TIGER TRAILS – AN ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY into the THRILLING JUNGLES

Delhi, Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Jhansi, Orchha, Khajuraho, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Nagpur, Mumbai (11 nights / 12 days)

Please note that all National Parks are closed from June to September

Finding true pleasures in life is not always easy. All you need to do however is simply to unplug yourself from the mundane and repetitive metro-life and shake hands with the simplicity and thrill that the jungles of India have to offer. Combining very simple living with the most natural ingredients of thrill, the wild flora and fauna let you admire the versatile beauty in God’s every creation. Seeing animals and plants that you have never seen before adds up to your experiences. Throwing away the excess baggage of modern life and challenging yourself with an adventurous stay in a wild environment is all that this ‘Tiger Trails’ itinerary wants from you. Admiring the comfort and the rawness of these forests, you will be able to dive deeper into their natural blessings. The magnificence of wild species of leopard, elephant, hyena, rhinoceros and sāmbhar will mesmerise the wildlife enthusiast inside you. The unforgettable flights and perching of the colourful birds will be an enjoyable experience.

Highlights of this adventurous and thrilling tour are as follows –

Observing the great historical monuments of Delhi and Agra
Watching the grand lives of royals at Jaipur and Orchha
Observing the finest temple art and sculptures at Khajuraho
Sighting tiger and other wildlife in Bandhavgarh and Kanha Wildlife Reserves

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 AIR

On the very first day of this tour, you will be greeted by one of our local representatives the moment you arrive at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. You will then be transferred to your hotel where you check-in and relax for a while.

Delhi –The Pride of India

Delhi is a magnificent place to explore. Thanks to its historical monuments and the versatile art, its cultural richness can be sensed in its every nook and corner. The grandeur of the Red Fort is a silent admirer of the Mughals and their love for artistic architecture. Built by the British during the colonial era, the India Gate is a reminder of the legacy of their law and order on the country. Fun and frolics feel deeply submerged into the small shops and cafes of Connaught Place. A flawless ride through the important Secretariat Buildings will give a glimpse of the world’s largest democratic nation. The President House is a marvellous piece of architecture and the Mughal Garden mesmerises you with the sight of farm-fresh roses, lilies and vibrant hues. A visit to the Qutub Minar brings you back to the glorious past of this land.

The sight-seeing experience –

The journey into the busy and crowded streets of Connaught Place will help you explore an old Delhi which loves fashion, wants to indulge and has a fine sense of cuisine and artistic flavours. The sight of India Gate – a memorial dedicated to the First World War - will let you appreciate the huge sacrifices given by Indian soldiers for the freedom of their nation. The road then takes you past President House, which is a huge building, followed by other smaller secretariat structures. Admiring the power behind India’s democratic strength, you will be mesmerised by the smart architecture of Qutub Minar.

If time is on your side, a small tour to the famous Bangla Sahib Gurudwara will help you understand the strength of selfless service and the goodness of eating together inside the combined kitchen. You take a rest at the end of the day to refresh yourself for the next day.

DAY 2: DELHI – JAIPUR (260 kms. / approx. 6 hours)

The sight-seeing experience

On day two, your tour includes a brief visit to the old Delhi sights and the road journey from Delhi to Jaipur. After breakfast, you travel to the Red Fort where the old Delhi is still alive in its amazing colours. After taking a brief walk through its corridors, you move to Jama Masjid. Being a famous place of worship for Muslims, Jama Masjid is flocked by tourists from all over the world. The melodious sound of Namaz and the chanting of sacred verses of the Quran are a soul upliftment for many.

Sitting on the seat of a comfortable rickshaw, you can observe the busy and glorious narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk. You will experience a whole world of amazing clothing, food items, luxury shops and roadside eateries. A sight of the famous Raj Ghat makes you feel proud of the laborious efforts of Mahatma Gandhi – the ‘Father of the Nation’.

You then travel by road to Jaipur. On arriving here, you get yourself some rest in your hotel room.

DAY 3: Indulge in The Beauty Of The Pink City of JAIPUR

Jaipur –

This city, famously known as the ‘Pink City’, literally holds the name given to it as true. The sight of busy markets, the mix of local and outside crowds, the honking of horns – all these things make visiting Jaipur a unique experience for any traveller. The historical significance of this land can be understood by visiting the miraculous forts and palaces it is embracing. The Amber Fort is known as one of the strongest creations of its time. It was meant to provide shelter as well as protection to the royals and their descendants. The strategic mirror architecture of the Hawa Mahal and the sea of artistic windows welcome everyone inside who wishes to explore the historical richness of the royals of Jaipur. This city has some of the most colourful gardens where local flowers bloom with full glory. Spending an evening roaming in the crowded markets and tasting a slice of awesome Rajasthani cuisine make you admire this land even more.

