13 Days Tour : Delhi, Agra, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, Tadoba
Day 01: Arrival / Delhi
Late night arrival, Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Overnight at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Mayur Vihar (Superior Room)
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as, Humayun’s Tomb (1586), the Qutub Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a drive through Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930). We will also visit India Gate.
This evening, we will go for a rickshaw tour in Old Delhi - one of the best examples in the world where you can witness the cultural mixtures of “old and new”. Uncover the sights, scents, and the flavors of “Purani Dilli” (Old Delhi) while you are sitting comfortably and safely in your cycle rickshaw. Our major highlights would include a visit to the Jama Masjid, Fatehpuri Masjid, Chandni Chowk market (literally meaning the moonlit square), Darba Kalan (a 17th century jewel street), Kinari bazaar (a market, especially for wedding & traditional outfits), Kari Baoli (Asia’s largest spice market), as well as the narrow alleys of Ballimaran (well-known for the renowned poet Mirza Galib’s house). Moreover, the people and the streets here have many stories to tell you about the yesteryears of Delhi!! Yes, Please, this magical ride will give you a perfect opportunity to discover a different Delhi; all Natural and all earthy from the safety of your rickshaw.
Overnight at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Mayur Vihar (Superior Room)
Day 03: Delhi / Agra / Delhi (205 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive – One Way)
After breakfast, we will drive to Agra along one of India’s finest freeways
Upon arrival in Agra, we will visit Taj Mahal
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. We will visit the Taj Mahal to witness this spectacular monument built for love. Besides perfect symmetry in every aspect of its construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in pietra dura style is absolutely remarkable.
Later, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire
Following the tour, we will drive to Delhi, along one of the India’s finest freeways
Upon arrival in Delhi, check into hotel Crowne Plaza, Mayur Vihar
Overnight at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Mayur Vihar (Superior Room)
Day 04: Delhi / Jabalpur (SG 2641 – 1015 / 1200 Hrs Jabalpur / Bandhavgarh (165 Kms) (03 ½ Hrs Drive)
Morning, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Jabalpur.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and from here we will drive to Bandhavgarh.
Upon arrival in Bandhavgarh & check in to Tree House Hideaway.
Overnight at Tree House Hideaway (Tree House)
Day 05 – Day 06: Bandhavgarh (Afternoon safaris are closed on Wednesday)
Morning & afternoon jungle excursions in shared jeeps, The pattern of early morning and afternoon excursions will be interspersed with periods of relaxation back at our accommodation during the heat of midday. Although Tigers are the star attraction at Bandhavgarh the supporting cast of mammals and birds is very impressive, the latter including such species as Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Plum-headed Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise Flycatcher among a total of over 250 species recorded in the district. Tour members with an interest in ornithology will value the time between game drives as an opportunity to explore some of the habitats close to our base.
Tigers and the more rarely seen Leopards, have no shortage of prey in the reserve The Spotted Deer or Chital is a favorite item on the Tiger menu and several thousand of these delightful deer inhabit the park.
Overnight at Tiger's Den Resort (Standard Room)
Day 07: Bandhavgarh / Katni / Agra (Mahakaushal Express – 1925 / 0810 Hrs)*
Morning is at leisure for your independent activities.
Evening transfer to the train station to board your overnight train to Agra
Overnight aboard First Class Air-Conditioned Sleeper Accommodation / Hotel Radisson (Superior Room)
Day 08: Arrival / Agra (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)
Meeting & assistance upon arrival in Agra & transfer to Hotel Radisson
Since check in time at hotels in India is 2 PM, your room has been blocked from 12 noon of the previous night, to ensure immediate occupancy.
Other species found here in varying abundance include; Chinkara, Chowsinga, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac and Nilgai. Herds of the Asian Bison, or Gaur, formerly Inhabited the Reserve but impressive beast has not been seen at Bandhavgarh since 1998 although a closely monitored programmed for the reintroduction of the Gaur is planned within couple of years. A hunting pack of wild dogs may also be seen on occasions. Mammal sightings always require a degree of luck, particularly when the species is essentially nocturnal or reclusive but each outing in the reserve will at least provide a chance to meet one of the rarer inhabitants such as Sloth Bear, Indian fox, Jackal, Wolf, Ratel, Striped Hyenas, Jungle Cat or Indian Pangolin. More predictable are the sounders of Wild Boar rooting among the vegetation, Indian Hares, the lively little Palm Squirrels that seem to be constantly in a state of agitation, and several members of the mongoose tribe. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaques are also plentiful, the former enjoying an elevated view of the forest as they devour their favourite leaves and often the first creature to bark out a warning at the appearance of a Tiger below.
We are never short of wildlife to watch in this gem of a reserve.
Overnight at Tree House Hideaway (Tree House)
Day 07: Bandhavgarh / Kanha (Afternoon safaris are closed on Wednesday)
Morning jungle excursions in jeep
Later, we will drive to we drive to Kanha Tiger Reserve
Upon arrival, transfer across the countryside to your safari headquarters for a two-day exploration of this vast, unspoiled central Indian preserve.
Upon arrival, check into Singinawa Jungle Lodge.
Overnight at Singinawa Jungle Lodge (Singinawa Cottage)
Day 08 – Day 09: Kanha
Morning and afternoon, jungle excursions in shared jeep.
Morning & afternoon Jungle excursions in shared jeep.
