DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI

Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met by our representative and transferred transfer to the hotel by an air conditioned vehicle. Check into the hotel.

DAY 02: DELHI – KHAJURAHO (by air)

After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the airport for your flight to Khajuraho. In the afternoon visit the temples of Khajuraho founded in the 9th and 10th century by the rulers of Chandela Dynasty deeply influenced by Tantrism, in which eroticism becomes a theme of philosophical interest and the aim is sublimation of sexual relationship in the sexual act or “MAITHUN”, women being regarded as the incarnation of the divine energy or “shakti”. It is also possible that the carvings of Khajuraho were influenced by “kama sutra”, the famous treatise on erotic arts written by Vatsyayana in the time of the Guptas. The most important temples are the Chaunset Rogini Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, The Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a superb image of 11 headed Vishnu, Vishvanath and Nandi Temples, Lakshmana Temple, Vishva Temple dedicated to Shiva which is the largest and most typical of Temples.

DAY 03: KHAJURAHO- BANDHAVGARH (approx. 6-7 hr drive)

After breakfast drive to Bandhavgarh. The rest of the evening is free to relax in the hotel. Dinner and stay at the hotel overnight. Bandhavgarh National Park is one the most wildest parks in India. In this park you can see tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, chital, chinkara, wild boar, jackal, pea-fowls, drongos, bee-eaters, stillts, sandpiper. Set amongst the Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh with an area of 437 Sq km. Bandhavgarh was established in 1968. These rich forests served as the hunting ground for the Maharaja of Rewa. Bandhavgarh has been the centre of Human activities for over 2000 years. The legendary epic Ramayana mentions Laxmana brother of King Rama who holds the title of “Lord of the Fort”. This mighty fort has its cliffs almost 100 ft above the country side imposing statues of Lord Vishnu in his different re-incarnations and a unique 35 foots reclining statue known as “ Shesh Saya” are also seen in the park extensively rich in its flora and fauna, the moist deciduous Bandhavgarh Forest is covered with ‘sal’ Trees, on the upper slopes it is replaced by mixed deciduous forests, towards the north there are large stretches of bamboo and open grasslands The adventure unfolds at daybreak. The early morning mist blankets itself mysteriously around your open jeep. As you advance into the heart of the Bandhavgarh Forest a sense of expectation grips you, sunlight filters through the canopy casting a light in the magnificent surroundings. As you begin tracking down the mighty predators, you catch a herd of bison grazing in the meadows as deer gambol playfully, unaware of the predators lurking in the shadows. Suddenly the calm surroundings get tense. The Big Cats are on the move, the jungle reacts with alarm and panic as they sense danger. Alarm calls split across the forest and the deer scatter. The chase is on. If you are lucky you may see the Majestic Tiger. You feel privileged as you watch nature’s drama unfolding itself before your eyes. Capture this moment for posterity and retain memories for a life time.

DAY 04: BANDHAVGARH

Early morning and evening safari by non A/C jeep to explore the national park.

DAY 05: BANDHAVGARH – KANHA (approx. 5-6 hr drive)

Early morning proceed for another safari in the jungle by non A/C jeep to see wild animals. Return to the hotel for breakfast, After breakfast drive to Kanha. Arrive Kanha and check into the hotel. Evening is free to relax in the hotel. Dinner and stay overnight at the hotel. Kanha National Park – situated amidst dense bamboo forests of the hills, the stately groves of Sal and the rolling meadows are found tiger, panther, sambar, cheetal, gaur, black buck, barking deer etc. This is also the last preserve of the barasingha (12 horned deer).

DAY 06: KANHA

Early morning and evening game drive by non A/C jeep to see wild animals. Return to the hotel for breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight.

DAY 07: KANHA – JABALPUR (approx. 4 hr drive) AGRA (overnight train)

Early morning proceed for another game drive in the jungle by non A/C jeep to see wild animals. Return to the hotel for breakfast, Later in the morning drive to Jabalpur railway station to board train for Agra departs at 15: 30 hrs. Overnight on board.

