North India Wildlife Tour
14
Nights / 15 Days Delhi / Jaipur / Ranthambhor / Sawai
Madhopur / Bharatpur / Fatehphur Sikri / Agra / Khajuraho / Bandhavgarh /
Kanha / Jabalpur / Delhi
Day 01: Delhi Company representatives will receive you on
arrival at the international airport in Delhi late in the night or midnight.
Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of
kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend
of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite
culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi -
Jaipur By Road 260 km in 6 hr
Proceed to Jaipur after
breakfast.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of
Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai
Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the
spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it
still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the
yesteryears and modernity. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City
because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone,
painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria.
Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces,
exquisite temples and lush gardens. Start sightseeing of the city.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional
Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the
area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple
and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the
largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh
II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of
outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA
MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a
prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone
plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The
palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal
was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Relax in the
evening or visit the markets. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day
03: Jaipur - Ranthambore By Road 180 km in 3 hr
Proceed
for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent
to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic
romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I
in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding
exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and
Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. Transfer to the station for
train to SAWAI MADHOPUR after breakfast.
Drive to Ranthambhore.
Reach and transfer to the resort. Evening free at the resort and you can
relax or watch some slides on the tiger.
Ranthambhore Tiger
Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique
example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in
the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers
from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the
heart of the jungle.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep
slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and
sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky
gorges. An important geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the
Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali hill ranges, meanders through the Reserve.
The National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in
the north.
Ranthambhore forest is of tropical dry deciduous
type, further classified as Dhok climax forest because of the predominance
of Dhok (Anogeissus pendulla) found nearly everywhere. Dhok is an extremely
hardy tree, capable of withstanding prolonged droughts. The leaves of this
tree are good fodder and they are browsed by herbivores, and form a
significant part of their diet. Even the dry, fallen leaves, eaten by them,
are rich source of nutrition.
Palas or Cheela or the Flame of
the Forest (Butea monosperms) blooms magnificently around mid-April. During
the period, Kachida and Anatpura provide an amazing view, like a forest on
fire. Around Kamaldhar massive Gum trees (Sterculia urens) with smooth white
trunk stand out conspicuously. Similarly, Gurjan (Lannea coromandelica) with
greyish trunks at the banks of the lakes and soft wood Salar (Boswellia
serrata) dotted atop hills are noticeable.
Fruits of Ber
(Zizyphus spp.) and 'crocodile bark' Tendu (Diospuyros melanoxylon) are
highly relished by Sloth Bears. The lakes abound with aquatic vegetation
including duck weeds, lilies and lotus. A haven for a multitude of wild
animals, the Park boasts of playing host to tigers, leopards, the elusive
caracals, hyenas, sloth bears, wild boars, crocodiles and so on. Besides,
there are over 300 species of birds, from the majestic Crested Serpent Eagle
to the exotic Golden Oriole.
Tiger, at the apex of the food
chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary by nature, it
operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are
always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's activities are
very exciting.
The other kinds of cats found in Ranthambhore are
Leopard (Panthera pardus), Caracal (Felis caracal), Leopard Cat (Felis
bengalensis), Fishing Cat (Felis viverrina) and the Jungle Cat (Felis
chaus). Besides the big cats, the other large predators found in
Ranthambhore include Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Wolf, Wild dog (or Dhole),
Jackal, Indian Fox, Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Common Indian Mongoose,
Small Indian Mongoose, Ratel (or Honey Badger), Marsh Crocodile and the
Indian Python. There are two species of Antlers, namely the Spotted Deer (or
Chital) and the Sambhar Deer, and, two kinds of Antelopes, namely the Indian
Gazelle (or Chinkara) and the Bluebull (or Neelgai). Overnight will be at
resort.
Day 04: Ranthambore Breakfast will be at
the lodge.
Proceed for full day game viewing inside the jungle.
(Two safaris with lunch break in-between)
Overnight will be at
the resort.
Day 05: Ranthambore Breakfast will be
at the lodge.
Proceed for full day game viewing inside the
jungle. (Two safaris with lunch break in-between) Overnight will be at the
resort.
Day 06: Ranthambore - Agra
By Road 220 km in 6 hr
Proceed to Agra after breakfast.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan,
transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of
the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the
Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting
edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint
buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals
still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its
Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets
of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai
cuisine.
