Tigers & Travels in India

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN DELHI

Upon arrival at the Ghandi International Airport in Delhi, transfer to the Marina Hotel. [B]

DAY 2 - TOUR OLD & NEW DELHI

We catch a rickshaw into the old walled city and walk through the bustling market of Chadni Chowk. We walk to the Friday Mosque, Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, and then on to the Red Fort Palace. We drive along Rajpath, the ceremonial avenue, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence, and more. [BL]

DAY 3 - FLY JABALPUR & KHANA NATIONAL PARK

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Jabalpur. On arrival, we transfer by car to Kanha (5 hours), one of the country's most scenic national parks. Upon arrival, we check in at Kanha Jungle Lodge and take a nature walk with the resident naturalist. [BLD]

DAYS 4 & 5 - KHANA TIGER SAFARIS

For two days, we embark on our safaris by jeep in the morning and late afternoon, always listening and keeping an eye out for tigers while observing birds and other wildlife. Nowhere can you see tigers as often as in Kanha National Park. Kanha extends over 1,940-sq-kms and is dominated by a central valley. Overnight at Kanha Jungle Lodge. [BLD]

DAY 6 - BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK

Our drive to Bandhavgarh takes much of the day (230 km / 6-7 hours). The mixed habitat of bamboo, grassland, and a complex of deciduous forests make Bandhavgarh one of the best places to see tigers in India. There are also at least 150 species of birds, along with sloth bears, langur monkeys, and 3 kinds of deer. Overnight at Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge. [BLD]

DAYS 7 & 8 - BANDHAVGARH TIGER SAFARIS

We depart the lodge at dawn in open jeeps with a naturalist. Each morning and afternoon we search for wildlife and we have the opportunity for an elephant safari. Join a lecture about wildlife of India, focusing on the tiger and conservation initiatives. Overnights Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge [BLD]

DAY 9 - PANNA NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast drive to Sarai at Toria (4 hrs). The luxurious Sarai at Toria Inn also is a base for conservation projects and wildlife research. Our host, Dr Raghu Chundawat, is a conservation biologist immortalized in the BBC documentary "Tigers of the Emerald Forest", while his wife Joanna Van Gruisen is an accomplished photographer, writer, and conservationist. Overnight at Sarai at Toria. [BLD]

DAY 10 - KHAJURAHO TEMPLES - VARANASI

Drive to Khajuraho (1 hr) for a walking tour of the Jain and Hindu temples. We then fly to Varanasi. One of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi is on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. In late afternoon we walk amidst the market of Beniabagh famous for spices, cloths, and vendors selling fruits, pickles and vegetables. Overnight Gateway Ganges Hotel [B]

DAY 11 - SUNRISE ON THE GANGES - SARNATH

Just before dawn we board a boat on the Ganges River. As the sun rises we capture the holy images of devotees offering prayers and seeking blessings of their beloved deities.

We visit Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, now the most sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists. In the evening we are invited as guests in a local home for dinner. Evening transfer to board the overnight train for Agra. Overnight Train [BD]

DAY 12 - AGRA & RED FORT

On arrival we drive to Agra (25k/40 min). We visit the Agra Fort, a World Heritage site encompassing a collection of well-preserved buildings. After lunch we visit the Taj Mahal, probably the most famous building on earth and perhaps the most beautiful. Overnight ITC Mughal-Luxury Collection [B]

DAY 13 - DAWN AT THE TAJ MAHAL & JAIPUR

This morning we rise at dawn and make our way to the Taj Mahal for its opening to contemplate and photograph with few other visitors. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then depart for Jaipur (260k/5 hrs) and visit the ancient site of Fatehpur Sikri. The city was built by Emperor Akbar the Great, the most farseeing and tolerant of all the Mughuls.

We continue our drive to the pink city of Jaipur where we check in to Samode Havelli, a 175 year old restored manor house for the royal family. Overnight Samode Havelli. [BL]

DAY 14 - AMBER FORT, JAIPUR CITY, & PALACE DINNER

Amber Fort is a classic Rajasthani palace. We drive into Jaipur, the famed Pink City, painted pink to honor a British Viceregal visit in the late 19th century. We visit the museum, wander the palace to view the famed Peacock Gate, and visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Return to the hotel to rest and freshen up for exquisite traditional Indian cuisine inside the Amber Fort. Overnight Samode Havelli [BD]

DAY 15 - JODHPUR & MEHRANGARH FORT

Drive to the Blue City of Jodhpur (330k /6hrs). We pass by the opulent Umaid Bhawan Palace. In the afternoon, we walk into the iconic Mehrangarh Fort, which dominates the city skyline. Spread over 3 miles at a height of 300 feet, the fort houses some of the most intricately adorned palace buildings in Rajasthan. Overnight Ajit Bhawan Hotel. [BL]

DAY 16 - BISHNOI COMMUNITY

We journey into the countryside among the Bishnois, villagers who are dedicated to conservation. Later we walk the narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town. We glimpse the contemporary life of a typical Rajasthani home and enjoy conversation and traditional dishes. Overnight Ajit Bhawan Hotel [BL]

DAY 17 - DRIVE UDAIPUR VIA RANAKPUR

Today we drive to Udaipur (260k/6h) stopping en route to visit the 12th century Jain Temple of Ranakpur. We continue to Udaipur, "The Venice of the East", surrounded by the Aravalli mountain ranges on the edge of three lakes. See palaces straight out of fairy tales, each one rivaling the splendor of the next. Early evening boat ride on the lake reveals the serenity of the place. Overnight Shiv Niwas Palace. [BL]

DAY 18 - UDAIPUR & LAKE PICHOLA

After breakfast we depart on a tour of Udaipur visiting the city palace complex - the largest palace in Rajasthan. An afternoon walk among villages through the countryside reveals the daily life of local people of the region. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. Overnight at Shiv Niwas Palace. [BD]

DAY 19 - UDAIPUR TO DELHI

This morning, wander the town. In the afternoon transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi transfer to a day room at the Marina Hotel. Evening transfer to Delhi airport for international departure. [B]