Wildlife in North India

Drive to Jaipur, the famous Pink City of Rajasthan, with time in the afternoon to explore the bazaars of the Old City. Jaipur is the modern day capital of Rajasthan and is one of the most compelling cities in India- even non-shoppers will find plenty of interest within the labyrinth of lanes and alleys of the Old City. If you’ve ever fancied the idea of a Bollywood movie in an ‘authentic’ setting, there is no more spectacular cinema in India than the Raj Mandir- sumptuous and ornate almost beyond belief.

Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast visit to Amber Fort on the outskirts of the city- a majestic fort & an UNESCO heritage site, the City Palace- a magnificent palace, symbol of Jaipur's royal heritage and cultural richness and then the “Palace of the Winds” also called as ‘Hawa Mahal’ which is a famous landmark in Jaipur. The five-story palace is shaped like the crown of Lord Krishna.  Afternoon drive to Ranthambhore, check in at your hotel and relax. This town sits on the fringes of Ranthambhore National Park, where you will get your first taste of ‘Wild India’.

Overnight in Ranthambhore.

It is best to allow two full days here to experience the beauty of Ranthambhore and (hopefully) to see plenty of its most famous inhabitants- the Royal Bengal Tiger. Apex predators require a healthy supply of prey, and Ranthambhore is home to large populations of 3 species of deer- Sambar, Spotted and Barking. Also seen in large numbers are langur monkeys, nilgai (blue buck) and less frequent sightings include sloth bears and crocodiles. Morning and late afternoon safaris in the park on both days.

Overnight in Ranthambhore.

This morning do more safari in Ranthambhore before driving to Bharatpur. This small town is adjacent to the famous Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a large area of wetlands which is home to large concentrations of migratory bird species during the post monsoon and winter months. A great place to explore at dusk (and again at dawn) when the birds are at their most active- the number of species seen can surprise even the most experienced bird-watcher.

Overnight at Bharatpur.

Visit the Park again at dawn, before driving a short distance to Fatehpur Sikri. This beautifully preserved site was briefly the capital of the Moghul Empire before being abandoned due to acute water shortages. The result is an entire complex of buildings, formal areas and courtyards which offer a glimpse of how royalty lived in India some 400 years ago. Continue on to Agra and visit Agra Fort which is commonly called the Red Fort of Agra and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight in Agra.

An early start to visit the Taj Mahal at dawn with ample time to enjoy this momentous building. A local guide (if you have opted for the guide service) will explain some of the history and significance of the Taj before allowing you plenty of time to explore on your own. Taj Mahal means "Crown Palace" and is in fact the most beautiful tomb in the world. The marble wonder is the largest and the most extravagant mausoleum built for the sake of love by a person. The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines.

Later transfer to Agra station and catch a train to Jhansi, where you will be met and driven to Khajuraho. This small town is known for its vast wealth of temples. If time permits, you will be able to see a sound and light show at the main temple group in the early evening.

Overnight in Khajuraho.

Train option: 12050 GATIMAAN EXP AGC 09:55 am VGLJ (Jhansi at) 12:35 pm- this train is not operated on Fridays, as Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

Tour the temples of Khajuraho (Western, Eastern & Southern group of temples). Khajuraho is a fabled heritage city in Madhya Pradesh which is internationally recognized for the opulent architectural grandeur of its group of temples, acknowledged and protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These extraordinary temples, meticulously crafted from fine sandstone, exemplify the Nagara and Dravidian style of architecture and are especially noted for their intricate stone carvings featuring human and animal forms in erotic poses and afternoon drive to Bandhavgarh National Park- one of central India’s premier wildlife habitats and arguably the greatest concentration of tigers of any Park in the country.

Overnight in Bandhavgarh.

Note: Bandhavgarh National park is closed on every Wednesday afternoon.

The majority of the vegetation in Bandhavgarh is dry deciduous forest which provides an ideal habitat for a large range of species. Tiger sightings here are very frequent during the latter part of the ‘season’ (the park is open from October till June, the best months to visit are February to May) and if you are lucky you may see multiple tigers during your time here. Also found in the park are a large number of herbivores- deer, pigs, antelope- as well as jackals, langur monkeys, mongooses, hyenas, and sloth bears. You will undertake dawn and dusk safaris on both days to maximize your chances of seeing as many of these animals as possible.

Overnight in Bandhavgarh.

A final safari at dawn before departing for Kanha, a drive of around 5 hours. On arrival in Kanha, check in at your hotel and relax.

Overnight in Kanha

Note: Kanha National park is closed on every Wednesday afternoon.

The more open grasslands of Kanha mean that even though it is a larger park than Bandhavgarh, tiger sightings are just as frequent. The fauna of Kanha is similar to that of Bandhavgarh- one notable addition to the roster is the rare Swamp Deer which can be seen here. Again you will have 2 safaris each day, morning and late afternoon, giving you great opportunity to explore the park and see lots of variety of mammals and birds.

Overnight in Kanha.

Today morning drive to Jabalpur airport to take your flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Delhi.

Today you will be transferred to Delhi airport to catch your international flight according to your flight schedule

Tour Ends