Reach Agra. Check in at hotel. Overnight will be at
Agra.
Day 07: Agra - Umaria (Bandhavgarh) By
Overnight train
Proceed to visit Taj after breakfast. Enjoy
battery van ride to the Taj.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to
be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul
raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the
Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This
monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by
Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and
perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes,
intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal
emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone.
Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major
tourist attraction.
Visit Itmadullah's Tomb built by Empress
NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father (The interiors of which are considered
better than the Taj).
You will be transferred to station for
train to UMARIA. Overnight will be on train.
Day 08: Arrive
at Bandhavgarh Reach UMARIA and transfer to Bandavgarh. Reach
and enjoy breakfast.
Bandavgarh
is a new National Park with a very long history. Set among the Vindhya hills
of Madhya Pradesh with an area of 168sq miles (437sq km) it contains a wide
variety of habitats and a high density of game, including a large number of
Tigers. This is also the White tiger country. These have been found in the old
state of Rewa for Many years. Maharaja Martand Singh captured the last known
in 1951. This white Tiger, Mohun is now stuffed and on display in the Palace
of Maharaja of Rewa. Prior to becoming a National Park, the forests around Bandavgarh
had long been maintained as a Shikargah, or game preserve of the Maharaja of
Rewa. The Maharaja and his guests carried out hunting - otherwise the wildlife
was well protected. It was considered a good omen for Maharaja of Rewa to shoot
109 tigers. His Highness Maharaja Venkat Raman Singh shot 111 Tigers by 1914.
There are 32 hills in this part of the park,
which has a large natural fort at its center. The fort's cliffs are 2625
feet (800 meters) high, 1000 feet (300 meters) above the surrounding
countryside. Winter temperatures (Nov-mid-February) vary from almost
freezing at night to around 68 degree Fahrenheit in the daytime. Summer
nights are also cooler than the daytime temperatures, which rise to 104
degree Fahrenheit. This park is closed during the breeding season, which
coincides with the monsoon (July-October). Rainfall in the park averages 50
inches (120cm) per year.
Bandavgarh has been a center of human
activity and settlement for over 2000 years, and there are references to it
in the ancient books, the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Shiva Purana. Legend has
it that Lord Rama, hero of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, stopped at
Bandavgarh on his way back to his homeland after defeating the demon King
Ravana of Lanka. Two monkey architects, who had engineered a bridge between
the isle of Lanka and the mainland, are said to have built Bandavgarh's
Fort. Later Rama handed it over to his brother Lakshmana who became known as
Bandavdhish "The Lord of the Fort". Lakshmana is the particular
God of the fort and is regularly worshipped in a temple there.
The oldest sign of habitation in the park are caves dug into the sandstone
to the north of the fort. Several contain Brahmi inscriptions dating from
the 1st century BC. Various dynasties have ruled the fort, for example, the
Maghas from the 1st century AD, the Vakatakas from the 3rd century AD, from
that time onwards Bandavgarh was ruled by a succession of dynasties
including the Chandela Kings of Bundelkhand who built the famous temples at
Khajuraho. The Baghel Kings, the direct ancestors of the present Royal
family of Rewa, established their dynasty at Bandavgarh in the 12th century.
It remained their capital till 1617 when the center of court life moved to
Rewa, 75 miles (120Kms) to the north. Without royal patronage Bandavgarh
became more and more deserted until forest overran the area and it became
the royal hunting reserve. This helped to preserve the forest and its
wildlife, although the Maharajas made full use of their rights. Each set out
to kill the auspicious number of 109 Tigers.
At independence
Bandavgarh remained the private property of the Maharaja until he gave it to
the state for the formation of the National Park in 1968. After the park was
created poaching was brought under control and the number of animals rose
dramatically. Small dams and water holes were built to solve the problem of
water shortage. Grazing by local cattle was stopped and the village within
the park boundaries was relocated. The Tigers in particular prospered and
the 1986 extension provided much needed forest to accommodate them.
Bandavgarh
is justifiably famous for its Tigers, but it has a wide range of other game.
The undergrowth is not as dense as in some northern terai forests, but the best
time to see the park inhabitants is still the summer months when water becomes
scarce and the undergrowth dies back.