Kanha National Park, which is one of the most well known tiger reserves worldwide, is located among the Banjar and Halon valleys in the Mandla / Balaghat districts of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Its creation took place among, and after, a lot of turbulence and storm within concerned circles regarding rampant killing of wildlife in the area at the time. The central Kanha valley was declared a sanctuary way back in 1933 but got its status as a National Park in 1955. It covers a large area of 1,945 square kilometers, out of which 940 square kilometers form the main park. The altitude of the park ranges from 450 meters to 900 meters above sea level. The temperature, depending on the season, ranges from 0 degrees in the winters to 48 degrees in the summers. The park remains open from the 01st of November to the 30th of June. Sometimes, as with most parks of the country, it can be closed earlier if the monsoon season arrives sooner than expected. The park has a heavy monsoon season with an average annual rainfall of 1600mm. The basic infrastructure at the park is well developed and visits can "mostly" be expected to pass without any problems.
Kanha is also famous for its animal conservation efforts made in collaboration and cooperation with the local resident communities. One of the famous success stories of the park is the survival of the Barasingha population in the park which went down to as low as 66 animals in 1970 from the earlier 3000 and which through huge efforts has now revived to a respectable number of around 1000. Kanha boasts of many such success stories of which this is only an example.
Kanha National Park is world famous for its tigers. Tiger sightings are not as rare as in most other parks of the country. The only other reserves in the country that can claim to have as many sightings as Kanha are Ranthambore and Kanha's own neighbour, Bandhavgarh.
Other than the tiger, some of the more frequently seen animals in the park consist of Leopards, Gaur, Chausinghas, Sloth Bears, Barking Deer, Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Blackuck, Langurs, Wild Boars, Porcupines, Mouse Deer, Hyenas, Jackals and Wild Dogs (Dholes).
The reptile residents of the park consist of Monitor Lizards, Pythons and a large variety of other snakes.
Day 10: Kanha / Pench (114 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive) (Pench National Park is closed on Wednesday afternoon for all activities)
After breakfast, we will drive to Pench. Pench National park, nestling in the lower southern reaches of the satpuda hills is named after Pench river, meandering through the park from north to south. The area is especially famous for large herds of Gaur (Indian Bison), Cheetal, Sambar, Nilgai, Wild Dog and Wild Pig. The key predator is the Tiger followed by Leopard, Wild Dog and Wolf. Other animals include Sloth Bear, Chousingha, Chinkara, Barking Deer, Jackal, Fox, Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Porcupine etc.
Upon arrival in Pench, check into Pench Jungle Camp
Afternoon, jungle safari in shared jeep
Overnight at Pench Jungle Camp (AC Tent)
Overnight at Pench Jungle Camp (AC Tent)
After breakfast, we will drive to tadoba
Upon arrival check into Bamboo Safari Lodge – an amazing wilderness lodge where you can relax, unwind, and rejuvenate yourself... Besides, the lodge is designed keeping in mind the local environs, and carefully combined with smart well-wooded furnishings. Moreover, this beautiful place allows you to get back into the lap of nature, far from the madding crowd, but never too far from comfort and luxury. In addition, each room has a private verandah that looks out over the dramatic wilds around the camp, as well as open to sky large bath tub (available in ground floor rooms).
If you love exploring the rich and intense wildlife of India, then this one will give you Goosebumps!! Accompanied by your naturalist, this Evening proceed on a safari into Tadoba Tiger Reserve - Spread over with a core area of 625 sq km and a bigger buffer zone of 1102 sq km. For safari you can also opt for battery operated Eco Rangers, available at the Bamboo lodge.
Overnight at Bamboo Forest Safari Lodge (Lake Facing Villa)
Day 12: Tadoba (Jeep Safari) (The Park remains completely closed on Tuesday)
If you love exploring the rich and intense wildlife of India, then this one will give you Goosebumps!! Accompanied by your naturalist, this Morning and Evening proceed on a safari into Tadoba Tiger Reserve - Spread over with a core area of 625 sq km and a bigger buffer zone of 1102 sq km. For safari you can also opt for battery operated Eco Rangers, available at the Bamboo lodge.
These safaris are scheduled for tiger sightings and looking for the bigger game. We will also look for the less seen animals like the leopard cat, jungle cat and the rusty spotted cat. Leopards are also a rare sight, and we will try to track one down. Moreover, this amazing national park is an infinite treasure trove of innumerable species of trees and plants. In addition to that, our other highlight includes: sloth bears, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, bison, barking deer, nil gai, sambar, and cheatal.
Overnight at Bamboo Forest Safari Lodge (Lake Facing Villa)
Day 13: Tadoba / Nagpur (140 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive) (The Park remains completely closed on Tuesday)
Though the check out time is 12 noon, every effort would be made to retain rooms till as late as possible without additional charges.
Accompanied by a Naturalist, this Morning, proceed on a Nature Walk to get an experience that would make your visit to Tadoba even more unique and memorable. This amazing walk gives you the perfect opportunity to observe the quaint country-life as well as local flora & fauna - an ideal place to spot some rare species of Birds such as, Wall creeper, Spot Bellied Eagle, Owl, Great Hornbill, and Crested Kingfisher to just name a few.
Later, we will drive to Nagpur
Upon arrival in Nagpur, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Chennai via Delhi
Meeting & assistance upon arrival in Delhi & transfer to the international airport to board your onward flight