The sight-seeing experience –

An early visit in the morning welcomes you into this land, fully painted with pink. The rays of the rising sun kiss the sand-dunes as you witness the strong Amber Fort standing tall amidst the sand-storms and the small hilltops. Bewitching the storms and offering protection to the royals for decades, this fort is a symbol of power and perseverance. The Hawa Mahal is a sweet treat to your visual senses with the colourful palette of artwork and the embellished mirror-work done on its walls. The palace and the adjoining museum provide a sneak peek into the lives of the people who once inhabited these amazing places.

Visiting Jantar Mantar, you will observe the fantastic geometrical carvings made at that time to calculate the phenomenona related to time and space. The enchanting markets will mesmerise you all the more with their fantastic display of edible items, clothing, spice shops and local artwork.

DAY 4: JAIPUR – FATEHPUR SIKRI – AGRA by surface (256 kms. /approx. 7 hours)

The sight-seeing experience -

Day four includes a road journey, followed by a brief visit to the great wonder of the world – Taj Mahal. You leave your hotel after breakfast and travel via road towards Agra. On the way, a short stop includes sight-seeing of the great place called Fatehpur Sikri. Built by the Emperor Akbar, this place holds importance for its grand architecture and the emperor’s dream of making it a valuable place for the political actions of the time. It stands tall today despite the dust and the challenges thrown on it by time itself.

Once you reach Agra, you enjoy the magnificent sight of Taj Mahal. You embrace the amazing sight of this monument and admire the hard work and effort of the artisans who made it a reality.

A boat ride on the River Yamuna makes your visit all the more exciting and memorable. You conclude the day with dinner and a night’s rest at your hotel.

DAY 5: AGRA - JHANSI by SHTB TRAIN (08h05 / 10h30)

Today, you leave your hotel in good time to board the train for Jhansi from Agra Railway Station. On reaching Jhansi, you dis-embark from the train and travel to Orchha.

Orchha – The Live Legacy of the Bundela Kingdom

Built on the sides of the River Betwa, Orchha is a beautiful example of unique architecture, silent and blissful countryside and the royal lifestyle. Being the kingdom of the brave Bundela rajas, this place derives its inspiring architecture from both the Rajputs and the Mughals. The unique sight of royal cenotaphs and the grand sight of royal palaces feel enchanting to travellers.

Exploring the vast and peaceful countryside is another great addition to the list of exclusive experiences that can be tasted while staying in Orchha. Some old temples built during the kingdom of Bundela have been left, inspiring travellers with spiritual wealth and the inclination towards divinity. Experiencing the local life is also much easier when compared to other busier travel hubs in Madhya Pradesh. There is a whole bouquet of adventurous activities like cycling, trekking and rafting that can be done while enjoying a peaceful stay at this place.

The sight-seeing experience –

Walking past the magnificent palace walls and amazing windows of Orchha Palace is mesmerising. The sight of numerous royal cenotaphs presents a picturesque sight that leaves everyone spell-bound. The sight of the freely-flowing Betwa River invites you to dive deeper into it. You can cherish adventurous pursuits like river-rafting, cycling and trekking on the soil of this calm land. The sweet and comforting villagers and locals help in guiding you to the magnificent countryside that provide lots of fresh air and unique pursuits of experiencing happiness. The old temples, built during the Bundela kingdom, stand tall and encourage you to experience the spiritual abundance. Inspired completely by the popular Rajput architecture and the positive traits of the Mughal architecture, the palaces and royal cenotaphs of Orchha are blissfully enchanting and interesting because of their architectural and historical value. There are great home-stay options here as this place is very inviting and friendly for travellers.

DAY 6: ORCHHA – KHAJURAHO by surface (175 kms/ approx. 4 hours)

On day six and after breakfast, you travel to the next destination of Khajuraho. A road journey takes you to the magnificence of Khajuraho.

Amazing Sculptures of Khajuraho –

This place has been given a special mention on the tourist map because of the perfect mix of three groups of World Heritage-listed temples. Combining spiritual pursuits with fantastic architectural brilliance, Khajuraho is a celebration of art, craft, love and spiritual endeavours. Where there are exquisite erotic temples depicting a celebration of love and its amalgamation with spirituality, there are simplistic Jain temples where non-erotic carvings capture prime spot. The western group of temples experiences large number of footfalls because of the unique architectural and historic value. Pilgrims can be seen flocking the doorways to get a glimpse of Lord Vishnu outside the temple premises in Khajuraho. The Jain Temples bring peaceful and silent devotion to the real scenario by practicing meditation and clean rituals that are less complicated. Despite the presence of un-registered guides and tourist buses, this place deserves a visit because of its unique appeal and glorious historical accomplishments.

