taj Mahal and other notable stuff. This city rejuvenates the value of love in front of modern couples, so that they come here to celebrate togetherness and the feeling of love. A close look at Mughal cuisine and architecture is possible only in Agra.

Charisma of love and life at Agra – The Experience

Today you head to a one-of-its-kind Bear Rescue Camp, which is now a home to almost 300 former dancing-bears, making it the world’s single largest bear rescue camp. The afternoon takes you to the historical Agra Fort - one of the finest Mughal forts of India and a remarkable building, carved at the time of Akbar. Walking through courtyard after courtyard of this palatial red-sandstone and marble fortress, your amazement grows as the scale of what was built here begins to sink in.

By sunset, you head to the mesmerising site of love- Taj Mahal, waiting for you to embrace its history, its story and the reason for its very existence. Silently standing, this wonderful monument reminds us of the soft corner in the heart of King Shah Jahan for his beloved wife - Mumtaj Mahal. The sight of this glorious place in the full moon- light is awesome. The River Yamuna, flowing behind this monument, is more than perfect for boating and some calm moments with yourself and your loved ones.

Other notable structures like Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-e-Khaas, Diwan-e-aam, Moti Masjid and Machchi Bhawan were built during the reign of Shah Jahan.

The city holds the legacy of the old-style Mughal era and embraces the art and culture of the rulers who once ruled over here.

You have an overnight stay at a comfortable hotel.

Day 4: AGRA – BHOPAL by TRAIN (08ho2 / 13h50)

You board the Bhopal Shatabdi train in the morning at Agra Cantt Station and reach Bhopal in time for a late lunch.

You have the rest of the day at leisure and stay for the first of two nights at a comfortable property.

BHOPAL - The City of Lakes, Nawabs and Heritage

Bhopal, the capital of the heart of India’s Madhya Pradesh State, is fondly called the ‘City of Lakes’ as the city is split by a pair of lakes, offering two completely stunning and different city-scapes. In every inch of the city, you will witness the aura of the female Mughal rulers, who developed the city in the 19^th and 20^th centuries. Whereas one part of Bhopal has an old charm and is a fascinating, labyrinthine area of mosques and local bazaars, the other side is New Bhopal, with its upmarket hotels, restaurants, markets and some excellent museums.

Day 5: THE HISTORY and HERITAGE of BHOPAL

After breakfast, a heritage walk of Old Bhopal awaits you. There is no better way than a heritage walk with city experts to explore the culture and history of a city.

When Old Bhopal is talked about, you can expect sights that will leave you spell-bound: streets lined with local eateries, eclectic shops, vendors on thelas and sacred cows basking under the sun. Here you will witness a modern car moving alongside a horse-carriage on the same street.

By foot, a rickshaw or car-ride are all great ways to explore these narrow lanes while you stop by anything that excites you. The city is popular for silver jewellery, exquisitely-fashioned beadwork, embroidered and sequined velvet-fashioned purses and cushions. The walk will begin by visiting the two very beautiful mosques of the city, which are not only known for their architechture but also for their clinging history. The Moti Masjid, a striking 19^th Century architechtural landmark with two dark-pink minarets and gold-spiked cupolas and Jama Masjid, officially known as Taj-ul-Masajid, are located in the heart of the bustling chowk bazaar and were built in the 19^th Century. This is Asia’s largest mosque with its impressive architectural features like massive pillars, 18 storey-high octagonal minars and onion-shaped marble domes.

After this dose of history, you are driven to the refreshing lake and enjoy a stroll while sampling some local snacks: roasted sweet-corns are a hot favourite of the region.

In the afternoon, you head to another part of Bhopal, as your exploration begins with its one-of-its-kind museum - Manav Sanghralaya, spread over 200 acres in area and where the displays are curated by folk and tribal communities. It may be the only museum in the world strewn with such numerous and pre-historic painted rock- shelters. You then walk to the State Museum and soak in a glimpse of Madhya Pradesh’s culture and life-style through its collection of sculptures. After this cultural showcase, you can make the last stop of your day at Bharat Bhawan (closed on Mondays). Designed by the renowned architect, Charles Correa, it is a centre of performing and visual arts and includes libraries of Indian poetry and Classic-cum-folk music.