Proceed for full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris with
lunch break in-between)
Overnight will be in the lodge.
Day 09: Bandhavgarh
Breakfast will be at the resort.
Proceed for full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two
safaris with lunch break in-between)
Overnight will be at the
resort.
Day 10: Bandhavgarh Breakfast will be in
the lodge.
Proceed for full day game viewing inside the jungle. (Two
safaris with lunch break in-between)
Trip to the Bandhavgarh
Fort: The oldest fort in India - considered to be more than 2500 years.
One-hour trek up the fort is worth the effort. The charm of this trek lies
in discovering these monuments in the jungle, unspoiled and unexplored. Some
of the statues lie off the main path and so it is best to take a guide.
Apart from the avatars, well worth seeing are three small temples of around
the 12th century. These temples are deserted but the fort is still used as a
place of worship. Kabir Das, the celebrated 16th century saint, once lived
and preached here. The natural ramparts of the fort give breathtaking view
of the surrounding countryside. The fort still belongs to the Maharaja of
Rewa and permission is required to visit it. However permission is available
locally and no trip to Bandhavgarh is complete without making an effort to
climb up the fort. The staff of the resort carries your lunch while you are
busy negotiating the trek to the fort.
Overnight will be at the
resort.
Day 11: Bandhavgarh - Kanha
By
Road 255 km in 6 hr
After breakfast drive to Kanha.
This is the
place that has been described by RUDYARD KIPLING in his great book "The
Jungle Book". Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha
National Park is a tiger reserve that extends over an area of over 940
square km. A horseshoe shaped valley bounded by the spurs of the Mekal
presents an interesting topography. Steep rocky escarpments along the edges
offer breathtaking views of the valley. Realizing the danger on the Tiger
population in the country, the Government started the "Project Tiger"
at Kanha and in 1974 the area was declared a Tiger reserve. The park is also
the habitat of the high ground Barasingha.
In 1930s, the Kanha area was divided into two sanctuaries - Hallon and Banjar
of 250kms to 300kms each. Though one of these was subsequently disbanded .The
area remained a protected one until 1947. Depletion of the tiger population
in the year that followed led to the area being made an absolute sanctuary in
1952.
Patient watching should reward the visitor, with a sight
of Indian Fox, Sloth bear, Striped hyena, Jungle cut, Lepord, Mouse Deer,
Chausingha or four horned antelope, Nilgai, Ratel and Porcupine Kanha has
some 200 species of birds. Watchers should station themselves in the hills,
where the mixed and bamboo forests harbour many species and in the grassy
forest clearings. Water birds can be seen near the park's many rivulets and
at Sarvantal, a pool that is frequented by water birds and the area in front
of the museum.
Excursion to Kawardha just east of the Maikala Range (up to 1100m) to the south
east of Kanha National Park, Kawardha is a small town in Chhattisgarh (34 forts)
region of M.P. In this remote area Maharaja Viswaraj Singh has recently opened
his palace to visitors. It provides a delightfully quite unspoiled contrast
with India's big cities and with the much busier tourist circuit of Rajasthan's
'palace circuit'. This town is in the center of the Baiga tribe, who live in
forest surrounding the town, and these are several eleventh century temples
in the immediate region.
Reach in the afternoon and relax at the resort.
Overnight will be at the Kanha Resort.
Day 12: Kanha
Breakfast will be at the resort.
Proceed for full day game
viewing inside the jungle. (Two safaris with lunch break in-between)
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day
13: Kanha - Nagpur
By Road 240 km in 5 hr
Proceed for the morning
safari into forest.
Proceed to NAGPUR after lunch. Reach and
relax at the hotel. Overnight will be at Nagpur.
Day 14:
Nagpur - Delhi By Air
Flight Number : CD 7470/7469
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 0900/1010/1015 (Depending on the
day)
Stopover : Nil
Arrival : 1025/1135/1140
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer to airport for flight to
Delhi. Spend day relaxing at the hotel or spending time at local markets.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 15: Delhi - Home
Proceed for a day tour of Delhi after breakfast.
OLD DELHI - A
sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the
memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest
mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of
the Moghul Empire.
Take a cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid
to Chandni Chowk.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing
tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub
Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing
India Gate, Parliament House and the President's Residence and would end
with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Transfer to airport
in time for flight home.
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