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Wildlife
Sanctuary Parks and Cultural
From ancient times, people from all over the world have been
drawn to India’s magic – its fascinating cultural heritage
encompasses a landscape as vast as her boundaries. A land that
vibrates with myriad peoples, where ancient, cultural
traditions, religious rituals, cuisine’s, architectural
amazement’s, colours, sights, sounds, variety of wildlife,
flora and fauna, still reflect the social, religious and
geographical diversity born out of centuries of social upheaval
brought by the foreign invasions.
Over 350 species of mammals and 1200 species of birds live on
the subcontinent.. At the turn of the century, an estimated
40,000 tigers, roamed freely in the dense forests and grasslands
with respect and held a proud place in the country’s religious
and cultural history. Today, the big cats are nearly wiped out.
In 1970 a voluntary conservation scheme, “Project Tiger” was
started to improve the tiger population.
Tour
Itinerary
Book This Tour
Delhi
(02 Nights) | Varanasi (01 Night) | Khajuraho (01 Night) | Bandhavgarh
(02 Nights) | Overnight Train to Agra | Agra (01 Night) | Bharatpur (01
Night) | Ranthambore (02 Nights) | Jaipur (02 Nights) | Jodhpur (02
Nights) | Udaipur (02 Nights) | Mumbai (01 Night)
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Day 1 Delhi
Flight
to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Check in
time is 1200 hrs.
Day
2 Delhi
In
Delhi’s 3000 years of existence, seven cities stood where
the present capital of India stands. Here you’ll encounter a
fascinating blend of the ancient and the contemporary - where
government buildings, medieval palaces and bazaars exist
besides a modern metropolis. Delhi
is a city waiting to be explored.
After
breakfast sightseeing of
Old and
New Delhi.
Visit
the 7th city of Delhi, Shahjahanabad
(Old Delhi) which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
(1639-48 AD) after he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi.
Red Fort
– the 17th century imposing fortress built in red
sandstone is surrounded by a huge boundary wall 33m high.
Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.Opposite
the Red Fort lies Jama
Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white
marble, completed in 1656. It is India’s largest mosque
where more than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer. Visit
Raj Ghat on the
banks of the river Yamuna, Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial, where
he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948.
The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made
of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his
last words “Hey Ram”. An eternal flame burns 24 hours.
Afternoon
visit New Delhi.
Visit
the Humayun’s Tomb,
built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th. Century. An early
example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of
the Taj Mahal. The Qutub
Minar – the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory
started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The minar is 72.5m high
with a diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. Proceed
to the Rashtrapati
Bhawan once the Viceroy’s residence is now the official
residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it
combines western and eastern styles – the dome reflects the
Buddhist stupa, the chattris Hindu and the graceful colonnades
very British. It has 340 rooms. The Government
Buildings designed by Baker, are topped by baroque domes
and decorated with lotus motifs and elephants, while the north
and south gateways are Mughal in design.
The northern
building
has an inscription with “Liberty will not descend to
a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.
It is a blessing which must be earned before it can be
enjoyed”. The Parliament
House,
designed by Baker is 173m in diameter. Inside is
the library and chambers for the council of state, chamber of
princes and legislative assembly. The India
Gate (42m), commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who
died in the 1st world war. 13516 names of British
and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are
engraved on the arch and foundations. Under the arch, the Amar
Jawan Jyoti commemorating Indian armed forces’ losses in the
Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.
Overnight
stay at the hotel in Delhi.
Day
3 Delhi/Varanasi
Morning
transfer to the airport to connect flight to Varanasi.
Varanasi
derives its name from the two streams – Varuna in the north
and Assi in the south, the British corrupted the name Varanasi
to Banaras. The oldest name is Kashi, which means `the City of
Light’. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the holiest
city for the Hindus, also for the Jains, because the three
tirthankars, 7th, 11th & 23rd
were born here. It is believed that anyone who dies here goes
straight to heaven The city draws pilgrims from all over the
world, to worship, meditate and above all to bathe.
On
arrival in Varanasi transfer to hotel. After check in
excursion to Sarnath,
9 km from Varanasi, one of Buddhism’s major centers in
India. It was here that Buddha gave his first Sermon after
attaining Nirvana. In the complex is the Dhamekh
Stupa (5th-6th AD) or Dharma Chakra,
the most imposing monument at Sarnath built to commemorate the
place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to the five
disciples. Also visit Dharmarajika
Stupa that was built by Emperor Ashoka (273-326 BC). From
this stupa a green marble casket containing human bones and
pearls was found, said to be the relics of Buddha. It was the
seat for Buddha’s meditation. To the rear is the 5m lower
portion polished sandstone Asokan
Column (3rd century). The Deer
Park on the south – west, has several species of deer.
