The Ultimate Wildlife Tour
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Duration15 Days
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Region
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Category
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Best Time
- October - June
Introduction
This program combines the amazing living jungles of India with the bird sanctuary of Keolado Bird Sanctuary at Bharatpur. Going deeper into the wilderness of the Jungle Book of Rudyard Kipling where stories of Mowgli's jungle adventures abound. Mowgli's Trails of the Jungle Book takes you through the Panna National Park, the Bandhavgarh National Park and the Kanha National Park where the fierce Royal Bengal Tiger - Sher Khan roars and Bhalu, the Sloth Bear protects Mughli. Combining this amazing wilderness with a visit to the ancient capital of India - Delhi, the Wonder of the World - The Taj Mahal, the Erotically Carved Temples of Khajuraho and the Victorian Kolkata, gives an amazing insight into the cultures of India. End with the Rhino Trails at the Kaziranga National Park, which is the greatest abode of Rhinos in the World with over 2,400 single horned rhinos roaming the grasslands of just this one national park.
Tour Highlights
- Sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi
- Two visits of Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary)
- Sightseeing tour of Agra
- Train ride from Agra to Jhansi
- 2 Exclusive Jeep Safaris at Panna National Park
- Sightseeing tour of Khajuraho
- 3 Exclusive Jeep Safaris at Bandhavgarh National Park
- 2 Exclusive Jeep Safaris at Kanha National Park
- Sightseeing tour of Kolkata
- 1 Elephant Safari at Kaziranga National Park
- 2 Exclusive Safaris at Kaziranga National Park
Destinations Covered
Delhi
The City of GloryDelhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world, along with Jerusalem and Varanasi. It is the Capital Territory of India and a modern-day citadel that's dotted with ancient monuments.
History and Culture
Legend estimates it to be over 5,000 years old. Over the millennia, Delhi is said to have been built and destroyed 11 times. The oldest alleged incarnation of the city shows up in the Indian mythological epic Mahabharata as Indraprastha.
Bharatpur
The history of Bharatpur dates back to 5th century BC, when the Matsya kingdom flourished here. The Matsyas were allies of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata war. Legends say that the origin of the name Bharatpur is traced to Bharat, younger brother of Lord Ram. Laxman, the other brother, was given the most prestigious position as that of the family deity of the ruling family of Bharatpur. His name also appears in the state seals and coat-of-arms.
Agra
The Majesty of the TajAgra is the city of the Taj Mahal, in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Agra has three UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort in the city and Fatehpur Sikri on the outskirts of Agra. There are also many other buildings and tombs from Agra's days of glory as the capital of the Mughal Empire.
Orchha
The Hidden Treasure
Panna
A Gem amongst India's Tiger ReservesThe Reserve is situated in the Vindhyan Ranges and spreads over Panna and Chattarpur districts in the north of the state. Panna National Park was created in 1981. It was declared a Project Tiger Reserve by the Government of India in 1994. The National Park consists of areas from the former Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1975. Panna is the twenty-second Tiger Reserve of India and fifth in Madhya Pradesh.
Khajuraho
A living work of Art
Bandhavgarh
The land of TigersBandhavgarh National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh state of India. This park is among the best national parks of India where Asian tigers can be easily viewed. Area of this park is of around 448 sq km. Bandhavgarh Hill, at the height of 811 meters above sea level, is located at the center of the park. This hill is surrounded by sloping valleys. More than 28 species of mammals and 250 species of birds & 70 species of butterflies are found in Bandhavgarh National Park. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaque represent the primate group.
Kanha National Park
The land of Jungle BookA delightful town situated in the district of Mandla, Kanha National park is the haven of an exceptionally wide variety of wild animals, including the majestic creature tiger. Wide open grass plains with a backdrop of the city scrapers, scattered bamboo forests play host to a wide variety of wildlife and diverse bird-life with over 300 species recorded.
Kolkata
The City of JoyKolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of West Bengal and the second largest city in India (after Mumbai). This city is a daily festival of human existence, simultaneously noble and squalid, cultured decidedly futuristic.
History and Culture
The history of Kolkata is intimately related with its invention during the British rule dating back 300 years ago. Earlier known as Calcutta, it originated as a capital of British India in 1960 when East India Company dominated the country.
Kaziranga National Park
The haven of one-horned rhinosA UNESCO World Heritage site, Kaziranga is famous as the abode of the one-horned rhinoceros. Made unique with a vibrant, well preserved and sustained ecology this park has a very versatile bio diversity which makes Kaziranga National Park a very important and popular tourist destination.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive Delhi
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Day 2
Delhi
Delhi
Delhi is a dynamic city where the past coexists with the present. While historic evidence shows that the area around Delhi was first occupied around 2,500 years ago, Hindu mythology predates that by another 500 years. The British captured the city in 1803 and when they decided to make it the capital of India in 1911, they commissioned Sir Edwin Lutyens to draw up the plans. The result is slightly surprising with spacious tree-lined avenues punctuated with architecture which is among the most striking in the world.
