This unique journey , exploring
the most important National Parks in Northern India, will give you a whole
new perspective on hunting for game.
Duration
: 15 Days.
Focus : Mammals, Birds and
Plants.
Best time : Mid Nov. to Mid June
Detailed
Programme: Day 1, Arrive Delhi. Assistance on arrival
with garland welcome at International airport and transfer by private car to
pre-booked hotel. Morning free to relax. Afternoon a sightseeing tour around
16th century Mughal city, visiting Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Gandhi Samadhi.
Return back to hotel for overnight.
Day 2, Delhi-Sariska
N.P. After breakfast, we drive to Sariska National Park (165 kms /
3hrs.). The drive takes us along a busy road, dotted with villages, leading
in to the quiet Aravalli hills, and the dry decidous forest of ber, dhok and
tendu. The park covers about 480 sq. kms and comes under “Project Tiger”,
however we are more likely to see bush birds, langur nilgai, Wild boar,
Hyenas and Jackals. Our two night stay will be in the beautiful and
luxurious Sariska Palace, built in 1892 and designed by a French architect.
Day
3, Sariska Morning and evening game viewing by jeep. A day free, or
visit Lake Siliserh where you can go boating and see different types of
birds. O/n Sariska Palace.
Day 4,
Sariska - Jaipur : After breakfast, we set off on a beautiful
drive, through villages and towns, to the pink city of Jaipur (141 kms /
3hrs.) We arrive in Jaipur and and stay overnight in one of the Palace
hotels, with rooms decorated in Rajasthani style. Afternoon visit, by
painted elephants, 16th century fortress at the Amber Fort. Later we visit
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and City Palace. O/n hotel.
Day
5, Jaipur - Ranthambhore : Today after breakfast, a beautiful drive
(156 kms / 3hrs.) through colourful Rajasthan to Ranthambhore National Park.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve is 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 splendour 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
6 & Day 7, Ranthambhore : Morning and evening game viewing by
jeep with knowledgeable guide. Day is spent free to visit local bazaar,
wonder around or just relax !! Our overnight stop will be just outside the
park at Ranthambhore Bagh - a perfect, modern camp, set a midst acres of
natural landscape.
Day
8, Ranthambhore - Bharatpur : Today after breakfast, we drive to
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (230 kms / 5hrs.).The drive allows you to observe
the Indian countryside and local village life enroute. We arrive in the
afternoon at one of the finest birdwatching locations in the world. We spend
two nights at the beautiful palace hotel, near the park, with stunning rooms
and garden.
Day 9, Bharatpur : Day spent in park. You
will see an outstanding range of waterbirds and reptiles here, and even some
mammals too ! commonly cited spiecies include Painted storks, While Ibises,
Darters, Spoonhills are rare species such as the threatned Siberian Crane,
Pallas’s, Sea Eagle, Black headed Stork and the Spotted Creeper. Other
interesting wildlife including the rare Black buck, Small – Clawed
Otter, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat and Indian Python. O/n Palace hotel.
Day
10, Bharatpur - Agra : Early morning visit to park, after breakfast
drive to the city of the Taj Mahal - Agra (43 kms / 2 hrs.) The drive brings
us first to the deserted sand stone building of Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri.
After visiting this we continue our drive to Agra for overnight stay in the
Jaypee Palace hotel, set in acres of garden and fountain walk ways.
Afternoon is spent free - swimming or visiting to local bazaar.. O/n hotel.
Day 11, Agra : Early morning, dawn visit to the
majestic Taj Mahal. The surrounding “paradise gardens”, and the
river Yamuna, support an abundance of bird life. We return to our hotel for
breakfast and late in the day we visit to Red Fort and Tomb of
Itamad-ud-Daulah. Late evening we board our overnight train to Corbett
National Park. Rail travel in India is a unique experience and a definite
must !!
Day 12, Arrive Corbett : Arrive Lal Kuan
railway station in the morning and transfer (one hour drive) to famous
Corbett National park set in Kumaon & Shivalik hills. Corbett, comprised
of undulating sal forest, riverine jungle and grassland, is home to an
exceptional variety of both Himalayan and low-land wild life. Using
elephants and jeeps to explore the reserve itself. You will see Rhesus
Macaque, Common Langur, Golden Jackal, Elephants, Samber, Barking, Spotted
Hog Dear and the unusual fish eating Gharial – Crocodile. The
population of Tiger normally remains discreet, although you may be lucky !
Your night will be spent just outside the park comfortable lodge on the
banks of Kosi river.
Day13,
Corbett : Morning and evening gameviewing on Elephant or Jeep with
guide. Day free for nature walks along the river to see birds of Himalaya.
O/n Resort.
Day 14, Corbett-Delhi :After breakfast, we
drive across the Uttar Pradesh plain and fields to Delhi (303 km / 6 hrs.)
for overnight in hotel. Late night transfer to airport.
Day 15,
Departure, Early morning fly back.
