Description
Wander through the colourful streets and bazaars of India, discovering the stunning architecture of its temples and palaces.Starting in the bustling capital of Delhi, this safari takes you on a journey to explore some of the most remarkable places in India; visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, wander the streets of the holy city of Varanasi, and trace the steps of the Bengal tigers of Bandhavgarh National Park.
Overview
Discover the cultural and natural highlights of northern India on this immersive safari to some of the region’s most iconic monuments and wildlife-rich national parks. Head to the banks of the Ganges river at sunrise to witness pilgrims bathing in the holy waters, witness the splendour of the Taj Mahal and explore the bustling streets of Delhi. You will also have the opportunity to track leopards and Bengal tigers in the forests of Bandhavgarh National Park, and take a boat safari through the peaceful Chambal valley.
What makes this trip extraordinary
- Visit the banks of the river Ganges in Varanasi and observe the daily rituals that take place.
- A sunrise visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal.
- Search for Bengal tigers, leopards, langur monkeys and other wildlife in Bandhavgarh National Park.
- Admire the erotic sculptures that adorn the World Heritage-listed temples of Khajuraho.
Itinerary
Arrive Delhi
Upon your arrival into Delhi, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax after your flight and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Overnight: Claridges Hotel
Delhi
This morning you will take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi; explore the narrow winding lanes which surround the Red Fort as well as the bustling the bazaars and shops - you will also have the opportunity to take a rickshaw ride. In the afternoon you will continue onto New Delhi, the part of the city which is renowned for its formal parks and magnificent parliament building. You will also pay a visit to the 72.5 metre high tower, Qutab Minar, and the 16th century Humanyun's Tomb, considered the architectural forerunner of the Taj Mahal.
Overnight: Claridges Hotel (B)
Delhi - Varanasi
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Later this evening you will head down to the Ganges river for sunset, in time to watch the evening 'aarti' ceremony, where priests perform a ritual to put the river gods to bed.
Varanasi
An early start this morning, as at sunrise you take a boat down to the river as people flock to the river to greet the rising sun. You will have the chance to observe a panorama of activity, with pilgrims taking a bath in the holy river, yogis meditating on the river banks and women doing their morning laundry. Disembark your boat and wander through the narrow lanes of the historic old city, passing shrines, holy men and cows, stopping to visit a local perfumery where recipes have been passed down by word of mouth through the generations. Later on you will visit the Kashi Vishvanath Temple, with its golden plated spire, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, head to the peaceful and serene park of Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon in 500BC.
Varanasi - Agra
This morning you will be driven to the airport for your flight to Agra. Check in to your hotel, before setting off on a visit to the magnificent Agra Fort and the Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah, affectionately known as the 'Baby Taj' and designed to look like a silver jewel box in marble.
Overnight: Gateway Hotel (B)
Agra - Chambal
Today you will wake up early for a sunrise visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jehan in 1630 as a monument to his Queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is one of the world's most iconic landmarks. Later on you will be driven (approximately 2 hours) to Chambal. In the evening you will head to Bateshwar, located in a ravine of the Chambal valley, to visit the Bateshwarnath temple and its Ghat, the focal point of many rituals and ceremonies.
Overnight: Chambal Safari Lodge (B, L, D)
Chambal
Today you will set off on a guided river safari along the Chambal river. This provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, as you cruise along the calm and gentle waters, accompanied by expert naturalists who will provide information on the Chambal wildlife. In the afternoon you will be taken to visit the Ater Fort, enjoying a camel ride up to the citadel. The magnificent ruins of Ater are currently undergoing restoration by the Archaeological Survey of India, and you can wander through the pavilions and courtyards and up to the ramparts, offering commanding views over the Chambal valley.
Overnight: Chambal Safari Lodge (B, L, D)
Chambal - Gwalior
This morning you will set off on a safari to the Sarus Crane Conservation Reserve, an area of wetlands where large numbers of Sarus cranes come to breed, and you will observe many other species of wetland birds. In the afternoon you will be met and driven to Gwalior (approximately 3 hours), where you will be transferred to your hotel.
Gwalior
Head out on a sightseeing tour of Gwalior. The city is dominated by the Gwalior Fort, an ornately decorated 8th century hill fort. Other monuments in the city include the Mansingh Palace and the Gujari Mahal, built by Raja Mansingh in the 15th century in honour of his favourite queen, the Sas Bahu ka Mandir and Teli ka Mandir temples, and the Jai Vilas Palace which combines Tuscan, Italian and Corinthian architectural styles. In the evening, take a stroll through the vibrant Jiwaji Chowk Bazaar, famous for its handicrafts, and experience a 'tonga ride' through the narrow streets.
Gwalior - Khajuraho
This morning you will be transferred to Gwalior railway station for your train journey to Jhansi. Upon arrival you will be met and driven to Khajuraho (approximately 4 hours), where you will transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Lalit Grand Temple View (B, L, D)
Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh National Park
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Khajuraho, known for it's World Heritage-listed temples with their erotic sculptures depicting Gods, Goddesses and amorous couples in stone. Later in the day you will be driven to Bandhavgarh National Park (approximately 5.5 hours) where you will check into your hotel.
Overnight: Tree House Hideaway (B, L, D)
Bandhavgarh National Park
You will spend the next few days exploring Bandhavgarh National Park, enjoying a morning and afternoon game drive each day. The landscape of the park varies from lush forests to open meadows and bamboo forests, stretching over the Vindhyanchal hills. There are over 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds recorded in the park, including sloth bears, langur monkeys, leopards and striped hyenas, but it is best known for its Bengal tiger population.
Overnight: Tree House Hideaway (B, L, D)
Bandhavgarh - Delhi
This morning you will enjoy your final game drive in the park, before being driven to Jabalpur airport (approximately 4 hours) for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Depart Delhi
Today you will bid farewell to Delhi and transfer to the airport, in time for your international flight home.
Accommodation
- Claridges Hotel
- Tree House Hideaway
Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation, and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below,
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash.
- Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash.
- Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.
- Cancellations will be accepted only by email.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.
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