On the tour of “Old Delhi,” you will head out to explore this exotic locale with its narrow dirt roads, myriads of people and inexpensive and colorful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous.
Drive past Red Fort and visit the Jama Masjid, one of the largest Muslim mosques in India. A bicycle rickshaw will take you into the heart of Chandni Chowk (the silver square - so named because of the silver merchants).
Drive past India Gate, a 42-metre archway built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War and Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy. Today, it is the official residence of the President of India.
Thereafter, visit the most prominent Sikh Gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi. It was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh, a 17th century Indian ruler. It is open to people of all faiths, castes or creeds. The premises house a sacred pond in which devotees bathe. They believe that this would wash off their misdeeds and thus allow them to attain peace of mind. The 'Langars' or the community kitchen proves to be the ideal example of prodigious hospitality of the Sikhs. Anyone and everyone can have scrumptious meal irrespective of caste, color or class.
Conclude the day by visiting the Delhi's most striking monument, The Qutub Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was constructed in 1192 by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak. Built in red sandstone and marble, it has a height of 72.5 meters (237.8 ft) and contains 379 stairs. A Soaring conical tower, it is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture and is the tallest minaret in India.
Lunch & Dinner on own
Overnight at hotel (B)
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Day 3
Delhi to Bharatpur by road (222kms / 4.5hours drive)
Bharatpur
Today, after breakfast checkout from the hotel and proceed towards Bharatpur. On arrival at the hotel, check-in and relax for the afternoon.
Post lunch, visit Keolada National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage site – this is the premiere bird sanctuary in India. Keoladeo National Park is a vast bird sanctuary and former royal game reserve in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. South of the ancient city of Bharatpur, the park’s woods and man-made wetlands protect over 350 species of migratory and resident birds, including herons, cormorants and eagles. It was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971.
Explore the park on the back of a cycle rickshaw or you can walk around. Return to your hotel later in the evening.
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Day 4
Bharatpur to Agra by Road (60kms/1hour drive)
Agra
Early this morning you have an option to visit the Bird Sanctuary again. The park is most famous for its species of birds, including Cranes, Spoonbills, Herons, Pelicans and the rare Siberian Cranes. Every year thousands of migratory waterfowl visit the park for breeding etc. It is also an excellent place to watch mammals like Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Nilgai, Sambar and wild Boar.
After breakfast, checkout and continue your drive towards Agra. On arrival check into the hotel and relax for the afternoon.
Later this afternoon, proceed to visit the “Mehtab Bagh” situated north of the Taj Mahal complex on the opposite side of the Yamuna River, in the flood plains. The garden complex, square in shape, is perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank. The most important attraction of Mehtab Bagh is the Taj Mahal itself. This is a unique spot as you can get a picturesque view of The Taj from here.
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Day 5
Agra
Agra
Early this morning, you savour a travel highlight as we embark on a tour of the Taj Mahal, the magnificent tomb of white marble built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who had implored her husband to build a monument symbolizing their undying love for each other. Some 20,000 labourers and artisans from around the world spent 22 years constructing what became Mumtaz’s mausoleum, which was begun in 1632. Along with its exquisite symmetry, the Taj features striking examples of pietra dura; a decorative art in which craftsmen embed precisely cut semi-precious stones in marble to form dazzling patterns.
Return to hotel & have breakfast.
Post lunch visit the imposing Red Fort of Agra (also known as Agra Fort), comprising fairy tale palaces, two beautiful mosques, audience halls, pavilions, courtyards, and gardens all surrounded by a massive wall, a moat, and yet another wall. A creative, architectural, and strategic masterpiece, the Fort is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In a cruel twist, Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal and whose grandfather built the original Fort and who also assumed the throne himself, was imprisoned here at the end of his life by his own son – in a room looking out on the Taj Mahal across the river.
Overnight at hotel (B)
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Day 6
Agra - Jhansi - Panna
Orchha | Panna
Today with packed breakfast or after early breakfast, checkout from the hotel and proceed towards Agra Cantt railway station to board your train to Jhansi.
You will be met by our representative who will assist you on arrival in Jhansi.
We will stop at Orchha to visit the Orchha Palace and post lunch we continue our drive to Panna.
Panna is the twenty second Tiger Reserve of India and fifth in Madhya Pradesh . The Reserve is situated in the Vindhyan Ranges and spreads over Panna and Chattarpur districts in the north of the state. Panna National Park was created in 1981. It was declared a Project Tiger Reserve by Government of India in 1994. The National Park consists of areas from the former Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1975. This sanctuary comprised of territorial forests of the present North and South Panna Forest Division to which a portion of the adjoining Chhatarpur forest division was added later. The reserved forests of the Park in Panna district and some protected forests on Chhatarpur side were the hunting preserves of the erstwhile rulers of Panna, Chhatarpur and Bijawar princely states in the past.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight at hotel (B, L, D)
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Day 7
Panna - Khajuraho - Panna
Panna | Khajuraho | Panna
Today early morning, proceed to explore the Panna National Park with sunrise. Return to Hotel for breakfast.