The sight-seeing experience -

The unique sight of Mahadev Temple amidst the western group of temples is enchanting. It uplifts your soul with a divine experience. The beauty of its architecture and the silent offerings from the heavenly abode make it seem adorable.Strength flows to visitors from the statue of Lord Shiva when they stand in front, holding hands in silent prayer. The Chaunsath Yogini Temple is a fine temple, dedicated to the 64 yoginis who accompany the goddess Kaali. The beautiful temple celebrates the divinity and the motherly powers of Shakti in its Kaali form. Chitragupta Temple or Bharat Ji Temple is famous for the eleven-headed impressive sculpture of Lord Vishnu. You will feel a different experience on reaching Vaaman Temple, where the Lord Vaaman avatar of Lord Vishnu holds the prime spot. Being chaotic and much-flocked by travelling enthusiasts from outside India, Khajuraho seems to be a busy travel hub.

DAY 7: KHAJURAHO / BANDHAVGARH by surface (260 kms. / approx. 7 hours)

You start day seven with a good breakfast and embark on your journey towards Bandhavgarh. You will reach here after travelling for about seven hours. Upon reaching here, you make yourself comfortable inside your hotel room and spend the evening enjoying the resort’s luxurious facilities. You get a much-needed night’s sleep for the next day’s adventure.

DAY 8: BANDHAVGARH

Bandhavgarh is popular for sight-seeing and wild-life excursions. It is a good place for tiger lovers because of a very good count of more than 40 tigers inside its core reserve area. The other common animals include deer, wild boar, bear, elephant and monkeys. Being a destination at its most popular in the month of October, this sanctuary remains closed from April to June. Considering the number of travellers or wild-life wanderers, this place is a ‘happening’ wild-life sanctuary, completely equipped with the much-needed modern life essentials. The wild-life excursions here definitely include tiger sight-seeing and exploring the less explored jungle-trails. The nearest railway station is Umaria, which lies about 32 kilometres away from the village of Tala, a close spot to the wild-life sanctuary. In addition to the ferocious tiger sightings, you can come to this memorable place to embrace the true spirit of jungle.

The sight-seeing experience –

The sight of brave tigers and the adventures of the jungle invite you into the joyful life that’s waiting to be explored at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The good numbers of tiger here improve your chances of a tiger sighting. Being a favourable place for these wild creatures, they can be seen in their most natural habitat here. Exploring this land on a jeep safari is delightful. Fully-packed with adventure, you can enjoy a morning and evening jeep-safari on this single day while being at Bandhavgarh Wildlife Reserve. The smell of forest soil and the richness of the wild creatures make you cherish the abundant creations of God. You can also spot deer, wild boar, langur and deer in this reserve combined with various species of bird. If you are a die-hard tiger admirer, it definitely should be the number one tiger reserve on your travel list.

You relax overnight in your hotel room.

DAY 9: BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK / KANHA NATIONAL PARK bu surface (275 kms. / approx. 6 hours)

In the morning and after breakfast, you get ready to move towards Kanha National Park. After travelling for six consecutive hours, you will reach your destination. You get yourself some rest in your room and sleep overnight.

DAY 10: KANHA NATIONAL PARK

Kanha National Park (The Den of the magnificent Tiger) –

Being the second most popular locale for sighting the brave animal - tiger, Kanha National Park is full of wildlife and its wonders. For travel and adventure enthusiasts, a thrilling safari in this jungle is a great experience. The possibility to explore the deeper parts of the wild jungle, while sitting inside a safe jeep, make visiting this national park a delightful experience.

Being a home for more than 90 tigers, Kanha National Park is also better known for its 100 leopards, numerous deer and antelope species and an impressive 250 species of bird. This reserve gives a relaxed environment to explore the natural flora and fauna amidst graceful trees, shrubs and the completely natural wild environment of a forest. It is definitely a respite from the scorching city heat, crowded streets and the busy life. The fresh forest breeze, the melodies of wild insects and cuckoos, combined with the natural aroma of soil, uplift your mood.

The sight-seeing experience –

Riding on the seats of a jeep, you will feel mesmerised by the wildlife and its manifestations in the wildlife reserve of Kanha National Park. Exploration of the versatile trees, plantations, wild environment and the most natural habitat of the jungle’s bravest animal – tiger, awaits you. Being home to more than ninety tigers, this place offers you a good possibility of sighting a tiger. You will see other beautiful animals like sambar, wild boar, Barasingha and deer in the natural habitats of this forest reserve. Being popular for exclusive tiger sightings, this national park is appreciated for its good numbers of other animals. Exploration of the wildlife on a jeep safari in both the morning and evening provides a great experience of the wild and the unknown, which has the potential to thrill you, enchant you and inspire you.

You relax overnight inside your hotel room.

DAY 11: KANHA NATIONAL PARK / NAGPUR by surface (300 kms. / approx. 7 hours) - NAGPUR / MUMBAI by EVENING FLIGHT

In the morning after breakfast, you are driven towards Nagpur Airport to board the flight bound for Mumbai. Upon your arrival, you are greeted by one of our local representatives before you are transferred to your hotel, where you stay overnight.