You soak in all the history and culture of the city while you rest and stay overnight at your hotel.

Day 6:  BHOPAL – SATPURA NATIONAL PARK by surface (185 kms. / approx. 5 hours)

Today, you leave the city and history behind for a wild encounter at the Satpura National Park. Spread over 524 square kilometres, the park is part of Pachmarchi Bio Reserve. On the way, you can indulge in a stone-age encounter at the newly- discovered Bhimbetka Caves, which house over 700 rock shelters. Out of these, 500 caves also feature ancient vivid paintings depicting pre-historic human life stories. After these ancient visions, you head on to your wildlife resort in Satpura - a haven for wild-life enthusiasts who enjoy virgin-forest locations, deep gorges, rivulets, beautiful hilly terrains and rather off-beat locations with less traffic and hustle-bustle.

After regaining your energy and zeal with lunch, you head out for some adventure - a canoe-ride on the reservoir. There is nothing better than floating on the backwaters while enjoying the green views, the walking herbivores on the shores and the sheer calmness of the water, which is interrupted occasionally by the screeches of a Black Ibis or the honking of Bar-Headed Geese. Don’t forget to keep your eyes wide open for the unexpected because where there are herbivores, carnivores are sure to be sighted too.

After your adventurous day, you can enjoy a barbeque dinner before you call it a night.

Day 7: JEEP SAFARIS in SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

A trip to this National Park is incomplete without a safari. This day is dedicated to  safari fun in the morning and late afternoon. You hop onto an open jeep with your cameras for a thrilling wild-life safari through Satpura National Park - a park rich in Tiger and its co-predators Leopard and Wild Dog. Generous sightings in the park can also be had of Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Chowsingha and Giant Flying Squirrels. Also a part of the rich avi-fauna are Jungle Fowl, Partridges, Quails, Parakeets and Raptors: the water areas are home to crocodiles and fish. There are enough good reasons to keep excitement alive on safari. (No safaris can be taken on Wednesday afternoons)

You relax in the evening and have a peaceful overnight sleep in your room amidst the natural sounds.

Day 8: ONE DAY is just NOT ENOUGH! JEEP SAFARIS in SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

This National Park is spread over a huge area and one day’s safaris are just not enough to explore the park. So, you have another day for jeep safari adventure rides.

Day 9: SATPURA (PIPARIYA) - JABALPUR by TRAIN: JABALPUR - KANHA NATONAL PARK by surface (166 kms. approx. / 7 hours)

You wake up to the excitement of leaving for the next wildlife destination - Kanha National Park. You board the train bound for Jabalpur (Intercity Express 22187 @08h10), departing from Pipariya Railhead. You will be met by one of our local representatives upon your arrival at Jabalpur Station.

You then head off on a drive to Kanha and will be at leisure to enjoy your chosen resort in the wilderness.

Kanha National Park

Madhya Pradesh features India’s best wildlife reserves and Kanha National Park is its gem: it is also one of the best parks in India for sighting a tiger. The Tiger Reserve covers 2,059 square kilometres, including the 940 square kilometre Kanha National Park, which is the reserve's core zone. Kanha's Sal and Bamboo forests and vast meadows, with water-streams flowing alongside, are home to around 90 Tigers and 100 Leopards and support huge populations of deer and antelopes, including 400 Southern Swamp deer (or Barasingha), which exist nowhere else in the world. You can also sight plenty of Langurs, the odd Gaur (Indian bison), a few wild boar and Jackals. Bird-watchers can enjoy sighting over 260 bird species here. Quite clearly the flora and fauna at Kanha is overwhelming, giving you a plethora of options of saying wow.

Day 10: A 4x4 JEEP SAFARI in KANHA NATIONAL PARK

A jeep safari is the best way to explore and observe the wildlife at Kanha.Even the sight of 4x4 open-jeeps, with an experienced naturalist, spells adventure and thrill and gears you up for the excitement in store.

You hop on the jeep before you are driven through the deep forests with the sounds of birds chirping and honks of animals and your own thoughts and glistening eyes, waiting to sight something unexpected. When the unexpected happens, you may just sight a beautiful Tiger walking across your jeep path or a herd of deer walking in the woods or a family of Langur watching you anxiously. The fun of finding the unusual and coming back with those thrilling memories can’t be penned down but needs to be experienced. (No safaris operate on Wednesday afternoons).