Later in the afternoon, we begin our tour of Khajuraho. We visit the eastern & the western temples.
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculptures. Made of sandstone, the builders didn’t use mortar: the stones were put together with mortise and Tenon joints and they were held in place by gravity. This form of construction requires very precise joints. Life in every form and mood has been captured in stone, testifying not only to the craftsman’s artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the historical city is a symbol of medieval art. Out of the 85 temples, 22 still exist in all their grandeur. Some believe them to be physical embodiments of the greatest treatise on love – The Kama Sutra.
Return to the hotel and relax for the evening.
Overnight at hotel (B, D)
- Day 8 Bandhavgarh
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Day 9
Bandhavgarh- Kanha By Road: 210 Km / 5 Hours
Kanha National Park
We have the opportunity of one last sunrise excursion into Bandhavgarh National Park before bidding it adieu. After returning from the excursion and an early lunch we start our 4 to 5 hour drive to Kanha National Park.
Often called Tiger Land, Kanha is located in a horseshoe-shaped valley with two distinctive hills on either side. In the centre is the maiden (open grassy meadow), dotted with stands of majestic evergreen Sal trees to form a savanna countryside rem iniscent of Africa.
Kanha has a large, healthy population of tigers. But this park features more than tigers; it supports the full range of Indian wildlife described in The Jungle Books. The variety and abundance of wildlife in Kanha is remarkable. The park is famous for its herds of hard-ground Barasingha – also called swamp deer, a large and beautiful endemic animal with 12-point antlers (it has probably been saved from extinction by careful management in Kanha). Also found are herds of the beautiful chital (common name is spotted deer), and sambar, the biggest of the Indian deer. Other commonly seen herbivores include barking deer, nilgai antelope, four-horned antelope, wild boar, and the imposing gaur (also called the Indian bison), which is considered the largest wild bovine in the world. A gaur bull can stand over six feet tall at the shoulder and weigh more than a ton!
Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
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Day 10
Kanha
Kanha National Park
Kanha is known for its large population of gaur, and this large animal is an important food source for the tiger. Other predators in the park include sloth bear, the common (or golden) jackal, the striped hyena, and the dhole or Indian wild dog (which, like the African wild dog, lives and hunts in packs). Leopards also live in Kanha, but are much more difficult to see. Other interesting mammals include the Indian ratel (honey badger), Indian porcupine, and various species of mongooses. Primates are represented by troops of monkeys of two species - the rhesus macaque and the silver (or common) langur. Kanha’s bird life is equally impressive, with more than 200 recorded species.
Explore the national park by morning and afternoon game drive.
Special Note: Kanha National Park remain closed for afternoon safari on every Wednesday
Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
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Day 11
Kanha - Raipur - Kolkata
Kolkata
Kanha To Raipur By Road- `220 Kms/ 5 Hours Drive Raipur To Kolkata By Flight: 6e-801 At 1725/1850 Hrs.
This morning proceed for a nature walk and return to Hotel for breakfast. Later checkout & drive towards Raipur airport to connect with your flight to Kolkata.
On arrival in Kolkata, step into the receiving area where our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
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Day 12
Kolkata
Kolkata
Kolkata the city of joy as it is called is also commonly considered as the 'Paris of the East' as there's a happy amalgamation of different cultures, styles and moods, coupled along with numerous forms of industries and commerce and politics. Kolkata mainly gained importance in the times of British rule as it had been the capital of India till the year1912. At present, although it is no more the capital of India, it is the capital of West Bengal and is one of the most important places of cultural workshop and industrial centre.
After breakfast, visit the Victoria Memorial (Closed on Monday). This marble-white monument is one of the most fascinating landmarks of Kolkata. Here, come face to face with miniature paintings and images of Queen Mary, King George V and Queen Victoria. Of special importance are the Queen's dresses, the famous Rosewood piano, the Whispering Gallery in the dome and numerous artillery weapons used in the Battle of Plassey.
St. Paul’s Cathedral, built in the Indo-Gothic style of architecture, and was built in the year 1847 by Major W.N. Forbes of the East India Company. The height of the Cathedral is 201 ft. This Cathedral has the rare distinction of being the first Episcopal Church built in this part of the world. The peak of St. Paul's Cathedral has been designed as a replica of the famous Canterbury Cathedral's Henry Tower.
Thereafter visit Mother Teresa’s House, called ‘Nirmal Hriday,’ and also visit Shishu Bhawan, located near her house. Mother Teresa’s great work of caring for abandoned children on the streets of Kolkata is carried out at this center. Watch the children’s face light up with just one smile of yours.
Overnight at the Hotel (B)
- Day 13 Kolkata - Guwahati
- Day 14 Kaziranga
- Day 15 Kaziranga - Guwahati - Delhi
