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In the Footsteps of Rudyard Kipling
Tour Overview
Jungles, palaces and the stories that shaped India — a journey following Kipling’s imagination and the Bengal tiger’s trail.
Tour Highlights
• Explore India’s most legendary tiger reserves: Bandhavgarh, Kanha & Ranthambhore
• Stunning architecture from Khajuraho’s sensual temples to the Taj Mahal
• Old and New Delhi — Mughal grandeur to British Raj avenues
• Jaipur’s royal palaces and the citadel of Amber
• A blend of wildlife adventure + cultural icons = a bestseller for UK travellers
• Comfortable pacing, air-conditioned transport & expert naturalist guides
What's included
Itinerary
DAY 01: Arrive in Delhi
Welcome to India! Upon arrival, meet your representative who escorts you to your hotel in the vibrant capital. Rest and recover from your flight; tomorrow, your Indian adventure begins in earnest.
Day 2 – Delhi ? Khajuraho (Flight)
Fly to Khajuraho, where India’s most celebrated temple art awaits. This afternoon, discover extraordinary sculptures portraying mythology, love and life — sensual yet spiritual, capturing the essence of divine energy. A UNESCO World Heritage treasure, Khajuraho reveals an ancient world of beauty, philosophy and imagination.
Day 3 – Khajuraho ? Bandhavgarh (Drive 6–7 hrs)
Journey into the Vindhya Hills and enter Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Rewa. Settle into your jungle lodge and relax under star-lit skies, where the calls of the wild echo through the night.
Day 4 – Bandhavgarh Safari
At dawn, climb aboard an open jeep for a thrilling game drive. Mist rises from the forests as deer step silently through the grasslands — and somewhere in the shadows, the striped king rules. Keep your eyes sharp and cameras ready: this is prime tiger territory. Afternoon safari included.
Day 5 – Bandhavgarh ? Kanha (Drive 5–6 hrs)
After a final morning safari, drive to Kanha National Park, the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Expect rolling meadows, ancient sal forests, and perhaps a glimpse of the rare barasingha, the twelve-tined swamp deer protected here
Day 6 – Kanha Safari
Another magical day in the jungle — sunrise and sunset drives with expert trackers. Tigers, leopards, gaur and colourful birdlife await. Evenings around the lodge are ideal for wildlife talks or simply soaking in the atmosphere of the wild.
Day 7 – Kanha ? Jabalpur (Drive 4 hrs) ? Agra (Overnight train)
Morning safari, then travel to Jabalpur. Board a comfortable overnight train to Agra — the city of love and empire. A memorable way to experience how India moves.
Day 8 – Agra: Taj Mahal at Sunset
Check into your hotel and unwind. In the afternoon, visit the ethereal Taj Mahal, shimmering in changing light — a love story in marble, unmatched in elegance. Continue to the Agra Fort, where Mughal emperors once shaped history behind majestic red walls.
Day 9 – Agra ? Fatehpur Sikri ? Ranthambhore (Drive 7 hrs)
Depart for Ranthambhore, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri — Akbar’s perfectly preserved, ghostly capital, abandoned but timeless. Arrive at your lodge by evening, surrounded by nature once more.
Day 10 – Ranthambhore Safari & Ancient Citadel
Ranthambhore combines thrilling wildlife encounters with dramatic medieval remains. Explore lakes, forests and palace ruins where tigers patrol. Morning and afternoon safaris offer excellent chances to see these majestic predators in the daylight.
Day 11 – Ranthambhore ? Jaipur (Drive 3–4 hrs)
After a final dawn safari, continue to Jaipur, the flamboyant “Pink City”. This afternoon, visit the City Palace, the astronomical marvel Jantar Mantar, and enjoy a photo stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Jaipur is alive with colour, crafts, and tradition
Day 12 – Jaipur: Amber Fort
Ride up to Amber Fort — a splendid Rajput fortress overlooking a tranquil lake. Inside, mirrored halls and royal chambers evoke a world of opulence. The afternoon is free: shop for gemstones, block prints and blue pottery, or relax at your hotel.
Day 13 – Jaipur ? Delhi (Drive 5 hrs)
Return to Delhi by road. Evening at leisure to enjoy the capital once more.
Day 14 – Old & New Delhi Experience
Dive into Delhi’s astonishing contrasts: take a rickshaw through bustling Old Delhi bazaars, and admire the architectural masterpieces of the Mughal and British eras — Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. A grand farewell to India’s capital.
DAY 15: DEPART DELHI
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Journey home with unforgettable memories of royal palaces, lush jungles and Kipling’s India brought to life.