On the way back to the Hotel visit a modern Buddhist temple
which has beautiful life size frescos of Buddhas life. In the
vicinity is the sapling of the Bodhi tree brought from Sri
Lanka, under which Buddha sat and attained enlightenment.
Overnight
at the hotel in Delhi.
Day
4 Varanasi/Khajuraho
Today
early morning you experience the life of this ancient city.
See the beauty of the rising sun on the Ganges Boat
Ride. The boat ride passes along some of the 100 ghats,
with numerous palaces built by Hindu kings.
Experience the early morning rituals of the Hindus
being performed, thousands of people taking a bath in the holy
river believing they will be free from the circle of rebirth.
It is interesting to see the pilgrims offering sweets, flowers
and holy water to the Sun God.
Return
to the hotel for breakfast.
Enjoy
the feel of this holiest of holy cities – Varanasi. Visit
the Bharat Mata Temple
inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. It is a relief map of
`Mother India’ in marble made to scale. The Durga
Temple (18th century) built in Nagara style is
painted red and has the typical five spires (symbolising the
elements) merging into one (Brahma). The Banaras
Hindu University (BHU) is one of the largest campus
universities in India. Founded by Madan Mohan Malaviya at the
turn of the century. It was originally intended for the study
of Sanskrit, India art, music and culture. Drive through the
university, which today has all the faculties of arts and
science.
Many of our earlier Indian leaders passed out from
here.
The New Visvanath
Temple built in 1966 is located on the campus, and
dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the tallest in India.
Day
5 Khajuraho/Bandhavgarh ( 225 Kms)
After
breakfast visit the Eastern and Western Group of temples.
The
Eastern Group of temples are mainly dedicated to the Jain
teachers - tirthankaras - The Parsvanatha
Temple, the Adinatha
Temple and the Santinatha
Temple. There is a 4.5m statue of Adinatha in the main
place of Jain worship. The temples are ornately carved on the
outside with beautiful figures of Hindu gods, goddesses.
The
Western Group consists of a group of artistic temples
built in sandstone. The sculptures of Hindu deities, dancers
and musicians appear to be so natural as if they would come
alive any time. We will visit the Varaha
Temple dedicated to Vishnu, and also the Lakshmana
Temple also dedicated to Vishnu. It is one of the earliest
of the western enclosure temples dating from 930 to 950 AD.
The Kandariya Mahadeva
Temple
is not only the largest of the temples, it is also
artistically and architecturally the most perfect. Built
between 1025 and 1050 it represents Chandella art at its most
finely developed phase.
After
sightseeing drive to Bandhavgarh National Park through a
beautiful valley with wild landscapes and picturesque villages.
Bandhavgarh
National Park is one of the 15 tiger reserves of India.
Earlier the hunting area of the Maharaja of Rewa spread over
an area of 865 sq km was changed into a wildlife park in 1968.
It has deep valleys with teak wood and bamboo trees you can
see tiger, leopard, wild dogs, hyena, jackal, chital (spotted
deer), sambhar, wild pigs, antelopes, langoor and different
snake types. The flowering and fruit trees attract woodland
birds which include Green pigeon, Jerdon’s leaf bird,
crested serpent eagle and Variable hawk eagle.
Dinner
and overnight.
Day
6 Bandhavgarh
Early morning
enjoy a jeep safari
through the jungle to chance upon the tiger.
Return for
breakfast and relax till your afternoon game viewing. Another
pleasant a jeep safari.
Dinner
and overnight.
Day
7 Bandhavgarh /Umaria/Agra( Overnight
Train)
Early morning
enjoy another wonderful jungle
visit. Later in the evening drive to Umaria to connect
overnight train to Agra.
Overnight in
Train
Day 8 Agra
Arrival
in Agra at 0920 hrs. On arrival in Agra transfer to the hotel.
Agra
stands on the right bank of the river Yamuna, was once the
seat of the Mughal rulers, the zenith of art and an enshrined
romance. A town famous for its beautiful medieval monuments.
The passion of the Mughals for building endowed it with some
of the loveliest buildings in the world.
After
some rest sightseeing of Agra. Visit the world famous monument
of India, the Taj
Mahal (1631-1653), a poem in white marble, built by Shah
Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal, who died
giving birth to their 14th child.
