This
splendid holiday begins in the historic capital of Delhi, with an overnight
air-conditioned sleeper train to Jabalpur, from there we will drive to Kanha
National Park, one of the countries most remote reserves, being situated in
the very heart of rural India. It has become one of the best places in the
world in which to search for this king of beasts. After a delightful stay
here we take overnight train to see Shahjan’s Taj Mahal at Agra, before
journeying to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Ranthambore presents a magnificent
setting in which to search for Tigers and other wildlife, our journey ends
with overnight air-conditioned train to Delhi.
Area
: KANHA & RANTHAMBORE.
Duration :
12 Days.
Accommodation: 2 nights in
Air-conditioned sleeper class train, 9 nights in Jungle Resorts/hotel.
Mode
of travel: Car/ Jeep/ Elephant/ Train.
BEST
TIMENovember to February: These are
the cold month of winter and Tiger sightings are good. Tigers enjoy walking
long distances, and there is very little rain, skies are clear & the
light in the early mornings and evenings is superb. Warm clothes are a must
as it is very cold in the morning and evening.
March
to June:As summertime approaches the water holes dry up. There are large
concentrations of animals to be seen in the summer. This is also the time
when the jungle’s flame of the forest flowers in magnificent hues of
red and lotus is in bloom in the lakes. The weather is very hot and dry, but
tigers sighting is superb.
Suggested
time: We suggest April & May because, whilst it will be hotter then
the winter, the reduced water holes, shorter grass, and fallen leaves
resulting from dry Indian winter! Provides the very best Tiger and
mammal-watching conditions.
Focus:Birds,
Tigers, Leopards, Sloth bear, Samber, spotted and barking deer, common
langurs, wild boar, Jackal Nilgai and the beautiful Blackbuck.
Special
attraction: Taj Mahal and travel in Indian Train.
Detailed
Programme: Day 1: Arrive New Delhi International Airport.
Assistance on arrival and transfer to the Pre-booked hotel. Morning free to
re-charge. Afternoon visit to. Old Delhi Tour: Shah Jahan founded the city
of Shahjanabad, now referred to as Old Delhi, in 1648. The famous Red Fort
in the heart of Old Delhi was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal
Empire and it boasts the Diwan-I-Am, Hall of Public Audience. Opposite the
fort is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by
Shah Jahan to dominate his city. Evening return back to Hotel for overnight.
Day 2: Delhi to Kanha: After early breakfast, we drive to Okhla
barrage, here we can easily see 80 or more species of birds, and continue
short drive to Railway station to board Afternoon overnight train to
Jabalpur. Overnight in 2nd class air-conditioned sleeper, bed sheets,
pillows will be provided, meals are available on order.
Day 3:
Arrive Jabalpur- drive 160kms to Kanha: Arrive Kanha; check in a
jungle resort for three nights. This beautiful reserve is situated on a
plateau in the Makal range, and incorporates a crescent of hills, rising to
3000feet, that embraces broad, undulating grasslands speckled with clumps of
bamboo and sal mixed deciduous forests clocks the hills and borders the
meadows. Small pools, and a perennial lake, provide drinking holes for the
animals year-around. Kanha has been one of the Successful Project Tiger
reserves, because its wide meadows are so suited to successful Tiger
viewing, it has become one of the best places in the world to see this
magnificent animal. If the Tigers prove difficult to see, you can be assured
of a host of other mammals that should include plenty of Samber, spotted and
barking deer, common langurs wild boar, Asiatic Jackal and three of India’s
four lowland antelopes, Leopard Sloth Bear. Birds will be the highest
attraction of the tour. We should see a good selection of birds of prey,
including vultures, Black-shouldered Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle and white –
eyed Buzzard. Open country birds, such as Painted and Black Francolins,
Indian Roller, Yellow- and Red-wattled Lapwings, and a variety of larks are
common, in the forests we shall see Malabar Pied Hornbill, Black-headed
Oriole, and a selection of flycatchers, babblers and drongos may be found.
Evening Jeep safari with Naturalist. Breakfast, Lunch, dinner and overnight
in Resort.
Day 4 & 5: Kanha: During our stay, we shall explore the
reserve fully by means of early morning, and evening, jeep drives, and
elephant rides. By being in the reserve at the beginning and end of each
day, when both mammals and birds are most active, we shall maximize our
chances of exciting sightings!
Day 6:
Kanha- Jabalpur- Agra: Early morning jeep Safari, after breakfast
we drive to Jabalpur to catch afternoon train to Agra. Overnight on board.
Day 7: Arrive Agra: Arrive early morning and transfer to the
hotel. After breakfast a guided visit to India’s most celebrated
monument the Taj Mahal, built as a monument of eternal love by Shah Jahan to
the bride Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal looks amazingly graceful from almost any
angle. It was built over a period of 20 years by 20,000 labourers and
craftsmen and displays superb craftsmanship. The close up details of the Taj
Mahal is as exquisite as the overall architectural design, with
semi-precious stones and beautiful patterns covering the marble surface. RED
Fort, Akbar began Agra Fort in 1565, with additions of the citadel being
made through to the time of Akbar’s grandson, Shah Jahan (King of the
World). The forts have fine views of the Taj across the River Yamuna, and
consists of Deewani – Aam(hall of public audience) and Deewan- Khass
(the hall of Private audience), it also has a nice grape garden, beautiful
fountain ways. Evening free, to relax by the pool. Breakfast and overnight
in hotel.
Day 8: Agra- Ranthambore: Today after breakfast, a beautiful
drive (175 kms / 5hrs.) through colourful Rajasthan to Ranthambhore National
Park. Journey bringing us first to the Sand Stone buildings of Akbar at
fateh Pur Sikiri, with powerful Sufi Shrine, continue to Ranthambhore Tiger
Reserve, situated in Rajasthan at the eastern end of Aravalli range. The
rolling hills; dry dhok forest and tranquil lakes, decorated with the
crumbling ruins of numerous temples and a hilltop fort, epitomise all the
princely splendor of this famous Rajput state. The reserve also offers one
of the best opportunities for seeing Tiger during the day, as well as many
other mammals, including Leopard, Sloth Bear, Rhesus Macaque, Common Langur,
Nilgai, Indian Gazelle (Chinkara), Wild Boar, Jackal, Spotted and Barking
Deer, Samber and Marsh Mugger Crocodiles. The bird life here is also superb,
particularly around the lakes.
Day 9 & Day 10, Morning
and evening game viewing by jeep with knowledgeable guide. Day is spent free
to visit local bazaar, wonder around or just relax !! Stay in Deluxe Camp.
Day 11, Ranthambore: Morning Game viewing, after
breakfast transfer to the Railway station for train to Delhi. Arrive Delhi
and transfer to the hotel close to the airport for dinner and wash and
change. Late night transfer to the airport.
Day 12: Departure:
Early morning fly back to your home country.
NOTE
: For those who do not wish to stay in Agra, can drive about 55kms to
one of the best Birdwatching location at Bharatpur. Stay will be in a
delightful Rajasthani heritage hotel.