DAY 08: ARRIVE AGRA

Arrive Agra this morning. Met upon arrival at the station and transfer to the hotel for check in (check in time is 1200 noon). Rest morning is free to relax in the Hotel.

This afternoon proceed to visit that magnificent monument to love – The Taj Mahal, built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once construction was completed, Shah Jehan had Lahori blinded and his hands cut off, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding others than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow. When the Mughals brought this concept to India they elevated it to heights of incomparable artistry. Also visit the Agra Fort and the city. At the impressive Agra Fort you are taken through the chambers of this royal residence. As you drive through the city, witness the local life and bazaars and the hustle bustle of everyday India. Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 09: AGRA-Fatehpur-Sikri-RANTHAMBHORE (approx. 7 hr drive)

After breakfast at hotel depart for Ranthambore. On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its ‘ruins’ are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Later continue the drive to Ranthambore. On arrival, check into your hotel. Dinner and stay at the hotel overnight.

DAY 10: RANTHAMBHORE 
The Ranthambore National Park was the hunting ground of Maharaja of Jaipur. In 1955, it was declared a game sanctuary; in 1980, it became a national park. But with the commissioning of Project Tiger in 1972, it was included in the project. With the addition of neighbouring Keladevi and Mansingh sanctuaries, the total area of the national park stands at 1,334 sq km. The entire park – the core area is just 392 sq kms – is not open to the public. The Ranthambore Park is set between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges. Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India. The terrain is rugged and there are rocky ridges, hills and open valleys with lakes and pools.
 

Ranthambhore Park is famous for tigers and due to conservation efforts; the tiger population has stabilized if not increased here. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during the day, at their normal pursuits – hunting and taking care of their young ones. Ranthambhore is one of the best places to see these majestic predators.
Ranthambore is a heritage site because of the picturesque ruins that dot the wildlife park. There are lake palaces, ‘chhatris’, old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort, overlooking the park. The lovely Jogi Mahal is located at the foot of the fort and gives magnificent view of the Padam Tlao, painted white with water lilies.Early morning and evening game drive by non A/C jeep to see tiger and other wild animals. Return to the hotel for breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 11: RANTHAMBHORE- JAIPUR (approx. 3- 4 hr drive)
Early morning proceed for another game drive by non A/C jeep to see wild animals. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast drive to Jaipur. On arrival in Jaipur, check into your hotel.

Jaipur – Known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is the capital of the colourful state of Rajasthan. It has the distinction of being a well planned and laid out city. As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of colour and sound. Overnight at hotel

This afternoon you will visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armoury of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions. Also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD). Included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 12: JAIPUR 
After breakfast at the hotel depart for a half-day excursion to Amber Fort.

Amber Fort – 11 Kms. from Jaipur, Amber Fort is a marvellous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up to the fort on the back of a gaily-caparisoned elephant true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The interior of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure, feel the history and visualise the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered.
The afternoon is free to explore Jaipur on your own. Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 13: JAIPUR-DELHI (approx. 5 hr drive)
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Delhi. When you arrive in Delhi, check into your hotel. The evening is free for independent activities. Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 14: DELHI 
Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors which have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.

After breakfast at the hotel proceed on a full day tour of Old and New Delhi.

Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi’s glorious renaissance. Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan’s symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort, is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce.

Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial centre of Delhi in the old time and you will see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts. Return to the hotel for lunch (not included) and check out leaving your luggage. Check out time is 12 noon.

New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920’s-it’s a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King’s architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the Design and construction of Delhi’s eighth city – New Delhi. Lutyens designed an “Imperial City” having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947.

You will visit two monuments from Delhi’s past – Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajghat, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Return to the hotel to collect your luggage and transfer to the airport.

DAY 15: DEPART DELHI 
Early in the morning board your flight for your onwards destination.