It employed 20,000 workers from the Central Asia and
Europe for 22 years to construct this extravagant monument of
love, inlaying the white marble edifice with precious and semi
precious stones. After Taj Mahal visit Agra
Fort (Fort and Palace) situated on the west bank of the
river Jamuna, made by the Mughal King Akbar in the 16th
century and completed by his grandson Shah Jahan, who was
imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb for 8 years in this fort,
before his death. The fort is crescent - shaped and the
perimeter is 2.4 km long.
Overnight
at the hotel.
IMP:
Taj Mahal is Closed on Friday.
Day
9 Agra/Bharatpur( 50 Kms.)
After breakfast
drive to Bhatarpur. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri.
40
km (1 hour) from Agra, lies the beautiful and deserted
medieval city, Fatehpur Sikri, built by Akbar the Great
in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his
vast empire. It was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later.
Today, it is perfectly preserved as a ghost city built at the
height of the empire’s splendor.
Further drive
to the Bharatpur Bird
Sanctuary or Keoladeo Ghana National Park
which was established in 1956.
This 29 sq km marshland is one of the finest bird
sanctuaries in the world with over 360 species of birds, out
of which 117 are the local birds.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it used to be a part
of the private shooting reserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur.
Early morning
and dusk are the best times for viewing the birds and animals.
Among many birds species to be seen are egrets, storks,
ducks, Chinese coots, kingfishers, spoonbills, sarus cranes
and several birds of prey, including falcon, marsh harrier and
eagle. Alone 80 species of ducks can be spotted here. There
are also chital, nilgai, deer, wild cats, hyenas and wild boar
whilst near the entrance there are usually some very large
rock pythons. During
November to February the northern hemisphere migratory birds
visit the park from China, Europe and Siberia, including the
rare Siberian Crane.
Afternoon
Rickshaw ride in Sanctuary.
Overnight at
the hotel.
Day
10 Bharatpur/Ranthambore
Early morning
enjoy a boat ride on the lake, watch the birds from close
quarters. Return to the hotel for breakfast and drive to
Ranthambore. After arrival check-in in the hotel.
Rest
of the day is free.
Day
11 Ranthambore
Ranthambore
National Park,
one of the finest tiger reserves in the country
under the Project Tiger scheme. It covers an area of 410 sq km
running from the easternmost spur of the Aravallis to the
Vindhya range. The nearest town Sawai Madhopur is 10 km away.
The park is set in a dry deciduous forest, the area covers
rocky hills and open valleys dotted with small pools and fruit
trees. The Ranthambore Fort overlooks the sanctuary and
dominates the landscape. The Fort was the stronghold of the
Yadavs in the 8th century, attacked time and again,
changing many hands, finally
into the hands of the house of Jaipur. Originally Ranthambore
was the hunting area of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Tiger
sightings are reported almost daily usually in the early
mornings during November-April. The lake grasslands and the
drier areas of the park provide fine habitat for sambar;
antelopes, langoor, few leopards, nilgai, chinkara, sloth
bear, jackal, wild boar, crocodile, different types of snakes,
the occasional rare caracal, and about 300 species of birds.
Morning and
evening Jeep rides to the Ranthambore National Park to view
the wildlife and birds in the park.
Day 12 Ranthambore/Jaipur
Morning
jeep safari through the reserve to view the wildlife and birds
in the park.
After
Jeep safari drive to Jaipur. On arrival in Jaipur check in at
the hotel.
Further
drive to Jaipur. After arrival check-in to hotel. Jaipur was
built in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II.
It is a planned city built with ancient Hindu rules as the
colonial capital of a richly colorful state. It was made
attractive with the pink wash - a traditional colour of
welcome in 1853 in honour of the visit of Prince Albert.
Overnight
at the hotel.
Day
13 Jaipur
After
breakfast, half-day excursion trip takes you to Amber Fort. En
route, make a photo stop at the palace of winds the Hawa
Mahal. A 5 stored building with 25cm thick facade from the
18 century having 953 windows and niches so that ladies of
royal family could see th e procession and events in the city
without being visible to the people. Proceed to the
Amber City Fort situated 130m high with the Aravalli hills
around and 11 km north of Jaipur. It was the ancient capital
of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037. Enjoy an Elephant ride to
the top of the Palace fort.