Day 11: EXPLORE the OTHER SIDE of KANHA NATIONAL PARK on a JEEP SAFARI

You have another full day of the excitement of exploring the wilderness of Kanha on a jeep (morning and late afternoon safaris) followed by a restful night in your cosy room.

Day 12: KANHA - PENCH NATIONAL PARK by surface (190 kms. / approx. 4.5 hours)

After all the fun Kanha offered, you need a healthy nourishing breakfast before you  head on to your next destination - Pench National Park and a new hotel to call your home for the next two nights.

Pench National Park

You enter the panoramic beauty of this land, ruled by the big cats of the jungle. The wilderness and scenic aura of Pench National Park is also mentioned by Rudyard Kipling in the ‘Jungle Book’ and in the works of many renowned naturalists like Captain J. Forsyth in 'Highlands of Central India'. This tour will delight you in this happy home of exotic animal species such as Sloth Bear, Four-horned Antelope and Mouse Deer. You will also effortlessly sight Spotted Deer, Sambar, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Wild Pig and Langur roaming around the vicinity carefree. What is interesting to note is that this safari is your opportunity to see the striking Collarwali Tigress and Baddi Mada as both of these creatures shot Pench to international fame with the iconic Documentary “Spy In the Jungle”. Pench is a paradise for true bird-lovers as it’s home to over 170 species.

Day 13: DELIGHT in the WILDERNESS of PENCH NATIONAL PARK on a SAFARI

This is your day to explore this internationally-famed National Park, which is loved and mentioned by many naturalists. You rest overnight in your room, where you can sort all the memories of this extravagant trip that will have left you longing for more.

Day 14: PENCH – NAGPUR by surface (125 kms. / approx. 3 hours) / NAGPUR – MUMBAI by FLIGHT

You are driven to Nagpur from Pench for your onward flight to Mumbai (17h25 / 18h50).

Upon arrival, you are greeted by our local representative at the airport before you are transferred to your hotel for check-in. You then enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Day 15: EXPLORE MUMBAI - THE CITY of DREAMS

Mumbai – The City of Dreams

This city belongs to dreamers and to the hard-working people who come here to realise what they truly believe in. The city has a soul and a past, which is shaking hands effortlessly with the future.

Whether its long-laid path of Marine Drive next to its sandy beaches or the vivacious film studios where cinema is the lifeline, Mumbai is a myth that keeps on living in the hearts of the people who live here. A mesmerising party scenario and unique dining opportunities create the perfect environment for  nightlife. The other part of society has so much to relish here when it comes to pocket- friendly street food. The sight of sky-rocketing buildings and crowded slums seems equally special to this city. The love for fashion, movies, food and religion is imprinted deeper into its soul. No-one can leave from here without being impressed by the amalgamation of culture, culinary delights and the religious flavours.

The sight-seeing experience –

You begin your Mumbai excursion in the morning at the mysterious island of Elephanta, an hour away by motorboat. This island is known for the centuries-old Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a spectacular sculptural and architectural feast.

A good climb via the stairway up the hill-side takes you to the caves, which are a conglomeration of complex temple structures that are famous for their magnificently-sculpted panels, particularly the one that depicts the three-headed image of Lord Shiva- the Maheshmurti.

After a glorious visit to the caves, you continue for a city tour, starting from the iconic landmark - Gateway of India. Built in 1924, it’s considered to be India’s most valued structure and overlooks the splendid Arabian Sea. Next you are driven past, whilst  admiring, the gothic style of Bombay High Court, the ornamental University Building with its 280-feet Clock Tower, the Old Secretariat, the embellished Victoria Terminus, the vivid Crawford Market and the Flora Fountain, set in the largest bustling square at the heart of the city.

You will enjoy the ride along Marine Drive, a beautifully-laid boulevard which is also called the ‘Queen’s Necklace’ for its shape and lighting. You will also visit the modest two-storeyed Mani Bhawan, the place where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his Mumbai visits.    

You have a final overnight stay at your hotel.

DAY 16: DEPART MUMBAI

It is time to bid good-bye to Mumbai and head back to the airport for your flight home or to your next onward destination. You have a final overnight stay at your hotel.

                                                *******************************