Afternoon
visit the “Pink City” of Jaipur. The City
Palace occupies the center of Jaipur. It now houses the
Royal residence and museums with collections of textiles and
costumes, armoury, manuscripts, paintings etc. Also visit Jantar
Mantar (1728-34) by king astrologer Jai Singh II. The
instruments are built of stone with marble facing on the
important plains for measuring the harmony of the heavens.
Each instrument serves a particular function and each gives an
accurate reading.
In
case you have time stroll through the colourful bazaar of
Jaipur, where the coulours, sights and sounds with enthrall
you.
Overnight
in hotel.
Day
14 Jaipur/Jodhpur
After
breakfast drive to Jodhpur. On arrival in Jodhpur check in at
the hotel.
Jodhpur,
the second largest city of Rajasthan, was once the capital of
Marwar It sprawls around the massively impressive cliff top
Meherangarh Fort.
On
arrival in Jodhpur check in at the hotel.
Day
15 Jodhpur
After
breakfast visit the impressive Mehrangarh
Fort on a 37 m low sandstone hill built by Rao Jodha in
1459 . From the top of the fort one can get a bird’s eye
view of the old city.
You will notice the predominance of blue houses
referred to as Brahmin houses - the colour being associated
with the high caste. Proceed to the Jaswant
Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899 for
Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, and smaller memorials to other
Maharajahs of Jodhpur. At the end of the tour enjoy a short
walk through the local and vibrant bazaar of Jodhpur.
Afternoon free.
Overnight
at the hotel.
Day
16 Jodhpur/Udaipur ( 270 Kms)
After
breakfast drive to Udaipur. En-route visit Ranakpur,
the wonderful 3 temples of the Jain sect dating back to the
14th/15th century. The unforgettable main Temple dedicated to Adinatha
the first Tirthankar (1439) built in marble took 65 years
to complete. It is one of the five holy Jain pilgrimage
centres, and has one of the best temple complexes.
One can enjoy a good lunch (on direct payment) amid the
19th century walled orchard the Maharani
Bagh Orchard belonging to the Royal family. The orchard is
full of bougainvillea and fruit trees predominantly mangoes.
A
beautiful two hours drive will bring you to Udaipur. Upon
arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day free.
Overnight
stay at the hotel in Udaipur.
Day
17 Udaipur
The
city of Udaipur lies in the Girwa valley amidst the Aravali
hills of south Rajasthan. It is considered a romantic city -
with its lakes, gardens, temples and palaces - an Oasis in the
Thar desert. The old city is a traditionally planned fortified
walled city, a maze of narrow winding lanes flanked by houses
with doorways decorated with Mewar folk art, windows with
stained glass or jali screens, massive havelis with large
inner courtyards and shops. The legendary Ranas who ruled,
traced their ancestry to the Sun Dynasty.
This
morning visit the City
Palace built on the bank of the Pichola Lake, by Maharana
Udai Singh in 1570. The impressive complex of several palaces
is a blend of Rajput and Mughul influences.
Half of it is still occupied by the Royal family, and
part converted into a museum. The Jagdish
Temple – (1651) was built by Maharana Jagat Singh. A
fine example of the Nagara style of temple architecture. A
brass Garuda stands outside and stone elephants flank the
entrance steps. Inside is a black stone image of Vishnu as
Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe. Sahelion-ki
Bari an ornamental pleasure garden specially made for the
ladies of the palace in the 18th century. It has
beautiful fountains, trees and flowers.
Day
18 Udaipur/Mumbai
After
breakfast transfer to the airport to connect flight to Mumbai.
On arrival in Bombay transfer to the hotel.
Mumbai
is India’s most cosmopolitan city, an ancient port and
trading centre. This palm- fringed shore of the Arabian Sea
was the British Empire’s entrance to its `Crown Jewel’.
Mumbai is also the centre for Hindi films. It is called
Bollywood, with a credit of almost 900 films a year.
This
afternoon a short tour Mumbai city, rich blend of East and
West. The tour includes the 26 mtr high British-built Arch “Gateway
of India”, Mumbai’s landmark built to honour the visit
of George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Marine
Drive dubbed as the Queen’s
Necklace is Mumbai’s most popular promenades and a
favourite sunset watching spot. The Kamla
Nehru Park from where you have a picturesque view of the
city,
Hanging Gardens are
so named since they are located on top of a series of tanks
that supply water to Mumbai. Pass by the `towers of silence’
the crematorium of the Parsis. Also visit Mani
Bhawan a private house where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay
when he visited Mumbai.
It is now a museum and research library with 20,000
volumes.
Day
19 Mumbai/Home
Early
morning transfer to airport and flight back home.
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